Best WiFi Router in India - Reviews and Comparison 2021

Bandwidth is a crucial factor when buying a WiFi router, and there are a few things you need to know about it. First of all, your router is not solely responsible for high-speed internet as that also depends on the bandwidth plan you take from the ISP. Apart from an ISP connection, modem, the layout and location of your home matters too.

Routers have different speed listed on their package, from 10 Mbps to 1900 Mbps and higher the number, higher the speed. True that! However, in case of normal WiFi, you are good to go with 50Mbps speed throughout your home. So, it is best to go for a number as per the requirement as another truth is, higher the number, higher the speed and higher the price!

Usually, simply number isn’t labelled, but bandwidth is mentioned as N600, AC1750, AC3200 and this is the maximum throughput. Under this ‘AC’ is wireless standard and number is speed. So, if it is a dual-band router with 2.4GHZ to 5GHz frequency, with link rate of 450Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band, then the label will be AC1750.

Here is the table for your better understanding.

A router has three frequency channels or range - single, dual, and tri-band. Typically, single-band routers operate at a lower frequency — 2.4GHz, dual-band routers support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies and tri-band support 5GHz channel. Most household appliances , including Bluetooth devices, microwave, cordless phone, operate at 2.4GHz frequency. Whereas, 5GHz band can transmit more data at higher speed and is best suited for large spaces.

You must have often heard, the more the antennas, the better it is. However, it is valid only to an extent. Yes, more antennas mean better signal directionality and optimum speed. Besides, the number of antennas, software that drives the antennas also matter. Specs like MIMO and MU-MIMO enhances the capacity of a router to transmit and receive data, which makes a network faster.

The wireless standards are known by many names-protocols, standards, or specs. And they have alphanumeric names like 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac. The modern and recent WiFi routers use 802.11ac and 802.11n as “a,” “b,” and, “g” standards are considered out of date. While 802.11n is ideal for individuals and homes, 802.11ac is best if you want to utilize both the 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands.

WEP, WPA, and WPA2 are the key acronyms for WiFi router security. They are WiFi protected access protocols which encrypt your network and asks an external device for a “key” to gain access. Amongst these, WEP is considered outdated as it is easy to hack, and WPA2 is the level of security that service providers recommend.

Parental control, NAT (Network Address Translation) and Firewall are also useful to protect your home or office network.

Quality of Service is a unique technology developed to manage data traffic. It lets you define the priority levels for different kind of data. For example, if you want to watch TV series over the internet, but your kids are using the bandwidth to playing games online, with QoS, you both will enjoy your thing without any interruption.

• LAN Port

More LAN ports mean more computer connections using an ethernet cable for faster web access.

• USB Port

A USB port enhances the usability of a WiFi router. You can use this to share a storage device or even a printer. Simply, plug in a thumb drive containing files and let the users on the network share and view individual files effortlessly. USB 2.0 port and USB 3.0 port are usually used for data transfer between the connected devices.

• Dual WAN Port

Dual WAN port can function as a backup for a separate internet connection. If the usage is high, then the second WAN port can help in balancing the connectivity load. This port can support cable, ADSL, or 4G broadband.

This is a good-to-have feature. Earlier, to make changes in a configuration, we had to log in to a local router IP using an internet browser. However, modern WiFi routers come with a phone app that lets you control the router on a single tap.

Any WiFi router that has a minimum of 2 antennas and 300 Mbps speed support is an excellent choice for home use. It is a good fit for a small office as well.

No, there is no separate type of router for those who have a fiber internet connection. You just need a router that has the WAN port (RJ-45 Ethernet port).

A WiFi router that has dual-band connection, 802.11ac wireless type, two antennas and bandwidth of up to 750 Mbps is a go-to router for any online gaming enthusiast. However, don’t forget these are the minimum requirements. More the merrier. Also, it is good to have QoS as that will prioritize your gaming traffic.

If your place is full of streamers, downloaders, and gamers, your WiFi router should have MU-MIMO, at least dual-band, ethernet ports, 3-4 antennas, and speed of 300 Mbps at 2.4GHz and 867 Mbps at 5GHz.

Many people believe that both are same since they look similar. However, the functions performed by them is very different. Routers ensure connection of multiple devices to a single internet connection. In contrast, the router needs to be connected to a modem to access the internet.

Hi-end wireless routers and access points claim to connect about 250 devices at once. This includes computers, cameras, tablets, smartphones, and various other internet-enabled devices.

WiFi extender is installed in case of weak WiFi signal issues. For example, the place of your device and the place where WiFi router is kept are far from each other, or there is a thick wall between them blocking the signals, there a WiFi extender can be used to boost the existing WiFi signal.

ADSL modem router helps in connecting the ADSL phone line for internet.

There is no WiFi router as best or worst as it solely depends on the router’s feature and your requirement. Therefore, consider the essential functions of a WiFi router like bandwidth, antenna, frequency channel, wireless standard, and security. Also, contemplate on the size of your house/office, number of devices to be connected and purpose (streaming videos, gaming, etc.) for which you need internet.

Although the best location for a WiFi router is the centre-most point of any area. However, ensure no metal object or thick wall is surrounding it as that will block the signals. If you want to choose between upstairs and downstairs, then upstairs is the best options. There will be fewer obstacles upstairs than downstairs, and there are more chances that the router will be surrounded by brick walls downstairs than upstairs.

Life of a WiFi router depends on the quality of the router and its maintenance. Usually, a WiFi router can last between 5-10 years until and unless it gets obsolete due to technology.

Modern WiFi routers are designed in a manner that keeping them ON for 24*7 will not affect their life span. However, if you want to save some electricity or want to reduce the chances of your network being hacked, then you can switch the router off.

Yes. Whenever you try to access content from a website, the responsibility of its delivery is on the server operated by another company. The server is connected to the internet. At times, many people, including you, are trying to connect to the same company’s website. This limits your speed to that particular website. If you try to connect to another website that does not have high usage, then you will experience faster speed.

• Electronic devices, including WiFi router, already run warm, and heat from outside in any form is the last thing they need. High temperature can lead to component failures and weak soldered joints.

• A little dust won’t do any harm but don’t let the dirt collect. Just like you go for a quick vacuum for PC and other devices, clean the WiFi router the same way.

• Keep the firm updated by going for the option automatic firmware update. Most router manufacturers offer this during the installation process.

• If your WiFi router is causing the signal issue, repositioning the router can be the solution. Sometimes, changing the router’s direction can improve dead spots. Change the position of the router by 90 degrees and that might improve the coverage.

• Your WiFi router may experience interference with microwave ovens, garage remotes, baby monitors and Bluetooth devices, in such a case, move it. Also, don’t store it in the closet because more walls penetrate the signals and ultimately weakens them.

• Keep the WiFi router close to the devices. So, if the internet can be piped into your place from multiple rooms, then pick that room where you use your maximum devices.

• If the signal doesn’t reach that part of the house or office where they are required most, accessories like enhancers and amplifiers can improve the router’s coverage.

• Last but not least, you can always upcycle your WiFi router. So, when your wireless router quit working, it may still be used as a wired router. The Ethernet ports can move data faster than most WiFi. Use the port(s) to plug in printers, storage drives or computers. 

• Set complicated password for your router so that it is difficult for people to tell the password to others.

• Give limited access to the password.

• Change the password often.

• Keep changing the admin credentials of the router.

• Change the network name or SSID so that it doesn’t show the router brand or model. 

• Once all devices are connected, you can hide the network. In this case, either passers-by won’t see it, or they will see “Hidden network.” However, in both cases, it is impossible to connect to the network.

• You can always strengthen WiFi encryption. In fact, this is something you should always do.

• Keep the remote access off.

• Keep both the software and hardware firewall on.

• Turn off the router when not in use.

Our comparison winner is the best all-round WiFi router. If you are willing to pay out more, you can enjoy its exclusive SIM card and Plug n Play feature which gives you freedom from configuration settings. It is the single router on our list that has integrated 4G LTE modem and a built-in SIM card slot. So, whether you are at your house, office or even a remote area where the broadband facility is missing, TP-Link Archer MR400 AC1200 can be trusted. As per field test, it is compatible for SIM cards in more than 100 countries.

It will blanket your entire home and medium-size office with its 4G speed. This router from TP-Link support all mainstream ISP including Jio, Airtel, Vodafone, BSNL, ACT, MTNL, Hathway, You Broadband, GTPL. Thanks to 802.11ac wireless type, four antennas and bandwidth of up to 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, you can not only use it for net surfing but live streaming of HD videos and playing online games.

Moreover, if yours is a place of streamers, gamers and multiple-devices, its advanced QoS feature and capability to connect up to 64 devices always comes handy.

If you need an affordable option from one of the top WiFi router’s brands, TP-LInk, then TL-WR841N is worth buying.

Besides the brand name, the WiFi router offers 300Mbps speed, two antennas ensuring the wireless stability, and is supported by maximum ISPs-ACT Fibernet, Airtel Fibernet, Hathway, Tikona, YOU Broadband, SITI, GTPL, to name a few. The parental control function gives a sigh of relief to parents and employers as they can manage the internet access of children or employee. Additionally, you get WPS security just at a push button.

If you need a router that offers the best bang for your buck then Tenda N301 Wireless-N300 it is. Our ‘best-value’ WiFi router comes with some handy features like parental controls and MU-MIMO. Set-up is simple, and there is family control option as well. This small and adjustable in size WiFi router is not suitable for playing heavy online games. With a single band, 300Mbps wireless speed and two antennas, it is fit for personal, home and small office usage.

ADSL2+ router is something which only BSNL broadband users need to purchase and not the regular ones. And therefore, D-Link DSL-2750U Wireless N 300 ADSL2 + router works only with BSNL.

It provides internet transmission of up to 24 Mbps downstream, 1 Mbps upstream. You can enjoy high-speed wireless connections due to Wireless N technology, and it is compatible with 802.11n/g/b wireless device. Your network gets the best protection with WPA/WPA2 wireless security. Besides this, it offers firewall protection as well. The four Ethernet ports leave a large room for connecting several Ethernet-enabled devices like PCs and print servers. Last but not least, the QoS technology ensures smart traffic control.

D-Link DIR-615 Wireless-N300 Router is an affordable router that provides reliable WiFi coverage and 300 Mbps speed throughout your home. Set up is easy, and you get some high-end security feature like WPA, WPA2 and NAT firewall. The four LAN ports facilitate connection to wired devices for high-speed online activities.

This D-link router not only saves your money but the environment as well and therefore, falls in the category of green WiFi routers. The only eco-friendly WiFi router on our list is designed to conserve energy, protect the environment from harmful substances and reduce wastage by using recyclable packaging.

If you are not looking for something out of the budget and need a router with similar features as our Comparison winner, then you can go for Asus RT-AC59U Dual Band Gigabit WiFi Router. It has 600 Mbps (2.4GHz) and 867 Mbps (5GHz) speed, long-range and lots of features, including ASUS Router APP Control. The ‘smartphone app’ feature is its USP, or you can say the alternative to ‘SIM card and Plug n Play’ feature.

It has one USB 2.0 port ASUS for file sharing both locally and remotely. Powered by 5th-generation WiFi, dual-band and four antennas, it is well optimized for your basic internet applications, online heavy gaming sessions and HD video streaming.

Ensuring the safety of your kids, it offers all the management functions in one place. This is not it. Due to intuitive interface, it is easy to view and choose security settings for all the devices used by family members.

This might be last on our top seven list, but Netgear is a well-known brand in networking. It is a budgeted WiFi router which gives moderate results to satisfy your need. With 300 Mbps download speed, single-band and two external antennas, it is adequate for a small and medium house. It is equipped with push WPS button that allows you to secure the wireless network and connect to plenty of smart wireless devices. In addition to this, it eliminates the need of remembering complicated passwords every time you use it. ‘Easy guest network access’ is one of the features that you just can’t miss. However, to protect your network from spyware and malware, it offers the highest level of wireless security with WPA/WPA2  and NAT firewall.