Next Thing

The Best Computer Routers under $240

★ Top Choice
♥ Runner Up

Linksys

WRT32X AC3200 Dual-Band Gaming Router

BUY NOW

From $221.9

More info
Best Overall

ASUS

Wireless Dual Band

BUY NOW

From $221.99

More info
Best Tri-Band

NETGEAR

Nighthawk X6

BUY NOW

From $233.99

More info

Synology RT2600ac

★ Top Choice
BUY NOW From $199.99

Features

  • Smart Connect for seamless transition between maximum speed or range.
  • Powerful 4x4 802.11ac wave 2 radios with MU-MIMO and up to 2.53Gbps breakthrough wireless speeds.
  • Dual WAN capable for load balancing and failover support ; Operating Temperature 5 Degree Celcius to 40 Degree Celcius (40 fahrenheit to 104 fahrenheit ).
  • Hardware accelerated Layer 7 traffic control and monitoring; Storage Temperature: -20°C to 60°C (-5°F to 140°F).
  • 1.7 Gigahertz Dual core processor for fast, uncompromising performance. Coverage area - 3,000 square feet.

Pros

  • ⊕ USB port.
  • ⊕ Long range.
  • ⊕ SD card slot.
  • ⊕ Easy to install.
  • ⊕ Excellent speeds.

Cons

  • ⊖ Slow network storage.
  • ⊖ Difficult to wall mount.
  • ⊖ No wireless bridge support.

Specs

  • Number of Wired Ports: 4.
  • Firewall: Yes.
  • Weight: 1.54 lbs.
  • Range: 2,000 sq. ft.
  • Product Dimensions: 11 x 6 x 3 in.
  • Compatibility: IEEE 802.11ac.
  • Number of Bands: Simultaneous dual band.
  • Chipset: 1.7 GHz Qualcomm IPQ8065.
  • Number of Antennas: 4x4 MIMO Omni-directional high-gain dipole (2.4GHz / 5GHz).

Linksys WRT32X AC3200 Dual-Band Gaming Router

♥ Runner Up
BUY NOW From $221.9

Features

  • Synchronizes with Killer enabled PCs from brands such as Alienware, Gigabyte, MSI and Razer.
  • Promotes simultaneous high speed data processing.
  • The Killer Prioritization Engine identifies, prioritizes and accelerates gaming network traffic above all else, to reduce peak ping by upto 77 percent.
  • The WRT32X gaming router also features a pro grade Gigabit Ethernet switch with 4 ports, making it ideal for connecting multiple gaming rigs or consoles at your next LAN party.
  • Each connected client device receives its own dedicated data stream, so multiple users won't have to compete with 1 another for bandwidth.
  • The first router purpose built to prioritize gaming.
  • The WRT32X gives you dominating Next Gen AC Wi Fi speeds up to 3.2 Gbps that keep you at the top of your game.
  • Dynamic frequency selection (DFS) certification from the FCC not only allows operation at 160MHz enabling Tri Stream160, but it also triples the channels available at 80MHz so the WRT32X can operate in the clearest airspace that other routers aren't allowed.

Pros

  • ⊕ Great Wi-Fi speed.
  • ⊕ Low latency design.
  • ⊕ Easy to use firmware.
  • ⊕ Gamer-centric interface.
  • ⊕ Fast file-transfer speeds.

Cons

  • ⊖ Pricey.
  • ⊖ Very expensive.
  • ⊖ Middling 5GHz throughput.

Specs

  • Speed: : AC3200.
  • Connectivity: : 1 x Gigabit WAN, 4 x Gigabit LAN, 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x eSATA/USB 2.0.
  • Features: : Killer Prioritization Engine, Customized Firmware, 1.8GHZ Dual-Core CPU, MU-MIMO.

ASUS Wireless Dual Band

Best Overall
BUY NOW From $221.99

Features

  • ASUS Protection powered by Trend Micro ensures your online experience is safe and secure. By combining automatic vulnerability detection, malicious site blocking and parental controls, Protection keeps everyone safe and sound.
  • 1024 Qam technology 80 percent faster 5 GigaHertz at up to 2100 Mbps, 66 percent faster 2. 4 GigaHertz at up to 1000 Mbps; utilities: firmware restoration.
  • Expansive connectivity options: with exclusively has 8 x Gigabit LAN ports for up to eight Ethernet compatible devices to connect simultaneously.
  • Smart Connect automatically chooses the best band available for you, Dimensions: 11. 8 x 7. 4 x 3. 3 inch (WDHP).
  • 33 percent greater 2. 4 GigaHertz coverage with a 4 transmit, 4 receive (4T4R) antenna design, able to reach our widest ever coverage up to 5000 square feet.
  • Powerful 1. 4 GigaHertz dual core processor, faster USB data transfers enjoy up to over 100 MB/s Speed and the router download/UPLOAD speed (WAN LAN throughput) up to 1. 8 Gaps.
  • Connected devices must be 802.11ac-compatible for best results.

Pros

  • ⊕ Feature rich.
  • ⊕ Lots of features.
  • ⊕ Excellent speeds.
  • ⊕ Powerful software.
  • ⊕ Advanced features.

Cons

  • ⊖ Pricey.
  • ⊖ Expensive.
  • ⊖ Expensive.
  • ⊖ Weaker range.
  • ⊖ Below average range.

Specs

  • Firewall: Yes.
  • Number of Bands: Two.
  • Number of Antennas: Four.
  • Number of Wired Ports: Eight.
  • Weight: 33.5 oz.
  • Range: Very large homes.
  • Chipset: Broadcom BCM4709C0.
  • Product Dimensions: 3.3 x 11.8 x 7.4 in.

NETGEAR Nighthawk X6

Best Tri-Band
BUY NOW From $233.99

Features

  • WIRED ETHERNET PORTS: Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and other nearby wired devices with 4 x 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
  • LOADED WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Designed with a 1GHz dual core processor, 6 amplified antennas, Beamforming+, Dynamic QoS, Smart Connect, Amazon Alexa Voice Controls, and more.
  • RECOMMENDED FOR UP TO 50 DEVICES: Reliably stream videos, play games, surf the internet, and connect smart home devices.
  • NETGEAR Armor protects your network and connected devices from Internet threats. Get peace of mind knowing you have the best-in-class anti-virus, anti-malware, and data protection for all your smart devices, smartphones, and computers with a 30 day free trial.
  • SMART PARENTAL CONTROLS: Pause device internet access, view site history usage, and filter websites for free. Set online time limits, schedule device internet access, and more for $4.99/month (1st month free trial).
  • FAST WiFi PERFORMANCE: Get up to 3500 sq ft wireless coverage with AC3200 speed (Tri-band up to 600 + 1300 + 1300 Mbps).
  • USB CONNECTIONS: Share a storage drive and printer with any connected device, and create a personal cloud storage to access from anywhere, using the 1x3.0 and 1x2.0 USB ports.
  • SAFE & SECURE: Supports WPA2 wireless security protocols. Includes Guest WiFi access, DoS, Firewall, VPN, and more.

Pros

  • ⊕ Good coverage.
  • ⊕ Simplified set up.
  • ⊕ Easy guest access.
  • ⊕ Solid Tri-Band Wi-Fi.
  • ⊕ Smart Connect feature.

Cons

  • ⊖ Expensive.
  • ⊖ Bulky design.
  • ⊖ Large footprint.
  • ⊖ Buggy initial setup.
  • ⊖ Some performance drops.

Specs

  • Number of Antenna: 6.
  • Number of Bands: 3.
  • Number of Wired Ports: 7.
  • Firewall: Yes.
  • Weight: 2.43 lbs.
  • Chipset: BCM4709AO.
  • Range: Very large homes.
  • Compatibility: Amazon Echo/Alexa.
  • Product Dimensions: 11.63 x 8 x 2.14 in.