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If you are searching for the best router in the market, but don’t have a lot to spend, then the Motorola MR2600 AC2600 router is a great dual-band router to pick up for cheap. Motorola calls it “Extended Range Model MR2600,” and the name really does make sense. And just like other high-speed, Wi-Fi routers, this one also works amazingly with almost all cable modems. That’s why this router most definitely is a competitor for the Best Router For Verizon Fios fiber optic crown available for cheap.
Even though the Motorola MR2600 is essentially a rebranded wireless router, it does work well for the price it comes in. If you have a stable internet connection, this router will definitely provide you with the high speeds you pay your ISP for. And the AC2600 dual band WiFi router works well with different cable modems.
The performance of this WiFi smart gigabit router should be good enough for most casual users, just like its cousins the Motorola MG7700 and the Motorola MT7711. Something like the Netgear XR700 will obviously perform much better. However, this router features a low-powered, dual-core processor inside, which, once again, is good enough for the price.
The range of this AC2600 WiFi router is pretty good for the price. But, the range will definitely be better on the 2.4 GHz band, as is the case with all Wi-Fi routers. Unlike the NETGEAR Nighthawk AX8 “6Gbps,” at least it won’t mislead users into believing that they will get even better internet speeds than their WAN port itself with flashy marketing terms. Do not suffer with bad range, get the Netgear Nighthawk MR1100 which works pretty well even if you lose some signal bars. Although, for a router with a 5,000 sq. ft. range, you might want to check out the Netgear Mesh.
Well, this wireless router is essentially just a rebranded D-Link DIR-882. Only the chassis and the firmware are different. So, you should pick up whatever you find for a cheaper price point. But the coverage and the build quality on both of those models are better than the Linksys WRT3200ACM MU-MIMO wireless router.
The web interface of this dual-band router is pretty simplistic. But, some advanced users might just find it way too basic. The stock firmware of the D-Link model we talked about earlier has way more customizability and features than this dual-band WiFi router. But, if you know what you’re doing, you can always flash a custom firmware on it (e.g., DD-WRT, OpenWRT, etc.).
The value aspect of this Wi-Fi router depends on what price you find it at. If you get it for cheaper than what the similar D-Link model is available for, you can go for it with your eyes closed. And don’t worry, Motorola does provide a two-year limited warranty with this dual-band router within the United States.
If you don’t have much to spend, the Motorola MR2600 wireless router would be a good upgrade from your older cable modem for cheap.