In the era of remote and hybrid work, your Wi-Fi router is piling up serious overtime, doing much more than just helping you stream movies and play games. Home Wi-Fi routers have become career and education lifelines, and they connect an ever-growing range of smart home devices, too. That means picking the right one is more important than ever, and our expertise can help. PCMag has been testing Wi-Fi gear since the standard first emerged. We've outlined here our picks for the best Wi-Fi routers you can buy. Each has been selected based on thorough, objective testing, which includes evaluating throughput speeds, range, and signal strength. Our top overall Wi-Fi router pick for most buyers is TP-Link's Archer AXE75, but we stand behind all the other routers recommended here, too. Check out the pros and cons of each, plus a detailed guide to choosing the right one for you.
Overview
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![TP-Link Archer AXE75]()
Best Wi-Fi Router for Most PeopleTP-Link Archer AXE75
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![TP-Link Archer BE230 BE3600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router]()
Best Budget Wi-Fi RouterTP-Link Archer BE230 BE3600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router
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![Asus RT-BE96U]()
Best Wi-Fi 7 RouterAsus RT-BE96U
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![TP-Link Archer AXE95 AXE7800 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router]()
Best Premium Wi-Fi 6E RouterTP-Link Archer AXE95 AXE7800 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router
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![TP-Link Archer GE650 BE11000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Gaming Router]()
Best Wi-Fi Router for GamingTP-Link Archer GE650 BE11000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Gaming Router
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![eero Pro 7]()
Best Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Systemeero Pro 7
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![eero 6+]()
Best Budget Wi-Fi Mesh Systemeero 6+
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![Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro]()
Best Wi-Fi 6E Mesh SystemWyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro
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![Asus ROG Rapture GT6 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Mesh System]()
Best Wi-Fi Mesh System for GamingAsus ROG Rapture GT6 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Mesh System
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![TP-Link Archer AXE75]()
Best Wi-Fi Router for Most PeopleTP-Link Archer AXE75
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Archer AXE75 is a pioneer, offering Wi-Fi 6E for under $200, making it the best option for anyone who want a full-featured router that they won't have to replace for a long time. Wi-Fi 6E is the leading edge of consumer home wireless tech (Wi-Fi 7 is still too rarified for most folks), and this Archer router lets you enjoy the lack of in-air competition while you can, until wider Wi-Fi 6E adoption takes hold. Beyond its groundbreaking price, the AXE75 offers strong throughput performance and is a snap to install. performer. You just need to start collecting 6E-compliant client devices.
Who It's For
Early Wi-Fi 6E adopters: Anyone considering hopping aboard the 6GHz Wi-Fi train, but doesn't want to spend a bundle, will enjoy the Archer AXE75.
Families: Parents will be pleased to learn that the AXE75 comes with top-notch parental controls, making it an excellent router for families. The AXE75 includes access to HomeShield Basic, TP-Link's parental controls and basic network security tools, which let you 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.)
Specs & Configurations
Anti-Malware Tools Beamforming Guest Networking IPv6 Compatible MU-MIMO Number of Antennas 6 Number of Bands 3 Number of USB ports 1 Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) 4 Quality of Service VPN Client Pre-Installed Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) AXE5400 Wireless Networking Security WPA2 Wireless Networking Security WPA3 Wireless Parental Controls Wireless Specification 802.11ax with 6E Learn More TP-Link Archer AXE75 Review -
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![TP-Link Archer BE230 BE3600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router]()
Best Budget Wi-Fi RouterTP-Link Archer BE230 BE3600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The TP-Link Archer BE230 is proof that you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to upgrade your network with Wi-Fi 7 technology. This reasonably priced dual-band router delivered solid throughput in our performance tests. It also includes multi-gig wired ports, parental controls, and network security software. Though it lacks features that are typically found on more expensive Wi-Fi 7 models, including a 6GHz band and support for 320MHz channels, you’d be hard-pressed to find these features on any $100 router.
Who It’s For
Budget buyers who want fast speeds: If you want to take advantage of the faster connection speeds that you get with Wi-Fi 7, but need to keep costs down, then the TP-Link Archer BE230 is an excellent choice.
Families: This router's robust features, including parental controls and security software, lend peace of mind to busy parents who don't want to constantly police their kids' internet use.
Specs & Configurations
Anti-Malware Tools Beamforming Guest Networking IPv6 Compatible MU-MIMO Number of Antennas 4 Number of Bands 2 Number of USB ports 1 Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) 4 Quality of Service VPN Client Pre-Installed Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) BE3600 Wireless Networking Security WPA2 Wireless Networking Security WPA3 Wireless Parental Controls Wireless Specification 802.11be -
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![Asus RT-BE96U]()
Best Wi-Fi 7 RouterAsus RT-BE96U
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
With a generous assortment of high-speed ports that deliver fast throughput over the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz radio bands, sus RT-BE96U is our recommendation for the Best Wi-Fi 7 router. This massive tri-band Wi-Fi router is expensive, but you get many features for the money, including a pair of 10GbE networking ports, high-speed USB connectivity, free parental control software, and, most importantly, speedy performance.
Who It's For
Early Wi-Fi 7 adopters: This Asus router is an excellent choice if you just bought a new laptop or phone and want to utilize its full Wi-Fi 7 speed.
Everyday Wi-Fi users who aren't gamers: This Wi-Fi 7 router is a great choice for homes and everyday Wi-Fi needs. If you're a gamer, however, you'd get better results from a Wi-Fi 7 router with gaming-friendly features, such as the Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro.
Specs & Configurations
Anti-Malware Tools Beamforming Guest Networking IPv6 Compatible Link Aggregation MU-MIMO Number of Antennas 8 Number of Bands 3 Number of USB ports 2 Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) 5 Quality of Service VPN Client Pre-Installed Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) BE19000 Wireless Networking Security WPA2 Wireless Networking Security WPA3 Wireless Parental Controls Wireless Specification 802.11be Learn More Asus RT-BE96U Review -
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![TP-Link Archer AXE95 AXE7800 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router]()
Best Premium Wi-Fi 6E RouterTP-Link Archer AXE95 AXE7800 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The 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. 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 also delivered mostly excellent results in all of our performance tests.
Who It’s For
Cutting-edge dwellers: If you want the latest and greatest in home Wi-Fi, this is the router to get. It harnesses the power of the relatively new and uncrowded 6GHz radio band and comes with network security and parental control software.
People who may need to expand their networks later: This TP-link router is also mesh-ready for use with other TP-Link routers if you need more coverage later on.
Specs & Configurations
Anti-Malware Tools Beamforming Guest Networking IPv6 Compatible MU-MIMO Number of Antennas 8 Number of Bands 3 Number of USB ports 2 Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) 4 Quality of Service VPN Client Pre-Installed Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) AXE7800 Wireless Networking Security WPA2 Wireless Networking Security WPA3 Wireless Parental Controls Wireless Specification 802.11ax with 6E -
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![TP-Link Archer GE650 BE11000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Gaming Router]()
Best Wi-Fi Router for GamingTP-Link Archer GE650 BE11000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Gaming Router
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The TP-Link GE650 is a reasonably priced Wi-Fi 7 router designed with gamers in mind. It sports a cool look, delivers speedy throughput performance, and is packed with high-speed networking ports. The GE650 offers several gamer-centric features, including optimized acceleration settings, a dedicated game control panel, and an edgy design. It also offers six multi-gig networking ports. At $279.99, it’s an excellent value, too.
Who It's For
Stylish gamers: The GE650 is a great choice for gamers who care about the aesthetics of their setup. This TP-Link device doesn’t look like a typical router. Instead, it has an upside-down V shape that, according to TP-Link, is inspired by a volcano. The gunmetal-gray router stands 7.9 inches tall and is 5.3 inches wide and 9.2 inches deep.
Value seekers: With the Archer GE650, you get many of the same features found on more expensive Wi-Fi 7 gaming routers without having to spend a bundle.
Gamers who connect via Ethernet: This router's packed with high-speed wired connections, making it an excellent pick for gamers who prefer to plug in. It offers a 5GbE WAN port, a 5GbE Gaming LAN port that gives bandwidth priority to connected gaming devices, and three 2.5GbE LAN ports.
Specs & Configurations
Anti-Malware Tools Beamforming Guest Networking IPv6 Compatible MU-MIMO Number of Antennas 4 Number of Bands 3 Number of USB ports 2 Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) 4 Quality of Service VPN Client Pre-Installed Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) BE11000 Wireless Networking Security WPA2 Wireless Networking Security WPA3 Wireless Parental Controls Wireless Specification 802.11be -
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![eero Pro 7]()
Best Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Systemeero Pro 7
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The eero Pro 7 is our favorite midrange Wi-Fi 7 mesh system because it's easy to install, includes smart home automation features, and comes with 6GHz connectivity and support for 320MHz channels. It supports Thread, Matter, and Zigbee smart home technologies, and it works with Amazon’s Alexa home automation platform. We don't like that some features are locked behind a paywall, but the Pro 7 is a solid performer, and it's simple to maintain.
Who It's For
Early Wi-Fi 7 adopters: If you're looking for a whole-home mesh solution that offers impressive Wi-Fi 7 performance and supports the latest home automation tech, look no further than the eero Pro 7.
Homeowners who appreciate automation: The eero Pro 7 supports Thread, Matter, and Zigbee smart home technologies, and it works with Amazon’s Alexa home automation platform.
Specs & Configurations
Anti-Malware Tools Coverage Area for Hardware as Tested 6000 IPv6 Compatible MU-MIMO Number of Antennas 5 Number of Bands 3 Number of Nodes 3 Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) 1 on router, 2 on node Parental Controls Quality of Service (QoS) Security WPA2 Security WPA3 Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) BE10800 Wired Backhaul Wireless Specification 802.11be Learn More eero Pro 7 Review -
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![eero 6+]()
Best Budget Wi-Fi Mesh Systemeero 6+
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The three-piece eero 6 Plus Wi-Fi 6 mesh system delivers blazing throughput speeds and offers excellent signal ranges, while keeping its price low, making it our pick for Best Budget Wi-Fi Mesh System. As with most mesh systems, it is a snap to install and manage using a phone and a user-friendly mobile app. It uses low-profile nodes 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.
Who It’s For
People with large homes or multiple floors: The three-piece eero 6 Plus is an ideal Wi-Fi mesh system that boasts a strong signal across larger homes of up to 4,500 square feet.
Budget buyers: This eero router is regularly discounted to $250 or less, making it an excellent value among comparable mesh systems.
Home automation enthusiasts: It's especially a good choice if you have several Zigbee devices on your network.
Specs & Configurations
Anti-Malware Tools Beamforming Coverage Area for Hardware as Tested 4500 Guest Networking IPv6 Compatible Link Aggregation MU-MIMO Number of Bands 2 Number of Nodes 3 Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) 1 on router, 2 on satellites Parental Controls Security WPA2 Security WPA3 Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) AX3000 Wired Backhaul Wireless Networking Security WPA2 Wireless Networking Security WPA3 Wireless Parental Controls Wireless Specification 802.11ax Learn More eero 6+ Review -
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![Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro]()
Best Wi-Fi 6E Mesh SystemWyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Reasonably 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, and its 6GHz support is ideal for future-proofing your network. It 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 For
People with large homes: If you need to spread reliable Wi-Fi throughout a home up to 4,000 square feet, the Mesh Router Pro two-pack is an excellent choice that won't break the bank.
Wyze users: If you've got other devices from this popular smart home brand, you can manage your router and other gadgets from one easy-to-use mobile app.
Early adopters: The Pro adds 6GHz support for future-proofing your network, making it a better choice for early adopters than the entry-level Wyze Mesh Router.
Specs & Configurations
Anti-Malware Tools Beamforming Coverage Area for Hardware as Tested 4000 Guest Networking IPv6 Compatible MU-MIMO Number of Antennas 6 Number of Bands 3 Number of Nodes 2 Number of USB ports 1 Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) 1 on main router, 2 on node Parental Controls Quality of Service Quality of Service (QoS) Security WPA2 Security WPA3 Separate Bands Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) AX5400 Wired Backhaul Wireless Networking Security WPA2 Wireless Networking Security WPA3 Wireless Parental Controls Wireless Specification 802.11ax with 6E Learn More Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro Review -
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![Asus ROG Rapture GT6 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Mesh System]()
Best Wi-Fi Mesh System for GamingAsus ROG Rapture GT6 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Mesh System
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Asus ROG Rapture GT6 is a rare find: a mesh system designed for gamers who want to play in their living room, backyard, and everywhere in between. 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 For
Gamers: Any 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.
Anyone who needs a strong signal: The exceptionally robust wireless backhaul means you won't have to link the nodes with Ethernet cables, making it a good fit for anyone who needs a powerful Wi-Fi signal across their home.
Specs & Configurations
Anti-Malware Tools Beamforming Coverage Area for Hardware as Tested 5800 Guest Networking IPv6 Compatible MU-MIMO Number of Antennas 9 Number of Bands 3 Number of Nodes 2 Number of USB ports 1 Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) 3 Parental Controls Quality of Service Quality of Service (QoS) Security WPA2 Security WPA3 Separate Bands Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) AX10000 Wired Backhaul Wireless Networking Security WPA2 Wireless Networking Security WPA3 Wireless Parental Controls Wireless Specification 802.11ax -
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Best For | Best Wi-Fi Router for Most People | Best Budget Wi-Fi Router | Best Wi-Fi 7 Router | Best Premium Wi-Fi 6E Router | Best Wi-Fi Router for Gaming | Best Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System | Best Budget Wi-Fi Mesh System | Best Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System | Best Wi-Fi Mesh System for Gaming | Best Wi-Fi Router for Most People | Best Budget Wi-Fi Router | Best Wi-Fi 7 Router |
Wireless Specification | 802.11ax with 6E | 802.11be | 802.11be | 802.11ax with 6E | 802.11be | 802.11be | 802.11ax | 802.11ax with 6E | 802.11ax | 802.11ax with 6E | 802.11be | 802.11be |
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) | AXE5400 | BE3600 | BE19000 | AXE7800 | BE11000 | BE10800 | AX3000 | AX5400 | AX10000 | AXE5400 | BE3600 | BE19000 |
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 1 on router, 2 on node | 1 on router, 2 on satellites | 1 on main router, 2 on node | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
Number of USB ports | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||
Number of Antennas | 6 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 8 | |
Number of Bands | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
Wireless Networking Security | WPA2, WPA3 | WPA2, WPA3 | WPA2, WPA3 | WPA2, WPA3 | WPA2, WPA3 | WPA2, WPA3 | WPA2, WPA3 | WPA2, WPA3 | WPA2, WPA3 | WPA2, WPA3 | WPA2, WPA3 | |
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Buying Guide: The Best Wi-Fi Routers for 2026
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 our 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. Here's how to choose one that will handle your current and future wireless networking needs.
Which Wi-Fi Generation Should I Look For?
Wireless networks use 802.11 protocols to send and receive data, and new protocols arrive every few years, with each one giving rise to a new generation of routers and client devices. Currently, the most widely used is 802.11ax, or Wi-Fi 6. Some inexpensive networking equipment uses the older 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) generation, while cutting-edge routers use the 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) standard. If you're shopping for a router right now, you should mostly narrow your search to devices that support Wi-Fi 6 or its variant, 802.11axe (Wi-Fi 6E).
The main differences between each generation are the maximum speeds they support and how advanced their connection technologies are. For example, Wi-Fi 5 allows for maximum (theoretical) data rates of up to 5,400Mbps and operates on both the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz bands. Compare that with Wi-Fi 7, which can operate on the 6GHz band in addition to the other two, and is capable of speeds up to 40Gbps. For more on the differences between the various Wi-Fi generations, see our explainer.
While each generation has a maximum theoretical speed, not every router that supports that generation is capable of achieving it. You'll see routers from all Wi-Fi generations with labels like AC1200, AX1400, AXE6000, and so on. This designates the theoretical maximum speed of the router. For example, a Wi-Fi 5 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. 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).
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: Joseph Maldonado)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. This spectrum is even less crowded than 5GHz, making it a significant boost to overall wireless network performance. To take advantage of it, you'll need a Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 router. However, even these 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.
Which Other Wi-Fi Router Features Should I 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, Quality of Service (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.
Recommended by Our Editors
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.
(Credit: TP-Link)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.
Does the Price of a 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. As mentioned above, 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 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 Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems can range above $1,500, depending on throughput rates and features.
Wi-Fi mesh systems, which we'll discuss briefly below, can be even more expensive. In this case, the 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.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)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.
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.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)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 Multi-User MIMO (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.
Ready to Buy the Best Wi-Fi Router for You?
Our top-picks list in this article provides most of the details you'll need to make a decision, including the best use cases for each. Also, the handy comparison table shows the core specs of those same top picks. However, be sure to read our full reviews of any routers on your shortlist for nuances around how that model performs and what features it has.
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 networking systems and a guide to setting 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.