For small businesses, getting a wireless router with solid security features is as important as focusing on other resources. But many have failed to get hands-on one.
As corporate security and privacy gain precedence over speeds and coverage, ensure that the small business WiFi router you select has a good VPN, firewall, ample ports, easy monitoring, and control. But, the availability of many options can be a headache.
So, you must select carefully; otherwise, you might end up with a below-par device. That’s why I took 14 different routers suitable for small businesses, tested them in several aspects, and finalized my top picks for 2024:
- Best All-Around: Synology RT6600AX
- Best with 8 Ports: ASUS RT-AX88U
- Best with 1-Year Premium Security: Netgear RAX54S
- Best Cisco Router: Cisco Meraki Go GX20
- Best with pfSense+ Firewall: Netgate 1100
- Best Acces Controls: Gryphon Tower
- Best Budget Wi-Fi 6 router: TP-Link AX55
Now, without further ado, let’s dig into their detailed reviews.
7 Best Routers for Small Businesses in 2024
But, before I begin, here’s how I tested & qualified models in this list:
I contacted 19 different business owners and surveyed their internet requirements. I then purchased 14 routers that could meet the suggested criteria. As they arrive, I started using them one by one and observed their performance in security levels, speeds, consistency, and reliability. Out of 14, only 7 could stand out in all the aspects.
Overview of List: I have listed these options in order starting with the most secure router and gradually moving on to less featured yet reliable and efficient routers. And I know, as a small business manager, you can’t spend hundreds of dollars on these, so I included some cheap models as well.
1. Best Overall: Synology RT6600ax
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Number of Devices Supported: 100+
- Ports: 1 x 2.5G LAN/WAN + 1 x Gig WAN + 3 x 1 Gig LAN
- Frequency Bands: Tri Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 3,000 Sq Ft
- Suitable Internet Plan: 1 Gbps
- Processor: 1.8GHz Quad-Core
- RAM & NAND Memory: 1GB + N/A
- App Support: Yes
Kicking off my list with Synology RT6600X, which makes giant strides over its preceding model, Synology RT2600AC. Compared to the latter, the former entails many upgrades, be it the Quad-Core processor, an additional band, Wi-Fi 6, or RAM.
These features contribute to a powerful performance alongside its advanced security tools keeping your data safe.
Why is it suited for a Small Business?
Security is the main USP of this routing device, as there are multiple tools and features to keep your small business network and client devices safe and secure. Starting with, there’s a threat detection and elimination feature that automatically scans the websites and apps to determine any threats and eliminates them before they cause any harm.
There’s a VPN plus feature just like VPN lets you work on anything online without revealing your identity, but the only difference is there’s no speed drop on connecting to it. Then, its guest access feature allows any device to access your network when needed temporarily.
It has many other handy features like WPA3 enterprise, firewall management, DDoS protection, intrusion blocking, and automatic security updates. So irrespective of your business size, having Synology RT6600X installed means your devices are cushioned from hackers trying to steal data or malicious agents trying to corrupt them.
The best part is all of these are manageable with an app on your smartphone. So, anyone with access to it, including your employee, can check the network status, and they don’t need to be well-trained in the nitty-gritty for that. And Synology doesn’t charge an extra penny for these tools and features.
Ports & Wired Connectivity
Synology RT6600AX boasts a decent arrangement of ports to achieve multiple wired connections. A 2.5G Ethernet port is dedicated to high-end tasks, especially gaming. You can use it to connect your laptop while delivering a PowerPoint presentation over the Internet.
There are four Gigabit LAN/WAN ports with which you can easily experience interference-free streaming or any other graphics-intensive tasks.
Wireless Speeds
The device boasts a total speed capacity of 6600 Mbps, distributed over its three bands:
| 5 GHz (1): 4800 Mbps | 5 GHz (2): 1200 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
Paired with an Xfinity Gigabit plan, the downloads reached up to 978 Mbps, while uploads were valued at 39 Mbps. Such speeds should easily take care of most of your bandwidth-heavy tasks. And with MU-MIMO and OFDMA, it easily becomes one of the best routers to handle multiple devices.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Synology RT6600X, with its four external antennas and an additional 5GHz band, sends faster signals to farther distances. In my tests, the values were recorded at a maximum of 2,500 Sq Ft, meaning your small business space shouldn’t have any network dead spots or weak zones.
Further, it maintains a good signal strength even after connecting to 45 devices at once.
Conclusion
Overall, this Synology Wi-Fi 6 router, with excellent security features without costing anything extra, qualifies as the best all-around router for small businesses. Its tri-band setup makes many channels available, meaning data transfer is very rapid. And its antennas are powerful enough to cover each corner of your office space.
The only limitation is the price, but it isn’t that high considering the features and performance it delivers.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Tri-Band operation
- Strong network security tools
- Solid throughput performance
- Decent wireless coverage
Cons
- Pricey
2. Best 8-Port Router: ASUS RT-AX88U
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Number of Devices Supported: 200+
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 8 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.1
- Frequency Bands: Dual Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,500 Sq Ft
- Suitable Internet Plan: 1 Gbps
- Processor: 1.8GHz Quad-Core
- RAM & NAND Memory: 1GB + 256MB
- App Support: Yes
Next on my list is the ASUS RT-AX88U which, aside from a range of security features, entails an extensive port setup, including eight Gigabit LANs and one Gigabit WAN port. It’s one of the major upgrades from the Asus RT-AX86U gaming router.
Aside from that, the router has improved in terms of chipset and RAM, which is clear from its overall performance.
Why is it suited for a Small Business?
Small businesses are just starting to get their way up and have major expenses on hand, so it would be great if they don’t have to pay anything to keep their data secure. Asus RT-AX88U comes with free commercial-grade security with AiProtection powered by Trend Micro.
There’s this feature called “Vulnerability Protection,” which performs a two-step scanning of the websites you are trying to access to block any intrusion and common cyber attacks like ransomware and DDoS. This also works similarly on any devices trying to access the network and blocks them if they find anything suspicious.
In short, aside from saving a ton of money with this, you get advanced protection of your sensitive data, which is especially important at this stage of the business.
Ports & Wired Connectivity
Ports are also a standout aspect of this device, as with a total of nine, you can connect with a plethora of devices, be it computers, laptops, or printers, and experience a much faster and lag-free throughput. These ports further ingrain link aggregation support, meaning you can double up your speeds, provided you have two separate IPs in place.
Besides, there’s the latest USB 3.1 port with which you can connect flash drives or other peripherals like printers for faster file transfer.
Wireless Speeds
The RT-AX88U, with dual-band WiFi 6 support, boasts a maximum throughput of 6000 Mbps, which is further distributed as follows:
| 5 GHz: 4804 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 1147 Mbps |
To test its performance in real time, I paired an Xfinity Gigabit plan and recorded the speeds on my Dell laptop. It yielded download and upload speeds of 971 Mbps and 38 Mbps, respectively, indicating its wireless capabilities. And the network didn’t slow down despite connecting multiple computers and laptops simultaneously.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Coverage isn’t as great as other departments, but its four-antenna setup yields a decent performance. At a stretch, signals could travel up to 2,300 Sq Ft, making it suitable for any decent-sized workspace. Furthermore, beamforming, OFDMA, and MU-MIMO stabilize connections on 75 devices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Asus RT-AX88U is the best router with 8 ports that small businesses with extensive wired connectivity would appreciate. Its wireless performance is also excellent thanks to its strong throughput, antennas, and other network technology.
The emphasis is on lifetime free security. However, my previous recommendation instills additional security features and band frequency, thereby, the position.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Adaptive QoS
- Lifetime-free AiProtection security
- Eight ports with link-aggregation
- AiMesh compatibility
Cons
- Dual-Band
- Premium price
3. Best with 1-Year Armor Security: Netgear RAX54S
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Number of Devices Supported: 30+
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Frequency Bands: Dual Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,500 Sq Ft
- Suitable Internet Plan: 1 Gbps
- Processor: 1.5GHz Triple-Core
- RAM & NAND Memory: 512MB +256MB
- App Support: Yes
Next up on my list is the best mid-range small business router that offers powerful hardware and 1-year of premium Netgear Armor security subscription. Besides, it encases a triple-core processor, ample RAM, and dual-band Wi-Fi 6 support to lead in terms of performance from its older model, RAX50.
Why is it suited for a Small Business?
Security features with Netgear Armor are pretty impressive, and you won’t have to worry about your network and connected devices while you focus on the business.
This Bitdefender-powered antivirus gives your network and devices all-around protection against any viruses, malware, trojan, and phishing. It scans through any websites you’re trying to access and blocks if any malicious content is found. Besides, there’re a few standard features like VPN, WPA3, DDoS protection, and guest access.
The best part is this no-nonsense security is available on every device you connect to. So, with this security-instilled router, you can protect any sensitive data and files, irrespective of your business size.
Ports & Wired Connectivity
Port setup of Nighthawk RAX54S is somewhat decent, with one WAN and four LAN ports on its rear panel. These ports are capable of Gigabit speeds, so you can connect the available devices if you’re willing to put curtains on any tasks quickly.
Besides, there’s a USB 3.0 built with faster file transfer capability, as my 1.5GB folder containing images, videos, and audio got transferred in around 15 minutes.
Wireless Speeds
The RAX54S entails an aggregated speed capacity of 5400 Mbps, distributed as follows:
| 5 GHz: 4800 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
Considering its max capacity, I connected an Xfinity Gigabit plan, and let me tell you, I am pretty impressed by its performance. Downloads were valued at 913 Mbps, while uploads occurred at 34 Mbps. So, if you have any bandwidth-intensive tasks to take over at your workplace, it’d be a wise choice to invest in this device.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Coverage-wise, its four-antenna setup does a decent job of covering your 2,000 Sq Ft space. This makes it a worthwhile choice for any mid-sized workspace with as many as 25 devices. The signals on these devices were stable, and I could perform any internet-bound activities easily with the support of beamforming, OFDMA, and MU-MIMO.
Conclusion
Netgear RAX54S is the best 4 port router for a small business. balances the price, features, and reliability. The best part is its security which, although it gets paid after a year with the features it presents, you won’t have to worry about data theft or network breach anytime. And besides, there’s no price more for your security, right?
Pros
- Advanced security features
- Decent WiFi coverage
- Great speeds & throughput
- Reliable & Consistent performance
- Good pricing
Cons
- Security features get paid after a year
4. Best Cisco Router: Cisco Meraki Go GX20
Looking for a small business router with a firewall built in? You can’t go wrong with Cisco’s Meraki Go GX20!
- Wireless Standard: N/A
- Number of Devices Supported: 30+
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN/LAN + 4 x Gig LAN
- Frequency Bands: Dual Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,000 Sq Ft
- Suitable Internet Plan: 200 Mbps
- Processor: N/A
- RAM & NAND Memory: N/A
- App Support: Yes
If security is your primary concern and not many tasks in your workspace are carried over on the internet, then Cisco Meraki Go GX20 should be an ideal pick. It doesn’t entail much throughput capacity or range, but its firewall and security features are powerful enough to keep unwanted agents away from your network.
These features are an upgrade to its preceding model, making it a worthy investment. Besides, it’s not a huge price to spend.
Why is it suited for a Small Business?
It comes with an optional security subscription powered by Cisco Umbrella, which uses DNS-based security measures to keep certain traffic from your network. These include phishing malware, viruses, or any explicit or inappropriate content.
Anytime the router blocks anything, it generates a security event, which is viewable from the client details screen of the compatible app. You can check how many unwanted threats are blocked by the software alongside how many devices are connected to the network.
Aside from that, if you have a guest network configured, the app displays the details of their online activities. In short, you don’t need any diverse technical knowledge to track your network’s security in real-time. Just tap on the security tab of the app, and get a detailed insight.
Ports & Wired Connectivity
Cisco GX20 boasts a decent setup of five ports (1 Ethernet WAN and 4 Ethernet WAN) to keep working on your data-consuming devices. It gets you more throughput to access compared to what you get wirelessly. But it lacks a USB port, so you can’t plug in your peripheral devices for a fast data transfer.
Wireless Speeds
Being a firewall+router combo, you can’t expect much in terms of throughput, and it has a maximum capacity of 250 Mbps.
I paired a Cox 200 Mbps plan to test out its real-time wireless speeds. The download and upload speeds are valued at 189 Mbps and 18 Mbps, respectively. Despite its lower throughput, I feel it should be an ideal pick for your small workspace unless you intend to stream 4K movies or play heavy games over the network.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
The routing device also somewhat lacks in terms of range. Despite claiming a maximum range of 2,000 Sq Ft, its signals could reach a maximum area of 1,800 Sq Ft. And lacking networking technologies like OFDMA and MU-MIMO, its maximum device handling capacity stands at 15, which is decent considering its price.
Conclusion
Cisco Meraki Go GX20 is an excellent routing device for small businesses that are vulnerable to unwanted traffic and need to ensure their procured data is safe. However, its speeds, coverage, and device handling capacity stay below par. So for those who are just starting your business with a small space with few devices to connect, it’s worth considering.
Pros
- Exceptional firewall
- Blocks unwanted traffic
- Good WiFi coverage
- Conducts weekly scans
Cons
- Below par speeds
5. Best with pfSense+: Netgate 1100
- Wireless Standard: N/A
- Number of Devices Supported: 20+
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 1x Gig LAN + 1 x Gig OPT + 1 x USB 2.0
- Frequency Bands: Single Band
- WiFi Range: N/A
- Suitable Internet Plan: 300 Mbps
- Processor: 1.2GHz Dual-Core ARM Cortex-A53
- RAM & NAND Memory: 1GB + 8GB
- App Support: Yes
Next on my list is Netgate’s entry-level solution, Netgate 1100. It’s small yet entails powerful security hardware alongside the world’s most trusted open-source pfSense Plus firewall. This, alongside its powerful chipset and ample storage, makes the device a good firewall router for small businesses.
Why is it suited for a Small Business?
In terms of security, it ingrains a plethora of advanced yet easy-to-use features that keep your network and devices safe from unwanted agents. It’s just like installing a third-party antivirus on your devices alongside getting access to a wireless network to work on online tasks over a certain area. It does come at a certain cost.
To start with, a packet filtering feature restricts any malicious incoming data packets from flowing through the channels. And there’s featured firewall protection in the cloud, which is as functional as a commercial firewall. You can use it to keep your network away from unwanted or harmful agents and even stay safe from cyberbullying.
Alongside its intrusion detection and prevention system, it continuously monitors the network, scans for any threats that might pass through them, and keeps a record to identify them in the future. Netgate 1100 further entails some basic yet handy features like WPA2, VPN, guest access, and access control.
Ports & Wired Connectivity
This is where the router loses multiple points from the total score. There’s only a single port and no USBs, which you can use for establishing a wired connection. However, it’s versatile and can function as a LAN, WAN, or ONT port, which means it can also act as a modem.
Wireless Speeds
This device’s speed is sub-par as Netgate claims its theoretical throughput to max out at 200 Mbps, present on its single 2.4GHz band.
So, I paired it with a Cox 200 Mbps plan, where downloads fared at 142 Mbps, while 15 Mbps was the upload speed. At such speeds, most of your light tasks like sending emails, web searches, and watching HD videos should be completed easily.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Similar to speeds, its antennas aren’t powerful enough to transmit signals over an area of more than 1,100-1,300 Sq Ft. At maximum, it can hold 12 devices at a time, primarily because it lacks technologies like OFDMA and MU-MIMO. So, if your workspace stays within these values, I recommend going for this.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Netgate 1100 is a powerful device in terms of security features as your network wouldn’t be at risk to harmful agents or devices. Its throughput capacity and coverage are less, but with a powerful chipset and ample RAM, you won’t experience any inconsistencies or lags in your connection.
Pros
- Excellent security
- pfSense+ software
- Easy-to-use
- Reliable performance
Cons
- Below-par throughput capacity
- Middling WiFi coverage
6. Best Acces Controls: Gryphon Tower
Fun Fact: Gryphon Tower is ranked #2 in my list of the best routers for parental control.
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Number of Devices Supported: 50+
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 3 x Gig LAN
- Frequency Bands: Tri Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 3,000 Sq Ft
- Suitable Internet Plan: 500 Mbps
- Processor: Quad-Core
- RAM & NAND Memory: 512MB + 4GB
- App Support: Yes
Gryphon tower is a tri-band mesh router with decent security features and advanced parental controls. Besides that, the Wi-Fi 5 mesh router performed decently well in most of my tests, be it speed, coverage, or reliability. Compared to my previous recommendation, you’ll find major upgrades in all these aspects except security.
Why is it suited for a Small Business?
The Gryphon tower offers a decent range of security tools and features. With offerings like intelligent intrusion protection, malware protection, and secure app control to keep your business network ecosystem safe from any unwanted external agents like malware, viruses, and ransomware.
Included with your purchase, you get these free for 12 months, post which you have to pay $9.99 per month or $99 per year. Over my 30+ of testing this router with multiple devices, I had no security issues.
Its parental controls are also excellent. Although it mainly caters to digital mothers to protect their children from exposure to something dangerous, it should also find its application at your workplace. Features like content filtering let you block many unproductive websites like social media and other 18+ websites. Besides, its internet dashboard displays detailed information about their day’s online activities.
Ports & Wired Connectivity
Port setup of Gryphon tower is pretty decent. There are four ports (including one WAN and three LAN) with a maximum speed cap of 1 Gbps. And as you already know, clear and powerful signals are transmitted to the devices, which lets you run bandwidth-intensive tasks with ease. But there’s no USB port available with this device.
Wireless Speeds
The tri-band Wi-Fi 5 setup of Gryphon tower boasts an aggregated speed of 3000 Mbps, which is segregated over the bands as follows:
| 5 GHz (1): 1700 Mbps | 5 GHz (2): 866 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 400 Mbps |
Judging through its theoretical speeds, I paired a Cox 500 Mbps plan and measured downloads and upload speeds over the highest frequency band. The respective values were recorded at 487 Mbps and 19 Mbps at 5 feet away from the router. At the same time, moving the testing device 30 feet away dropped the speeds to 374 Mbps and 16 Mbps, respectively.
The signals were stable and consistent, courtesy of MU-MIMO and OFDMA, so I could connect my smart TV and Xbox 360 to stream UHD movies and play heavy games simultaneously.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Being a mesh system, coverage is its strong suit. Its powerful antennas could cover a maximum area of up to 2,500 Sq Ft, much farther than my previous recommendation. And with the inclusion of networking technologies, the mesh system could handle up to 35 connections at once.
Conclusion
The Gryphon Tower is a cost-effective mesh router that boasts robust security features and parental controls. It is considered to be one of the most reliable routers to use in small businesses. However, it lacks Wi-Fi 6, hence the position.
Pros
- Good throughput performance
- Excellent parental controls
- Built-in advanced firewall
- Easy to install & manage
Cons
- Wi-Fi 5 standard
7. Best Budget Option: TP-Link Archer AX55
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Number of Devices Supported: 25+
- Ports: 1 x Gig WAN + 4 x Gig LAN + 1 x USB 3.0
- Frequency Bands: Dual Band
- WiFi Range: Up to 2,000 Sq Ft
- Suitable Internet Plan: 300 Mbps
- Processor: 1GHz Qualcomm IPQ0518
- RAM & NAND Memory: 512MB + 128MB
- App Support: Yes
As I have reached the end of my list, presenting TP-Link’s Archer AX55 can be a great choice for those looking for a reliable Wi-Fi 6 router without breaking the bank. It is a replacement for Archer AX50 and improved performance, courtesy of the new Qualcomm chip and improved security features.
Why is it suited for a Small Business?
TP-Link’s firmware is generally very stable and automatically updated to keep your network and devices safe and secure. Its best part is its easy-to-use Archer app which helps you toggle through the options whenever needed. But most of its security features come at a monthly or yearly subscription with HomeShield Pro.
Starting with the basic or free one, it has got features like WPA3, VPN, guest access, and access control to keep your database in an encrypted form, access the internet remotely, and provide access to anyone temporarily. But the best things come at a price.
Real-time protection automatically scans your network and ensures any unwanted agents like malware, virus and others don’t compromise the network. Based on its scans, it generates professional reports you can access from the app.
Other than that, it has features like malicious website detection and blocking, alongside DDoS protection & IoT device security. The HomeShield pro subscription also comes with smart parental controls with advanced features like content filtering and top-visited websites to keep employees focused on their tasks.
Ports & Wired Connectivity
Like most routers on my list, this router also entails four Ethernet ports, including a WAN and four LANs. These are standard ports with maximum Gigabit speeds. Besides, a USB 3.0 port supports faster file sharing with a USB flash drive or a hard drive.
Wireless Speeds
The dual-band WiFi 6 setup of Archer AX55 comes at maximum theoretical speeds of 3000 Mbps, distributed over the bands as follows:
| 5 GHz: 2402 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps |
With Cox 500 Mbps plan, the download speeds maxed out at 432 Mbps, while uploads were rated at 17 Mbps. The signals felt a bit laggy at times, but nevertheless, working on any heavy tasks felt like a cakewalk.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Archer AX55 achieves middling scores in this department, as its four-antenna setup could cover only around 1,500 Sq Ft, much lesser than my previous recommendation. Aside from that, an MU-MIMO largely improved its multiple-device handling capacity, as I could work on 20 devices at once without experiencing any speed drops.
Conclusion
The TP-Link router mentioned is a trustworthy device with adequate speeds and range. While certain services require a subscription, they are incredibly valuable for individuals who enjoy gaming, video streaming, or telecommuting.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- User-friendly app
- Decent speeds & coverage
- Can handle multiple devices
- High value for the money
Cons
- Basic security features
Frequently Asked Questions
– Make sure it can handle all devices at your workplace.
– It should have a WiFi range slightly higher than your workspace.
– Choose from dual-band or tri-band based on your needs.
– Choose one with ample ports; the more, the merrier.
– Small businesses won’t involve any high-end gaming or streaming tasks; you won’t need high-end routers. So, spend wisely.
– Routers offer advanced security for free or paid, so make your choices accordingly.
A home and a business router differ in their purpose, as the former is designed to be an all-in-one solution for access and ease of connectivity. On the other hand, the latter is a high-performing device with a more complex network.
As far as my tests go, Synology RT6600AX should be the most secure wireless router to get for small businesses. It entails top-tier features like firewalls, intrusion, and others that keep unwanted agents away from your network and connected devices. And the best part is that you don’t have to pay extra.
Ports are needed to provide internet access to a device, and the speeds are much greater than we get through WiFi. The greater the number of ports, the more you can establish peripherals, and the better.
Verdict
If you are scouring the market for the top WiFi router for a small business, make sure you identify your specific needs. But don’t forget the primary aspect of looking for these is security, and this list includes some highly secured routers.
- If you need a router with a multitude of security tools and features but don’t want to pay a subscription fee, Synology RT6600AX is the best pick. Aside from security, it offers decent throughput, coverage, and device handling capacity.
- If a strong firewall is your primary focus, and you don’t have much to spend, go for Cisco Meraki Go GX20-HW-US.
- Lastly, if you want the cheapest option, there is TP-Link Archer AX55. It entails numerous advanced features, but you must pay to access these.
This brings an end to the guide. I hope it helps you get the one that best suits your needs. Thanks for reading!
