Getting a router for 200mbps connection will help ensure your smooth and fast online experience. However, with a lot of routers out there boasting high capabilities, you can always use some help on which to pick.
Our experts have come up with this review, which provides adequate information about four of the best Wi-Fi routers available.
Read on as we narrow down your choices with the specs, benefits, and drawbacks of each device.
Contents
Specification Table
| Products | Key Specifications |
| Tp-link AC1750 |
|
| Netgear Nighthawk |
|
| Synology RT2600ac |
|
| Tenda AC1200 |
|
Best Router for 200mbps Internet: Our Top Picks
A wireless router’s uses are not limited to helping you stream services, play games, and take advantage of everything online. There are many other functions you can use a router for, including light switches, smoke detectors, and more.
With it being the in thing now, a lot of models from different brands have come out. We have listed four of the best routers running at 200 Mbps that will provide you with the wireless connectivity you want for your whole home.
1. TP-Link AC1750 Smart Wi-Fi Router
Pros
- Easy setup
- High-speed throughput performance
- Dual-band
- Good range
Cons
- Solo USB 2.0
The TP-Link AC1750 has a maximum speed of 1750 Mbps thanks to an 802.11ac 1300 Mbps Antenna. There’s also an additional 802.11n 450 Mbps antenna. The dual-band feature helps you stream 4K content with the 5 GHz radio band so that your screens would have much line-of-sight with the router.
The AC750 has good positioning, which is fantastic when it comes to providing high-bandwidth connections. This way, you can avoid stream buffering on significant activities.
If you live in a home with thick concrete walls, you might have to add a mesh router to transmit signals through different barriers. However, there’s a good range here, with antennas designed to focus on providing enough bandwidth across 2,500 square feet.
– Strong Network on Multiple Devices
Thanks to this high-speed wireless router, you can connect to several devices. However, that also means some limitations through performances; since the router doesn’t just transfer data from one device to another.
– Designed to Function
The router’s dimensions show that it is a bit larger than routers designed for home network users. On the front, there are 10 LEDs to give users the status of the network. Besides that, the LEDs are also labeled with symbols. With the lights, you get a simple way to diagnose issues with the network.
There’s also a nice black exterior here while the Qualcomm processor keeps the network traffic from getting congested. At the back of the router, there are color-coordinated and well-labeled ports.
You will see a DC power port and an ON-OFF switch coupled with a reset switch. The latter is located on the router’s backside.
Other than that, an Ethernet port, four Gigabit output ports, and a USB 2.0 port are available.
– Well-Built Hardware
This TP-Link Archer Wi-Fi router is powered by a dual-core processor and comes equipped with 128 MB of RAM and 16 MB of flash storage. The storage holds the settings and firmware of the device.
The throughput is one of the device’s best features running at 450 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1.3 Gbps bandwidth on the 5 GHz radio frequency band. That means you get a total bandwidth reaching up to 1.75 Gbps. Other features include parental control and QoS for enhanced privacy and wide coverage in every room, backyard, or garage.
– Smooth and Straightforward Installation Process
The installation or setup of the device is another significant advantage all users will love about this Wi-Fi router. Thanks to its plug-and-play feature, a beginner will have no problem setting up the router, as there are some simple, easy steps that will make the entire process a walk in the park.
To get more advanced settings, you’ll have to go deep into the network control options. With it, you go through the Wizard to further configure the router.
– Overview
The TP-Link AC1750 wireless dual-band router will deliver faster throughput speeds. If you stream a lot, you can enjoy this router with its easy setup and settings for every function.
2. NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart Router Wi-Fi (R6700)
Pros
- Fast NAS/Storage performance
- Exceptional 802.11ac speeds
- Exciting gaming and streaming capabilities
- Impressive range due to beamforming
Cons
- Unsatisfactory throughput speeds via the 2 GHz band
Netgear’s R6700 is a prominent gaming router for 200mbps and packs a 1 GHz dual-core processor. The processor is designed for large homes.
The R6700 is a mid-range router that supports up to 450 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz frequency band. It goes up to 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz frequency band. It has good measurements at 11.22 x 7.26 x 1.97 in (HWD) and weighs a little over 1.6 pounds.
Furthermore, the R6700 is part of the Nighthawk series and uses the same housing design as its upgrade: the R7000.
With the R6700, you get a very sturdy router that has a broad base with rubber feet. That means it won’t slip and slide all over surfaces. It also helps that Netgear’s Nighthawk routers can be wall-mounted if space is limited. Some of the notable features of Netgear’s R6700 Wi-Fi router include:
– Top-Quality Design
This Netgear Nighthawk R6700 uses the same exterior design as the popular R7000 AC1900 Nighthawk. As such, it’s a given that the internal hardware components of the R6700 are identical to the R7000.
The only difference is that the R6700 comes with only one USB 3.0 port. On the other hand, the R7000 has one front USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0 port on the back.
– Router Front Design
You can also compare the R6700 and the R6400 side by side to see the difference between the two. However, the R6400 will always pack more dust thanks to its glossy design. The R6700 does better with antennas that are longer and thicker.
Netgear’s R6700 uses three external antennas and Beamforming+. As a result, you get to enjoy the improved range, extended coverage, and limited dead spots for large homes. Another thing to note here is that the R6700’s antennas are adjustable and removable.
We have to also mention that the R6700 only has one front USB 3.0 port, whereas the R6400 has a second USB 2.0 on the back. Besides that, the front of the R6700 carries Wi-Fi and WPS buttons which can be turned on and off. Also, right below the light indicators, you have the USB 3.0 port.
– More Top Features
On this router, you can use Netgear’s genie app, an easy way to manage and monitor your activities. It allows you to access all the features of your router without booting up your computer.
Moreover, you can share and stream music or videos and also set up parental controls. The genie app won’t work when connected to the guest network, and neither will it work with a wireless extender or repeater.
The genie app is helpful if you want to monitor and perform maintenance and troubleshooting the router.
– Overview
If you want a fast router with beamforming, good range, and game-playing capabilities, this is the best option for you.
3. Synology RT2600ac – 4×4 dual-band Gigabit Router
Pros
- Long-range
- Fast Wi-Fi speeds
- Multiple broadband connections
- Robust storage server
Cons
- No support to combine two LAN ports
The RT2600 comes with a handful of quality features, including long-range, fast Wi-Fi speed, and more. It can also host more than one broadband connection, coupled with a robust network storage server when linked with an external hard drive.
This quality router also includes state-of-the-art firmware that delivers a stellar set of extra features.
That’s quite a lot for a router, but we must state that users won’t get support for combining two LAN ports into a single superfast connection. Moreover, you might wish the router had more than five network ports.
– Top-Notch Firmware
Like all AC2600 routers, the RT2600ac Wi-Fi router for 200mbps features a quad-stream (4×4) router. With that, you’ll record top speeds of up to 1,733 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. You’ll get up to 800 Mbps on the 2.4 GHZ band.
Mind you; those figures represent the ceiling speeds. The best part and what makes it stand out includes a great operating system or firmware.
The firmware is managed through a web page which is a bit odd for many modern routers. Also, the firmware comes with too many menus and submenus.
– Easy Interface
The features on this router are organized in a way that’s easy for anyone to figure out. To that end, users get a control panel where most settings are located and a desktop with shortcuts to its main features and settings.
There’s a Start button that brings up more shortcuts and even a Package Center. You can use the center to install packages (applications) that add more functions to the router.
If you don’t like how the web interface looks, there’s also a free DS Router app (for iOS and Android). The app allows you to manage some of the router’s settings and built-in features on your smartphone. You can do that both locally and when you’re away from home.
– SRM Firmware Is a Significant Feature
The fact is that the SRM here is by far the most advanced firmware for routers both in design and functionality. That’s why it’s easy to liken the configuration of the RT2600AC to setting up a computer rather than a network device.
In addition, it shows that the RT2600AC is designed for advanced users who want to customize their home network.
– Comprehensive Add-on Features
One of the most powerful features of the RT2600AC is the Package Center. It’s an app store that helps you add more functions/features to the router. For example, if you want your router to work as a VPN server, install the VPN package.
Also, if you want the router to download files by itself, you can get the Download Station package. The same things go for keeping your entire home network secure. You can do that with the Intrusion Prevention package.
– A Full Range of Helpful Applications
Synology currently offers eight free apps with more to come. Also, as a modem for 200mbps, this router supports packages developed by third parties. If you don’t want any of these, you can always uninstall them at any time.
Note that each of these free apps is exceptionally well-designed and comprehensive. For example, the Download Station can download files from any source, including FTP servers, DHCP servers, or file-sharing services like BitTorrent.
What’s more, the Intrusion Prevention package can protect your home network in various ways, and you will receive detailed reports and analysis, including the ability to pinpoint on a world map where detected threats are coming from.
– Just Enough Storage Space
While the router doesn’t have a lot of built-in storage space, you can use a USB external hard drive or an SD card. That’s because the router has two USB ports and one SD card slot. With them, you can install most of the packages.
With some extra storage space, the router will also work as a robust network storage server. The additional space makes it easy to share or stream data to multiple devices.
More on the packages, some of them, like the Media Server, include their mobile app (for iOS or Android) to help you manage tasks on or stream media to your mobile device even when you’re on the move.
– Overview
If you’re looking for a fast and highly customizable home network with advanced features, it isn’t easy to see past the RT2600AC.
4. Tenda AC1200 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router
Pros
- Four antennas with dBi
- Good range coverage
- Beamforming+ technology
- Dual-band capabilities
Cons
- Expensive
Last but not least, the Tenda AC1200 200 Mbps wireless router comes with its unique hardware. With this, users can rely on its extra performance thanks to an impressive range and Internet experience. It’ll provide a friendly companion for your PC and other devices you link with it.
– Strong, Quality Design
The covering of this router is made from a sturdy plastic build that makes it solid with a unique design. Moreover, this Wi-Fi router has a WPS/Reset Button and four LAN Ports. It gives off that regular router look thanks to the number of antennas and dBi capacity.
The router also houses a single power/status indicator multicolor LED to signal the operational status. The router is also lightweight, easy to carry, and doesn’t take any extra space.
– Working Features and Functions
The Tender AC1200 comes equipped with Beamforming+ technology and has features that help you get unrivaled, stable performance.
What users get is an increased level of data processing while Beamforming technology boosts the range for 802.11ac wave2 Wi-Fi devices. It will also simplify data transmission and reduce processing time.
You’ll also get Smart Traffic Prioritization and a good combination of the dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under one Wi-Fi name. That also helps you automatically analyze the surrounding Internet environment while optimizing the Wi-Fi channel/bandwidth.
– Overview
If you’re after a router that provides a faster signal frequency along with a strong connection, give this Tenda model a try.
Wireless Router Buying Guide
Getting the right Wi-Fi router can help bolster your digital lifestyle at home. As such, you need to make sure that you get a router that will not only meet and exceed your connectivity expectations but also stand the test of time.
If you want to get a wireless router for the first time or change your current option, observe the following:
1. Proper Ventilation
One of the main reasons why older wireless routers failed is overheating. For example, single-band Wi-Fi transmitters operate in the 2 GHz range, which means they can generate almost as much heat as a microwave. Ventilation is essential, and a model with an external antenna is preferable.
2. Range
The range is essential for a wireless router. It’s a feature that can be affected by many factors, including physical obstacles. Apart from your router’s range capacity, it would help if you put it in an ideal location – a centralized location works. Ensure that it’s free of any apparent obstructions.
3. Router Designation
The designation is also important, with 802.11 being the industry standard. The letters that follow are significant. For example, 802.11a and 802.11b routers are nearly obsolete, while 802.11g routers are serviceable but increasingly limited.
The 802.11n models are the new standard. However, the 802.11ac is currently the most advanced designations. To that end, many modern wireless devices are designed specifically for 802.11n or 802.11ac compatibility.
4. Reliability
Wherever you are, this is a vital consideration rather than increasing processing speed. It would help if you had a reliable connection and may have to invest in Wi-Fi extenders to increase the range of a wireless router without affecting the processing speed. If the one you get isn’t very reliable, a second or third router will often improve processing speed.
5. Dual-Band Capacity
Dual-band means you get to have 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz throughput. Such wireless routers do offer a faster 5 GHz frequency to boost speeds. If you run a single-band 2 GHz model that’s fast and functional, you don’t need an upgrade to a dual-band capacity router.
Conclusion
If you are planning on getting the best Wi-Fi router that will deliver the speed you need, the top models we have reviewed above will tick the boxes for you. In no particular order, these routers represent some value every Internet user desires and pack top-quality features you can rely on.
If you’re looking to get the best experience, though, we can’t think highly of the Netgear Nighthawk enough. The router comes in handy for anyone looking to enjoy seamless connectivity with added functionality, including a good range and beamforming technology.
