When it comes to getting an internet connection for your apartment, you would want to purchase one of the best routers to receive and transmit data as fast as possible. While using a common wireless router can appear to be easy, you can end up with one that isn’t as efficient as you want.
Best 5 Routers For Apartment
Among so many options available in the market, there is no need to feel pressured. There is a number of Wi-Fi router options in this guide open to you.
TP-Link Archer
- VPN Server: Archer AX21 V4 Supports both Open VPN Server and PPTP VPN Server
- Dual-Band WiFi 6 Internet Router: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous generation
- Next-Gen 1.8 Gbps Speeds: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading and more with WiFi speeds up to 1.8 Gbps (1200 Mbps on 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz band)
- Connect more devices: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- Extensive Coverage: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
The TP-Link Archer is our pick as the best router for apartments. You may believe that any router will meet the internet needs that you require, but that is not true. You should invest in a router that will provide you with the highest coverage and signal.
The Archer router comes with four large antennas which can be rotated to focus on the exact sport where you want the strongest signal.
The router’s security is based on the modified WPA3 protocol, which also uses up-to-date networking technology to make the network, along with all the devices connected to it, as secure as possible.
PROS
- Has a good speed
- Affordable
- Gives a good performance
CONS
- Does not last long
NETGEAR Nighthawk X6
- Recommended for up to 50 devices: Reliably stream videos, play games, surf the internet, and connect smart home devices.
- Wired Ethernet ports: plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and other nearby wired devices with 4 x 1 gigabit Ethernet ports.
- Loaded with advanced technology: Designed with a 1GHz dual core processor, 6 amplified antennas, Beamforming+, Dynamic QoS, Smart Connect, Amazon Alexa Voice Controls, and more.
- USB connections: Share a storage drive and printer with any connected device, and create a personal cloud storage to access from anywhere, using the 1x3.0 and 1x2.0 USB ports.
- NETGEAR Armor protects your family's WiFi with an automatic shield of security across all your connected devices with a 30-day free trial.
If you are looking for a router with better performance than the Archer, then you can consider the NETGEAR Nighthawk. The Nighthawk brand, with this router in particular, is remarkable in terms of every feature it provides.
The sleek black router is designed to sit flat on a surface and contains 6 antennas that can be rotated according to guide the signal that you need.
The Nighthawk is built to deliver the best output possible, making any bugs that could occur in a good-quality router difficult to detect. It is also equipped with a Smart Connect, which intelligently selects the right Wi-Fi band for every one of your devices and keeps them up and going.
PROS
- Contains a Tri-Band connection for better speed
- Easy to set up
- Can connect multiple devices at once
CONS
- Not durable
MOTOROLA AC2600
Next up on the list we have the Motorola AC2600, which despite being pricey can handle all your demands from a good router. This router has a design that resembles a drone.
But keep in mind that this router isn’t meant to fly; rather, it’s designed to assist you with your network. It contains four additional antennas that can be adjusted. The antennas were designed to provide simultaneous output in 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
PROS
- Lightweight and sleek design
- Has a network of long range
- Connects about 16 devices
CONS
- Might not be budget friendly
Google Wi-Fi System
- A new type of connected system that replaces your router for seamless wifi coverage throughout your home, helping eliminate dead zones and buffering
- Network assist technology keeps your connection fast by always selecting the clearest channel and fastest band for your devices; WiFi throughput: 1200 MPBS.
- A simple app gets you set up quickly and allows you to see what's connected, prioritize devices, and pause the WiFi on kids' devices
- A single WiFi point covers up to 1,500 square feet, a set of three covers homes up to 4,500 square feet WiFi points work together so you can add more if you need additional coverage
- 24/7 phone support from google; 1 year warranty; material: plastic
For some apartments, regular Wi-Fi coverage is clearly insufficient. In this case, you can try out a mesh system that Google Wi-Fi offers. The setup will surprise you, but it will not let you down. The router is designed with a white, elegant, and durable look that sets it apart.
Since there are no noticeable antennas, the router will remain attractive and efficient. This system includes a single Wi-Fi node that can be installed in any spot in your home.
PROS
- Allows to add multiple Wi-Fi points
- Easy to set up and control the app
- Has a strong signal
CONS
- Pricey
TP-Link AC1750
- OneMesh Compatible Range Extender/Router- Form a seamless WiFi network with other TP-Link OneMesh WiFi Extenders and routers.
- Dual band 1750 Mbps high speed internet(450mbps for 2.4GHz, 1300Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K streaming
- 3 external antennas for long range Wi-Fi. System Requirements-Internet Explorer 11, Firefox 12.0, Chrome 20.0, Safari 4.0, or other JavaScript-enabled browser. Cable or DSL Modem (if needed)
- 4 Gigabit LAN ports, fast access to multiple connected wired devices
- TP-Link tether app easily set up and remotely manage your home network
The final product we have is the TP-Link AC1750. This router proves that high-quality routers do not have to be ridiculously expensive, as it is still a budget-friendly option.
The router comes with a stand that comfortably supports all cables while also keeping your router from heating up. It is built to provide a signal covering 2500 square feet. Even if you are outside of your apartment, you still can get a signal.
PROS
- Contains multiple ports to connect printers or other hardware
- Simple installation process
- Can stream 4K quality videos
CONS
- Requires frequent reboot
Buying Guide
Evaluate the size of your apartment, the Wi-Fi speed you need, and how many people will be dealing with the same router when deciding on the kind of Wi-Fi router that your apartment really requires.
Apartment Size
While selecting a router, the first thing you need to do is consider your apartment size. Even if you have a relatively small apartment, you must consider the number of rooms in the whole space, and how many doors or walls the internet signal has to efficiently pass through.
Compared to cramped homes, open apartments usually come with fewer obstacles. Larger apartments, similarly, would provide a larger area for an even network coverage than smaller houses.
Wi-Fi Interference
Your wireless reception can be hampered if you live in an apartment building. Consider this: if each of the apartments in the building has a Wi-Fi network, there is bound to be a lot of network traffic over the band, which usually is around 2.4 GHz.
If you are living in an apartment, it is also preferable to purchase a router with dual-band. Since a 5 GHz band carries 23 channels, even if all the apartments use a dual-band, the frequency of interference from other apartments will be reduced.
Number of Devices Being Connected to the Same Router
Another consideration when purchasing a router is the number of devices that would be wired to it. You can also consider any family member or roommates who would use your Wi-Fi in addition to your own phone.
The router’s speed depends on how many devices you connect to it. The more the number of devices, the better the output of your router would be to maintain a speed as high and consistent as possible.
But there is a certain limit to how many devices you can connect. An expensive router can link up to fifty devices.
Speed
The speeds offered by various routers vary. The router speed that you require is determined by your needs. For example, if you choose to use the router for a smooth gaming experience, streaming videos of HD quality, or for regular day-to-day tasks like reading emails or browsing the internet.
For gaming purposes, it is quite obvious that you will require a router with a higher speed. As a result, it’s crucial that you double-check that the router’s speed meets your needs.
Coverage
One of the most important considerations is the router’s coverage or radius. Verify that the router’s range is adequate for the size of the apartment.
If that is inadequate, dead spots will occur, which are areas that the router is unable to reach. Furthermore, purchasing a router with an excessively wide range would just add to the expense and be of little value.
MU-MIMO Technology
Every router should have MU-MIMO technology. All users connecting to the Wi-Fi will benefit from a high-speed network thanks to MU-MIMO. This was previously impossible with SU-MIMO technology.
SU-MIMO isn’t sufficient to support many users on a robust network. Nowadays we have too many devices to connect with our routers, such as cell phones, tablets, and computers.
When MU-MIMO was introduced, however, this issue was resolved. As a result, your router must contain this technology.
Security Protocols
Many of us connect all our smart devices to the router. Data is constantly being transferred through the network. There seems to be a risk to the user’s privacy when the network is not protected.
Viruses including data leakage will be a problem on your network in this case. As a result, strong security protocols are very important. Firewalls, virus detectors, WPA, WPA2 security, and other protocols are some examples.
Price
We always assume that the most costly router is often the best. That’s not really the case, though. Most routers are simply overpriced and lacking in functionality. This isn’t true for all pricey routers, but it is for some of them.
As a result, doing thorough testing is the only way to look for a router that is worth its price. Compare various router brands to see which ones have the functionality you like.
Use the feedback to determine whether or not the router is really worth the money. This will assist you in locating a router at just the lowest available price.
Bottom Line
Considering all the mentioned points, there’s no need to think that you won’t be able to get the wireless access you need. Since most of us rely on our wireless networks, it is essential to be certain that the router we purchase is capable of handling the traffic on our network.
In general, we think the TP-Link Archer is the perfect router for an apartment. It truly does have everything you might want in a router. If you are looking for a more powerful router, feel free to go through the other options we have provided here.