One of the best things about having a small apartment is you can save up on WiFi and routers. You won’t need wide coverage.
Moreover, if you’re with only two to three people, you won’t need excessive speed.
Even so, it doesn’t mean that you can settle for any kind of router. It’s best if you know the model that will give the best value for your money.
Doing so will ensure a good investment.
Fortunately, you won’t have to worry about finding the right models for you. In the next sections, we’ll talk you through the best routers for a small apartment.
Best Routers for Small Apartment
What Should You Look for in a Router for Small Apartments?
In looking for a good router, you should consider the following factors:
- Number of connected devices
- WiFi bandwidth
- Speed
- Security
- Coverage
Because you’re in a small place, the coverage won’t be an issue. It is unless your room is more than a thousand square feet. If not, then you can simply base on the specs above.
1. NETGEAR Nighthawk R6700
The first on our list is the NETGEAR Nighthawk R6700. This model’s budget-friendly price comes with a number of hi-tech features.
Hence, it is a famous choice among small apartment owners. Moreover, the unit is also one of the best-sellers of NETGEAR.
Here are the features that you can expect from the R6700:
- Maximum Connected Devices: 25
- Dual-Band 2.4GHz
- Up to 1,750 Mbps
- Comes with WPA2 + DoS + Double Firewall
- Coverage: 1,000 to 1,500 square feet
For a small apartment, this model’s coverage is probably more than enough. It also comes with three antennas to ensure fast and wide WiFi network use.
One of the most notable things about the R6700 is its parental control. You just need to download the Circle App on your device.
Then, it will let you control the devices of your WiFi’s users.
The feature will be useful even if you don’t have kids. It’s because the control also applies to guest devices.
The router’s security is already strong. However, if you want better assurance, you can get NETGEAR Armor. One con, however, is it’s a paid service.
Thus, you’ll need to invest more if you require a high-security level.
Anyhow, the R6700 is a good choice if you want an affordable yet high-quality router.
2. TP-Link Archer A7
The TP-Link Archer A7 is a personal favorite. This unit gathered many positive remarks from its users. Experts also suggest this for those with small apartments.
What makes it better is its very affordable price. In fact, the Archer A7 is much cheaper than the former router.
Below are the technical specs of the Archer A7:
- Maximum Connected Devices: 50+
- Dual-Band 2.4GHz to 5GHz
- Up to 1,750 Mbps
- WPA/WPA2 Wireless Encryption
- Coverage: Up to 2,500 square feet
Feature-wise, this model is almost the same level as high-end ones. It has extensive coverage, connectivity, and speed.
Its dual-band with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz is also worth taking note of. Moreover, it also comes with the Tether App for more convenience.
What the Archer A7 lacks, though, lies in security. A lot of users found that it’s prone to bugs.
It’s because, unlike others, it settled for just WPA/WPA2. Hence, you may need to add more security firewalls if you deal with sensitive data online.
If you’re willing to invest in security tools, the Archer A7 is the best option around. It may even be better than NETGEAR and other brands.
Because it’s significantly cheaper, a few more dollars wouldn’t hurt to increase the system’s firewall.
3. Motorola MR2600
If you mainly use WiFi for gaming needs, then you should look into the Motorola MR2600. The unit is one of the best models in the AC2600 series.
This router is another budget-friendly recommendation. What makes this different is it’s actually preferred by gamers and those with business sites.
For reference, here are the features of the MR2600:
- Maximum Connected Devices: 10
- Dual-Band 2.4GHz to 5GHz
- Up to 2,600 Mbps
- Comes with Firewall + Smart QoS
- Coverage: Up to 1,900 square feet
When it comes to performance, you can highly rely on this unit. It also has good security features. It means that you won’t have to worry about occasional bugs or so. However, the best thing about it is its MU-MIMO Technology. This feature is a great help in lag-free gaming.
Now, you can expect one con. As you can see, it can only support up to 10 devices. It’s enough for small apartments, yes. Still, it’s on the low side compared to other brands.
If you don’t need vast connectivity, then you should buy the Motorola MR2600. This unit is one of the best choices if you want an affordable and high-performing router.
4. LinkSys EA7500
The LinkSys EA7500 is similar to the former unit. The two have similar offers when it comes to performance.
This model, however, allows more devices. It also allows an enhanced WiFi connection.
If you’re not satisfied with the offers of the MR2600, then you should look into the EA7500.
Below is a list of the specs offered by the EA7500:
- Maximum Connected Devices: 15
- Dual-Band 2.4GHz to 5GHz
- Up to 1,900 Mbps
- Comes with WEP + WPA-2 PSK
- Coverage: Up to 1,500 square feet
The said features are subtle yet improved compared to Motorola. You can also expect features like parental control and MU-MIMO Technology.
One noticeable con is the offered net speed. It initially seems slow when put side to side with others.
However, with the device’s beamforming tech, it can support a buffer-free 4K stream. You may need to pay attention to security, though. Although it’s not bad, it’s still on the average side.
The LinkSys EA7500 is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a high-performing router that allows multiple connections.
5. ASUS RT-AC86U
The last on our list is from ASUS. The specific model that we’re going to focus on is the RT-AC86U.
Contrary to what you may think, this unit is not pricy. It is actually one of the most affordable branded routers that you can get.
For the features of the RT-AC86U, see the following:
- Maximum Connected Devices: 30
- Dual-Band 2.4GHz to 5GHz
- Up to 2,900 Mbps
- Comes with WEP + WPA-PSK + WPS + WPA2-PSK
- Coverage: Up to 1,800 square feet
Out of all the products on our list, the RT-AC86U has the highest speed. Hence, it’s perfect for those with intense gaming and browsing needs.
It comes with MU-MIMO tech to further enhance gamers’ experience. In addition, it also has WTFast Game Accelerator.
Another one of the unit’s main assets is the included lifetime internet security. It will ensure a protected firewall for your router. So far, it doesn’t come with feature-based cons.
This unit is originally for large homes. However, its price and features will best suit small apartments. You should consider getting this if you plan on moving in the future.
Factors to Consider when Purchasing Routers for Small Apartment – Buying Guide
Size of your apartment
It’s important to think about the size and shape of your apartment before you make a purchase. You will need signal coverage in all rooms. However, even with those requirements met, physical obstacles like walls or furniture can affect how reliably the signal can travel throughout your apartment. In a small apartment, you can get by with just about any WiFi router with larger spaces requiring stronger network coverage.
Connected Devices
How many devices are you connecting to the internet? If it’s less than 3, then don’t worry about getting a high-performance router. For a more enjoyable internet experience, consider investing in a high-performance router if you have more than 10 devices that need to be connected to the internet.
Wi-Fi Interference
The apartments in a city are often filled with people, which means they’re constantly being hit from all angles by WiFi signals. The amount of interference can be excessive at times and lead to slow or unstable internet speeds. If you are living in an apartment building with two or more floors then it is essential that your WiFi router supports dual-band 5GHz networks. This will help eliminate buffering network interruptions and lags caused by the low signal strength on lower frequencies like 2.4 GHz.
Coverage and range
Having good WiFi coverage throughout your apartment can be tough. There are so many factors that reduce the range of a router, such as a furniture or walls in between it and other electronics like smart devices. To avoid these problems choose one with great coverage and ranges.
Port
The more ports and connectivity options a router has, the better. These determine how well your device will be able to connect with the internet, so you need at least one Gigabit Ethernet port on there for best results.
Advanced features
Wi-Fi routers that support MU-MIMO, dynamic QoS, and Beamforming technology provide you with better value for your money. They help make sure the wireless coverage in every room of your apartment.
Security
Security is a vital concern for both your devices and your data. You don’t want to put yourself at risk of internet threats, or leave it vulnerable in the hands of local hackers who could exploit any vulnerability they find through weak security measures. When looking for a router for your apartment, choose one with top-notch security features.
Price tag
Wi-Fi routers vary in price and features. We recommend that you consider one which will meet your needs as well as fit within your budget.
Speed
Not all routers are created equal so it’s important to get the right router for you. The perfect router for you depends on what your needs are. Do you need a fast and flawless gaming experience or do want HD streaming without any lag? You should buy a specific model that will best suit all of these requirements.
MU-MIMI Technology
Multiple-Input Multiple Output (MIMO) is a wireless technology that uses multiple transmitters and receivers to transfer more data at the same time. All products with 802.11n support MIMO, so you can stream videos or download files much faster. This is a technology that’s sure to make your network more efficient and allows all the users connected to Wi-Fi to enjoy fast speed.
You should place your router in an open area of the apartment. Avoid placing it next to a wall as this will limit its range and may need you to access it on occasion for repairs or updates.
FAQ
Can you set up your own router in an apartment?
It is possible to get your own personal internet connection for your apartment. If you feel like the current ISP is not meeting all of your needs or if there’s no Wi-Fi in your apartment, it is possible to set up a new one.
How do you get Wi-Fi in a small apartment?
Yes, you can get your own internet in an apartment. Most people have to sign up for their own Wi-Fi once they move into the place because it’s not always provided by landlords or building managers unless there are specific agreements put forward specifying otherwise.
How can I increase my Internet speed in my apartment?
- Check your internet plan
If you’re not getting the speeds that are promised to be delivered by your plan, contact your provider and they will send a technician to diagnose any issues that can be affecting your internet speeds. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, look for other ISPs and do some research about their pros and cons before moving forward with upgrading to a different provider.
- Change the router location
There might be too many barriers such as walls and furniture to establish a strong connection between your router and the device. Try placing it in the center of an apartment if you need coverage throughout all rooms or just close enough for optimal performance.
- Adding wireless repeaters
A wireless repeater can be an excellent solution for those who experience chronic signal problems. The device boosts the strength of your Wi-Fi signals, so it’s perfect to use in areas with limited cell phone reception or poor connectivity on the internet.
- Upgrade your router
Your router could be outdated. The best ones can not only handle more bandwidth but have better processors to manage all the traffic and make sure you’re getting the fastest speeds.
- Check for bandwidth hogs
It’s not surprising that you may experience wireless connectivity issues with more people. This is because each person wants to use their own device for different things like streaming or gaming which hog bandwidth. Downloading large files from torrents can also decrease internet speeds.
- Reset your router
When a computer loses its wireless signal, resetting your router can help. Turning it off and on again will retransmit the WiFi signal to your device.
Do internet booster apps really work?
Wi-Fi booster app doesn’t make your internet faster, it only helps you set the best router settings for optimal performance.
Does a Wi-Fi booster really work?
Wi-Fi extenders are a great way to expand your wireless network’s coverage without having an expensive wired internet connection. But there are many factors that determine the effectiveness of these devices, including the internet speed coming into your home, the distance from where your router is located, and devices that need a Wi-Fi connection such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
How can I get better Wi-Fi in my apartment?
If you’re having trouble with your Wi-Fi connection, consider investing in a repeater or range extenders. A range extender will repeat the wireless signal from your router to areas where there is less than optimal coverage so that users can enjoy better internet speeds.
Can you get fiber internet in an apartment?
AT&T Fiber is now available in many apartment buildings and condos. If you’re a property manager, nominate your building for consideration.
Do you need a modem in an apartment complex?
The Google Nest Wifi router and Google Nest Wifi Point is great choice for those living in apartments. It can provide high-speed internet access without the need of installing any kind of modem. These devices connect directly to your wall’s Ethernet jack.
Is my WiFi router too old?
If your router is more than four or five years old, then it might be time to consider replacing the device. Your wireless connection will not perform as well and could slow down internet access for everyone in your home.
Summary: Best Routers for Small Apartment
Even if small apartments don’t have high requirements for routers, it doesn’t mean that you can get whichever is available online. You should still be mindful of a device’s specs.
Doing so will ensure that you’re making a worthy investment. It will also help you save more money in the long run.
Experts mainly recommend TP-Link Archer A7 for its affordable yet notable specs. However, if you want a guaranteed high-end router, then I recommend going for ASUS RT-AC86U.