Best wireless router UK
Which is the best wireless router in 2024?
VIEW OFFERBest of 2024: Find the right wireless router in the UK
Looking for the best wireless router for your home network but are unsure of where to start? It’s not easy to find the right router for a Wi-Fi network, as there are so many variables to consider, from the shape and size of the living space to the number of devices used to connect to the internet. This means that there isn’t a onesize-fits-all for a wireless router, so it’s important to know what to look for in a wireless router to get one that best suits your specific needs. Follow this buying guide for all the info you need to find the best wireless routers for your home.
The 10 best wireless routers in the UK (October 2024)
The bestseller list compares wireless routers from multiple brands
- Efficiency: MU-MIMO technology allows faster, simultaneous data transfer to multiple devices.
- Coverage: Four external antennas extend Wi-Fi coverage with Beamforming technology.
- Speed: Offers 867 Mbps at 5 GHz and 300 Mbps at 2.4 GHz.
- Security: TP-Link HomeShield defends against the latest cyber threats.
- Capacity: OFDMA technology enables simultaneous transmission to more devices.
- Speed: Next-gen Wi-Fi 6 ensures smoother streaming and faster downloads.
- MU-MIMO: Optimizes device performance through smarter communication.
- Coverage: Beamforming enhances Wi-Fi reach and efficiency.
- Speed: High rates at 1300 Mbps (5 GHz) and 600 Mbps (2.4 GHz).
- Security: Quick encryption via WPS button ensures a secure connection effortlessly.
- Stability: Two antennas enhance signal robustness and stability significantly.
- Speed: Essential for seamless HD video streaming and interruption-sensitive applications.
- Security: Supports WPA, WPA2 for enhanced network protection.
- Coverage: 3*5dBi antennas boost WiFi signal by up to 50%.
- Speed: Up to 300Mbps for basic internet needs.
- Security: HomeShield services for network safety with cutting-edge features.
- Capacity: Supports 100+ devices to reduce congestion and improve throughput.
- Speed: 5400 Mbps for faster browsing, streaming, and downloading.
- Compatibility: Works with most ISPs and backward-compatible with older devices.
- Coverage: Beamforming and high-performance antennas for broader Wi-Fi coverage.
- Speed: Super-fast Wi-Fi speeds of 1.8 Gbps.
- Modes: Supports Router, Access Point, and Repeater Modes for flexible network setups.
- Coverage: Four 5dBi antennas and beamforming extend WiFi range significantly.
- Speed: Enjoy combined wireless speeds up to 1200Mbps with powerful Wi-Fi 5 connectivity.
- Connectivity: Features 1 WAN and 3 LAN gigabit Ethernet ports for ultra-fast wired connections.
- Coverage: Strong signal covers up to 2500 square meters in your home.
- Speed: Dual-band speeds offer 3,167 Mbps, excellent for streaming and gaming.
- Compatibility: OpenVPN client supports 20+ VPN services.
- Customization: OpenWrt/LEDE pre-installed with software repository.
- Security: Convert public network to private for secure surfing.
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- Read the definitive wireless router buying guide
- View the wireless router picks and see how they rank in the top list
- More related routers reviews
wireless router buying guide
Do you want to buy a good wireless router? This is all you need to know.
A short explanation: What are wireless routers?
A router is a device that takes information from your modem and distributes it to all internet-capable devices on your home (e.g. laptops, phones, tablets, consoles). A wireless router holds the same function as a regular router, with the key difference being that it creates a network without the need for cables. All devices connected to a wireless router are joined in the same network, allowing for the easy transfer of data and use across all devices.
What are the benefits of good routers?
Most people that own a modem will want to buy the best wireless router to get internet on other devices, such as smartphones, computers, laptops, etc. Routers provide an internet connection and allow devices to connect to them wirelessly, often using the IP from the modem itself. A great wireless router provides stable internet connections without the need for any cables, making it one of the most desirable-bits of hardware for anyone that loves technology. You may even be able to get internet from your neighbour’s router if you buy the best wireless router and live close by to someone else- although this is not guaranteed!
How to choose the best wireless router in 2024?
Choosing the best wireless router isn’t always easy. There are just so many technical specifications and features that most people get confused. So, here are some things to consider when looking for the right WiFi router:
- Speed: All wireless routers have a megabit speed rating, simply identified as the total megabits per second. This indicates the speed and performance you can expect from the router. For instance, most single-band routers have a maximum speed of 54 Mbps, while entry-level dual band routers have speeds around 150 Mbps. High end and newer models have speeds of 600 Mbps and more, with the fastest routers reaching an incredible 1.75 Gbps. Consider what you intend to use your WiFi for, as any speeds over 100Mbp don’t offer much more for basic internet use and even streaming. If you download a lot of large files or play video games, then you may benefit from a faster speed.
- Bands: Wireless routers operate on single or dual frequency bands. Single band use a 2.4GHZ frequency, experiencing less interference but meansing they connect to less channels simultaneously. Dual bands operate a combined 5GHZ frequency, allowing for more concurrent channels to be connected, resulting in much less interference. 5GHz band are less congested and offer minimal interference, which is non-existent, making them great for online gaming.
- Ports: All routers include Ethernet ports, allowing you to connect devices to the internet using an Ethernet cable. However, routers feature a varying number of total ports and several peripheral ports, which allows to connect more wired devices to the internet. For example, the more devices you intend to hard wire to the router, the more ports you will need, so always check the amount of ports available. Many modern devices only have wireless capabilities, so the amount of ports may not be a concern for some. However, if you play to play video games with a wired connection, remember you use up one port to connect to the internet and another to connect to your modem.
Which types of wireless routers are available to buy in the UK?
There are a few options when it comes to popular types of wireless routers, with most modern routers using a broadband connection (DSL, LAN, or fiber) to create their network. Beyond this, there are older wireless standards used to operate the router, with most falling into the 802.11n or 802.11ac categories, with the main difference between each being the speed they offer.
- Single Band Router - These routers only operate on the 2.4 GHz band, which older devices connect well too, making it and older but still popular router for home internet.
- Duel Band Router - This router operates on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, so it is the best wireless router for setting up a network with a lot of devices, especially newer devices that are more compatible with the 5 GHz band.
- Tri-Band Router - This type of router has a single 2.4 GHz band and duel 5 GHz bands, which even less network traffic and slowdown, making it the router to choose for the fastest connection.