19 best Wi-Fi routers

Wireless Wi-Fi has long been no wonder for anyone. Internet via Wi-Fi works in many urban public places and in almost every home where the Internet is hosted. Such availability of wireless technology is provided by special devices - Wi-Fi routers (routers). The current market is replete with a variety of models with very different possibilities. The editors of expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ decided to help you understand all this diversity and with the help of our experts prepared a ranking of the best Wi-Fi routers that are optimally suitable for certain conditions.

How to choose a Wi-Fi router

The purpose of any router is to combine two or more networks. In our case, we consider the most common and popular option when you need to distribute external incoming Internet to your local home or office network.

Type of incoming connection

The first and most obvious sign on which to choose a router is the type of incoming connection. There may be several options - a cable television network, a wired Ethernet cable over a twisted pair cable, a mobile operator's network, etc. In most cases, the provider leases or donates a router of the required type as part of the contract. But not always such a router satisfies the needs of the consumer, and it often makes sense to buy your own router that is optimally suited for power, ease of configuration, reliability, and other parameters.

Wi-Fi standard

Many consumers are unaware that Wi-Fi is different. This refers to the different standards of Wi-Fi, which arose with the development of technology. The difference between them lies mainly in the fact that they operate in different ranges and have different marginal possibilities in terms of the data transfer rate. There are many technical nuances in this matter, and this deserves a separate topic. In any case, all standards are backward compatible, that is, older generations will somehow interact with newer ones. The only question is whether such a bundle can provide the maximum speed. Our experts recommend to be interested directly at the point of sale in the optimal compatibility of the selected router with your devices.

Hardware

From a technical point of view, a Wi-Fi router is actually a mini-computer of a narrow specialization. That is, its work is controlled by the central processor, it has a certain amount of RAM. Accordingly, if you have an Internet channel no more than 50 Mbit / s and you do not download it “in full” (continuous download of torrents, high-resolution streaming, resource-intensive online games), you may have a 300MHz router 32 MB. Otherwise, you will need a more powerful device.

Software

Virtually any modern Wi-Fi router has firmware — the so-called firmware.It contains a web interface with a set of tools for configuring the router. The flexibility of settings can vary very significantly from model to model. But many settings automatically mean an increase in the complexity of working with the device and the need for a certain level of knowledge. Therefore, if you want to independently deal with the parameters and services, but you are not an expert in this field, it is better to choose a “simpler” model. This point can also be clarified at the point of sale.

Environmental friendliness

Due to the fact that Wi-Fi networks have become widespread relatively recently, there are still no clear and convincing results of scientific research on the effect of Wi-Fi radiation on human health, there is a common opinion about their harm. Many manufacturers have met some of these customers' needs and equipped individual models of routers with special hardware switches that can control the radiation power. Therefore, if this moment matters to you, it should be borne in mind that such a possibility exists.

Ranking of the best Wi-Fi routers

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best inexpensive Wi-Fi routers for home (price up to 2000 rubles)	1	Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3	2 190 ₽
	2	TP-LINK Archer C20 (RU)	2 050 ₽
	3	ZYXEL Keenetic Lite III (Rev. B)	1 800 ₽
	4	Keenetic Start (KN-1110)	1 530 ₽
Best Wi-Fi routers in terms of price-quality ratio	1	ASUS RT-AC66U	6 990 ₽
	2	Huawei B525	7 400 ₽
	3	MikroTik RB2011UiAS-2HnD-IN	7 800 ₽
	4	D-link DIR-882	7 260 ₽
	5	Keenetic Giga (KN-1010)	6 990 ₽
	6	Linksys EA6350	7 148 ₽
	7	NETGEAR R6400	6 850 ₽
	8	Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3G	2 540 ₽
Best Wi-Fi routers top level	1	NETGEAR D8500	27 110 ₽
	2	ASUS RT-AC87U	11 290 ₽
	3	TP-LINK Archer C3200	14 754 ₽
	4	Apple Time Capsule 2Tb ME177	20 490 ₽
Best Mobile (Pocket) Wi-Fi Routers	1	Huawei E5577	3 650 ₽
	2	D-LINK DIR-506L	1 470 ₽
	3	Huawei E8372	2 500 ₽

The best inexpensive Wi-Fi routers for home (price up to 2000 rubles)

We turn directly to the rating and for the beginning we will consider four models that experts of expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ recommend as the best budget Wi-Fi routers for home use.

Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3

Rating: 4.8

The first number is a router made by the famous Chinese company Xiaomi, known for its high-quality, stylish and mostly inexpensive smartphones.

This model covers all current Wi-Fi standards - 802.11a / b / g / n / ac and can work on both frequencies used in this technology - 2.4 and 5 GHz. The highest connection speed possible is 867 Mbit / s. There is support for MIMO technology, in which the bandwidth is expanded due to the operation of several antennas.

The hardware features of the router are as follows. In addition to 128 MB of RAM, there is also a flash memory of the same volume. Due to this, the router can simultaneously perform the functions of a compact file server. Receive-transmit power is provided by four fixed 6 dBi antennas. Two LAN ports of 100 Mbps are used for switching. There is also a USB 2.0 Type A socket. The device dimensions are 195x24x131 mm, weight - 220 g.

By software, the router has the following built-in functions: firewall, data encryption using WEP, WPA and WPA2 algorithms, DHCP server, NAT, Web-based interface. The downside is that the interface “out of the box” will only be in Chinese, and to install at least English you will need to install a plugin.

TP-LINK Archer C20 (RU)

Rating: 4.7

Now in our ranking is another good "Chinese" from perhaps the most famous among the mainstream consumer of the manufacturer of telecommunications equipment TP-LINK.

The coverage of wireless standards for this model is exactly the same as the previous one, that is, as wide as possible. But the maximum connection speed is two times lower - 433 Mbit / s. Transmitter power is 20 dBM. Supports WDS technology, which allows you to combine several access points wirelessly, thereby expanding the coverage of Wi-Fi without wires.

The wired switching capacity of this router is wider than that of the previous model - 4 LAN ports at 100 Mbps. Three fixed external antennas are installed. The overall dimensions of the device - 230x35x144 mm.

The router can operate in bridge mode, establish a guest network, and perform static routing. It also contains the following functional software tools: firewall, NAT, SPI, DHCP server, demilitarized zone, VPN. Dynamic DNS, PPTP, L2TP, IPSec are supported. Data encryption is based on WEP, WPA or WPA2 algorithms.

Access to the entire program part is carried out through a fairly convenient web interface. There is also a separate application for wearable gadgets for remote configuration of the router from a wearable gadget.

ZYXEL Keenetic Lite III (Rev. B)

Rating: 4.6

Now, in our ranking, there is a router from a manufacturer well known to the very first Internet users, when it could only be received via a regular telephone switched network.

As regards the coverage of wireless standards, this router has a serious limitation - it works only according to the 802.11n standard with a frequency of 2.4 GHz, and this noticeably loses to the two previous models. The upper limit of the connection speed is 300 Mbps, there is support for MIMO.

This model contains 64 MB of RAM memory and in addition 8 MB of flash memory. There are four LAN ports at 100 Mbps similar to the previous model. Two fixed 5 dBi external antennas are installed. Behind the body is a physical switch that puts the device in router mode, adapter, amplifier or access point. The dimensions of the router body are 140x30x103 mm, the total weight is 180 g.

The software includes a firewall, NAT, SPI, DHCP server, the demilitarized zone function, VPN with support for pass through, PPTP, L2TP, IPSec, dynamic routing. Implemented support for Dynamic DNS, Telnet, SkyDNS, Yandex.DNS. Data encryption protocols are WEP, WPA, WPA2 and 802.1x. Built-in technologies Link Duo and TVport.

In addition to the built-in web interface, a mobile application has also been released for this model for setting up on Android and iOS.

Keenetic Start (KN-1110)

Rating: 4.5

And at the end of the budget rating of Wi-Fi routers, we will consider another model, which is very similar in characteristics to the previous one, but differs in some interesting points.

Coverage of Wi-Fi standards, connection speed limit, information security protocols, RAM and flash memory volumes - all these characteristics are completely analogous to the previous model considered.

The switch consists of three LAN ports of 100 Mbps each. Two powerful fixed antennas are installed, which are actually printed circuit boards all over the plane inside the enclosures. Dimensions of the device are 107x26x91 mm, weight - 132 g.

The router can work in the repeater mode, establish a guest network, connect to several providers at once via the Multi-WAN function. As regards the availability of functional tools, there is almost the same set as the previous model: firewall, NAT, SPI, DHCP server, VPN with pass through support and 10 tunnels, Dynamic DNS, PPTP, IPSec, Telnet support, SkyDNS and Yandex .Dns.

This model also released a separate mobile application, with which the router can be configured directly from a smartphone without the need to connect to a computer.

Best Wi-Fi routers in terms of price-quality ratio

Now we come to the most voluminous group of the rating, where we consider as many as eight models, which experts of expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ considered optimal both in terms of functionality and quality, and in terms of cost.

ASUS RT-AC66U

Rating: 4.9

Let's start with an interesting model from the well-known and reputable Taiwanese manufacturer ASUS.

The router covers all current wireless standards and the two used bands are 2.4 and 5 GHz. At the same time, it can operate in two bands simultaneously. Implemented support for MIMO technology. The speed of the wireless connection is up to 1750 Mbps.

Equipped with RAM - 256 MB, there is also flash memory in the amount of 128 MB. The switch includes four high-speed LAN ports of 1000 Mbps each. There are two USB 2.0 Type A connectors for connecting peripherals or for direct connection to a computer. Three external antennas (removable) are installed. In addition to the wired internet, you can connect a 3G modem or LTE modem to the router. The dimensions of the device are 207x36x149 mm, the total weight is 450 g.

The router can also work in the bridge or repeater mode, establish a guest network. Standard features and tools include FireWall, NAT, SPI, DHCP server, DMZ, VPN, PPTP, L2TP, IPSec. Dynamic DNS and WDS technology are supported. WEP, WPA and WPA2 data encryption. Advanced features include file server, UPnP AV server and FTP server.

Huawei B525

Rating: 4.8

The second position in the group of the rating of optimal Wi-Fi routers is devoted to the model from one of the world's largest manufacturers of telecommunications equipment - the Chinese company Huawei Technologies.

The first thing to turn your attention to is that there are no external antennas in this model, only two internal ones. Accordingly, the router does not have strongly protruding elements and is convenient in placement. Covers all existing Wi-Fi standards and both bands. It has built-in support for 3G, LTE, MIMO technology. It can connect at speeds up to 1300 Mbps.

The switch consists of four high-speed LAN ports of 1000 Mbit / s. There is a USB 2.0 Type A connector, which serves as an interface for the embedded print server. The communication capabilities of the router are expanded with two SMA sockets for connecting external antennas for 3G and LTE standards, as well as an RJ-11 connector for an analog telephone. Dimensions of the device - 226x163x52 mm, weight - 370 g.

Software tools for this model are as follows: FireWall, NAT, DHCP server, IPv6 support and Dynamic DNS. Encryption on the three main protocols. Extended dopfunktsiya - fileserver.

MikroTik RB2011UiAS-2HnD-IN

Rating: 4.8

The third number in this group of rating is the production router of the Latvian company MikroTik. The devices of this manufacturer are known for their reliability, high efficiency and almost unprecedented configuration flexibility. Even outwardly, this model looks solid and “adult”, reminding the network equipment of modern data centers. Its dimensions are 214x44.45x86 mm, and weight - 230 g.

The router works according to the 802.11n standard at 2.4 GHz with a maximum connection speed of 300 Mbps over the air. There is built-in support for MIMO. Transmitter power is 30 dBM. The router can also work in bridge mode (bridge).

This model is characterized by a rather bright hardware-electronic part. All calculations are controlled by the Atheros AR9344 central processor at a frequency of 600 MHz. Installed RAM memory type NAND in the amount of 128 MB and the same amount of internal memory. The temperature of the processor and PCB is monitored by special sensors.The switching part consists of five 10/100 Ethernet LAN ports and five more 10/100/1000 high-speed Ethernet ports. On the 10th port, the router can distribute PoE-powered. SFP port and microUSB socket are also available. The wireless signal goes through two fixed 4 dBi antennas. To display important information, the device is equipped with an LCD display on the top panel.

The software part also has a fairly wide functionality. Here is a complete set of the most popular features and tools: FireWall, NAT, DHCP server, VPN with tunnel support, SNMP support, and more. Information protection is carried out by encryption on four common protocols. Two protocols RIP v1 and v2 for dynamic routing.

The web interface gives you access to the finest settings that, with a certain qualification, allow you to “squeeze” the maximum performance out of the router. Our experts consciously identified this circumstance at the same time as an advantage and a disadvantage, since it was in such a polar way that the views of real users were divided.

D-link DIR-882

Rating: 4.7

Further, in the ranking of the best routers from expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/, we consider a model from the manufacturer, well known to the absolute majority of users. Routers of this brand are widely recognized precisely for its affordability with good technical characteristics.

This model covers all Wi-Fi standards and both frequencies. It can distribute the Internet at once in two ranges simultaneously. The peculiarity of this model is the high maximum connection speed in the air - 2532 Mbit / s. Supported MIMO. Transmitter power is 15 dBM. The router can also be switched to repeater or bridge mode.

The amount of RAM-memory in this model is exactly the same as the previous one - 128 MB, but the built-in memory is much less - 16 MB. The switch includes four high-speed Gigabit LAN ports. There is one USB Type A 2.0 and 3.0 interface. Four antennas 5 dBi fixed type are installed. The overall dimensions of the device - 259x46x184 mm, weight - 565 g.

The software and functional part of the device includes the following tools and functions: encryption of four common protocols; guest network; firewall; NAT; additional verification of SPI packets; DHCP server; DMZ; static routing; Dynamic routing on four protocols (IGMP and RIP of two versions); Advanced VPN; IPSec, IPv6, Dynamic DNS and Telnet support. Additional advanced features include: FTP server, file server, UPnP AV server, print server, SafeDNS content filtering services and Yandex.DNS.

Keenetic Giga (KN-1010)

Rating: 4.6

Now within the framework of the ranking from expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ we will consider another router, which impressed many users with its wide capabilities and other positive qualities. The manufacturer of the model is a well-known and reputable company ZYXEL.

Like the previous model, this router works by all standards Wi-Fi, including it can operate synchronously in both bands. It can carry out the connection by air at speeds up to 1267 Mbps. Supports work in bridge mode and repeater, MIMO technology.

The router has RAM memory of 256MB and built-in flash memory of 128MB. The switch consists of four high-speed gigabit ports. There are two USB sockets - standards 2.0 and 3.0. Four fixed 5 dBi antennas are installed. A 3G or LTE cellular modem can be connected to the router as an Internet source. An important advantage of this model is the presence of a combined SFP / RJ-45 port through which you can connect a fiber-optic cable. On the case there are two hardware buttons for which you can assign any function. Dimensions of the device - 214x33x154 mm, weight - 488 g

In terms of software and functionality, the capabilities of this model are as wide as the previous one. There is a built-in print server, data encryption for all common protocols, a protective firewall, comprehensive VPN support with ten tunnels, the ability to directly access via Telnet for fine-tuning, and much more. An important additional function is the ability to connect external modules that extend the functionality, for example, Keenetic Plus DSL.

Linksys EA6350

Rating: 4.5

The next position in this group of rating is a router from the American company Linksys, which has long since gained worldwide fame.

The device works on all Wi-Fi standards and on both frequencies, in two bands can function in parallel. The maximum connection speed "by air" is 1167 Mbit / s.

The switch consists of four high-speed gigabit ports. There is also a USB 3.0 Type A connector. Signal transmission and coverage are provided by two powerful non-removable antennas. In addition to operational, the device also contains built-in flash memory. The dimensions of the router body are 256x40x184 mm, weight is 501 g.

The software of the router contains a wide range of functions and capabilities. This is data encryption on the three most common protocols with a 64- or 128-bit key; protective firewall; DHCP server; NAT; SPI and stuff. There are useful additional functions, such as the ability to work as a file server, as well as FTP and UPnP AV servers, setting up a guest network, parental control, Beamforming technology (using wave interference to amplify and stabilize the signal).

This model is provided with an extended warranty from the manufacturer for a period of 36 months.

NETGEAR R6400

Rating: 4.4

The next position in this group of rating is a high-performance router from another American company - NETGEAR.

Like a number of previous models, this router works on all standards and on all bands, including synchronously on two frequencies. The speed limit for Wi-Fi connection is 1750 Mbps.

The amount of RAM in this model is 256MB, in addition there is a built-in memory of 128MB. Switching capabilities are similar to the previous model - four high-speed gigabit ports. Additional interfaces - two USB jacks of standards 2.0 and 3.0 (Type A). Signal transmission goes through three outdoor antennas. Device dimensions without antennas - 285x62x183mm, total weight - 709 g.

The software functionality of this model is in many respects similar to the previous version. There are a set of required features and tools - FireWall, network address translation service (NAT), support for "long" IP addresses, additional verification of SPI packets, encryption using three protocols, a guest network, a DHCP server, DMZ, static and dynamic routing, VPN with all the features. There are also additional functions - file server, print server, UPnP AV server.

Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3G

Rating: 4.4

And at the end of the rating group the optimal Wi-Fi routers, we consider the model from the famous Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi. This is one of the most striking solutions in this review group from expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/, since the functionality, quality and a number of other positive qualities far outweigh the already affordable cost.

Similarly, with a number of previous models, the router works on all Wi-Fi standards and on both frequencies, it can simultaneously distribute the Internet in two bands. Due to this coverage, there is no effect of speed cuts when interacting with devices containing Wi-Fi modules of different generations.It is connected by air at speeds up to 1167 Mbit / s. Built-in support for MIMO technology.

In terms of electronics performance, this is perhaps the most powerful model in the group. The computing center is the dual-core (MIPS) microprocessor platform MediaTek MT7621, operating in four streams at a frequency of 880 MHz. RAM-256MB RAM, built-in permanent memory-128MB.

The switch consists of two high-speed Gigabit ports for the local network. To connect the peripheral interface serves USB Type A standard 3.0. The signal goes through four fixed antennas. The device is extremely compact and light, as for such opportunities: dimensions - 195x24x131mm, weight - 216 g

In terms of software, this model is not inferior to most previous ones. There are all the necessary functions and tools: FireWall, NAT packet forwarding, encryption on the three main protocols, DHCP server and so on. Also there are additional functions - FTP-server and file server. Separately, it is worth emphasizing an important advantage - the signal power can be adjusted for each channel separately. In addition to the device itself, a multifunctional mobile application for configuration and management has been released.

The only tangible (but solvable) minus of this model is that in its pure form “out of the box” you get the web interface only in Chinese. But the problem is simply solved by installing an alternative firmware, especially since the router was initially adapted for expanding the software functionality.

Best Wi-Fi routers top level

Now we are moving to a no less interesting group of our rating - top-level Wi-Fi routers, characterized by the highest performance, advanced functionality, availability of useful additional functions and, in general, higher quality and stability of work. Our experts identified four models of different brands - NETGEAR, ASUS, TP-LINK and Apple.

NETGEAR D8500

Rating: 4.9

Let's start right away with the most powerful, productive and multi-functional production model of the American company NETGEAR. This is the most expensive router among the top devices selected by our experts, but even a quick glance at its characteristics is enough to realize that this machine is definitely worth the money.

When planning the installation of the router, it is worth considering its very impressive physical parameters: dimensions - 316x74x264 mm, weight - 1967. In addition to the four internal antennas, the device contains four rather massive non-removable external antennas. The antennas are active, that is, they are capable of independently amplifying their own signal and eliminating interference from the motherboard.

The router covers all existing Wi-Fi connection standards and both frequencies used by this technology. It can simultaneously distribute the Internet in both ranges. Supports advanced MU-MIMO technology, which reduces latency and simultaneously streams to multiple devices.

This model is characterized by an almost unprecedented maximum speed of connection over the air - 5332 Mbit / s. This speed is achieved through a combination of three-band coverage (Tri-Band) and broadcast in four streams simultaneously. The patented Smart Connect technology allows you to automatically make an intelligent choice of the optimal range for each device connected through the air.

The center of all the electronics of the router is a powerful 2-core processor at 1.4 GHz. Another important factor in exceptional speed is the increased amount of RAM-512 MB. There is also a built-in 128MB permanent memory. The switch consists of six high-speed gigabit ports. The ability to aggregate two ports is built in to further increase the speed of wire broadcasting. To connect additional devices, there are two USB Type A ports of generations 2.0 and 3.0.An incoming connection can be digital telephony - the router supports ADSL and ADSL2 + technologies. Built-in print server function.

By software, the router provides the user with a wide selection of tools and functions that are repeatedly listed above in the descriptions of other models. Some functions may vary depending on the modifications, and this point will need to be clarified at the point of sale.

ASUS RT-AC87U

Rating: 4.9

The second item in the top routers group is the high-performance model from ASUS. By its characteristics, this device is significantly inferior to the above described “monster” from NETGEAR, but with it, by definition, few people can bear it, therefore this is not a disadvantage. The model is noticeably smaller and lighter than the previous one: dimensions - 290x48x168 mm, weight - 747 g.

The router works on all existing standards and frequencies, can synchronously broadcast in two bands, supports MIMO. It can be connected by air at speeds up to 2334 Mbit / s. Equipped with 256 MB of RAM. Broadcast goes through four removable antennas. The switch includes four high-speed Gigabit LAN ports. Incoming connections - wired WAN-port and support for 3G or LTE-modem (connected via USB). There are two USB Type A interfaces for generations 2.0 and 3.0. There is a built-in print server function with USB connection.

The software and functional capabilities of the router are as follows. In addition to the router function, the device can also operate in bridge mode. It is possible to provide guest access with a time limit, parental control. VPN function with comprehensive support for features (tunnels, OpenVPN client, PPTP VPN server, etc.). Data protection is carried out by 64-bit and 128-bit encryption using any of the three most common protocols. There is a set of other important functions - FireWall, NAT, and more.

In this model, the manufacturer has placed a serious emphasis on security and protection against unauthorized access - intrusion detection, repeating DoS attacks, etc.

The warranty from the manufacturer for this model is 36 months.

TP-LINK Archer C3200

Rating: 4.8

The next position in this group of rating is a powerful multifunctional tri-band router of the world-famous Chinese brand TP-LINK. The device is made in a spectacular futuristic design, body size - 200x39x200mm.

Similar to previous models, this router covers all communication standards and both frequencies used in Wi-Fi technology. Able to broadcast synchronously in three bands and connect with devices over the air at speeds up to 3200 Mbps. A strong signal is provided by a powerful 20 dBM transmitter and six high-performance non-removable external antennas.

The electronics of the router is controlled by a powerful central processor at 1 GHz frequency and three additional co-processors. This bundle ensures stable operation of many connections without breaks and delays. The switch includes four high-speed gigabit ports. Additional interfaces - USB Type A standards 2.0 and 3.0.

The software of the router includes all the most popular functions, tools and services: encryption of data using three common protocols, guest connection with time limit, FireWall, NAT packet forwarding, intrusion tracking, DHCP server, demilitarized zone, static and dynamic routing support for "long" ip-addresses, VPN service with ten tunnels and support for pass through, support for L2TP and IPSec. Advanced features include FTP service, file server and UPnP AV server.

The device uses innovative Smart Connect technology, which performs intelligent selection of the optimal channel and mode for each device, depending on the characteristics of the third-party Wi-Fi module, thereby optimally distributing the load on the network and ensuring stable, uninterrupted communication.

Apple Time Capsule 2Tb ME177

Rating: 4.8

And at the end of the rating review of top routers from expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/, we will look at something unusual. This is a router manufactured by the legendary Apple. It is made in the original design in the form of a “capsule” with dimensions of 98x168x98 mm and a weight of 1480 g. But the appearance is not the main quality of the device, as the router is characterized by outstanding performance, power and other properties, which we will consider in more detail.

A router works, as expected, on all standards and frequencies, in two bands it can work in parallel. It can connect to devices over the air at speeds up to 1300 Mbps. A high power transmitter is used - 32 dBM, which provides extensive coverage.

The switch includes three high-speed Gigabit ports, there is an additional USB 2.0 Type A interface. Inside there is a stationary hard disk with a capacity of 2048 GB, which is used as a file server and home cloud storage.

In terms of software, this model is not inferior to others in the group. There is a built-in print server function, guest connection with appropriate restrictions, FireWall, NAT packet forwarding, full VPN support, data encryption using four protocols,

To configure the router, you can use the proprietary utility AirPort Utility.

Best Mobile (Pocket) Wi-Fi Routers

And now we come to the final group of devices in our rating - these are miniature routers that are convenient to use in conditions of frequent movements or even directly on the road.

Huawei E5577

Rating: 4.9

Consider first of all an interesting mobile router made by the Chinese company Huawei, well known for its high-quality and low-cost telecommunications equipment. Dimensions of the device - 97x17x58 mm, weight - 110 g.

The router is optimized for receiving and distributing the Internet via a SIM card of a mobile operator using 4G technology, but also has 3G support. Wireless communication (distribution) is carried out according to the Wi-Fi 802.11n standard on two frequencies used in the technology. Connection to local devices over the air can be made at speeds up to 300 Mbps.

The actual rates of reception / transmission are as follows. The reception speed limit for 3G is 42.2 Mbit / s, for 4G it is up to 150 Mbit / s. The limit of the speed of return for 3G is 5.76 Mbit / s, for 4G it is 50 Mbit / s.

The hardware of the router is characterized by very impressive characteristics, which in some places are not inferior to stationary models. So, RAM-memory here is installed as much as 128 MB and the same amount of internal memory. You can add memory by using a microSD card — the router can act as a file server. The built-in 1500 mAh battery provides autonomous operation for up to six hours. On the case there are two TS-9 sockets for connecting external antennas.

The router can also operate in repeater mode, has a built-in DHCP server function, and provides encryption using three main protocols.

The warranty from the manufacturer for this model is 36 months.

D-LINK DIR-506L

Rating: 4.8

Further, in the group of mobile Wi-Fi routers, there follows an interesting model from D-LINK. With all the "pockets" of the device, the router is equipped with a number of hardware interfaces, significantly expanding its capabilities. The dimensions of the router are 103x22x80 mm, weight - 125 g.

The device operates within the standard Wi-Fi 802.11n at 2.4 GHz. It can connect to local devices over the air at speeds up to 150 Mbps. The router is able to function as an access point, wireless repeater and network file storage.

In this model, as in the previous one, there is support for two high-speed mobile communication technologies - 3G and LTE. Unlike the Huawei router described above, here we have a hardware internal LAN port at 100 Mbps. Also available is USB 2.0 Type A.

The software and functionality of this pocket model is quite comparable with good stationary options. So, here we have three protocols encryption, NAT packet forwarding, intrusion tracking, the ability to establish a guest connection with restrictions, UPnP AV server, FireWall, dynamic routing, comprehensive VPN support, DHCP server.

This model is also characterized by decent autonomy thanks to the capacious Pentax D-L17 battery with a significant resource.

Huawei E8372

Rating: 4.7

And at the end of this rating group, and in the whole review of the best Wi-Fi routers from expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/, we will consider another Huawei production model. This is quite a miniature device with dimensions of 30x14x94 mm and a weight of 40 g.

The model is optimized for Internet reception in LTE mobile networks, but also supports 3G, EDGE, GPRS, GSM and HSPA + networks. In fact, this device is a modem with built-in Internet distribution via Wi-Fi.

It is connected to the computer via the USB interface, the power supply also goes via USB. There is a connector for an external antenna. The capabilities of a modem router allow you to connect to it by air up to ten devices simultaneously. There is a slot for microSD memory cards up to 32 GB.

The actual speed characteristics are as follows. The speed limit for receiving is 42.7 Mb / s for 3g, 150 Mb / s for LTE, 236.8 Kbps for 2 g. The speed limit on the return - 5.72mb / s for 3g and 50mb / s for LTE.

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Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.