The Best WiFi Router for Long Range
Let me say this:
Choosing the best WiFi router for long range is as difficult as picking a router for hughesnet satellite internet.
And it doesn’t get any easier when you have to choose one brand over another in a highly competitive market.
With many variations in features and price, buying a wireless router with a good coverage right off the bat becomes nearly impossible.
The overall goal of this guide is to help you find the best router that promises long distance coverage without spending to much time online or going insane.
We let you in on routers with built-in WiFi extenders that lets you enjoy your monthly internet subscription, without worrying about network lags or connection failures.
Asus RT-AC88U has been referred to as the best dual-band internet router right out of the company’s product line. This device has been brought forth by Asus, a company known for producing amazing tech products.
The Asus RT-AC88U comes with nothing short of quality performance and impressive monitoring features with regard to your network.
Linksys WRT1900ACS is simply an upgrade of its former version, the Linksys WRT1900AC, which was once the fastest 802.11ac for some people. With improved hardware components, this router comes with incredible performance even in the stressful multi-user environment.
The throughput on the two supported bands is impressive. And just like its predecessor, Linksys WRT1900ACS Open Source WiFi Router assures you of quality service 24 hours a day.
Linksys WRT3200ACM dual band router hails from a family of amazing and powerful router, the WRT family from Linksys. With the ability to be modified using an open-source firmware, this guarantees you outstanding performance even in a tasking multi-user environment such as your office or home. When it comes to file transfer, this router performs quite well.
The Benefits of a Wireless Routers with the Longest Distance Coverage
1. They Support Connectivity of Multiple Devices
Long-range routers have the ability to connect multiple devices through the MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multi –Input, Multi-Output) technology.
This technology enables gadgets like laptops, tablets, smart televisions, and smartphones to connect to the router and each device communicates efficiently with the WiFi router in question.
The kind of communication supported by the MU-MIMO technology helps to enhance the performance of each device over the wireless network, hence no slow connection when using the internet.
Nowadays, the best WiFi routers with high range are common in most homes, as they enable families to connect multiple devices to a single internet network and enjoy internet connectivity to serve their needs.
2. WiFi Routers with Long Range can Boost Business Productivity
Did you know that the best long distance routers contribute to business productivity?
Through adequate connectivity of devices, with a good wireless speed to up to 1000 feet, online transactions can be conducted quickly and efficiently. Office operations such as sharing of important documents and printing via network printers are also made easy.
Conducting market research online is made possible because of the fast internet connection. In addition, placement and processing of orders online can be done and response is given to customers effectively.
In the context of shipping business, long distance wireless routers facilitate internet connectivity on the vessels allowing for constant communication between the suppliers, the customers, as well as security personnel where necessary.
3. Online Entertainment
A WiFi router with more than 300 meters in range is good for online entertainment, which has become one of the most sought after forms of leisure in the 21st century.
People watch movies and music videos online. Some access internet television through their smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Online gaming has become very popular among teenagers (and some adults).
As far as online leisure goes, the best WiFi router for long range allows you to enjoy seamless connection to the internet so that you can stream 4K Ultra HD videos or take part in online gaming.
The Best WiFi Routers with Long Range in 2020
The following is a list of some of some of the well known routers with long effective coverage range.
1. Asus RT-AC88U Dual Band Wi-Fi Router
Featuring one of the most incredible performances on the market in terms of data delivery, this router is an investment that will ensure you have the best of Wi-Fi connection on a day-to-day basis.
Asus RT-AC88U makes sure no bandwidth is sacrificed at the cost of connecting many devices. And with varying price ranges from the United States to Australia, the RT-AC88U has become a favorite for many.
Asus RT-AC88U transmits data on the 5GHz and 2GHz bands.
With transfer speeds of up to 1000Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 2167Mbps on the 5GHz, you are assured of seamless live stream of your favorite movie on platforms like Netflix as your children have fun with their gaming consoles. In other words, this is also a good gaming router for Xbox one.
This router is fitted with the latest 802.11ac WiFi standard for faster transfer rates.
Through the MU-MIMO technology, multiple devices in your house or office can be connected to the same network and none of them will experience any delays in receiving or transmitting data.
It also have a USB 2.0 port mounted at the back and a USB 3.0 mounted on the front for handling your flash drives and 8 Gigabit LAN ports in the event you choose to wire your network.
This incredible router features a 1.4GHz dual-core processor coupled with 512 MB DDR3 memory and 128 MB flash memory.
The result is faster data transfer rates and faster video streaming.
The router has an intuitive web interface that allows you to manage all the devices connected to the network.
Asus RT-AC88U comes with four long range WiFi antennas that increase the range of connectivity.
It also uses AiRadar universal Beamforming that helps to extend the range of the internet connection.
- MU-MIMO enabled allowing connectivity of multiple devices simultaneously
- Built-in game accelerator
- Parental control features included
- 4K UHD video streaming and fast file sharing
- Quite pricey
- Placement of USB 3.0 port is rather not well placed.
2. Linksys WRT1900ACS Open Source WiFi Router
This new kid on the block has made heads spin in the networking world.
Featuring a faster processor and more RAM, the performance of the Linksys WRT1900ACS is unfathomable.
This dual-band router has quite a good range and it bears a reputable name.
What you get from this device is nothing short of amazing performance.
This router looks more like a blue-black space station and has four antennas sticking from the sides and the back.
The front panel hosts the signaling lights for internet connectivity and the ports.
The back panel holds the various ports, the on/off button, and the dreaded reset button.
WRT1900ACS is a dual-band router with the best long range that supports the 2.4GHz and 5 GHz WiFi bands.
This means that you will enjoy online gaming at speeds of 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1300Mbps on the 5GHZ band.
The Beamforming technology is also included. The antennas contribute immensely to the signal strength, making the Linksys WRT1900ACS suitable for multiple office, large buildings, and residential apartments.
In addition to the long and wide range Wi-Fi connectivity, the router is fitted with one USB 3.0 port and one USB 2.0 eSATA port.
These ports let you share files on the network from your external hard disk or flash drive.
The WRT1900ACS packs a powerful 1.6GHz dual-core processor working with 512MB DDR3 RAM and 128 MB flash memory.
This means that you have faster media sharing capability at your disposal and faster connection speeds to devices.
Streaming of movies is also very smooth.
- Quick and easy customization
- Long range connectivity
- Security and parental controls included
- Extensive connectivity of wired network via the Gigabit LAN ports
- Fast wireless performance
- Live network map
- Lacks MU-MIMO standards
- Smart WiFi login
- Pre-programmed cap on the data bundle limit
3. Linksys WRT3200ACM Dual Band Router
Linksys WRT3200ACM is a powerful dual-band router that performs well in large households and offices where multiple users over rather long distances require internet access.
With an impressive powerhouse, the connection experience is like no other.
This router support the 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wifi standards.
With 2600Mbps on the 5GHz band and 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, this router allows you to perform a ton of tasks without network lags. Because of such decent speeds, Linksys WRT3200ACM doubles as one of the best gaming routers for PS4 in today’s market.
The router works with all Wi-Fi standards including the latest 802.11ac standard.
The WRT3200ACM is not a light router.
It comes with a 1.8GHz processor supported by the 512 MB RAM and 256 MB flash memory.
This means that connections are faster and streaming on video networks like Vimeo, YouTube, and Netflix is seamless when you are on the office on fourth floor with the router on first floor.
This router is MU-MIMO enabled allowing multiple devices to connect simultaneously and perform without lag.
In addition, you get an eSATA/USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports for secondary storage on the network.
On the 5GHz band, the router works on a 160MHz frequency allowing for fast WiFi speeds.
This is why the 2600Mbps speed is achievable.
- MU-MIMO enabled
- Easy customization using open source firmware
- 4 Gigabit LAN ports
- Smart Wi-Fi phone App for monitoring your and man Wi-Fi remotely
- It is not a tri-band router
4. TP-Link Archer C9 AC1900
There are times when price becomes the wall between you and the best WiFi router for long range.
In a case like this, the TP-Link Archer C9 AC1900 might the solution to your budget problem.
The TP-Link Archer C9 AC1900 is a budget router that comes with the wonderful features and capabilities of a typically longest range WiFi router.
A point to note is that TP-Link Archer C9 Ac1900 will effectively handle tasking environments where multiple devices require connection.
The Archer C9 offers you a dual-band configuration with exemplary performance.
For live streaming, you will hit speeds of 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band and 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band.
It also supports the 802.11ac standard that lets you enjoy the maximum speed.
This router features a rather calm and collected look. The white paint job makes it appear somewhat docile. The 3 antennas are well lined, and they stick out form the top.
With a kickstand, the C9 can stand and take its place on the top shelf of your office.
The C9 grants you connectivity options to ensure satisfactory service delivery.
You have two USB port available, a USB 3.0 for sharing files and a USB 2.0 for printing over the network.
You also have 4 Gigabit LAN ports for your wired network.
The software on the C9 is very simple and easy to use.
Whether you want to configure the wireless setting, map your network, or implement parental controls, all these options are easy to find.
- Highly affordable
- Easy to use software
- Good transmission speeds
- Various operation modes
- Lacks MU-MIMO
- Faster rival in the market
5. NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 AC3200 Gigabit Wi-Fi Router
With a design like a fighter jet, NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 AC3200 (R8000) offers you tri-band and Beamforming technology to handle your devices effectively in terms of connection speeds.
Aside from stylish and well endowed with connection technologies, this WiFi router with long range features a high level of simplicity making it less complicated and rather easy to use.
The R8000, like its predecessor, the R7000, comes with the shape of a spaceship or a flying object. The black paint finish gives it quite an aggressive look.
It also has 6 antennas that collapse rather than detach. The LED panel appears on top of the router running from back to front.
The brightness of the LED light is controlled through a button at the back.
The R8000 is powered by a dual-core 1.0GHz processor coupled with 256MB RAM and 128MB flash memory.
This long range wireless WiFi router also features a 2.4GHz band that supports speeds of up to 600Mbps and the 5GHz, which is split into two and supports 1300Mpbs speeds on each band.
With such performance, you will have fun gaming and streaming HD videos, among other tasks.
A USB 2.0 port and a USB 3.0 port sit on the back panel. You can use these ports for external storage drives and printers.
You also have four additional LAN ports in case you want to extend internet connection to workstations at home or in the office.
The R8000 utilizes the NETGEAR Genie software, which allows you to set configurations for the router. The management interface opens in a web page.
- Impressive throughput
- Simple initial set up
- Parental control settings
- Performance optimization of multiple devices
- Rather highly priced
- Lacks eSATA port
How to Choose the Best WiFi Router for Long Range
Before buying a wireless router with the best range, it is important to consider more than just the distance covered. Here four significant factors to consider:
The WiFi standards being supported by a router are important.
They determine the number of bands being used.
Most long range routers support the 802.11n standard that allows for speeds of up to 600Mbps.
Consider a router that supports the latest 802.11ac standard, as the standard works best for streaming 4K videos and can transmit over long distances.
Most tri-band routers support this standard making them efficient for as long-range Wi-Fi routers.
The numbers of bands a router has determine how many devices you can connect to it.
A single band with a frequency of 2.4GHz can connect a handful of devices.
However, a single band router may not work well, even if it is a router with the widest range in your home or office.
The sharing of bandwidth among multiple devices is what led to the development of the dual-band routers.
The dual band routers allow devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and even printers to connect on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz band, easing traffic.
For a long-range Wi-Fi router, consider a dual band or a tri-band option.
With the tri-band router, you will have connection on the 2.4GHz band and two 5GHz bands.
However, the prices of tri-band routers may seem steep for some people, but the returns are good.
The Number of Ports
Since most devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets can connect wirelessly using Wi-Fi, ports may seem irrelevant.
But they are very essential.
The Gigabit LAN ports allow you to establish wired connections and so more devices can be connected to the same network.
Consider a router with a good number of ports based on your needs.
4 ports can seem effective.
But in the event of increased number of clients, the router might end up overworked. 6 or 8 ports are effective in ensuring your wired network is efficient and robust enough to allow all clients to work properly.
Security
Since you have decided to get the best wireless router for long range, it’s highly likely that you will be serving many clients. It is therefore necessary to ensure your network is secure.
The recommended security standard is WPA2.
The WPA2 security standards are high, as they have the most secure encryption policies that you can trust.
A secure network ensures efficient service provision to clients since attacks are prevented, and file transmission is thus secure.
Lastly, consider a router that has an easy to use interface that allows you to configure the security of the network properly based on your needs.