Which Router to Choose for An Apartment or at Home? Which is better?

Routers are boring devices. Well, you must agree. And the process of choosing a router is no less boring and complicated, because we simply do not follow the development of wi-fi technology itself, we are not interested in characteristics, novelties, etc. We just don’t need it. And this is normal. Router is such a device that we buy, configure and it is somewhere there to dust. We remember about it only when the Internet starts to glitch or stops working at all. And about the choice and purchase of a new router in your home or apartment, we start to think only when the old router stops working at all, or the connection speed drops, disconnected devices, etc. Not always and not all, of course, but in most cases it is so. Four years ago I wrote a similar article, but it’s already outdated. So, I decided to update it and tell you about choosing a router.

To be honest, not much has changed on the router market in 4 years. Of course there are new models, and even manufacturers. Dual-band routers with support for 802.11ac (wi-fi 5 GHz) have become cheaper, there are new devices – Wi-Fi Mesh systems, and routers with support for the new standard Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) have just started to appear. This is a must know when choosing a Wi-Fi router in 2020. In this article, I will cover it in more detail.

What to look for when choosing a router in 2020?

Such standard characteristics as wireless speed, WAN/LAN ports, availability of USB and some features – these are all very important, and we will talk more about it. But first, let’s look at what has changed in the router market over the past few years. Roughly from when you were choosing your previous router. If, of course, you had a router before that. If you’re just choosing your first router (it’s the same thing, read more in What is a router? How does a Wi-Fi router differ from a router?), you’ll find this information just as useful.

Dual-band routers are what’s hot right now

If a few years ago, routers with support for the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard (dual-band, which operate at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) were just beginning to appear on the market, were something new and expensive for the buyer, in 2020 they are already common routers, which are very much on the market, and their prices are more than adequate. For example, one of the most affordable dual-band Wi-Fi routers costs $21 (Netis N4 AC1200, Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A). Yes, a regular router (2.4 GHz, 802.11n) can be bought even half as cheap, for $10. This is the cheapest one. But whether such savings are necessary is a question. Interesting fact: Wi-Fi 802.11ac (wi-fi 5) is not the newest standard, so routers with support for the latest 802.11ax (aka Wi-Fi 6) are already on sale.

What is the advantage of dual-band routers: simultaneous support of two bands. The router simultaneously distributes Wi-Fi network at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Thanks to the 5 GHz frequency, there is support for the modern 802.11ac standard (it works only on this frequency). Compared to the previous 802.11n standard, the speed is much faster. And the advantage of the 5 GHz frequency is that it is not so heavily loaded with neighboring networks and other interference (compared to 2.4 GHz). Simply put, the speed when connecting in the 5 GHz range will be higher, and the connection is more stable. True, the range of the Wi-Fi network itself will be a little smaller. Read more in the article: what is a dual-band Wi-Fi router (Dual-Band wi-fi).

Conclusions: in 2020, I recommend choosing dual-band wi-fi routers. Especially if you choose a router in an apartment where the 2.4 GHz band is heavily loaded. These routers are already affordable, there are a lot of them (there is a lot to choose from), and the advantages over conventional routers (2.4 GHz, 802.11n) are more than obvious. In addition, almost all devices (since 2013-14) have support for the AC standard and work with Wi-Fi networks in the 5 GHz range. I mean phones, tablets and other devices.

wi-fi Mesh systems – convenient, efficient and not very expensive anymore

As soon as Wi-Fi Mesh systems started appearing on the market, they were very expensive. Not much time has passed, but due to the fact that almost every manufacturer has a line of Mesh systems (several different models), and they released simpler and more affordable models, now these devices are no longer associated with something unrealistically expensive.

A quick word about Wi-Fi Mesh systems: they are the same Wi-Fi routers, but with a few serious advantages:

1. Mesh systems are usually sold in sets of one, two, or three modules They are also dual-band, 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz. You can add more if you need them. So, each module is a separate router. But these modules can be very easily combined into one network. This makes it possible to build a large Wi-Fi network.
   
   In a big house, or an apartment. Or in a house and its attached buildings, in the yard. We can extend (strengthen) the Wi-Fi network simply by installing another module.
2. This Wi-Fi network that multiple Wi-Fi Mesh modules create is seamless. This means that devices within the entire range of the network keep a stable connection without discontinuity when switching between the modules themselves (for example, when moving around the house). This is called a seamless Wi-Fi network, or fast roaming on a Wi-Fi network. You can read more about it in this article.
3. It’s very simple to install, set up, and manage. Everything is done through an app from your mobile device.

A separate article about these devices: wi-fi Mesh systems – what is it and why is the future for Mesh networks?

Such a Wi-Fi network (seamless and expandable by installing additional modules) cannot be built from two ordinary routers, or a router and a Wi-Fi signal amplifier. But in 2020, some manufacturers are releasing routers with support for 802.11r, 802.11v standards (which are responsible for fast roaming in Wi-Fi network), which can be combined into a single, seamless Wi-Fi network. For example, these are some models of Keenetic routers (City, Air, Extra, Speedster). Or OneMesh technology from TP-Link, AiMesh from Asus. For example: Archer A7 router (with the latest firmware) + Mesh Wi-Fi signal amplifier TP-Link RE300 = seamless Wi-Fi network. It’s essentially the same Mesh system.

Conclusions: A Wi-Fi Mesh system is the perfect solution for a large house, or apartment. Or in cases where you may need to expand your wireless network. But it’s easier to buy a system of the necessary number of modules than to bother with the selection of a router, amplifier, all this to configure, etc. Unless you already have the same Archer A7 and you need to strengthen the signal. In this case we just buy an amplifier supporting the same technology (standards) and get a seamless wireless network in our house or apartment.

Routers with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) in 2020 – expensive and most likely not needed yet

wi-fi 6, aka 802.11ax, is the newest wi-fi standard. In early 2020, wi-fi routers with wi-fi 6 support are just starting to appear. These are top-of-the-line, unrealistically expensive router models from the strongest network equipment manufacturers (for example: TP-Link Archer AX6000, Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000, GT-AX11000). It is clear that very soon all manufacturers will release routers with 802.11ax support. New models will appear and prices will drop. It will be just like Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) in its time.

While routers with Wi-Fi 6 will be actively bought, it will be a few more years. After all, it’s not just about the router itself, but the devices we connect to it. Only some phones, laptops, tablets, which began to be released closer to the beginning of 2020 have support for Wi-Fi 6. Let me emphasize – only some devices. Such as iPhone 11 Pro, 11 Pro, SAMSUNG Galaxy S20, Galaxy Fold, Note 10, Dell XPS 13 7390, XPS 15 7590 laptops, etc. The newest, top-of-the-line, and most expensive devices. There’s virtually no point in choosing a Wi-Fi 6 router if you don’t have a single device in your house that supports this standard. Of course, over time, Wi-Fi 6 support will actively appear in other, more affordable devices.

Conclusions: Wi-Fi 6, of course, has a lot of advantages: much higher speed, efficiency of Wi-Fi network, stability, security. And that’s very cool! But if we’re talking about buying a router with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) in 2020, it’s still early. Unless you really love all these new technologies, you have modern devices, fast internet. In that case, you can choose one of the few (at the time of writing) routers with Wi-Fi 6 and enjoy the new technology. I think that in 2021 the situation with these devices on the market will not change much.

What do I need to know when choosing a router for an apartment or a private house?

In the process of choosing a router, there are things to consider no matter what year it is. We are talking about those selection criteria that were relevant say five years ago, and will be relevant in another five years. It is possible not to waste time on such articles at all. Just go to the store and buy the first router you come across (as a rule, these are some budget models). You will even connect it without any problems and it will work. But it is quite likely that in six months, or a year, you will again go for a new router. No, not because the old one will break (although, this also happens), but because its capabilities and functionality of the recently purchased router will not be enough for you. Or it will not cope with the tasks that you put on it.

A popular example (many people encounter this): you want to increase the speed, connect to the provider’s tariff not up to 100 Mbit/s, but for example up to 200 Mbit/s. But here it turns out that your router does not have gigabit ports. The ports are limited in speed up to 100 Mbps (and there are a lot of such models on sale now). You either have to give up on speed increase (because there is no sense in it) or buy a new router.

Internet connection method (WAN type)

This is the way the router connects to the internet (internet service provider). The WAN port on the router is the input for the Internet. In most cases, the ISP runs a regular network cable with an RJ-45 connector into the apartment. Practically on all routers WAN-port is Ethernet (under this very ordinary network cable). This is the most popular option.

It happens that the Internet from the telephone line (connector RJ-11, it is smaller), in this case you need an ADSL router. In which the incoming WAN-port is designed to connect a telephone cable.

For fiber optic you need a router with a WAN-port SFP. But usually the provider installs a special terminal (a box in which the fiber optic cable is connected ), and already from the terminal the Internet is connected to a regular router via a network cable.

Well and if you have Internet from USB 3G/4G modem, you need a router with support for USB modems.

Speed of WAN/LAN ports

A very important point. Many models of routers, even not very cheap, are equipped with WAN/LAN ports that work at speeds up to 100 Mbit / s (usually in the characteristics written 10/100 Mbit / s). You should realize that it is physically impossible to squeeze out more than 100 Mbps from such a router. This is what I wrote above in the example. If you want to connect a tariff with a higher speed (say up to 200 Mbps), you will have to change the router. This also affects the speed between devices in the local network (which are connected to the router via cable).

In 2020, I would advise buying a router with gigabit WAN/LAN ports. Up to 1 Gbps (10/100/1000 Mbps). It’s often the case that the price difference between a router with gigabit and non-gigabit ports is only a few dollars.

I’m often asked, how is the speed limited to 100 Mbps, if the Wi-Fi speed is claimed to be 1200 Mbps? It’s very simple, wireless speed is the maximum theoretically possible speed based on supported standards and technologies. And a little bit of marketing 🙂

Wi-Fi standard and wireless range

We have to choose one of three options:

1. Routers with 802.11b/g/n support (2.4 GHz frequency only).
2. Dual-band 802.11b/g/n/ac routers (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz).
3. The newest and most expensive routers with 802.11ax support.

I believe that in 2020, the best choice is a dual-band router. One that supports 802.11b/g/n/ac and that operates at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. If there is a lot of money and understanding of why we need it – take a device that supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax).

IPTV support

If your Internet provider provides IPTV service and you use it, then be sure to pay attention to this when choosing a router. Look at the specifications. IPTV support should be stated there. Not all models have it.

Presence of USB-port

For some reason, the presence of a USB port on the router in recent years has not become something popular and very popular among buyers. There are still a lot of models on the market without USB. Perhaps, this functionality is simply not needed by many people. Most often USB-port on the router is used to connect USB-drives and printers, to organize common access. And also USB modems (but the presence of a USB port does not mean that it supports 3G/4G modems, you need to look at the specifications).

I have a router with two USB ports, but I don’t use them at all. I’ve set up file sharing on a flash drive a few times, but somehow it didn’t work for me. Maybe I just don’t need it specifically.

More information can be found in the article: wi-fi router with USB port. How and which one to choose?

If you have the opportunity to take a router with a USB port – take it. If you don’t need it now, it may come in handy in the future.

Number of antennas on the Wi-Fi router

The number of antennas has almost no effect on the range of the Wi-Fi network. On the power of the signal wi-fi. This is more affected by the power of these very antennas, which is measured in dBi. Moreover, the power of all routers is approximately the same. It is limited by the legislation of the country in which these devices are sold. Therefore, for example, if in a three-room apartment one router does not reach the signal to the far room, the other router most likely will not reach it either.

The number of antennas can affect the maximum speed of data transmission over wi-fi, data exchange with devices in several streams (MIMO technology). If you want to choose the best router in terms of signal strength of Wi-Fi network (coverage), you should not focus on the number of antennas. It is better to take a router with more powerful antennas. True, the manufacturer does not always provide information about the power of the installed antennas.

Performance, or what is the difference between a cheap and expensive router?

It is important to understand that there is a difference between a router for 20 and 200 dollars, and it is significant. Just many people think that you can buy the most budget router, and it will work no worse than more expensive models. They both give out wi-fi, what’s the difference? And there is a difference, and it is not only in technical characteristics (supported wi-fi standards, port speed, the presence of a USB port, etc.), but also in performance.

The more expensive the router, the more productive and high-quality hardware installed in it. And from the performance and quality of the processor, chipset installed in the router directly depends on how fast and stable network can be created with the help of this router. How it will work under load, when you connect all your devices to it, whether the speed will drop and ping will increase under load, whether there will be connection failures, hang-ups, etc.

I had a budget router for a long time, now I’ve had an expensive router (costing over $200) installed for over a year – and believe me, there is a difference. This doesn’t mean that everyone needs to buy flagship router models, no. Moreover, I believe that very expensive models are needed only for those people who understand why they need them. Since not everyone will use all the features of a top-of-the-line router.

I would recommend not to choose the most budget models. If you have the opportunity, take something from the middle price range. Dollars for 100. Well, or at least not cheaper than 40-50 dollars.

What router to choose for a large house, or a large apartment in 2020?

That’s a very good question. And it is very good that it arises while still in the process of selection, and not after the purchase. If you have an old router did not cover the entire apartment or private house with signal, or you realize that one router will definitely not be enough, then it is better to take care of it right away. There is probably nothing worse than when after installing a router in some distant rooms does not catch wi-fi. Or, for example, on the second or third floor there is no coverage at all. Or very bad and unstable signal.

For large houses, apartments and even offices in 2020, I recommend choosing Wi-Fi Mesh systems. I already talked about them at the beginning of this article and there I also gave a link to a separate article about these devices. This is an ideal solution for two reasons:

1. By installing additional Mesh system modules, you can extend your Wi-Fi network even to a very large house. I’m not talking about apartments. We buy, for example, a set of two modules. Install them, and if the Wi-Fi coverage is not everywhere we need – just buy and install 1-2 more modules.
2. Seamless Wi-Fi network throughout the house/apartment/office. It’s like having one very powerful router installed.

I don’t recommend buying a regular router and a Wi-Fi signal booster (repeater). They are ineffective. The speed drops a lot, the network is unstable, and clients switch between devices.

If you still do not want to buy a Wi-Fi Mesh system (for example, you need more LAN-ports), but you realize that perhaps one router will not be enough and will have to expand the Wi-Fi network, then choose a router with support for additional standards 802.11r, 802.11v. I also talked about them at the beginning of this article (where we talked about Mesh systems). In the future, you can buy another router or signal booster that supports the same standards and use them to create one seamless Wi-Fi network.

But if you are already initially thinking of buying two routers, or a router and an amplifier (or even worse, several amplifiers), then I strongly recommend you to consider buying a ready-made Wi-Fi Mesh system. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Best routers of 2024

Based on the information that is above, you can already choose your router without problems. Especially since now there is an opportunity to explore different options in online stores, look at prices, read reviews. I do not like to advise any specific models. Since everything is very individual. You need to understand that everyone has different tasks, different budgets, even in appearance not everyone will like the model that I can recommend. And the appearance of the router, this is also very important.

But still, let’s look at a few router models that I could probably recommend in 2020. These are the kind of not-so-cheap and not-so-expensive options that are likely to suit more people. Also at the end, let’s look at a few models of Wi-Fi Mesh systems.

1. TP-Link Archer A7

A good router option for a house or apartment.

It has everything you need:

• Support for two bands and accordingly the 802.11ac standard.
• Gigabit ports.
• USB port.
• Simple and clear web-interface, control through the application.
• Cool appearance.

From similar models you can still look at Archer C1200, Archer A6, Archer C7 and more expensive and productive Archer A9.

You can also read my review of TP-Link Archer A7 router.

Asus RT-AC1750U or Asus RT-AC65P

Interesting models, whose performance and functionality will definitely be enough for home use. Dual-band, with giagbit ports and USB-port of 3.1 standard. Unusual appearance.

If you want a time-tested router, ASUS has RT-AC58U, RT-AC66U, RT-AC1200G+ models. Just carefully study the technical specifications.

D-Link DIR-878, DIR-853, DIR-825

All three routers are dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) and with gambit WAN/LAN ports. The D-Link DIR-878, for example, is more expensive. But it is the most productive and fastest. And for some reason without USB. D-Link DIR-825 is the most affordable option, which is great for a small apartment or house.

If you need a more affordable option, look at D-Link DIR-806A. But it does not have gigabit ports.

Keenetic Viva KN-1910

The manufacturer Keenetic has a fairly large line of Internet centers (routers). One of the optimal (in terms of features and price) models is Keenetic Viva. Of course, it is a dual-band model. WAN/LAN ports support speed up to 1 Gbps, Wi-Fi speed up to 1267 Mbps. There are two USB ports. Support for 3G/4G modems, excellent web interface. Can be used as an ADSL modem, once you purchase and connect a Keenetic Plus DSL adapter.

Keenetic has both more affordable and simple models (e.g. Keenetic Speedster, Keenetic Extra) and more advanced and correspondingly expensive models (Keenetic Giga, Keenetic Ultra). This is probably one of the best home routers for 2020.

Netis WF2780

Probably one of the most affordable and popular dual-band routers in 2020. Its performance is almost as good as more expensive models from other manufacturers. Very popular and affordable model. Of course, the quality of materials and hardware itself may be a little inferior to similar models from TP-Link, or ASUS, but at the price Netis will be cheaper twice.

I had such a Netis WF2780, a normal option. Especially when the budget is limited, but you want to take a modern router.

It may be interesting to read: Netis WF2780 – review, configuration, reviews

There is even more productive, gaming model Netis WF2681 in a red case.

Tenda AC9 and Tenda AC10U

A couple more inexpensive, modern routers, but already from the manufacturer Tenda. Rather serious routers, with excellent characteristics. Both are dual-band and with gigabit ports. There is also a USB port.

Read my review of the Tenda AC9 and Tenda AC10U.

There are even more affordable options (from dual-band). For example, the Tenda AC5 or the Tenda AC8.

Mercusys AC12G

Another affordable manufacturer. And their most popular router is the Mercusys AC12G. I recommend considering the Mercusys AC12G specifically. There’s an even cheaper Mercusys AC12 out there, but it doesn’t have gigabit ports. But as an option, if you don’t need fast WAN/LAN ports, you can look at the AC12 as well.

I had this model on my review: Mercusys AC12 Router Review.

Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A Gigabit Edition

When considering routers from Xiaomi, I would choose the Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A Gigabit Edition model in 2020. Or rather, I would incorrectly not buy a Xiaomi router at all. No, not because they are some bad ones, I just don’t really like them. And many people have different problems in the process of customization. But if you like tech from Xiaomi, then consider the Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A Gigabit Edition.

It’s a regular dual-band router with giagbit ports. There’s an even more affordable model, the Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A. It doesn’t have gigabit ports. The appearance and price of these routers certainly attracts the attention of buyers.

Options from other manufacturers

• MikroTik: hAP ac², hAP ac lite tower, hAP ac.
• Huawei: model Huawei WS5200.
• Totolink: model A3002RU 6617.
• Strong 750.

Note that I have above considered only optimal (in my opinion) models of routers that are suitable for home use, and that can be recommended for purchase even at the end of 2020. And most likely they will be relevant in 2021 as well. There are a huge number of other routers on the market, both more affordable and more expensive and advanced. Choose a model based on your requirements and budget. But I would not advise you to save a lot on a router.

Choosing a Wi-Fi Mesh system in 2020

Not even all network equipment manufacturers have released their Mesh systems yet. But despite this, the choice is already decent. As a rule, the manufacturer releases a line of Mesh systems from several models. This line includes devices that differ in their capabilities, performance and, of course, price. We will consider one model each from the most popular manufacturers. I will be upsetting the optimal (in my opinion) variants of Wi-Fi Mesh systems for a house or a large apartment.

TP-Link Deco M4.

Cool Mesh system, review of which you can read in a separate article: TP-Link Deco M4 – review of Wi-Fi Mesh-system, features, characteristics.

I also recommend you to consider a similar, but more affordable model TP-Link Deco E4. In the line of Mesh systems Deco has more affordable options. For example, the most affordable one is TP-Link Deco E3.

ASUS Lyra Mini MAP-AC1300.

ASUS has a more modest range of Mesh systems. There are no affordable options like TP-Link. But ASUS Lyra Mini MAP-AC1300 is quite an interesting Mesh system, so I recommend you to consider it if you choose a Mesh system for your home.

Also ASUS has another interesting model Lyra Trio, but it will be a bit more expensive.

Tenda Nova MW5s

Tenda also has a whole line of Mesh systems, but the most optimal model in my opinion: Tenda Nova MW5s.

To get a closer look at these Tenda systems, you can read my review of the Tenda Nova MW6.

I would also advise you to consider Mesh systems from other manufacturers. For example: Linksys Velop Intelligent Mesh Wi-Fi System, Ubiquiti AmpliFi High Density

What to choose in the end?

It’s up to you! I can only give some advice, voice my thoughts on this issue. But this will be exclusively my subjective opinion. The way I would choose a router in 2020-2021 for myself or my friends.

Let’s summarize:

• If the apartment, or house is very large (or in the near future is planned to move), one router will not be enough (in terms of Wi-Fi network coverage), then I advise you to immediately buy a Wi-Fi Mesh system.
• I recommend looking at only dual-band routers (with support for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) and 802.11ac standard.
• It is desirable to choose a model with giagbit WAN/LAN ports.
• Try not to buy the cheapest router models. Even if you choose a regular router (2.4 GHz, 802.11n), it is better to consider older models that have been on the market for a long time. For example, such as TP-link TL-WR841N.
• Carefully study the technical specifications and read customer reviews in online stores. True, there are not rarely bought reviews, but it is not difficult to distinguish them from the real ones.
• As for routers with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), I believe that their time has not come yet. It’s still early. But if you have money and really want one, you can buy one.

I will be glad to answer your questions in the comments. Just please, let’s not ask to recommend a particular model 🙂 You also do not forget to share useful information on the topic of choosing a Wi-Fi router, maybe you have some interesting experience in this case.

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Ramón

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