Introduction
A dual-band router is a device that can transmit wireless signals on two separate frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 2.4 GHz band is the older and more widely used frequency, while the 5 GHz band is newer and less crowded, but has a shorter range. A dual-band router allows for more flexibility in terms of network setup and can help improve performance by reducing interference from other devices.
Additionally, many dual-band routers also support the newer and faster Wi-Fi standards such as 802.11ac which can provide faster data transfer rates and better coverage.
With today’s technology, everyone desires a faster internet connection. Dual-band routers allow you to stream 8k videos and play games without interruption. But which of today’s wireless routers is best for you?
Dual-band routers were among the first WiFi routers created. So, when looking for the best dual-band routers in 2023, we’ll consider performance, speed, coverage, and security features.
If you’re tired of dealing with slow speeds, it may be time to upgrade. We’ve got you covered, whether you’re on a budget or not.
Best Dual band Router 2023
TP-Link AX5400 (Archer AX73) Dual Band Router
Asus AX6000 (RT-AX88U) Dual Band Router
Netgear Nighthawk AX5400 (RAX50)
TP-Link WiFi 6 Router AX1800 Smart WiFi Router (Archer AX20) Dual Band Router
Google Nest Wifi – AC2200 – Mesh WiFi System
TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Dual Band Router
Tenda AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Router
D-Link WiFi Router, AC2600
The TP-Link Archer AX73 (also known as the AX5400) is a dual-band wireless router that supports speeds of up to 5400Mbps (5GHz band: 4804Mbps, 2.4GHz band: 1148Mbps). It is equipped with four high-performance antennas to provide a strong and stable wireless signal throughout your home.
The router also features advanced technologies such as OFDMA and MU-MIMO, which can improve network efficiency and reduce lag for gaming and streaming. Additionally, the Archer AX73 has a built-in Airtime Fairness feature that helps to ensure that all devices connected to the network have equal access to the available bandwidth.
It also includes advanced security features such as a built-in VPN server, Parental Controls, and TP-Link HomeCareTM which includes antivirus, intrusion prevention, and parental controls for network-wide protection.
The Asus RT-AX88U (also known as the AX6000) is a high-performance dual-band wireless router that supports speeds of up to 6000Mbps (5GHz band: 4804Mbps, 2.4GHz band: 1148Mbps).
It uses the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology for faster and more efficient wireless connections. The router also features advanced technologies such as OFDMA and MU-MIMO, which can improve network efficiency and reduce lag for gaming and streaming. Additionally, it has 8 Gigabit LAN ports, one of which is 2.5Gbps, which can provide faster-wired connections to devices such as gaming consoles and PCs.
The RT-AX88U also includes advanced security features such as AiProtection Pro, which includes antivirus, intrusion prevention, and parental controls for network-wide protection. The router also includes a built-in VPN server and support for WPA3 encryption to keep your network and personal information secure.
The router also includes a user-friendly web interface and mobile app, which makes it easy to set up and manage your network. Furthermore, it includes support for the ASUS AiMesh system, which allows you to connect multiple ASUS routers together to expand your network coverage.
The Netgear Nighthawk RAX50 (also known as the AX5400) is a high-performance dual-band wireless router that supports speeds of up to 5400Mbps (5GHz band: 4804Mbps, 2.4GHz band: 1148Mbps). It features advanced technologies such as OFDMA and MU-MIMO, which can improve network efficiency and reduce lag for gaming and streaming.
The router also comes with a powerful 1.5GHz quad-core processor and four high-performance antennas to provide a strong and stable wireless signal throughout your home.
The RAX50 includes advanced security features such as a built-in VPN server, Parental Controls, and NETGEAR Armor, which includes antivirus, intrusion prevention, and parental controls for network-wide protection. Additionally, it has 6 Gigabit Ethernet ports that allow you to connect wired devices to the network for faster and more reliable data transfer.
The router also includes a user-friendly web interface and mobile app, which makes it easy to set up and manage your network. Furthermore, it includes support for the NETGEAR Nighthawk Mesh, which allows you to connect multiple NETGEAR routers together to expand your network coverage.
The TP-Link Archer AX20 is a dual-band wireless router that supports WiFi 6 (802.11ax) technology, providing speeds of up to 1800Mbps (5GHz band: 1201Mbps, 2.4GHz band: 574Mbps) for faster and more efficient wireless connections. The router is designed for medium to large homes, equipped with 4 high-performance antennas and a powerful 1.5GHz CPU that ensures a stable and fast internet connection.
The router also includes advanced security features such as TP-Link HomeShield which includes antivirus, intrusion prevention, and parental controls for network-wide protection. Additionally, it has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports that allow you to connect wired devices to the network for faster and more reliable data transfer.
The Archer AX20 also includes a user-friendly web interface and mobile app, which makes it easy to set up and manage your network. It also supports TP-Link OneMesh, which allows you to expand your network coverage by adding additional OneMesh-compatible devices.
Google Nest Wifi is a mesh WiFi system that includes one router and one or more satellite points. The router, known as the Nest Wifi Router, supports speeds of up to AC2200 (2.2 Gbps), and is designed to provide coverage for homes up to 3,800 square feet.
One of the key features of the Nest Wifi system is that it utilizes a mesh network, which allows the router and satellite points to communicate with each other and provide a strong and stable wireless signal throughout your home. This eliminates the need for range extenders and dead zones.
The Nest Wifi also includes advanced security features such as WPA3 encryption and automatic software updates to keep your network and personal information secure. It also has a built-in Google Assistant, which allows you to control your smart devices, play music, and check the weather using voice commands.
Additionally, the Nest Wifi system is designed to be easy to set up and manage via the Google Home app, which allows you to view network status, set up guest networks, and run speed tests.
The TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router is a dual-band wireless router that supports speeds of up to 1750Mbps (5GHz band: 1300Mbps, 2.4GHz band: 450Mbps). It is designed for medium to large homes, equipped with 3 high-performance antennas and a powerful 1GHz dual-core CPU that ensures a stable and fast internet connection.
The router also includes advanced security features such as TP-Link HomeCare which includes antivirus, intrusion prevention, and parental controls for network-wide protection. Additionally, it has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports that allow you to connect wired devices to the network for faster and more reliable data transfer.
The router also includes a user-friendly web interface and mobile app, which makes it easy to set up and manage your network. Furthermore, it includes support for the TP-Link OneMesh, which allows you to expand your network coverage by adding additional OneMesh-compatible devices.OneMesh-compatible
The Tenda AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Router is a wireless router that supports speeds of up to 1200Mbps (300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 867Mbps on the 5GHz band). It is designed for small to medium-sized homes and equipped with high-performance antennas and a powerful CPU that ensures a stable and fast internet connection.
The router also includes advanced security features such as WPA/WPA2 encryption and parental controls for network-wide protection. Additionally, it has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports that allow you to connect wired devices to the network for faster and more reliable data transfer.
The router also includes a user-friendly web interface and mobile app, which makes it easy to set up and manage your network. Furthermore, it includes support for the Tenda Mesh, which allows you to expand your network coverage by adding additional Tenda Mesh-compatible devices.
The Tenda AC1200 is an affordable option that provides reliable performance and security features. It’s a good option for small to medium-sized homes with moderate internet usage and limited budget.
The D-Link WiFi Router, AC2600 is a high-performance wireless router that supports speeds of up to 2600Mbps (800Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1733Mbps on the 5GHz band). It is equipped with advanced technology such as MU-MIMO and beamforming to provide fast and stable wireless connections.
The router also includes advanced security features such as WPA/WPA2 encryption and a built-in firewall for network-wide protection. Additionally, it has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports that allow you to connect wired devices to the network for faster and more reliable data transfer.
The router also includes a user-friendly web interface and mobile app, which makes it easy to set up and manage your network. It also includes support for the D-Link Wi-Fi App, which allows you to control and monitor your network from anywhere.
The D-Link WiFi Router, AC2600 is a high-performance router that provides fast and stable wireless connections and advanced security features. It’s a good option for users who need a high-speed internet for gaming, streaming, and other high-bandwidth activities.
Is a dual-band router worth it?
Whether or not a dual-band router is worth it depends on your specific needs and usage. Here are a few factors to consider:
- High-bandwidth activities: If you frequently engage in high-bandwidth activities such as gaming, streaming, and downloading large files, a dual-band router can provide improved performance and reduced lag.
- Interference: The 2.4GHz band is more crowded and prone to interference from other devices such as microwaves, cordless phones, and Bluetooth devices. A dual-band router can help reduce interference by allowing you to connect devices to the less crowded 5GHz band.
- Large or multi-level homes: If you have a large or multi-level home, a dual-band router can help improve coverage by providing stronger and more stable signals on both bands.
- Multiple devices: If you have many devices connected to your network, a dual-band router can help improve performance by allowing devices to connect to the band that provides the best performance.
- Future-proofing: A dual-band router can also provide future-proofing by allowing you to take advantage of new and faster Wi-Fi standards such as 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) which can provide faster data transfer rates and better coverage.
However, if you only have a few devices and don’t engage in high-bandwidth activities, a dual-band router might not be necessary and could be overkill for your needs.
Dual Band Router Buying Guide
When buying a dual-band router, here are a few things to consider:
Speed:
Look for a router that supports the highest possible speeds on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. This will ensure that you can take full advantage of the faster speeds offered by newer devices such as smartphones and laptops.
Range:
Consider the size of your home or office when choosing a router. If you have a large or multi-level home, look for a router with multiple high-performance antennas that can provide a strong and stable wireless signal throughout your home.
Advanced technologies:
Look for routers that include advanced technologies such as OFDMA and MU-MIMO, which can improve network efficiency and reduce lag for gaming and streaming.
Security:
Look for a router that includes advanced security features such as a built-in VPN server, Parental Controls, and antivirus and intrusion prevention.
Easy setup and management:
Look for a router that is easy to set up and manage via a mobile app or web-based interface.
Gigabit Ethernet ports:
Look for a router that includes Gigabit Ethernet ports that allow you to connect wired devices to the network for faster and more reliable data transfer.
Guest network:
Look for routers that have guest network options on 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
Mesh Network:
Consider if you want to expand your wireless network by adding additional points (mesh network) in the future, if so, look for routers with this capability.
USB ports:
Look for a router that has USB ports that suit your needs, whether it is USB 2.0 or USB 3.0, or USB-C.
Price:
Dual-band routers come in different price ranges, so it’s important to consider your budget and find the best router that fits your needs and your budget.
FAQS
What is a dual-band router?
A dual-band router is a wireless router that can transmit on two different frequency bands: the 2.4GHz band and the 5GHz band.
What are the advantages of a dual-band router?
A dual-band router can provide faster and more efficient wireless connections, as well as better performance for high-bandwidth activities such as gaming and streaming. Additionally, a dual-band router can help reduce interference from other wireless devices, such as cordless phones and microwaves.
What is the difference between 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands?
The 2.4GHz band has a longer range but is more susceptible to interference from other devices, while the 5GHz band has a shorter range but is less susceptible to interference.
What is the best channel for a dual-band router?
The best channel for a dual-band router will depend on the specific router and the environment in which it is being used. Generally, it’s recommended to use the channel with the least amount of interference and the most non-overlapping channels.
Can I connect my devices to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands?
Yes, most modern devices are capable of connecting to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
Should I use the 2.4GHz or 5GHz band for gaming?
The 5GHz band is generally recommended for gaming because it is less susceptible to interference and provides faster and more stable connections.
Can dual-band routers improve my internet speed?
A dual-band router can help improve internet speed if the router is faster than the internet connection you have. It can also improve the speed of your wireless network by providing faster and more stable wireless connections.
Conclusion
Dual-band routers are the industry standard. In fact, your router may now be dual-band! However, as technology advances, selecting the right wireless router for your home and office needs will impact your wi-fi experiences.
But here’s something to keep in mind before you go out and buy new routers. Your internet service provider should offer the same amount of bandwidth. You won’t be able to enjoy such great features and internet speeds unless you have the fastest routers.
We hope that we have assisted you in making an informed decision about upgrading your wifi router. If you’re looking for a tri-band router, check out our list of the best tri-band routers!
