The best routers in the UK 2023

A router will allow you to share your wired or wireless connection. It is the ideal solution for all members of your family to enjoy the joys of the Internet. In an office, it will allow the networking of the computer park for a faster data sharing. However, it can be difficult to find the right router that will fit your needs. Follow the guide!

TP-Link Archer MR600 1
8/10

Best value for money

TP-Link Archer MR600

The best router

It is a modem/router capable of replacing your old ADSL box. 4G compatible, it is very easy to set up so that the whole family can enjoy a high speed connection.

76,24 £ on Rakuten

The TP-Link Archer MR600 will put broadband at your fingertips. Simply insert your 4G SIM card, with a plan, and you're set. For a more stable connection, you can connect it to a modem via the Ethernet LAN/WAN port. The 4 RJ45 ports will also allow you to share your connection to your computer equipment in complete security, WPA.

4G+ Cat6 compatible, this router is capable of supporting speeds up to 300Mb/s. A fact since it supports the WI-FI nomes: 802.11a; 802.11n; 802.11g; 802.11b; 802.11ac. Installation is fast thanks to a very intuitive interface and there are two SMA connectors if you want to connect external 4G antennas.

NETGEAR Wi-Fi Router (R6120) 2
6/10

Best value for money

NETGEAR Wi-Fi Router (R6120)

The best entry-level router

This Netgear router has a coverage of 90m² so you can enjoy your connection uninterrupted. Moreover, the wireless speed can reach 1200 Mb/s.

See the price

Do you want the best Internet connection at home? The NETGEAR Wi-Fi Router (R6120) with simultaneous dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz speeds of 300 Mbps and 900 Mbps with 1.2 GHz bandwidth is the perfect choice. In addition, it supports up to 20 devices simultaneously and connection types: automatic IP, static IP, PPPoE (MPPE compatible), PPTP, L2TP.

For a more stable connection, you can connect your computer to the various Ethernet ports, 4 RJ45. This router is reliable thanks to the various encryptions, including WPA and WEP, 64 and 128 bits.

ASUS ZenWiFi 6 3
8/10

Best value for money

ASUS ZenWiFi 6

The best high-end router

Featuring WI-FI6 technology, the ASUS ZenWiFi 6 is a high-end router with high-end performance for video streaming or online gaming.

See price

The Asus ZenWiFi supports tri-band Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) on the 2.4GHz band and two 5.0GHz bands, for a total speed of 6600 Mbps (6.6 Gbps). That's much faster than most models currently using 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and faster than other Wi-Fi 6 routers. Featuring a 4-core processor, expect a smooth connection.

For greater flexibility in use, Asus has provided its device with 3 LAN ports and a WAN with a 2.5 Gbps throughput. Your secrets will be well protected with WPA-PSK, WPA-Enterprise, WPS, WPA2-Enterprise, WPA2-PSK encryption and Trend Micro Protection. It is a lifetime network security software and it is free.

LINKSYS Router EA8300 4
8/10

Very good

LINKSYS Router EA8300

A very good alternative

This wired and wireless router has 3 frequency bands capable of delivering all the bandwidth needed for all your electronic and computer devices.

See the price

It's the perfect solution for a small business or home using multiple connections simultaneously. The multi-user, multi-input, multi-output (MU-MIMO) technology allows for a combined throughput of 2.2, in WI-FI, well supported by the 5.4 GHz band, 400 Mb/s, and the two 5GHz bands capable of WI-FI 5, 1733 Mb/s.

It has a USB 3.0 port, 4 Ethernet ports, RJ45, and a WAN port for modem connection. Secure, it has advanced encryption algorithms: WEP 128 bits, WEP 64 bits, WPA2, AES 128 bits, WPA2-Enterprise. In the field of protection, it has a parental control and a firewall, the Stateful Packet Inspection.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best router

Any specific needs?

The best router

The best entry-level router

The best high-end router

A very good alternative

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best routers

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE VERY GOOD
TP-Link Archer MR600 5
8/10
NETGEAR Wi-Fi Router (R6120) 6
6/10
ASUS ZenWiFi 6 7
8/10
LINKSYS Router EA8300 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
TP-Link Archer MR600
NETGEAR Wi-Fi Router (R6120)
ASUS ZenWiFi 6
LINKSYS Router EA8300
It is a modem/router capable of replacing your old ADSL box. 4G compatible, it is very easy to set up so that the whole family can enjoy a high speed connection.
This Netgear router has a coverage of 90m² so you can enjoy your connection uninterrupted. Moreover, the wireless speed can reach 1200 Mb/s.
Featuring WI-FI6 technology, the ASUS ZenWiFi 6 is a high-end router with high-end performance for video streaming or online gaming.
This wired and wireless router has 3 frequency bands capable of delivering all the bandwidth needed for all your electronic and computer devices.
Full software interface and in French
Affordable price
Good level of security
Easy to install
Compatible B28 (700MHz) : Free
Double bandwidth
Stable and reliable data rate
Triple-band system
Portable : sim card
WPA and WEP encryption
WI-FI 6
Intuitive interface

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How to choose your router

Buying a router is not something to be done lightly. You need to understand how it works so you can determine which one will be best for your home or workspace.

#1 - Network standards and scope

On a wired router, you won't have to worry about range, as all devices will connect via an Ethernet cable, RJ45. The point to take into account will be the network standard that affects the speed of your connection. Most devices support the following 3 speeds: 10, 100 and 1000 Mb/s.
In the case of WI-FI routers, it's another story. More practical since there is no cable, it must be taken into account that the WI-FI network loses power at a certain range.

Without going into great theories, we recommend routers with the WI-FI network standard: 802.11n. Generally the models with this standard have the older versions on board. The 802.11n has a range of 70m, approximately, and offers a speed between 288 and 600 Mb/s. It is the network standard with the greatest range.

#2 - The frequency band

When

shopping, you will notice that on the box of routers the mention Dual-band or Single-Band. On a Single-band router, you will only have one 2.4 GHz band. The least expensive, but the least efficient. Indeed, the 2.4 GHz frequency is used by most electrical equipment or smartphones. Your signal will lose power and reliability due to interference.

For optimal and flexible use, your equipment should have two bands: 2.4 and 5 GHz. The more, the better the quality of your connection. The 2.4 GHZ frequency will be used for long distances and devices requiring a medium speed. The 5 GHz, faster and compatible 802.11n and 802.11ac, will be used for devices requiring a better speed, but closer to the router, about 30m.

Special feature of dual-band routersOn

the

market, there are models with a switch allowing you to choose between the two frequencies. This will force you to get up and handle your device regularly. The most practical is to have a device that allows you to use both bands simultaneously.

#3 - The number of devices

If

you want to buy a WI-FI router, you will have to pay attention to the number of simultaneously connected devices supported by the router. Most models on the market support about ten devices in general. This criterion depends a lot on your needs and the number of devices supposed to connect to the router.

#4 - Security

To

better protect your network, you should choose a router with the WPA security standard. This is an encryption mechanism that prevents malicious connections from accessing your home network. In a wired installation, this doesn't matter, but in a WI-FI installation, it's critical.

#5 - The connectors

On

a wired type router, make sure you have at least 4 Ethernet ports. This will allow you to set up a true local area network, or LAN, to connect your printer and computers to play locally. Then, having a USB port available will be appreciated, whether it is WI-FI or wired.

What is a router?

For the uninitiated, this is the major question, "Is my modem the router?", or "What is my Box?" Let's start at the beginning.

Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) offers a signal that your modem, which is the gateway between your devices and the provider, must decode, demodulate. In order to share this connection, either wired or WI-FI, you need a router, which is not provided. It is the router that will allow you to share your connection with all the devices in your home. On the other hand, if your provider (ISP) provides you with an Internet box, you will have a modem and a router.

However, you can add a higher-end router to your box if it does not meet your expectations from your ISP. In addition, you will have access to other settings.

What is the difference between a switch and a router?

A switch is like a power strip where you run out of outlets. A switch allows you to add Ethernet ports to your installation when your router lacks them. To work, it needs a router.

2.4 GHz or 5 GHz?

Frequency 2.4 GHz

As mentioned above, this has to do with the speed and range of your WI-FI router. The 2.4 GHz frequency supports the 802.11 to 802.11n network standards. It has a range between 20 and 70 m which allows it to maintain a good signal even through walls. With a maximum data rate between 288 and 600 Mb/s, it loses reliability, as many electronic devices also use this frequency.

5 GHz frequency

The 5 GHz frequency offers faster throughput as long as you are within a 30 m range. It's more than useful when you're playing online games or watching streaming shows with speeds up to 2600 Mbps. It is compatible with 802.11a, 802.11n and 802.11ac WI-FI. Plus, you won't have network congestion.

Verdict

Single-band routers, 2.4 GHz, are ideal for applications that do not require a high speed internet connection. However, in order to take full advantage of online games and high-resolution videos, it is advisable to have a dual- or triple-band router that has the 5 GHz frequency.

Tips

How to place your WI-FI router

The WI-FI signal can be disrupted by several things like an aquarium, because of water, a microwave or a fixed wireless phone. The ideal will be to place it in the center of your home and in height so that the signal can propagate.

Use better Ethernet cables

On a wired router, the speed of your connection could be altered by bad cable that fails to transmit the right speed according to a given length. It is therefore important to choose cables capable of operating at 100m with a speed of 1000 Mb/s such as class 5 RJ45 cables.

A good password

To prevent unscrupulous people from taking advantage of your connection, consider setting up a password that is difficult to find. Eliminate name, birthday, 0000 or 1234 passwords out of hand. Remember to slip in the middle of your code signs like / or + and remember to insert upper and lower case letters.

Optimize the speed of your connection

To optimize the speed of your internet connection, go to your router's interface and try switching from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz. If your router has a switch for this purpose, just use it.

Network your printer and scanner

In order to be cable-free in your home or office, connect all your devices to your WI-FI or LAN network.

FAQ

What is the best router?

The best router depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best.

What are the differences between a repeater and a WI-FI router?

A WI-FI repeater will allow you to amplify the signal of your Internet Box on a larger surface whereas a router requires the contribution of a modem.

What is WI-FI 6?

WI-FI 6, 802.11 ax, is the latest version of WI-FI with a 40% transfer gain over WI-FI 5, 802.11ac. This is a considerable boost to the signal level, especially in public areas, and will continue to be implemented over the course of this year.

How do I access my router's interface?

To access your router's interface and various settings, you need to turn it on and open a new browser tab in your web browser. Then enter the IP address of your router. This can often be found in the user manual or on a label on the bottom of your equipment. Once the IP address is entered, in the form of 192.168.x.x., all you have to do is enter the default password, also written on the label.

Do I need a router?

If your internet service provider has provided you with a modem, you will need a router in order to be able to share the connection with different members of your family. On the other hand, if you have been provided with a box, you already have a router. To find out more, we invite you to read our article on the subject.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  2. , geekzone.fr
  3. , protegez-vous.ca
  4. , digitalcitizen.life
  5. , nbcnews.com
  6. , consumerreports.org
  7. , panoptinet.com
  8. , blog.ariase.com
  9. , sowee.fr
  10. , phonandroid.com
  11. , commentcamarche.net
  12. , commentcamarche.net
  13. , fr.wikipedia.org
  14. , amazon.co.uk
  15. , journaldunet.fr
  16. , boulanger.com
  17. , darty.com
  18. , clubic.com
  19. , cdiscount.com
  20. , testmateriel.net
  21. , malekal.com
  22. , amazon.co.uk
  23. , tp-link.com
  24. , fnac.com
  25. , materiel.net
  26. , futura-sciences.com
  27. , boulanger.com
  28. , linksys.com
  29. , meilleurrouteurwifi.net
  30. , materiel.net
  31. , ldlc-pro.com
  32. , cdiscount.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
TP-Link Archer MR600 9
TP-Link Archer MR600
NETGEAR Wi-Fi Router (R6120) 10
NETGEAR Wi-Fi Router (R6120)
ASUS ZenWiFi 6 11
ASUS ZenWiFi 6
LINKSYS Router EA8300 12
LINKSYS Router EA8300

Lecteurs

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