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An online presence is an increasingly important business strategy today, especially considering the rise of remote work since 2020. Digital strategies are becoming a core component of business growth plans for 89% of surveyed board directors. A reliable internet connection via a router is imperative for achieving such goals.

The function of a router is to provide a stable, secure internet connection for your business through a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Routers allow you to manage incoming and outgoing traffic and install safeguards around sensitive information. Businesses utilizing VoIP technology also need a router to establish a good connection – an essential for remote business operations. Given their necessity for business functioning, choosing a router that serves your business needs at the best quality is important. 

Factors to consider when choosing a router

First and foremost, the type of router you choose depends on how you intend to use it. The core factors you should always consider include:

• Cost: An acceptable cost for a router is anything within your budget that also comes with the features you want. As routers come in all prices with varying features, you may find yourself making some compromises before settling on one.
• ISP Compatibility: Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) needs to be compatible with your router for your internet to work. An ideal approach would be to check with your ISP on compatible routers and make your choice among those options.
• Max internet speed: The kind of speed you require depends entirely on your business functions. Most routers offer 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz frequencies – you have to decide what maximum speed is acceptable. You may require ethernet cables to establish a stable connection.
• Wireless protocol: Wireless protocols define how your system connects and interacts online. WPA2 and, most recently, WPA3 is considered the most secure and compatible protocols today.
• Extra optional features: Any additional features that may be useful for your business are a bonus, such as Quality of Service (QoS), which lets you prioritize certain devices when establishing a connection.

The best router options in 2023

Some of your best router options, based on your business needs and budget, include:  

TP-Link ER7206

The ER7206 model is known for its comprehensive security model and can provide VPN connections. You can establish ethernet connections with four Wide Area Network (WAN) ports for more usage. A dedicated small form-factor pluggable (SFP) WAN port gives you the ability to establish a fiber connection, which can give you speeds up to 100 times faster than ethernet. This gives you the ability to establish connections with multiple ISPs. 

Its numerous firewall functions offer great network security, including preventing Dedicated Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. As a gigabit router, the ER7206 can offer a max speed of up to 1 Gbps. With Omada compatibility, you can manage your network remotely through the cloud. This router also comes at an affordable price of close to US$150. 

Linksys EA6350

Small businesses may find this router option particularly suitable. The 2.5 GHz band offers speeds up to 300 Mbps and up to 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. Four Local Area Network ports are ideal for a small network, with one WAN port for a wider connection. While the router supports dual-band connections, this does not apply to guest connections, which are only available on the 2.4 GHz band. 

VPN tunnels also allow for better security when establishing connections, supporting WPA, WPA2, and mixed security options. It also offers built-in speed tests and media prioritization features. From a pricing perspective, it is a relatively cheaper investment, costing around US$89.  

Zyxel USG Flex 100

The USG Flex 100 boasts one SFP port for a high-speed Gigabit fiber connection, one WAN port, and four LAN ports, suitable for small to medium-sized businesses. It also features a console port, allowing the host computer to manage connectivity without pre-installed software. It can offer speeds up to 900 Mbps, with dual-band connectivity. 

It also offers decent security in terms of VPN connections. The “Flex” range refers to its flexible subscription packages, with six different configurations based on your needs. This particular router can cost a bit more, ranging between US $300-$500; however, the different subscription bundles can make it a worthwhile investment. 

NetGear Nighthawk X10

The Nighthawk X10 owes much of its success to the 5 GHz band performance, reaching speeds up to 1Gbps. The router features six gigabyte LAN ports, a WAN port, and an SFP port for fiber connections, making it ideal for mid-level to larger businesses. The SPF port supports 10GB ethernet devices, allowing great data transfer speeds. The router is dual band, with an impressive performance of 800Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. 

The router comes with WPA or WPA2 security and offers a web-based console and a mobile app to manage connections. Additional features on the Nighthawk include Amazon Drive backup for your data and media support. The four active antennas boast exceptional connectivity range and speed, making them ideal for 4k streaming. This router is on the pricier side, costing around $500. However, for a larger business with an ideal budget, the Nighthawk can offer sufficient internet performance and reliability returns. 

Choosing a router

There is no shortage of router options, ranging from functionality, speeds, and pricing options. Your best choice is the one that can meet your business requirements without straining your budget. If you are a small business with basic connectivity needs, you may want to consider the cost over max speeds or the WPA. A larger business might want to prioritize speed and additional features that can help business functions, making a larger but ultimately worthwhile investment.