Best Dual-WAN Routers For Small Business in 2024

Cisco Dual Wan Router

Whether you are working from home, watching TV shows on Netflix, gaming with your friends, or merely streaming YouTube videos, there is no denying that the internet has become an integral part of our lives.

In this day and age, the internet is not a luxury but a need. With the emergence of social media, online banking, online studying, and work from home opportunities, a speedy internet connection is more important than ever.

This is where a router comes in. No matter how much you pay your ISP or your supposed internet speed, none of this matters when you have a subpar router. If your connection is lagging and you find yourself frustrated when you miss a deadline, or your favorite TV show just won’t stream, you may need a new router.

The right dual-WAN router will make sure that your internet speed is not a problem anymore. Read on to check out our top 8 picks for dual-WAN routers and find your perfect router!

Dual-WAN Routers List

Because of the number of products on the market, it can be challenging to narrow the selection down to a single router. Here, we have made this easy by narrowing the selection down to 8 highly-rated options.

Best 3 Port Router
Small Business Router

1. Ubiquiti Networks Router

  • 1 million packets per second for 64-byte packets.
  • (3) Gigabit routing ports
  • Silent, fanless operation
  • Compact, durable metal casing

This router is affordable as well as compact and comes in a metal casing for increased durability. It has 3 Gigabit ports and boasts powerful routing with 1 million 64-byte packets per second. It has an ethernet connection and offers 802.11n wireless LAN.  

The processor is dual-core 500 MHz, and the router provides 512 MB system memory and an additional 2 GB onboard storage. It also includes load balancing, and the router can divide the traffic between networks and increase bandwidth. It also ensures a stable connection with no internet outage since the router automatically switches to the secondary connection if there is internet failure.

However, it should be noted that this router does not have a wireless adapter and cannot be used to set up a WiFi network. The router also uses EdgeOS version 1.4.0 and supports WAN + 2LAN as well as WAN + 2LAN2.

The router also has safety and management features, and its advanced features can be customized to fit the user’s preferences.

The product can be mounted to the wall and weighs only 345 g. The router is silent and does not produce noise with its fan-less design. Its intelligent design also features a reset button that is sunken to prevent accidental resets.

Best Dual Wan Router
Dual-WAN Router Review

  • 2x GE WAN ports plus 1x USB WAN port for use with 4G LTE / 3G modem
  • 3rd GE WAN port can be activated as an optional upgrade with a license key available from Peplink
  • 4-port GE LAN switch
  • 150Mbps router throughput

The Peplink Balance 20 boasts 7 load balancing algorithms and can manage up to 13 internet connections. Since it can manage so many internet connections, users can use multiple ISPs to ensure that there is no internet outage. It uses SpeedFusion bandwidth bonding technology and can combine DSL, 3G, cable, and 4G LTE links into one high-speed SD-WAN connection. It provides 150 Mbps router throughput, and the 4 ports can be divided into

  • 2 GE WAN ports
  • 1 USB WAN port
  • 3rd GE WAN port optional upgrade

The router ensures security, and users can send and receive personal information without fear of data breaches. This is because the router has an in-built VPN that encrypts data using L2TP and IPsec. It also has a cloud remote management system that allows users to access and change network settings and perform other tasks remotely.  The user can control features such as WAN connections, PoE, and the firewall.

Customization is another feature that this router excels at. Users have complete control over traffic routing and can prioritize bandwidth usage. They can block and trace all URLs if needed. They can also block subnets from accessing the network.

Dual WAN Gigabit VPN Router
Dual WAN Gigabit VPN Router

3. Linksys LRT224

  • Up to 50 IPsec tunnels and 5 OpenVPN tunnels for iOS and Android users
  • 900 Mbps firewall and 110 Mbps IPsec throughputs
  • Feature-rich to meet a wide range of business network requirements
  • Supports load balancing
  • VLAN tagging and inter-VLAN routing

This router has 4 Gigabit LAN ethernet ports and 1 dedicated WAN port and one port that can be used as a WAN port or a DMZ port.

It features its own VPN and boasts security features such as SPI Firewall, DoS protection, website filtering, and custom access regulation support. It also uses two-factor authentication for maximum security and has 5 specific Open VPN tunnels available for iOS and Android users. The firewall brags 900 Mbps with additional 110 Mbps IPsec throughputs.

The router supports DHCP, L2TP, PPTP, Static IP, PPPoE, and Transparent Bridge mode for WAN connections. The firewall supports IKE, PPTP, and OpenVPN.

You can use the configuration and maintenance tabs for troubleshooting, which makes setup simple and easy. The Quick Start Guide makes setup incredibly easy, and laypeople easily decipher the screens. It also prevents accidental resets by ensuring that the reset button is recessed and requires 5 minutes of pressure. The router supports load balancing, but the user has to sacrifice the DMZ in order to use this feature.

The LRT224 features a powerful CPU at 300 MHz and has 128 MB RAM and 32 MB flash memory. It has ethernet switches, but the router does not offer a wireless connection.

The user has many customization options and can manage bandwidth, and use QoS for prioritizing tasks or devices. The router is also compact and can be mounted on the wall since it weighs only 25 oz.

Dual WAN Router For Small Offices
ZyXEL Wan Router For Business

4. Zyxel USG40 UTM Firewall

  • 3 x LAN/DMZ, 1 x WAN, 1 x OPT
  • SPI Firewall Throughput (400 Mbps)
  • Max. TCP Concurrent Sessions: 20,000
  • VPN Throughput (100 Mbps)
  • Concurrent Devices: 64

Zyxel takes security seriously and ensures protection from data breaches with VPNs and features such as antivirus, application patrol, and TrendMicro ransomware. The Next Generation Firewall makes sure to protect against ransomware, malware, spam, and viruses. Additional security features include content filtering, P2P blocking, intrusion detection, and application intelligence.

The USG40 also features an in-built WLAN controller and allows users to control 2 access points. This can be upgraded to 18 access points if needed. It provides excellent speed at 400 Mbps for the firewall, 100 Mbps for the VPN, and 50 Mbps unified threat management for 50,000 sessions. VPN options include SSL, IPSec, and L2TP. It also boasts one console port, one USB port, one WAN port, 4 ethernet ports, and 1 port for either WAN or LAN, support up to 10 users.

Zyxel also provides full network security with 1 year and a 30-day trial of Unified Threat Management coverage. The router is also fanless and silent, and results in a quiet atmosphere conducive to work. Additionally, the product comes with a lifetime warranty, free tech support, and upgrades, making this an excellent investment.

Dual-band Gigabit Wi-Fi router
dual-band Gigabit Wi-Fi router

5. Synology Router RT2600ac

  • 1.7GHz Dual-core processor
  • Powerful 4×4 802.11ac wave 2 radios with MU-MIMO
  • Hardware accelerated Layer 7 traffic control
  • Dual WAN capable of load balancing & failover support
  • System ram type: ddr3_sdram

This powerful router boasts a 1.7 GHz processor and covers 3000 square feet. It also has 512 MB of RAM, 8 MB (Macronix), 4 GB (Toshiba). In addition to the 2.53 Gbps speed, the router includes MU-MIMO and beamforming features. Traffic control, parental control, bandwidth prioritization, content filtering, and other additional features are also available.

RT2600ac has four ethernets Gigabit LAN ports, one WAN port, and two USB ports.  It also provides a microSD card slot for transferring files.

The product’s design ensures that overheating does not take place since it has two legs for the router to stand on to dissipate heat. It can also be mounted on the wall and has two mounting holes for this purpose.

The device is also very user-friendly and easy to set up. Smart WAN makes load balancing and failover support possible. The router also ensures that the user’s data is secure by providing VPN Plus with features like intrusion prevention, firewall management, and denial-of-service protection. It also provides users with a private cloud server to back up their files, share files with others, and sync files across different devices.

Best VPN Router For Small Business
Cisco Dual Wan Router

6. Cisco Systems RV320K9NA

  • Dual Gigabit Ethernet WAN ports
  • Dual USB ports support a 3G/4G modem
  • SPI firewall and hardware encryption
  • Operating System: Cisco IOS
  • 4 ports

This router includes 4 LAN ports, 1 WAN port, and 1 port for either WAN or DMZ connection. This wan router includes 2 USB ports that support 3G and 4G modems as well as a flash drive. Operates at 300 MHz and has a throughput of 900 Mbps. It consists of 256 MB RAM and 64 MB flash storage. However, it is important to note that WiFi is not an option with this router.

The RV320K9NA provides both load balancing and failover support. Additionally, since it is a VPN router, it supports site-to-site VPN, SSL (20 Mbps throughput), PPTP, and IPsec (100 Mbps throughput). The router also includes an SPI (stateful packet inspection) firewall and hardware encryption for additional security and features such as content filtering, URL and keyword blocking, etc. In addition to this, the VPN has a backup, DPD (dead peer detection), split DNS, and IKE (internet key exchange) with a certificate.

It also includes advanced features such as QoS (quality of service), enabling users to control bandwidth and prioritize specific applications or devices. Additionally, it includes a limited lifetime hardware warranty. Users can also subscribe to a support service.

Best Dual WAN Router
Dual WAN VPN Router

7. Draytek Vigor2926 VPN Router

  • 4 Ethernet Gigabit LAN ports
  • 720 MHz CPU
  • Support 3G and 4G modem
  • Smart Monitor Traffic Analyzer
  • 1 WAN2/LAN port

This router has 4 Ethernet Gigabit LAN ports, one WAN1 port, one WAN2/LAN port, and 2 USB ports. The CPU is powerful at 720 MHz, and the router consists of 128 MB RAM and 128 MB Toshiba flash memory.

The dual-WAN ports ensure the provision of load balancing and failover support, while USB ports support 3G and 4G modems. They also support printing, storage, thermometer, etc. Load balancing also ensures that multiple internet connections are active simultaneously, with sessions connected to either connection. The router supports IPsec, PPTP, SSL, L2TP, and Open VPN. It also includes features like VLAN tagging, bandwidth management, QoS (quality of service), content filtering, and Smart Monitor Traffic Analyzer.

The router also provides port mirroring, DNS forwarding, a hotspot web portal, and hotspot authentication. The provision of an SPI firewall, DoS defense, and spoofing defenses ensure security. These include IP spoofing, blocking IP options, tracing routes, ARP spoofing, ping of death, and more. A central management system also makes it easy for users to control multiple devices.

In addition to all of this, advanced features such as band steering, MU-MIMO, band steering, and WMM are all available.

Cloud Router Switch
Cloud Core Router

8. MikroTik CCR1009-7G-1C-1S+PC

  • Supports 100BASE-LX/100BASE-SX/100BASE-BX fiber modules
  • Powered by an external 24V 2.5A AC/DC adapter
  • 100 Megabits Per Second
  • SFP+ port for 10G connections
  • 1Gbit software interface

This advanced router offers 7 ethernet Gigabit ports, one combo port, as well as a MicroSD card slot. Its CPU comes in at 1 GHz, and it consists of 2 GB RAM and 128 MB storage memory.

A notable feature of this router is that it has a no-switch chip. Because of this, the ethernet ports are independent and can connect to the CPU directly. This also nullifies the 1 Gbit limitation and ensures that the ports have full processing power from the CPU. The ports also have the advantage of higher throughput because of the direct connection to the CPU,

The MikroTik router provides users with a combo-port, i.e., a 1Gbit software interface with two separate hardware interfaces, an Ethernet Gigabit port, and an SFP cage. The combo-port is useful since it comes to failover support in case of an outage/disconnect.

The system also provides a cooling enclosure to make sure that the router does not overheat. This utilizes a heat-sink and two heat-pipes and functions without making any noise. An AC/DC adapter is used to power this cooling system.

Other advanced features include PCB and CPU temperature monitor, an LCD screen, a smart card slot, and an SFP+ port (100 Mbps) for 10G connections.


Buying Guide For Dual-WAN Routers

Buying a Dual-WAN router can be difficult because of the technical jargon used and can leave users confused. This buying guide aims to eliminate that by explaining what features to look for when shopping for a router.

Setup

A simple setup results in a speedy setup and configuration and enables users to set up their own routers without the need for outside help.

Speed

Speed is one of the most important factors considered when buying a router. Lagging and slow connections can prove bothersome and may even be detrimental if resulting in a loss. Those working from home, students who need to submit their assignments on time, and gamers need constant access to fast internet. Buyers should look out for a minimum of 100 MB/second speed.

Processor/ RAM

Faster processing and more RAM result in higher speed and more available memory. This makes sure that streaming is efficient and prevents slow buffering. Users should make sure that at least 256 MB of RAM is provided.

Throughput

Keeping traffic in mind is especially important when choosing a router. Users should consider both current traffic and future traffic to ensure that the router can last for a long time. Some routers come with upgrading options for future throughput. If the user expects a significant increase in traffic in the future, they should consider this option.

Ports

It is essential to look at the number of ports provided to ensure that your devices can connect to the router to access a stable connection. Most routers come with 4 ports, but high-end routers can come with 8 ports. Users should consider the number and types of ports available on the router.

You should keep in mind the devices that are to be connected to the router to make this decision. USB ports are especially useful if the user faces disconnection issues. Ethernet ports are also useful if the user intends to set up their router to a desktop PC.

Antennas

Routers can have 1 to 4 antennas that act like streams of data. Multiple antennas result in more reliability since streams can make up for each other. This also results in a faster speed. Antenna position is also essential. Users can manipulate this for better signals in specific directions or areas of the house.

For example, those living in apartments may prefer to keep antennas upright. In contrast, those living in a duplex may choose to keep different antennas upright and parallel to the floor. This ensures that there is coverage on both floors.

Bandwidth

Routers can come with 2 or 3 bands labeled as dual-band and tri-band on the packaging. Dual-band routers operate at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Dual-band routers are much more affordable than their tri-band counterparts.

Remote Management and Apps

Remote management is useful since it can help the user control their network away from home. Remote access can be especially important when users are physically away for long periods of time (such as on holiday). If users want to see the devices connected to their network, or block devices, they can use remote access to do so.

Apps can be used to set up and manage networks. These can notify the user if new devices connect to their network. They can also be used to see bandwidth consumption on devices.

Security and VPN

Security is an important concern, and users are understandably cautious about others gaining access to their internet connection. Users usually use passwords to prevent this. When shopping for a router, users should look out for features like encryption.  These include WPA and WPA2 support.

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) results in a secure connection and uses encryption to ensure security. This is especially important for businesses since they need to ensure that clients’ data is protected and that outsiders cannot access it. Built-in VPNs are useful because users do not have to go through the trouble of installing VPNs on their device. Instead, they can use and rely on the router’s VPN.

Firewall

A router with a firewall ensures protection against malicious hackers and protects the user’s personal information.

Quality of Service (QoS)/ Network Prioritization

This gives the user control over the traffic on their network. Users can customize settings to allow more bandwidth to certain activities, such as prioritizing downloading files over streaming movies, or specific devices, such as a PC over mobiles. Gaming routers usually have more customization options when it comes to this. This is also known as WiFi Multimedia and WMM.

Price

The choice ultimately comes down to price, i.e., what the buyer is willing to pay for certain features. While a higher price can sometimes mean more advanced features, it is essential to note that there are many affordable routers with excellent features. Buyers should focus on their unique needs and requirements instead of the most expensive router.

Customer Support

Excellent customer support is vital for long-term ease in using a router. Users can quickly and easily solve problems without the need for outside help.

Benefits and Uses of Multi-WAN Routers

Failover is a significant advantage of multi-WAN routers. Even if one connection fails, this does not result in loss of connection. The router switches over to the other connection and ensures continuous access.

Additionally, multi-WAN routers result in higher speed and enable load balancing. They also increase speed, provide security, and are more reliable than other routers.

FAQs

How do Dual-WAN routers work?

A dual-WAN router uses two different internet connections to provide a stable connection. This is especially useful if one connection faces a problem.  In this case, the router automatically switches to the other connection to prevent disruption of services.

What is a Dual-WAN Router?

A dual-WAN router is a router that has two WAN ports that connect to two different internet connections. These routers are very useful when one does not want to rely on a single ISP. This ensures that internet is constantly available.

How do I connect two WAN routers?

Connecting two WAN routers is done using an ethernet cable. You should plug one end of the cable into a LAN port in the primary router and the other end into the second router’s LAN port. If creating a LAN-to-WAN connection, one should plug in the other end into the second router’s WAN port.

Is WAN faster than LAN?

Network speed for a LAN is faster than that for a WAN. LANs are faster than WANs and tend to be more secure, but WANs are better for widespread connectivity. Therefore, while LAN has a higher data transfer rate, WAN covers a larger geographical area.

What is Dual-WAN load balancing?

Dual-WAN load balancing refers to dividing traffic over two WAN connections. A load-balancing router balances the load. It then shares it between different connections resulting in efficiency, reduced downtime, and improved bandwidth.

Meta description: Tired of slow internet? Check out this article on the top 8 dual-WAN routers on the market to ensure that your internet is always speedy.


Conclusion

Although all of these picks are excellent investments, the one that we highly recommend is the MikroTik CCR1009-7G-1C-1S+PC Ethernet Router. This state-of-the-art router has 7+ ports and excellent CPU and memory. Additionally, it has advanced features like a combo-port, a smart card slot, and an SFP connection.

However, since this is an expensive router, we have a second recommendation for those on a budget. That is the Linksys LRT224 Dual-WAN VPN Router. This router is affordable and has many ports, an in-built VPN, advanced security features, and a simple setup. With QoS, it also allows for plenty of customization to suit every user’s particular needs.

These finalists, along with the rest of our picks for the top dual-WAN routers on the market, have been carefully selected, keeping strict criteria and features in mind, and are sure to be excellent investments for your online presence!

By James Klett

James Klett a senior editor at GeekyMag focused on computer hardware and gadgets, offers a wide range of information in this field. Have a question, need some help, or want to give your opinion? Drop us a comment below!

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