Best WiFi Routers In India (January 2021)
Routers are an essential part of an internet infrastructure network.
Whether you’re using them for personal or office use, a good router is a must for squeezing the most out of the plan that your ISP charges you – be it an FTTH or ADSL connection.
After doing some research and intense testing to list the ten best Wi-Fi Routers available in the Indian market, we have the following best ten routers handpicked for you.
Go ahead and take a look to find which one is the best for your use case scenario!
Best WiFi Routers In India
1. TP-Link Archer C6 | Overall Best Pick |
2. D-Link DIR-819 | Runner-up pick |
3. TP-LINK TL-WR940N | Value for Money Router |
4. Linksys Velop AC 1300 | Best Mesh Router |
5. Tenda AC5 | Best Smart Router |
6. TP-Link Archer A7 | Feature Rich Router |
7. TP-link N300 | Best Single Band Router |
8. Tenda N301 | Small and Compact Single Band Router |
9. Mi Router 4C | Budget Router with Smart app Support |
10. D-Link DIR 615 | Honourable Mention |
Note: The price shown are the once when we reviewed the products. However, as the promotional offers changes on the given E-commerce sites, the price may vary. Bettershark is supported by it's readers and when you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
1. TP-Link Archer C6

Overall Best Pick
- Dual-band Wi-Fi router
- Support speeds up to 1200Mbps
- Robust build quality
Access point mode operation
Easy to manage TP-Link tether app
Fast and efficient MU-MIMO connectivity
No USB port
TP-Link is a Chinese network equipment manufacturer based in Shenzhen.
TP-Link routers are widely acclaimed for its durability and consistent performance across all the budget segments.
The Archer C6 from TP-link is a Gigabit internet supported Wi-Fi router priced at just Rs.2,499.
Design and Build Quality
The Archer C6 has a unique design which looks like a chiselled plastic chassis. The plastic construction is of very decent quality.
All the control buttons and the ports are located on the rear side of the router. The LED indicator for connection status is placed on the top section for easy visibility.
There are four omni directional 5dBi antennas on this Wi-Fi router for excellent signal coverage.
These quad antennas multiply the signal transmission capacity through MU-MIMO technology and deliver excellent internet speeds.
Bandwidth and Speed
The TP-Link Archer C6 supports maximum speeds up to 1200Mbps (~150MB/s).
If you have a gigabit internet plan in your home/office, the Archer C6 is a wise choice to utilize the maximum bandwidth.
This is a dual-band Wi-Fi router that supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. You can switch to either of these bands depending upon the use case.
If you plan to stream a lot of videos in your smart TV and if you are a serious gamer thinking of streaming gameplay live on the internet, the TP-Link Archer is capable of that.
Connectivity
The TP-Link Archer C6 features four LAN ports which support gigabit internet connections.
The internet input port is the regular RJ45 port which is commonly used by all the FTTH ISPs in the country.
Miscellaneous
The TP-Link Archer C6 can be controlled remotely via the TP-Link tether app.
You can set password, limit device access, set bandwidth restrictions or individual devices etc though this app quite easily.
Verdict
The TP-LInk Archer C6 is a gigabit internet supported Wi-Fi router priced reasonably under Rs.2,400.
If you are a dedicated gaming buff and uses smart TV a lot for streaming full HD/4K content, this dual-band router is a wise choice.
Specifications
Frequency | 2.4GHz, 5GHz |
Band | Dual band |
Wireless Speed | 1200 Mbps |
No. of Antennae | 4 |
No. of LAN Port | 4 |
Warranty | 3 Years |
2. D-Link DIR-819

Runner-Up Pick
- Excellent signal coverage
- Four LAN ports
- Dual-band Wi-Fi router
Effortless setup procedure
Lightweight and durable construction
Robust build quality
Software updates are hard to come by
The D-link DIR-819 is a dual-band router that we feel is one of the best value for money products on this list.
D-link is a Taiwanese network equipment manufacturer specialized in products such as routers and surveillance cameras.
D-link has earlier launched some of the hugely successful budget routers such as the D-link 600M in the Indian market.
Bandwidth and Speed
The D-link DIR-819 is the best dual-band long-range Wi-Fi router if your priorities are online streaming and online gaming.
This router promises maximum speeds up to 750Mbps which is well over what is necessary for 4K streaming and online gaming requirements.
Being a dual-band router, this device can make use of the congestion-free 5GHz band for squeezing out maximum speeds from the network.
The only downfall of this 5GHz band is the shorter wavelength. It can’t penetrate thick walls and partitions, unlike the 2.4GHz frequency.
Miscellaneous
This long-range dual-band Wi-Fi router features four high gain antennas that aid multiple devices to be connected on to the network from anywhere in your house.
The QoS ( Quality of Service ) feature lets gamers to prioritize the network for a particular connection. This will result in lag-free gaming sessions.
There are four LAN ports available in the D-link DIR-825 router. This enables this router to be hooked up with four devices for having wired connectivity.
The company also provides a three-year warranty with this router.
Verdict
The D-link DIR-819 is a premium dual-band router which offers maximum speeds up to 750Mbps. This will let you enjoy 4K streaming and perform online gaming without any hiccups.
Specifications
Frequency | 2.4GHz, 5GHz |
Band | Dual-band |
Wireless Speed | 750Mbps |
No. Of Antennae | 3 |
No. Of LAN Port | 4 |
Warranty | 3 Years |
Mobile App | No |
3. TP-LINK TL-WR940N

Value for Money Router
- Single-band router
- Three high gain antennas
- Four LAN ports
Easy bandwidth control
Minimal, modern design
Bass might feel lacking for some
TP-LINK is a Chinese networking equipment manufacturer that has been in the Indian market for a while.
The company has some of the cheapest routers that are widely used by FTTH providers all over the country.
Design and build quality
The TP-LINK TL-WR940N is a single-band router with the best long-range network connectivity in the market.
The design of the TP-LINK TL-WR940N is futuristic. Instead of the conventional boxy design, this router comes with a rounded pebble design.
It features high power amplifiers inside for extending the range.
Triple antennae
This TP-Link Router has 3 high gain antennas with 9db gain compared with the 5db antennas of its counterparts.
This device can act as a router, a range extender as well as an access point, all at once.
Bandwidth and speed
The TP-LINK TL-WR941HP offers speeds up to 450mbps (~56.25MB/s) on a triband frequency.
The 2.4GHz band offers more extensive coverage than the 5GHz spectrum and is suitable for homes and offices with limited numbers of internet users.
Miscellaneous
There are four LAN ports on the device that can be used for wired connection with this router.
If you’re searching for a router for your office, this might be the best budget choice under Rs.1,500.
Having high gain antennas means the network congestion and coverage will not be an issue anymore.
Verdict
The TP-LINK TL-WR940N is a budget single-band router that is perfect for your office use.
With excellent signal coverage and support for speeds up to 450Mbps, multiple people using the network at the same time won’t face any noticeable signal deterioration, which is an important factor when it comes to an office environment.
The power amplifiers on this router act as range extenders and can give you the signals all around the office space.
Specifications
Frequency | 2.4GHz |
Band | Single band |
Wireless Speed | 450 Mbps |
No. Of Antennae | 3 |
No. Of LAN Port | 4 |
Warranty | 3 Years |
Mobile App | Yes |
4. Linksys Velop AC 1300

Best Mesh Router
- Mesh network technology
- Dual-band connectivity
- Up to 1267 Mbps
Gigabit connection support
Aesthetic router
App support
Only two Ethernet ports
Linksys is an American brand that is a subsidiary of Foxconn. Linksys is well known for its wireless routers, ethernet switches, internet video cameras, etc.
The Linksys Velop AC 1300 is a mesh WiFi router that functions quite different from your traditional routers.
Desing and Build Quality
The Linksys Velop AC 1300 is a futuristic-looking WiFi router. This router looks similar to a Bluetooth speaker or a home assistant like Google home in terms of design.
Unlike most routers, the tower design of the Velop makes it easy to blend into the home decor seamlessly.
The construction of the Velop is completely from plastic materials and it does not feature any antennas like your traditional router.
The Velop also has a decent amount of ventilation holes to ensure that the router stays cool at all times.
The Velop router works as a repeater and a router. If you have more than one Velop
Nodes, they can be placed throughout the house for maximizing the range of the WiFi signal.
Bandwidth and Speed
The Linksys Velop supports a speed of up to 1267 Mbps ( 158.35 MB/s) which is extremely fast.
The router has dual-band support, which means it supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies.
If you have a gigabit plan at home then you will be able to utilize the Velop to its maximum capability. You will be able to stream videos and games at 4K without any problems with this router.
The Velop is not for everyone though – if your ISP does not provide high-speed internet plans then it is better to opt for a cheaper router and save some bucks.
Connectivity
The Linksys Velop has only two ethernet ports, one of which is to be connected to the modem while the other can be used as a LAN port.
The Velop uses a mesh WiFi network which provides a better connectivity range than the traditional network methods. The mesh network provides a connectivity range of up to 1500 sq ft which is much more than your traditional router’s capacity.
If you want to further increase the range, you can purchase another node and it acts like a repeater that strengthens the WiFi connection throughout the house.
The router can permit access for up to 50 devices at a time. So if you happen to have a party or function you don’t have to worry about it.
Miscellaneous
The Linksys Velop has a mobile app that lets you set up the router from your phone and adjust all its settings with ease.
You can set up parental controls and manage network access directly through your mobile.
Verdict
The Linksys Velop AC 1300 is a feature-packed router that supports gigabit speeds. If you have a large house and want an aesthetically pleasing router then the Velop is a really good choice.
The mesh technology used in the router also ensures strengthened connectivity compared to traditional network connections.
Specifications
Frequency | 2.4GHz, 5GHz |
Band | Dual-band |
Wireless Speed | 1267 Mbps |
No. of Antennae | – |
No. of LAN Port | 2 |
Warranty | 3 Years |
5. Tenda AC5

Best Smart Router
- Feature-rich Tenda Wi-Fi app
- Dual-band router
- Three LAN ports
Omni-directional antennas
Sleek and unique form factor
Decent build quality
No USB port
Tenda is a Chinese network equipment manufacturer based in Shenzhen known for its ultra-cheap routers and Wi-Fi range extenders in the market.
The Tenda AC5 is a smart dual-band Wii-Fi router aimed at those who want a wireless setup that can be integrated with the IoT (Internet of Things) ecosystem in their home or office.
Design and Build Quality
The Tenda AC5, as expected is made entirely from high-quality polycarbonate plastic, but with regards to a router, the build quality of the external casing doesn’t have much value.
The aggressive yet elegant design makes this router blend well into your home decor seamlessly. There are a lot of LED indicators for displaying the status of various functions on board.
The air vents are larger and extend across the sides of the router. This is a good thing as the router is always on, the heat from the circuits inside has to be circulated away.
Bandwidth and Speed
The Tenda AC5 comes with a bandwidth up to 1200 Mbps which is more than enough when compared with the Internet speeds in the Indian subcontinent.
Since the speeds in the country are capped by the ISPs, you would need anything more than 300mbps (~37MB/sec) for most parts.
This router comes with four 5 dBi antennas to extend an even and seamless wireless internet reach across the operational range.
The 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual-band operation promises high-speed data across the entire operating space, even with multiple users using the internet at once.
Connectivity
The Tenda AC5 comes with three LAN ports for wired connectivity either to your TV or similar gadgets.
These three ports are sufficient enough for an average household usage scenario.
You might not have to use a single port to be honest, as most of the internet-capable services come with Wi-Fi connectivity onboard.
Warranty
Although Tenda is a Chinese company, it does have authorized resellers in India.
The company gives a 3-year warranty with the router, and if something goes wrong within that timespan, you can get it repaired with the reseller.
Verdict
The Tenda AC5 is the best smart router you can get on the market as of now that can be truly integrated into the IoT ecosystem.
This router, although cheap, comes with three LAN ports and a decent speed of 1200 Mbps which is sufficient enough for most of the households in the country.
With a three years warranty provided by the company, this has to be the go-to entry-level router which will act as the gateway for your internet access.
Specifications
Frequency | 2.4GHz, 5GHz |
Band | Dual-band |
Wireless Speed | 1200mbps |
No. Of Antennae | 4 |
No. Of LAN Port | 3 |
Warranty | 3 Years |
6. TP-Link Archer A7

Feature Rich Router
- Dual-band router
- 3BHK/ 1800 sq ft network coverage
- 3 Years warranty
IPv6 latest Internet protocol supported
Supports mesh network setup
Smartphone APP available
Average 5GHz coverage radius
TP-link Archer A7 AC1750 is one of the most popular entry-level dual-band routers that are on sale in the market at present.
Priced at just Rs.3,499, this dual-band router is suitable for personal use as well as office usage and performs quite well as advertised.
Desing and Build Quality
The TP-Link Archer A7 has a classy yet minimalistic design which makes it easy to blend with any type of interior decor you have back at your home/office.
This dual-band router has an all-black design with complete plastic construction. The plastic construction does not come across as a surprise, since most if not all of the router chassis are made with plastic.
The TP-Link Archer A7 has three antennas on it which ensure a steady and wide network coverage.
The front of the router holds the status indicators for the networks and their connectivity status.
Bandwidth and Speed
The TP-Link Archer A7 is a dual-band router that is capable of transmitting at both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies.
The router has an internet bandwidth support up to 1.75Gbps. The 2.4GHz band allows internet speeds up to 450 Mbps while the 5GHz band supports speeds up to 1300 Mbps.
This budget dual-band router can stream your favourite movies and games flawlessly on multiple devices, provided you are on a high-speed internet plan from your ISP.
Connectivity
The TP-Link Archer A7 features four LAN ports to which you can connect your LAN cable to your host device for a solid latency-free wired internet connection.
This router supports the modern ipv6 technology along with the legacy ipv4 standards.
The TP-Link AC1750 can provide a network coverage of up to 1800 sq ft or a 3BHK house/flat. This should be more than enough for most home consumers.
Miscellaneous
Setting up the router is a really easy task. The router can be set up using the TP-Link tether application that can be downloaded onto your smartphone.
This smartphone app allows you to manage the router directly from your phone.
Verdict
The TP-Link Archer A7 is a great option for a dual-band WiFi router that provides gigabit speeds for the asking price.
If you want a router that has a wide signal coverage, then do keep the Archer A7 by TP-Link on your radar.
Specifications
Frequency | 2.4GHz, 5GHz |
Band | Dual band |
Wireless Speed | 1300 Mbps |
No. Of Antennae | 3 |
No. Of LAN Port | 4 |
Warranty | 3 Years |
7. TP-link N300

Best Single Band Router
- Best suited for use in small spaces
- Parental control options
- Four LAN ports
Affordable
Smartphone app control
IPv6 support
Limited coverage
TP-link TL-WR845N is one of the most popular entry-level routers that are on sale in the market at present.
Costing just under Rs.1,200, this single-band router is suitable for personal use and performs quite well as advertised.
Design
The TP-LINK TL-WR845N doesn’t have any fancy features that make it stand out from the rest.
The minimal design will make this router fit with your home decor pretty well.
Bandwidth and Speed
Capable of speeds up to 300mbps (~37.5MB/s), for an average user this router is more than sufficient for his needs.
The three 5dbi antennas on this product give respectable coverage around the house.
But moving farther from the source, expect to see some degradation in performance as the single 2.4GHz bandwidth isn’t that efficient over long distances.
Connectivity Options
Even with the aggressive price tag under Rs.1,500, this device comes packed with four LAN ports.
When routers with even higher price tags take shy of adding ports, these products show them the right way to do it.
Warranty
TP-link, as with all their products, offers a three-year warranty with this home router. Since routers are always ON devices, damage to internals is to be expected anytime.
With this long warranty period you can be assured that if anything unforeseen happens, the company will make it up for you.
Verdict
The TP-LINK TL-WR845N is the best entry-level router you can get on the market as of now.
This router, although cheap, comes with four LAN ports and a decent enough speed of 300Mbps which is sufficient enough for most of the households in the country.
With a three years warranty provided by the company, this has to be the go-to entry-level router which will act as the gateway for your internet access.
Specifications
Frequency | 2.4GHz |
Band | Single band |
Wireless Speed | 300 Mbps |
No. Of Antennae | 3 |
No. Of LAN Port | 4 |
Warranty | 3 Years |
8. Tenda N301

Budget Home Router
- Decent signal coverage
- Speeds up to 300Mbps
- Works well with FTTH internet
Ideal for small home usage
Compact and lightweight
Durable build quality
No smartphone companion app
Tenda is a Chinese company known for its networking devices and equipment all around the globe.
The N301 is one of the entry-level wireless Wi-Fi routers from Tenda best suited for personal usage.
Design and Build Quality
The Tenda N301 is probably the smallest regular form factor Wi-Fi router available in the market.
It is very small and can be easily fitted into tight spaces without any issue. The construction of plastic material which feels surprisingly robust for the price.
There are no weak points anywhere to be seen on the chassis and rest assured you won’t have any trouble with that.
The two antennas located on the sides are movable back and forth for better signal penetration.
The LED light indicators are placed on the top portion of the chassis but the inscriptions of which denote what so small that it is visible only upon close inspection.
The Tenda N301 is fairly well ventilated for decent heat dissipation during continuous usage.
Bandwidth and Speed
The Tenda N301 is a single band router which supports speeds up to 300mbps (37.5MB/s).
For normal personal internet connections, this is more than enough for most purposes.
The Tenda N301 works well for wireless video streaming, casual internet browsing etc within a confined space.
If you are planning to buy a router for gaming or 4K video streaming, we would suggest you go for a dual-band router.
The signal coverage from the two antennas on the Tenda N301 is fairly decent.
We have tested this on a two-storey building and found except for the extreme ends, the signal levels are acceptable.
Connectivity
The Tenda N301 works well with all the FTTH modems available in India right now. It comes with a regular-sized RJ45 WAN port for input from the modem.
There are three LAN ports on the rear side for wired internet connectivity.
Verdict
The Tenda N301 is a small and compact Wi-Fi router for a sticker price of just Rs.999.
If you are looking for a budget router for home/personal use, the N301 is a viable choice.
Specifications
Frequency | 2.4GHz, 5GHz |
Band | dual band |
Wireless Speed | 1200Mbps |
No. Of Antennae | 4 |
No. Of LAN Port | 4 |
Warranty | 3 Years |
9. Mi Router 4C

Budget Router with Smart App Support
- Suited for spaces up to 400 sq.ft
- Support speeds up to 300Mbps
- Ideal for browsing and video streaming
Elegant, minimal design
Parental controls
Affordable
Single-band router
Xiaomi is often dubbed as the Apple of China. Unlike Apple, the company has a diverse spectrum of products ranging from smartphones to even rice cookers under the Meija brand.
Design and build quality
The Mi 4C is a compact router that features 4 antennas and minimal yet stylish design.
Priced just under Rs.2000, this router is perhaps one of the best routers for a medium-sized home.
It has plastic construction, so does most of the other routers as well. But the construction is fairly premium, with no visible cost-cutting on the quality of components used.
Bandwidth and speed
This wireless home router broadcasts signals over a single 2.4GHz channel with maximum speeds up to 300 Mbps.
Don’t get riled upon reading about the 300 Mbps speeds. In reality, it converts to about 37.5MB/s.
With the average Internet speeds in India hovering around 2.5MB/s, this Wi-Fi modem router is perfectly suitable for the Indian market.
Hardware features
This device comprises four antennae. The number of antennae doesn’t mean an increase in coverage, but an increased and stable throughput with effective distance.
In layman terms, this means your devices can enjoy stable internet connections with fewer connection/speed drops when multiple devices are being used within the network.
There are two RJ45 LAN ports on this device. This can be used to connect devices over a LAN cable in case you don’t want to rely on Wi-Fi as such.
App support and set up
Xiaomi has also thrown in a very good smartphone app to configure and control this router easily.
The interface is clean and fairly straightforward. For a first-timer with networks and stuff, we feel this app would let you connect with the internet in no time.
The android app for the Mi 4C router is available on the Playstore and the iOS compatible app can be downloaded from the Apple store.
Verdict
The Mi 4C is a perfect little router for your personal home use.
The device has got all the necessary features built-in on to an elegant looking chassis that will blend well with the home decor.
The cost factor and the easy setup procedure with the help of an intuitive mobile app add advantage to this product to be one of the best internet routers available in the market.
Specifications
Frequency | 2.4GHz |
Band | Single-band |
Wireless Speed | 300Mbps |
No. Of Antennae | 4 |
No. Of LAN Port | 2 |
Warranty | 1 year |
10. D-Link DIR 615

Honourable Mention
- Supports speeds up to 300Mbps
- Single-band Wi-Fi router
- No frills, minimal design
Multiple operating modes
Three-year warranty
Affordable
Not suited for large home/office
D-Link is a Taiwanese network equipment manufacturer known for its routers, digital home devices and surveillance camera units.
The DIR 615 from D-Link is an entry-level network router priced just under Rs.1,200 in the Indian market.
Design and Build Quality
The D-Link DIR 615 is designed with practicality in mind, rather than the aesthetic beauty of the product.
Made from hard plastic, the DIR 615 has a matte texture finish on the chassis that resembles a cobblestone from a distance.
The design is very minimal and to the point. There are three LED indicators in the front for indicating the power status, Wi-Fi status and the network indicator.
There are two antennae on the sides that can be twisted back and forth for optimal signal coverage.
Overall, the DIR 615 is a very basic Wi-Fi router suited for small homes, preferably single-storeyed ones.
Bandwidth and Speed
The D-Link DIR 615 is a single band router. It utilizes the 2.4GHz band to transmit signals.
The coverage of the signal from this router is very much in tune with other similarly priced single-band routers.
You might face some signal drop issues if there are a lot of walls and blocks in the line of sight of this modem.
This budget home router supports up to 300mbps (~37.5MB/s) which is very much sufficient for our FTTH home internet connections.
Connectivity
This is a router with a WAN port compatible with FTTH modems. There are four LAN ports on the rear of this router for hooking up your devices via the LAN cable.
The set-up process is fairly straight forward and done via a web browser interface which can be accessed on any device of your choice.
Warranty
D-Link provides a 3-year warranty on this router.
Routers are devices built to last for years even under continuous working loads. So you can expect this product to outlast the warranty period quite comfortably.
Verdict
If you want a budget wireless router for your small/medium-sized home with decent speed and signal coverage, the D-Link DIR 615 is very much a desirable choice priced under Rs.1,200.
Specifications
Frequency | 2.4GHz |
Band | Single-band |
Wireless Speed | 300 Mbps |
No. Of Antennae | 2 |
No. Of LAN Port | 4 |
Warranty | 3 Years |
This marks the end of our review of the ten best routers available in India for home and office uses.
Before zeroing in on any of the models listed in this article, we suggest you read the buying guide down below for getting a rough idea on what to look for when purchasing a router.
If you loved the article and want more such buying suggestions, we have a lot more on our site.
Thanks for your time on our website and have a good day ahead!
How to Buy a WiFi Router: Buying Guide for Routers
What is a router?
According to Livewire, routers are small electronic devices that join multiple computer networks together via wired or wireless connections.
Why we need a router?
Routers analyze data packets coming from the modem and transmit them over a network either by wired means such as LAN cables or wirelessly by Wi-Fi. It helps a wide range of devices to communicate with the network simultaneously.
For example, in your home, there is a modem and a broadband connection. The modem can’t directly communicate with your devices such as laptop, smartphones etc.
A router transmits signals from the modem which is then captured by your devices. In reality, a router creates a path for devices to communicate with the network.
What to consider while purchasing a router?
Bandwidth
Quoting Wikipedia – “In computing, bandwidth is the maximum rate of data transfer across a given path”. The more the bandwidth, more the data that can be transferred at any given point of time. In the case of routers, manufacturers advertise bandwidth by numbers such as AC900, AC1200, AC1500 etc. Always go for at least an AC1200 router for achieving best results.
Single band or dual band?
Routers usually broadcast signals in either a single band or dual band mode. Most of the old routers had only a single 2.4GHz band that followed the 802.11n protocol. This band is significantly slower than the 5GHz band which makes use of the newer 802.11ac protocol.
The only downside of the 5GHz band is its shorter coverage distance. Having a dual-band router means, even if the number of devices on the network is more, there won’t be any network congestion.
Antenna Gain
Simple tip – higher the gain, more powerful will be the router signals.
Antenna Gain is the measure of efficiency at which the electrical signal is converted to an RF signal. For normal users, the gain isn’t much of any importance, but having a check won’t hurt either.
Security
The Internet is a bad place.
Obviously, you need some protection from the intruders. Always check what security feature does your router features. WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) is an older standard which has become pretty obsolete.
WEP ( Wired Equivalent Privacy) protection is the most clumsy of the bunch. It is easily susceptible to hacking. Avoid a router with WEP protection at all cost.
Go for the one with WPA2 at least which is the more recent iteration of the original WPA protocol.
USB ports
Having a USB port on your router could easily enhance its usability. Plugging in a thumb drive with your files would make it behave as a NAS (Network Assisted Storage) device.
This function will let the users on the network to share and view files effortlessly, Not only the users, wireless devices like printers can take advantage of this feature.
QoS (Quality of Service) scheduling
QoS enables the user to prioritize certain functions over the other. This is important for gamers who would like to have priority for their connection to the game server for a lag-free experience. QoS, for an average joe, might not be that important per se.
A smartphone app
Router configuration setup is a cumbersome task. Earlier we had to log in to a local router IP through an internet browser to make necessary changes to the configuration.
Many modern routers come with a smartphone app that lets you control your router on a single tap.
Even though not an extremely necessary thing to have, it is fairly useful.
Featured Image Source: Flickr