Electronics

8 Best 802.11ac Routers in 2021 – Groundbreaking Speeds & Long-Range Wi-Fi Coverage!

By Novak Bozovic / January 9, 2021

Each day, more and more devices are going wireless than ever before. With the proliferation of smart devices such as home sensors, security systems, and even smart TVs and IoT devices, no longer are your PC and smartphone the only devices that need wireless connectivity. These new devices' complexity means that they need to be online 24/7 with very minimal downtime and, therefore, require high-speed and always-on wireless internet access. This is where the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard comes in, which is why we'll focus this article on the best 802.11ac routers you can buy.

Devices that support the 802.11ac standard can connect over the 5GHz wireless frequency band. This band allows for much higher bandwidth than what is possible with the previous 802.11n or 802.11g standards, which are based on the 2.4GHz frequency as well. The only caveat with the 5GHz band is that the range is somewhat limited when compared to the older standards. However, all manufacturers also include the 2.4GHz band for backward compatibility with older Wi-Fi devices and also to increase the operating range.

For this article, several factors were considered for narrowing down the best 802.11ac routers. Since this standard is all about speed, only the fastest routers currently available are included in this list. Other selection criteria include the number of bands supported, maximum coverage offered, connectivity options, and more. The popularity of these routers with buyers was also taken into account.

So, here are the 8 best 802.11ac routers available to purchase in 2021.

1. NETGEAR Nighthawk X6

Features Tri-band (2.4Ghz + 5Ghz + 5Ghz); 6 antennas; Dynamic QoS; Open-source ready; 1GHz Dual-core CPU; NAS ready
Wireless Protocols 802.11ac
Data Transfer Rate 3.2 Gbps
No. of Ethernet / USB Ports 4 / 2 (1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0)
Dimensions 14.41 x 11.54 x 3.58 in
Weight 2.43 lbs

The NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 is one of the best long-range wireless routers and can work over long distances without any dead spots. The Nighthawk X6 is a tri-band router with a single 2.4GHz band and dual 5GHz bands. The included software can assign individual SSID's to each band, and QoS settings can also be applied independently to each SSID. This router also supports NETGEAR Single Sign-On (SSO), which means if you have multiple NETGEAR devices, you use a single login credential.

While the devices themselves are great, be aware that NETGEAR's support is not known to be the best-in-class compared to some of the others on this list. The Nighthawk X6 has received a lot of new firmware updates, but these have mostly catered to the UI and have hardly added any new features. You also cannot replace the antennas with larger ones to extend the range. However, that should not be a huge concern as the Nighthawk X6 already offers great coverage for most mid-sized to large homes.

2. Linksys EA9500

Features Tri-band (2.4Ghz + 5Ghz + 5Ghz); MU-MIMO technology; 8 antennas; 1.4 GHz dual-core CPU; Beamforming
Wireless Protocols 802.11ac
Data Transfer Rate 5.3 Gbps
No. of Ethernet / USB Ports 8 / 2 (1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0)
Dimensions 14.29 x 5.39 x 11.73 in
Weight 3.25 lbs

The Linksys EA9500 is one of the best Linksys routers available and is also one of our picks for the overall best routers. The router offers a maximum throughput potential of up to 5.3 Gbps, which should be enough for the most demanding of users. A 1.4GHz dual-core processor and support for MU-MIMO ensure each device can connect independently without affecting others' bandwidth. Sporting 8 antennas, the EA9500 offers excellent coverage, but the design is not the most aesthetic-friendly of the lot. If you still notice dead spots, you can use the Linksys Max-stream range extender to extend coverage further. The 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports help catering to those who prefer wired connections as well.

The EA9500 is hard to beat when it comes to raw performance, but there are some reported concerns about connectivity issues and signal drops. Buyers have reported that some of these concerns can be easily fixed by disabling MU-MIMO or IPv6, depending on the problem. Luckily, flashing DD-WRT firmware is possible for those who'd prefer fiddling with some of the advanced firewall options or settings.

3. Linksys WRT3200ACM

Features Dual-band (2.4Ghz + 5Ghz); 4 antennas; QoS prioritization; 1.8GHz Dual-core CPU; Open-source ready; Smart Wi-Fi app
Wireless Protocols 802.11ac
Data Transfer Rate 3.2 Gbps
No. of Ethernet / USB Ports 4 / 2 (1x USB 3.0 + 1x USB-eSATA combo)
Dimensions 9.7 x 2 x 7.6 in
Weight 3.57 lbs

The Linksys WRT3200ACM stands out from other routers in this list in the way it uses its 5 GHz band. It is not a tri-band router, but the WRT3200ACM uses multiplexing to double the 5GHz bandwidth using what Linksys calls as 'Tri-Stream 160.' Another advantage of this router is that it can operate in clear dedicated airspace using Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS). This means less interference when it comes to using it alongside other wireless devices such as microwaves or wireless input devices, or even other routers in the vicinity, which generally occupy the 2.4GHz band. DFS also helps in the security aspect of the router and the clients connected to it as well.

The WRT3200ACM really shines when the custom firmware is installed. Linksys routers are generally OpenWRT compatible, so searching and installing a compatible third-party firmware should not be too difficult. However, if you prefer to keep things as it is, the included smartphone app should get you by for basic functions.

4. ASUS RT-AC88U

Features Dual-band (2.4Ghz + 5Ghz); 1024-QAM; 1.4 GHz dual-core CPU; AiProtection; AiMesh; Smart connect; 4 antennas
Wireless Protocols 802.11ac
Data Transfer Rate 3.1 Gbps
No. of Ethernet / USB Ports 8 / 1 (1x USB 2.0)
Dimensions 30 x 6.5 x 18.8 in
Weight 2.6 lb

The ASUS RT-AC88U is one of the best wireless routers for homes and offices, and it also comes with a good dose of security options and the performance to boot. A good feature of the RT-AC88U is that it offers enhanced throughput in the 2.4GHz band, offering up to 1000 Mbps and a 2100 Mbps throughput in the 5GHz band, giving some of the triple-band routers a run for their money. The RT-AC88U is also one of the best W-Fi routers for long-range applications as it has powerful 4-transmit 4-receive (4T4R) antennas that promise a wide coverage of up to 5000 sq. ft.

If you wish to opt for the wired route, you can take advantage of the 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports. A 1.4GHz dual-core CPU ensures all traffic flows freely without bottlenecks. ASUS's characteristic AiMesh and AiProtection are included as well. When you first buy this router, do a hard reset to resolve any connectivity issues. To further ensure a stable connection, try decreasing the frequency of some of the operating bands.

5. NETGEAR Nighthawk XR500

Features Dual-band (2.4Ghz + 5Ghz); QoS packet scheduler; 1.7 GHz dual-core CPU; 4 Antennas; Easy Setup; DumaOS
Wireless Protocols 802.11ac
Data Transfer Rate 2.6 Gbps
No. of Ethernet / USB Ports 4 / 2 (2x USB 3.0)
Dimensions 14.93 x 10.84 x 4.18 in
Weight 3.71 lbs

The NETGEAR XR500 Nighthawk Pro Gaming does not come cheap but offers a stellar performance, especially for gaming and multimedia. Gamers will appreciate the built-in DumaOS that sports features such as game prioritization from consoles and PCs, bandwidth usage statistics, and also location-based QoS. You can also use the built-in gaming VPN client to protect devices from DDoS attacks.

Since the XR500 is built with gamers in mind, a high-performance level is almost a guarantee. Coverage is very good even in large homes thanks to the powerful 4 antenna system. While DumaOS is a highly capable software, it does not provide a mobile app, and only the remote admin can only be secured to one IP or range. That said, the NETGEAR XR500 Nighthawk delivers when it comes to ensuring a lag-free multiplayer gaming experience.

Features Dual-band (2.4Ghz + 5Ghz); 4x4 data streams available; 4 external high-performance antennas; MU-MIMO; Intelligent QoS
Wireless Protocols 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Data Transfer Rate 2.5 Gbps
No. of Ethernet / USB Ports 4 / 2 (1x USB 3.0)
Dimensions 7.1 x 10.2 x 1.8 in
Weight 1.5 lbs

As you can see, the best 802.11ac routers can be quite pricey. That's because the latest Wi-Fi standard supports high-end technologies, which increases the cost of producing networking equipment. This is also why we wanted to include a more affordable option, and this is where the D-Link EXO DIR-882 comes into play. Aside from bringing high-end features, this router also comes with a modern and attractive design.

The DIR-882 is a dual-band router (800Mbps on 2.4Ghz and 1,733Mbps on 5Ghz). You can connect a large number of devices at once, and they'll all receive enough bandwidth to support their online actions. That's because of the 'Intelligent QoS' feature that optimizes Web usage across different devices. And also, you'll find two USB ports on this model, with a front-facing USB 3.0. This means that creating shared storage or connecting a wireless printer is a possibility.

7. Synology RT2600AC

Features Dual-band (2.4Ghz + 5Ghz); MU-MIMO; 1.7 GHz dual-core CPU; 4 external antennas; Layer 7 traffic control
Wireless Protocols 802.11ac
Data Transfer Rate 2.53 Gbps
No. of Ethernet / USB Ports 4 / 1 (1x USB 2.0)
Dimensions 3.03 x 11.02 x 6.65 in
Weight 1.54 lb

If you are looking for a Network Access Storage device plus a high-speed wireless router, the Synology RT2600AC is for you. True to its lineage, the Synology RT2600AC is one of the best secure routers out there. Feature-wise, the RT2600AC can give some tough competition to other popular OEMs in this price range with the presence of 4 antennas, MU-MIMO capability, beamforming, and a 1.7 GHz dual-core CPU as well to prevent any bottlenecks.

The Synology Router Management System is a highly feature-rich software for everything related to security and traffic management. It also comes with its own app store from where you can download Synology NAS apps, VPN apps, and intrusion prevention apps to further enhance your security. Security-conscious buyers will be pleased to know that Synology's software is always kept up to date, and it is very easy to transform your home network into a DLNA server or a private cloud.

Features Tri-band (2.4Ghz + 5Ghz + 5Ghz); 8 antennas; QoS prioritization; 1.8 GHz Quad-core CPU with 3 co-processors; Beamforming
Wireless Protocols 802.11ac
Data Transfer Rate 5.4 Gbps
No. of Ethernet / USB Ports 8 / 2 (2x USB 3.0)
Dimensions 11.34 x 11.34 x 7.24 in
Weight 3 lbs

The TP-Link Archer C5400X is the newest product on the block, and it surely has the most stand-out looks among all routers we've seen so far. The Archer C5400X is built for gamers and comes with all the bells and whistles that make a drool-worthy gaming router, including a 1.8 GHz quad-core CPU, 8 antennas, beamforming, and more. Also on board is 16 GB of internal storage and a secure FileBank app that can store your critical and sensitive data.
A unique aspect of the Archer C5400X is that it can identify the type of device connected and automatically adjust the speeds to best serve the client using Smart Connect. There is support for Amazon Alexa for controlling most actions using voice commands. The router is still fairly new in the market, but there is already considerable interest among prospective buyers. Judging by the features, we must say TP-Link has a winner in its hands although, the entry price can potentially sway buyers towards other similar offerings.

FAQ

To fully understand everything there's to know about 802.11ac routers, we'll provide some additional knowledge. With this said, we've answered some commonly asked questions, found below.

What Does Wi-Fi 802.11ac Mean?

The IEEE brings a series of Wi-Fi standards, with the first one being ratified in the late 1990s. The '802.11ac' standard is the fifth generation of Wi-Fi technology, also known as 5G Wi-Fi. Unlike previous generations, the latest standard fully operates on a 5Ghz frequency and comes with theoretical Web speeds that are much greater than what was possible before. Right now, the maximum possible speed reaches 6.9Gbps.

Do I Have to Upgrade to 802.11ac?

In case you want to upgrade your Web connection speed, especially if your ISP (Internet Service Provider) offers ultra-fast connections, you need an 802.11ac router. However, it's important to note that there are two parts to this system. Aside from having a compatible router, you also need an 802.11ac wireless adapter.

Those who are using desktop computers can easily upgrade their wireless adapter. When it comes to notebook owners, you first need to check the included wireless adapter and see if it's compatible with the 802.11ac standard. Alternatively, you can buy an external adapter, which will take one USB slot. And when it comes to tablets and smartphones, you're generally out of luck with their non-upgradeable internal components.

Lastly, let's not forget to say that 802.11ac is fully backward compatible with earlier Wi-Fi standards. This means that if your notebook comes with an 802.11n adapter, you can still use an 802.11ac router - but you'll only get to use the full extent of what your 802.11n adapter can offer.

Is 802.11ac Better Than 802.11n?

Right now, the 802.11ac standard is the latest available Wi-Fi standard that has replaced the 802.11n standard. Theoretically speaking, the latest standard is 3 times as fast as the previous one. One of the reasons for this is the fact that 802.11ac supports up to eight antennas at over 400Mbps each. In addition, 802.11 fully relies on the 5Ghz spectrum, which means that you can expect less interference and better performance overall.

To simplify all this information, the answer is - yes, 802.11ac is better than 802.11n in almost every way. We're not talking about subtle differences. This is something that you'll feel every time you access the Web from your computer, smartphone, or tablet.

What's The Range of 802.11ac?

The range of any Wi-Fi standard (or network) depends on a large number of variables. However, it's important to know that 802.11ac relies on the 5Ghz spectrum - which means that 2.4Ghz is out of the picture. Since 2.4Ghz has a pretty wide range, it's safe to say that 802.11ac prioritizes performance over its range.

Still, this doesn't mean that the range of 802.11ac is smaller than its predecessors. That's because this wireless standard makes use of 'beamforming', which means that it detects where your Web-connected devices are, and it intensifies the signal in that direction.

How Fast is 802.11ac?

In theory, the maximum speed of 802.11ac is 6.9Gbps (eight 160Mhz 256-QAM channels, with each bringing 866.7Mbps). However, in practice, you won't get more than a couple of 160Mhz channels - which means that you can count on Web speeds up to 1.7Gbps or 2.5Gbps.

Dear readers, that wrap up our comparison of the best 802.11ac routers to consider buying in 2021. Let us know if you have additional questions in the comments below. We will do our best to provide a timely response.



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