Does it matter if a wireless router has any external antennas?

[dave4shmups]

So I'm browsing wireless routers on microcenter.com and there are some that come with external antennas, and some that don't.  Does it matter either way?

[mcraftax]

1 minute ago, dave4shmups said:

So I'm browsing wireless routers on microcenter.com and there are some that come with external antennas, and some that don't.  Does it matter either way?

external antennas often give better range but that is not always the case depending on the make and model

[vanished]

A good rule of thumb is the more it looks like an alien spacecraft or a stealth bomber, the better it is.  For example:

 

 

Note: This only applies to consumer routers.  The really high end ones that would destroy any of these are actually very simple and sleek looking.

 

Of course if you really care to get the best for your money and for your needs, you'll individually research each model.

[manikyath]

the difference between a good or bad internal antenna (or a good or bad external for that matter) is much greater than an internal or external antenna, to the point some of the best access points money can pay for have internal antennas.