10 Best Routers For Small Businesses in 2023 [Expert Picks]

Are you planning to start a new business and are looking for a suitable router or do you want to upgrade the router in your SOHO setup with easy scalability? Whether you’re looking for a fast & reliable long-range router or a budget device to keep your business area connected, this article will help you find one.

Do you want a router that can support lots of devices and avoid network congestion? Worried about the misuse of internet bandwidth? Looking for a router with bandwidth prioritization and comprehensive traffic monitoring options? If the requirements match, you will find some of the best router options for small businesses.

After factoring in the support to multiple devices, adequate hardware, network security, long-range connectivity, and bandwidth to avoid congestion as an essential requirements for small businesses. I have compiled a list of the best possible options in this article. Not limited to the essential requirements, these devices offer additional features, adding more value to your money.

Best Routers For Small Businesses in 2023

The article results from a comparative analysis of 27 routers in the market, factoring in a diverse set of requisites. The list comprises the top 10 routers that offer great value for your money in terms of features and utility.

The list covers the routers for different preferences and requirements. Starting with top-end routers with the latest wireless standards, the list moves on to routers, a mesh system that can cover large surface areas and support more devices. The end of the list covers the routers that bring more value to its user without making a dent in their wallets.

1. Best Overall: Netgear Nighthawk RAX45

The Netgear RAX45 is a step up over its predecessor in its processing ability, storage, and aggregated speed. Its advanced features make it ideal for small businesses, SOHO setups, startups in congested environments.

Speeds & Coverage

With gigabit connections and its aggregated capacity of 4.3 Gbps, the devices can rake up 480 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 3840 Mbps on 5GHz. The device can support over 20 devices and cover 2500 sq ft with ease.

App Support & Security Features

Netgear’s Nighthawk mobile app can make the initial setup and remote management pretty simple for even the novice user. Netgear Armor adds more value in terms of real-time protection powered by Bitdefender. With firewalls, VPN support, Guest Wi-Fi network, you get more control over the network.

Design & Ports

A sleek glossy black body with sharp angles gives this router a futuristic look. It weighs close to 1.25 pounds and measures 11.6 x 8.11 x 2.25 inches in dimensions.

Netgear spreads 4 external antennas across its rear half. They act as a stable carrier of signals, credit to the efficiency of MU-MIMO and OFDMA.

Hardware & Other Features

With three cores clocking at 1.5GHz, 512MB RAM, and flash memory of 256MB, the router gets its ability to handle data-intensive activities like gaming and streaming. The support to 160MHz channels and DFS are paramount to outmaneuvering congested networks.

Conclusion

Netgear RAX45 brings the latest features with a potent hardware combination and a plethora of features like DFS and 160MHz Channels. It tops the list with its competitive price giving an edge over its peers, despite the lack of Tri-Band operation.

2. Best For Large Area: ASUS RT-AX3000

Asus downgrades the processing unit of its high-end predecessor to bring the latest wireless standards in AX3000 at a much more competitive price. The latest technologies and their scalability make this a perfect router for expanding small businesses.

Speeds & Coverage

With a high-speed gigabit connection, the RT-AX3000 aggregate speed of 3Gbps, translating to individual speeds of 574 Mbps, 2402 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 5GHz respectively. This gives the ability to handle over 30 devices distributed across a large area of up to 3000 sq ft.

App Support & Security Features

The Asus router application stands as a testament to simplicity in design. Both the initial setup and the extensive customization becomes simple, credit to the intuitive design of Asus interfaces. The AiProtection Pro offers commercial-grade lifetime security for the devices in your network.

Design & Ports

RT-AX3000 looks like a miniature version of a sports car. A matte-black body with sharp angles weighs 1.2 pounds and is 8.82 x 6.06 x 6.3 inches in dimensions.

The 4 external adjustable antennas are placed amidst the four Ethernet ports, one WAN and a USB 3.1 port. 

Hardware & Other Features

The powerful processing unit comprises a 1.5GHz Tri-core processor, 512MB RAM, and 256MB flash memory that provides the ability to handle high speeds across multiple devices involved in data-intensive activities. 

Comprehensive traffic monitoring is a standout feature of the ASUS ecosystem. The 160MHz support, firewalls, guest Wi-Fi, Support to multiple VPN protocols, dual QoS brings excellent value to your investment.

Conclusion

Asus brings the best combination of price and utility with the RT-AX3000 at a competitive price. Its inbuilt lifetime commercial-grade security and extensive traffic monitoring give an advantage over Archer AX50 in this list.

3. Best For Gig Plan: TP-Link Archer AX50

The TP-Link Archer AX50 brings the latest wireless standards at much lower costs as a step-down version of its powerful frontrunner AX6000. Its latest features like OFDMA, DFS make it ideal for Home Office setups, and startups.

Speeds & Coverage

With Wi-Fi 6, the aggregated speed of 3Gbps translates to individual speeds of 574 Mbps, 2402 Mbps in 2.4GHz and 5GHz respectively. It brings the capacity to handle 40+ devices across 2000 sq ft.

App Support & Security Features

The tether mobile application brings a simple, yet modern user-intuitive interface to keep the initial setup, and remote management simple. Inbuilt anti-virus protection in Homecare keeps the devices safe from intrusions and malware. The parental and access controls offer an additional layer of security to the network.

Design & Ports

 Archer AX-50 has a sleek, shiny black body and a beveled top. The lightweight router weighs approximately 1.2 pounds and measures 10.2 x 5.3 x 1.5 inches.

Excluding the 4 external antennas attached to its rear, interspersed amongst one WAN port, four LAN ports, and a USB 3.0 port.

Hardware & Other Features

With a dual-core processor clocking at 800 MHz in Intel-based Chipset, the 256MB operating memory and 128MB flash aids in handling the processing demands of a startup. Features like support to 160 MHz Channels and DFS avoids the hassle of capacity sharing and network congestion in 2 story offices or houses.

Conclusion

Archer AX-50 brings a lot of the latest features to the table. Its ability to link aggregation increases the speed throughput and stability of the connection, making this router attractive than its Linksys counterpart in terms of value for money and overall utility.

4. Best With Wi-Fi 6: Linksys E8450

Linksys upgrades its processor and operating memory of its predecessor to make E8450  ideal to support the latest wireless standards aka Wi-Fi 6. The high speeds, excellent range, and USB 2.0 port to share printers will make this router ideal for internet cafes and lounges.

Speeds & Coverage

With a 1 Gbps connection from ISP, the router can achieve individual speeds of 800 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 2400 Mbps on 5GHz bands. The router can handle up to 25 devices spread across an area as large as 2500 sq ft.

App Support & Security Features

Linksys E8450 lacks the comfort of a mobile application. The web-based initial configuration is uncomplicated. Linksys includes security features like WPA 3 encryption standards, guest network access, firewalls that keep infected devices from affecting your network.

Design & Ports

Router sports a shorter base weighing 1.4 pounds and measuring 6.14 x 3.03 x 8.66 inches. The octagonal design looks sophisticated.

It places the 1 USB 2.0, 4 LAN ports, and 1 WAN port on its rear. The chassis houses 4 internal antennas responsible for its coverage.

Hardware & Other Features

Linksys has a dual-core processor in a Mediatek chipset clocking at 1.4GHz, working with 512MB RAM and 128MB Flash lending the capacity to handle data-intensive twitch streaming, online gaming, and cloud ERP applications. The router comes with parental controls that let you manage internet consumption.

Conclusion

Linksys E8450 packs the latest wireless standards with the standard set of features like MU-MIMO, Firewalls, Parental controls, and wired connectivity, backed by an adequate hardware capacity. Wi-Fi 6 at well below $150 makes this router an excellent choice in the list if you can overlook its minor shortcomings.

5. Best Tri-Band Option: NETGEAR Nighthawk X6S R8000P

An upgrade in processing power and the operating memory of its predecessor makes X6S ideal for small offices. The router is geared to support tri-band operation with adequate bandwidth for plenty of devices.

Speeds & Coverage

A gigabit connection is ideal for the Netgear router to achieve individual speeds up to 750 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 1625 Mbps on its dual 5 GHz. Its tri-band operation improves its ability to handle 55 devices and cover a large area of 3500 sq ft.

App Support & Security Features

The nighthawk application makes the installation process simple and fast. It allows for easy remote management. The real-time security of Netgear Armor on subscription can keep your office network safe from malicious content. Circle smart parental controls with traffic monitoring add more value to the package.

Design & Ports

A flat, highly ventilated black body weighs close to 2.43 pounds and measures 11.63 x 8.92 x 2.14 inches in dimensions. The top has room for 6 foldable external antennas.

The router comes with 4 LAN ports, one WAN port, one USB 3.0 port, and one USB 2.0 port to accommodate shared printers, and storage devices.

Hardware & Other Features

The X6S is equipped with a powerful 1.8GHz dual-core processor, assisted by three offload processors in a Broadcom chipset. The combination of 512MB operating memory and 128MB storage is crucial to support plenty of devices. MU-MIMO, Beamforming, and Dynamic QoS ensure stable signals and minimal loss of bandwidth.

Conclusion

Its simultaneous tri-band operation and 6 powerful antennas make this an excellent choice to handle more devices spread across a large area. If not for its price premium, the router would be a tough competitor to Archer AX50.

6. Best Under $100: Motorola MR2600

The Motorola MR2600 AC2600 works on its speed limits by upgrading its hardware with a better processor along with features like USB 3.0, beamforming over its predecessor. The MR2600 offers stable internet for smaller hostels for working professionals at a competitive price.

Speeds & Coverage

A high-speed gigabit connection can make devices achieve individual top speeds of 800 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1733 Mbps on 5GHz. While the router can support up to 253 devices, keeping the simultaneous connection to 20 devices fares well within an area of 2000 sq ft.

App Support & Security Features

The MR2600 lacks a mobile application. The installation process and configuration are based on its web interface. The interface features protection from DoS attacks, offers double firewalls, and comes with WPA2 encryption to protect your network from security attacks.

Design & Ports

Motorola MR2600 sports a chequered black body with 4 external/removable antennas. The lightweight routers weigh 1.1 pounds and measure 7.06 x 12.0 x 7.12 inches with antennas extended.

The four LAN ports, one WAN and USB 3.0 port keeps your priority devices wired to the router.

Hardware & Other Features

A dual-core processor clocking at 880MHz in a Mediatek chipset can handle data-intense activities. While the combination of 128MB RAM and 16MB storage might limit the number of simultaneous connections. 

Its smart QoS automatically prioritizes your traffic. The presence of MU-MIMO and beamforming ensures multiple devices can communicate with the router with signal stability and loss of bandwidth.

Conclusion

If you can overlook the absence of a mobile application, MR2600 from Motorola stands out in the list owing to its advanced features like 4×4 MU-MIMO, Beamforming, and its ability to support more devices at a price below $100.

7. Best Mesh Setup: TP-Link Deco X20

The Deco X20 worked on the success of its forerunner and improved its operating and storage to make it capable of handling more devices. Backed by a sound hardware system, extended range, and robust security, the Mesh system is perfect for businesses running on duplex/multi-story buildings.

Speeds & Coverage

The 1 Gigabit plans are ideal to exploit the capabilities of the Wi-Fi 6 mesh system. It comes with the bandwidth to handle up to 100 devices including automated devices and achieve individual top speeds of 574 Mbps and 1201 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 5GHz respectively. The two-unit mesh system can cover areas up to 4000 sq ft.

App Support & Security Features

Be it the initial configuration or the placement, the Deco application makes this easier with its trademark design of TP-Link‘s mesh system. Easy remote management gives you the control to monitor and manage the network.

Homecare offers a robust system to protect the network from intrusions and malware. The guest network keeps externally infected devices at bay, while the WPA 3 encryption standards keeping unauthorized users away from the network. 

Design & Ports

The white cylindrical towers, short in demeanor fit seamlessly. They stand 4.49-inches tall and measure 4.3-inches in diameter. Each unit comes with 4 internal antennas and weighs approximately 2 pounds each.

The two Ethernet/WAN ports in each unit can be used diligently to get wired high-speed connectivity for priority devices.

Hardware & Other Features

TP-Link puts together potent hardware combined with a quad-core processor clocking at 1GHz along with 512MB RAM and 128MB storage gives the ability to handle data-intensive activities like online gaming, etc. Its support to ethernet backhaul can effectively use the bandwidth and minimize the loss because of latency.

Conclusion

The combination of the latest wireless standards, extended coverage, robust security, and ethernet backhauling backed by powerful hardware make this router equipped to handle multistoried building better than its peer mentioned here.

8. Best with VPN: NETGEAR Nighthawk R6700

In R6700, Netgear leaves out the USB 2.0 present in its predecessor, while retaining its hardware and features at a reduced price tag. The presence of USB 3.0 ports makes this router ideal for small-scale design businesses which require extensive media and data sharing within the network.

Speeds & Coverage

Netgear Nighthawk R6700 works with internet connections up to 500 Mbps. The consolidated speeds of 1750 Mbps get split as top speeds of 450 Mbps and 1300 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 5GHz respectively. It offers ample bandwidth for optimized usage for over 25 devices in an area measuring 1500 sq ft.

App Support & Security Features

The Nighthawk application keeps the initial configuration easy even for novices with its guided setup. Manage your network remotely at the comfort of your palm. A dedicated guest network access, double firewall protection, DoS prevention keeps your network secure. 

Compatibility to VPNs and the added protection of Netgear Armor with subscription brings more security to the network.

Design & Ports

A matte black body weighing close to 1.58 pounds, measures 7.20 x 11.22 x 2.44 inches in dimensions.

The priority devices get the stability of wired connectivity with 4 LAN and 1 WAN ports. The USB 3.0 ports offer high-speed media sharing with secure FTP within the network.

Hardware & Other Features

A dual-core processor clocking at 1GHz in Broadcom chipset working with the synergy of 256MB RAM and 128MB flash to support data-intensive applications. The router features Beamforming+, smart connect, and a dynamic QoS to assure a stable signal strength and effectively managed bandwidth.

Conclusion

Netgear R6700 holds its position above Archer A7 and DIR-1260 owing to its stronger hardware, USB 3.0 ports, and a plethora of features. Its NAS performance, Netgear Armor security on subscription, Circle smart parental controls are great value addition at this price.

9. Best With Voice Controls: TP-Link Archer A7

The Archer A7 is an upgraded version of C7, with added compatibility to work with TP-Link. The router is ideal for smaller SOHO setups that require a printer to be shared amongst the network as well as for Wi-Fi calling & occasional gaming.

Speeds & Coverage

Although capable of higher individual speeds, the router works ideally with a 300 Mbps connection. Its aggregate speed of 1.7Gbps translates to top individual speeds up to 450 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1300 Mbps on 5GHz that can cover optimized usage of up to 50 devices spread across 2500 sq ft.

App Support & Security Features

The Tether application comes with the comfort of simplified installations with its pre-designed guided setups. The intuitive interface makes remote management simple, while the web interface gives comprehensive control over the customizations. 

With guest network access isolating devices from infecting the network, the support to VPN protocols, MAC-based device filters, firewalls offer the requisite security for your network.

Design & Ports

The Archer A7 weighs close to 0.90 pounds. A glossy black body measuring 9.6 x 6.4 x 1.3 inches.

It accommodates 3 external antennas on its rear end amidst the 4 LAN ports, 1 WAN port, and a USB 2.0 port.

Hardware & Other Features

A Qualcomm processor clocking at 750MHz, 128MB RAM, and 16MB storage form the core of this router. The router comes with parental controls and device-level QOS to manage your bandwidth. Its compatibility with Alexa devices will be a luxury to most setups.

Conclusion

Despite its limited hardware capability, the Archer A7 trumps DIR-1260 owing to its high-speed limits and additional USB port. Its extensive coverage, the comfort of the TP-link user interface, and compatibility with mesh systems make it a great buy at this price.

10. Cheapest Option: D-Link DIR-1260

The DIR-1260 from D-link is a run-down version of its predecessor with a less powerful processor to accommodate it within the budget. The combination of features with the latest WPA3 encryption makes it suitable for small-sized cafes, restaurants, lounges looking for a router that doesn’t cause a dent in their wallets.

Speeds & Coverage

Internet plans from fiber-optic providers up to a speed of 300 Mbps are the ideal match for DIR-1260. With an aggregated speed of 1.2Gbps, devices can achieve top speeds of 300 Mbps, 867 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 5GHz, respectively. It can support up to 30 devices spread across an area of 1500 sq ft.

App Support & Security Features

The installation is made simple with the guided step-by-step process. The D-link Wi-Fi app makes network management simple. The WPA3 encryption standards, SPI firewall protection is your safety net against unauthorized access and security threats. The router supports VPN, and website filter to control its exposure. 

Design & Ports

The matte-black chassis sports a simplistic elegant-looking design with 4 towering external antennas from its sleek body. It weighs 0.72 pounds and measures 9.37 x 6.14 x 1.22 inches.

The router comes with 4 LAN ports and 1 WAN port offering wired connectivity to PCs and smart TVs.

Hardware & Other Features

DIR-1260 comes with two cores clocking at 880MHz in a Realtek Chipset gives the power to handle multiple devices. The combination of 128MB storage and RAM can manage a limited number of data-intensive applications. It has a QoS Engine with different levels of priority to manage the bandwidth efficiently.

Conclusion

D-link DIR-1260 is amongst the best budget routers, despite the lack of a USB port and high speeds which gives the advantage to TP-Link’s Archer A7. The dual-core processor, MU-MIMO, and mesh compatibility make this a value purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

The clarity in understanding the requirements and personal preferences simplifies the process of finding the best router. I have covered the most popular small business scenarios in the article. If your preference doesn’t match our suggestions, it is diligent to look for products beyond the purview of this article.

• Netgear RAX45 and ASUS RT-AX3000 offer the best overall value for SOHO, startups in terms of speed, bandwidth, and internet security.
• Deco X20 is an ideal choice for multi-story, duplex style, bread and breakfast, and guest houses. 
• Netgear R8000P goes well with large cafes and lounges, for its capacity to support over 50 devices.
• DIR-1260 is one of the best budget routers for small business owners.