3 best dual band router

A dual-band router is a type of wireless router that operates on two separate frequency bands simultaneously: the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band. These routers are designed to provide improved wireless connectivity and performance for various devices and applications. Here's what you need to know about dual-band routers:

Dual-Band Operation: Dual-band routers, as the name suggests, broadcast Wi-Fi signals on two different frequency bands:
- 2.4 GHz Band: This band provides a more extensive coverage area and is suitable for devices that are farther away from the router. It's also compatible with a wide range of older devices.
- 5 GHz Band: The 5 GHz band offers faster speeds and is less crowded, making it ideal for high-bandwidth activities such as online gaming, streaming HD or 4K video, and video conferencing. It's less prone to interference from other wireless devices.
Reduced Interference: One of the significant advantages of dual-band routers is their ability to reduce interference. Many household devices, such as cordless phones and microwave ovens, operate on the 2.4 GHz band. By using the 5 GHz band for high-demand tasks, you can avoid interference and maintain a stable connection.
Band Steering: Some dual-band routers support a feature called band steering, which automatically directs compatible devices to the most suitable band based on their requirements. This helps optimize performance and ensures that devices get the best possible connection.
Simultaneous Use: Dual-band routers allow multiple devices to connect to both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands simultaneously. This means you can have older devices that only support 2.4 GHz and newer, high-performance devices that use the 5 GHz band connected at the same time.
Guest Network: Many dual-band routers offer the option to create separate guest networks on both bands. This enhances security by isolating guest devices from your primary network while providing them with internet access.
MU-MIMO: Some dual-band routers support MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology. MU-MIMO allows the router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, improving overall network efficiency and performance, especially in crowded networks.
Advanced Features: Dual-band routers often come with advanced features such as Quality of Service (QoS) settings, parental controls, and network management apps that allow you to prioritize certain devices or applications and manage your network easily.
Device Compatibility: Most modern devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart home devices, support dual-band Wi-Fi. However, older devices with only 2.4 GHz support can still connect to a dual-band router's 2.4 GHz band.

In summary, a dual-band router offers the advantage of simultaneous operation on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, allowing you to balance coverage and performance for your wireless devices. This flexibility and reduced interference make dual-band routers a popular choice for modern home and office networking needs.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best dual band router on the market

TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A7) - Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Internet Router for Home, Works with Alexa, VPN Server, Parental Control and QoS

TP-Link

Based on 39 reviews Check latest price

Product description

AC1750 wifi router/wireless router. One of routers for wireless internet, wireless routers for home. Dual band router and gigabit router. Ideal as internet router also gaming router. Long range coverage with high speed. Compatible with all 802.11ac devices and below. 5ghz router/5g router Frequency Range: 2.4GHz and 5GHz; Interface Available: 4 x 10/100/1000Mbps LAN Ports, 1 10/100/1000Mbps WAN Port, 1 USB 2.0 Ports; Protocols Supported: Supports IPv4 and IPv6; System Requirement: Microsoft Windows 98SE NT 2000 XP Vista, or Windows 7 Windows 8/8.1/10, MAC OS NetWare UNIX or Linux; Wireless Standards: IEEE 802.11ac/n/a 5GHz, IEEE 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz.

JD Power Award ---Highest in customer satisfaction for wireless routers 2017 and 2019
Router for wireless internet, works with Alexa, compatible with all Wi-Fi devices, 802.11ac and older
Dual band router upgrades to 1750 Mbps high speed internet(450mbps for 2.4GHz, 1300Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K streaming
3 external antennas for long range Wi-Fi
Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, fast access to multiple connected wired devices, Ideal as a gaming router
Integrated USB port acts as a media Server, easily share your USB drive content
TP-Link tether app easily set up and remotely manage your home network
Industry leading 2 year and Free 24-7 technical Support

Product features

The WiFi Router That Fits Most Families

With more devices in homes today, you need a solid router to keep up with WiFi demands. AC1750 routers pack the speed and range most families need at an affordable pric e. The Archer A7 provides the best value for your dollar, delivering the perfect mix of performance and features for most homes.

TP-Link AC1200 Gigabit WiFi Router (Archer A6) - 5GHz Gigabit Dual Band MU-MIMO Wireless Internet Router, Supports Beamforming, Guest WiFi and AP mode, Long Range Coverage by 4 Antennas Black

TP-Link

Based on 12 reviews Check latest price

Product description

AC1200 wireless router, Gigabit, dual Band, beamforming, MU-MIMO.

JD Power Award ---Highest in customer satisfaction for wireless routers 2017 and 2019
Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz + 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
MU-MIMO technology (5GHz band) allows high speeds for multiple devices simultaneously
AP mode, can be switched to access point mode to share your internet wirelessly
Supports guest WiFi and parental control, an ideal wireless router for home
TP-Link tether app - easily set up and manage your home network at home or remotely

Product features

Smooth Entertainment with AC1200 Dual-Band WiFi

The Archer A6 creates a reliable and blazing-fast network powered by 802.11ac WiFi technology. The 2.4 GHz band delivers speeds up to 300 Mbps giving you faster email and web browsing, while the 5 GHz band delivers speeds up to 867 Mbps for lag-free online gaming and HD video streaming.

Coverage throughout Your Home

Four external antennas, one internal antenna, and a powerful chipset work together to send WiFi to every corner of your home. Stay connected and enjoy fast WiFi whether you’re lounging on the sofa or relaxing on the balcony.

NETGEAR WiFi Router (R6080) - AC1000 Dual Band Wireless Speed (up to 1000 Mbps) | Up to 1000 sq ft Coverage & 15 devices | 4 x 10/100 Fast Ethernet ports

NETGEAR

Based on 10 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The NETGEAR AC1000 Dual Band WiFi Router delivers WiFi speeds up to 300Plus700Mbps. It allows you to upgrade your WiFi to support new AC devices. Nighthawk app lets you easily set up your router and get the most out of your WiFi. This router is ideal for medium to large homes.

FAST WiFi PERFORMANCE: Get up to 1000 sq ft wireless coverage with AC1000 speed (Dual band up to 300 + 700 Mbps)
RECOMMENDED FOR UP TO 15 DEVICES: Reliably stream videos, play games, surf the internet, and connect smart home devices.
WIRED ETHERNET PORTS: Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and other nearby wired devices with 4 x 10/100 Fast Ethernet ports.
SMART PARENTAL CONTROLS: The Nighthawk app lets you manage device internet access and filter websites.
SAFE & SECURE: Supports WPA2 wireless security protocols. Includes Guest WiFi access, DoS, Firewall, VPN, and more.

User questions & answers

Question:	I recently upgraded to Verizon gigabit and the modem router they give is lackluster. Does this just connect via Ethernet to the modem
Answer:	Yes. Connect the R7800 to the FiOS router (they don't use modems) by attaching an ethernet cable to one of the FiOS router's LAN ports, and the other end to any of the ports on the R7800. Then set up the R7800 in AP mode, and disable the Wifi of the FiOS router (not critical, but neater). The FiOS router will assign all the IP addresses, and the R7800 will provide wireless services. Works like a charm. You can use the LAN ports of both the FiOS router and the R7800 for wired connections.
Question:	Is this device able to plug and play via ethernet cable from my cable modem to extend my cable wifi range
Answer:	Yes. All of these Netgear routers can either be used as range extenders OR wired into becoming the primary internet source for your home. The latter is actually recommended, if your cable modem is basic and/or sends a weaker than warranted WiFi signal.
Question:	what are the two bands
Answer:	2.4 and 5
Question:	I have 150mbps service will this router give me that if I do a speed text
Answer:	I don't own this router, but I'd agree with Apollo Grace. Anything that's going to be using this ethernet port will be bottlenecked at 100Mbit maximum. If you're just using this for WiFi only or if you don't mind a maximum speed of 100Mbit on the ethernet port, then buy it. But there are similar products out there for the same price range with Gigabit ports allowing the full WiFi speed to go through the ethernet ports. https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1200-Smart-WiFi-Router/dp/B01IUDUJE0 (TP-Link Archer C1200) for example, and it's cheaper.

Product features

Better WiFi? We’ve got you covered.

Up to 1,000 sq. ft of WiFi coverage

Easily upgrade your WiFi experience and coverage with the Nighthawk R6080. High-powered antennas and Dual Band streaming deliver fast, reliable WiFi to every corner of your home.

Built for Fast Streaming

Up to 1000Mbps wireless speed for demanding activities like HD streaming and gaming.

Seamless WiFi for up to 15 Devices

Intelligently selects between dual bands to minimize interference and maximize speed for your many smart wireless devices.

Secure WiFi Connections

Rest easy knowing your network is protected with high-level WPA/WPA2 wireless security, firewall protection, and the ability to create a Guest Network separate from your home network and private information.

Convenient Parental Controls

Use the Nighthawk App to effortlessly manage website access, web filtering, and even pause WiFi for individual devices and family members.

Easy 5-Minute Setup with App

The Nighthawk App makes it a snap to set up your router. Just connect your internet Ethernet cable to the router and the app will walk you through simple setup steps. Connect your devices to the network and you’re done.