10 Best Wireless Access Points 2026 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 Catalyst 9120AXI-B Wireless Access Point is a robust solution designed for business environments and IoT applications. Utilizing Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology, it offers high-speed connectivity with a maximum data rate of up to 5.38 Gbps. The dual-band capability allows for flexible use of both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, or two 5GHz bands, which can help optimize network performance depending on your needs. Its 4x4 MU-MIMO support and features like uplink/downlink OFDMA and BSS coloring improve efficiency and reduce interference in high-density environments.

The inclusion of CleanAir technology, powered by Cisco RF ASIC, enhances security and provides superior analytics, making it a secure option for sensitive business operations. Additionally, the embedded wireless controller simplifies deployment, network monitoring, and troubleshooting, making it user-friendly for IT teams. The access point also supports IoT devices with built-in BLE 5.0 and Zigbee radios, adding versatility for smart office applications.

This high-end device might be overkill for smaller or less demanding setups due to its advanced features and presumably higher cost. It also requires Power over Ethernet (PoE), which means you'll need compatible infrastructure to utilize it fully. The Cisco Catalyst 9120AXI-B is a powerful, secure, and versatile access point ideal for larger business environments and IoT applications, though it may be more than necessary for simpler home or small office networks.