A strong and reliable internet connection is essential for almost every small business. if you are looking for a fast and efficient connection, choosing the best router can help your business achieve the high speed wireless network it needs. In this guide we take a look at the top 10 small business broadband routers, which are ideal for both business premises and home office networks.
What business router features do I need to compare?
You will find that over the last few years business routers have improved a lot, especially the dual and triple band routers which support multiple networks. If your business would like to offer an internet connection to customers, while maintaining a separate business network, these type of routers are ideal. You will also need to consider the coverage which the router offers, with a small business often requiring less coverage than a large office.
Another important feature to consider is the level of security offered, for example you may need a router which can establish a Verified Private Network (VPN). However, these security and other hardware features should be easy to maintain, especially for small businesses without access to an IT team. The following list includes the best options for businesses, with the exact reasons why they may provide the service you need.
1. Asus RT-AX88U
If you are looking for the best business router for a small business, this router is close to perfect. The Asus brand is known mainly for producing high-quality motherboards and laptops, however the team have turned their attention to business routers. This is ax ready, which means it will be able to handle the move to Wi Fi 6, the new wireless protocol. It is a dual band router, with AiProtection, 8 Gigabit LAN ports. OFDMA and MU MIMO technology for an extra boost to speed. If you are looking for something with a bit of style, the Asus RT-AX88U certainly looks the part, with its sleek design.
2. Netgear Orbi Pro
This is one of the best small business routers available, offering fantastic performance and easy setup. However, it is more expensive than some other options. If you are looking for a modern network, this router offers a Wi Fi mesh system which allows users to design a modular system. Although it is quite costly, if your business relies heavily on a fast connection, the Netgear Orbi Pro is ideal.
3. Linksys Velop Wi Fi 6
When the first tri-band mesh router was announced in 2017, the Velop became an interesting choice. Although the price may be too high for home offices, it is one of the best routers for small businesses looking for strong coverage.
The two-pack system is designed to cover a large area, with the flexibility of being used in two separate locations simultaneously. The latest version offers bandwidth for over 100 devices and is compatible with Wi Fi 6.
4. Netgear Orbi WiFi 6
If you are looking to prepare your business for Wi Fi 6, this Orbi Wi Fi 6 router is one of the best options. This router is ideal for businesses which may need to cover a huge space, such as large offices or businesses with a large number of connected devices.
It is straightforward to configure, making it a great choice for businesses with little in-house network expertise. However, it is one of the more expensive routers, so if you are looking to connect only a handful of devices, there are likely to be more cost-effective alternatives.
5. Synology RT2600ac
This is another dual band router, which is designed to offer a variety of features which are beneficial to business users. For example, businesses will benefit from MU MIMO security, a private cloud server, flexible capabilities, media sharing and access to a VPN service for additional network security.
6. Netgear Nighthawk X10
Technically, the Netgear Nighthawk X10 is designed for domestic use. However, thanks to the array of features offered, it is one of the best small business routers. In a similar way to many of the specific business routers, the Nighthawk offers 6 LAN ports, two USB ports and coverage up to 2,500 sq. feet.
In total, this router can handle a network of up to 45 devices and is also equipped with MU MIMO security for technology. For small businesses looking for high security and modern tech features, this may be the ideal router.
7. Ubiquiti EdgeRouter ERLite -3
If your business benefits from in-house technical expertise, this Ubiquiti router may provide the additional network features you need. This is one of the best small business routers for those which have high network demands. The router features a variety of Wi Fi customisation tools, including excellent security features.
If you need to create your own command level configurations, this is possible with the EdgeRouter. For businesses with very specific Wi Fi requirements, this is a great router, although the knowledge required may not suit every business.
8. Netgear Nighthawk X45
For those looking for a more budget friendly router, the X45 could provide an ideal solution. This router offers Wi Fi speeds of 2.53Gbps, multi-user technology and multiple ethernet ports.
If you are a relatively small office which is looking for smoother streaming, faster downloads and improved efficiency, the X45 is an affordable, reliable option.
9. Business Series N Wireless Router
This specialist router features removable antennas and dual band Wi Fi, although the main benefit is the speed of installation. The plug and play design can support more than 120 modems and it is also compatible with many VPN systems. For small and medium sized businesses with remote management, this router offers great security features for both public and private networks.
10. TP-Link Desktop VPN Router
If you are looking for a flexible router, the TP-Link offers four Gigabit LAN ports and a one Gigabit WAN port. Although the router is only a small, lightweight design, it offers high speed connections, DoS defence and dual-VPN protocols.
It is one of the quickest routers to setup and the instructions can be easily understood, which makes this an ideal option for home offices and small scale businesses.
Find the best broadband package
Whether you are a new startup or a larger established office with high demands, as you can see there are a variety of routers available to suit every budget. In addition to finding the best router, it is also possible to compare your broadband options. here at BusinessComparison, we can help you compare a range of business internet options so you find the best option for your individual requirements and budget.
We can help you compare internet packages from a variety of providers, including BT, Plusnet, Talk Talk and Focus Group. Our aim is to help you find the internet solution you need to help your business grow and our expert team are on hand to help.
Once you have found the ideal internet package and router, we can also help you compare a variety of financial products and utilities. To find out more about our comparison services, please contact our team today.
