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The significance of the internet has increased now more than ever. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, most of the daily life tasks have gone online, for instance, remote working is a new norm for which the internet is a key element. Even our entertainment quotient is being derived from the internet now, in the form of streaming services and music apps. Last week, I had a scheduled dental appointment via webcam, if that is not fascinating, then I do not know what is!
Our whole life digital has pushed us to get the best internet connection and associated equipment like routers and modems. I am lucky enough to subscribe to Spectrum offers last year and since then enjoying high download speeds without any contractual obligation. Moreover, they also offered renting services for a router at just 5.00 USD. However, I did not go for that option as I already had a good, updated router.
One important thing to note here is that purchasing a router is always better than renting it. There are many Wi-Fi router models out there, and they are not all made equivalent. Prior to purchasing a router, it merits thinking about various things. First off, you will need to consider whether you need a router that likewise serves as a modem, or if a fundamental router will do the work. You will likewise need to consider the internet speeds you need for your home and the amount you are willing to spend on a router.
For your ease, I have put together a list of the routers with the best features that you should go for this year. Please note that the routers are not listed in any particular order.
Best Routers to get in 2021
Asus RT-AC66U B1 Dual Band Gigabit Wi-Fi Router
Features:
Wireless Specification: 802.11ac
AC Speed: AC1750
No. of LAN Ports: Four
No. of USB Ports: One
No. of Antennas: Three
No. of Bands: Two
Network Security: WPA, WPA2, WPS, WPA2-Enterprise, WEP, RADIUS Server
IPv6 Compatibility: Yes
DD-WRT Support: No
Guest Networking: Allowed
Quality of Service: Yes
Parental Controls: Wireless
Link Aggregation: Yes
If you want to replace your old router, you should definitely go for Asus RT-AC66U. It is a dual-band router with one USB and four LAN ports. It offers an in-built Trend Micro protection against malware, wireless parental controls, and Quality of Service.
It is affordable and easy to install with solid features. The only issue with this router is that its antennas are non-removable.
D-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Router (DIR-842)
Features:
Wireless Specification: 802.11ac
AC Speed: AC1200
No. of LAN Ports: Four
No. of USB Ports: None
No. of Antennas: Four
No. of Bands: Two
Network Security: WPA, WPS, WPA2
IPv6 Compatibility: Yes
DD-WRT Support: No
Guest Networking: Allowed
Quality of Service: Yes
Parental Controls: Wireless
Link Aggregation: Yes
D-Link AC1200 is a power pack router that delivers more than you expect. It can handle full-fledge network traffic with multiple connected devices. With features like guest networking, Quality of Service prioritization, and parental controls, it is one of the most used routers among the general public.
If you are on a tight budget, I strongly recommend this router as it is affordable and has a solid performance.
Linksys EA6350 AC1200 + Dual-Band Smart Wi-Fi Wireless Router
Features:
Wireless Specification: 802.11ac
AC Speed: AC1200
No. of LAN Ports: Four
No. of USB Ports: One
No. of Antennas: Two
No. of Bands: Two
Network Security: WPA2, WPS, WPA2-Enterprise
IPv6 Compatibility: Yes
DD-WRT Support: Yes
Guest Networking: Allowed
Quality of Service: Yes
Parental Controls: Wireless
Link Aggregation: Yes
If you have a small family or few internet-associated devices and consider your usage modest, you should not spend a lot of money on routers. Instead, you should get Linksys EA6350 AC1200 + Dual Band Smart Wi-fi Wireless Router for affordable yet impressive performance. It is easy to set up and manage.
File transfer speeds might come off as a slight disappointment but it is bearable considering the tens of solid features and inexpensiveness of this router.
TP-Link Archer AX50 Dual Band Wi-Fi 6 (AX3000) Router
Features:
Wireless Specification: 802.11ax
AC Speed: AX3000
No. of LAN Ports: Four
No. of USB Ports: One
No. of Antennas: Four
No. of Bands: Two
Network Security: WPA, WPA2
IPv6 Compatibility: Yes
DD-WRT Support: No
Guest Networking: Allowed
Quality of Service: Yes
Parental Controls: Wireless
Link Aggregation: Yes
TP-Link’s latest model AX50 is one of the best routers available today and fits exactly in the middle of budget-class and high-end router models. It accompanies the newest Wi-Fi 6 tech and delivers high speeds. Furthermore, it houses a lot of incredible features like an anti-malware program, lifetime parental control settings, USB connectivity, and link aggregation.
It is easy to install and manage and has strong signal performance. The only thing this router lacks is the unavailability of 160MHz or WPA3 channels.
TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750 Dual Band Wireless Router
Features:
Wireless Specification: 802.11ac
AC Speed: AC1750
No. of LAN Ports: Four
No. of USB Ports: Two
No. of Antennas: Three
No. of Bands: Two
Network Security: WPA, WPA2, WPS, WPA2-Enterprise, WEP
IPv6 Compatibility: Yes
DD-WRT Support: No
Guest Networking: Allowed
Quality of Service: Yes
Parental Controls: Wireless
Link Aggregation: Yes
TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750 Dual Band Wireless Router exhibits performance like that of an expensive router, however, it is very much affordable. With four LAN ports, two USB ports, and three antennas, this router makes sure to supply ease with great speeds. There are a lot of management settings provided that allow complete user authorization. With all the great features, one thing that can be polished is its user interface as it is a bit outdated.
Final Thoughts
The article sums up the best routers of 2021 including all their features in order to let you make an informed decision. Evaluate your internet needs and bandwidth requirements, shortlist the routers, and then compare their features against prices. However, before purchasing any router, make sure to check its compatibility with your internet provider so that there is no problem afterward.
