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When it comes to selecting the best router with storage, it is necessary to understand the concept of external and internal data handling capabilities of a wireless device.
Unlike a wired storage device like a hard drive or USB drive, the storage standards for a wireless router vary according to network preferences. In most cases, network storage attributes are preferred for making data, files, and documents available to the people that are connected across a network. While you can always opt for the Network-Attached Storage or NAS modules for better information management and security, routers with dedicated storage support are usually preferred due to affordability and easy of use.
In this article we will list three of the best wireless routers that support or exhibit some form of internal or external storage capabilities. Let’s dive in!
Our Top 3 Picks for Best Router with Storage
Contents
TP-Link AC5400
In case you are looking to spend a good amount on a new router, it is advisable to opt for the TP-Link AC5400 as it comes equipped with a nifty, quad-core processor. What stands out is the Tri-Band support that ensures a cumulative data speed of up to 5400mbps.
The best thing about this router is that the featured processor supports traffic prioritization and unmatched link aggregation. Despite being a gaming router, it can effectively transmit all forms of network traffic, courtesy of the Gigabit WAN, and 8 standalone Gigabit LAN ports. This router is extremely efficient as it comes equipped with the Rangeboost and Beamforming technology, ensuring maximum coverage.
Then again, it is the built-in 16GB storage support that separates this router from the rest. Not just that, you also get access to advanced network security standards. Last but not least, this router features dynamic traffic optimization and Quality of Service (QoS) prioritization for keeping latency to a minimum.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 8 Gig LAN Ports
- Tri-Band wireless support
- QoS compatible
- VPN access
- Link Aggregation for improved wired connectivity
Cons
- Intermittent connection drops
- Issues with speed
Editors’ Rating – 5 out of 5
Netgear Nighthawk X45
Are you planning to get hold of an extremely powerful router that scales beyond the rest in terms of cumulative speeds? If yes, then the Netgear Nighthawk X45 is the appliance to invest in. To start with, this router is capable of covering a wider area i.e. something in the ballpark of 2500sqft. Besides that, you get dual-band support with a cumulative speed of up to 2600mbps.
When device connections are concerned, this router allows you to connect up to 45 gadgets, simultaneously. Besides that, wired connections are enviously fast with four Gigabit Ethernet ports to rely on. Apart from that, this potent router also comes equipped with a standard dual-core processor and 4 antennas for better network amplification, Beamforming, and MU-MIMO compatibility.
As far as storage is concerned, you can always make use of the two USB 3.0 ports and the dedicated eSATA slot for connecting an external drive. Then again, Netgear also flaunts other desirable features including Dynamic QoS support, top-notch parental controls, and high-end network security standards.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Powerful, dual-core processor
- Range Boosting and Beamforming support
- Ability to connect up to 45 devices at once
Cons
- Atrocious customer support
- Speed drops are encountered
Editors’ Rating – 4.5 out of 5
GL.iNet GL-AR750
If you are looking for a more affordable router that comes with built-in storage support, the GL-AR750 from GL.iNet is the router to invest in. When it comes to the feature set, this compact and light-weighted router boasts of dual-band wireless connectivity, boasting of a cumulative speed of up to 750mbps. Besides that, this innovative piece of hardware can convert any public, wired, or wireless connection into a secured private network.
Some of the more sought-after, innovative router attributes include the pre-installed WireGuard support and OpenVPN compatibility for more secured network access. Most importantly, the existing device is compatible with more than 30 leading VPN clients.
As far as storage and router extensibility are concerned, you get 128MB of built-in RAM for seamless operability. In addition to that, you also get access to 16MB of flash memory followed by an expandable, 128GB storage support via a microSD card. When additional port management is concerned, this small but equipped router flaunts one WAN port, two LAN ports, and one USB 2.0 slot.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Dual-band wireless support
- Supports USB tethering
- Expandable storage up to 128GB
- Assumes an OpenVPN speed of 17mbps
Cons
- Maybe not meant for a power user
- Unstable Wi-Fi
Editors’ Rating – 4 out of 5
Conclusion
We have mentioned three of the best options for a wireless router with storage that you should invest time and money in.
Although the final choice is certainly yours, we would recommend going for the gaming router from TP-Link, in case you are a power user and looking for a lot of built-in storage space. A standard user, looking to set up a NAS, can opt for the Netgear Nighthawk x45 router whereas the budget seekers and persistent travelers can readily purchase the GL.iNet GL-AR750, featuring an expandable storage slot.
However, if you did not find an option you liked, feel free to head on over to Amazon and continue your search there.