EmailBest Reviewed
Wireless Routers
- Best wireless router for Mac Apple AirPort Extreme *Est. $175
- Advanced wireless router for PC Linksys WRT610N *Est. $165
- Best value wireless router Linksys WRT400N *Est. $115
- Tried-and-true (and hackable) Wireless-G router Linksys WRT54GL *Est. $55
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- Price
- Compact, with internal antenna
- Easy setup
- Good performance
- Not as fast as Wireless-N routers
- Range more limited than some
The Linksys WRT54G2 is a compact, streamlined wireless router that uses the older, well-established Wireless-G standard. That means it's a good choice if your laptops and desktops are using older wireless hardware. If you don't need the fastest speeds, this Linksys router is an alternative to more expensive Wireless-N routers. Most user reviews are positive, but we read complaints from some who couldn't get it to maintain a connection. Others comment that the router runs hot, and a few had setup difficulties not encountered in professional reviews. However, we found these types of complaints about all wireless routers, regardless of price or technology. If you want to stream video or need better range and speeds, experts recommend a Wireless-N router.
Because manufacturers are focusing on making Wireless-N routers, reviewers pay little attention to new Wireless-G technology. PC World (Australia) and HardwareTechReview.com both have reviewed the Linksys WRT54G2, and have very positive comments. Both are lacking details, however. The Linksys WRT54G2 is popular with consumers, and it already has well over 500 user reviews on Newegg.com and Amazon.com.
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Our Sources
PC World (Australia) describes the Linksys WRT54G2 as "one of the best options on the market" for those who don't need the speed and range of a Wireless-N router. Like others on the site, the review is short and not particularly comparative. Models reviewed and prices listed are for the Australian market, which might confuse North American consumers.
Review: Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router WRT54G2, Elias Plastiras, July 14, 2008
A relatively new site, HardwareTechReview.com has reviewed about half a dozen wireless routers over the past year, including some new Linksys wireless routers. Write-ups are cursory and non-comparative, and no ratings are given, making it impossible to determine which, if any, router is best overall. Yet the review of the Linksys WRT54G2 is very positive, calling it "a hassle-free way to go wireless."
Review: Linksys WRT54G2 Wireless-G Router Review, Editors of Hardware Tech Review, Sept. 17, 2008
3. NewEgg.com
Because professional reviews of the Linksys WRT54G2 are hard to come by, user reviews are more meaningful. In over 200 Newegg user reviews, the Linksys WRT54G2 scores an average rating of four (out of a possible five), but about 20 percent give it low scores for reliability, setup and features.
Review: Linksys WRT54G2, Contributors to Newegg.com
4. Amazon.com
Amazon.com has more than 600 user reviews of the Linksys WRT54G2. Its average score is four stars (out of a possible five). Unhappy owners who contributed ratings cite dropped connections and poor customer support as drawbacks. However, we found these types of complaints about all routers, regardless of price or technology.
Review: Linksys WRT54G2 Wireless-G Broadband Router, Contributors to Amazon.com
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