Best Wi-Fi Routers (Archive)

[webscorpion]

I think the best Wi-Fi option for a congested environment is a Plume mesh network. They have very innovative logic that will scan channels and change to the least busy channel. They also use the 5 Ghz band to keep the mesh pods communicating with each other and the 2.4Ghz band for all your devices so the mesh doesn't interfere with your endpoints. I live in a condo with about 20 wi-fi networks in competition and since I installed my Plume pods I have had no drops and the only buffering is caused by my ISP or the service I'm using at the time (Hulu, Netflix, etc.) I was disappointed that the Plume network was not reviewed by Tom's.

 

[Paul Wagenseil]

I think the best Wi-Fi option for a congested environment is a Plume mesh network. They have very innovative logic that will scan channels and change to the least busy channel. They also use the 5 Ghz band to keep the mesh pods communicating with each other and the 2.4Ghz band for all your devices so the mesh doesn't interfere with your endpoints. I live in a condo with about 20 wi-fi networks in competition and since I installed my Plume pods I have had no drops and the only buffering is caused by my ISP or the service I'm using at the time (Hulu, Netflix, etc.) I was disappointed that the Plume network was not reviewed by Tom's.

We've reached out to Plume several times to obtain review units, but the company has never sent us any.

 

[tonyc035]

I'm reading that the Linksys EA7500 is the best mid-range router ($156 on Amazon). However, all this hype about MU-MIMO makes me wonder whether investing in the MU-MIMO routers is worth it since most devices don't support it yet! I don't want to have to update all my wireless devices, even if it's even possible!

 

[billbish3]

Unfortunately the Linksys routers (all, I believe) do not have encrypted data transmission in Guest Mode. You can set a password but the wireless guest will be communicating in the open (plain text) which can be intercepted and read by a bad guy.

 

[daddywalter]

I'll echo the recommendation for the Linksys WRT1900ACS -- unless you can find the WRT3200ACM for less, as I did. (Mine's a refurb, purchased direct from Linksys.) Yes, it's big, and it may not fit in well with the décor in every room; but it's fast, reliable, and has a strong signal. You can also replace the stock OS with DD-WRT if you prefer. I usually upgrade routers every three or four years, but this one may be staying around longer.

One advantage the WRT1900ACS has over my WRT3200ACM is its fan=less design. My 3200 is almost dead-quiet -- I have it installed in my living room at present -- but any mechanical device is going to fail eventually. If you keep your router hidden in a hot or poorly-ventilated location, eliminating the need for a fan is a big point to consider.

 

[gogeta110]

this really needs to be updated. you can't have that same router be the best one for 2018.