Group test: what's the best wireless router?

The Top 5 wireless-N routers you can buy

By | PC Advisor |

PC Advisor reviews the Top 5 best wireless-n routers you can buy in the UK right now. (See also: What's the best modem router?). Updated, 24 April, 2012

5. Zyxel NBG4615

Zyxel NBG4615
  • Reviewed on: 3 October 11
  • RRP: £65 inc. VAT
  • Rating: Rated 9 out of 10

It might not look it, but Zyxel's NBG4615 is a powerhouse of a router. Although it lacks the ability to create 5GHz wireless networks, there are few other desirable features missing from it. Its performance is among the best we've seen from a router which costs less than £100 and should be worth considering for anyone who needs to upgrade.

4. TP-Link TL-MR3020

TP-Link TL-MR3020
  • Reviewed on: 8 March 12
  • RRP: £53 inc. VAT
  • Rating: Rated 8 out of 10

TP-Link's TL-MR3020 is a useful and portable tool for sharing a 3G web connection, and it offers very good value in comparison to similar products. We found consistent and reliable performance in our tests. The router isn't locked to a mobile network, although it's worth checking that your USB dongle is compatible before you buy by going to the TP-Link website and searching for 3G/3.75G USB Modem Compatibility List.

3. DrayTek Vigor 3200n Multi-Wan Router

DrayTek Vigor 3200n Multi-Wan Router
  • Reviewed on: 6 February 12
  • RRP: £375 inc. VAT
  • Rating: Rated 8 out of 10

Draytek's Vigor 3200n has a price and list of features that places it squarely between simple consumer routers and expensive professional hardware. The multi-WAN management is its trump card, as nothing like it exists in the consumer market, and few mid-range devices can rival it either. Apart from this function, it's still a powerful router though, with excellent wireless performance if required and good VPN support.

2. AVM Fritz!box Fon Wireless Lan 7390

AVM Fritz!box Fon Wireless Lan 7390
  • Reviewed on: 20 September 11
  • RRP: £210 inc. VAT
  • Rating: Rated 9 out of 10

Admittedly, the AVM Fritz!box Fon Wireless Lan 7390 is a very expensive router, and the multitude of extras isn't necessary for basic home networking. However there's little else to fault AVM on in their design of the 7390, as it is clear plenty of thought has gone into every aspect of this router.

1. Cisco Linksys E4200

Cisco Linksys E4200
  • Reviewed on: 23 June 11
  • RRP: £125 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 9 out of 10

The Cisco E4200 is a superbly featured dual-band wireless  router with great wired performance from gigabit ethernet, and now fast and extended wireless connectivity too. Right now, it’s the fastest wireless-n router we’ve come across.

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Comments

Roberttrebor said: Purchased the D-link Dir-655 Wireless N with Gigabit Router via the web for £26 2nd user. Set it up to use dual channels on 2.4 Ghz. Was then able to get 135 Mbits connection (limited by isp) through 2 walls with insulation, due to the connection having been installed in the conservatory.

Johnyboy said: Try the Netgear 834G router which came out in 2001 and is still on sale, why, because it does the job very well and is reliable. I have many clients who have this model in their homes and businesses and not only is its security excellent but it is equally good on the WAN and LAN.

Roberttrebor said: Nice idea, but who is going to pay over £100 for the home market. The review should have been split into Sub £100 for Home Use & over £100 for Business.

Hansy said: Thanks for review sharing.

Sirjohng said: Here, as in a recent PC Pro review, not one word about IPv6, it exists now and if you don't have a router which receives it and converts it down to IPv4 when required then you will not get these new Domains I believe. Yes, you will pay more but you will be properly equipped to surf and as your router could last you for many years it is worth considering. Netgear with their WNR and WNDR range, and others, selling these routers now.

Pob 1 said: Try Tesco on-line - they have one that sounds good for about £50Peter

Andy said: Is the number 1 rated product, the belkin, really two years old, as the linked review suggests? My attempts to find the belkin router online have been spotty at best, as there appears to be more than one version.

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