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BEST ROUTER
TP-LINK ARCHER AX11000 NEXT-GEN TRI-BAND
GAMING ROUTER $399.99 EDITORS’ CHOICE Llllh
It’s pricey, but if you’re looking for a future-proofed, high-performance router, the TP-Link
Archer AX11000 has all the bases covered. Fast performance numbers come from a tri-band
architecture that also supports Wi-Fi 6, and you’ll score excellent security and parental
controls, too. The smart management app is easy and has throughput-enhancing features
aimed specifically at gamers. The Archer AX11000’s only real downside is that availability has
been spotty in the latter half of 2020. If you can’t find it and don’t want to wait, check out a
very close runner up, the Asus RT-AX88U.
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BEST WI-FI MESH SYSTEM
ASUS ZENWIFI AX (XT8)
$449.99 EDITORS’ CHOICE Llllh
Mesh systems are very easy to set up and can cover an entire house with a strong wireless
signal. That’s why they’re quickly taking over the home-network market. Our 2020 favorite is
the Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8. A two-pack (consisting of the router and one expansion node) runs
you just under $450, which seems pricey, but remember—that’s for two devices. The system
is easy to configure and has a simple but thorough management app that covers not only
security but also good traffic and signal-strength features, too.
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BEST NETWORK ATTACHED STORAGE (NAS)
SYNOLOGY DISKSTATION DS220J
$169.99 EDITORS’ CHOICE Llllm
If you want to control your data as well as keep it safe, then you’re looking for network
attached storage (NAS). The best personal NAS that passed through PC Labs in 2020 is
Synology’s DiskStation DS220j, at $169.99 for enclosure and software (no disks). Once you
add compatible storage, the DS220j is easy to configure, delivers excellent performance
numbers, covers most any RAID configuration you might want, and has a long list of
compatible apps: You can turn your NAS into anything from a cloud-accessible bit-bucket to
a media server.
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