ASUS RT-N66U (`14,813)
If Batman had a WiFi router, it would look like the ASUS RT-N66U Dual-Band Wireless N-900 Gigabit router. Even though ASUS would be the last name we would associate with a wireless router, this heavy performer offers the best signal strength and range among almost all routers on the market. The 2.4GHz and 5GHz concurrent dual band transmissions that support 802.11n standard combined with wireless speeds of 900MB and Gigabit ethernet ports make it one of the most formidable routers. While you can also connect compatible devices like printers using the USB port, one of the most significant features is the detachable antennae that can be replaced with higher-powered versions of your choice.
Netgear WGR614(`1,395)
Netgear makes some of the best looking, cheapest and yet most reliable routers in the market. The hugely popular WGR614 is a prime example of all the aspects that make Netgear a fine manufacturer of routers. At a little less than `1,400, this white beauty is dirt cheap, but still supports speeds of up to 150Mbps. The included Smart Wizard CD lets you set up the router easily, and comes with pre-installed firewall protection. Since it supports a 2.4GHz frequency on 802.11b/g standard, it is not suitable for geeks looking for 802.11n and speeds of 300Mbps, but if you want to set up a good, reliable home WiFi network at very low cost there is no better router.
apple airport express (`7,140)
The Apple AirPort Express is a must-have for anyone heavily tied into the Apple ecosystem and for anyone looking for a very good portable router. It is beautifully designed in a white case and is small enough to fit in your pocket. It plays extremely well with Apple products and the installation process and further management is the simplest in the market using either your iOS device or the Mac. Using features like Airplay or Airprint, you can use almost any printers or speakers to print or play music. The best part is it that it is not just you who can make use of the 802.11n dual-band (2.4GHz, 5GHz) wireless, but you can also set up a guest network so your guests can’t access your connected devices.
Cisco Linksys E900 (`2,185)
If not for the fact that the Linksys E900 operates on 802.11n for speeds of up to just 300Mbps, you can be mistaken for thinking that a router this slick has been sent back in time. For just `2,000, you get a combination of great design, signal strength, signal range of the MIMO antenna technology and very easy set-up, which make the E900 one of the best and most affordable routers on the market.