Buying a wireless router - tips

If you want to buy a good WiFi router, you should note a few pointers. With our tips you make a good choice when buying.

WLAN router - the background summarized

Nowadays, wireless routers are actually nothing special anymore. Incidentally, they usually also have LAN interfaces.

• However, radio transmission is not quite as fast as the wired version. The wireless transmission speeds specified on the devices are usually not achieved in reality.
• If you prefer to use LAN, you should pay attention to the number of LAN interfaces on the router before buying.
• The decision to use WLAN is the most practical, however, because you do not need long connection cables or even drilling. With a WLAN router, please note that you have to protect the home network. You should definitely activate WPA2 encryption and provide it with a long password. The router's own device password should also be changed and not forgotten.
• If you need a particularly fast WiFi connection, then you should buy a dual-band router that can transmit in the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency band.

Buy a wireless router - you have to consider that

• Do you already have a modem in your household? If not, you should get a router with an integrated DSL modem. Chip tests WiFi down for energy efficiency and power consumption. Devices with an integrated modem also perform best here.
• Some routers contain integrated hard disks or USB connections, e.g. for connecting external hard disks. Please note that these memories are not a server replacement. These hard drives are only of limited use for data exchange because the transmission speed is usually low. This method is helpful for the exchange of small files, but for large files there is still no way around a cloud or a server.
• Do you value German language in the user interface of the device? Most devices offer this, but there are exceptions. If you are unsure, ask the manufacturer. The setup is easier or more difficult from device to device in terms of user friendliness. WLAN routers are tested in this regard in our chip tests. The device should also include ergonomic details such as a switch and reset buttons.
• Some WLAN routers have more than just the normal routing functions. If, for example, you value integrated print and media servers or URL blocking (web address filter), you should find out exactly whether the device contains such features.

In the CHIP leaderboard you will find the top routers with WLAN equipment as well as test reports and all important details. Read the practical tip below on how to configure your router.