Bottlenecks, congestion, and multiple devices fighting for the same bandwidth can interrupt everything from work to professional gaming, and so to cater for our need not only for speed but for reliable connections, technology vendors have created a wide variety of routers designed to replace basic models that can no longer keep up. Disclosure: ZDNet may earn an affiliate commission from some of the products featured on this page. ZDNet and the author were not compensated for this independent review. Suitable for users who want to make sure there are no dead spots in their home, the device also comes with an automatic network assistant that optimizes channel use. The system can be managed via an accompanying mobile application and includes family controls, guest accounts, and more. The router is equipped with a 1GHz dual-core processor and can connect to USB storage devices for private cloud setups. BitDefender antivirus protection is included. The router makes use of up to 15 channels to secure the least-congested band for gaming purposes and is also compatible with ASUS mesh WiFi systems. The 12-stream option is popular and tends to sell out quickly; alternatively, you can opt for a mesh kit instead for $367.99. If you’re in the market for a router that can double-up as a VPN, the Synology RT2600, complete with a 1.7GHz processor and capable of up to 2.53Gbps speeds, could be the right option for you. In addition, the router can also act as a multimedia center if you plug in compatible USB storage devices. For $498, you can pick up the router together with a DiskStation if you are also in the market for a NAS storage option. The device acts as a mesh router and smart home hub for controlling SmartThings-compatible devices and improving home connectivity at the same time. Samsung says that a single router can cover up to 1,500 sq. ft or the three-pack boosts coverage to up to 4,500 sq. ft.
