Networking is very important for college students. But most college students can’t access the internet freely because the public WiFi of the campus is not fast enough due to many people using it at once. Also, using public WiFi is not secure for your privacy. Therefore, it is quite essential for a college student to get a WiFi router.
A good WiFi router will help reduce your frustration with WiFi and upload and download speeds will be much faster. It will provide a high-speed stable connection without any interference or disturbance and help you enjoy excellent internet speed.
But, if you don’t have enough knowledge about WiFi routers then choosing the right one can be very tricky for you. Also, as there are so many different brands and models of WiFi routers out there, you may get confused with what to pick.
That’s why, we have done the research for you and put together a list of Top 10 Best WiFi Router For College Dorm Room, so you can save your money and time without sacrificing quality. These routers will give you the performance needed to survive college life.
So, without further talk, let’s get started.
10 Best WiFi Router For College Dorm Room:
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| TP-Link AC1750 WiFi Router (Archer A7) | Check Price |
| NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi Router | Check Price |
| Google Wifi System - AC1200 | Check Price |
| ASUS WiFi 6 Router (RT-AX3000) | Check Price |
| Amazon eero 6 dual-band mesh Wi-Fi 6 | Check Price |
| TP-Link AC4000 Smart Router (Archer A20) | Check Price |
| Linksys (EA6350-4B) Wi-Fi Router | Check Price |
| NETGEAR WiFi Router (R6330) | Check Price |
| Tenda AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Router | Check Price |
| TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Router (Archer A5) | Check Price |
1. TP-Link AC1750 WiFi Router (Archer A7)
Specification
- Brand: TP-Link
- Total Port: 5
- Data Transfer Rate: 1750 Mbps
- Coverage: 2,500 Sq. Ft.
- Guest Network: YES
- Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
- Weight: 422 grams
- Dimensions: 9.6 × 6.4 × 1.3 inches
The KOPACK Slim Laptop Backpack is one of the best backpack that help avoid back pain and shoulder pain while traveling. Its comfortable back design with breathable sponge fabric will protect your back effectively. Besides, its wide and ergonomic design of S-shaped straps with comfortable padding reduce extra pressure from your shoulders.
Additionally, if you are searching for a laptop backpack for every day use then you will love its orgainized design. The KOPACK Laptop Backpack comes with 10 slots to organize your necessary accessories inside and has a large enough compartment to adjust a 15.6 inches laptop.
PROS
- Budget-friendly
- Stable connection
- Dual-band supported
- Works with Alexa
CONS
- 2.0 USB slot
2. NETGEAR R6700 Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi Router
Specification
- Brand: NETGEAR
- Total Port: 5
- Data Transfer Rate: 1750 Mbps
- Coverage: 1,500 Sq. Ft.
- Guest Network: YES
- Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
- Weight: 716 grams
- Dimensions: 11.22 x 7.2 x 2.44 inches
The KOPACK Slim Laptop Backpack is one of the best backpack that help avoid back pain and shoulder pain while traveling. Its comfortable back design with breathable sponge fabric will protect your back effectively. Besides, its wide and ergonomic design of S-shaped straps with comfortable padding reduce extra pressure from your shoulders.
Additionally, if you are searching for a laptop backpack for every day use then you will love its orgainised design. The KOPACK Laptop Backpack comes with 10 slots to organise your necessary accessories inside and has a large enough compartment to adjust a 15.6 inches laptop. However, it is not large enough for a gaming laptop.
Let’s move on to the build quality. The KOPACK Backpack is crafted with textured durable oxford material. Its slim and lightweight design makes it an ideal option for everyday usage. Also, its patented dual layer zipper is durable enough to survive knife stab.
PROS
- Features Guest WiFi access
- Widely compatible
- Easy-to-use
- Value for money
CONS
- NETGEAR Armor software is paid
- 2.0 USB slot
3. Google Wifi System - AC1200
Specification
- Brand: Google
- Total Ports: 2 per point
- Data Transfer Rate: 1200 Mbps
- Coverage: 4,500 Sq. Ft.
- Guest Network: YES
- Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
- Weight: 340 grams
- Dimensions: 4.17 x 4.18 x 2.7 inches
Google manufactured tech products always provide top-notch performance, and the Google Wifi System – AC1200 is one of them. It is a mesh WiFi system that includes 3 small routers interconnected with each other to deliver a fast and stable connection.
If you share your dorm room with other people then the Google Wifi System can be the best option for you as it can cover up to 4500 sq.ft (1 point 1,500 sq.ft). Besides, it uses a 5GHz radio frequency to provide maximum speed with reduced signal interference.
Furthermore, the connection strength of this system is so strong that you won’t experience any disturbance even if all the students connected to this router start doing intensive online activities. Additionally, the installation process of this router is so simple that even a non-tech-savvy guy can set up it without any issues.
Google products are always known for their strong privacy protection system, and the Google Wifi System is no exception. Google always keeps the routers updated, so that they can protect your data privacy. Also, the system lets you control the connected devices by using parental controls.
Overall, the Google WiFi System is a great combination of both performance and features. It creates a strong signal throughout your home and lets you experience fast and reliable internet. However, the price of this WiFi system is comparatively high but the performance you will get is next level.
PROS
- Advanced security
- Wide range
- Easy setup process
- Stable connection
CONS
- Bit expensive
4. ASUS WiFi 6 Router (RT-AX3000)
Specification
- Brand: ASUS
- Total Port: 5
- Data Transfer Rate: 3000 Mbps
- Coverage: 3,000 Sq. Ft.
- Guest Network: YES
- Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
- Weight: 1.2 kilograms
- Dimensions: 8.82 x 6.06 x 6.3 inches
If you need a powerful WiFi router for your college dorm room then the ASUS WiFi 6 Router can be a good option for you. With next-gen WiFi 6 technology, the router is able to provide up to 3000 Mbps high-speed internet with fewer disruptions.
Besides, if your college dorm room is very big, you should not worry. Because, with 4 antennas, the router is able to deliver exceptional WiFi coverage up to 3,000 sq.ft, so every student will be able to perform their online activities without experiencing any lag or signal disturbance. It enables you to connect up to 30+ devices without any issues.
Furthermore, the setup process of this router is quite straightforward, so you don’t have to go through any tricky steps. With the ASUS app, you can manage your router and control over devices connected to it. Also, you can create mesh networking by connecting other ASUS routers.
In addition, the ASUS WiFi 6 Router uses WPA/WPA2 wireless encryption technology to protect your devices from viruses, malware, data theft, hackers, and many more. Also, you can manage the router settings hands-free since it works with Alexa.
The ASUS WiFi 6 Router is one of the most powerful routers out there. It has been designed and optimized to deliver you the ultimate performance. But if your dorm room is not that big or there are not many people who would use WiFi then we don’t recommend you this router.
PROS
- Powerful network speed
- Next-get WiFi standard
- Wide wireless range
- Easy-to-use
CONS
- Not recommended for small dorm rooms
- Bit pricey
5. Amazon Eero 6 Dual-band Mesh Wi-Fi
Specification
- Brand: Amazon
- Total Port: 2
- Data Transfer Rate: 900 Mbps
- Coverage: 1,500 Sq. Ft.
- Guest Network: YES
- Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
- Weight: 290 grams
- Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.8 x 2.4 inches
If you are looking for a portable router that will provide a stable connection without letting you experience any dead spots or buffering, the Amazon Eero 6 is here for you. It uses WiFi 6 technology to deliver faster speed and reduced network congestion.
The maximum speed this router can produce is 900Mbps and it can deliver enough bandwidth to provide high-speed internet to 75+ devices. On top of it, the router is so lightweight and small that you will be able to carry or move it freely without any worries.
The Amazon Eero 6 comes with a smartphone app named Eero, which will help you to set up and configure the router settings. Also, it works with Alexa, so you will be able to control the router through voice commands.
If you are worried about your privacy the Amazon Eero 6 can help you in this regard. It automatically updates its software and lets you experience the latest and WiFi technology while also keeping your data safe and secure. With the eero Secure app, you can improve the security of your router further.
The Amazon Eero 6 is a highly portable WiFi router with a wireless range of about 1,500 sq.ft. It has 2 auto-sensing Ethernet ports for wired connectivity and a USB-C power port.
PROS
- Decent coverage
- Supports 75+ devices simultaneously
- Protects privacy
- Cross-compatible
CONS
- Lacks Ethernet ports
- Few tools require a subscription
6. TP-Link AC4000 Smart Router (Archer A20)
Specification
- Brand: TP-Link
- Total Port: 5
- Data Transfer Rate: 4000 Mbps
- Guest Network: YES
- Frequency Band Class: Tri-Band
- Warranty: 2-year
- Weight: 1.6 kilograms
- Dimensions: 7.87 x 7.87 x 1.54 inches
At number 6, we have the TP-Link AC4000, an award-winning router from TP-Link which is extremely popular for its fast speed and compatibility. Combining the tri-band WiFi technology, the router is able to deliver speeds up to 4,000 Mbps.
Thanks to the tri-band WiFi and MU-MIMO technology, it can smoothly execute multiple tasks at the same time and eliminate buffering. The MU-MIMO technology also enables you to connect multiple devices simultaneously and get a lag-free experience.
Moreover, the router can provide a wide enough coverage to ensure faster speeds at every corner of your college dorm room. And you can also extend the WiFi coverage throughout the room using the Range Boost technology. However, TP-Link didn’t mention any specific coverage area for this router as it varies on different factors like building material, location, etc.
TP-Link is also a renowned brand for its privacy security technologies. The TP-Link AC4000 uses WPS and WPA2-PSK to secure your privacy and its built-in Antivirus protects your devices from hackers, malicious attacks, and viruses. Besides, it features parental controls which makes it possible for you to manage network access without any issues.
The TP-Link AC4000 is one of the best-performing WiFi routers. It provides a fast and stable WiFi connection to let you execute any kind of heavy data-consuming tasks, let it be 4K video streaming or gaming.
PROS
- Wide coverage
- Supports tri-band
- Great speed
- Advanced security
CONS
- Quite bulky
7. Linksys (EA6350-4B) Wi-Fi Router
Specification
- Brand: Linksys
- Total Port: 4
- Coverage: 1,000 sq.ft
- Data Transfer Rate: 867 Mbps
- Guest Network: YES
- Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
- Weight: 725 grams
- Dimensions: 5.12 x 7.56 x 5.11 inches
Linksys is a quite renowned brand for routers, modems, and WiFi extenders. The Linksys (EA6350-4B) is one of the best routers of Linksys that provides great value for the money. It has all the basic functionalities that let you enjoy 4K streaming, gaming, and more without buffering.
The router is able to provide up to 1,000 sqft. of WiFi coverage and connect 10+ wireless-enabled devices, which is enough for a small dorm room. Also, you can achieve better performance by using any existing modem that you have.
To improve performance and reduce interference, Linksys (EA6350-4B) uses Beamforming technology that sends the signal straight to the connected devices, instead of dispersing it. Plus, the router comes with 2 external antennas which help the router to deliver a more efficient network to every corner of your dorm room.
Furthermore, it is a dual-band router that supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz radio frequency and provides decent data speed, making the router a suitable option for media-intensive applications. It also works with Alexa, which means you will be able to control the router and manage WiFi access with your voice command.
If you compare the price then Linksys (EA6350-4B) is offering a lot. It provides a strong and reliable connection unless you don’t exceed the number of devices. So, it can be a very good choice for small dorm rooms.
PROS
- Reasonable price point
- Reliable speed
- Dual-band connection
- Easy to use
CONS
- File-transfer speeds could be better
8. NETGEAR WiFi Router (R6330)
Specification
- Brand: NETGEAR
- Total Port: 5
- Coverage: 1,200 sq.ft
- Data Transfer Rate: 1600 Mbps
- Guest Network: YES
- Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
- Weight: 377 grams
- Dimensions: 12.17 x 9.84 x 3.86 inches
If you are short on budget then you should look for a budget-friendly WiFi router that has all the features you require. That’s why we have added the NETGEAR R6330 to our list because it offers all the basic features that you will require at a reasonable price.
The router is designed to deliver you the best experience with up to 1600Mbps wireless speed for intense data-consuming activities like 4k streaming or gaming. Thanks to the powerful antennas and dual-band technology, the router is able to cover up to 1,200 sqft. area with a fast and reliable connection.
Moreover, the NETGEAR R6330 allows you to connect up to 20 devices at a time. The router is optimized to switch between dual bands and maximizes the speed for your devices, so you get the best performance with reduced interference. Also, the router has 4 Ethernet ports that can help you connect your computer, console, and more with the router and achieve a lag-free connection.
It features high-level WPA/WPA2 wireless security and firewall protection to ensure your privacy. It can create a guest network to keep the outsiders’ devices separate from your personal network and information.
Like other routers on the list, the NETGEAR R6330 also comes with an easy installation guide to help you set up the router. With the Nighthawk app, it just takes few minutes to install the router and connect your devices to the network.
PROS
- Fast speed
- Features MU-MIMO technology
- Smart parental controls
- Secure and safe
CONS
- Limited configuration options
9. Tenda AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Router
Specification
- Brand: Tenda
- Total Port: 4
- Coverage: 2,000 sq.ft
- Data Transfer Rate: 1200 Mbps
- Guest Network: YES
- Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
- Weight: 340 grams
- Dimensions: 5.57 x 1.93 x 8.66 inches
The Tenda AC1200 is a dual-band WiFi router that utilizes both 2.4GHz and 5GHz radio frequency to offer triple times faster and stable performance than its competitors. The router can get linked to up to 20 wireless devices at once and deliver up to 1200 Mbps of high-speed internet.
The router features 4 omnidirectional antennas with Beamforming and MU-MIMO technology to provide faster internet throughout your dorm with reduced lagging and interferences. It can provide coverage for up to 2,000 sq.ft area, ensuring better connection at every corner of your dorm room.
Moreover, it is fully compatible with all the major internet service providers including Comcast, Spectrum, Verizon, etc. For ease of use, the Tenda AC1200 comes with a Tenda smartphone app that lets you manage the router very easily and help you access different useful tools. Although managing and installing the router is very straightforward, it is recommended to go through the user manual before use.
If you are concerned about your privacy security, this router is for you. It uses WPA/WPA2-PSK Mixed security technology to ensure safe and secure internet without compromising your privacy. It also offers industry-level password encryption technology, so your passwords will be always safe.
PROS
- Wide coverage
- Strong privacy security
- Easy-to-use
- Omni-directional antennas
CONS
- No modem
10. TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Router (Archer A5)
Specification
- Brand: TP-Link
- Total Port: 5
- Data Transfer Rate: 1200 Mbps
- Guest Network: YES
- Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
- Bandwidth Control: YES
- Weight: 340 grams
- Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.86 x 1.26 inches
Here we have another TP-Link router on the list which is very popular for its budget-friendly price point. It is an award-winning router that has won the JD Power Award for achieving the most customer satisfaction in 2017 and 2019.
The TP-Link AC1200 comes with the capability to boost your internet speed up to 1,200 Mbps instantly. Besides, it is a dual-band router, which means it can use both 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections simultaneously to provide you a buffering-free internet connection.
With two external antennas, the router can provide stable wireless connections without any disruptive interference. Moreover, the router offers you a secure WiFi connection by using the WPA2 encryption technology so that you can browse safely.
Like most of the TP-Link routers, it also supports the Tether app that makes it very easy for you to manage your network settings. It features parental controls to help you restrict users from certain activities. Also, it comes with Guest Network and Access Control functionality to let you share your WiFi network with other students without compromising on security.
The TP-Link AC1200 further allows you to control bandwidth, so will be able to allocate data according to your preferences and limit connection speeds. With all these features, it is a very good option at this price range. However, it lacks some features that you should take into consideration before making a decision.
PROS
- Fast WiFi speed
- Supports Beamforming
- Features parental controls
- Bandwidth control
CONS
- You may face connection drops
- The security system could be better
Frequently Asked Questions :
1. Why do you need a WiFi router for the dorm room?
Dorm rooms are a great way for students to save money on-campus housing and by using public WiFi. But most of these WiFi connections are not fast and secure enough to provide you a stable connection as so many other students are also connected to this network. On the other hand, having your own router will allow you to use the internet as you want and let you connect multiple devices without causing any lagging or interruption.
So, if you want to experience fast and reliable internet, it is always recommended to get your own WiFi router.
2. How can you make your dorm room WiFi better?
One of the easiest ways to make your dorm room WiFi better is by attaching an external antenna to your laptop or desktop. Because most of the laptops don’t come with a powerful antenna. Therefore, a good antenna can serve you better and improve the performance of your dorm room WiFi. However, if you want to enjoy fast and reliable internet then you should set up a WiFi router.
3. Best places to put the router in the apartment?
A wrongly mounted WiFi router will not be able to provide you a good internet speed. Therefore, it is important to find the right place to put your router in order to get a faster internet connection. Here are few placement tips for your WiFi router –
- Move your WiFi router to a central location
- Mount the router at a higher location
- Avoid placing the router on the floor
- Experiment with different locations
- Position the antennas properly
- Make sure there are no large obstructions or electronics near the router.
4. Which one is the best WiFi router for small dorm rooms?
If your college dorm room is not very big or you don’t require wide internet coverage at this moment then you can choose the Linksys (EA6350-4B) Wi-Fi Router. It offers up to 1,000 sq.ft of coverage with a stable and faster internet connection. Also, the price of this router is quite reasonable.
Conclusion:
Whether you are planning to move to your dorm room or currently living in a dorm room, there are a number of things that can make your life easier. One of the most important things is to make sure that you have a good internet connection.
But, most public internet connections provided by the college are not fast enough to provide you the performance you want. And one of the easiest ways to solve this problem is by getting your WiFi router. Having your own WiFi router will deliver you a fast and smooth internet connection with great security of your data.
In this article, we have provided you with some of the best WiFi router for college dorm room that would work well for you. These WiFi routers are designed to provide you the best performance at a reasonable price range, so you don’t have to invest a lot.
However, our recommendation is to go through each of them and find the best one for yourself.
Hopefully, you will get a good WiFi router within your budget.
Thanks for being with us 🙂
