(Nov 10, 2008)
Dong Ngo
Senior Assoc. Technology Editor
It's true that dual-band (5Ghz and 2.4Ghz) wireless routers give you the most options by supporting virtually any wireless client/adapter on the market. However, single-band (2.4Ghz) routers will do just fine if you don't use them in area saturated with Wi-Fi signals. On the other hand, if you still have a Wireless-G (802.11g) router, it's definitely time to upgrade to a Wireless-N router or access point. Wireless-N (Draft N 2.0) routers are now affordable and offer much better coverage as well as throughput speed, capable of streaming HD content. The routers on this page are all Draft N 2.0 routers, some of them are dual-band while the others are single-band. They are among the best we reviewed this year.
Belkin N+ Wireless Router
The Belkin N+ Wireless Router is a great performer with excellent range and throughput speed. If its bulky design and lack of 5GHz frequency support don't put you off, the router is worth every penny of its $100 or so price tag.
Price: $85.39 - $119.99 (check prices)
Review date: Nov 7, 2008
Excellent
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D-Link Xtreme N Duo Media Router DIR-855 - wireless router
The D-Link Xtreme N Duo Media Router DIR-855 is a stable performer with excellent Web interface. But because it comes in a bulky, old-school design, has a relatively short range, and carries a hefty price tag, consider waiting for the price to drop before investing in this router.
Price: $247.42 - $304.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jul 18, 2008
Very good
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D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router
The D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router is the fastest we've seen, but we're still reluctant to recommend it as it's based on an unfinished wireless spec.
Price: $87.48 - $169.99 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 30, 2007
Very good
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Linksys WRT310N Wireless-N Gigabit Router
Aside from its potentially worrisome heat output, the Linksys WRT310N Wireless-N Gigabit Router is a networking dynamo with chart-topping performance and a sleek (maybe too sleek) design.
Price: $97.99 - $129.99 (check prices)
Review date: May 29, 2008
Very good
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D-Link Xtreme N Dual Band Gigabit Router DIR-825
The D-Link Xtreme N Dual Band Gigabit Router DIR-825 is a stable performer with great features and an excellent Web interface. The outdated and bulky design, relatively short range, and merely average throughput, however, lessen its appeal.
Price: $129.99 - $175.00 (check prices)
Review date: Oct 27, 2008
Very good
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Linksys WRT610N Simultaneous Dual-N Band Wireless Router
The WRT610N can satisfy both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz wireless clients with its solid performance, great design, ease of use, and its ability to work as a network storage device when coupled with an external hard drive.
Price: $152.99 - $225.00 (check prices)
Review date: Jul 17, 2008
Very good
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Netgear RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Router WNDR3300
The Netgear RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Router WNDR3300 is a basic Wireless-N router that only offers a taste of dual-band wireless networking. Its short range and limited feature set may override its decent mixed-mode performance.
Price: $129.99 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 5, 2008
Good
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D-Link DGL-4500 GamerLounge Xtreme N Gaming Router
The D-Link DGL-4500 GamerLounge Xtreme N Gaming Router almost succeeds for home networking and hardcore gamers. It bears a few flaws, among which is a random reset during heavy load that might be the deal breaker.
Price: $149.00 - $205.98 (check prices)
Review date: Feb 26, 2008
Very good
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Trendnet TEW-633GR
The TrendNet Wireless N Gigabit Router TEW-633GR is fast, but not as fast as a competing D-Link router, and it's easy to use, but not as easy as a Belkin router. Still, we like it for its winning combination of decent throughput and intuitive Web interface.
Price: $77.44 - $119.99 (check prices)
Review date: Dec 16, 2007
Very good
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Linksys Dual-Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router WRT320N
The Linksys Dual-Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router WRT320N forces you to pick either the 2.4GHz or the 5GHz band for your wireless network. Given that, it's not an ideal choice for an environment with both types of wireless clients. The router offers good wireless performance and features a high-speed wired network that caps at 1,000Mbps.
Price: $99.00 - $129.99 (check prices)
Review date: Mar 31, 2009
Very good
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SMC SMCWGBR14-N Barricade N router
With a fair price, decent performance, and dead-simple setup, the SMC SMCWGBR14-N Barricade N router is about as well-rounded a Draft N router as you'll find. It also boasts impressive range and a smart design. We strongly recommend it for general home use.
Price: $101.99 - $124.99 (check prices)
Review date: Mar 13, 2008
Excellent
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