If you own a small business or operate one from home, you need a router to get the most out of your network. It’s also essential if you want to safeguard your sensitive data and keep intruders out.
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A router is an essential piece of hardware for any business that needs more bandwidth, security, and internet access. It allows multiple devices to connect to the internet at the same time and can be connected to a variety of other devices like printers, scanners, and NAS units. Finding the best router for your business will ensure that your network operates efficiently while keeping costs low. Here are our picks for the best small business routers on the market right now.
- Best Overall: Synology RT6600AXBest Value: Netgear Nighthawk X4SBest Speed: Netgear Nighthawk RAX70Best Budget Option: Linksys EA6350Best Range: Netgear Orbi SRK60Best Features: Asus RT-AX88U
Best Overall: Synology RT6600AX
The Synology RT6600AX is the best small business router on the market. It’s a powerful and versatile device that can handle all of your networking needs, from internet connectivity to file sharing and more. The RT6600AX has everything you need to keep your small business up and running, and it’s easy to set up and use.
- Expanded 5.9 GHz spectrum support enables additional high-speed 80 and 160 MHz channels2.5GbE port enables support for the fastest ISPs and can optionally be configured as a LAN portCreate and define up to 5 separate networks to segregate and contain vulnerable devicesParental controls, web filtering, traffic control, and threat prevention put you in control over your networkComprehensive VPN server solution with remote desktop and site-to-site tunneling provides flexible and secure remote connectivity
The router is a powerful and versatile tri-band Wi-Fi router that can be used in a variety of settings. Its six external antennas provide excellent range and coverage, while the 1.8GHz quad-core processor and 1GB DDR3 ensure smooth performance even when handling multiple tasks.
The RT6600AX has five Ethernet ports and one USB port that allow you to connect your devices directly to the router. It also has security features such as Guest Network which allows you to create separate Wi-Fi networks for your customers and protect your own network. The router supports up to 200 connected devices.
In terms of security, the RT6600AX supports three VPN protocols — PPTP, OpenVPN, and L2TP, which allow you to protect your data. It also supports the AES 256-bit encryption and SPI Firewall to protect your data from malicious attacks.
The RT6600AX also includes a number of advanced features, such as MU-MIMO support, beamforming technology, and Smart Connect. Overall, the RT6600AX is an excellent choice for those who need a high-performance Wi-Fi router.
Best Value: Netgear Nighthawk X4S
If you’re looking for a router that’s specifically designed for small businesses, the Netgear Nighthawk X4S is a great option. It offers stellar performance and features at a very reasonable price, making it a great value for the money.
The Netgear Nighthawk X4S is a high-end router that offers excellent speeds and features. It has four external antennas and supports MU-MIMO technology, making it ideal for large homes or offices. It’s also one of the few routers on the market that offers support for the new 802.11ax standard. In terms of speed, the Nighthawk X4S can reach up to 2.53Gbps when using both 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands simultaneously. It also has a number of other features that make it a great choice for anyone looking for a top-of-the-line router. These include beamforming+, QoS, and more.
The Nighthawk X4S has five Ethernet ports and two USB 3.0 ports for connecting external storage or printers. The router also includes support for MU-MIMO technology, which allows it to handle multiple devices simultaneously without slowing down.
Additionally, it has advanced security features to keep your network safe from hackers and other threats, such as VPN support, double firewall protection, and Denial of Service (DoS) attack prevention. And best of all, the Nighthawk X4S is easy to set up.
Best Speed: Netgear Nighthawk RAX70
If you’re looking for a high-powered router that can handle the demands of a small business, then the Netgear Nighthawk RAX70 is the best choice. It’s one of the fastest routers on the market, and it comes packed with features that make it perfect for businesses.
- Coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft. and up to 40 devicesFast AX6600 Gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencingConnects to your existing cable modem and replaces your WiFi router. Compatible with any internet Service Provider up to 2Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, and DSLPlug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and more with 4 x 1G Ethernet portsShare a storage drive with any connected device and create a personal cloud store to access from anywhere using the 1 x 3.0 USB port
The Netgear Nighthawk RAX70 is a high-end router with a powerful quad-core 1.5GHz processor that offers excellent performance and plenty of features. It’s a great choice for small businesses that require a router that offers fast speed. The RAX70 is a Wi-Fi 6 router that offers 6.6 Gbps speeds, which makes it incredibly fast. The router also supports MU-MIMO technology for communicating with multiple devices simultaneously.
The Nighthawk RAX70 has five Ethernet ports and one USB 3.0 port that allow you to connect devices directly to the router. The router has a robust feature set that includes support for VPNs, parental controls, guest networking, automatic firmware updates, and more. The Nighthawk RAX70 is a great all-around router that will appeal to users who need the best possible performance and features.
Best Budget Option: Linksys EA6350
The Linksys EA6350 is one of the best budget routers on the market, perfect for small businesses. This router has two external antennas and offers speeds up to 1200Mbps, which is more than enough for most small businesses. It also includes four Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing you to connect multiple devices directly to the router. And it’s equipped with MU-MIMO technology, so it can handle multiple users at once without slowing down.
- Provides up to 1,000 square feet of Wi-Fi coverage for 10 wireless devicesWorks with existing modem, simple setup through Linksys appEnjoy 4K HD streaming, gaming and more in high quality without bufferingDual band Wi-Fi speeds upto 1.2 Gbps (2.4 GHz / N300 Mbps) plus (5 GHz / AC867 Mbps)Gigabit Ethernet ports provide wired transfer speeds 10 times faster than fast Ethernet
But what really sets the Linksys EA6350 apart from other budget routers is its security features. It includes parental controls and guest networking, so you can keep your network safe from unwanted visitors. Plus, it comes with a free trial of Linksys Smart WiFi, which makes it easy to manage your network from anywhere. The setup is easy and the web-based interface is intuitive and easy to use. You can also monitor your network traffic and make changes to the settings using the mobile app.
The Linksys EA6350 is the perfect budget router for small businesses. It’s fast, reliable, and packed with features that will keep your network safe and running smoothly.
Best Range: Netgear Orbi SRK60
Netgear Orbi SRK60 offers impressive coverage of up to 5,000 sq. ft. The tri-band router has four gigabit Ethernet ports. The Orbi SRK60 is easy to set up and manage, and it comes with a free mobile app that lets you control your network from anywhere.
- NO MORE DEAD ZONES AND LIGHTNING SPEED: Fast 3Gbps mesh WiFi covers up to 5,000 sq. ft. and 25+ devices. Stay connected as you roam using a single network nameOPTIMIZE PERFORMANCE & CONTROL ACCESS: Separate and prioritize devices across 1 to 4 dedicated network(s) for ultimate flexibility and control of high demand downloading and streaming of movies,…TRI-BAND BACKHAUL: Dedicated WiFi band between router and satellite frees up the other two bands for maximum speed to your devices. Optional wired Ethernet backhaul for even faster speed.WORKS WITH ALL INTERNET PROVIDERS: Replace your existing WiFi router and extender (separate modem or gateway required); compatible with any internet provider including cable, satellite, fiber, DSL and…EASY SET-UP AND ADVANCED MANAGEMENT: Set up WiFi network(s) in minutes with the Insight app; manage WiFi settings, test and monitor speed and other advanced options. Wall mount brackets included
With its advanced 802.11ax technology, Netgear Orbi SRK60 provides up to three times the speed and range of a traditional router, making it ideal for small businesses that need to stay connected. Plus, with built-in security features such as Guest Network and VPN support, you can be sure your data is safe and secure.
Best Features: Asus RT-AX88U
Asus RT-AX88U is the perfect router for small businesses. It has all the features you need to keep your business connected and running smoothly. The router is fast, reliable, and easy to use. It also has a user-friendly interface.
- Next gen Wi-Fi standard 802.11Ax Wi-Fi standard for better efficiency and throughput; ultrafast Wi-Fi speed 6000 Mbps Wi-Fi speed to handle even the busiest network with easeCertified for Humans – Smart home made easy for non-experts. Setup with Alexa is simple.Wider usage and more convenience 4 antennas plus 8 LAN ports to support more clients at the same timeCommercial-grade security – AiProtection powered by Trend Micro blocks internet security threats for all your connected smart devicesBetter partner with mesh system; compatible with ASUS AiMesh Wi-Fi system for seamless whole home coverage’s support: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Mac OS X 10.6, Mac OS X 10.7, Mac OS X 10.8
The Asus RT-AX88U is a powerful and feature-rich router that’s perfect for gaming and streaming. It has four antennas and a top speed of 6,000 Mbps, making it one of the fastest routers on the market. It also has eight Gigabit Ethernet ports, and two USB 3.0 ports.
The router also supports MU-MIMO, Adaptive QoS, and beamforming technology. In terms of security, the RT-AX88U has AiProtection Pro which uses Trend Micro’s network security to protect your devices from malware and other online threats. Overall, the Asus RT-AX88U is an excellent router for small businesses because of its excellent speeds and features.
How to Pick the Best Small Business Router
There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a small business router. They include:
Range
When it comes to choosing a small business router, one of the most important factors to consider is coverage. After all, you want your router to be able to reach every corner of your office or workspace so that all of your devices can enjoy a strong, reliable connection.
The range of a router refers to the area that it can cover with its signal. If you have a small office, you’ll need a router with good coverage so that everyone in the office can stay connected. On the other hand, if you have a large warehouse, you’ll need a router with an extended range so that the signal can reach all corners of the building. There are many factors that affect a router’s coverage, such as the number of antennas, the frequency range, and the transmit power.
Dual-Band Frequency
Not all routers are created equal. In addition to single-band and tri-band models, there are also dual-band routers that provide two separate Wi-Fi networks: a 2.4 GHz network for older devices and a 5 GHz network for newer, faster devices. If you have a lot of devices that connect to the internet in your small business, a dual-band router is a good choice.
This way, you’ll be able to take advantage of both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, which will give you the best possible performance for your business needs.
Speed
The best small business routers are those that offer high speed and performance. There are many factors to consider when choosing a router for your small business, but speed should be one of your top priorities.
When it comes to speed, you’ll want to look for a router that offers high bandwidth and low latency. Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transferred per second, and latency is the amount of time it takes for data to travel from one point to another. The higher the bandwidth and lower the latency, the better.
One way to check a router’s speed is to look at the manufacturer’s specifications. Most routers will list their maximum speeds on the box or on the product page. This information can help you narrow down your choices and find a router that will meet your needs. Another way to check the speed of a router before buying it is to go online and read reviews written by other users. They will be able to specify how fast the router is in reality.
Security
When it comes to choosing a small business router, security is an important consideration. There are a number of different security features to look for when choosing a router, including:
Firewall
A firewall protects your network from outside threats by blocking incoming traffic that is not authorized.
WPA3 Protocol
When it comes to choosing a router for your business, security should be one of your top priorities. After all, you’re responsible for safeguarding your company’s data and protecting it from cyber threats. One way to ensure that your data is safe is to choose a router that supports WPA3 security.
WPA3 is the latest WiFi security standard that offers improved protection against password-guessing attacks and provides stronger encryption for your data. So, if you’re looking for a router that can help keep your business data safe, make sure to choose one that supports WPA3 security.
Online Reviews
When you are looking for the best small business router, one of the factors that you should consider is online reviews. There are a lot of different routers on the market, and it can be difficult to decide which one is right for your business. Reading online reviews from other businesses can help you narrow down your choices and find the best router for your needs.
Look for reviews that talk about the features that are important to you, such as range, speed, security, and ease of use. You should also pay attention to reviews that mention any problems with a particular router.
If a router has a lot of negative reviews, it might not be the best option for your business. Take the time to read through several different online reviews before making your final decision. This will help you find the best router for your business.
Bandwidth
As a small business, you likely don’t have the same bandwidth needs as a large enterprise. But that doesn’t mean you can skimp on your router’s capabilities. Your router should be able to handle the amount of traffic your business generates on a daily basis.
If you have a lot of employees who are constantly streaming video or downloading large files, you’ll need a router with more bandwidth than a business with just a few light internet users.
The good news is that there are plenty of routers on the market that are designed for small businesses. When shopping for a router, pay attention to the maximum bandwidth rating. This will give you an idea of how much traffic the router can handle.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your router will likely be sharing your internet connection with other devices in your offices, such as computers, printers, and scanners. All of these devices will be competing for bandwidth, so make sure your router can handle the additional load.
Selecting a router with too little bandwidth can result in poor performance and dropped connections, so it’s important to select one that can adequately support your needs.
Advanced Features
When it comes to choosing a small business router, one of the key factors to consider is the router’s advanced features. Most routers on the market these days come equipped with a variety of features that can be extremely helpful for small businesses, including features like:
VPN Support
A good business router should support VPN. This allows businesses to connect to a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which can provide a number of benefits. For example, it can allow employees to access the company network from home or other remote locations. It can also help improve security by encrypting data that is transmitted over the network.
Quality of Service
Quality of Service (QoS) is one of the key advanced features that a business router should have. QoS ensures that mission-critical applications always have the bandwidth they need, while non-critical applications do not hog resources and cause delays.
Guest Networking
Giving your guests access to the internet is a great way to show them that you care about their comfort and convenience. But if you’re not careful, it can also be a security risk. That’s why it’s important to choose a business router that has advanced guest access features.
A good business router will allow you to set up separate networks for your guests and for your employees. This way, your guests will be able to surf the web and check their email without having access to your company’s private network. And if you ever need to revoke their access, it’s easy to do with a click of a button.
Parental Controls
Parental controls are one of the advanced features that a good business router should have. This feature allows you to control and manage internet usage for your employees, ensuring that they are only accessing appropriate websites during work hours. Additionally, parental controls can also help to protect your network from potential security threats by blocking access to malicious websites.
MU-MIMO
As a business owner, you need to make sure that your router is able to support MU-MIMO in order to ensure that it can handle the demands of your business. This is especially true if you have a lot of devices that are constantly trying to connect to the internet.
MU-MIMO stands for Multi-User Multiple Input, Multiple Output and it essentially means that the router can handle multiple devices trying to connect at the same time. This is important for businesses because it ensures that everyone in the office will be able to get online without any issues. There are a lot of routers on the market that claim to support MU-MIMO but not all of them are created equal.
You need to make sure that you do your research and find a router that is going to be able to meet the needs of your business. The last thing you want is for your employees to be frustrated because they can’t get online or for your internet connection to be slow because the router can’t handle the demand.
Beamforming
There are many factors to consider before purchasing a router for your business, and beamforming is one of them. Beamforming is the process of sending signals directly to specific devices instead of broadcasting them indiscriminately. This can be useful for businesses because it can help improve signal strength and reduce interference from other devices. When considering a router for your business, be sure to ask about its beamforming capabilities to see if it will meet your needs.
Number of Supported Devices
The number of devices that a router can support is an important consideration for small businesses. A router that can only support a few devices may not be suitable for a business with many employees. A router that supports too many devices may be unnecessarily expensive.
If you have a small office with only a handful of employees, you probably won’t need a router that can support hundreds of devices. On the other hand, if you have a large office with many employees, you’ll need a router that can handle more traffic.
The number of supported devices is also affected by the type of devices that will be connected to the router. If you’re only using basic computers and smartphones, you won’t need as much bandwidth as if you’re using video conferencing equipment or streaming media.
The last thing you want is for your router to crash because it’s overloaded. Make sure to check the specifications of the router before you buy it to make sure it can handle as many devices as you need it to.
Compatibility
When it comes to outfitting your business with the right router, compatibility is one of the key factors to consider. Not all routers are created equal, and some may not be compatible with your specific needs. Do your research ahead of time and make sure the router you’re considering will work with any other devices or software you plan on using.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is one of the important factors to consider when you are looking for the best small business router. It is important to choose a router that is easy to set up and configure so that you can get your business network up and running quickly.
The best small business routers are user-friendly and offer features that are easy to understand and use. Ensure the router has an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate.
Price
The price of a small business router can vary depending on the features and performance you need. The best way to find the right router for your business is to first determine your budget and then research what features are available within that price range. There are a few things to keep in mind when considering the price of a small business router.
First, remember that you get what you pay for. A more expensive router will likely have better performance and more features than a cheaper model. Second, consider future needs when choosing a router. A higher-priced model may be a better investment if it has features that will be useful as your business grows.
Finally, don’t forget to factor in the cost of installation and support when choosing a small business router. While many routers can be installed by non-experts, it’s always a good idea to have someone on hand who can help if there are any problems. Support costs can add up over time, so be sure to factor them into your budget when choosing a router.
That being said, there are plenty of great small business routers available at reasonable prices. Doing some research and shopping around can help you find the perfect router for your needs without breaking the bank.
What to Know Before Buying a Small Business Router
There are a few things to keep in mind before purchasing a small business router. First, consider the size of your business and the number of devices that will need to be connected. A small business router should have enough ports to accommodate all of your devices, plus a few extra for future expansion.
Second, think about the type of data you’ll be transferring. If you’re dealing with sensitive data, then security should be a top priority. Look for routers that offer features like encryption and firewalls.
Finally, consider your budget. Small business routers can range in price from around $100 to several thousand dollars, so it’s important to find one that fits within your budget.
Using a Small Business Router: What It’s Like
If you’re running a small business, you know that every penny counts. You can’t afford to waste money on features that you don’t need, which is why a small business router can be such a great investment. A small business router is designed to give you all the features you need without any of the extras that would drive up the price.
So what’s it like using a small business router? In a word, it’s efficient. You’ll be able to connect all of your devices with ease, and you won’t have to worry about any lag or downtime. The router will also provide excellent security for your network, keeping your data safe from hackers and other threats.
Overall, using a small business router is a great way to keep your network running smoothly and efficiently.
