If your household (or your office) is like most people’s these days, it takes a whole lot of bandwidth to keep everything running. Computers, phones, tablets, wireless assistants, and let’s not forget streaming video and audio. So you’ll probably need a bulletproof access point to handle all of that. These are four of the best wireless routers on the market.
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Synology RT2600ac
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/synology-rt2600ac/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: The RT2600 has long range, fast Wi-Fi speed and plenty of features. The router can host more than one broadband connection, and also works as a robust network storage server when coupled with an external hard drive. It also includes state of the art firmware that delivers a stellar set of extra features.
The bad: There’s no support for combining two LAN ports into a single superfast connection and you might wish the router had more than five network ports.
The cost: $209.99 to $239.95
The bottom line: If you’re looking to create a fast and highly customizable home network with advanced features, look no further than the RT2600AC.
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Google Wifi
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/google-wifi/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: Google Wifi is easy to use and a breeze to set up. It has strong Wi-Fi coverage and fast speed. It costs a lot less than other mesh Wi-Fi systems.
The bad: A Google account and a mobile device are required for setup and management. It doesn’t have many advanced features or customizable network settings.
The cost: $119.00 to $129.00
The bottom line: Google Wifi is the best Wi-Fi system on the market.
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Asus ROG Rapture GT-AC5300
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/asus-rog-rapture-gt-ac5300/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The GT-AC5300 has fast performance, excellent Wi-Fi range and includes loads of unique gaming-centric features. The router has free built-in lifetime protection against online threats, has eight Gigabit LAN ports, and can combine two of them into a superfast connection.
The bad: The router is bulky, expensive and generally overkill for most homes’ needs. Its interface can be daunting, and its mobile app only works locally.
The cost: $388.99 to $466.00
The bottom line: The Asus GT-AC5300 is the ultimate Wi-Fi router for hardcore gamers and geeks.
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Amped Wireless Ally Plus Whole Home Smart Wi-Fi System
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/amped-wireless-ally-plus-whole-home-smart-wi-fi-system/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The Ally Plus broadcasts fast Wi-Fi coverage over a large area. It includes both a well-designed mobile app and an in-depth web interface, plus more features than other competing home mesh systems.
The bad: The system doesn’t have a dedicated backhaul band and you can’t connect the extender unit to the router unit via a network cable to improve performance.
The cost: $259.05 to $259.99
The bottom line: The Ally Plus is a great Wi-Fi system for any large home, but it suits families with both novice and advanced users especially well.
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The following CNET staff contributed to this story: former CNET staff member Dong Ngo and Senior Editor Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, please visit www.cnet.com.
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