If one or more of your devices will be streaming video from a service such as Netflix, or connecting to an online gaming service, the less crowded 5GHz band offers significantly more throughput with minimal signal interference. That said, it is perfectly adequate for tasks like web surfing and connecting to social media services like Facebook and Twitter. However, it doesn't offer the fat pipe and high-speed access that you get with the 5GHz band.Īdditionally, the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band has to compete with other devices in the home that use the same frequency, such as microwave ovens, Bluetooth gear, and wireless phones. The 2.4GHz band operates at a lower frequency than the 5GHz band and offers better range because it is more adept at penetrating walls and other structures. Nowadays, any router worth its salt will offer at least two radio bands, a 2.4GHz band and a 5GHz band. Below we guide you through choosing a router that will handle your current and future wireless networking needs, and offer our top picks to get you started. But if you have several family members vying for bandwidth for things like streaming Netflix video and playing PC games online, a new router with modern management capabilities can make a world of difference and help keep the peace. If you're looking for a lower price rather than a big bundle of bleeding-edge features, check out this list of budget routers. Not everybody needs the kind of performance that you get with the latest and greatest models, and there's no reason to pay for features that you will likely never use.
When you're shopping for a new wireless router, it's best to start by considering the size of your coverage area and the number of clients you need to support, as well as the types of devices that you'll be connecting.
Best small business routers of 2018 software#