The 10 best wireless routers of 2017
Update: With Google Wifi and Netgear Orbi making their rounds, it only makes sense that Linksys, too, would join in on all the mesh networking fun. Joining our list is the Linksys Velop at number 5. Read on to find out why its simple setup justifies its lavish cost!
Is your current router a fossil that’s getting older by the minute? If so, not only are you missing out on but a handful of basic hardware advancements, but the 802.11ac networking standard has introduced a 5GHz band that’s far faster at close-range than the old-hat 2.4GHz connections.
And, that’s ignoring all the hubbub about 802.11ax processors, which could eventually bring speeds of up to 4.8Gbps, even if those outlandish speeds are but a pipe dream compared to the 1.8Gbps peak of reality. If you’re looking for a basic router setup, festooned with a generous helping of extras, we’ve assimilated the 10 best wireless routers you can buy.
Keeping in mind that we’ve undergone thorough testing of each product, read on to give your house the 802.11ac boost it deserves.
1. Google Wifi
The future of wireless networking gets affordable
Speed: 802.11ac 5GHz down: 101.41 Mbps, 2.4GHz down: 47.53 Mbps |Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports per Wifi point (1 WAN and 1 LAN port each) | Features: AC1200 2 x 2 Wave 2 Wi-Fi, TX beamforming, Bluetooth Smart ready
Super simple setup
Great value
Limited hardware control
Lower AC rating
Gone is the seemingly distant past where we had to purchase Wi-Fi extenders in addition to our wireless routers for installation throughout the house. Wireless mesh systems are the future, and Google Wifi only reassures us of this. Though it’s not the fastest Wi-Fi mesh system to be had, Google Wifi is one of cheapest and, moreover, the easiest to configure.
It’s as easy to set up as scanning a QR code on the cylindrical unit connected to your modem via Ethernet, and a few seconds after setting the name and password of your network, you can start broadcasting. The performance is equal to or greater than the Netgear Orbi at any given moment, though Google Wifi is more about covering a wider space than exhibiting the fastest speeds.
Google Wifi also comes armed with traffic prioritization functionality, which makes sure more bandwidth is devoted to tasks which demand it, such as 4K video playback or online gaming. Sure, it requires that you buy a trio of units just to use it to its full potential, but the design of the hardware – and even the software – more than outweighs any negatives.
OUR VERDICT
Google Wifi is the easiest and most manageable router that we’ve ever set up, period. It might not be the most powerful or offer precise controls, but it more than makes up for any lack of depth in unmatched simplicity.
FOR
- Super-simple setup
- Great value
- Excellent design
AGAINST
- Limited hardware control
- Lower AC rating
As devices like Netgear Orbi and Eero have showed us: routers and range extenders are over. The future is Wi-Fi mesh or tri-band systems. Naturally, the smart home-obsessed Google is all over it with the eponymous Google Wifi.
As it turns out, Google may very well have crafted the best Wi-Fi mesh system to date. Google’s managed to churn out a system that offers more mesh units than competitors for far less with a focus on dead-simple setup and management. The result? We never want to look at our gateway again.
Price and availability
Unsurprisingly, Google doesn’t ask for a lot of money for what’s on offer. Google Wifi costs $299 (about £239, AU$389) for a set of three units – that’s one primary “Wifi Point” (the one you hook up to the modem or gateway) and two secondary Wifi Points.
A single Google Wifi unit can be had for $129 (about £103, AU$167). Google promises that three Wifi Points can cover up to 4,500 square feet (418 square meters) in a home.
Unfortunately, as of this writing, Google has made no mentions of pricing or availability in the UK and Australia.
Regardless, Google offers more units for less money than any competitor, like the Netgear Orbi, with all others costing at least $400 (about £320, AU$520) for the same amount.
Design and setup
Not only does Google have the clear advantage of pricing on its hands, but it also has the best-designed individual units and easiest setup of any offering. Each Google Wifi unit, a tiny, unassuming cylinder with a simple white LED band in its center, is capable of the same functionality.
This means that any of the three units could function as the “router” of the system, while the others can bestow wired internet (begotten wirelessly) with their included Ethernet ports as well as wireless internet. All three units are powered via USB-C.
Setup is as sublime as Google’s hardware design, using a free iOS and Android app to facilitate the process. While we won’t belabor you with the entire procedure, but the app configures your Wi-Fi network by first scanning the QR code on the Wifi Points connected to your modem or gateway and power.
From there, the app tells you to name your network and set a password, then pair the additional Wi-Fi points and label them in the app for reference. Again, it takes seconds for the “router” to recognize the Wifi Points and for them to begin broadcasting.
But, mind you, power users: you’re not going to get the same depth of access as even Netgear Orbi provides, so no band switching for you.
spec shett
Wireless Connectivity: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, AC1200 2x2 Wave 2 Wi-Fi (expandable mesh; dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz, TX beamforming); Bluetooth Smart ready
Processor: Quad-core ARM CPU (each core up to 710MHz)
Memory: 512MB RAM
Storage: 4GB eMMC flash
Beamforming: Implicit and Explicit for 2.4 & 5GHz bands
Ports: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports per Wifi point (1 WAN and 1 LAN port each)
Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.7 inches (106.1 x 68.7mm; D x H) each
Weight: 12oz (340g) each
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