NetGear R6300 WiFi Router

Pros: 5ghz band is really fast, easy to set up, reaches far

Cons: Expensive compared to other home routers, Ethernet ports are awkward to get to

Summary: I got this router to replace my old D-Link DIR-655, and the difference was immediately apparent. What took minutes to buffer with my old router, now took only seconds with this new one. Streaming HD video is fast and in some cases, nearly instantaneous. Video in 720p on my Roku 2 XS takes about 5 or less to buffer before playing. On my Apple TV, 1080p video takes about 10-15 seconds to buffer before playing. Also, the improved range eliminated most of the dead spots in my home. (This router is set upstairs and down a hall - a distance of about 60 feet to the devices that are on its network.)

This router is pricey. I almost went with the Linksys E4500 instead because it was about $40 less at the time. However, I figured that paying extra for the 802.11ac would be a good thing to do so I wouldn't have to buy another router for a while. Also, the Ethernet ports are somewhat awkward to get to - they are at the base of the unit which makes it a pain to connect when the router is already positioned.

Setting-up the R6300 is easy. I used a desktop to set it up initially and I was up and running in 10 minutes. The box includes one Ethernet cable and an easy-to-follow manual. The router's chassis is made so that it stands upright (no additional assembly is required). Once it was running, I changed settings using my Iphone - all very easy.

I'm happy with this router because its such a big improvement over my old D-Link DIR-655 (it died after 6 years of faithful service R.I.P.) I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade their home network.