Are D-Link routers good?
D-Link routers have an average overall score of 7, ranking #12 among all router brands, and a user rating of 8.7, placing them at #10 based on user reviews.
D-Link routers are a solid choice for many users. They provide reliable performance for home and small office networks. Most models support standard Wi-Fi protocols like 802.11ac and 802.11ax. Users get decent speeds and coverage for typical internet tasks.
D-Link focuses on affordability, with many routers priced between £30 and £130. Setup is straightforward, often through a mobile app or web interface. Some models include features like parental controls and guest networks.
However, D-Link routers have limitations. Build quality can feel less premium compared to competitors like ASUS or Netgear. Firmware updates are inconsistent, and some users report bugs or outdated interfaces. Advanced features like robust QoS or VPN support are often limited to higher-end models.
The best D-Link routers are as follows.
- D-Link DIR 842 Overall score: 7.04 points
- D-Link DIR 867 Overall score: 6.98 points
- D-Link DIR 815 Overall score: 6.69 points
The chart below ranks router brands by average overall score.
[horizontal-chart-12358809363490758653123200512821428302133513557861]What are the main advantages of D-Link routers?
The main advantages of D-Link routers are as follows.
- Wide product range: D-Link routers cover entry-level models from £30 to advanced gaming or business devices above £260, so they fit different budgets and usage needs.
- Strong Wi-Fi speeds: Many models use Wi-Fi 6 with speeds up to 5.4 Gbps, which supports 4K streaming, VR gaming, and multiple devices without bottlenecks.
- Mesh capability: Several models integrate with D-Link’s Wi-Fi Mesh system, so users can expand coverage across large homes with seamless roaming between nodes.
- Advanced security: D-Link integrates WPA3 encryption, guest networks, and sometimes parental controls that allow precise control over connected devices and usage times.
- Multi-gig connectivity: Higher-end models include 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN ports and multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports, which support fast fiber connections and stable wired networks for gaming or NAS systems.
- Easy setup and management: D-Link routers use the D-Link Wi-Fi app for configuration, firmware updates, and traffic management, which reduces setup time compared to web-only interfaces.
What are the main disadvantages of D-Link routers?
The main disadvantages of D-Link routers are as follows.
- Mixed build quality: Budget models often use cheaper plastic housings and antennas that reduce durability compared to premium competitors.
- Firmware delays: Some models receive fewer firmware updates, so security patches and feature improvements may lag behind brands like Asus or TP-Link.
- Average software: The D-Link management app is less advanced than systems from Asus or Google, which integrate more AI-based traffic optimization.
- Limited premium features: Features like integrated VPN servers, QoS customization, or gaming acceleration are weaker or absent in many mid-range models.
- Inconsistent performance: Entry-level models may struggle with more than 15–20 connected devices, so they are less suited for smart homes with many IoT products.











