Cutting the Cord: Top Wireless Routers Unleashed ( A Comprehensive Guide )

Have you ever face embarrassing buffering icon pop up on the screen when showing your friend an awesome video on YouTube?

If it happens regularly to you then it is the time to purchase one of the best high-speed WiFi routers for home.

What most people do when facing internet problem is just spend more money on the internet service provider to upgrade the internet package.

But, you can have the fastest internet in the world without throwing any money to ISP.

The best thing you can do in this situation to improve your internet experience is just purchasing one of the best wireless router listed below and don’t throw your money to the Internet service provider(ISP).

We suggest you to read our buyer’s guide below so that you can take decision to buy the best one according to your needs.

Our recommendation for the best wireless router is TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21)

Top 10 Best Wireless Routers	Weight (lb)	LAN Ports	Wireless Comm	Current Price
Google WiFi	0.8	2	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac	Check Price
TP-Link Talon AD7200	4	4	802.11 ad	Check Price
Asus RT-AC88U	2.6	8	802.11 b/g/n	Check Price
NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000	3.5	4	802.11ac	Check Price
D-Link DIR 890L	2.5	4	802.11ac	Check Price
NETGEAR Nighthawk X10	4.1	6	802.11ac/ad	Check Price
Amped Wireless RTA2600	2.6	4	802.11ac	Check Price
Linksys Router (WRT1900 AC)	1.8	4	802.11ac	Check Price
TP-Link Archer C7	1.9	4	802.11ac	Check Price
Apple AirPort Extreme	2.1	3	802.11ac	Check Price

Top 10 Best Wireless Routers 

After searching online and spending hours testing more than 50 routers and selected the top 10 wireless routers that you will find on our top 10 list.

1. Google WiFi Router

Google Wifi is different from any router you’ve ever seen. In fact, it would be a mistake to call it a router. It is a Wi-Fi system and probably the best in the market today.

In this comprehensive test, we’ll cover all the key features of this exclusive Google wireless router and gain a comprehensive understanding of how the three Google Wi-Fi devices work together to deliver excellent wireless connectivity.

While most routers can be a nuisance to the eye, Google Wifi , with its unobtrusive design, is ideal for any environment. The three units of the Google WiFi system are identical. With a diameter of 4.1 inches and a height of 2.7 inches, it is relatively small compared to conventional routers.

The white body of the router is divided by an unobtrusive LED light that adds a touch of elegance to the design. In general, the design deserves praise and will suit modern homes.

Editor’s Recommendation: The Google Wifi system offers a different experience than any other router. It is elegant, simple and offers a lot of versatility. If you have a big house and want more connectivity in all its parts, we recommend the Google Wifi system (pack of 3). No router or Wi-Fi system can offer such an uninterrupted experience.

Pros

• The subtle and compact design fits anywhere in your home.
• It’s a lot lower priced than other Wi-Fi systems.
• The performance of this Google wireless router is impressive.
• Other than setting up and managing the wifi network, the proprietary app of this router provides nifty features such as controlling your smart home.

Cons

• You need to stay logged into a Google account when using this Wi-Fi system.

Buy on Amazon

2. TP-Link Talon AD7200 Wireless Router

The Talon AD7200 Wi-Fi router has the credentials to be the first 802.11ad router on the market. However, it is not the only thing in his sleeve. This best wifi router contains many advanced functions to ensure maximum performance.

Although it is not expensive, this router offers impressive features for the price! In this review, we will examine all aspects of this router and discover if it is worth spending.

If you thought the Nighthawk X10 was great, wait until you see it! The Talon AD7200 TP-Link eclipses its competitor with dimensions of 9.0 x 9.0 x 1.7 inches. This giant router is one of the best and largest wireless routers that offers awesome performance. While its size can be impressive, the design is undervalued. The smart antenna design allows you to bend nine antennas to provide a flat top surface. In general, the design philosophy follows the function in the form.

Like its direct competitor, the NETGEAR Nighthawk X10, the Talon AD7200 offers an impressive list of features. The AD7200 Talon uses multi-band technology to simultaneously perform three separate Wi-Fi bands. The router supports a combined Wi-Fi speed of 7.2 Gbps (band 1: 800 Mbps at 2.4 GHz, bandwidth 2: 1733 Mbps at 5 GHz, bandwidth 3: 4600 Mbps at 60 GHz).

While a traditional router can only serve one device at a time, the multi-user AC and MIMO wireless technologies of the Talon AD7200 facilitate simultaneous transmission. The dual-core processor at 1.4 GHz is powerful enough to support multiple users at the same time. It has eight external antennas at the forefront of technology that helps maximize reach and performance.

It has 1 WAN port and 4 high-speed Gigabit Ethernet ports. This Tp-Link wireless router has two super-fast USB 3.0 ports helps to transfer files directly to an external hard drive or USB drive. TP-Link offers an easy-to-use, single application solution for configuring, managing and updating the router.

To improve the functionality of the Talon AD7200, TP-Link declares that it will update the firmware to allow you to configure the three bands as a single Wi-Fi network. This will really be a useful feature!

Editor’s Recommendation: All in all, it is a brilliant router that allows you to stay tested while it is very convenient in the current times. If you’re looking for the best Wi-Fi performance and do not want to spend more money on a NETGEAR Nighthawk X10, this is the router you need.

Pros

• The performance of all the Wi-Fi bands is impressive.
• One of the fastest WiFi router
• Management and Installation of this best wireless internet router are easy due to the TP-Link mobile application.
• The price is very reasonable when you compare this router with the NETGEAR Nighthawk X10.

Cons

• The signal of the router cannot penetrate through walls.
• This wireless router has an enormous footprint.

Buy on Amazon

3. Asus RT-AC88U Wireless Router

Most computer users know Asus because of their superior gaming hardware. Asus is also at the helm of the creation of several high-end and top routers. The device we are talking about is Asus RT-AC88U.

This top wifi router of 2021 costs less than $ 300 and is one of the best wireless routers that anyone can buy. It offers an elegant and sleek appearance. If someone has used an Asus product in the past, this design will be familiar for them.

This wifi router is aesthetically pleasing with its black construction complete with red accents along the antennas; It seems that it is taken from a gaming lineup by Asus. However, many of you are not here for the look and want to know about the performance. So, without wasting time, let’s take a look at how the router works.

RT-AC88U is an AC3100 router with a total of 8 Gigabit LAN ports. Keep in mind, however, that these ports are able to offer high-speed Internet without performance issues. Also, do not forget that it is a dual-band router that can also serve as a NAS.

With this in mind, Asus has paid close attention to detail in the design of the web interface. Since it is very intuitive and easy to use. The router’s Wi-Fi performance in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band stayed faster than ever without sacrificing performance.

The installation process of the RT-AC88U is very simple thanks to the fantastic web interface. When you connect the device to the PC and the Internet for the first time, the Asus Web interface automatically starts and offers two options for configuring the router after the PC is started. Then you can continue with the wizard or configure it manually.

The Internet Quick Setup Wizard will check your Internet connection and configure the router as a static IP, dynamic IP,  or PPPoE, depending on the type of connection. You can then assign a name to each SSID and then create a network encryption key for each band. This is how it is configured.

Editor’s Recommendation: When it comes to performance, the Asus RT-AC88U offers MU-MIMO multi-client data transmission, it works extremely fast on both bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) as well as read/write files and transfers were excellent. In short, if you are willing to spend money then the router is perfect. “you get what you pay for,”

Pros

• The router comes with 8 Gigabit LAN ports that can easily handle the fastest possible internet
• The Wi-Fi performance happens to be one of the best we have used in a long, long time.
• Best web interfaces we have used on a wireless internet router.
• It’s simple, easy to use and highly intuitive.

Cons

• The placing of the USB 3.0 isn’t the best we have seen.
• Once coupled with an external hard drive and used as a NAS, the router manages to give the only mediocre performance for the price you are paying for it.

Buy on Amazon

4. NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000 – AC1900

Netgear wireless router is one of the fastest wireless router in the market. The Netgear company is known for creating a plethora of high-end WiFi routers that have become increasingly popular over time.

Netgear is a company that has dedicated itself to providing the top of the range, unprecedented network hardware, including their fantastic wireless routers.

The Netgear Nighthawk R7000 looks like a stealth fighter jet. It has got a speed of 1,300 Mbps in the band of five gigahertz and a speed of 600 Mbps on the band of 2.4 gigahertz. I like R7000 more than the R8000 because it’s cheap and much easier to install. During our tests, it became clear that the R7000 could be the best Netgear wireless router we have used to date. Curious yet? Let’s find out.

This Netgear wireless router looks incredible. It has a minimal and stealthy vibe. The router has a completely black structure and comes with three detachable antennas. Our only problem on the design front was the weight and size of the Nighthawk. In all seriousness, the router is an absolute mammoth and needs free space to put it down.

Not to mention, the addition, but this device comes with as well. However, we have found that the problem is subjective as it happens that you only need to create space for the router once, and we will not move it a lot afterward.

Editor’s Recommendation: In general, the Netgear AC1900 is an impressive router and offers a lot for the price you pay for it. Of course, it is cumbersome and has some performance problems in the 2.4 gigahertz band. But considering the price/performance ratio, the Nighthawk AC1900 could be one of the best routers that you can buy in the market right now.

Pros

• The Nighthawk R7000 offers an incredible performance on the five gigahertz band.
• It has unique features that you will not get from an affordable router.
• The router looks and feels amazing. It also has a great build quality.

Cons

• Although the routers performance is good, the Netgear Nighthawk R7000 2.4 gigahertz band fails to offer as good result as the competition.
• The features of the software are fantastic, though they require proper finishing.
• The amazing build quality comes at a cost of added bulkiness that might not allure everyone.

Buy on Amazon

5. D-Link AC3200 WiFi Router

Next on our list is one of D-Link’s high-end wifi routers. The company D-Link has a long history in providing some of the best networking products and the AC3200 Ultra Wi-Fi DIR-890 is not here to tell a different story.

It is perhaps one of the most elegant and best range wireless routers we have found. When the Nighthawk looked like a sneaky plane, the DIR-890 seems to have been built by racing car enthusiasts. But appearance is not everything, right? Let’s see how this router works.

The DIR-890 is a fantastic router in terms of speed and functionality. The tests revealed that the router is fast, easy to configure and use. It also has a good speed/range when using this device for Wi-Fi. Another big advantage of this router is that it comes with the ability to duplicate itself as a NAS by adding an external hard drive.

Please note that the DIR-890 is a three band router and, if you are a general consumer who only wants one router for normal use, it will be too much for you. We have already discussed how the design of this router ends up making a separate declaration, and this is correct.

This top rated wireless router has a general red structure with black accents. The router can easily stand out, and if you have a computer that follows the red/black color scheme, this is something you should have. Enough with the looks, let’s talk about the things that count.

If you live in a comparatively big place and have many Wi-Fi devices that constantly need an internet connection, then this is a must for you. It is designed with six antennas and also promises the correct range. If you have problems with antennas, they can’t be detached.

In Addition, If you prefer extra LAN ports, the DIR-890 is no longer what you want. The router only comes with four LAN ports as antagonistic to some routers that have eight LAN ports. That said, if you can ignore that Cons, then the DIR-890L is a star router.

Editor’s Recommendation: Whether you like the unique and clear design of the router or some features it comes with; The DIR-890 from D-Link is perhaps one of the best routers on the market that prefers style over substance but manages to give a respectable performance.

Pros

• Stellar build quality and amazing aesthetics.
• The router is easy to setup and use.
• Incredibly fast and problem free Wi-Fi with decent range.

Cons

• The antennas can’t be detached.
• The price might be an issue for some.

Buy on Amazon

6. NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 Router

NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 Wi-Fi Router is for those who are wishing to have the best virtual reality games and a 4K video streaming experience. However, it is not cheap. This giant router will make your pocket lighter by over $ 400!

In all honesty, this netgear wireless router offers an awful lot for the price! In addition to supporting three Wi-Fi bands (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz and 60GHz), it has 7 Gigabit Ethernet ports (6 LAN, 1 WAN) and a 10 Gigabit SPF + LAN port.

Again, it offers data transmission of multiple user inputs, multiple outputs (MU-MIMO) and 160 MHz Wi-Fi technology that doubles Wi-Fi speeds on mobile devices. In this full review, we will explore all these stellar features and find out if the high price of the Nighthawk X10 is justified.

With dimensions of 8.81 x 6.61 x 2.91 inches, this is not a small router in any way. In fact, it weighs more than a 15-inch MacBook Pro. However, this is not exactly a comparison between apples and apples. Putting it against the Talon AD7200 TP-Link, the Nighthawk X10 doesn’t look a lot less impressive in comparison.

As for design, this Netgear wireless router does not try to be gaudy or in-your-face. The four external antennas have an interesting blue LED pattern along the side. We believe the positive factor increases, although your mileage may vary.

Editor’s Recommendation: The Nighthawk X10 is one of the best home routers that can be adopted at the moment. However, this router has many features that still need to be compatible with devices. Most devices do not support 160 MHz Wi-Fi and very few PCs with AD 802.11 network adapters are available. In short, the Nighthawk X10 is like an electric car. It’s the future, but in today’s limited infrastructure it will not work to its full potential.

Pros

• The performance of all the Wi-Fi bands is impressive.
• The 10 Gbps LAN SFP+ port is fantastic if you use high-end NAS servers.
• The installation and management of this router are extremely easy due to the proprietary applications provided by NETGEAR.

Cons

• The signal of this router cannot penetrate through walls.
• The price is little high.

Buy on Amazon

7. Amped Wireless RTA2600 Athena Router

The next best wireless router for 2021 on the list is the Amped RTA2600 Athena wireless router. Until you confuse it with the Greek goddess Athena, this fantastic router will not let you down.

Although it is not expensive, the router is for network enthusiasts. It may not have the bling of the other routers we’ve looked at, but it has many features that should be sufficient for the average consumer and the people trying to get more.

The router was able to work well enough on almost all the tests we did. Although, the router does not have as many features as some of the others. However, those who are very polite and do not need to spend hours trying to figure out what it is. The control panel of this router is incredibly responsive and easy to set up.

The Amped Wireless RTA2600 is the top wireless router for streaming  and has a powerful hardware that keeps it afloat without any performance problems. One thing we like about this router is the way everything fits perfectly into a compact design.

Yes, unlike other routers, it is not an absolute giant. That said, performance on all fronts was quite respectable and there were no disconnections during our test. You can even connect multiple devices via Wi-Fi and the performance will remain stellar. Perhaps, this is one of the strengths of Athena RTA2600.

Editor’s Recommendation: This WiFi router is one of the best wifi router we’ve used. While it’s not the number one choice for hardcore network fans, it’s more than enough to keep things on track. in the right way to order without making too much mess.

Pros

• This WiFi router gives a terrific performance.
• Setting up the router is a breeze and can be done with anyone who has a little knowledge about networking.
• The performance over Wi-Fi is awesome regardless of the number of router devices connected to it.

Cons

• Price may not allure everyone.
• Lacks some of the features that are available in competitors.

Buy on Amazon

8. Linksys Router (WRT1900 AC) 

This means that the band of five gigahertz has a speed of 1300 MHz and that the band of 2.5 GHz has a speed of 600 megahertz. But is this Linksys router capable enough to withstand most of the high-end routers we have already listed?

Let’s find out.

As soon as you take a look at this Linksys Routers, you’ll love the classic design and colors. If you plan to install this router on a desktop, you may need to free up space because it’s probably one of the biggest routers we’ve seen in a long time.

The router has four antennas and the firmware which can be replaced by a completely customized firmware of a user.

As soon as you remove the router out of the box, you will find that the router is one of the fastest routers on the market.

This top wireless routers is easy to configure and loaded with amazing features. Linksys WRT1900 AC also added a full capacity to double that router as a NAS.

The best thing about this router is that the performance of the NAS is unmatched by any other wireless router we’ve tested.

It also supports UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) and DLNA. Like other Linksys routers, the Linksys WRT1900 AC router works smoothly and the performance of is just incredible.

Even the experts are in love with this wireless router. You can read Samara Lynn’s article on PCMag. It is rated as excellent and has a score of 4.5.

Editor’s Recommendation: So, is this Linksys router perfect for you? Apart from some minor subjective flaws such as a bulky and cumbersome design, there is not much cons to write about this product. The router came out victorious from almost all the tests we did and we managed to run this Linksys router without crushing us. The software experience can confuse those who are not experts. If you have the money and are looking for a best router for 2021, then this Linksys WRT1900 AC router is also a good choice.

Pros

• Linksys WRT1900 AC Router is designed with very powerful hardware.
• The NAS performance is probably the best we have seen.
• Wi-Fi range is great and it also delivers excellent speed.
• The design of this Linksys router is retro and will please those who do it for the aesthetics.

Cons

• The default software is confusing for the newcomers, and lacking for the enthusiasts.
• The price of Linksys WRT1900 AC might be a bother for some.

Buy on Amazon

 9. TP-Link Archer C7 

TP-LINK Archer C7 AC1750 is the best wifi router on the market (under $ 100). The router is perfect for people who want to have fun with games and streaming on the Internet because it has a combined speed of 1.75 Gbps.

The router is elegant and works incredibly with every activity launched. For those looking for the perfect value, this router is a fabulous choice.

Considering how an entry-level router is, the build quality is not very good and the router looks fragile. Although the quality of construction seems to be average at best, the router has a big footprint. So make sure that where you place the router, it has enough space for itself.

Moving on to the important thing, please note that this is a dual-band router. The router has a total of 6 antennas and 3 of these are external while the others are internal. The increase in the number of antennas is perfect to offer you a lot of respectable Wi-Fi and the speed is quite acceptable. The router also has average NAS capacity.

Editor’s Recommendation: What is missing is that, despite the price you pay for the router, you will not have many features. So, TP-Link aimed this router to those on a tight budget and beginners who simply want to have a good wireless router that offers discrete streaming and online gaming performance.

Pros

• Excellent price to performance ratio
• Good performance with streaming and online gaming
• Respectable performance on both the bands
• NAS capability is a good addition

Cons

• Average build quality (All Plastic)

Buy on Amazon

10. Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station

The last one on our list comes from Apple. For those who wonder if this router happened by chance, this is not the case. Apple has a wireless router, and it’s decent.

The router is called in an unconventional way named AirPort Extreme Base Station. So, how is this router fair compared to other routers in the list? Well, we will discover.

Let’s start with the appearance of this router. Because it’s something that comes out of the Apple very own helm and you should know that the router looks exactly like something made by Apple. Look, the router is very capable and works well. Keep in mind that this is a dual band router and it is also compatible with the latest Wi-Fi standards.

As for the disadvantages of this router, there is no one to make you reconsider your decision to buy this router. The only complaint we have is that the router could have been a decent update compared to its predecessors. Although it is fast and fantastic, the improvements seem subjective.

Editor’s Recommendation: The router was incredibly fast with all the tests started. Another great advantage of this router is the amount of stability and speed of the Wi-Fi it offers. To be honest, Apple has really outdone itself with this router because it has everything in place. The router is probably one of the best Apple routers so far. It offers a fast and stable performance and there are no problems.

Pros

• The router is a definitive looker.
• Very easy to set up and even easier to use.
• The performance it offers is speedy and impeccable.

Cons

• All the upgrades over the predecessor happen to be subjective.

Best Wireless Routers Buyer’s Guide

If you consider the above points, you can easily go to the market and buy a wireless router, right? No!

For those who do not know it, wireless routers include several things to consider before spending hard earned money. They have different speeds available, as well as different WiFi standards and support for multiple bands.

Below is complete information on the standard features of the wireless router and how they are beneficial to the user.

For simplicity, here is the list of “Factors” that you will find on the market along with their brief descriptions.

1. What is the technology behind a wireless router?

A wireless router is a device that allows you to connect to your modem and the devices you have at home, in the office or out, through wireless Internet connections at the same time.

A WiFi router offers more advantages than simply connecting many devices to the Web at the same time. You need up-to-date information on your wireless router before you get one because there are additional features to keep in mind.

2. The range of wireless routers

The distance covered by the router’s signal is the Range. Manufacturers often test the range in a laboratory configuration and it is expected that the actual range after the home or office is set is a little lower than expected.

This difference in the value of the range is due to some factors that include the proximity of the router to a wall or an obstruction, the interference of the cell phone signal, the monitors for children, the presence of different forms of radio waves and other possible factors. In a normal home situation, a good long range WiFi router should have a range up to 4572 cm (150 feet) inside and a little less than that outside.

Also, the range of the router is strongly influenced by the type of antenna used in the router transmission signal. In the case of the dual-band Asus RT-AC88U, the range of the router is up to 90144 cm (300 feet) indoors in standard conditions, provided there is no interference. You can see the antenna section below for more information on how the antenna type of the router affects the wireless signal and range.

3. USB Functionality

Some wireless routers have USB port(s) to enable direct connection and use of the wi-fi network via the USB cable. For example, the NETGEAR Nighthawk R8000 router has a USB port to permit connection between the router and the device. This USB feature permits file sharing via NAS (Network attached storage) between gadgets through a wi-fi connection.

In wi-fi connections to printers, this is widely used. Of course, you may also no longer want a router with this USB function, however, it’s nonetheless a good choice to purchase one.

4. Antenna type

Before buying top wireless routers, you can consider the type of antenna. Basically, for a router, there are two types of antennas: internal and external. The internal antenna is encased in the router as the external router sticks out a bit on the device. Most routers come with the built-in internal antenna mainly because it looks elegant, modern, and stylish. You do not want a router with a satellite hanging on it.

In general, the internal antenna attracts more to the eye. However, it is recognized that the external antenna is able to provide more with its wider range of a signal. You will choose between beauty and performance.

5. Wired Port

Most wireless routers have a wired port that provides wi-fi functionality to enable wired net connection to a nearby PC. This feature has the benefit of no interference since the connection is made by the cable. There is additionally a benefit of higher data transfer rate and reliability. The best advice is to get a router that can connect to a wi-fi connection and to a wired LAN (local area network) port. This way you will have an impervious connection even with interference and congestion. Most routers have a wired port of four, however, the Asus RT-AC88U Dual-Band has 8 LAN ports

Routers without wired ports are very comparable to access points. An access point will only supply the wi-fi connection without actually supplying net connection. Access points join the internet service from a router to any connecting device. An access point is only beneficial if you already have a router at home or nearby. It will assist transmit the sign from the router. So be careful when buying a wi-fi router without a wired point. Make sure you are getting a router, not just an access point.

6. MIMO

Multiple in multiple out. MIMO is the latest technology in wireless router that enables fast data transfer and wide range signal coverage. MIMO allows the inflow and transmission of multiple signals simultaneously. Think of twenty men doing the job of five. It’s exactly how MIMO works. Are you considering a router with MIMO functionality? Then check the Amped Wireless RTA2600 Athena MU-MIMO router.

7. IPv6

With the rapid evolution of internet technology, so many IPv4 (internet protocol version 4) addresses will no longer be available. It will be a good idea to make sure your router supports IPv6 just before making that purchase. It’s better to be in vogue than to be obsolete and frustrated by the depletion of the address. The TP-Link Archer C7 is a budget router with most of the features listed above and also supports ipv6.

What to do now?

Now you have all the facts. Here is a quick overview of what to look for before getting this router.

1. Make sure your router has complete coverage. A minimum interval of 4572 cm (150 feet) is sufficient for internal use.
2. Make sure your router has a double band (broadband).
3. Your router should be able to stream 802.11n previous versions.
4. The router must be secure WAP2.
5. It should have a USB function and a wired port.
6. An appropriate type of antenna is a requirement. Preferably, an external antenna.
7. It must support IPv6.

Conclusion

Considerably, the wireless router market has a lot of saturation and finding the perfect router is not easy. That’s where lists like these come into play. This list of the top 10 wireless routers keeps in mind things like a customer’s needs and how much they’re willing to spend on a Wi-Fi router.

We hope the list will help you choose the best wireless router. Keep in mind that there is no “perfect” component, which is why every router is built for the needs of different consumers. The list includes routers for consumers focused on budgets and networking elites.