Best Wifi Router: We may not think about WiFi routers on a daily basis. But the second the WiFi’s out, we can’t seem to do anything until it’s fixed.
It can be hard to know which WiFi router is the best, and even where to start.
But we can always take a look at some of the greats from 2019 and 2020.
Best WiFi Routers of 2019
One thing before we get there. Experts claim there is such a thing as too much speed, or bandwidth usage. Devices only need so much power. After a certain point, it’s best to live within your means.
There are so many WiFi routers out there. But for every router with a steep price tag, there is one who can do almost the same job at a fraction of the cost. So those will be the focus of today.
For the price range, we’ll be looking at single- and dual-band routers. The difference is a single-band router supports a single wireless frequency of 2.4 GHz, where a dual-band supports two bands, the 2.4 and 5.0 GHz. Not only does this ensure better performance, but dual-band routers are easier to set up.
Some may find a single-band router is sufficient for their daily use, others may need more.
Dominating the single-band category is the Netgear WNR614 N300 WiFi Router. For a price as low as Rs. 1,049 on Amazon India, the router slings 300 Mbps of Internet speed. But is that high?
According to Netflix, a 10 Mbps speed is required to stream typical HD content, assuming there is one device in use. With the average household running about 9 devices, we may have to do the math.
On top of that, the Netgear WNR614 is built for us. The router is recommended for small to medium houses. With two flexible external antennae located on the device’s exterior, the WiFi should reach your sister’s room just fine.
Next we have the TP-Link WR841N Wireless Router. Founded in 1996, TP-Link joins other Shenzhen-based tech giants, offering lots of products, from wireless routers to power banks.
Like the Netgear mentioned above, the TP-Link WR841N boasts 300 Mbps speed delivered on a single-band model with two external antennae. Both devices are available in white if you’re thinking about how it’ll look against the wall.
Still, at a price of Rs. 1,599, the TP-Link router resembles the Netgear so closely that maybe the cheaper alternative will do.
Last in the single-band lineup: the D-Link DIR-615. Another single-band router with two external antennae, the D-Link comes in black, running speeds 300 Mbps as well. The D-Link DIR-615 goes for on Flipkart for Rs. 1,099, just barely higher than the Netgear model. And at that point, the choice is yours.
Finally, we move into the heavyweights.
With just 24 years of tech under its belt, TP-Link is not messing around. The dual-band TP-Link Archer C1200 provides 1200 Mbps Internet speed for lots of friends to come over and hang out on their phones.
Some users warn of heat issues, with the device heating up quickly at times. But at the low price of Rs. 2,899 for a dual-band router, bargain-hunters may not be able to say no.
Amazing as it is, WiFi router models don’t phase each other out as quickly as mobile devices. The TP-Link WR841N and D-Link DIR-615 are reigning budget-friendly champs of 2019 and 2020.
The Best WiFi Routers of 2020
Is it alright to make these judgments yet? Is it too soon?
Well, while I’m here, might as well.
Best wifi router 2020
With the TP-Link Archer C1200 doing well in the budget ratings, it’s no surprise that the TP-Link Archer C2300 stacks up to more expensive makes.
In fact, at Rs. 9,999, it’s three times the price of the C1200. This could be due to its USB ports and higher 2300 Mbps of speed, but that seems to be the minor differences between the C2300 and the C1200.
The TP-Link Archer A7 could be a happy medium between the two. The A7 is pretty much the C1200, touting 1750 Mbps speeds to its mere 1200. At a comforting price of Rs. 4,898 on Flipkart, you get decent speeds for an even better price.
What’s the best thing to do?
The best WiFi router could exist already. Or it could be just about to come out. Either way, it helps to see what works and stands tests of time. While TP-Link and D-Link are budget-friendly brands, they consistently meet the Internet’s incredibly high standards of everything.
**Disclaimer: I do not endorse any products mentioned.**