If you've read any of our articles on improving your Wi-Fi network, you know that one of our recommendations when nothing else works is to upgrade your router. It's likely your router is at least a few years old, and a newer router is going to have the latest standards, which means better range and more stable connections.
If you have a few gadgets in the house, any basic router is going to work OK for you. However, if you have, or are planning to have, more than a few gadgets, including smart gadgets, you might need something more powerful. Plus, a more expensive router typically has better security and more advanced options. That's why today we're going to look at high-end routers and see what's available if you have some money to spend.
ASUS RT-AC68U Wireless-AC1900 Dual-Band Gigabit Router
This means your newer gadgets can connect to the faster 802.11ac network while keeping your older gadgets around. The router can deliver 1,300 megabits-per-second of bandwidth over 5GHz and 600 megabits-per-second over 2.4GHz. That more than enough for multiple gadgets to be streaming high-definition video.
Where the ASUS really shines through is something called AiRadar. This "beam-forming" technology that directs Wi-Fi coverage to where your gadgets are. This is supposed to cut down on dead spots in your house.
It also includes four Gigabit LAN ports for connecting wired gadgets, along with two USB ports to hook up external storage, USB drives, printers or even a cellular adapter to share over the network. Add in AiProtection built-in security and a dual-core processor to make keep things responsive, and it's a compelling package.
Plus, its ASUSWRT management system is a bit easier to use than the standard router software. And it works on tablets, smartphones or PC for easier setup and control.
Shop the ASUS RT-AC68U on Amazon
Google OnHub (TP-LINK)
The OnHub routers have 13 antennas, six for 5GHz, six for 2.4GHz and one that keeps track of the network and makes adjustments to keep it as strong as possible. Unlike other dual-band routers, you just connect your gadget to the network and the router decides which frequency is going to give you the best experience at the moment. For bandwidth, the OnHub matches the ASUS above at 1,300Mbps for 5GHz and 600Mbps for 2.4GHz.
The TP-LINK OnHub also has a built-in reflector that makes the 2.4GHz network stronger in one direction, which is good for really covering the entire house. There's also a more expensive ASUS OnHub model that does away with the reflector, but lets you assign more bandwidth to specific gadgets with a wave of the hand.
Aside from Wi-Fi, the OnHub also has technology and standards built in that will connect to upcoming smart gadgets, including 802.15.4, Weave, Zigbee and others.
It isn't just the hardware that's impressive; Google has redone the router's software as well. It's controlled via the GoogleOn app, which is available for both Android and Apple gadgets.
GoogleOn shows you what gadgets are connected, how much bandwidth each gadget is using, how fast the network and Internet connection are running, if there are network problems and more.
You can adjust what gadgets get more bandwidth, easily share Wi-Fi passwords with visitors and control your network from outside your home.
Setup is even easy. Just hold the gadget with the GoogleOn app near the router and they sync up using audio tones. No fumbling with IP addresses or passwords to get started.
Of course, there are a few caveats. It only has a single Gigabit LAN port, so you can forget connecting multiple wired gadgets. It also only has a single USB port.
That's not really an omission want to see in a $200 router (that's for the TP-LINK version. The ASUS is $210). However, if you're sure you only need wireless connections, the style and simplicity is worth serious consideration.
Shop the OnHub on Amazon
D-Link AC3200 Ultra Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router
It has the typical 600Mbps 2.4GHz, but is has TWO 1,300Mbps 5GHz networks. Using Smart Connect Technology, the D-Link can assign every gadget to the network that makes the most sense, similar to the OnHub.
So, slower 802.11n gadgets will always connect to the 2.4GHz network, while two 802.11ac gadgets trying to stream high-definition video will each get their own network so they don't interfere. The more gadgets you have, the more intelligently it balances the load so no one network is overwhelmed.
In addition, like the ASUS earlier, the D-Link has Smart Beam Forming technology that sends Wi-Fi in your gadget's direction to reduce dead spots. However, with a 1GHz dual-core processor and six antennas to the ASUS' three, it can handle more gadgets.
Like the ASUS it also includes four Gigabit LAN ports and two USB ports for attaching external storage, printers and other things you want to share on the network.
D-Link has also taken a page from Google's book and streamlined the software. It makes it easier to turn on parental controls, see and block connected gadgets, create guest networks and more.
Of course, that's just the kind of thing you'd expect with a price tag of $277 on Amazon. Yep, this router is actually more expensive than some computers. Then again, if you have a household filled with media-guzzling gadgets, it could be just what you need.
Shop the D-Link AC3200 on Amazon
Bonus:
This router is still in the pre-order stage, but since we're talking about routers with huge price tags, we have to mention it. It's called the Starry Station from Project Decibel.
Of course it's currently pre-ordering for $350, which is hugely expensive. Of course, it's also a stepping stone toward Project Decibel's idea for wireless broadband Internet. Learn more about that intriguing idea.
HTHC Comments
I think spending any more than $175 on a wireless router is crazy. Note that to take advantage of the newer wireless router technology requires your computer to have a 802.11AC compliant wireless network card.
