15 Best 802.11 AC Access Points in 2024

Affordable and high-quality 802.11 AC access points.

If you like to always stay connected to the network both at the office and at home, you may need to get the best 802.11 AC access point that will allow you to enjoy a stable Wi-Fi connection. While many people are already using wireless LANs, some can hugely benefit from upgrading their existing network with a new wireless access point (AP) that supports recent connectivity standards.

You might have already heard about the latest IEEE wireless network standards, such as 802.11n presented in 2009 and 802.11ac that was introduced in 2014. The 802.11n standard is pretty common since it supports an up to 540 Mbps connection. However, the 802.11ac standard can beat it in terms of speed since it allows you to enjoy an up to 1.3Gbps connection. Besides, the latter is more scalable. Access points that support it are more reliable and provide a stable connection even in the most remote areas of your home. This is why you need to pay attention to the standard supported by an AP when making your choice.

Total Speed: 5GHz-1300Mbps | IP Rating: IP65 | Connectivity: 802.11ac | Brand: Ubiquiti Networks

Ubiquiti UAP-AC-PRO-US is one of the latest generation of Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) Wi-Fi Certified Wi-Fi adapters that are capable of supporting the latest WPA standards, which are required by today's modern enterprise Wi-Fi solutions. The Ubiquiti UAP-AC-PRO-US is a combination of hardware and software that is designed to improve the security of Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) networks.

The Ubiquiti UAP-AC-PRO-US comes with two wireless adapters that can work with any of the aforementioned networks - Local Area Network (LAN), Wireless Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and wireless router. The Ubiquiti UAP-AC is equipped with Wi-Fi Direct, which is an optimized implementation of the Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) networking protocols. The wireless routers that come with the Ubiquiti UAP-AC are of the PCI/BSN type and are manufactured by Gigaman. This wireless router is what you need to get the most out of the Ubiquiti UAP-AC wireless access point.

Total Speed: 2.4GHz-300Mbps | IP Rating: IP66 | Connectivity: 802.11ac | Brand: TP-Link

Adopting IEEE 802.11ac advanced MIMO (Multi Input Multi Output) technology, this access point simultaneously works through two antennas to Tx and Rx to overcome the interference and signal degradation when traveling long distances or through physical barriers in a small office or a large apartment, resulting in an incredible improvement in the wireless performance, even in a steel-and-concrete building.

It supports multiple operation modes (Access Point, Multi-SSID, Client, Universal/ WDS Repeater, Bridge with AP) to enable various wireless applications to give users a more dynamic and comprehensive experience when using their AP. Multiple operating mode also helps you easily to build wireless network for hard-to-wire locations or eliminating wireless dead zone.

Total Speed: 2.4GHz-300Mbps; 5GHz-866Mbps | IP Rating: IP66 | Connectivity: 802.11ac | Brand: Linksys

This Linksys LAPAC 1200C wireless router is a product of Linksys and is one among the best wireless routers that can be purchased. Linksys LAPAC 1200C is a feature rich device that is not only inexpensive but comes with a lot of features that will certainly make your life simpler. This wireless router comes with two built in security features that allow you to block unwanted visitors. There is a built in WPA security feature that helps to protect your personal information from being obtained by those who do not have the correct password.

There is a minor review that can be found on the Net about Linksys LAPAC 1200C wireless routers. This review states that most customers are satisfied with Linksys wireless devices due to the fact that they come with both hardware and software that are of high quality. Some of the best features that this device features includes a high speed wireless connection.

Total Speed: 2.4GHz-300Mbps; 5GHz-867Mbps | IP Rating: IP67 | Connectivity: 802.11ac | Brand: NETGEAR

One of the best features that makes this access point so great is that it supports WAP 2.5 allowing you to use a wireless network while still keeping your hotspot network free and open. Another great feature is that it has SSID auto detection and it does not matter what network you have connected because it automatically detects the best available network. So, even if your network goes down for whatever reason, this device will automatically detect your current wireless network and connect to it.

This device also supports MSA type 2.4 coverage which is very important if you are going to connect to a lot of wireless clients. Another thing to consider is that it can support Gigabit Ethernet in order to allow you to connect to a lot of WAN clients at once without having a chance of getting a busy signal.

Total Speed: 5GHz-1750Mbps | IP Rating: IP67 | Connectivity: 802.11ac | Brand: NETGEAR

The Netgear R6700 wireless router is considered as one of the best products in its class for both home and office use. One of the main reasons for its popularity is the fact that it has a lot of features compared to other models on the market.

The first thing that you should know about the Netgear R6700 wireless access point is that it supports WEP or Wireless Equivalent Privacy. This is something that is great if you want to keep your information protected from others but don't want to give up the convenience of using a wireless router for this purpose. Keep in mind that this feature does require a modem in order to function properly and that can prove to be a disadvantage if you do not have a large-sized computer.

Total Speed: 2.4GHz-450Mbps; 5GHz-867Mbps | IP Rating: IP67 | Connectivity: 802.11ac | Brand: Ubiquiti

The new Ubiquiti UAP-AC-LR-US comes with Wi-Fi 802.11ac - 3x3 MIMO technology. The ultra-refined industrial design and powerful Wi-Fi performance make this a perfect choice for the deployment of high-performance wireless networks. Its compact size and compact profile make it easy to install and manage.

While the Ubiquiti UAP-AC-LR-US is not a NAT router, it can be used to connect your home LAN to the Internet. Because it is an access point, it cannot be added to an existing all-in-one wireless router, but it can be used as a standalone router. You can also add a standalone UniFi controller and do DHCP if you wish. The antenna gain and transmit power are high, which means that this access point performs better than its rivals in terms of range and data transfer.

Total Speed: 5GHz-1350Mbps | IP Rating: IP67 | Connectivity: 802.11ac | Brand: TP-Link

The TP-Link AC1350 EAP225 comes with a built in firewall that blocks all unauthorized network traffic before it reaches your networked computer. It has built in PTZ feature that enables you to configure its security in case you do not have an IP address or static IP. The router has built in AP locking facility that blocks unwanted broadcasted traffic from accessing your networked computer.

While reviewing this router, we did not find any significant disadvantages but we believe that the best way to resolve this issue is to test it yourself by using your personal Wi-Fi network and see if your issues can be resolved by setting up a static IP. But if you do not have any such option, this router can provide you excellent coverage area even with the maximum network speed.

Total Speed: 2.4GHz-300Mbps; 5GHz-1733Mbps | IP Rating: IP67 | Connectivity: 802.11ac | Brand: Ubiquiti Networks

The Ubiquiti UAP-NANOHD-US access point offers high performance, dual band capability, and an industrial design for indoor deployment. The AP supports two gigabits per second aggregate throughput and up to 200 concurrently connected clients. Its plug-and-play feature makes it easy to stage in a wide variety of locations. The centralized software helps you manage your enterprise networks and offers real-time status and advanced security options.

This wireless access point has a small footprint and supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. It has 28 independent channels, as compared to the three that are available on Wave 1 APs. It also offers the most flexibility, with up to 200 simultaneous connections, making it ideal for high-density environments. Its simple setup allows you to deploy it quickly, and the UniFi Network application helps you manage it seamlessly.

Total Speed: 2.4GHz-450Mbps | IP Rating: IP67 | Connectivity: 802.11ac | Brand: TP-Link

Like many other brands in the market, the main selling point of theTP-Link N 450 is that it can support various wireless networks such as Windows 2000, Windows XP and Mac OS X operating systems. But it does have a few drawbacks that can affect the usability of the wireless network it supports. For example, its built-in Wireless LAN Setup does not support automatic setup on automatic settings. It is possible for users to manually enter the required settings. Other minor issues include a lack of WEP keys for secure wireless networking and a poor security policy for shared-secretive information.

Compared to other comparable products in the market, it is very easy to install and configure. Another advantage it has is its compact design and flexibility. It can easily be connected to power and connected to a wired network without disrupting the other devices. Its range of connectivity is quite wide, making it suitable for many purposes.

Total Speed: 5GHz-2530Mbps | IP Rating: IP66 | Connectivity: 802.11ac | Brand: Linksys

Upgrade the Wi-Fi connectivity in your place of business with the Linksys Business pro series wireless AC2600 dual-band MU-MIMO access point (LAPAC2600). Well-suited for high-density wireless environments, the LAPAC2600 delivers combined speeds of up to 2.53 Gbps for high-bandwidth activities such as video conferencing and cloud storage. Easily manage multiple wireless access points with Clustering, use the intuitive web interface for ongoing administration, and control guest Wi-Fi access with the captive portal feature.

Designed for flexible and easy deployment, the LAPAC2600 can be used as a standalone access point, a component in a wireless distribution system (WDS), or a workgroup bridge to extend wireless range coverage. Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) lets you pass electrical power and data through one cable, while advanced security protocols help keep your network safe.

Total Speed: 5GHz-3000Mbps | IP Rating: IP66 | Connectivity: 802.11ac | Brand: NETGEAR

The NETGEAR WAC540PA access points are designed to work with various Wi-Fi network infrastructures. This device comes with Gigabit Ethernet ports for power and data transmission. Gigabit Ethernet is a standard that transmits data and power through a single cable. The access point supports the same technology and is a good choice for businesses with a need for high-speed data connectivity.

This Wi-Fi access point is managed by the NETGEAR Insight cloud service and delivers superior WiFi performance with ultra-high client density. It includes advanced features like 4x4 MU-MIMO (MU-MIMO) technology for up to 3Gbps aggregate speed. It is equipped with a PoE+ power adapter and an instruction manual in PDF format. NETGEAR WAC540PA access points come with a one-year Insight subscription.

Total Speed: 2.4GHz-450Mbps; 5GHz-1300Mbps | IP Rating: IP67 | Connectivity: 802.11ac | Brand: Linksys

The Linksys Business LAPAC1750C wireless access point is the perfect solution for businesses looking for draadloos internet. It supports MU-MIMO and can be managed through the cloud. It also allows you to expand the number of wireless access points you have, allowing you to increase wifi capacity. It can be managed from a single dashboard, allowing you to configure each individual AP with ease.

The Linksys Business LAPAC1750C comes with an integrated cloud license, allowing you to control your network remotely. It also includes a web-based WiFi network management tool, the Linksys Cloud Manager, which allows administrators to centrally manage multiple access points, networks, and clients. You can monitor the progress of each access point in real time and receive notifications when there are issues. It is easy to set up and use, and the device comes pre-configured for quick deployment.

Total Speed: 2.4GHz-450Mbps; 5GHz-1300Mbps | IP Rating: IP67 | Connectivity: 802.11ac | Brand: TP-Link

The TP-Link AC1750 EAP245, also known as the AC1750, is an access point that allows up to three people to share Wi-Fi. It supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi and 3x3 MIMO technology. This makes it ideal for households and small offices. If you're looking for an access point with a powerful wireless range, the AC1750 should be the right choice.

It has a plastic case that doesn't flex when pressed, and its ventilation grills prevent the device from overheating. Overall, this is a decent access point. With its features and low price, it may be a good choice for most users. It also has a centralized controller, which allows for better scalability options. However, it isn't waterproof and is not recommended for outdoor use.

Total Speed: 5GHz-1000Mbps | IP Rating: IP67 | Connectivity: 802.11ac | Brand: NETGEAR

One of the best features on the Netgear GS 116PP is the WLAN support. You can connect your PC to the Internet wirelessly using the Web browser on your laptop or desktop computer even if you are not near any access point. It also includes the ability to connect to a hotspot for free when connected to the Internet. The other advantages that this access point offers is wireless security, automatic updates and automatic restart.

Another advantage of the Netgear GS 116PP is that it does not need an active Internet connection for you to browse the Internet. It also features the support for the Secure Socket Layer (SSL), which provides a higher level of security when connecting to the Internet. The software needed to manage this aspect is easy to use and has a simple interface.

Total Speed: 2.4GHz-450Mbps; 5GHz-1300Mbps | IP Rating: IP67 | Connectivity: 802.11ac | Brand: Ubiquiti

The Ubiquiti UniFi UAP-AC-PRO features Wi-Fi 802.11ac 3x3 MIMO technology and a refined industrial design. It is ideal for the deployment of maximum-performance wireless networks. The UniFi AC Pro enables you to deploy your networks with a single device, so that they can handle high-volume traffic with ease. It is also compatible with existing Ethernet cables.

The UniFi controller is included in the package. It maps and tackles system traffic with ease. It also supports four wireless downlinks on a single operating band. The AP supports PoE+ and a ceiling mount option. It has a 9-watt operational power consumption and is ideal for indoor or outdoor installations. It is designed for commercial and residential environments.

While 802.11ac is generally considered to be a better standard than 802.11n, some people might still opt for an earlier version for several reasons. 802.11ac access points are perfect for big rooms, besides, not all devices support them. Keep in mind that if you opt for an 802.11ac AP, you will need to put your devices at a distance of 20 or 30 feet.

To choose the best 802.11 AC access point for your needs, think about whether you want to buy a single band or dual band device. Wireless devices that support the 2.4 GHz frequency are better for rooms with many obstructions since the lower frequency allows the signal to reach further. Access points that support the 5 GHz frequency have more channels but don’t provide a stable connection in some cluttered spaces. High-frequency signals can’t penetrate walls and other obstacles easily. Until recently, 802.11n access points supported only a single-band 2.4 GHz, which made them incompatible with 5GHz devices. This is why nowadays many manufacturers release dual-band access points.

The number of spatial streams directly affects the speed of a wireless connection. 802.11n devices supported 4 spatial streams, while 802.11ac access points started supporting 8 of them. When 802.11n access points were introduced, they supported MIMO, which stands for Multiple Input, Multiple Output. It allowed them to transmit and receive more radio chains, which ensured a high Wi-Fi connection speed. 802.11n wireless access points can transmit several spatial streams simultaneously, however, these streams can be directed only to one address. In simple words, only one network user can receive data at a time. This is why this type of connection was often called single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO). As opposed to that, 802.11ac allowed several users receive data at a time. This standard supports multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO), which allows it to support more spatial streams.