Choosing a new router or VPN router may be difficult since there are so many different brands and types to select from. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve put together a list of things to think about before choosing a router. We looked at these specs when making router recommendations, starting with compatibility and ensuring sure the router supports internet speeds.
Here is the list of things you should keep in mind when choosing a router for your home or office to get the best one.
1. Consider how much you want to spend on a router
class=”match punique checked checkedF unique-match”>Routers can cost anywhere from less than $100 to more than $300. The amount you should spend on a router is mostly determined by your budget. But you’ll also want to be sure you’re receiving the features you need to get the most out of your internet connection.
You’ll almost certainly pay extra for a router with higher speeds and capabilities like MU-MIMO and beamforming. Tri-band routers, as well as ones that enable telephone service, will be more expensive.
So, when considering how much you want to spend on a router, also consider what features you need to have.
2. What kind of router do you need
Buying a new router is one of the easiest ways to improve Wi-Fi speed. Before you start shopping for a router, figure out the approximate square footage of your home.
Single Router
Most people opt for a single router or a router/modem combo. Remember that this device must be connected to your existing socket or modem via Ethernet cable, limiting its placement. The Wi-Fi signal is strongest near the router and gradually weakens and slows away.
However, thick walls, insulation, and other devices can interfere with Wi-Fi signals, so expect slower speeds at longer distances. Large, powerful routers with wide coverage are usually very expensive.
Mesh Systems
Mesh Wi-Fi may be the answer if you have a large home, a garden, thick walls, or specific dead zones with your current setup. Mesh systems have a central hub that connects to a single router and satellites or nodes scattered around the house.
By adding a node, you can improve Wi-Fi coverage and reliability in different areas. Keep in mind that each node will require power. Mesh systems are often (but not always) more expensive than single-router setups, but they provide better coverage, reliability, and control. They are also smaller than regular routers and designed to blend in with your decor.
3. Check to see if your new router is compatible with your ISP
Although most routers should work with any internet service provider (ISP), it’s always a good idea to check if your new router is compatible with your ISP. Especially if you’re thinking of getting a modem-router combination.
Modems employ technology that is specific to the sort of internet connection your provider offers, and if you’re utilizing a cable modem with DSL internet, you’re in luck. Your internet just will not function. As a result, ensuring compatibility is crucial.
Most ISPs make lists of suitable modems and routers available and advice on what to look for. Here are some links to listings of compatible equipment for some of the country’s most popular internet providers:
- Comcast Xfinity
- Cox
- Mediacom (PDF)
- RCN
- Sparklight (formerly Cable One)
- Spectrum
4. Make sure your router supports the internet speed you pay for
You’ll want a router that provides greater speed than your internet subscription promises. This increases your chances of receiving the quickest Wi-Fi speeds possible, even if you’re connecting numerous devices and people at the same time. It also guarantees that the speed you pay for isn’t squandered.
However, hold in thoughts that maximum routers provide speeds on each of the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Because maximum gadgets do not use each Wi-Fi frequency at an identical time, this general velocity is probably deceptive. Check the most velocity that your router’s 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands can handle.
5. Look for a newer wireless protocol
- 11ax (Wi-Fi 6): The latest standard is intended to offer rates of up to 10 Gbps, although many gadgets and internet connections aren’t capable of doing so. As a result, you might not need to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 right now.
- 11ac (Wi-Fi 5): This standard is likely to be found on most routers, and it’s more than capable of keeping you connected at rates of up to 3.5 Gbps.
- 11n (Wi-Fi 4): This standard was the first to offer speeds of up to 600 Mbps while operating on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
6. Use mesh Wi-Fi or extenders to spread Wi-Fi through your house
7. Your router should have a multi-core processor and at least 128MB of RAM
The processor and RAM size in your router are extremely important considerations. In addition to streaming video and downloading files, Wi-Fi is used for data backups, online gaming, and other activities that necessitate a lot of data transfer. As a result, wireless routers now require significantly more processing power than in the past.
Selecting a router requires knowledge of the processor type (single, dual, or quad-core), as well as the operating frequency. Stop buying routers with single-core processors if you want a fast network that can handle several network clients at once.
A dual-core processor, rather than a single-core processor, is recommended for your next router. While a 900 MHz processor is less powerful than a 1.2 GHz counterpart, the more cores a router has, the better it performs. In other words, the same rules apply as they do when using a computer, smartphone, or other forms of computing.
A router’s RAM should be at least 128MB. The ideal amount of RAM would be at least 256 MB. This is to make sure that everything is processed as quickly as possible by the device itself. Consider getting a 1 GB RAM wireless router if money isn’t an issue.
8. The router that you choose should be dual-band or more
Routers with a single band are a relic of the past. At the very least, your new router should be dual-band capable. In other words, what do you make of this? To put it another way, it means that the router broadcasts the wireless signal on two or more frequencies (if it is tri-band or more). Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) routers use the 2.4 GHz band, which is compatible with both older wireless standards like Wi-Fi 4 and newer ones like Wi-Fi 6.
Due to its compatibility with older networking devices and wide coverage area, the 2.4 GHz band is an attractive option. Congestion can be a problem in apartment complexes and office buildings where everyone has Wi-Fi operating in the 2.4 GHz band.
The 5GHz frequency is also used by dual-band and tri-band routers. It’s a lot faster than 2.4 GHz, and it takes advantage of the latest Wi-Fi standards like 802.11ac and Wi-Fi 6 to maximize performance (802.11ax). Less congestion is experienced because the 5 GHz band is less frequently used and has a smaller coverage area. Get a dual-band or tri-band wireless router if you want a modern smart home with a fast wireless network for streaming Full HD or 4K content.
Another advantage is that you can connect to Wi-Fi with different network names and passwords using two or more standards.
9. VPN, antivirus, firewall, and other advanced features
In order to protect your Wi-Fi network from malware and outside attacks, many routers come equipped with useful advanced features like VPN servers, antivirus software, and other security features. The issue is that routers with shoddy hardware can’t take advantage of these advanced features.
Do not purchase an affordable AC1200 wireless router with low-end hardware if you want advanced features like the VPN server to work well. Choose a more expensive router with better hardware and more RAM so that it can run advanced services as well as standard Wi-Fi broadcasting. This will save you money in the long run.
A dual-core processor and 256 MB of RAM, at the very least, are required for advanced features in your router, and even more, is preferable.
10. The router should have a USB port, preferably USB 3.0
A USB port is an absolute necessity in today’s home. External hard drives, printers, USB modems, and many other USB devices must be connected to our wireless router. It is recommended that your new router has at least one USB 3.0 port. With the TP-Link Archer AX6000, which costs more, modern mobile devices can be connected via a USB-Type C port.
11. Smart home integration
Many homes have smart devices and sensors. To better manage them, buy a router that works with Amazon’s Alexa smart assistant or with task automation services like IFTT (If This, Then That). New ways to connect your apps and devices If your router is compatible, you can use voice commands to control it, such as enabling or disabling Guest Wi-Fi, turning off the router’s LEDs at night, or prioritizing gaming traffic.
Some vendors have gone one step further and integrated Alexa directly into their routers. The ASUS Lyra Voice router is an exciting example.
12. Your router should have a smartphone app
The only way to manage wireless routers a decade ago was via a web browser on a computer connected to the router. Many people dislike such user interfaces and want something simpler. Manufacturers of wireless routers have responded by creating smartphone apps. If you want convenience, make sure your router has a smartphone app. You should be able to use it to check the router’s status and manage the main features.
Although router manufacturers have different approaches to mobile apps, some offer basic apps with limited functionality, such as setting the Wi-Fi password, while others offer advanced apps with full functionality.
Another issue is that some wireless router mobile apps only work when the smartphone is connected to the router’s Wi-Fi. This means you can only use the mobile app away from the router. If remote management from anywhere on the internet is important to you, make sure the router you want has it. Remote internet management is generally available for mid-range and premium routers. Low-cost routers rarely get this feature.
13. You should determine how much area you need to cover
If you have a large house, serving Wi-Fi to all of your devices can be a challenge, especially if you’re using the 5GHz band. One router with good antennas will do the trick for smaller apartments or houses, and it’s never a bad idea to test things out first before spending a lot of money. Finding out a router’s range is easy when you read reviews.
There are mesh Wi-Fi kits available if you need to cover a large area but don’t want to invest in a single large router. In order to cover a large indoor space, these systems work together to deliver Wi-Fi. Because of how simple they are to setup, they’re becoming a popular option even for smaller spaces like apartments.
14. How many devices will be connected to your router?
The router shouldn’t be taxed too much if you’re single and only use a handful of devices at once, like a console, phone, or laptop, as well as a TV streaming device. The more devices you connect at once, the slower your speed will be. This is true even if you’re providing internet for an entire block.
If you have ten devices connected to a 2.4GHz router with a theoretical maximum speed of 300Mbps, each of those devices will only get about 30Mbps on average. A high-end dual-band router is your best bet if you have many devices connected at the same time in a crowded home. Consider a tri-band router with two 5GHz bands for your family who just can’t get enough Netflix.
To that end, keep an eye out for the router’s number of Ethernet ports. Do you need a wired connection for a large number of devices? Start keeping a tally. Consider whether or not your home network has USB ports if you want to connect an external hard drive or other devices to it.
15. Don’t forget optional features
Router manufacturers are always introducing new technologies, and some of the most current updates might improve your online experience. When looking for a new router, there are a few features you should look for:
Quality of Service (QoS)
You may instruct your router on certain devices and internet connections to prioritize over others using Quality of Service. If you’re a gamer who needs to ensure that your internet connection remains reliable even if your partner or children turn on Netflix, you can instruct your router to prioritize your Xbox’s internet connection above your smart TV.
Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO)
Beamforming
Beamforming is a technique used by modern routers to guide a Wi-Fi signal to a device. Routers are used to broadcast a Wi-Fi signal in all directions before beamforming. Beamforming may be thought of as a more efficient, laser-targeted Wi-Fi signal with a stronger connection.
FAQs
How long will a router last?
Four to five years is the typical lifespan of a high-quality router. However, if your internet is running slowly despite your efforts and you’ve exhausted all other options, it’s time to upgrade your router.
What’s the best router brand?
Routers from NETGEAR, TP-Link, ASUS, and Linksys are some of our favorites. Google, D-Link, and Synology are also viable options. However, before making a purchase, you should check to see if a router meets your requirements and has positive reviews, regardless of the brand especially if you’re looking for a router for your business.
Conclusion
Don’t be disappointed if you purchase a router since you did not thoroughly investigate the routers that met your needs. I’ve met a lot of folks who are disappointed with their purchases of routers that don’t even meet their requirements. By the end of the day, these customers have left a negative review on a router that may have been ideal for a specific purpose in the first place.
According to my opinion, the best investment is only made when you choose the best router within your budget that provides good security, supports a reasonable number of devices, and has a high-speed internet connection. Research is the most important step a customer should always take before buying, not only a router but anything, from their hard-earned money.
The primary factors to be taken into consideration include your budget, the security protocols, the compatibility, and many more. The steps listed above are the key points a consumer should look for before buying a router. If you adhere to these guidelines, there is little doubt that your purchase will be worthwhile given its price point, and you will eventually become a satisfied customer as a result.
