The goals of test bench 0.10 are twofold. The first goal is to make it easier to evaluate a router's performance and suitability for travel. The other goal is to list and evaluate common configuration options and features of routers to make it easier to decide whether a router's software suite is suitable for your needs.

Test Group	Description
Travel (new usage)	A new usage evaluating suitability as a travel router.
Configuration (new performance usage)	A new performance usage that evaluates how configurable and flexible a router's software is.
Design	Added a Portability test box.
Configurability (new)	A new test group that evaluates basic configurations, advanced configurations, and parental controls.

New Usages

Travel

This usage comprises the portability, VPN server, LTE support, WISP/Repeater mode, Wi-Fi specifications, and network ports tests. We determined that portability is the most important metric for a travel router, since it becomes very impractical to pack a large or heavy router in a suitcase or backpack. The rest of the tests are common settings and specifications that are useful while traveling.

Configurability

This performance usage comprises the basic configurations, advanced configurations, and parental controls.

New Tests

Portability

This test comprises the router's volume, its weight, whether it has travel-ready antennas (either folding or internal), and whether you can power it with a USB-C cable so you don't have to bring a separate AC adapter to further save space.

Basic Configurations

This test comprises a list of basic network settings and management options that are available on the router, including Wi-Fi setup, device management, traffic controls, remote access, and app support. These configurations matter when you want to make common adjustments to your Wi-Fi network without needing advanced networking knowledge.

Advanced Configurations

This test comprises a list of the router's advanced networking and security options, which let you customize and secure your network with a much higher level of specificity.

Parental Controls

This test assesses the router's ability to restrict internet access to specific devices or websites using filters, schedules, or time limits.

Let Us Know What You Think!

Your feedback is instrumental in improving our testing. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions about this or future updates, let us know in the comments or email us at feedback@rtings.com!

23 Routers Updated So Far

We are retesting popular models first. So far, the test results for the following models have been converted to the new testing methodology. However, the text might be inconsistent with the new results.

56 Routers Planned To Be Updated

We are also planning to retest the following products over the course of the next few weeks:

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Test Bench 0.10 Changelog

What's Changed?