Wireless Routers Reviews

The reviews below are assigned ratings by ConsumerSearch. These ratings are based on credibility in testing, evaluating and identifying the best Wireless Routers. See our ratings criteria

For recommendations of best Wireless Routers, see our Fast Answers page, which summarizes what these reviews say. A longer summary and analysis appears in our Full Story report for Wireless Routers. Our Where to Buy page contains information on retailers and Wireless Routers prices.

Where to Buy

Fast Answers

Full Story

All Reviews

Wireless Routers Reviews Reviewed
Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Wireless Routers Ratings Comments on Reviews
1. Information Week	Review: 6 New 802.11n Wi-Fi Routers -- Is It Time To Switch From 802.11g? Don Reisinger Feb. 8, 2008		Don Reisinger tests six "Draft 2.0" N routers in an attempt to determine if they are worth buying and if they are a worthwhile upgrade from an 802.11g router. The tested models are the Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station, Belkin N1 Vision, Buffalo Wireless-N Nfiniti Router, D-Link Xtreme N Gigabit Router, Linksys Wireless-N Gigabit Router and Netgear RangeMax Next Wireless-N Router. Testing is solid, and Reisinger describes the ease of setup and use for each router and publishes the test results. He identifies the top-rated performers and provides good general buying advice.
2. Arstechnica.com	A need for speed: 802.11n router roundup Todd Haselton Nov. 5, 2007		Ars Technica reviews four Draft-N wireless routers in this roundup: the Linksys WRT350N, Netgear RangeMax Next WRN834B, D-Link Xtreme N DIR-655 and Apple AirPort Extreme Gigabit Edition. As well as evaluating the products, Todd Haselton attempts to answer or resolve technical questions. He conducts real-world testing in three locations in his challenging home environment. Each product is rated, and the ratings have sufficient variation. The ratings don't seem entirely consistent with the test results and pros and cons, but the overall conclusion overcomes any possible biases.
3. CRN.com	Review: 4 Routers Take Wi-Fi To Nth Level Marc Spiwak Jan. 29, 2007		For this superb roundup, CRN tests the D-Link DIR-655, Linksys WRT350N, Netgear WNR854T and TRENDnet TEW-631BRP for business use. The test measurement process and results are excellently described, and the process is impressive. The conclusion is decisive. One product is recommended because it is the fastest and has the lowest price. An alternative is suggested for customers who need Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, and the niche for each product is conveyed. CRN is oriented to resellers, but these reviews are almost completely relevant for consumers as well.
4. Small Net Builder.com	Latest Wireless Reviews Tim Higgins, Craig Ellison As of June 2008		SmallNetBuilder.com reviews about one wireless router every month, and infrequently conducts roundup reviews. As one of the most prolific reviewers, Tim Higgins, the managing editor of this specialty website, has an excellent basis for comparison. Comparisons are frequent and relevant. The reviews are the most comprehensive we found. On the other hand, they are extremely technical. Even a basic knowledge of wireless router technology is insufficient for understanding much of the material in these reviews. Instead of conventional ratings, SmallNetBuilder.com has customizable, but complicated, benchmark comparison charts.
5. PC Authority (Australia)	Draft-n wireless routers Jim Martin Feb. 29, 2008		The Australian PC Authority conducts a group test of seven wireless routers. Jim Martin is in the camp that advocates buying a second-generation 802.11n router. Performance, price and features such as Gigabit Ethernet switches and wireless security are factored into the ratings. The Labs Winner has the best combination of virtues, while the top performer is deemed too expensive. Products from seven brands are considered. We found no significant flaws with this roundup, but Australian pricing and warranties that differ from those in the U.S. are a limitation.

Wireless Routers Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Wireless Routers Ratings Comments on Reviews

6. GCN (Government Computer News)	Speed 'n' distance Greg Crowe Mar. 1, 2008		GCN directly compares four Draft 3.0 routers in this roundup review. The introduction explains the state of the technology in reasonable simple language, yet the review is confusing in places. The Belkin N1 Vision is rated as a GCN Lab Reviewer's Choice, but overall and subcategory ratings for all wireless routers seem too high. The highlight of the review is a line graph that shows the speed of each router at ten-foot intervals up to 170 feet.
7. PC World >> Details/Subscribe	New 802.11n Routers: The Best Wi-Fi Yet Becky Waring Apr. 29, 2008		This article advocates current-generation wireless routers. PC World's testing process is superb. The magazine's lab tests six models in a suburban home. Comparisons are primarily between pairs of routers. Becky Waring also does a fine job of explaining the benefits and tradeoffs of stepping up in price/category. All six models are ranked in chart.
8. Bit-tech.net	Wireless router group test Josh Blodwell Mar. 5, 2007		For this unusual roundup review, UK technology website Bit-tech.net tests four wireless routers for online gaming. Three have a feature that will give priority to gaming over other simultaneous network tasks. Each router earns an overall rating and subcategory ratings for ease of use, performance and value. Testing is well described, and not entirely limited to gaming. The reviews don't have the depth found in the best reviews elsewhere, but objectivity and balance are great. One router emerges as the best for gaming, and the niches for each are satisfactorily presented.
9. Techgage.com	Latest Networking Articles Greg King As of June 2008		Techgage has considerably improved the quantity and quality of its reviews this year, and wireless routers are one of the categories where that's evident. Testing is solid and enhanced with copious comparisons. Greg King makes an ongoing effort in reviews to identify the best wireless router and the best value. A weakness is that reviews are still overly focused on appearance and extreme performance.
10. Computerworld.com	Review: Speedy next-gen Wi-Fi equipment that works now Bill O'Brien Mar. 8, 2007		Computerworld is an IT magazine, but the products reviewed in this roundup are in consumer price ranges, and a couple of the routers are marketed to consumers. Both business and consumer activities, such as streaming media, are evaluated. Interoperability is the major business consideration covered in this review. Testing is solid, and a best product is named. However, Bill O'Brien seems to conclude that routers with preliminary 802.11n technology aren't yet viable.
11. PC Magazine >> Details/Subscribe	Wireless Networking Oliver Rist, Robert P. Lipschutz As of June 2008		PC Magazine regularly and competently reviews wireless routers and does a good job of keeping up with the changes in the industry. One Draft 2.0 router is selected as an Editors' Choice, but the magazine's website still lists older models as the best. In recent articles, the magazine's wireless technology writers take a gentle stand against Draft-N. As long as the older products continue to be available, this stand is nearly unique and admirable. However, an up-to-date comparison is needed for readers to accept the validity of old reviews.
12. XBitLabs.com	Reviews Platon Scheblykin As of June 2008		X-bit Labs is generally one of the best review sources for computer products. Testing and objectivity appear to be flawless. However, X-bit has three limitations: the website is largely staffed by Russian-born engineers whose use of English can be hard to follow, reviews are very technical, and X-bit Labs doesn't rate products. With wireless routers, those weaknesses are exaggerated. Platon Scheblykin makes good comparisons, but they are all indirect. We couldn't identify what he thinks are the best products. Still, he reviews enough routers that this site is absolutely worth checking once your choices are narrowed.
13. Wi-FiPlanet.com	Wireless Router Reviews Craig Ellison, Gerry Blackwell As of June 2008		Wi-Fi Planet provides excellent reviews of wireless products and technologies. The reviews include photographs, screen shots, performance results and comparative recommendations. The testing process is exceptional. In one review, Craig Ellison explains the difference between performance in a real-world environment (his home) and a test lab. The site is also a fine source for news and tutorials. However, Wi-Fi Planet falls short of excellence as a review source for three reasons: not enough routers are reviewed, products aren't rated and the reviews are too technical for readers who aren't already well versed in the technology.

Wireless Routers Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Wireless Routers Ratings Comments on Reviews

14. Computer Shopper (UK) >> Details/Subscribe	Wireless Routers Matt Smith, David Ludlow As of June 2008		Computer Shopper (UK), along with sister magazines PC Pro and Computer Buyer, regularly reviews wireless routers, but not all models are sold in the U.S. The ratings can be generous in other categories, but seem more appropriate for wireless routers. Comparisons are general, but the ratings make distinctions. Reviews average about 250 words, which isn't enough to convey much information about the products, but they are reasonable as succinct summaries. Reviews can be technical. Test results are barely divulged. Many readers will appreciate recent reviews that test routers with Centrino Duo laptops.
15. Houston Chronicle	It's now safe to splurge on faster Wi-Fi equipment Dwight Silverman May 15, 2007		In this article, Dwight Silverman reverses his previous advice to avoid Draft-N routers. He admits that they still are not "100 percent guaranteed to support the final 802.11n standard," but believes the improved range makes them viable for families that need them. Silverman tests the Netgear RangeMax Next Wireless-N Router (WNR834M) and Apple AirPort Extreme Wireless Base Station to reach his conclusions. However, he doesn't directly compare the units or recommend one over the other. He does have many criticisms of the very expensive Apple product. Silverman's formal testing is limited to using the Windows' Wi-Fi strength meter.
16. Newegg.com	Wireless Router Reviews Contributors to Newegg.com As of June 2008		Newegg.com is a retailer of computer products. The site is especially popular with computer builders. More than a dozen wireless routers have been reviewed by more than 100 Newegg customers. The inexpensive Linksys WRT54GL earns a 5-star average rating from about 1,300 users and is an 11-time winner (as of our last visit) in Newegg's monthly Customer Choice Awards. Many products receive mixed reviews and just average ratings.
17. Computer Active	Reviews-Hardware -- Wireless Editors of ComputerAct!ve As of June 2008		Related British magazines ComputerAct!ve, IT Week and Personal Computer World regularly review new wireless routers. Reviews are jointly indexed on this website. IT Week conducts a roundup review of six voice-enabled Wi-Fi routers, which is very useful if you're looking for that type of specialty product. The reviews in all three magazines are short and not detailed. Because of that and a plethora of 3- and 4-star ratings, readers need to read between the lines to distinguish among products. Also, many of the recently reviewed products are not sold in the U.S.
18. Laptop Magazine >> Details/Subscribe	Wireless Networking Reviews John Brandon As of June 2008		Laptop magazine is one of the most prolific reviewers of wireless routers, but reviews are as short as one paragraph and performance data is often unspecified. Yet, the magazine's best reviews are comparative and discuss setup, features and performance. Ratings are often higher than what we found elsewhere. Few recent reviews are published online. A buyer's guide published in September identifies the best wireless routers in the under $50, $100, $200 and $300 price brackets. A handful of wireless routers have been rated as Editor's Choice products since then.
19. CNet.com	Wireless Networking and Wi-Fi - Router Editors of CNet.com As of June 2008		CNet.com regularly reviews wireless routers. The focus on design and features instead of performance is extreme. For example, Felisa Yang says, "While the N1 Vision can't be beat for user-friendliness, it was soundly trounced in our speed tests by 11n routers from other manufacturers," yet the router earns one of the highest ratings in the past two years. Reviews are enhanced with easy-to-understand benchmark comparisons. Testing details are not provided. Users can submit their opinions and ratings, which sometimes vary considerably from the conclusions reached by CNet.com's staffers.

Wireless Routers Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Wireless Routers Ratings Comments on Reviews

20. Extreme Tech.com	Real-World Interoperability Tests of Five 802.11n Routers Victor Loh Sept. 7, 2006		This dated review is useful, but limited to interoperability, which is just one factor to consider of many. Victor Loh tests the Belkin N1, Buffalo AirStation Nfiniti, D-Link RangeBooster N 650, Netgear RangeMax NEXT and Netgear RangeMax. Loh is unenthusiastic about these products because of compatibility issues. Even first-time networkers face the risk. He concludes, "Stick to a single brand and a single product line. Netgear and D-Link led the pack in our single-brand throughput tests, but interoperability varied from brand to brand."
21. PC World (Australia) >> Details/Subscribe	Reviews: Hardware: Networking: Routers Elias Plastiras As of June 2008		Australian PC World reviews more than a typical amount of wireless routers for a computer magazine, but too many of them aren't sold in the U.S., including many of those recently top-rated. Few reviews are comparative, and nearly all products are rated between 3 and 4 stars. Testing is generally good, but you have to dig to learn how models compare with the competition. We were unable to identify one or two wireless routers as the best choices to buy.
22. TechRadar.com	Routers & Bridges: Reviews As of June 2008		TechRadar.com is the web home of a large family of British consumer electronics magazines, including several devoted to computers. While some reviews are a little better than others, most are too short to be of much use. Enough attention is devoted to appearance in some reviews that readers might think these products are made to be worn. All the magazines use a 5-star rating system, but the range of ratings is small and too many products aren't sold in the U.S., so picking the best product is impossible.
23. Laptop Magazine >> Details/Subscribe	Linksys Wireless-G Travel Router: Make your own hotspot on the road John Brandon Dec. 2005		John Brandon tests the still-available Linksys Wireless-G Travel Router in this article and finds that it performs comparably with home routers. Using SecureEasy Setup (SES) technology, it allows the user to enable security by pushing a couple of buttons as opposed to using configuration wizards. Setup is fast, and the router delivers reliable throughput. In tests, it continued working at 500 feet with range and speed exceeding that of the competing Belkin Wireless-G Travel Router, which is also reviewed in this issue.
24. PC Magazine >> Details/Subscribe	Unwired For Speed Oliver Kaven June 2005		In this old roundup of wireless products, three Linksys models earn the Editors' Choice rating in three different performance categories: Fast, Faster and Fastest. Although two of the top-rated products are still available, most of the competing products have been discontinued, which diminishes the value of the comparison. The reviews are short, but based on good testing. Speed and range performance data is published in some individual reviews, but not all.
25. Amazon.com	Routers Contributors to Amazon.com As of June 2008		Product users post reviews and ratings of specific wireless router models. Amazon.com compiles the average user rating, on a scale from 1 to 5 stars. The D-Link DGL-4000 series routers and the Linksys WRT54G2 have the highest average ratings. The D-Link DIR-655 is half a notch down from them. The NETGEAR WNR854T RangeMax Next has the lowest average ratings, and more than half of owners give it the lowest grade of all. Users report an inordinate amount of product failures within the first year.
26. Consumer Reports >> Details/Subscribe	Wireless routers Editors of Consumer Reports June 2007		Consumer Reports covers wireless routers as part of more general reporting on home networking. Ratings evaluate speed, installation and setup, and distance and security, but there's scant discussion of the routers themselves. Furthermore, only three routers are covered, so while one is named a Quick Pick, the field is too narrow to make that selection meaningful. An October report covers routers specifically, but tests no products at all and just makes general recommendations that are addressed as well -- and often better -- by myriad other reviewers. On the positive side, the October report is free for nonsubscribers at the Consumer Reports website.