Your Guide to the Best Products
Best Wireless Router: D-Link DIR-825
Range, Speed and Stability in one package
Updated March 22, 2009 
Set Alert
The D-Link DIR-825 is our pick for Best Wireless Router due to its stability, speed and price. At around $125 street, we think it's the best value out there.
Currently, the best wireless router regardless of price is D-Link's DIR-855 (winner of PC Magazine's Editor's Choice award). However, its street price of around $300 gives us pause. The DIR-825 performs almost as well for less than half the price - a winning recipe in our book. (In fact, the two routers are identical internally, the only difference being the DIR-825 has two antennas rather than the DIR-855's three.)
All D-Link Xtreme routers run essentially the same software, and that software is good. It's very stable, easy to configure, and full of useful features (e.g. real QoS support to increase network reliability, access control policies/parental controls, etc.). Once you factor in the excellent speed and range, it's easy to see why we like these routers.
If you haven't looked at routers in a few years, much has changed. Wireless-N is up to 5x faster than the older 802.11g and has 2x the range (or more). Newer routers also have WPA2 security, which is far better than older technology. All things considered, if you don't have a Wireless-N router it's definitely time to upgrade.
Here is a quick look at the DIR-855's real-world performance.
| D-Link DIR-855 | 5GHz | 2.4GHz |
|---|---|---|
| 20' | 230 Mbps | 130 Mbps |
| 50' w/walls | 160 Mbps | 90 Mbps |
| 80' w/more walls | 60 Mbps | 50 Mbps |
NOTE: (a) The DIR-825 has approximately the same performance at close range, but becomes about 1/3 slower at longer distances. (b) If you are running older wireless gear (b/g) on the 2.4GHz band, this will kill the 2.4GHz N performance (but not impact the 5GHz speed).
DAP-1522 Wireless Bridge
You will also want a D-Link DAP-1522 Media Bridge if you have a media center or TV area in your house that needs wireless internet access. The DAP-1522 connects to your home wireless network and provides four ethernet ports for connecting DVRs, Blu-ray Players, AV Receivers, game consoles, etc.
The DAP-1522 can operate over either 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands, has four gigabit ports, and WPA2 security that works in Bridge Mode (rare and important). Also, if used with the D-Link routers mentioned on this page, setup is very easy - just press the WiFi Protected Setup button on the DAP-1522 and you're done. If you still have questions, check out this video of the DAP-1522.
The good (+)
- excellent stability
- very good range and speed
- solid features
Shortcomings (-)
- DIR-825 has only two antennas, so range limited compared with DIR-855
Where to buy
D-Link products are widely available both on-line and at local retail stores. Check out the other tabs for current pricing info.
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Click on any of the following links to be taken to the vendor's website.
RobsChoice.com recommended vendor (avg rating >=4.0 stars based on >1,000 reviews).
On The Horizon: D-Link Xtreme N 450 Wireless Router (August 2009)
Note: D-Link has changed the ship date for the Xtreme N 450 multiple times. At this point, we don't know when it will ship.
D-Link's upcoming Xtreme N 450 Wireless Router has a new chipset with a theoretical speed of 450 Mbps (compared with 300 Mbps for the DIR-825). The 450 has three antennas and simultaneous dual band operation, so we expect great range and speed.
It is also designed with Intel Centrino 2 compatibility in mind, meaning these speeds are achieved without a proprietary solution and hence there should be good laptop support.
Assuming the 450's software is as stable and reliable as that in other D-Link products, the Xtreme N 450 looks like it will be the new King of home wireless routers. Since it doesn't have a display like the DIR-855, we are hoping that it is priced more like the mainstream DIR-825. (If you want us to drop you an email when more definite info becomes available, click here.)
Note: The only laptop wireless card currently on the market that can take advantage of this speed is the Intel 5300 Wireless-N. This card is available as an option on several new laptops, including the Dell Studio XPS 16 (our pick for Best Premium Laptop).
