As internet penetration has increased, Wi-Fi routers have become integral to a modern home. While you will typically get a wireless router from your internet service provider (ISP), the ISP routers are far from the best option and are very restrictive. So, if you are ready to make the most of your broadband connection, it’s time to pick a new Wi-Fi router. Here are my handpicked recommendations to get you started.
Best Budget Wi-Fi router: TP-Link Archer AX10
The TP-Link Archer AX10 is an affordable wireless router that gets you the basics and is suitable for any sub-500Mbps internet connection. If you have faster internet, you will be better served by my other picks. The AX10 is a dual-band router whose 2.4GHz band can offer speeds up to 300Mbps, whereas the 5GHz band can reach up to 1200Mbps. It also features one 1Gbps WAN port and four gigabit LAN ports.
In other features, you get Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, which is more efficient and faster than Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), EasyMesh support to connect additional compatible TP-Link routers for extending the coverage, and Alexa support.
It’s also easy to install with the company’s Tether app and doesn’t take up too much space.
- Buy the TP-Link Archer AX10 from Amazon India or Flipkart
Best Wi-Fi router under Rs. 10,000: TP-Link Archer AX73
The TP-Link Archer AX73 is much more powerful than the AX10 and is perfect if you have a sub-gigabit internet connection. You can also use it with even faster broadband plans, but the 2.4GHz band won’t deliver speeds higher than 500Mbps. It’s also a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router, like the AX10. But it supports OneMesh technology and has HomeShield features, such as parental controls and network antivirus. It can also easily handle dozens of connected devices.
Other highlights include a single Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports. You also get a USB 3.0 port to connect a storage device to share over the network.
- Buy the TP-Link Archer AX73 from Amazon India or Flipkart
Best Wi-Fi router under Rs. 25,000: Asus RT-AX92U
If two bands are not doing it for you, you can consider the Asus RT-AX92U, my top pick under Rs. 25,000. It’s a tri-band Wi-Fi 6 router that’s even faster than the AX73 from TP-Link. The Asus offering offers Wi-Fi over one 2.4GHz and two 5GHz bands. So you can effectively manage the bandwidth between your devices. Out of the two 5GHz bands, one can reach up to 867Mbps, whereas the other supports speeds over 4Gbps, making it a good router for gigabit internet connections.
While it has one gigabit WAN and four gigabit LAN ports as the TP-Link routers, it supports WAN aggregation, allowing the merging of two internet connections for even faster connectivity. LAN aggregation is also available.
In other highlights, you get AiMesh support to connect additional compatible Asus routers in a mesh network. You also get advanced parental controls, a network security feature, and more. Plus, there are gaming-oriented features, such as support for WTFast VPN.
- Buy the Asus RT-AX92U from Amazon India or Flipkart
Best Mesh Router: Netgear Orbi RBK750 Series
If you have a big mouse with multiple floors and constantly deal with dead spots, you should go for the Netgear Orbi RBK750 Series. It’s a mesh networking system in which multiple nodes connect with each other to deliver seamless connectivity across your home. It comes in single, double, or triple packs. So you can choose depending on how much area you need to cover.
It supports Wi-Fi 6 like my other picks and can easily handle a sub-gigabit internet connection. While the primary node carries one gigabit WAN and three gigabit LAN ports, the satellite nodes only have two gigabit LAN ports. Moreover, although it’s a tri-band router, the third band is reserved for wireless backhaul. You can also wire your home to enjoy a wired backhaul.
- Buy the Netgear Orbi RBK750 Series from Amazon India
Best Wi-Fi router for gaming and multi-gig internet: Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro
If you game a lot, like a lot, and want a top-notch wireless router, it’s hard to go wrong with the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro. It’s a tri-band Wi-Fi 6 router and is suitable for multi-gig connections. I’m not sure how many people have multi-gig internet connections at home. But if you are one, go for it. You get one 2.5G and one 10G Ethernet port, which can be used for WAN or LAN. Plus, there are four regular Gigabit LAN ports.
As you can expect, there are tons of gaming-related features that make sure you experience virtually zero lag or jitter while gaming online. You can also make one of the LAN ports the gaming port to prioritize the traffic coming through it over the rest of the network traffic. There is plenty more to like about it.
- Buy the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro from Amazon India
So these are the best Wi-Fi routers in India. Which Wi-Fi router are you buying? Let me know in the comments.
