Our Top Picks
If you're in a hurry, I've compiled a list of the best quality routers here. Let's explore them together:
● NETGEAR C7000 - Best Overall
● Linksys EA7500 - The Runner Up
● NETGEAR R6900P - Best For Wifi Coverage
● ASUS RT-AC68U - Best for Value
● TP-Link Archer A8 - Best For Low Budget
● Linksys EA6900 - Best For Fast Date Rates
● Motorola MG7550 - Best For Modern Design
Types Of Product
Linksys EA7500 (link)
When buying a router, you may come across the term AC somewhere in the product name. Some will follow this term.
So, what are AC1900 wifi routers like Linksys EA7500 and Nighthawk R6900P?
This term means a device that supports the wifi 5 or 802.11ac wireless networking standard. In simpler terms, an AC router provides a fast network connection on the 5GHz frequency.
The number after the term AC represents the theoretical maximum bandwidth of the device. So 1900 means 1900Mbps.
This number sounds big and appealing. However, it is not really representative of your network connection speed.
Usually, each router will come with two bands. Each level will have its maximum theoretical bandwidth:
● The first wireless band is 2.4GHz. It is the slowest, with a maximum bandwidth of 600Mbps.
● The second wireless band is 5GHz. It is the fastest, with a maximum bandwidth of 1300Mbps.
The AC1900 level will not be the maximum level of bandwidth you can get on any wireless frequency or band. It is the sum of the two band levels mentioned.
This level is still powerful enough to meet your diverse needs. Their speeds are fast enough for gaming, HD streaming, or watching movies.
Buying Guides
You will not choose the best 1900 routers without a clear understanding of the features and related parameters. I have prepared a detailed and complete list of notable features for you. Let's explore right below!
Wifi router and network (link)
What Are 802.11 a, b, g, n, And ac?
The 802.11 standard was the first standard that laid the foundation for network devices. However, you will not be able to find any other products that support it on the market today.
The reason is that the product's bandwidth level is only 2Mbps. I'm not joking; that's the actual number.
It's almost impossible for us to do with such a low internet speed nowadays. So, people started to develop new standards.
802.11b is the next standard with the ability to support 11Mbps bandwidth. At the same time, IEEE created 802.11a, which allows connections with a bandwidth of 54Mbps at a 5GHz frequency.
In 2003, the letter “g” was introduced. It combines the two previous versions, “a” and “b.”
The "n" that was released soon after had backward compatibility with "b" and "g." With MIMO antenna technology, its bandwidth speed can be up to 300Mbps.
The latest wifi standard today is 802.11ac. It comes with dual-band technology that allows you to simultaneously connect on 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
Range And Coverage
Space size also plays a vital role in evaluating the performance of a router. They need to maintain a reasonable bandwidth rate over a wide range.
A room measuring 15ft is similar to a penthouse or small dorm room.
When I tested here, the Linksys EA7500 topped the list with 853Mbps. The Archer A8 comes in second with a speed of 852Mbps.
When used in larger rooms, the Nighthawk R6900P shows its superiority. It allows wifi network coverage in an area of 1800ft square.
ASUS RT-AC68U (link)
Dual-band Or Tri-band
The two bands in the radio frequency spectrum that wifi uses to transmit signals are 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
The 2.4GHz band doesn't slow down much when going through walls or obstacles in space. However, devices such as microwave ovens or phones can interfere with the connection.
In contrast, the strength of the 5GHz band is its blazing speed. However, it has trouble with areas with many obstacles.
Each person will have a suitable choice depending on the user's needs. Fortunately, I have prepared the best AC1900 routers with dual-band.
The two best options are ASUS RT-AC68U and Linksys EA7500, which support both band levels. They also can automatically select the best signal when you connect devices.
Tri-band routers are more expensive. It consists of one signal at 2.4GHz and two signals at 5GHz.
Beamforming
The beamforming concept is relatively easy to understand. This mode will focus the signal to broadcast it directly to the target instead of transmitting the signal radially into a wide area.
This signal processing technique is also known as spatial filtering. It can be used at both the transmitter and the receiver.
Most of the AC1900 routers I mentioned in the list use this service. Its most significant advantage is extending the range and increasing the wireless network's speed.
Except for the basic service, ASUS RT-AC68U also comes with AiRadar. Meanwhile, the Nighthawk C7000 uses Beamforming Plus.
Internet Protocol
The Internet protocol is crucial because it specifies the addressing scheme and technical format for communicating.
These networks may incorporate Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), a higher-level protocol. It creates a virtual connection between the source and the destination.
TCP/IP also can establish a connection between two servers so that they send messages back and forth in a short time.
Currently, you can find two versions of IP, IPv4, and IPv6. The good news is that all the products on the list support a more advanced IPv6 level.
MU-MIMO
Many new routers come with a facility called MU-MIMO. It allows the device to provide higher data rates.
MU-MIMO has a substantial advantage for units with many users of video services. The options that you can refer to are Archer A8 and Linksys EA7500.
A modern wifi router with three antennas (link)
Antennas
Wireless devices often come with antennas. This critical part is also a prominent part when buying an AC1900 router.
The traditional design of the router consists of antennas protruding from the housing, usually above the surface. It's not too aesthetically pleasing, but it's blazing fast.
If you are a lover of elegance, choose Motorola MG7550. This product has a vertical column design like a high-end speaker to enhance the home space.
QoS
Quality of Service is also known as traffic control or media prioritization. This feature gives flexibility to those who want to explore the settings on the computer.
Depending on what you're doing at the moment, you can optimize your device's performance. It will give the service you want to prioritize more bandwidth for.
FAQs
If you still have any questions regarding choosing the best 1900 routers, let's find the answers here.
Is The Nighthawk AC1900 Worth It?
NETGEAR's strength is the balance between product performance and price. The 1900 routers of the Nighthawk line are no exception.
This device offers the powerful speed that any gamer wants. It is suitable for speed and competitive games.
The Nighthawk C7000 is also smart enough to organize internet traffic efficiently. You can share storage without sacrificing connection speed.
Linksys EA6900 (link)
Which Router Is Best For A 1000Mbps Plan?
A solid and uninterrupted 1000Mbps internet connection will make your job much easier.
The best choice to bring wifi to every electronic device you should choose is TP-Link Archer A8 and Linksys EA6900. Both products can transfer 600Mbps in the 2.4GHz band and 1300Mbps in the 5GHz band.
These devices provide users with a seamless experience for HD streaming and gaming, even better when they have an extremely affordable price.
How Do I Know If My Router Is Outdated?
An outdated router will ruin your internet experience. It slows down the wifi speed and brings security risks to the network connection.
If your router suffers from one of the following five symptoms, I recommend updating to the new version. These include:
● You are renting a device from your ISP. In the long run, the rent will be more expensive than buying a new piece of equipment.
● You have been using the router for more than five years.
● The speed and range of the wifi connection are getting worse and worse.
● You often encounter errors when you want to connect to the network.
● Your device heats up efficiently.
Can A Router Last 10 Years?
The short answer is that routers can last for several years. “Several years” here can range from four to ten years.
These parts in the device rarely move. Therefore, they are pretty durable.
Experts from Google and NETGEAR still recommend that users update the router every three to five years. That time is just enough for you to own new technologies to maintain fast network connection speeds.
Final Thoughts
I have suggested the best 1900 routers that stand out this year. They all come from reputable brands like NETGEAR, Linksys, or ASUS.
Please refer to the top 5 below for your convenience. They have passed rigorous tests to confirm outstanding performance.
● NETGEAR C7000 - Best Overall
● Linksys EA7500 - Runner Up
● ASUS RT-AC68U - Best Value
● TP-Link Archer A8 - Best For Low Budget
● Linksys EA6900 - Best For Fast Date Rates
Hopefully, this list can help you make a suitable choice. Thank you for reading!
