Best Routers with Powerful Antennas and a Large Coverage Area

The Asus brand model can be considered an old-timer on the market among Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) routers. Since its debut in 2020, the device has become cheaper and has retained its relevance due to its good speed characteristics. Thus, Asus RT-AX58U supports a bandwidth of 160 MHz, which increases the speed of the wireless connection and brings it closer to the maximum possible: in 2.4 GHz networks - up to 574 Mbit, and in 5 GHz - 2402 Mbit.

Asus RT-AX58U provides high bandwidth for wired data transfer. For these purposes, it is equipped with 4 gigabit LAN ports. Another feature is the presence of USB 3.2 gen1 with support for 3G and 4G (LTE) modems. Accordingly, in case of force majeure with wired providers, the router can "distribute" mobile Internet (if there is a USB modem).

The model boasts a powerful transmitter (27.4 dBm) and four external antennas designed to amplify the signal. As a result, an increase in coverage by 80% is declared in comparison with Wi-Fi 5 routers. To improve the stability of the connection, the Beamforming function is implemented, which accurately directs data to client gadgets. Plus, there is support for AiMesh technology - the model can act as the main device or just a node in a Mesh network.

Other features include the multi-level AiProtection protection system, simple and flexible model configuration, support for advanced functions - creating a firewall with traffic filtering, the ability to implement file, media, print servers, etc.

Asus RT-AX58U is an interesting long-range Wi-Fi 6 router with 4G modem support.

The main advantage of the TP-LINK router is its high performance. The model corresponds to the AX5400 class, which means a total throughput of up to 5400 Mbit, and at a frequency of 5 GHz, you can achieve a data exchange rate of 4804 Mbit. Such indicators are enough even for streaming 8K video. And the bandwidth of 160 MHz and modulation of 1024-QAM will allow you to approach the declared maximum.

By the way, TP-LINK Archer AX72 Pro is ready to provide excellent performance for wired data transfer, as it is equipped with a 2.5 Gbps port.

The model's "long range" is supported by a set of 6 external antennas. In addition, there is a powerful 30 dBm transmitter inside, whose capabilities are definitely enough for most multi-room apartments, small and medium-sized offices, etc. And in larger facilities or for the most demanding tasks, seamless Mesh networks can be "deployed" on the basis of a router.

For stable operation with a large number of devices at once, MU-MIMO is supported, and the Beamforming function will provide a signal directed to specific clients.

The router has a total of 5 LAN ports, including four gigabit ports, as well as one USB for connecting external drives. The model is easy to configure using the Tether application, supports notifications about adding new users, and has a built-in HomeShield protection system.

TP-LINK Archer AX72 Pro is a quality choice if you need really high data transfer speeds and a good range.

The Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 router from MikroTik is notable for its extended operating temperature range: -40 °C ~ +70 °C. You can safely place the model in unheated rooms (garage, basement, attic, etc.), and with additional protection from water (placed under a canopy) - even outdoors, for example, in the local area. For such scenarios, PoE technology support is also provided, so that the MikroTik hAP ax3 will receive both an Internet signal and power via one Ethernet cable. Moreover, the PoE function also works on the output, which will allow you to power another low-power device from the router, for example, a video surveillance camera.

The hardware of the model includes a 4-core Qualcomm IPQ-6010 processor and 1 GB of RAM, which provides good computing capabilities. For the initial connection and setup, RouterOS is offered - a convenient "operating system" that will suit both beginners and demanding users who set complex rules for the firewall, use hardware encryption, etc.

The router's strong points include the presence of 5 LAN ports, four of which are gigabit, and one is 2.5 Gbit/s. There is a USB nearby: it allows you to connect not only a flash drive, but also an LTE modem.

A powerful transmitter (29 dBm) "on board" will take care of stable coverage even in multi-room apartments and will allow you to do without signal amplifiers. Also on the case there is a pair of external antennas at 5.5 dBi, which, if necessary, can be removed for replacement with others or convenient storage of the device.

The downside is the low (or rather basic) speed by Wi-Fi 6 standards in 5 GHz networks, which will not exceed 1200 Mbit. Otherwise, the MikroTik hAP ax3 is a worthy router that combines frost-resistant design and long range.

The compact (98x98x30 mm) router from the Ubiquiti brand is notable not only for its lack of external antennas. It supports various operating modes, from a regular access point to the role of a gateway that controls 4 other network devices, segments traffic and/or filters content, domains, countries, etc.

Ubiquiti Unifi Express can also work in tandem with similar devices in Mesh mode to increase the "range". But one box will also please with a good coverage area of up to 140 square meters (in open spaces), as it uses a powerful 25 dBm transmitter and internal antennas to amplify the signal (up to 5.2 dBi).

The model supports the Wi-Fi 6 standard, providing an over-the-air throughput of up to 2400 Mbit in the 5 GHz frequency range and 574 Mbit in 2.4 GHz networks. Among other things, the extended 160 MHz band is responsible for increasing performance. Wired data transfer is carried out at a speed of up to 1 Gbps: one gigabit LAN and WAN port are provided.

The router has a Bluetooth module that can be used as a control interface and will also provide Internet access to various smart sensors or other IoT devices. Additional features include an informative 0.96-inch display and a USB C port. The screen shows the number of clients, input and output speeds in real time, and the current interface is used for power supply, which allows you to directly connect to a power bank if necessary.

Ubiquiti Unifi Express is an original network equipment with various application scenarios.

Among dual-band Wi-Fi 6 routers, the Mercusys model is the fastest, as it belongs to the AX6000 class. The device supports 8 data streams and has an expanded bandwidth of up to 160 MHz. As a result, at 2.4 GHz frequencies, the router provides a speed of up to 1148 Mbit, and in 5 GHz networks - 4804 Mbit. Only Tri-band devices or 7th generation models can boast more impressive characteristics, and their price tag is usually higher.

Mercusys MR90X is equipped with a 30 dBm transmitter, so you will have a Wi-Fi signal even in a home or office with complex layouts and an abundance of walls. Signal amplification should be provided by 8 external antennas, and communication stability - by such functions as Beamforming and MU-MIMO. The first detects connected devices and directs data to them, and the second guarantees multi-threading and support for up to 256 clients simultaneously on the network. It is also worth mentioning the Smart Connect option - the router itself will select the most suitable frequency range for each gadget.

The strong point of the model is a set of four LAN ports. Three of them are gigabit, and one is 2.5 Gbps, which means that wired data transfer will be carried out at high speeds. Other features include support for the current WPA3 security standard, the ability to work as an access point, as well as easy initial connection and settings via a proprietary mobile application.

Mercusys MR90X is a fast, long-range and overall well-balanced router for its price.