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No one can deny that WiFi has a special and growing place in the modern world. With smart everything becoming more popular by the day, there seems to be no end to the number of things we do over the internet, and it is the rare user that actually prefers being tethered to an ethernet cable.
At the heart of any network, of course, is the router, the device that exchanges data between the users and the networks of the world. In an ethernet router, these signals are carried by physical wires or fiber optics, and so there is no need to worry about the distance from the router as long as there is enough cable to cross it.
Unlike its cabled cousin, a WiFi router requires that a signal be able to cross not only the distance from the user to the router but also any obstacles in between. As both the transmitter and receiver, such a router needs to be both powerful enough to send a signal through obstructions and sensitive enough to receive a weakened signal.
Another serious challenge of making a long-range WiFi router stems from the way that several devices can be hooked into one wireless network. A router must be able to receive and send not one precise signal, but several.
For all that, though, there are many routers that function excellently over long distances. We’ve narrowed the field to the five best to help you pick one out.
Related Article: Best Router Under 100 in 2020 [Our Reviews & Comparisons]
Table of Contents
Best Wifi Router For Long Range – Comparison Table
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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EDITOR’S CHOICE | 1. Linksys AC2200
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RUNNER UP | 2. Netgear Nighthawk AX3000
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3. TP-Link AC5400
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4. ASUS AC3100
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5. D-Link AC2600
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Our Best Wifi Router For Long Ranget Reviews and Comparisons
1. Linksys AC2200
Product Highlights
This router gives an enormous range and can link several devices at once as well
Features
- 2.2 GB per second
- Three distinct channels
- Maximum range of 2000 square feet
- 2.4 and 5 GHz streaming
What We Like About Linksys AC2200
Although this router has an incredible range, it conserves power by beaming signals straight to your device instead of making a ‘bubble’ around the router.
What We Don’t Like About Linksys AC2200
Connections can drop if a device’s bandwidth usage goes up or down enough to make it switch channels.
PROS
- Three separate channels
- Reception through concrete and metal walls
- 2000-foot unobstructed range
- Beam-forming technology to keep your router accurate and efficient
- Relatively durable
CONS
- Unusually large and heavy
- Does not alternate channels well
2. Netgear Nighthawk AX3000
Product Highlights
This router will give access to all the most recent developments in WiFi, including modern firewalls, VPNs, and more.
Features
- Four individual channels
- Up to 3 GB per second
- Maximum range 1500 feet
- USB connectivity
What We Like About Netgear Nighthawk AX3000
This router represents the leading edge of WiFi 6, a new wireless platform that allows for significantly more simultaneous connections to one router.
What We Don’t Like About Netgear Nighthawk AX3000
This router does not have the range of some others, making it somewhat unreliable for particularly large offices or homes
PROS
- Four distinct channels
- Beamforming connectivity
- WiFi 6 enabled
- Full support for antivirus programs, firewalls, and VPNs
- USB and Gigabit connections
CONS
- Somewhat inferior range
- Requires a mobile app to set up
3. TP-Link AC5400
Product Highlights
This router makes your fast-paced gaming a breeze with multiple Gigabit ports keeping the wireless connection quick and clear.
Features
- Three distinct channels
- 1.8 GHz processing
- 2.4 and 5 GHz signal bands
- 16 Ethernet ports
What We Like About TP-Link AC5400
By offering a number of ethernet ports for stationary devices, and teaming free channels to run in sync with occupied ones, this router allows for exceptional wireless speeds for mobile connections
What We Don’t Like About TP-Link AC5400
This router relies heavily on stationary devices such as large televisions or desktops being connected by cable to free up wireless channels.
PROS
- Exceptional number of Ethernet ports
- Works through heavy obstructions
- Integrated antivirus stops threats before they enter your network
- Processor layout optimized for gaming
- Strong customer service
CONS
- Slow processing speed
- Relatively short range
4. ASUS AC3100
Product Highlights
With this smart home router, you can choose what devices you want given the highest priority among all your connected appliances.
Features
- 2.4 and 5 GHz reception
- 1.4 GHz processor
- Up to eight Ethernet ports
- 1.8 GB per second transfer speed
What We Like About ASUS AC3100
Because this router is specifically intended for smart homes, it can connect more devices than usual and cycles quickly between them.
What We Don’t Like About ASUS AC3100
Beamforming technology and automatic band switching can lead to frequent signal drops.
PROS
- Automated band switching to keep heavy demand on more powerful channels
- Users can select a device to give priority
- Strong parental controls
- Preset modes for gaming, video, and uploading
- Multiple connectivity options
CONS
- Beamforming can lead to dead spots
- Unreliable 2.4 GHz band
5. D-Link AC2600
Product Highlights
McAfee has long been a trusted name in Internet security, and this router is another in a long line of quality cybersecurity products.
Features
- 1.6 gHz processing
- 2.4 and 5 Ghz signal
- Novel antenna design
- McAfee protective software included
What We Like About D-Link AC2600
McAfee includes a number of their most recent and powerful defense in this router, making your home network a safer place from the moment your plugin.
What We Don’t Like About D-Link AC2600
Most of the defensive functions in this router come with a costly McAfee subscription plan.
PROS
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- Innovative antenna design makes for better beamforming
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa and other smart home platforms
- Strong network defences
Relatively affordable
- Away from home’ mode prevents accidentally leaving devices connected
CONS
- Requires subscription
- Does not work well with Android
Final Verdict
A strong long-range signal has become practically indispensable for the modern home or office. Pick one of these routers and get yourself online anywhere in your building.