In your quest for top-notch small business routers, you’ve arrived at the ideal destination. Delving into routers suitable for small and medium-sized businesses, these options seamlessly transition into home offices.
When seeking the perfect small business router, fret not about its capacity to handle substantial network traffic. Yet, ensure it possesses the power to support multiple employees and constant 24/7 device connectivity.
Modern routers, often dual or triple-band, sport features akin to pricier enterprise-grade models. Surprisingly affordable, some even facilitate personalized cloud storage, though not a substitute for premier cloud storage services.
The intricacies of managing a wireless network compel contemporary small business routers to encompass a diverse feature set, incorporating hardware typically associated with computers.
Ease of setup and user-friendly maintenance characterize the best small business routers. No dedicated IT team is required a boon for smaller businesses. Access powerful features effortlessly via an intuitive interface on your PC or mobile device.
Our curated selection of the best small business routers undergoes meticulous comparison. Security, support, remote access, business VPN, WAN redundancy, connectivity options, and scalability take precedence over raw speed, value, or QoS features, crucial factors for business users.
Top Small Business Routers Unveiled
1. Asus BRT-AC828 Router
For Power Users
Specifications:
- Speed: 802.11ac: 1734Mbps, 802.11n: 800Mbps
- Connectivity: 8 x Gigabit Ethernet, 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x M.2 SATA
- Features: Hardware security, Dual WAN, RADIUS support
Reasons to Consider:
- 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Impressive expansion capabilities
Considerations:
- Expensive
Asus, renowned for consumer products, introduces the BRT-AC828, their exclusive business router. Ideal for small businesses with over ten simultaneous connections, this router, while pricey, offers unexpected features. Notable features include an M.2 slot for SSD conversion into a mini-NAS, RADIUS support, and the capability to aggregate four 1Gb Ethernet ports into a virtual 4Gb one. Moreover, it supports LTE as a backup connection, enhancing resilience alongside two independent 1Gbps WAN ports.
This top-tier router boasts 4×4 MU-MIMO, promising theoretical speeds of up to 2.6Gbps and an impressive open-plan coverage of up to 100m on the 2.4GHz band. Partnering with Trend Micro, Asus integrates AIProtection, a built-in security package, elevating its standing in the realm of small business routers.
2. Netgear Orbi Pro: Elevating Office Connectivity
Specifications:
- Speed: 802.11AC 3Gbps
- Connectivity: 1 x Gigabit WAN, 4 x Gigabit LAN
- Features: Modular network coverage, modern design, easy setup, traffic separation
Reasons to Opt:
- Seamless deployment
- Exceptional performance
Considerations:
- High cost
Transitioning your office network into the modern era? Explore the Netgear Orbi Pro, a stellar mesh router designed for business needs. Unveiling a modular Wi-Fi mesh system, it uniquely caters to the demands of business users.
The Netgear SRK60 package, comprising a router-designated module and a satellite-labeled component, efficiently covers spaces up to 5,000 square feet. For expanded coverage up to 7,500 square feet, a larger pack with two satellites is available for purchase.
While the investment is significant, especially for smaller businesses, the Netgear Orbi Pro proves invaluable for enterprises prioritizing uninterrupted productivity in the face of Wi-Fi slowdowns.
3. Netgear Orbi WiFi 6: Swift Connectivity for Small Businesses
Specifications:
- Speed: WiFi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) tri-band (1x 2.4GHz – 1200Mbps, 2x 5GHz – 2400Mbps)
- Connectivity: 2.5Gbps WAN, 4x Gigabit Ethernet; satellite – 4x Gigabit Ethernet
- Features: Beamforming implicit and explicit for 2.4GHz/5GHz bands
Reasons to Consider:
- Exceptional Wi-Fi range and speed
- Effortless setup with a user-friendly app
Considerations:
- Significantly pricey
- Limited Wi-Fi 6 support currently
Ready to embrace Wi-Fi 6? The Orbi WiFi 6, though a substantial investment, stands out for its remarkable speed and expansive coverage—ideal for medium-sized businesses or offices with numerous internet-connected devices.
Despite its cost, the router proves worthwhile, offering a faster and more reliable upgrade. The straightforward setup, facilitated by an intuitive app, caters to users with limited Wi-Fi network experience. During configuration, the app efficiently assigns devices to the 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands, streamlining the process.
4. Asus RT-AX88U: Robust Wi-Fi 6 Small Business Solution
Specifications:
- Speed: 802.11ac (5GHz): up to 4333 Mbps, 802.11ax (2.4GHz): up to 1148 Mbps, 802.11ax (5GHz): up to 4804 Mbps
- Connectivity: 1 Gbps WAN x1, 1 Gbps LAN x8
- Features: Link Aggregation, MU-MIMO, Adaptive QoS, WTFast Gamers Private Network, Traffic Analyzer
Reasons to Opt:
- Budget-friendly
- Abundance of LAN ports
Considerations:
- Gamer aesthetic
The Asus RT-AX88U, a Wi-Fi 6 small business router, offers an array of features at an affordable price point. With Wi-Fi 6 compatibility and a substantial number of LAN ports (double the standard), it stands out as one of the best options available.
Boasting 8 LAN ports, the RT-AX88U eliminates the need for an Ethernet switch, a practical advantage for small businesses. The router provides a companion mobile app and a sophisticated web app for managing connected clients, USB devices, and security settings. Additional features include guest networking adjustments, traffic analysis, and gaming experience optimization.
5. Netgear Nighthawk X10: Powerhouse Small Business Router
Specifications:
- Speed: 802.11ac: 1734Mbps, 802.11n: 800Mbps
- Connectivity: 7 x Gigabit Ethernet, 2 x USB 3.0
- Features: 10G LAN SPF, 802.11ad, bundled Amazon Cloud Drive
Reasons to Consider:
- 10G LAN SPF connectivity
- Support for 802.11ad
Considerations:
- High cost
- Limited 802.11ad adoption
While officially a consumer router, the Nighthawk X10 rivals business-grade models in features. With a 2600Mbps rating, 4×4 MU-MIMO, and seven Gigabit LAN ports (aggregatable to 2Gbps), it caters to advanced technical needs.
Equipped with a 10G LAN SPF+ connector for NAS access and robust hardware (quad-core ARM processor, 1GB RAM, 512MB storage), Netgear targets both businesses and enthusiasts.
A standout feature is the support for 802.11ad, delivering short-range, high-speed connectivity in the 60GHz spectrum, aiming to replace traditional wiring.
An added perk: a 6-month subscription to Amazon Cloud Drive, enhancing its appeal for backup purposes.
6. Synology RT2600ac: Innovative Hybrid Router-NAS Fusion
Specifications:
- Speed: 802.11ac: 1733Mbps, 802.11n: 800Mbps
- Connectivity: 4 x Gigabit WAN, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x SD card reader
- Features: 1.7GHz dual-core processor, MU-MIMO, beam-forming, 512MB RAM, 4GB flash storage
Reasons to Opt:
- User-friendly web interface
- Robust hardware extras
Considerations:
- Higher cost compared to other AC2600 routers
- Not the fastest 802.11ac router
The Synology RT2600ac ingeniously blends a traditional wireless router with a network-attached storage device (NAS). While lacking the flashiest design, it compensates with a built-in VPN, dual WAN port aggregation, and other valuable features.
Despite its modest 4GB storage, external hard drive connectivity allows cloud service configuration akin to Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive. The router supports NAS-grade apps, such as a VPN client and server, despite a limited app selection needing community support.
The RT2600ac, Synology’s second router attempt, simplifies the NAS experience. While setup and advanced functions aren’t foolproof, there’s ample room for improvement.
FAQs on Top Small Business Routers
How to Choose the Best Small Business Routers for You?
When selecting small business routers, consider your office size, favoring wide-range routers for spacious environments. Evaluate the number of connected devices, including smart appliances.
For large or multi-floor offices, opt for a mesh router for enhanced connectivity. Check the router’s communication bands, favoring dual-band options to prevent internet traffic congestion.
Prioritize routers with good speed, user-friendly setup, and a companion app for efficient management.
