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The Best Wireless Router Deals This Week*
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
In the remote-work and hybrid-work era of the 2020s, your Wi-Fi router is piling up some serious overtime, doing a lot more than just helping you stream movies and play games. Home Wi-Fi routers have become career lifelines, keeping millions of people working, and they’re also connecting an ever-growing range of smart home devices. That means picking one that does the best job for both you and your wallet is trickier than ever. We’ve outlined below our top picks among home and office Wi-Fi routers we’ve tested. Read on for our labs-tested favorites, followed by the buying basics you should know when buying a router. Also note: At the very end of this article is a detailed spec breakout of our top router choices.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
TP-Link Archer AXE75
Best Wi-Fi Router for Most People
Why We Picked ItWi-Fi 6E is the leading edge of consumer home wireless tech, so it’s not a must-have for homes with many devices that might not yet support the standard. But being able to future-proof your network for under $200 is a winner in our book, and that makes the Archer AXE75 the best choice for people who want a full-featured router that they won’t have to replace for a long time. The AXE75 is a pioneer in bringing 6E down as low as we’ve seen it in price. The perk: Enjoy the lack of in-air competition while you can, as the 6GHz radio band should remain uncrowded for a bit, until wider Wi-Fi 6E adoption takes hold. Beyond the groundbreaking price, the AXE75 a solid performer. All you need is to start collecting 6E-compliant client devices to leverage this bargain router to the max.Who It’s ForAnyone thinking about hopping aboard the 6GHz Wi-Fi train but unwilling to spend a bundle, your engine has arrived. Parents will also be pleased to learn that the AXE75 includes access to HomeShield Basic, TP-Link’s strong parental controls and basic network security tools. You can block internet access for individual users, apply age-based filtering, and see how long a user has been online. (Opting for a monthly or annual paid plan can give you even more control.)
PROS
Easy to install
Reasonably priced
6GHz transmissions
Solid throughput performance
Includes HomeShield software
Mesh ready
CONS
Middling file transfer performance
No multi-gig ports
Some features require a subscription
SPECS
Name
Value
Wireless Specification
802.11ax with 6E
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput)
AXE5400
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
4
Number of USB ports
1
Number of Antennas
6
Number of Bands
3
Wireless Networking Security
WPA2, WPA3
MU-MIMO
IPv6 Compatible
Quality of Service
VPN Client Pre-Installed
Supports DD-WRT
Anti-Malware Tools
Wireless Parental Controls
Link Aggregation
Beamforming
Guest Networking
Learn More
TP-Link Archer AXE75 Review
Synology WRX560
A Solid Alternative to the TP-Link Archer AXE75
Why We Picked ItThe Synology WRX560 provided very good scores on our throughput tests, offering superior throughput in both bands. It also performed well on our Wi-Fi signal strength tests, delivering strong 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi to all corners of our test home except for the garage. Plus, the router could even pass for home decor, thanks to a unique black enclosure that stands vertically, with beveled edges and grillwork that give it a futuristic, minimalist look. The WRX560 is an excellent, feature-rich mainstream router.Who It’s ForFor around $200 you get the latest Wi-Fi 6 technologies, solid throughput performance, and wide Wi-Fi signal coverage. The Synology WRX560 is easy to install and manage and gets you into a Wi-Fi 6 network without spending a bundle. If you require multi-gig ports and parental control software, be prepared to spend significantly more money for a router like the TP-Link Archer AX11000.
PROS
Easy installation
Excellent throughput and signal performance
Built-in parental-control and network-security software
Mesh-ready
Multi-gig WAN/LAN
CONS
Middling file transfer performance
Top heavy design
SPECS
Name
Value
Wireless Specification
802.11ax
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput)
AX3000
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
4
Number of USB ports
1
Number of Antennas
6
Number of Bands
2
Wireless Networking Security
WPA2, WPA3
MU-MIMO
IPv6 Compatible
Quality of Service
VPN Client Pre-Installed
Supports DD-WRT
Anti-Malware Tools
Wireless Parental Controls
Link Aggregation
Beamforming
Guest Networking
Learn More
Synology WRX560 Review
Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro
Best Wi-Fi Router for Gaming
Why We Picked ItThe Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro not only boasts the fastest 6GHz performance we’ve tested, but it is incredibly well appointed. This router is physically huge, but for good reason: It’s equipped with a boatload of connectivity options, including a 10GbE port, plus several more multi-gig ports. The router also supports link aggregation, offering the potential for truly massive bandwidth and future-proofing. It also offers a gamer-friendly user interface and lots of settings designed to optimize your gaming experience.Who It’s ForWhether you’re a gaming enthusiast or simply demand a top-of-the line router to power your home network, the GT-BE98 Pro has you covered. Perhaps the only reason you wouldn’t want it is if you’re not interested in spending extra for Wi-Fi 7 tech, which is still in its infancy. In that case, you should a consider a Wi-Fi 6E router instead; they also offer 6GHz transmissions (albeit slower ones) for much less cash.
PROS
Wi-Fi 7 with 320MHz channel bandwidth
10GbE port, plus several more multi-gig ports
Blazing throughput performance
Gamer-friendly network customization
Network security and parental controls
SPECS
Name
Value
Wireless Specification
802.11be
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput)
BE30000
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
6
Number of USB ports
2
Number of Antennas
8
Number of Bands
4
Wireless Networking Security
WPA2, WPA3
MU-MIMO
IPv6 Compatible
Quality of Service
VPN Client Pre-Installed
Supports DD-WRT
Anti-Malware Tools
Wireless Parental Controls
Link Aggregation
Beamforming
Guest Networking
Learn More
Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro Review
TP-Link Archer AX10 (AX1500) Wi-Fi 6 Router
Best Budget Wi-Fi 6 Router
Why We Picked ItThe TP-Link Archer AX10 is proof that you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to upgrade your network with Wi-Fi 6 technology. This reasonably priced dual-band router delivered solid throughput on the 5GHz band and good signal range in our performance tests. Though it lacks features that are typically found on more expensive models, including link aggregation and USB connectivity, you’d be hard pressed to find these features on any sub-$100 router.Who It’s ForIf you want to take advantage of the faster connection speeds, decreased latency, and more efficient client battery life that you get with Wi-Fi 6, but you need to keep costs down, then the TP-Link Archer AX10 is an excellent choice.
PROS
Affordable
Good 5GHz throughput and signal range in testing
CONS
Doesn’t support 160MHz channel width
No anti-malware tools
Lacks USB and multi-gig LAN ports
So-so 2.4GHz performance in testing
SPECS
Name
Value
Wireless Specification
802.11ax
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput)
AX1500
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
4
Number of USB ports
0
Number of Antennas
4
Number of Bands
2
Wireless Networking Security
WPS, WPA, WPA2
MU-MIMO
IPv6 Compatible
Quality of Service
VPN Client Pre-Installed
Supports DD-WRT
Anti-Malware Tools
Wireless Parental Controls
Link Aggregation
Beamforming
Guest Networking
Learn More
TP-Link Archer AX10 (AX1500) Wi-Fi 6 Router Review
TP-Link Archer AXE95 AXE7800 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router
Best Wi-Fi 6E Wireless Router
Why We Picked ItThe TP-Link Archer AXE95 uses advanced 6GHz wireless technology and multi-gig wired connectivity to deliver speedy throughput, making it the new king of Wi-Fi 6E routers. Using the latest wireless technologies, it offers access to three radio bands—including the 6GHz band—and is equipped with numerous high-speed networking ports, including three 1GbE LAN jacks, a 1GbE WAN/LAN jack, and a 2.5GbE WAN/LAN jack. It delivered mostly excellent results in our performance tests.Who It’s ForIf you want the latest and greatest in home Wi-Fi, this is the router to get. It not only harnesses the power of the relatively new and uncrowded 6GHz radio band and comes with network security and parental control software, but it is also mesh-ready for use with other TP-Link routers if you need more coverage later on.
PROS
Fast throughput performance
Multi-gig WAN/LAN
6GHz transmissions
Includes parental control and network security tools
Mesh ready
CONS
Pricey
Middling file-transfer performance
SPECS
Name
Value
Wireless Specification
802.11ax with 6E
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput)
AXE7800
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
4
Number of USB ports
2
Number of Antennas
8
Number of Bands
3
Wireless Networking Security
WPA2, WPA3
MU-MIMO
IPv6 Compatible
Quality of Service
VPN Client Pre-Installed
Supports DD-WRT
Anti-Malware Tools
Wireless Parental Controls
Link Aggregation
Beamforming
Guest Networking
Learn More
TP-Link Archer AXE95 AXE7800 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router Review
Eero 6+
Best Wi-Fi Mesh System
Why We Picked ItThe three-piece Eero 6 Plus Wi-Fi 6 mesh system delivered blazing throughput speeds and excellent signal range in our performance tests. As with most mesh systems, it is a snap to install and manage using a phone and a user-friendly mobile app, and it has the distinction of being the first Eero system to support 160MHz channels.Who It’s ForThe three-piece Eero 6 Plus is ideal for use in larger homes of up to 4,500 square feet. It uses low-profile nodes that are designed to blend in with any home décor while providing a strong Wi-Fi 6 signal to every corner of your house. In addition to eliminating dead zones, the Eero 6 Plus doubles as a home-automation hub that uses a Zigbee radio to control smart devices such as cameras, locks, lighting, and thermostats.
PROS
Excellent performance
Easy to install and manage
Controls home automation devices
Supports 160MHz channels
CONS
Pricey
Lacks USB connectivity
Some features require a subscription
SPECS
Name
Value
Wireless Specification
802.11ax
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput)
AX3000
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
1 on router, 2 on satellites
Number of USB ports
0
Number of Antennas
0
Number of Bands
2
Wireless Networking Security
WPA2, WPA3
MU-MIMO
IPv6 Compatible
Quality of Service
VPN Client Pre-Installed
Supports DD-WRT
Anti-Malware Tools
Wireless Parental Controls
Link Aggregation
Beamforming
Guest Networking
Learn More
Eero 6+ Review
Asus ROG Rapture GT6 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Mesh System
Best Wi-Fi Mesh System for Gaming
Why We Picked ItPlenty of wireless routers have gaming-friendly features, but few of these are mesh systems designed to provide whole-home coverage so you can game from the den, the backyard, and everywhere in between. The Asus ROG Rapture GT6 is an exception, one of a rare breed of mesh systems designed for gamers, and it excels in its niche. An exceptionally robust wireless backhaul system joins an unapologetically “gamer” aesthetic and specialized features like the Game Radar diagnostic utility, which helps you identify the connection quality of servers for specific games.Who It’s ForAny gamer who needs a robust internet connection to feed their hobby in every room of a large house should consider the GT6. The aesthetic might not be to every gamer’s liking, but the performance certainly is.
PROS
Multi-gig WAN with strong broadcast signal
Sleek design
Speedy throughput performance
Lots of game-friendly features
Included anti-malware and parental control software
SPECS
Name
Value
Wireless Specification
802.11ax
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput)
AX10000
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
3
Number of USB ports
1
Number of Antennas
9
Number of Bands
3
Wireless Networking Security
WPA2, WPA3
MU-MIMO
IPv6 Compatible
Quality of Service
VPN Client Pre-Installed
Supports DD-WRT
Anti-Malware Tools
Wireless Parental Controls
Link Aggregation
Beamforming
Guest Networking
Learn More
Asus ROG Rapture GT6 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Mesh System Review
Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro
Best Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System
Why We Picked ItReasonably priced as far as mesh systems go, the Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro two-pack is the clear choice for medium or large homes over the company’s other Mesh Router, since the Pro adds 6GHz support for future-proofing your network. It also delivered speedy 5GHz throughput in testing, is easy to manage, and offers multi-gig and USB connectivity. The built-in network security software is integrated into the easy-to-use mobile app, which you probably already have if you own other Wyze smart home devices. If your home is smaller, you can order a single router for $179.98, which covers 2,000 square feet. If you need to go bigger, you can opt for a three-pack for $393.99 that covers 6,000 square feet.Who It’s ForIf you need to spread reliable Wi-Fi throughout a home up to 4,000 square feet—especially if that home already has other Wyze devices—the Mesh Router Pro two-pack is an excellent choice that won’t break the bank.
PROS
Reasonably priced
Wi-Fi 6E support
Strong 5GHz throughput performance
Multi-gig Ethernet and USB connectivity
Built-in network security software
Low-profile nodes
CONS
Lacks strong parental controls
Limited settings
SPECS
Name
Value
Wireless Specification
802.11ax with 6E
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput)
AX5400
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
1 on main router, 2 on node
Number of USB ports
1
Number of Antennas
6
Number of Bands
3
Wireless Networking Security
WPA2, WPA3
MU-MIMO
IPv6 Compatible
Quality of Service
VPN Client Pre-Installed
Supports DD-WRT
Anti-Malware Tools
Wireless Parental Controls
Link Aggregation
Beamforming
Guest Networking
Learn More
Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro Review
Eero Max 7
Best Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System
Why We Picked ItLots of Wi-Fi routers and mesh systems are fast, but Wi-Fi 7 models like the Eero Max 7 are on a whole other level. With throughput speeds greater than 2Gbps in testing, the Max 7 is among the speediest mesh systems we’ve ever tested. Plus, it has extensive home automation skills, thanks to support for Zigbee, Matter, and Thread. While the Wi-Fi 7 protocol itself isn’t yet finalized, the Max 7 stands ready to power a lightning-fast wireless network today and well into the future. Who It’s ForWi-Fi 7 mesh systems are really only for super-early adopters at this point. Among them, the Max 7 earns our nod because many early adopters are also seeking home automation support. Most other people will be able to avoid spending the boatload of cash that the Max 7 demands by opting for a much-cheaper but still-fast Wi-Fi 6 mesh system.
PROS
Fast performance
Strong signal coverage
Easy to install and manage
Supports Thread, Matter, and Zigbee protocols
10GbE and 2.5GbE ports
CONS
Pricey
Lacks USB connectivity
Parental controls and network security software require a paid subscription
SPECS
Name
Value
Wireless Specification
802.11be
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput)
BE20800
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
3 on router, 4 on node
Number of USB ports
0
Number of Antennas
10
Number of Bands
3
Wireless Networking Security
WPA2, WPA3
MU-MIMO
IPv6 Compatible
Quality of Service
VPN Client Pre-Installed
Supports DD-WRT
Anti-Malware Tools
Wireless Parental Controls
Link Aggregation
Beamforming
Guest Networking
Learn More
Eero Max 7 Review
TP-Link Deco X4300 Pro
Best Wi-Fi Mesh System for Large Homes
Why We Picked ItIf you’ve got a lot of living space, you’ll likely need a mesh system with at least three nodes to blanket it with usable Wi-Fi signals. But you also need to spend a lot of money on cleaning, energy, and other basic expenses for all that space, so ideally you’ll keep your networking costs to a minimum. The X4300 Pro does just that, offering three nodes with up to 7,000 square feet of coverage for a fraction of the cost of competing mesh systems. Plus, it has speedy performance and is easy to install and manage. Who It’s ForSure, the ZenWiFi ET8 above is also an option for very large homes, but if you don’t need its Wi-Fi 6E or multi-gig LAN capabilties, the X4300 Pro is a better choice for those who live large without spending big.
PROS
Speedy performance and wide coverage
Easy to install and manage
Comes with parental control and network security software
Multi-gig Ethernet connectivity
CONS
Expensive
No USB ports
Some HomeShield features require subscription
SPECS
Name
Value
Wireless Specification
802.11ax
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput)
AX4300
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
2 on router, 3 on nodes
Number of USB ports
0
Number of Antennas
4
Number of Bands
2
Wireless Networking Security
WPA2, WPA3
MU-MIMO
IPv6 Compatible
Quality of Service
VPN Client Pre-Installed
Supports DD-WRT
Anti-Malware Tools
Wireless Parental Controls
Link Aggregation
Beamforming
Guest Networking
Learn More
TP-Link Deco X4300 Pro Review
Buying Guide: The Best Wi-Fi Routers for 2024
When you’re shopping for a new wireless router, it’s best to start by considering the size of your coverage area and the number of clients you need to support, as well as the types of devices that you’ll be connecting. Not everybody needs the kind of performance that you get with the latest and greatest models, and there’s no reason to pay for features that you will likely never use. If you’re looking for a lower price rather than a big bundle of bleeding-edge features, check out this list of budget routers. But if you have several family members vying for bandwidth for things like streaming Netflix video and playing PC games online, a new router with modern management capabilities can make a world of difference and help keep the peace. Below we guide you through choosing a router that will handle your current and future wireless networking needs, and offer our top picks to get you started.What Do the Different Wi-Fi Bands Mean?Nowadays, any router worth its salt will offer at least two radio bands, a 2.4GHz band and a 5GHz band. The 2.4GHz band operates at a lower frequency than the 5GHz band and offers better range because it is more adept at penetrating walls and other structures. However, it doesn’t offer the fat pipe and high-speed access that you get with the 5GHz band.Additionally, the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band has to compete with other devices in the home that use the same frequency, such as microwave ovens, Bluetooth gear, and wireless phones. That said, it is perfectly adequate for tasks like web surfing and connecting to social media services like Facebook and Twitter. If one or more of your devices will be streaming video from a service such as Netflix, or connecting to an online gaming service, the less crowded 5GHz band offers significantly more throughput with minimal signal interference. Most dual-band routers allow you to assign a band to specific applications and clients, thereby easing the load on both bands.
(Credit: PCMag)
If you have a busy network with numerous clients vying for bandwidth, a tri-band router is the way to go. They use three radios—one that operates at 2.4GHz and two that operate at 5GHz, for load balancing. For example, you can dedicate one of the 5GHz bands to handle tasks like video streaming and torrent downloading, and reserve the other 5GHz band for online gaming, leaving the 2.4GHz band free for applications that don’t require lots of bandwidth. If you have a house full of gamers, we have a specific best gaming routers list for you. Finally, there’s the 6GHz band, which the FCC made available for Wi-Fi use in 2020. This spectrum is a significant boost to overall wireless network performance, and many of the latest devices support it. However, most consumer Wi-Fi routers still don’t operate at full power on the 6GHz band due to FCC signal strength restrictions, so take performance claims with a grain of salt. For more on that topic, see our story What Is Wi-Fi 6E?Which Wireless Protocols Should I Look For?Wireless Ethernet networks use 802.11 protocols to send and receive data. One of the two most widely used Wi-Fi protocols, 802.11ac, allows for maximum (theoretical) data rates of up to 5,400Mbps and operates on both the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz bands. It utilizes Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology, which uses several antennas to send and receive up to eight spatial streams, resulting in enhanced performance. It also supports beamforming, a technology that sends Wi-Fi signals directly to a client rather than broadcasting in all directions, and automatic band-steering, which lets the router select the most efficient radio band based on network traffic, band availability, and range.The 802.11ac protocol also offers downstream Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO) technology, which is designed to provide bandwidth to multiple devices simultaneously rather than sequentially. That means up to four clients can have their own data streams instead of waiting in turn to receive data from the router. In order for MU-MIMO to work, the router and the client devices must contain MU-MIMO Wi-Fi circuitry. Routers that support MU-MIMO are widely available, but the fact that consumers have been slow to understand exactly what the benefits of MU-MIMO are has kept the number of client devices somewhat scarce. You’ll see 802.11ac routers with labels like AC1200, AC1750, AC3200, and so on. This designates the theoretical maximum speed of the router. For example, a router that can achieve a maximum link rate of 450Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1,300Mbps on the 5GHz band is considered an AC1750 router. A tri-band AC3200 router gives you 600Mbps over the 2.4GHz band and 1,300Mbps over each of the two 5GHz bands, and an AC5400 router is capable of speeds of up to 1Gbps on the 2.4GHz band and 2.1Gbps on each of the two 5GHz bands.
(Credit: Shutterstock/Deutschlandreform)
It’s important to note that routers rarely, if ever, reach these “maximum speeds” in real-world applications, but if you’re looking for performance, consider one of the high-speed routers (but be prepared to pay a premium). We thoroughly test all routers that come through PC Labs, so you’ll know how much muscle a product has before you buy. The second of the two most widely used Wi-Fi protocols is 802.11ax, the technology behind today’s leading-edge Wi-Fi 6 routers. Wi-Fi 6 is an evolution of 802.11ac technology that promises increased throughput speeds (up to 9.6Gbps), less network congestion, greater client capacity, and better range performance courtesy of several new and improved wireless technologies, among them Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and Target Wake Time (TWT). OFDMA improves overall throughput by breaking Wi-Fi channels into sub-channels, allowing up to 30 users to share a channel at the same time. Target Wake Time (TWT) is designed to reduce power consumption by allowing devices to determine when and how often they will wake up to begin sending and receiving data. TWT tech is expected to extend the battery life of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, as well as battery-powered smart home devices such as security cameras and video doorbells.Additionally, 802.11ax takes advantage of previously unused radio frequencies to provide faster 2.4GHz performance, and it uses refined uplink and downlink bandwidth management to provide enhanced Quality of Service (QoS). It also offers uplink and downlink MU-MIMO streaming (whereas 802.11ac only supports downlink MU-MIMO). As with the 802.11ac protocol, 802.11ax is backward-compatible and will work with devices that use 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi radios. For more on the benefits of the 802.11ax protocol, check out our primer What Is Wi-Fi 6? and see our speed tests.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Wi-Fi 6E, with support for the 6GHz band, is an update to Wi-Fi 6 that isn’t significant enough an improvement to merit its own 802.11 designation. Instead it operates under the same 802.11ax designation as 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi 6 transmissions. The latest standard is 802.11be, known as Wi-Fi 7. Unlike 6E, it does bring significant improvements, like multi-link operation (MLO), which allows clients to connect to multiple radio frequencies simultaneously. The first Wi-Fi 7 devices are now available, but they’re mostly expensive routers and mesh systems that are overkill for average home users. And as mentioned above, most 6E and 7 routers don’t yet operate at full power on the 6GHz band. Which Other Wi-Fi Router Features to Look For?Wireless routers come with a variety of features, and as is the case with just about everything, the more features you get, the more you can expect to pay.Look for a router with at least four 10/100/1,000 (gigabit) Ethernet ports, which allow you to connect to wired devices such as desktop PCs, network-attached storage (NAS) drives, and home-automation hubs. If you require faster throughput for large file transfers, look for a router that supports link aggregation. Simply put, link aggregation uses two gigabit Ethernet LAN ports to provide increased throughput (up to 2Gbps). It also provides a fail-safe if one LAN connection goes down and can be utilized to load-balance your network traffic. Having at least one USB port on the router makes it easy to plug in a printer or a USB drive and share it across the network, but with two ports you can do both. Additionally, try to choose a router that offers removable antennas. Some router manufacturers offer replacement high-gain antennas that will help boost performance, and there are a number of third-party antennas available. Just make sure your router supports whatever antennas you buy, or you’ll probably wind up with decreased performance.If you want to manage how your Wi-Fi network is being used, make sure your next router has parental controls, QoS options, and a guest-network feature. Parental controls allow you to limit network access for certain users to specific times and days, ideal for parents who want to keep tabs on their child’s online gaming and social networking activities. Some routers offer basic parental controls such as access scheduling and website blocking options, while others provide more robust controls that give you the ability to pause the internet and select age-appropriate presets that will automatically block access to social media platforms and sites that contain things like adult content, gambling, shopping, blogs, and games.A guest network lets you offer Wi-Fi connectivity to guests without leaving your entire network vulnerable. In a nutshell, you’re creating a separate network for guests with a Service Set Identifier (SSID) and password that are different from your main network credentials. This lets your guests connect to the internet, but it doesn’t give them access to your files, printers, and other connected devices.
A Wi-Fi router’s app offers controls for QoS, guest networking, and more. (Credit: Asus)
With QoS settings, you can decide which applications and clients get network priority. For example, if one device is streaming Netflix video, and another device is downloading files or running a print job, you can give priority to the streaming device to avoid choppy, out-of-sync video. The same goes for online gaming; assigning a high QoS priority to a gaming console such as the Microsoft Xbox Series X or the Sony PlayStation 5 will help reduce lag time and improve overall gameplay. It also means you can keep those new work applications protected, like a phone using voice over IP (VoIP) or that webcam that’s keeping you connected to your office staff meeting via video conferencing.Almost all routers offer several forms of security. A router with Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you add compatible devices with the push of a button. Just press the WPS button on the router, then press the WPS button on the client device to add it to your network. For a more secure connection, you can use Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA or WPA2), which requires entering a network password for each device. Routers with WPA-Enterprise security offer a higher level of security than WPA/WPA2, but they require a Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) server to authenticate each client.The technology currently used to assign IP addresses, known as Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4), will eventually be replaced by its successor, IPv6. IPv4 is a 32-bit addressing scheme that before long will run out of addresses due to the number of devices connecting to the internet. IPv6 is a 128-bit scheme that will offer an (almost) infinite number of IP addresses. Most current routers have built-in support for IPv6 addressing, but it’s a good idea to verify this if you want to be ready for the transition when IPv4 finally hits the wall.Does the Price of Your Wireless Router Matter?Like anything else, router pricing is based on performance and features, which means you can see some big cost differences depending on the kind of router you’re considering. The numbers and letters in the router’s name are often a hint of the features it offers and thus how much it costs. An entry-level AX1750 802.11ax router will cost anywhere from $50 to $100, for instance. But if you want an AXE5400 router, expect the price to land in the $200 range. A quad-band gaming router with all the trimmings could cost as much as $700, while the newest 802.11be Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems can range above $1,500, depending on throughput rates and features.As you’ll see below, Wi-Fi mesh systems can be even more expensive. Remember that those prices typically reflect you buying not just a single router, but one or two mesh nodes, too.How Can I Extend My Wi-Fi Signal?If you live in a large or multiple-story home, you may have Wi-Fi “dead zones.” These are areas of your home where your main router isn’t able to reach with a wireless signal. An easy way to solve this, without the hassle of running long cords around your home, is a Wi-Fi range extender, which will pick up your router’s Wi-Fi signal, amplify it, and rebroadcast it. They come in both desktop and plug-in variations, and are relatively easy to install.They do have limitations, though: The rebroadcasted signal is typically half the strength of what you get from your main router, and most of these create a separate network that makes seamless roaming through your home difficult. However, some router manufacturers are now making extenders that will share the same network SSID and password as your existing router. There’s a catch, however: The router usually has to be made by the same manufacturer as the extender and must support seamless roaming capabilities.
Amazon Eero Pro 6 (Credit: Amazon)
Should I Consider a Wi-Fi Mesh Network System?If a range extender doesn’t do the trick, consider overhauling your network with a Wi-Fi mesh system. This technology offers an easy way to fill wireless dead zones in your home without the need for additional wiring, range extenders, or access points. They utilize extension nodes, or satellites, to extend your Wi-Fi signal across a larger area than most routers are capable of. Systems such as Eero and TP-Link Deco employ mesh technology, where the satellites communicate with each other to provide coverage throughout your home, while others use a dedicated Wi-Fi band to communicate with its satellite. Depending on the number of nodes in the system you choose, you can spread a consistent internet connection across as much as 4,000 to 6,000 square feet of space. Satellites in a Wi-Fi mesh system are all part of the same network and provide seamless connectivity as you roam throughout the house, and they do not usually require any configuration or management beyond a few taps on a free, associated mobile app. A number of the solutions in this category support high-end features like guest networking, device prioritization, parental controls, and MU-MIMO, but because Wi-Fi mesh systems are designed to be simple, in most cases you won’t be able to access the same kind of in-depth settings you can on routers. For that reason, power users and compulsive tinkerers might not love Wi-Fi mesh systems, but for everyone else who finds network setup intimidating, these are among the friendliest and most innovative options you can find today. So, What Is the Best Wi-Fi Router to Buy?We broke out our top picks above in detail, outlining the best use cases for each. We’ve also outlined the core specs of those same top picks in the handy table below. And if you want to investigate the mesh alternatives to a classic router in more detail, we have some additional links for you: Read about The Best Wi-Fi Mesh Network Systems and How to Set Up a Wi-Fi Mesh Network. Finally, once you’ve found the right router, bookmark our tips for setting up your router and boosting your Wi-Fi signal.
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