How to Choose the Best Router for Your Home

Choosing the ideal router for your home may seem like a simple task, but the right choice can make all the difference in the quality of your internet connection.

A good quality router not only ensures a quick and stable connection, but also helps cover your entire home without those uncomfortable blind spots.

In this guide, I will help you understand what to consider to Choose the best router For your home, from speed to reach and additional resources.

Know your internet needs

Before you go looking for a router, it is essential to understand your internet needs.

• How many devices do you connect to your network? If you have many simultaneously connected devices, such as smartphones, tablets, computers and smart TVs, you will need a router that supports multiple connections at the same time without compromising speed.
• What is your contracted internet speed? The router should be able to deal with the speed you pay to your provider.
• What kind of activities do you perform online? If you use the internet for basic navigation and HD streaming, an intermediate router may be suitable.

Router Types: Which is the best for you?

The routers come in different types, each with its own characteristics and benefits.

• Single band routers: Funcionam apenas na faixa de 2,4 GHz. São mais simples e geralmente mais baratos, mas podem ser mais suscetíveis a interferências e oferecem uma largura de banda menor.
• Double band routers: They operate both in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz range. The 2.4 GHz range offers greater range and is better to cross walls, while the 5 GHz range provides higher speeds and less interference, but with a smaller range.
• Tri-Band routers: They include an additional 5 GHz range, which helps to better distribute the load between connected devices.

Wi-Fi speed and standards: what to look for

The router speed is crucial.

• Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n): An older pattern and, although it still works, is slower and less efficient compared to the latest standards.
• Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac): It offers better speeds and is more efficient in environments with many connected devices.
• Wi-Fi 6 (802.11AX): The latest standard offers significant improvements in speed, efficiency and ability to support multiple devices simultaneously.

Range and Coverage: Ensuring a good connection throughout the house

Router range is critical to ensuring a good connection throughout your home.

• Router location: Position the router in a central place of the house, far from walls and metallic objects that may block the signal.
• Antennas: Many routers come with external antennas that can be adjusted to improve range.
• Mesh routers: If your home is large or has many obstacles, a mesh router system can be an excellent solution.

Extra resources: What else can you need?

In addition to the basic characteristics, many routers offer additional resources that can be very useful:

• Parent control: If you have children, parental control allows you to limit access to certain websites and define internet usage times.
• Quality of Service (QoS): This function allows you to prioritize network traffic to specific devices or applications.
• Ethernet ports: For devices that benefit from a wire connection, such as PCs or smart TVs, make sure the router has sufficient ethernet ports and if they support Gigabit Ethernet for better speeds.
• Security: Look for routers with advanced security features such as WPA3 encryption, integrated firewall and automatic firmware updates.

Compatibility with the internet provider

Make sure the router is compatible with your internet provider and the type of connection you have (cable, fiber, dsl, etc.).

Some routers may require specific settings to function properly with certain providers.

If you are replacing a router provided by the provider, you may need to configure the new router manually or contact the technical support to ensure that everything works properly.

Budget: How much invest in a router?

The price of routers can vary greatly, from basic models for under R$ 200 to advanced routers that can cost more than R$ 1000.

It is important to find a balance between your needs and what you are willing to spend.

For small houses and basic use, a more affordable router may be sufficient.

Brands and evaluations:

Before making a final decision, check evaluations from other users and experts.

Brands known as Asus, Netgear, TP-Link and Linksys usually have a solid reputation and offer good options.

Choosing the best router

Choosing the best router for your home may seem challenging, but with these tips and information you can make an informed choice that will meet your needs and ensure a great internet connection.

Consider your specific needs, the type of router that best fits your environment and the additional features that can improve your online experience.

With the right router, you will have a fast and fast connection throughout your home, without blind points or connection problems.