If you have an all-Mac or mixed Mac/PC network, the Apple AirPort Extreme is the best 802.11ac router you can buy, reviewers say. Updated to support the latest Wi-Fi standards, the AirPort Extreme offers speedy throughput, excellent range and great reliability, and is simple for novice users to set up and use.

The Netgear WNDR3700 is a wireless-N router that simultaneously works on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands at speeds of 300 Mbps each. It comes packed with features, is compatible with both Windows PCs and Macs, and allows wireless external hard-drive sharing.

If you want a cheap but reliable wireless router, the Cisco Linksys E1200 is a no-frills choice that’s simple to set up and use. This single-band wireless-N router is a great starter unit for novices and non-techies, with performance and features that make it appropriate for basic home use.

The Cisco Linksys WRT54GL is based on the older 802.11g wireless networking standard, so it’s not as fast as 802.11n or 802.11ac routers. If you have old equipment on your network that isn’t compatible with today’s newer technologies and you don’t plan to upgrade it, experts say you might be better off using a wireless-G router for the time being.

The Asus RT-AC66U is a simultaneous dual-band router that reviewers say is one of the best 802.11ac models available. Experts and users praise its excellent performance on the 5 GHz band, business-class features, connectivity and style. The RT-AC66U is suitable for advanced and bandwidth-heavy use but is relatively easy to set up, even for novices.