NETGEAR AC1600 Dual Band Gigabit WiFi Router (R6260), Black

Make sure you know what you are buying. There is a difference between transfer speeds between devices and Internet speed capabilities. I upgraded from model R6120 (AC1200) to the R6260 (AC 1600) because my Internet speed is about to increase from 100 MB to 200 MB. While the transfer speeds of all the 6120 are more than 100 MB, the Internet port on it is 10/100. That means that it caps at 100 MB, so you will never see anything faster than that in Internet speed. Transfers among devices may come in above that but your Internet will never be faster than 100 MB. The 6260 is a Gigabit router with a 10/100/1000 Internet port, which means it supports up to Gigabit speeds. My speed before always capped out around 90 MB but switching to the 6260 puts me slightly over 100 MB (I still have the 100 speed). Initial speed test stars around 200 MB and falls back to 105 so I know this device will handle my new speed. If your Internet speed is above 100 MB, make sure you buy a Gigabit (10/100/1000) router or else you will never see past 100 MB. The AC1600 is a Gigabit router, the AC 1200 is not. That being said, the 1600 puts out a stronger signal than the 1200. The 1600 model covers 1600 sq ft while the 1200 covers 1200 sq ft. The 1600 is also larger than the 1200. Buy according to your Internet speed and coverage area. Also, regarding frequencies, 2.4ghz maxes out at 300 MB but has a longer range. The 5ghz reaches the 1300 MB but the signal doesn’t travel as far. The 300 + 1300 is how the arrive at 1600 but it is actually max 1300 MB.

I had a nighthawk ac1900 r7000 somethin before for about 5 years, and it’s power supply started randomly dying out and cutting out, so after about a month of frustration constantly restarting my old router, I decided I’d need a new one if I wanted a consistent, stable connection, but my funds were really tight! So I looked into routers that are good for their worth, and found this one. I’ve not had it very long but it’s speeds are consistent, it can handle 3 cell phones streaming video (HD, usually) and an xbox one and my computer both gaming as well. I COULD test its limits further but have no desire to, really. The setup was super simple and easy, too, and the nighthawk app you use to modify the router settings is also super simple and easy to use. Definitely a good router for your average Joe, most won’t even need more than this, honestly. My only qualm is that the top lights are barely visible. But that’s pretty nitpicky lol

My internet company recommended I get this router and I’m able get the high speeds (+100 mbps) I’m supposed to. Super easy to set-up.

However, the ethernet cable that came with it was faulty and limited my speeds: I was getting low speeds at first and tried my own ethernet cable instead – and then voila, top speeds. So if you’re not getting the speed you should, switch out the ethernet cable provided with your own.