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It’s a connected world! Smart TVs, computers, smartphones, iPhones, tablets, game consoles, you name them!
You most likely own or use at least one of these devices, and with that comes the need to outfit your home or workplace with a router that can withstand the high demand for WI-FI connectivity.
Xfinity has a wide range of both voice and data subscriptions, and a good wireless router provides the easiest way to get the most out of your data plan.
How do you find the best router? Granted, there’s no router that’s best for everyone, and there would be no need to pay for features you will likely never use. Some of the factors to consider include the number of devices you wish to connect, WI-FI range, speed, WI-FI band, as well as privacy/security settings.
In this article, we have compared the best routers on the market to help you make an informed buy.
Linksys
AC1750
Linksys Dual-Band WiFi Router for Home (Max-Stream AC1750 MU-MIMO Fast Wireless Router)
$79.99
Linksys Dual-Band WiFi Router for Home (Max-Stream AC1750 MU-MIMO Fast Wireless Router)
$79.99
This is an all-round router that accommodates all kinds of devices thanks to MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, and Multiple Output) technology. It’s programmed to distribute bandwidth to all connected devices at the same time and speed. Thus, the whole family can enjoy uninterrupted connectivity.
Part of its popularity has to do with a top speed of 1.7Gps that gives you a consistent signal and also eliminates the need for constant buffering. And as a dual-band router, you can assign a band to a specific set of devices, thereby helping you to free up space for prioritized connections.
This router is equipped with Beamforming technology that focuses wireless signal to connected devices, hence optimizing performance. It’s also easy to set up, even if you have little prior experience. In fact, you don’t need a CD.
With traditional routers, you may have to manually switch between signals as you move around. Unlike them, this router features seamless roaming that automatically taps the strongest signal, and thereby keeps interruptions at a minimum.
To help you keep an eye on your network, the Linksys AC2750 Wireless router features a smart WI-FI app. You can also monitor connections and change passwords through the Linksys website.
NETGEAR
AC1200
NETGEAR AC1200 Dual Band Smart WiFi Router, Fast Ethernet (R6120)
$52.00
NETGEAR AC1200 Dual Band Smart WiFi Router, Fast Ethernet (R6120)
$52.00
Although a bit slower compared to the Linksys AC2750, the NETGEAR R6120-100NAS router still gives you WI-FI speeds up to 300 + 867 Mbps.
Simultaneous dual-band capability helps with management of traffic and interference. You can also wirelessly access and share USB storage
This router also supports most AC devices, including N150s, N300s, and N600s802.11 a/b/g/n. It’s particularly ideal for multi-player online gaming and streaming. On the top panel, you will find LED indicators for power, wired ports, WI-FI, WPS, and USB.
The router significantly simplifies the installation process. You just connect the router to your PC and internet source and then select automatic configuration. However, you can also do it manually. After that, adding new devices to your network is as simple as pushing a button.
In terms of security, you are at liberty to create a network for all guests. That way, your home network –including connected hard drives – is free from intrusion. You will also find the advanced set-up menu from which you can customize configurations and even activate email alerts to notify you of attempts to visit blocked pages.
You can control the router using the NETGEAR genie app. This tool enables you to remotely modify settings, troubleshoot connection problems and also monitor all the connected wireless devices.
TP-Link
AC1750
The TP-Link Archer C7 wireless router perhaps presents the best way to take full advantage of Xfinity’s best data plans. It boasts 1.75Gbps total bandwidth, split into two connections of 2.4GHZ 450mbps and 5GHZ 1300mbps.
Like the other routers on this list, this model uses a glossy-black enclosure. But make no mistake! It scores consistently higher in terms of speed and versatility. Besides supporting 802.11AC, there are two USB ports at your disposal, through which you can securely share files and media.
You will love IP-based bandwidth control that makes it possible to change the bandwidth of individual devices connected to your router. There can hardly be a better way to unleash maximum speed on all devices.
The router’s six (removable) antennae are symbolic of its advanced wireless AC technology that delivers incredible coverage. To be able to balance the needs of all connected devices, the TP-Link Archer C7 boasts a processor that’s superior to those of most competitors.
If you need extremely fast connections for online gaming and video streaming, this router could be your ideal pick. And for good reason: It has four Gigabit LAN ports and one gigabit WAN port that can deliver ten times more speed than the standard Ethernet connection.
To keep your data secure, you can create a guest network for all external devices.
Conclusion
The Linksys AC2750 Wireless router presents a versatile model that works best for small households and medium-sized offices. It accommodates a wide range of devices to keep everyone and everything connected.
For internet users looking for a quality router on a budget, the NETGEAR R6120-100NAS router would be a solid choice. Although it doesn’t give you super fast downloads and connection speeds, it does give you USB connectivity and dual-band coverage.
If speed ranks highly on your list of preferred qualities, the TP-Link Archer C7 is the clear favorite. It has a huge following among experienced online gamers as well as amateurs.
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