Setup is a snap and within five minutes you’re up and running on both Mac and PC where you’ll gain access to Synology’s Router Management System. It’s here you’ll find options such as parental controls, a blacklist of malicious risky websites and security options. The 8 Best DD-WRT Routers of 2019. The 8 Best VPN Routers of 2019. Setup is a snap and within five minutes you’re up and running on both Mac and PC where you’ll gain access to Synology’s Router Management System. It’s here you’ll find options such as parental controls, a blacklist of malicious risky websites and security options. The 8 Best DD-WRT Routers of 2019. The 8 Best VPN Routers of 2019.
Every home needs the best wireless router for HD video streaming and gaming. Our editor’s choice of the top 10 best home wireless routers in 2019 offers you fast home wireless networks. The Wi-Fi routers reviewed here connect easily to your internet to stream content without the annoying buffering.
The reviewed wireless router on our list here prevents congestion from taking place on the network. They are designed with dual-band, which is great to have. For you, this means you can share one Wi-Fi band across different devices for a better balance over the network. They act as a broadcast beacon to make sure all the devices have a steady wireless connection.
However, there are different strengths and consistencies each unit here offers you diverse capabilities to choose the right router for your needs.
Also check BEST BUDGET WIRELESS ROUTERS
Contents
Factors to consider when choosing a wireless router
Some of the factors you need to consider when buying a home wireless router are the number of bands it has. You can look at the bandwidth capabilities, the coverage area, parental controls, and security offered. Other prime traits to consider is the LAN and USB ports included as this allows you to connect multiple devices at the same time.
Your best option to make sure you are choosing the right one is to check the networking standards. The latest protocol in the top wireless router is 802.11 with an alphabet indication related to the speed and transmission capabilities. The great thing is the speed has increased and they are three times faster than the older models.
For a top wireless router choose the AC model and if it dents your budget choose a wireless-n model for your home. Check this out if you are looking for Best Hidden Spy Cameras
Listing of the Best Home Wireless Networks
If you need a Wi-Fi router to keep your family entertained at home, get connected with the top wireless routers reviewed here.
Best Home Wireless Routers in 2019
Home Wireless Routers Reviews | Top picks for Home and Office
1. The ASUS RT-AC66U
Now for a top contender in the home wireless network, the RT-AC66U from ASUS is a dual band router with a Gigabit WAN port. For setting up the device, it includes the ASUSWRT setup for ease of use. This is a fifth generation 802.11ac router that uses both 2.4/5GHz bands with speeds up to 1.75 gigabytes per second.
You can access the ASUS AiCloud to share, sync, and stream with your mobile device. Further, you get unlimited storage with expansions available. For a reliable and fast Internet connection, the Gigabit Ethernet ports outstanding and it has detachable antennas.
The ASUSWRT dashboard offer you access for setting up the router, control the network, download, store, and monitor your home network. The standout features of the RT-AC66 U are the multiple SSIDs, twin USB ports, and standard QoS. With the 2.4GHz, you get up to 450 megabytes per second while the 5GHz offers you up to 1300 Mbps speed.
The router supports VPN, HDD sharing, and IPv6 and you can mount the unit to the wall. For connecting at home this wireless router has no problem. You can use it in your apartment it still holds the connection well. The range of the wireless connection while using mobile services is 150 feet.
You receive a 24-month warranty included with an excellent customer service.
- Excellent speed Gets very warm in a closed area so keep it aired well
- Great coverage
- Gives firmware updates
- Gets very warm in a closed area so keep it aired well
2. The Nighthawk AC1900
For prime features, the Nighthawk AC1900 by NETGEAR has the gamer and steamer covered. You can enjoy fast speeds with the dual-core 1GHz processor reaching up to 1900 Mbps speed. The unit has powerful amplifiers with external antennas. With the Beamforming, it helps boost the range for the best wireless coverage.
You can enjoy your online gaming with the QoS prioritized streaming and you can create fast downloads and transfer of data. The AC1990 is perfect for any home as the NETGEAR genie app gives you remote access and installs automatically. Further, you receive included backup software with automated updates.
You can view connected devices, check the Internet, update the most recent firmware, and you have access to support information. You can use the apparatus with Amazon Echo/Alexa to control the router with voice commands. Enjoy uninterrupted streaming without the buffering with the Dynamic QoS and use a storage device via the USB 3.0 port. Additional, it helps improve your mobile device wireless speeds as it sends signals to devices using 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
When purchasing the Nighthawk AC1900 you receive a limited lifetime warranty.
- The internet is fast Expensive
- Connects well when buying new cat6 cables
- Interface is easy and quick
- Has access control for security
- Has the strength of three routers
- Expensive
3. The Apple Airport Time Capsule
The most recent release, which you can use as a 6th Gen base station, is the Airport Time Capsule from Apple. The device gives you dual-band to transmit over two frequencies. The device automatically connects to multiple devices at the same time. You can create your own Wi-Fi Network and provides you with automated computer backup.
You can connect to the network printer and share data by connecting an external hard drive. With the Time Capsule, you are able to reach up to 1.3 Gbps. There are six internal antennas to set up with your Mac or iOS devices. The apparatus has a vertical design, looks stylish yet compact, and takes up less space.
You get up to 3-terabyte storage and have the newest 802.11ac technology acting as a controlling beam to connect mobile devices. Included you receive a 12-month limited warranty. Even setting up the router is easy with the Airport Utility available in iOS and Mac systems.
- Easy to set up the device Needs better packaging
- Connects to a printer via the Ethernet port
- Great performance
- Suitable to use in a medium sized business
- Keeps a reliable connection
- Has a great security
- Needs better packaging
4. The AirStation N600 by Buffalo Technology
The AirStation N600 is a budget-friendly Wi-Fi router. They have designed it with Buffalo Technology utilized in the optimized antennas with built-in amplifiers. This technology helps to boost the strength of the signal and extends the range. For the home, the wireless routers perfect as it uses an open-source DD-WRT platform.
For a secure wireless connection between your devices, the router offers you a One-Touch Secure System. You can configure the AirStation N600 and use it as a wireless bridge with speeds up to 600 Mbps. The apparatus is equipped with a USB 2.0 port and you can use it as a network drive to share information.
You can even maximize your network speed with the include Ethernet connection and keep data flowing. Included with the ports you get the LAN and WAN ports available in gigabit. The wireless router sets up with multi-level encryption and includes VPN, VLAN, and hotspot sign in.
The AirStation backed with a two-year warranty.
- Periodically checks external IP addresses The base plate is not sturdy
- Can plug in a USB flash drive
- Attach old USB printers
- Can setup your own personal VPN server
- The Gigabit is fast
- The base plate is not sturdy
Check this out to see more about AirStation N600
5. The ASUS RT-N56U
For an amazing deal in wireless routers, the ASUS RT-N56U is a dual-band model. You can download HD movies with the 600 Mbps transmission in less than five minutes. There is a Gigabit Ethernet connection and you get a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band.
With the router, you can do multitasking with different users to print, surf and share data. The RT-N56U has 5 Gigabit ports with included WAN and four are LAN. The great thing the unit is compatible with different devices. When used with the LAN and WAN you, get up to 900 Mbps speed.
Setting up the ASUS uses the ASUS EZ UI software and you do not need manuals to study beforehand. Further, you can connect to external hard drive for file sharing and you can print & scan at the same time. ASUS backs the wireless router with a two-year labor and parts warranty
- The routers perfect for home internet use The download manager is not good
- Easily works with a 2TB external hard drive
- The device handles downloads well
- The download manager is not good
6. The NETGEAR N300
For one of the best home wireless routers, the NETGEAR N300 stands out for all the right reasons. If you have the most recent Windows software at home, this router will not disappoint you. The unit easily handles a 300 Mbps speed to download video and games. While the NETGEAR Genie app gives, you ease of access to the dashboard.
On the dashboard, you can monitor your network at home. You can control your kid’s access to certain content with the parental control. The device also has wireless security included. The important thing is the routers backed by a lifetime warranty in case it happens to malfunction.
Extras included are a durable stand, power adapter, installation guide, and the Ethernet cable. In addition, if you have technical concerns you can contact the NETGEAR technical department from Monday to Sunday 24-hours a day. For transmitting, it has two bands a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The device is further set up with Internet Protocol Version 6.
For the home, the N300 is more than ideal as it has five ports and auto-sensing technology.
- After four years of use, it still goes strong Sometimes the connections lost
- Easily runs 100 Mbps speeds while using several devices
- Quick to install
- Sometimes the connections lost
7. The Linksys AC1200 Wi-Fi Router
Do you need a hassle-free home network, look at the Linksys AC1200? The wireless router is 2.8 times faster and offers you dual-band. Download media and data with 300 Mbps 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. While the 2.0 USB and Ethernet ports give you excellent transfer rates to share data.
Control the content your kids see with the parental control to monitor their devices. With this control, you can switch the router on and off and keep it password protected. There are different Smart wireless apps to improve your control over the home network. The units straightforward to use and needs no extra CD to set it up.
The wireless router has two antennas placed externally on the device. You received included extra the CD-ROM, power adapter, one by USB 2.0 port, Ethernet cable and include a 12-month warranty.
- Affordable The setup is a bit complicated
- Has a phone app to control your Wi-Fi
- Works great in a four bedroom apartment
- Dual band function works well
- The setup is a bit complicated
8. The Linksys AC1600
The Linksys AC1600 is a smart wireless router with the latest 802.11ac technology. You can connect different devices to the apparatus and works with all a/b/g/n devices. To prevent interference the device has a double network with three time’s faster speed.
You get four ports to connect both wired and wireless devices. These ports provide you fast speed compared to using an Ethernet port. Setting up the unit is easy with the included CD. While the tap card gives, you a simple touch option to enable NFC-enabled devices to connect easily. You will get a high-performance and range with the built-in signal amplifiers.
With the Beamforming feature, it helps strengthen the wireless signal to connect with other devices. There is a USB 3.0 port to increase the storage space while using an external hard drive. If you do decide to buy the AC1600 you receive a startup guide, Ethernet cable, the SimpleTap car, and CD documentation.
Additionally, you receive a 1-year limited warranty.
- Easy to install the software A bit on the bulky side
- Apps are available
- Has a slick interface
- No need of loose hanging Ethernet cables
- A bit on the bulky side
9. The TP-Link N300
Another wireless router you could utilize at home is the N300 TP-Link. For VoIP online gaming, streaming videos, web browsing and more this one is perfect. You get 300Mbps wireless speed and to extend the range it has a Range Extender button. The design is small and mountable to the wall. The other key feature is the wireless adapter use with the Ethernet port.
If you need to move, the router there is no need of setting it up again as it remembers previously paired Wi-Fi networks. With the WPS button, you can extend the coverage as it establishes the encrypted connection with other devices. There are two antennas and you get 24/7 support.
The great thing about the TP-Link N300 is you can use it to observe what your employees are getting up to in a small business. Use the bandwidth management system to verify how much you need for easier user connection. The device is compatible with other 802.11n/g/b devices while the Tether app gives you ease of access and management. You have a LED control for using in Night Mode.
When you buy the N300, you get an outstanding 2-year warranty and you the unit is available to buy with cable modem router.
- Easy to use wireless router Bandwidth control is limited
- Reliable
- Affordable
- Excellent signal strength
- You receive an extra guest network
- Bandwidth control is limited
10. The Belkin N450
Get connected with the N450 Belkin with high-speed connection for all your data streaming needs. The unit has a dual-band offering you up to 300 Mbps while using the 5 GHz band and 150 Mbps with the 2.4 GHz. The dual band functions perfectly for a small business or live streaming at home.
For the family with young kids, you can filter out unsafe Internet content. The parental controls supplied by Norton. The children can enjoy online gaming and downloads with reliable streaming from the N450 router. Different devices can connect to the Internet simultaneously with multiple device access.
Belkin has even made setting up the apparatus easier with the New Browser-Based Setup. This plug-and-play model comes with preconfigured wireless encryption. The router accommodates different devices from Window based systems, Mac, to a variety of web browser.
Included with the router you receive a power adapter, networking cable, user manual, and a setup CD. Moreover, you receive nonstop data streaming and a two-year warranty.
- Straightforward to install Not much different to its predecessor
- No problems with streaming
- Affordable
- Parental management
- Not much different to its predecessor
A VPN service can serve you in multiple ways. When a VPN service gets between your device and your internet provider by creating a proxy, it can encrypt all data, mask all your private information, spoof some of the information, unblock websites and a lot more. No matter if you want to protect your data as you’re browsing on public Wi-Fi or you want to unblock Netflix in your country, a VPN service can always come in handy. Here are the best VPN apps for iPhone, iPad and Mac.
But these days, VPN services are a dime a dozen. When you search on App Store or on Google, you’ll find hundreds of VPN services, with names you’ve never heard of and with backgrounds you can’t trust. How then, can you pick a safe, secure, fast and feature-rich VPN service? A VPN service that will actually protect you? We’ve simplified your search by picking the five best VPN apps for iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Best VPN Apps for iPhone, iPad, and Mac
1. ExpressVPN
Number of servers: 3000+ | VPN Locations: 164 locations in 94 countries | Devices Supported: 5 devices | Logging: No logs | Kill Switch: Yes
ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPN services online and it’s easy to see why. A lot of VPN apps have old and convoluted apps. ExpressVPN’s app is simple and modern. Just turn it on, select the location if you want and then forget about it. The iOS app is simple and the Mac app provides you with pro customization tools if you wish to tweak the settings.
ExpressVPN is based out of the British Virgin Islands, which puts it out of any intelligence-sharing agreements. So even if ExpressVPN was logging all your data (which it isn’t), there’s no way a government agency get their hands on it. ExpressVPN also has a great log-free policy and supports open protocols like OpenVPN. When tested by reputable third-party sources, no DNS leaks were found either.
ExpressVPN, then has every feature you’d want from a VPN provider. And it’s fast and stable. ExpressVPN is suitable for most internet users out there. The only issue is the price. It costs $9.99/month for a monthly plan and you’ll have to get a 15-month plan to get it down to $6.67/month.
The next recommendation on this list offers similar features for half the price. And there are even cheaper alternatives available.
But there are some things worth paying extra for. Trust and security for a company through which your entire internet traffic will go through, is worth the extra $3 a month.
Pros:
- Consistently tops the list of best VPNs for reputable sources
- Automated kill switch disables the internet on the device when VPN is not connected
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Clear and easy-to-use interface
- Based in the British Virgin Islands, it’s out of the jurisdiction of the US and UK authorities
- Works in China
- Works with streaming services like Netflix, HBG Go and more
Cons:
- Price
Buy: ExpressVPN (Special deal for iPhoneHacks readers. Get 49% off on the regular price. $6.67/month for 15 months plan, which includes 3 months extra for free)
2. NordVPN
Number of servers: 5790 | VPN Locations: 60 countries | Devices Supported: 6 devices | Logging: No logs | Kill Switch: Yes
NordVPN is just as good as ExpressVPN and based on where you’re located, your mileage for connections may vary. But you can get a monthly plan as low as $2.99/month if you pay for three years.
NordVPN has all the major features you’ll care about. It has military-grade encryption, has a special double VPN feature, comes with a kill switch and it works great with torrent sites as well as Netflix.
Based on online reviews, a common issue seems to be of dropped connections. But this varies a lot based on your location to what site you’re using. If you don’t mind occasional drops in speed (and you can turn on the Kill Switch feature on both iOS and Mac to make sure the internet is disabled when NordVPN stops working), save the extra cash and go with NordVPN.
Pros:
- Military-grade encryption
- Double VPN feature encrypts your internet traffic twice
- Automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection
- P2P friendly and works with streaming services
Cons:
- Dropped connections
Buy: NordVPN ($2.99/month for 3-year plan (75% discount), $3.99/month for 3-year plan (66% discount))
3. Private Internet Access
Number of servers: 3341 | VPN Locations: 32 countries | Devices Supported: 10 devices | Logging: No logs | Kill Switch: Yes
PIA is one of the oldest and the most trusted VPNs out there. It started out in 2010 and for close to 1o years, it has stayed one of the most stable VPN providers. It does not have many over-the-top or specialized features, but it gets the basics right.
There’s 265-bit AES encryption, support for torrents, Netflix and OpenVPN as well. Plus it supports up to 10 devices so you can probably cover the whole family’s devices with just one plan.
PIA is also one of the few VPNs that provide fast speeds and consistent connectivity over a long period of time. A 2-year plan starts at $3.49/month.
Pros:
- Torrent and Netflix friendly
- Fast download speeds
- 256-bit AES Encryption
- One of the oldest (2010) and most stable VPN providers
- Supports router connections via OpenVPN
Cons:
- Located in the US
- Limited live chat support
Buy: Private Internet Access ($3.49 for a 2-year plan)
4. IPVanish
Number of servers: 1200 | VPN Locations: 75 countries | Devices Supported: 10 devices | Logging: No logs | Kill Switch: Yes
IPVanish has more than 1300 servers in over 75 countries and is generally known to provide fast speeds over a long period of time. It supports all the major streaming services and has strong encryption and privacy policy.
On the other side, it’s owned by a big company that’s set up in the US (StackPatch). This means that they’re under the Five Eyes-friendly jurisdiction. The authorities can demand your personal information and share it among the U.S., U.K., Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.
There’s no kill switch on the iOS app either. IPVanish usually costs $10.00/month but it has steep discounts for new users (one time only, non-renewing). You can get the annual membership at $3.25 per month. But the next year, it will be back to $6.50/month).
Pros:
- Fast speeds and very reliable
- Anonymous torrenting support
- OpenVPN support
Cons:
- Based in the US
- No kill switch on the mobile version
- Not cheap
Buy: IPVanish ($3.25/month for a 1-year plan)
5. Surfshark
Number of servers: 800+ | VPN Locations: 50 countries | Devices Supported: Unlimited | Logging: No logs | Kill Switch: Yes
Surfshark is the best cheap VPN out there. It costs $1.99/month and supports unlimited devices. That’s right, unlimited. So if you want to load up VPN for a group of people, or if you’re planning to share a VPN account with multiple friends (or you want to give VPN access to friends and family you know won’t pay), Surfshark is a great option.
It has all the major features you’re looking from a VPN. It has torrent and Netflix support, kill switch, no-logging, and supports OpenVPN so you can even load this up directly on a supported router.
But it has two major downsides. First that it only has 80 servers. This is a fraction of what NordVPN or ExpressVPN offers. Second, it sometimes offers inconsistent speeds. But that might be worth the steep discount you’re getting.
Pros:
- At $1.99/month, this is the best cheap VPN
- Has great support for Netflix streaming and torrenting
- Only service in this list with unlimited devices support
- Based in the British Virgin Islands
- No log policy
- Supports OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec protocols (Works directly with a router if it supports Open VPN)
Cons:
- Sometimes inconsistent speeds
Buy: Surfshark ($1.99/month for a 2-year plan).
Should You Use a Free VPN?
Running a VPN server, and running it well, costs money. It’s not just about the server space, but it’s about the encryption and privacy policy as well. When you’re paying a company to encrypt your traffic, you know that they have an incentive to provide a good service. But that’s not true for free VPN services.
In fact, free VPN services can themselves me collecting and sharing your data. This is why we usually don’t recommend you use a free VPN service unless you’re absolutely sure about the business model.
If you don’t have the money to pay for a VPN service, you can try using a limited data VPN service like Tunnelbear. You only get 500MB-1GB data per month for free, but it comes from a reputable company. If you’re looking for an unlimited free VPN option, look into the Opera browser.
ProtonVPN, from the makers of the encrypted ProtonMail service, is also a good option. It’s free and is based in Sweden. They have a transparent privacy policy and the costs of ProtonVPN is subsidized by ProtonVPN paid users.
Your Favorite VPN Service?
So these are our picks for the best VPN apps for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. What is your favorite VPN service? Which company do you trust the most? Which company offers both the best features and the most peace of mind? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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