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IT Show 2016: HWZ’s picks for the best wireless routers

By Kenny Yeo - 13 Mar 2016

IT Show 2016: HWZ’s picks for the best wireless routers

IT Show 2016: HWZ’s picks for the best wireless routers

Given the number of connected devices we have these days, it won’t be a stretch to say that a good connection to the Internet is vital to our physical and mental well-being. Fortunately, our country is one of the most well-connected in the world. That said, a good router is still essential to taking advantage of our existing infrastructure. And if you are thinking of getting a new router at the IT Show, here are our recommendations.

 

ASUS RT-AC5300

Have you seen a router that looks anything like the ASUS RT-AC5300? Didn’t think so. But out of this world looks aside, the RT-AC5300 router is also one super fast beast and it comes choke full with features. Features like AiProtection, which actively scans incoming packets of data for virus and malware; and AiCloud 2.0, ASUS’ second-generation cloud storage platform; and GameBoost, which helps prioritize gaming connections so that you get less latency and lag. To sum up, it’s one of the very best high-end routers you can get today and it's little wonder why it gets our nod as the best wireless router in the market.

Price and brochure link: $449.

Further reading: ASUS RT-AC5300 review, HWM+HardwareZone Tech Awards 2016: Best Wireless Router

 

D-Link DIR-890L

For something less extreme, consider the D-Link DIR-890L. The DIR-890L router is a tri-band router that broadcasts up to three separate networks and offers a combined total data transfer rate of 3200Mbps. This makes it ideal for homes with many connected devices. It’s overall performance is decent, and we really like its bold red design. The user interface is also pretty user-friendly and intuitive to use, so even beginner users won’t have too much of a problem setting up their routers.

Price and brochure link: $339.

Further reading: D-Link DIR-890L review

 

TP-Link Archer AC3200

If you are on a budget, the TP-Link Archer AC3200 is presently the most affordable tri-band router available right now. Don't worry, it still offers great performance, but it does lack features found on many of its rivals, such as cloud storage functionality. Also, the user setup interface is somewhat clunky to use. And even though it has remote router management via its Tether app, the app is quite basic and doesn't really offer much utility.

Price and brochure link: $269.

Further reading: TP-Link Archer AC3200 review

 

Linksys WRT1900AC

For tech-savvy users who want to use a custom firmware, the Linksys WRT1900AC is the obvious choice. With a design inspired by the legendary WRT54G router, the WRT1900AC is one handsome looking router. But more importantly it offers class-leading performance, as evidenced by its outstanding showing in our AC1900 router shootout; and has the ability to load custom firmware from communities such as OpenWRT, which makes this router ideal for advanced users. A nifty firmware we came across makes it possible for the router to block ads at the hardware level!

Price and brochure link: $299.

Further reading: AC1900 router shootout, Linksys WRT1900AC preview

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