When it comes to running a small business, having a reliable internet connection is crucial. And at the heart of that connection is a router. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That's where we come in.
In this article, we'll be discussing the best routers for small businesses. These routers are designed to handle the demands of a small business, from multiple devices to heavy usage. We'll be looking at factors such as speed, security, and ease of use to determine which routers are worth your investment.
When choosing a router for your small business, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, consider the size of your business and the number of devices that will be connected to the router. You'll want to make sure the router can handle the traffic without slowing down or dropping connections.
Another important factor is security. Small businesses are often targeted by hackers, so it's crucial to choose a router with strong security features to protect your data. Finally, ease of use is important, especially if you don't have an IT department to handle setup and maintenance.
With those factors in mind, we've tested and researched the top routers on the market to bring you our recommendations for the best router for small businesses.
Best Routers for Small Business
As a small business, having a reliable and fast internet connection is crucial for staying productive and competitive. That's why we've rounded up the best routers for small business that provide fast and secure connectivity, as well as advanced features to help you manage your network efficiently. Whether you need a router for a small office or a larger workspace, we've got you covered with our top picks.
NETGEAR Orbi Quad-Band WiFi 6E Mesh System
If you're looking for a powerful router for your small business, the NETGEAR Orbi Quad-Band WiFi 6E Mesh System is a great option.
Pros
- The Orbi WiFi 6E Mesh System is incredibly fast, with speeds up to 10.8Gbps and coverage up to 6,000 sq. ft., including front & back yards.
- The system is designed to support up to 200 connected devices, so you can easily connect all of your business devices without any lag.
- The 10 Gig internet port unleashes the fastest download speeds of today & tomorrow, making it a great investment for your business.
Cons
- The NETGEAR Orbi Quad-Band WiFi 6E Mesh System is quite pricey, which may be a barrier for some small businesses.
- The system is quite large and may take up more space than some small business owners would like.
- The setup process can be a bit complicated, so you may need some technical knowledge to get it up and running.
We recently tried out the NETGEAR Orbi Quad-Band WiFi 6E Mesh System in our small business, and we were blown away by its performance. The system is incredibly fast, with speeds up to 10.8Gbps and coverage up to 6,000 sq. ft., including front & back yards. We were able to connect all of our business devices without any lag, and the 10 Gig internet port unleashes the fastest download speeds of today & tomorrow, making it a great investment for our business.
One thing to keep in mind is that the NETGEAR Orbi Quad-Band WiFi 6E Mesh System is quite pricey, which may be a barrier for some small businesses. Additionally, the system is quite large and may take up more space than some small business owners would like. Finally, the setup process can be a bit complicated, so you may need some technical knowledge to get it up and running.
Overall, we highly recommend the NETGEAR Orbi Quad-Band WiFi 6E Mesh System for small businesses looking for a powerful and reliable router. With its fast speeds and support for up to 200 connected devices, it's a great investment for any business.
GL.iNet Slate AX Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Gigabit Travel Router
If you're looking for a compact and powerful router for your small business, the GL.iNet Slate AX Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Gigabit Travel Router is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The dual-band combined Wi-Fi speed of 1800 Mbps (600 Mbps for 2.4GHz and 1200 Mbps for 5GHz) offers powerful Wi-Fi 6 network connection.
- The pre-installed OpenVPN & WireGuard, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers, ensures fast and secure browsing.
- The NAS feature supports SAMBA and WebDav protocol for easy file sharing.
Cons
- The control method is only available through the app, which may not be as convenient for some users.
- The router may not be suitable for larger businesses with more than 120 devices connected simultaneously.
- The price point may be a bit high for some small businesses on a tight budget.
We recently had the opportunity to use the GL.iNet Slate AX Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Gigabit Travel Router for our small business and we were impressed with its performance. The router offers powerful Wi-Fi 6 network connection with a dual-band combined Wi-Fi speed of 1800 Mbps (600 Mbps for 2.4GHz and 1200 Mbps for 5GHz). The router also enhances Wi-Fi performance with MU-MIMO, OFDMA, BSS color and is able to connect to up to 120 devices simultaneously.
One of the best features of this router is the pre-installed OpenVPN & WireGuard, which is compatible with 30+ VPN service providers, and ensures fast and secure browsing. The OpenVPN speed can go up to 120 Mbps, while the WireGuard speed can go up to 550 Mbps. Cloudflare encryption is also supported to protect the privacy of your business.
Another great feature is the NAS feature that supports SAMBA and WebDav protocol. By plugging an external USB hard disc into the router, you can create a private network to store and share your documents. This makes file sharing much easier and more secure.
The GL.iNet Slate AX Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Gigabit Travel Router runs on the latest OpenWrt 21.02 operating system (Kernel version 4.4.60), with mass device connection capabilities, and significantly reduced signal interference. You can customize the router and install applications based on your preferences.
One downside of this router is that the control method is only available through the app, which may not be as convenient for some users. Additionally, the router may not be suitable for larger businesses with more than 120 devices connected simultaneously. Lastly, the price point may be a bit high for some small businesses on a tight budget.
Overall, the GL.iNet Slate AX Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Gigabit Travel Router is a great option for small businesses looking for a compact and powerful router with fast and secure browsing and easy file sharing capabilities.
NETGEAR Orbi Tri-Band WiFi 6 Mesh System (RBK862S)
If you're looking for a high-performance router for your small business, the NETGEAR Orbi Tri-Band WiFi 6 Mesh System (RBK862S) is a great option. With its impressive WiFi speeds and coverage, as well as its automatic security features, this router is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 10 Gig internet port allows for incredibly fast download speeds, making it a great choice for businesses that require a lot of bandwidth.
- The upgraded antenna design boosts WiFi coverage and performance by 20% over the previous generation, ensuring that you can stay connected even in large spaces.
- The NETGEAR Armor software provides an automatic shield of security for your WiFi and connected devices, giving you peace of mind that your business is protected from hackers.
Cons
- At 8.43 pounds, this router is a bit heavier than some of its competitors, which could be an issue if you need to move it around frequently.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other routers on the market, which could be a concern for businesses on a tight budget.
- The router's touch controls may take some time to get used to, especially if you're used to more traditional button-based controls.
In our experience, the NETGEAR Orbi Tri-Band WiFi 6 Mesh System (RBK862S) is a reliable and high-performing router that is well-suited for small businesses. The 10 Gig internet port is a standout feature, allowing for lightning-fast download speeds that are sure to impress. Additionally, the automatic security features provided by the NETGEAR Armor software are a welcome bonus, as they help to ensure that your business is protected from potential security threats.
One potential downside of this router is its weight, which may make it difficult to move around if needed. Additionally, the price point is a bit higher than some other routers on the market, which could be a concern for businesses on a tight budget. Finally, the touch controls may take some getting used to, especially if you're used to more traditional button-based controls.
Overall, we would recommend the NETGEAR Orbi Tri-Band WiFi 6 Mesh System (RBK862S) for small businesses looking for a high-performance router with automatic security features.
TRENDnet Gigabit Multi-WAN VPN Business Router
If you're looking for a reliable router for your small business, the TRENDnet Gigabit Multi-WAN VPN Business Router is a great option.
Pros
- The router supports up to four separate WAN internet connections, allowing you to efficiently load-balance traffic by distributing network traffic to the best available link.
- Group multiple TWG-431BR routers together to create a high availability network with router redundancy to minimize downtime.
- Manage screen time, filter content, track web use and browsing history, as well as device level controls and more. Advanced web content filtering service powered by Router Limits.
Cons
- The configuration process can be complicated for some users.
- IPv6 may not work properly in some networks.
- Some users have reported issues with the VPN connection.
In our experience, the TRENDnet Gigabit Multi-WAN VPN Business Router is a reliable and efficient router for small businesses. With support for up to four separate WAN internet connections, load-balancing traffic, and a high availability network with router redundancy, this router is designed to minimize downtime and keep your business running smoothly.
One of the standout features of this router is the advanced web content filtering service powered by Router Limits. With this feature, you can manage screen time, filter content, track web use and browsing history, as well as device level controls and more. This is a great feature for businesses that need to monitor and control internet access for their employees.
While the configuration process can be complicated for some users, the router supports web browser (HTTP, HTTPS), CLI, SSH and Telnet management, so there are plenty of options for configuring the router to your specific needs. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the VPN connection, so it's important to keep this in mind if you plan to use this feature.
Overall, we would recommend the TRENDnet Gigabit Multi-WAN VPN Business Router for small businesses looking for a reliable and efficient router with advanced web content filtering capabilities.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best router for a small business, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Security
Security is a top priority for any business, and it's important to choose a router that offers robust security features. Look for routers that offer features like WPA3 encryption, VPN support, and firewalls to keep your network and data safe.
Speed and Performance
Small businesses need a router that can handle heavy traffic and provide fast, reliable performance. Look for routers with high-speed connectivity options like 802.11ac or 802.11ax, and consider the number of antennas and channels the router has to ensure optimal coverage and performance.
Management and Control
A router with easy-to-use management and control features can save time and effort for small business owners. Look for routers that offer web-based or mobile app management interfaces, and consider features like remote access and monitoring to help manage your network from anywhere.
Scalability
As your business grows, your network needs may change. Look for routers that offer scalability options like the ability to add additional access points or expandable memory to accommodate future growth.
Price
Price is always a consideration for small businesses. While it's important to choose a router with the features you need, it's also important to stay within your budget. Look for routers that offer a good balance of features and price, and consider the long-term costs of ownership, including maintenance and support.
By considering these key features, you can choose the best router for your small business needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best internet router for a small business?
The best internet router for a small business depends on the specific needs of the business. Some important factors to consider when choosing a router include the number of devices that will be connected, the size of the business, and the features required. Some popular options for small businesses include the Cisco RV260, Netgear Nighthawk X10, and Asus RT-AC88U.
What routers do business use?
Businesses use a variety of routers depending on their specific needs. Some popular options include the Cisco ISR 4000 series, Juniper SRX series, and Palo Alto Networks PA-220. These routers offer advanced security features and can handle a large number of devices.
What is the most secure router for business?
The most secure router for business is one that offers advanced security features such as VPN support, intrusion prevention, and content filtering. Some popular options for secure routers include the Fortinet FortiGate, Cisco ASA, and SonicWall TZ series.
What is the difference between a home router and a business router?
Home routers are designed for personal use and are typically less powerful and less secure than business routers. Business routers are designed to handle a larger number of devices and offer advanced security features such as VPN support and intrusion prevention.
What are some medium business routers?
Some popular options for medium business routers include the Cisco ISR 4000 series, Juniper SRX series, and Fortinet FortiGate. These routers offer advanced security features and can handle a large number of devices.
What are some small business routers?
Some popular options for small business routers include the Cisco RV260, Netgear Nighthawk X10, and Asus RT-AC88U. These routers offer advanced features such as VPN support and content filtering while still being affordable for small businesses.
