Many people are now working from home because of the “Work From Home” trend that started after the recent pandemic, and the Wi-Fi router is doing much more than just playing games and watching movies.
So, the worst WiFi routers can make your work stressful because of frequent fluctuations and various other issues.
There are a number of router options out there. In order to make the right choice, you must first check the worst WiFi routers to avoid on the market.
So, we have selected some poor router brands based on their performance, connection limits, speed, signal strength, price, and durability.
The worst wifi router brands as per user rating and our research are Netgear, Securifi, Amped Wireless, TP-Link and D-Link.
Table of Contents
- List of 5 Worst WiFi Router Brands
- 1. NETGEAR – Nighthawk R7000
- 2. Securifi – Almond Wifi Router
- 3. Amped Wireless – AC1900
- 4. TP-Link – C5400X Wifi Router
- 5. D-Link – EXO AC2600 (DIR-822)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do Wi-Fi routers last?
- Do routers wear out?
- How can I tell if my router is going bad?
- Conclusion
- Christopher Evans
List of 5 Worst WiFi Router Brands
Here is our list of the worst Wi-Fi router brands to avoid in 2023.
1. NETGEAR – Nighthawk R7000
The Nighthawk is Netgear’s newest dual-band 802.11ac router in the company’s premium line-up. The router has a trapezoid shape and flared edges and looks as good as it sounds.
The NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000 Smart Wi-Fi Router is designed for those looking to save money when setting up a new wireless network.
It has a decent data transfer speed of 1300 Megabits Per Second with 140 feet range of 2.4GHz.
However, this device is not perfect, with an only average throughput of 2.4GHz. It also takes a long time to make adjustments to the settings.
Below are the following drawbacks of this device.
- Mediocre range and inconsistent connectivity
- Poor Bridge mode configuration
- Throughput in the 2.4GHz band is lower than expected
- It takes too long to implement changes made to the settings
2. Securifi – Almond Wifi Router
The Securifi Almond Wi-Fi system is a three-piece network that expands wireless connectivity in your home.
It has the fastest data transfer speed of 300 Megabits Per Second with a range of up to 5,000 sq. ft.
Despite having great speed and distinct features in this model, Securifi has been unable to satisfy its users.
The following are the drawback of this model.
- Weak signal strength
- Heats up when the connection limit is full
- Configuration options are limited.
- Some program is already in beta mode.
- On a small screen, it isn’t easy to tap items
- Expensive
3. Amped Wireless – AC1900
The Amped Wireless Titan AC1900 has a wireless range of up to 10,000 sq. ft. and a maximum output capacity of 800 megawatts.
Smart security, WPA2, WPS, WPA2, guest Wi-Fi networks, and customizable Wi-Fi coverage are among the features of Titan AC1900.
Although this system performs well in the 5GHz band over short distances, it fails miserably at longer distances.
Furthermore, the 2.4GHz band is at a mediocre level, and it fails band steering.
The following are the drawback of this model that you need to know.
- Lacks parental controls
- Disappointing range and data transfer speed
- Wi-Fi signal instability
- Poor product quality
- Pricey
4. TP-Link – C5400X Wifi Router
The Archer C5400X is a large 802.11ac router with several LAN ports, parental controls, Trend Micro malware security, and simple QoS settings.
Also, it has a data transfer speed of 2167 Megabits Per Second with a range of 100 feet.
It is a Tri-band Wi-Fi router with a dedicated band for gaming traffic.
The total data transfer speed is 5334 Megabits Per Second, including two GHz bands and one 2.4 GHz band.
If you are a professional online gamer, the TP-Link – C5400X might be a decent option for you. But is it really worth buying?
Since it is a costly device, you must look into the drawbacks of this router before buying.
- It often drops Wi-Fi connection and may take a while to reconnect the clients
- The 2.4 GHz band is weak and stops working after a few months
- It is not durable, and the device hardly lasts for a year
- It is a large device for small spaces.
- Antennas can’t be aimed
- Expensive
5. D-Link – EXO AC2600 (DIR-822)
The D-Link AC2600 DIR-822 is a low-cost dual-band router with advanced wireless connectivity.
Beamforming, Smart Connect band steering, and MU-MIMO data streaming are among the features of this router.
However, it only performs well in close range. Antivirus security and parental controls are some other issues to include this model in the list of worst routers.
The followings are the reasons to avoid the DIR-822.
- There is no built-in malware security.
- Limited parental control options
- The signal strength is weak and often disconnects the clients
- Heat build-up issue
- It isn’t the fastest on the market
- Not durable
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Wi-Fi routers last?
The average lifespan of a Wi-Fi router is around 6 years. If we calculate it in hours, a standard Wi-Fi router can last up to 45,000 hours. However, a poor router model can die sooner than the estimated lifespan.
Do routers wear out?
Yes, routers do wear out because of heat. Heat is the biggest enemy of routers and affects the total lifespan of the device.
Several factors cause heating in routers, such as exceeding the connection limit and clogging of dust on the device.
How can I tell if my router is going bad?
If your router isn’t working well, there are a few signs to look for. The symptoms of a bad router are as follows.
1) The constant dropping of internet connection
2) Slow internet speed
3) Doesn’t accept new devices
4) Overheating
5) Sudden stoppage
6) Poor signal strengths
7) Longer download times
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Conclusion
While shopping for a new router, think about the size of your coverage area, the number of clients you will be serving, and the types of devices you will ll be linking.
Without the correct requirement, you might get a router that will not be able to support the devices.
We hope the list helps you better understand the worst Wi-Fi routers in today’s market. You may find many articles on good brands, but hardly anyone tells you which router brands to avoid at all costs.
This is why our team decided to compile underperforming brands to help you choose the correct device.
Before buying a router, make sure to check the customer reviews about a specific device. There are a number of cheap devices available in the market.
So, don’t rely on a brand whose name is unfamiliar to you.
Christopher Evans is a Mechanical Engineer and is a distinguished expert in tire and electronic appliance testing with over 15 years of experience. Holding certifications like Automotive Tire Service (TIA) and Certified Appliance Professional (CAP). He is also a member of the the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and has significantly contributed to safety standards and testing protocols in both industries. Evans is a respected speaker and award recipient.
This is sooo inaccurate. I have a 5400x archer now for 4 years ZERO issues. The wifi never drops or stuggles to reconnect. I also assumed you would have actually said that for a bit the Netgear Knighthawks struggled on Fiber. THis is is sooo inaccurate.
This article is dated 2022, but lists the R7000 as netgears newest router series, way off. the r7000 came out over five years ago. WTH