An expensive router may offer better performance and features than a budget model, but it isn’t always the best choice. Speed, range, and reliability can vary widely between brands and models, so it’s important to do your research before buying. In general, more expensive routers offer better speed, range, and features than budget models.
However, there are exceptions to this rule, so it’s important to do your research before making a purchase.
If you’re looking to improve your home network, you may be wondering if an expensive router is worth the investment. The answer isn’t always clear cut, as there are a few factors to consider.
For starters, it’s important to understand that not all routers are created equal.
Just because a router is more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean it will offer better performance. In fact, some cheaper models can actually outperform their more expensive counterparts.
It really depends on your specific needs and usage patterns.
If you have a lot of devices that need to be connected wirelessly, or if you do a lot of online gaming or streaming, then spending a little extra on a good router can make a big difference in terms of speed and reliability.
On the other hand, if you only have a few devices and don’t do much online activity that requires high speeds, then you might be able to get away with a less expensive model. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what’s important for your home network and budget accordingly.
Thinking that router will make your Wi-Fi superfast? Not so fast, buddy!
Table of Contents
Do Better Routers Make a Difference?
There’s no doubt that getting a better router will improve your home networking experience. But how much of a difference does it make? We take a look at the benefits of upgrading to a better router.
If you’re using an old or budget router, there’s a good chance that it’s not providing you with the best possible performance. Newer and more expensive routers offer several advantages over their cheaper counterparts, including:
1. Better range and coverage
2. Faster speeds
3. More features and customization options
4. Improved security
Range and Coverage
One of the biggest benefits of upgrading to a better router is improved range and coverage. If you have a large home or office, or if you live in an area with poor wireless signal, investing in a high-quality router can make a big difference.
Router manufacturers often claim their products have ridiculous ranges (like “up to 5,000 square feet!”), but in reality, most routers only have effective range of about 100-200 feet indoors and 300-400 feet outdoors . So don’t expect miracles – but if your current router isn’t reaching all corners of your home or office, upgrading to one with better range can help.
Faster Speeds
Another big advantage of newer routers is faster speeds . If you’re still using an older 802 .11n model , upgrading to an 802 .11ac model will give you much faster speeds – assuming, of course , that your Internet plan supports it . These days , even budget routers are usually fast enough for most people’s needs , but power users may want to consider splurging on a top -of-the -line model if they have the money to spare .
More Features & Customization Options
In addition to offering better performance , newer routers also come loaded with more features than older models . Many now include things like built -in parental controls , guest networking , VPN support , and more . And thanks to advances in technology , they’re also easier to set up and customize than ever before .
Even if you don’t need all the bells and whistles offered by newer routers , it’s still worth considering upgrade just for the extra peace of mind knowing that your network is as secure as possible . Improved Security One final benefit worth mentioning is improved security .
Do I Really Need an Expensive Router?
No, you don’t need an expensive router. You can get by with a less expensive model just fine. However, there are some benefits to spending a bit more on a router.
For example, higher-end models often have better range and can offer features like MU-MIMO support (which can improve speeds if you have multiple devices connected simultaneously). They also tend to be more reliable and have longer warranties. So while you don’t need to spend a lot of money on a router, it may be worth it to invest in a slightly more expensive model.
Will an Expensive Router Increase Internet Speed?
No. An expensive router will not necessarily increase your internet speed. The speed of your internet is determined by your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and the type of connection you have (cable, DSL, fiber, etc.).
That being said, there are a few factors that can affect the speeds you get from your ISP. One is the type of router you use. If you use an older or cheaper router, it may not be able to handle the high speeds offered by some ISPs.
Another factor is the number of devices connected to your network. The more devices you have connected, the slower your speeds will be. Finally, distance from your modem can also affect speed.
The further away you are from your modem, the weaker the signal will be and the slower your speeds will be as a result.
Do More Expensive Routers Have Better Wi-Fi?
It’s a common misconception that more expensive routers have better Wi-Fi. In reality, it’s the quality of the router’s components and engineering that matter most. A good rule of thumb is to buy the best router you can afford, but don’t agonize over spending an extra $50 for a model with slightly faster speeds or more features that you may never use.
Here are some factors to keep in mind when shopping for a new router:
#1: Wireless Standards
The 802.11ac standard is currently the fastest and most reliable wireless networking standard available.
If your devices support it, look for a router that uses this technology. The “N” and “G” standards are older and slower, but they will work with older devices that don’t support 802.11ac.
#2: Dual-Band vs Tri-Band Routers
A dual-band router offers two separate wireless networks – one on the 2.4GHz frequency band and one on the 5GHz frequency band. A tri-band router adds a second 5GHz network. If your home has lots of devices connected to the internet at once, a tri-band router can help minimize interference and maximize speeds.
Most households only need a dual-band router, however, unless they have 10 or more devices using Wi-Fi at peak times or live in an area with high congestion (like an apartment complex).
#3: MU-MIMO Support
MU-MIMO (Multi User – Multiple Input Multiple Output) is newer technology that allows a Wi-Fi router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously instead of sequentially like older models do.
This means less waiting for your turn to receive data from the router, which results in faster speeds overall – especially when there are multiple users on the network at once.
#4: Beamforming Technology
Beamforming is another relatively new technology found in some high end routers.
It helps direct Wi-Fi signals where they are needed most by “focusing” them towards specific devices instead of broadcasting them out in all directions like traditional routers do. This can result in stronger signal strength and improved performance for devices located further away from the router or those that are having trouble connecting due to obstacles like walls or furniture .
Credit: www.amazon.com
Are Expensive Routers Worth It Reddit
If you’re a power user who is always online and working with large files, then an expensive router is probably worth the investment. However, for most people, a more affordable router will suffice.
There are a few things to consider when purchasing a router: speed, range, and features.
Speed is important if you have many devices that are all using the internet at the same time. Range is important if you have a large home or office. And finally, features like parental controls and guest networks can be helpful if you want to limit access to certain parts of your network.
When it comes to choosing between an expensive router and a more affordable one, it really depends on your needs. If you need the absolute best performance possible, then an expensive router is worth the investment. But for most people, a more affordable option will be just as good – if not better!
Conclusion
No, an expensive router does not make a difference. A more expensive router may have more features or be faster, but the average person will not notice the difference. The most important thing is to find a router that has good range and is compatible with your devices.
