Top 8 Best AC3200 Routers of 2021 - [Reviews & Buyer Guide]

Source: legitreviews.com

Keep All Your Devices Connected With The Best AC3200 Routers

What if you could put the power of three Wi-Fi routers in one? That’s exactly what an AC3200 router is. With every house having multiple devices connected to the internet and even guests looking forward to using your Wi-Fi, you need to be equipped with nothing but the best.

But how do you go about choosing the right one from the plethora of options in the market? We’ve got you covered as we review some of the best AC3200 routers below. We also made sure there is one for every pocket. Read on for more details.

1- NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 AC3200 Tri-Band Gigabit Wi-Fi Router

[Editor Top Pick]

The Nighthawk makes sure every device in your home is automatically connected to Wi-Fi and with the highest speed too. When you get so much at an affordable price why would you even think twice?

The Wi-Fi router supports a speed of up to 3.2 Gbps giving you the best in internet speed. As it has a Tri-band, it ensures that your Wi-Fi is available to a number of devices at the same time without compromise on speed or signal. No matter how advanced or outdated your devices are the Smart Connect technology chooses the right Wi-Fi for your device

It comes with not 2 but 6 high-performance antennas which means that you can use your devices in any part of your home with complete freedom from poor signal strength. A 1G dual core processor and 3 offload processors power the wireless, wired and WAN to LAN connections.

It has two USB ports viz. USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 to connect your stored media and view them at lighting speeds. You can download the free Netgear Genie App and enjoy seamless home network connectivity from all your smartphones, PC and Mac.

You can also download the free ReadyShare Vault PC software which will let you automatically backup all your media from your PC to your USB storage. As an added bonus feature, this router is compatible with Amazon’s popular voice command assistant, Alexa.

Don’t worry about the security of your internet connection as this router has secure VPN support to your home network and WPA/WPA2 security. You can even set up separate parental controls for each of your devices and have a separate secure access even for your guests. This router has got everything you are looking for despite its pocket-friendly price tag.

2- Linksys WRT AC3200 Open Source Dual-Band Gigabit Smart Wireless Router

Adding itself to our list of affordable AC3200 routers is the Linksys WRT AC3200 router. If blazing fast Wi-Fi speeds is what you are after, then you will love this router.

The unbelievable speeds are achieved using the Tri-stream technology. This basically means that in addition to a 2.4 GHz band, it has a dual 5GHz band that can give you top speeds of up to 2.6 Gbps.

The core of the router that helps you achieve these top speeds is actually the 1.8 GHz dual core processor and a powerful 512MB RAM.

It is not just a super-fast bandwidth that you will get with the WRT AC3200, but you can enjoy the same even with multiple devices are connected at the same time. This is made possible due to the MU-MIMO technology which boosts the total throughput and distributed the bandwidth to all the connected devices. So there is no sharing of bandwidth and each device can enjoy its own stream of bandwidth and not affect the connection of another device.

Setting up the router can be done in three easy steps. Simply download the free Linksys Smart Wi-Fi app and manage all settings using just your smartphone.

The router is also open-source ready which means you can configure and customize it using browser-based or Linux-based settings. You can also create a dedicated network for your guests and allow up to a whopping 50 users.

You can also make use of parental controls to keep your kids safe from explicit content. What’s even better, you can even choose which devices are the most important so that those will get the maximum speed no matter what.

With so many features packed into a neat-looking and sturdy router, it gives you more value for your money.

3- ASUS RT-AC3200 Wireless-AC3200 Tri-Band Wireless Gigabit Router

If you do not want to shell out those extra bucks on the all too powerful ASUS AC5300, then the next best choice would be the ASUS RT-AC3200.

It comes with two of the latest 802.11ac networks which can handle maximum speeds of up to 3200 Mbps. So you can play online games without any latency issues or even stream high-quality 4k videos or share files at lightning speeds. The tri-band comprises of two 5GHz bands and one 2.4 GHz band. The Smart Connect technology automatically detects the device speed and assigns the correct band for maximum speed.

But if you want to use a wired connection then you can also do that using the single Gigabit Ethernet WAN port or any of the 4 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports. There are 6 antennas that not only look majestic but come with AiRadar beam forming feature that directs the bandwidth to the devices for a wide Wi-Fi coverage. Transfer data quickly with the USB 3.0 port or even connect a printer to your USB 2.0 port.

The RT-AC3200 comes with a user-friendly and intuitive ASUSWRT interface with which you can set-up your router in just about 30 seconds and in 3 simple steps. You can also check how many devices are connected to the W-Fi or analyze the traffic to see the network bandwidth used up by each of the devices.

AiProtection from Trend Micro gives you security that you can depend on by constantly monitoring your network for vulnerabilities. It also allows for parental controls and privacy settings.

You don’t have to worry about poor Wi-Fi signal strength when you move about in your house. The 6 antennas ensure that there is a wide Wi-Fi coverage and they form signal beams to direct the bandwidth directly to the devices.

You can keep all your favorite data safe using the ASUS Aicloud that can be quickly accessed via the Aicloud mobile app.

With so many features the ASUS RT-3200 is sure to win your heart and also comes at a very happy price too.

4- TP-Link AC3200 Wireless Wi-Fi Tri-Band Gigabit Router (Archer C3200)

[Best AC3200 Router for Price]

The best AC3200 routers do not always have to be the most expensive. This is why you should buy yourself the TP-Link AC3200 wireless router. It comes at a budget-friendly price that you can forget buying cheap router that leave you frustrated. It has features that are comparable to some high-end routers as you will see in our review below.

It uses Tri-band technology to allow you to freely connect multiple devices to your router without any compromise on speed. It can handle top speeds of up to 3200 Mbps which is split between the three bands as 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and the 1300 Mbps each on the two 5GHz bands.

Even better than the Tri-band itself is the Smart Connect technology that detects devices to allocate them to the right band for maximum speed. This way there is no lag even if one of the devices uses up more bandwidth.

The router comes with six sturdy antennas that maximize the Wi-Fi coverage area giving you freedom of movement. They forms beams to direct the bandwidth where it is required and not in any general direction.

Multiple devices are effectively handled by the router as it is powered by a 1GHz dual core processor and 3 co-processors that work tirelessly to give you seamless connectivity.

You can also enjoy lightning speeds with wired connections using the 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports. These are useful for connecting game consoles, Smart TVs and PCs permanently.

You can set this router up in no time with the user-friendly web interface and the free Tether app. As for security, you can use parental control settings, dedicated guest network with password protection and WPA/WPA2 encryption. This is a must buy router for the budget-conscious who does not want a compromise on features.

5- ASUS AC5300 Wireless Tri-Band (Dual 5GHz + Single 2.4GHz) Gigabit Router

If you game a lot or want nothing but the fastest streaming 4K videos, then you definitely need something as capable as the ASUS AC5300. It is one of the best AC3200 routers that has all the high-end features that you are looking for.

The majestic look of the router complete with its solid antennas is a good match to its performance. It is quite a monstrous-looking router that will allow multiple devices to be connected to your Wi-Fi at the same time. In fact, the router can even stand on its antennas for a real sci-fi look.

The router supports Wi-Fi speeds of up to 5334 Mbps and a Tri-band powered by 802.11ac 4×4 technology means you can enjoy this maximum speed up to a distance of 5000 sq. ft. So you can move around freely in your home and even enjoy Wi-Fi convenience in your garden or backyard.

There is one 3.0 USB port and one 2.0 USB port which is plenty enough for most uses. It has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports which is more than what you need you cannot be blamed if you expected a few more for its price point.

The MU-MIMO technology helps even multiple users connect to the router without slowing down the connection. The NitroQam technology, on the other hand, increases single user throughout for ultra-fast connectivity.

As for gamers, this router comes with a built-in access to WTFast GPN (Gamers Private Network). These ensure low and stable ping times that is essential for gaming. With this router, you stay assured that all your data are safe as it comes with AiProtection by Trend micro.

With so many features packed into it, the ASUS AC5300 is truly value for your money.

6- D-Link AC3200 Ultra Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router

The D-Link is yet another affordable high-speed Wi-Fi router that will let you do more with your high-speed internet connection.

You can connect everything from your smartphones to tablets to laptops, smart TVs and game consoles to this ultra-fast router. What’s even better is that you can experience speeds of up to 3.2 Gbps.

Just as any other Tri-band Wi-Fi router it is huge and looks good with its shiny red color, a pyramid-like design, and six external antennas. It has two 5GHz and one 2.4 GHz so that all your devices can work at their maximum speed.

The Smart Connect ensures that the router automatically chooses the best band for each of the devices that are connected. This means you can stream movies, play games online and connect to Facebook on multiple devices and never feel any annoying lag.

Smartbeams are formed around the router that detect your movement and directs the bandwidth where it is required. Everything is managed by the powerful 1GHz dual core processor that is at the core of this router.

There is a 3.0 USB port and a 2.0 USB port in addition to the 4 Gigabit LAN ports and the regular LAN port for wired internet connection. If all this isn’t just enough for you, then you can also download the free my d-link Shareport app. With this app, you can freely share or stream all of your favorite pictures and videos.

Hardcore gamers will love this router as it comes NVIDIA gamestream ready to give you the ultimate experience in gaming.

All in all, the Ultra Tri-band Wi-Fi router is a must have for the home network that is thirsty for speed.

7- TRENDnet AC3200 Gigabit Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router

If you are looking for a budget-friendly AC3200 router that does not compromise on quality or features, then you should consider the one by TRENDnet.

You will feel the power of the Tri-band as it maximizes the speed of all the devices connected to the network. The Smart Connect feature automatically detects slow and fast devices and choose the correct band accordingly. If that wasn’t enough, there are Gigabit ports through which you can connect additional devices.

The maximum speed supports by this router is 3200 Mbps and is split as 600 Mbps and 1300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band the two 5GHz bands respectively. You can enjoy this maximum speed from any location in your home as the router comes with powerful amplifiers and 6 high gain antennas to expand the wireless coverage area.

This router is powered by a 1GHz dual core processor for unmatched performance. This in combination with the 3 integrated co-processors gives you maximum speed. The beam forming technology ensures that the bandwidth is directed at the devices instead of sending out signals in random directions.

Connect a printer or storage devices using the USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports. Stay protected with TRENDnet’s network protection tools with which you can use features such as parental controls, dedicated guest network, and pre-encrypted Wi-Fi.

Setting up the router is quick and intuitive with the easy-to-follow guided set-up. You can also access your home network remotely with the use of the Open VPN support. You can also make use of the DD-WRT open source firmware as the new and improved version of the router is compatible with it.

This router is backed by a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty for complete peace of mind.

8- ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem & ARRIS SURFboard AC3200 Wi-Fi Router

Why would you need a cable modem as well as a Wi-Fi router? Because you don’t want your cable network eating into your Wi-Fi and vice versa. You can have a dedicated modem just for your cable and watch movies all day.

The Arris Surfboard SB6190 is the first of its kind Gigabit and cable modem 2-in-1 on the tech market. It is a DOCSIS modem (3.0), which means you can get download speeds of up to approximately 686 Mbps and upload speed of 131 Mbps. So streaming movies or downloading them won’t take you more than a minute of your precious time. You can also connect your modem to your computer or a router using the Gigabit Ethernet port.

The modem supports all leading cable providers such as Comcast, Cox, Bright House Networks, Time Warner and much more. With your own modem in place, you can forget paying monthly rentals to your cable provider.

The Arris Surfboard Wi-Fi router, on the other hand, comes with the superior RipCurrent technology that gives you the most sophisticated Wi-Fi experience. What this technology does is, it uses your electrical lines to increase the network coverage. This gives you true freedom of movement and you will be able to use your Wi-Fi just about anywhere in your home.

It is an 802.11ac Wi-Fi router that can handle speeds of up to 1900 Mbps. As it has dual-bands viz. 204 GHz and 5GHz, it can allow both outdated and new devices to work at their maximum speed.

Whether it is gaming that you love or streaming movies for hours together, the router will work great, even with multiple devices.

This Wi-Fi and cable modem duo come with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Our recommendation

NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 AC3200 Tri-Band Gigabit Wi-Fi Router (Best Overall)
TP-Link AC3200 Wireless Wi-Fi Tri-Band Gigabit Router (Best Cheap)
Linksys WRT AC3200 (Best MU-MIMO and open-source ready router)

How to select the best AC3200 router?

Source: thewirecutter.com

Here is a quick guide that will help you choose the right AC3200 router for your needs.

1- Router capacity

As homes are increasingly using multiple devices to connect to the internet at the same time, you will need a router that can accommodate the necessary bandwidth. The new standard for routers is the 802.11ac protocol which can support even Gigabit speeds unlike the older routers that could only go up to 600Mbps.

2- Number of bands

Dual-bands help split your network bandwidth to two different frequencies namely the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz. This can help your router manage the bandwidth when multiple devices are connected. But Tri-bands offer more management of bandwidth as it comes with 2 5GHz bands. Tri-bands are the best for connects many devices at the same time and not experience latency issues.

3- Wi-Fi range

What can you do with just top speeds if the Wi-Fi coverage is poor? Look for technologies such as Smart Connect that manage the bandwidth by detecting devices and their required band. Powerful antennas also help in better Wi-Fi coverage. SmartBeam technology is another feature to look for in you router as it helps direct the bandwidth to devices for better performance.

4- Security

Don’t just look for speed and Wi-Fi range and go about buying your router. An equally important feature to look for it the amount of protection your router gives to your home network. Don’t settle for anything less than a WPA2 security. Additional features that you can get in your router are parental controls to safeguard kids from unwanted content, monitor traffic of devices connected to the internet, dedicated guest network with password protection and the ability to block unwanted users on the network.

5- USB ports

A very useful requirement in your router is USB ports. These should not just be mere ports for installation but should also allow mass storage devices to be connected so that you can back up all your important data. Your router should have at least one USB 3.0 port and a USB 2.0 port for older devices.

Finally, read up on other reviews once you have decided on the router that you want to buy. You could also ask friends for recommendations to help you make the right choice.

Important Note

Notwithstanding the information provided here, read instructions provided carefully to get the best out of your router and for proper set-up.

You might also like our articles AI and BEST PRINTING CALCULATOR.

Resources

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/tri-band-wireless-ac-routers-actually-faster/

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Top 8 Best AC3200 Routers of 2021 – [Reviews & Buyer Guide]