10 Best Wireless Access Points 2025 in the United States

The Ruckus R850 is a wireless access point (WAP) manufactured by Ruckus Wireless and branded as Skyvov. It is designed with key features that cater to high-demand environments such as gaming. This device supports the latest Wi-Fi standards, ensuring fast and reliable internet connectivity. It operates on dual frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), which is crucial for minimizing interference and optimizing performance based on your devices’ needs. The coverage area is robust, making it suitable for larger homes or small businesses that need comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage without dead zones.

It also boasts the capability to handle multiple connected devices simultaneously, which is essential for households with many users or for offices with several employees. Security is a significant strength of the Ruckus R850, featuring advanced encryption protocols to protect your network from unauthorized access. Installation and management of the device are made easier with WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) and user-friendly interface options, allowing for a quicker and less technical setup process.

However, this device might be overkill for users with smaller homes or less demanding internet needs. The price point may also be higher compared to more basic models, though it reflects the device’s advanced features and capabilities. It is particularly well-suited for gamers, ensuring low latency and high-speed connectivity essential for an optimal gaming experience. If you're looking for a high-performance WAP with strong security features and the ability to handle a large number of devices, the Ruckus R850 is a solid choice, though it may be more advanced than necessary for casual users.

The NETGEAR WAC104 is a solid wireless access point that supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with dual-band frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), offering combined speeds up to 1.2 Gbps. This makes it suitable for home or small office use where moderate internet speed and stable wireless coverage are needed. Its coverage area is around 1000 square feet, which works well in smaller spaces but might be limiting for larger homes or buildings. It can handle up to 64 connected devices, which is quite high for this class and beneficial if you have many gadgets like phones, laptops, and smart devices. Security-wise, it supports WPA2, which is standard and reliable for protecting your network.

Installation is user-friendly thanks to a WPS button for easy Wi-Fi setup without much hassle. The device also includes 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports to plug in wired devices, adding flexibility. A useful feature is its support for multiple wireless modes and the ability to create up to 3 separate Wi-Fi networks (SSIDs), which is helpful for guest access or separating work and personal devices.

This model is a few years old, so it lacks the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard that offers better speed and efficiency. Coverage and performance may not be ideal in very large or complex spaces with many walls. The setup is straightforward but management features are basic compared to more advanced models. For those seeking a dependable, easy-to-use access point for a small to medium area with decent speeds and solid device support, the NETGEAR WAC104 is a good choice. If cutting-edge speed or extensive range is required, newer Wi-Fi 6 options might serve better.

The Cisco Business 240AC is a solid choice for small to medium businesses needing reliable Wi-Fi coverage. Using the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard on a dual 5 GHz band, it offers good performance with 4x4 MU-MIMO technology that supports up to 200 devices per access point, making it suitable for busy environments. Each unit can cover up to 3000 square feet, and the five-pack bundle helps extend that coverage efficiently, especially with support for up to 25 mesh extenders to improve signal reach across larger spaces.

Installation is straightforward with included mounting brackets and Power over Ethernet support, plus network setup and management are user-friendly through Cisco’s mobile app or web interface. Security is strong, featuring enterprise-level protection that helps guard against malware and phishing attacks through Cisco Umbrella integration. The device can also prioritize network access for different uses like point of sale or guest Wi-Fi, which is handy for business environments.

This model supports the 802.11ac standard, which is a generation behind the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, so it may not deliver the fastest speeds or future-proofing found in newer access points. Its limited lifetime warranty and one-year technical support offer some peace of mind but might be shorter compared to other products with longer support periods. It remains a reliable and secure option for businesses that want a manageable, scalable wireless network without the need for cutting-edge Wi-Fi speeds.