OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Routers Methodology v3.0
Routers Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Routers Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Routers Methodology v3.0

TRENDnet TEW-812DRU review: 77 specs compared

Avg. price:~£130Wi-Fi version:Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)Wi-Fi speed:1750 MbpsLAN port speeds:1 GbpsMesh Wi-Fi:no

TRENDnet TEW-812DRU Review: Compare 77 technical specifications and 8 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Routers category and whether it is worth buying.

TRENDnet TEW-812DRU
6.8/10

Overall score

Score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components

40%

6.5

Technical score

25%

6.5

Reviews score

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.9, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 84% of routers
7.7

Value for money

Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the router's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a router with a good balance between network performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

â–¼Worse than 88%
6.5

Technical score

Technical score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components

26%

5.7

Wireless

20%

5.8

Ports

18%

8.6

Networking

14%

8.1

Security

12%

5.3

Hardware

10%

5.3

Management

â–¼Worse than 74%
6.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.7 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models

6.5

Mark 8.1 is below the typical mark 8.1 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.0

Average grade

20%

8.4

Popularity

Grades by review (8)
8 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 85%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the TRENDnet TEW-812DRU

Based on 7

Reviewers praise fast Wi-Fi and fairly easy setup, but most are let down by the USB ports and drive support.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of router TRENDnet TEW-812DRU

Technical score
Technical score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components:

26%

5.7

Wireless

20%

5.8

Ports

18%

8.6

Networking

14%

8.1

Security

12%

5.3

Hardware

10%

5.3

Management

6.5
Reviews score
6.5
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the router's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a router with a good balance between network performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Score components:

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

7.7
Brand name
Trendnet
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
This router uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is more advanced than 35.2% of routers and equal to 23.1% of routers.
Wi-Fi bands
2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
This router supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, which are more versatile than 24.2% of routers and equal to 65.6% of routers.
Wi-Fi speed
1,750 Mbps
Market range: <0 Mbps – >6k Mbps
This router delivers 1,750 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, which is higher than 49.2% of routers and equal to 3.9% of routers.
Channel widths supported
20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz
This router supports 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz channel width options, which is more than 36.5% of routers and the same as 29.9% of routers.
Show more
What reviewers say
Wi-Fi security protocols
WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP
This router supports WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP Wi-Fi security protocols, which are less advanced than 88.9% of routers and equal to 1.8% of routers.
DoS protection
yes
This router includes DoS protection. 9.8% of routers include DoS protection.
SPI intrusion protection
yes
This router includes SPI-based intrusion protection. 4.7% of routers include SPI-based intrusion protection.
MAC address filtering
yes
This router supports MAC address filtering. 1.7% of routers include MAC address filtering.
URL filter
yes
This router supports URL filtering. 2.6% of routers include URL filtering.
Show more
IPv6 support
yes
This router supports IPv6. 8.8% of routers are IPv6-ready.
Dynamic routing
yes
This router supports dynamic routing. 54% of routers support dynamic routing.
Inter-VLAN routing
no
This router does not support inter-VLAN routing. 24.5% of routers support inter-VLAN routing.
VLAN tagging
yes
This router supports VLAN tagging. 33.6% of routers include VLAN tagging.
QoS
yes
This router includes QoS controls. 2.4% of routers include QoS controls.
Show more
N. of LAN ports
4
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 4 LAN ports, which is more than 34.2% of routers and the same as 59.3% of routers.
LAN port speeds
1 Gbps
This router offers 1 Gbps on its LAN ports, which is faster than 25.7% of routers and on par with 56.1% of routers.
N. of WAN ports
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 1 WAN ports, which is more than 0.8% of routers and the same as 89.4% of routers.
N. of USB ports
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 1 USB ports, which is more than 40.1% of routers and the same as 41.5% of routers.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
no
This router does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE). 1.7% of routers can be powered over Ethernet.
Show more
What reviewers say
Management interface
Web UI
This router uses Web UI for management, which is less advanced than 78.5% of routers and equal to 21.2% of routers.
Firmware upgrade method
Web UI
This router supports Web UI firmware update methods, which are less convenient than 75.5% of routers and equal to 23.9% of routers.
Traffic monitoring
no
This router does not include traffic monitoring. 86.3% of routers include traffic monitoring.
Guest Wi-Fi network
yes
This router offers a guest Wi‑Fi network. 7.3% of routers offer a guest Wi‑Fi network.
Captive portal
no
This router does not offer captive portal features. 22.4% of routers offer captive portal features.
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU clock speed
1x 0.6 GHz
This router runs at 1x0.6 GHz, which is slower than 70.9% of routers and on par with 1.8% of routers.
RAM capacity
128 MB
Market range: <0 MB – >1k MB
This router has 128 MB of RAM, which is less than 54% of routers and the same as 16.3% of routers.
Internal storage
0.125 GB
Market range: <0.0039 GB – >0.5 GB
This router has 0.125 GB of internal storage, which is more than 47.9% of routers and the same as 23.8% of routers.
Hardware acceleration
yes
This router offers hardware acceleration. 24.9% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
N. of external antennas
0
Market range: <0 – >10
This router has 0 external antennas, which is fewer than 62.7% of routers and the same as 37.3% of routers.
Show more

TRENDnet TEW-812DRU vs the average router

246810TotalWirelessSecurityNetworkingPortsManagementHardware
  • Supports dynamic routing
    This router supports dynamic routing, while the average router does not. 46.1% of routers support dynamic routing.
  • 3 more internal antennas
    This router has more internal antennas than the average router (3 vs 0). The average router has 0 internal antennas.
    3 vs 0
  • Supports dynamic routing
    This router supports dynamic routing, while the average router does not. 46.1% of routers support dynamic routing.
  • 3 more internal antennas
    This router has more internal antennas than the average router (3 vs 0). The average router has 0 internal antennas.
    3 vs 0
  • Limited firmware updates
    This router supports the firmware update methods Web UI, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.
    Web UI vs Web UI, App, Automatic
  • No VPN server support
    This router cannot act as a VPN server, while the average router can. 68.8% of routers can act as a VPN server.
  • Weaker management tools
    This router uses the management interface Web UI, while the average router uses Web UI, App.
    Web UI vs Web UI, App
  • No MU-MIMO
    This router does not support MU-MIMO, while the average router does. 54% of routers support MU-MIMO.
  • 9.9 W higher power consumption
    This router uses more power than the average router (18 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.
    18 W vs 8.1 W
  • No traffic monitoring
    This router does not offer traffic monitoring, while the average router does. 86.1% of routers offer traffic monitoring.
  • 15.6% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.7 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models

    6.5

    Mark 8.1 is below the typical mark 8.1 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.0

    Average grade

    20%

    8.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (8)
    8 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.5 vs 7.7
  • Lower CPU clock speed
    This router has a lower CPU clock speed than the average router (1x0.6 GHz vs 2x1 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x1 GHz.
    1x0.6 GHz vs 2x1 GHz
  • 15.6% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.7 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models

    6.5

    Mark 8.1 is below the typical mark 8.1 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.0

    Average grade

    20%

    8.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (8)
    8 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.5 vs 7.7
  • 4.8% worse value for money
    TRENDnet TEW-812DRU has worse value for money than the average router (7.71 vs 8.1).
    7.71 vs 8.08
  • 36.8% more expensive
    TRENDnet TEW-812DRU is more expensive than the average router (£130 vs £95).
    £130 vs £95
  • No MU-MIMO
    This router does not support MU-MIMO, while the average router does. 54% of routers support MU-MIMO.
  • No band steering
    This router does not support band steering, while the average router does. 57.6% of routers support band steering.
  • No VPN server support
    This router cannot act as a VPN server, while the average router can. 68.8% of routers can act as a VPN server.
  • Limited firmware updates
    This router supports the firmware update methods Web UI, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.
    Web UI vs Web UI, App, Automatic
  • Weaker management tools
    This router uses the management interface Web UI, while the average router uses Web UI, App.
    Web UI vs Web UI, App
  • No traffic monitoring
    This router does not offer traffic monitoring, while the average router does. 86.1% of routers offer traffic monitoring.
  • No DLNA support
    This router does not support DLNA, while the average router does. 50.4% of routers support DLNA.
  • 9.9 W higher power consumption
    This router uses more power than the average router (18 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.
    18 W vs 8.1 W
  • Lower CPU clock speed
    This router has a lower CPU clock speed than the average router (1x0.6 GHz vs 2x1 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x1 GHz.
    1x0.6 GHz vs 2x1 GHz
  • 2 fewer external antennas
    This router has fewer external antennas than the average router (0 vs 2). The average router has 2 external antennas.
    0 vs 2
  • 50% less RAM
    This router has less RAM than the average router (128 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.
    128 MB vs 256 MB
  • 6 years older release date
    This router is an older model than the average router (2013 vs 2019). The average router release year is 2019.
    January 2013
    2013 vs 2019
  • 128.6 mm higher height
    This router is taller than the average router (180 mm vs 51.4 mm). The average router is 51.4 mm tall.
    180 mm vs 51.4 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Shop video
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
cnet.com
✓ explicit
07/01/2013
Lab test · AC1750 dual-band router
Verdict
TRENDnet TEW-812DRU is a fast dual-band 802.11ac router with up to 16 Wi-Fi networks, but its USB storage is slow.
9.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
11/04/2013
Hands-on review · AC1750 dual-band router
Verdict
TRENDnet TEW-812DRU delivers very fast 5GHz 802.11ac speed and good range, but it wobbles when upright and its web interface is sluggish.
4.0
smallnetbuilder.com
≈ estimated
17/06/2013
Lab test · Early 802.11ac router
Verdict
TRENDnet TEW-812DRU is an early 802.11ac router with weak range, slow USB sharing and WPS problems, and it trails its rivals.
9.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
20/11/2013
Lab test · Speed at range
Verdict
TRENDnet TEW-812DRU is a fast, compact 802.11ac router for buyers who don't need the newest features, though it loses speed at long range and setup is dated.
10
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
08/02/2014
Hands-on test · Web interface
Verdict
TRENDnet TEW-812DRU suits anyone moving to 802.11ac Wi-Fi with a clear web interface, though its QoS settings are confusing.
7.0
tomsguide.com
✓ explicit
30/10/2014
Lab test · Compact dual-band router
Verdict
TRENDnet TEW-812DRU is a small router with no external antennas that fits easily on a shelf and has strong security, but its range falls short.
9.0
redeszone.net
≈ estimated
17/02/2014
Lab test · AC1750 router
Verdict
TRENDnet TEW-812DRU v2 gives good 802.11ac and 2.4GHz speed, but it has no media server and its USB transfers are modest.
6.0
redeszone.net
≈ estimated
01/07/2013
Hands-on review · Teardown
Verdict
The TRENDnet TEW-812DRU is a sturdy AC1750 dual-band router that adds printer sharing and a separate guest network, but needs 802.11ac devices for its top speeds.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about TRENDnet TEW-812DRU

  • High wireless performance and speeds, particularly on the 5GHz band
  • Affordable price point compared to high-end AC1750 peers
  • Straightforward initial setup and user-friendly web interface
  • Feature-rich, including guest network isolation and IPv6 support
  • Supports open-source firmware like DD-WRT for advanced users
  • Compact design that is easy to hide in a home environment

What customers don't like about TRENDnet TEW-812DRU

  • Slow data transfer speeds via the USB 2.0 storage port
  • Wireless range drop-off, especially through thick walls or long distances
  • Unstable 5GHz connection occasionally reported at further ranges
  • Lacks a wall-mounting option; design is intended only for upright use
  • Build quality feels somewhat cheap and lightweight (395g plastic housing)
  • Vertical orientation can be wobbly when multiple heavy cables are attached

Verdict

The TRENDnet TEW-812DRU is an AC1750 dual-band wireless router designed to deliver concurrent speeds of up to 1,300 Mbps on the 5GHz AC band and 450 Mbps on the 2.4GHz N band. It features a vertical, compact design equipped with four Gigabit LAN ports, one Gigabit WAN port, and a USB 3.0 share port for network-attached storage or printers. Key advantages include its high wireless throughput, easy setup process, and competitive pricing for an 802.11ac device. However, it lacks a wall-mounting option and has been noted for having slow USB storage performance and occasional interface sluggishness.

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