Finding the best WiFi router for 200mbps is usually a tedious and long process, especially if you are not into computers and gadgets. Unfortunately, mesh routers are readily available, sharing similar security features, so this is what makes the process of finding the best one so difficult.
Fortunately, our experts wrote a detailed guide to help beginners with cable modems. So, by the time you are done reading this article, you will know all the pros and cons, features, and specifications of the ideal Wi-Fi router.
Contents
Comparison Table
| Full product name | TP-Link AC1750 Smart Wi Fi Router (Archer A7) -Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Internet Router for Home,
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NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart Wi Fi Router, R6700 – AC1750 Wireless Speed Up to 1750 Mbps
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Synology RT2600ac – 4×4 dual-band Gigabit Wi Fi router, MU-MIMO
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Tenda AC1200 Dual Band Mesh Wi-Fi, High Speed Wireless Internet Router with Smart App
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| Maximum internet speeds | 1750 Mbps | 1300 Mbps | 1733 Mbps | 1450 Mbps |
| Frequency band | 5 GHz/ 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz/ 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz/2.4 GHz | 5 GHz/2.4 GHz |
| Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless |
| USB-type | USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0/2.0 | USB 3.0 |
| Product dimensions | 9.59 x 6.32 x 1.29 inches | 11.22 x 7.2 x 2.44 inches | 6.65 x 11.02 x 3.03 inches | 5.57 x 1.93 x 8.66 inches |
| Product weight | 14.9 ounces | 1.58 pounds | 1.54 pounds | 12 ounces |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows 98SE, NT, 2000, XP, Vista or Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1/10, MAC OS, NetWare, UNIX or Linux | Microsoft Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista, XP, 2000, Mac OS, UNIX, or Linux | Microsoft Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1/10, MAC OS, NetWare, UNIX or Linux | Microsoft Windows Vista or Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1/10, MAC OS, NetWare, UNIX or Linux |
TP-Link AC1750 Smart Wi Fi Router
Pros:
- Setting up this router is incredibly simple
- It is compatible with Alexa
- There are four LAN ports for easy access
- It has a decent range by today’s standards
- It features 1750 Mbps internet speed
- It is an affordable unit
Cons:
- It comes with a single 2.0 USB slot
- The performance decreases significantly at further range
The key criteria of the product are:
Performance: 9 out of 10
Compatibility: 9.5 out of 10
Connectivity: 6.5 out of 10
Security: 8.5 out of 10
The first wireless router we feature is the TP-Link AC1750 Smart, which has incredible pros and cons. This product is similar to the TP-Link Deco and the TP-Link Archer, all sharing similar features and specifications. However, we will only discuss the TP-Link AC1750 Smart Wi Fi router, so we rated the product on the four most important criteria. As you can see, this router is an amazing value for money, and its performance is decent, although it decreases at a further range. Nonetheless, the final score for this criterion is 9 out of 10.
Next, the comparison table showed that this router is compatible with nearly all operating systems. This is ideal because you do not have to worry about compatibility, which can sometimes make or break a product. Additionally, the TP-Link AC1750 Smart Wi Fi router is Alexa compatible and is ideal as a gaming or streaming router. Consequently, the final verdict is a score of 9.5 out of 10 for the compatibility criterion, the highest on our list.
On the contrary, the connectivity criterion is this router’s weakest feature because it only comes with a single USB 2.0 port. However, customers get 4 Gigabit LAN ports for fast and easy access to any wired device, and the integrated USB port acts as a media server. Nevertheless, our experts concluded that a single USB 2.0 port is not enough for today’s internet plans, especially with mesh routers. As a result, the final score is 6.5 out of 10 for the connectivity criterion.
Lastly, the expert’s tests have shown this mesh Wi-Fi router is moderately secure, having parental controls feature. Although this is not the most secure router money can buy, you will not have any issues, especially for casual home use. So, the final verdict for the security criterion is 8.5 out of 10, proving the quality and consistency. Finally, this router received the JD Power Award in 2017 and 2019 for the highest customer satisfaction.
Overview: The TP-Link AC1750 Smart Wi Fi is a dual-band router reaching incredible internet speeds of up to 1750 Mbps and is packed with three external antennas for long-range Wi Fi. So, this is the ideal product for customers looking for incredibly fast routers compatible with most operating systems. In addition, you will get consistent performance repeatedly.
NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart Wi Fi Router
Pros:
- It reaches speeds of up to 7.2 Gbps at the 802-11ac frequency
- It comes with four high-performance Active Antennas
- It features a 1.7 GHz quad-core processor
- This router acts as a PLEX media server and syncs the Amazon Drive Cloud
- The range is impressive due to the beamforming
- You can boost the connection easily
Cons:
- The router gets hot after extended use
- It is not an affordable product
- The 2 GHz band reaches underwhelming throughput speeds
The key criteria of the product are:
Performance: 9 out of 10
Compatibility: 7.5 out of 10
Connectivity: 8.5 out of 10
Security: 10 out of 10
The Nighthawk Smart Wi Fi router is the oldest product featured in our guide. However, it is not the worst, as proven in the above pros and cons lists.
The Nighthawk Smart Wi Fi is a similar product to the NETGEAR Orbi, especially regarding performance and features. As always, we begin with the performance criterion, and this router almost gets a perfect score. So, the 1.7 GHz quad-core processor and the four high-performance Active Antennas provide all the support customers need. So, all things considered, this product gets a final score of 9 out of 10 for the performance criterion.
Additionally, manufacturers recommend connecting up to 25 devices for ideal performance. Unlike the previous product, the Nighthawk Smart Wi Fi router is not compatible with all operating systems, which might be a serious problem. Fortunately, the three amplified antennas and the Beamforming Plus increase the compatibility. As a result, the final verdict is a score of 7.5 out of 10 for the compatibility criterion.
However, this product is different from the NETGEAR Orbi in terms of connectivity. This product comes with a single USB 3.0 slot, boosting performance, and four ethernet ports. Consequently, you can share an identical storage driver or printer with any paired device or create personal cloud storage to access files from anywhere. Henceforth, the final score for the connectivity criterion is 8.5 out of 10.
Finally, this nest WiFi is regarded as the most secure router due to the WPA2 wireless security protocols, guest Wi-Fi access, DOS, Firewall, and VPN. Additionally, this router has the best data protection programs, antivirus measures, and anti-malware. Although other products have better security protocols, they are more expensive and not worth the money. So, the final score is a 10 out of 10 for the security criteria, the first perfect score in our guide.
Overview: The most important feature of the Nighthawk Smart Wi Fi is the security, but you also get incredible performance. So, if you are a customer wanting to keep their devices and network safe, this is the ideal product. In addition, you will not need a different router for many years.
Synology RT2600ac
Pros:
- It covers 3,000 sq ft of internet range
- The web interface is easy to use
- It is compatible with nearly all operating systems
- It comes with two USB ports and an SD card slot
- It acts as a robust network storage server when paired with an external hard drive
- It reaches fast speeds
Cons:
- It is more expensive than similar AC2600 routers
- The DS router mobile app is basic
The key criteria of the product are:
Performance: 8.5 out of 10
Compatibility: 8 out of 10
Connectivity: 9.5 out of 10
Security: 7.5 out of 10
Our list of Wi-Fi routers continues with the Synology RT2600ac, a router with many pros and cons. The Synology RT2600ac router is a powerful 4×4 802.11ac product, featuring two radios with MU-MIMO and up to 2.53 Gbps speeds. Additionally, this product covers 3,000 square feet of internet range, enough by all parameters. The 1.7 GHz dual-core processor provides fast and consistent performance. All things considered, the final score for the performance criterion is 8.5 out of 10, which could have been higher.
The following key criterion is compatibility, and although it does not support all operating systems, it is enough for casual gamers. Additionally, this wireless router is dual WAN capable of balancing heavy loads and failover support. Finally, the operating temperature ranges between 40°F to 104°F, which is not extremely hot. As a result, the final score is 8 out of 10 for the compatibility criterion.
However, the Synology RT2600ac’s best feature is compatibility because you can pair it with USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports. Additionally, you get a single SD card slot and four ethernet ports, something that not many similar routers offer. Unfortunately, all these features come at a price because this is the most expensive product featured in our guide. Nevertheless, we provide a final score of 9.5 out of 10 for the compatibility criterion, missing out on a perfect score by a fraction.
Finally, experts believe this is not the most secure router you can buy, despite costing more than average. Although you get some basic security measures and protocols, the guys at Synology could have done a better job. Fortunately, you can pair this device with the Google Nest for a safe place for your data. Henceforth, the Synology RT2600ac gets a final score of 7.5 out of 10 for the security criterion.
Overview: The Synology RT2600ac has two USB ports and an SD card slot and is a robust network storage server. So, this is a perfect choice if you are looking for a product compatible with most operating systems with decent operating temperatures. However, this product needs to be more secure.
Tenda AC1200 Dual Band
Pros:
- It is the easiest router to set up and use
- The price is extremely affordable
- It comes with four antennas with dBi
- The Dual-Band feature boosts the speed
- It comes with an incredible Beamforming+ technology
Cons:
- There is no mains passthrough
- The 5 GHz range is limited
- The 2.4 GHz speed should be higher
The key criteria of the product are:
Performance: 7.5 out of 10
Compatibility: 8 out of 10
Connectivity: 8 out of 10
Security: 7 out of 10
The Tenda AC1200 Dual Band router is equipped with a base 2.4 GHz speed and an additional 5 GHz range. However, this is not ideal by today’s standards, and our experts believe Tenda should have done better with this product. So, you can link up to 20 devices with enhanced 1,200 Mbps high speed, lower than the previous router. Consequently, this product receives a final score of 7.5 out of 10 for the performance criterion.
Furthermore, besides linking up to 20 devices, you can simultaneously link your Google Assistant, Alexa, and other streaming devices. Additionally, this router is compatible with most operating systems, although not as many as the first product featured in our guide. Finally, the Tenda AC1200 router comes with MU-MIMO technology enabling multiple users in the network for gaming, streaming, or data transmission. As a result, the final score is 8 out of 10 for the compatibility criterion.
The Tenda AC1200 is equipped with four powerful five dBi antennas, delivering high speeds throughout your home. However, it only lacks proper internet range, as tested and confirmed by our experts. Additionally, this router comes with a single USB 3.0 port, which is a significant improvement. Henceforth, the final verdict is a score of 8 out of 10 for the connectivity criterion, identical to the compatibility.
On the flip side, this router is not the most secure, which is understandable for a router at this price. So, although you get basic security using the standard WPA2 protocols, there is nothing more this router offers. Consequently, the final score for the security criterion is 7 out of 10. However, the security criterion is vital to many users, so you must consider this before purchasing the Tenda AC1200.
Overview: The Tenda AC1200 dual-band router is equipped with numerous features, but the most important are the four antennas with dBi. So, this is the ideal product for customers looking for an affordable router with 1,200 Mbps high speed. We recommend purchasing this product, so wait no more, and go for it.
Nighthawk Smart Wi Fi Router Buying Guide
We cannot imagine a modern household without a good-quality router. Thus, you must make sure to purchase a router that will exceed your expectations, especially regarding speed, durability, and dual-band capacity. So, Nighthawk Smart Wi Fi is a perfect router that includes all above-mentioned benefits. Keep reading the following list to learn more about its features:
- Range
- Reliability
- Dual-Band capacity
Nighthawk Smart is good for expanded areas and very large homes covering up to 2,500 sq. ft, and it can connect up to 30 devices. As it operates in a 2.4 GHz range and ends up generating too much heat, that can be a real problem. As a result, we recommend getting a cable modem with an external antenna. In addition, please ensure to keep your router in a well-ventilated area to reduce the generated heat.
Having a reliable connection is as important as speed, especially with wireless products. Additionally, it would be great to invest in Wi Fi extenders to increase the router’s range without compromising its speed. Surely Netgear Smart is associated with its high quality and reliability making up the top lists of the best Wi-Fi routers.
The Dual-Band capacity allows customers to have 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz throughput. As a result, your router will offer the faster 5 GHz frequency to boost performance and speed. Henceforth, you will not need to upgrade your router and opt for a more expensive unit. The dual-band capacity is all a high-end router needs. So, in this case as well, Netgear Smart is your best choice as it includes a 2.4 GHz throughput.
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal router for your modern household is tedious, especially if you are a computer newbie. So, we created this guide to help everyone searching for a router at an affordable price with stunning specifications and features.
Henceforth, we recommend getting the Nighthawk Smart Wi Fi router if you are looking for the ideal all-in-one product due to its incredible security protocols. Although it’s a little bit expensive, but you will never go wrong with this choice.
On the flip side, it would be best to opt for the TP-Link AC1750 Smart router if you are looking for an affordable product. It’s a great device that has many benefits and quality features alongside an affordable price. Still, no matter which router you choose, you will enjoy every hour of use as we listed only the best products.