Wi-Fi Routers: Buying Advice, Tips, and News
Suffering with slow internet? It's probably time for a router upgrade. We’ve rounded up por top lab-tested picks, along with expert guides to help you understand specs, use cases, and what really matters. Dive into our in-depth reviews to find the right router for your setup.
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Worried a New Router Will Break Your Wi-Fi? Here's How to Upgrade SeamlesslyReplacing your router with a new model sounds like a challenge. Thankfully, modern technology has made this process much quicker and easier than it used to be.
By Lance Whitney
Our Current Top Tested Picks
TP-Link Archer AXE75
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The TP-Link Archer AXE75 is a pioneering, reasonably priced tri-band Wi-Fi 6E router that lets you connect to the uncrowded 6GHz radio band. It’s a solid performer and ideal for future-proofing your network on a budget.
Full TP-Link Archer AXE75 ReviewPros
- 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
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
TP-Link Archer BE230 BE3600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The TP-Link Archer BE3600, the cheapest Wi-Fi 7 router we've tested, is adequate for small households with basic internet needs.
Full TP-Link Archer BE230 BE3600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router ReviewPros
- Reasonably priced
- Solid throughput performance
- Multi-gig connectivity
- Includes parental controls and network security software
Cons
- No 6GHz band
- Does not support 320MHz channels
- Middling signal coverage
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Solid throughput performance
- Multi-gig connectivity
- Includes parental controls and network security software
Cons
- No 6GHz band
- Does not support 320MHz channels
- Middling signal coverage
Asus RT-BE96U
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Asus RT-BE96U has a big footprint and a hefty price tag, but it delivered speedy throughput and strong signal performance in testing, making it an excellent tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router.
Full Asus RT-BE96U ReviewPros
- Strong performance
- Wi-Fi 7 support with 6GHz transmissions
- 10GbE WAN/LAN
- 320MHz channel bandwidth
- Includes parental control and network security software
Cons
- Expensive
- Physically large
Pros
- Strong performance
- Wi-Fi 7 support with 6GHz transmissions
- 10GbE WAN/LAN
- 320MHz channel bandwidth
- Includes parental control and network security software
Cons
- Expensive
- Physically large
TP-Link Archer GE650 BE11000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Gaming Router
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
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.
Full TP-Link Archer GE650 BE11000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Gaming Router ReviewPros
- Reasonably priced
- Superb throughput performance
- Gamer-friendly features
- Lots of multi-gig networking ports
- 6GHz transmissions
Cons
- Some HomeShield features cost extra
- Short 6GHz range
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Superb throughput performance
- Gamer-friendly features
- Lots of multi-gig networking ports
- 6GHz transmissions
Cons
- Some HomeShield features cost extra
- Short 6GHz range
TP-Link Archer AXE95 AXE7800 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
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.
Full TP-Link Archer AXE95 AXE7800 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router ReviewPros
- Fast throughput performance
- Multi-gig WAN/LAN
- 6GHz transmissions
- Includes parental control and network security tools
- Mesh ready
Cons
- Pricey
- Middling file-transfer performance
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
eero Pro 7
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The eero 7 Pro is an excellent, reasonably priced Wi-Fi 7 mesh system that uses 5GbE Ethernet jacks and 6GHz transmissions to deliver strong wireless performance to every corner of your home.
Full eero Pro 7 ReviewPros
- Easy to install
- Supports Thread, Matter, and Zigbee
- Uses the 6GHz radio band
- Good performance
- 5GbE networking
Cons
- Parental control and network security software cost extra
- No USB ports
Pros
- Easy to install
- Supports Thread, Matter, and Zigbee
- Uses the 6GHz radio band
- Good performance
- 5GbE networking
Cons
- Parental control and network security software cost extra
- No USB ports
eero 6+
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The eero 6+ Wi-Fi mesh system makes it easy to bring speedy wireless networking to every room in your house, but you’ll pay extra for some security and management features.
Full eero 6+ ReviewPros
- Excellent performance
- Easy to install and manage
- Controls home automation devices
- Supports 160MHz channels
Cons
- Pricey
- Lacks USB connectivity
- Some features require a subscription
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
Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
With high-speed ports, USB connectivity, and speedy performance, the Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro is a smart choice to serve as the brains of a future-proof home network.
Full Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro ReviewPros
- 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
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
Asus ROG Rapture GT6 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Mesh System
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Asus' ROG Rapture GT6 is a sleek-looking, two-piece mesh system designed with gamers in mind. It combines game-enhancing settings, fast throughput, strong signal performance, and free Trend Micro network security software in a package that's a snap to set up and manage.
Full Asus ROG Rapture GT6 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Mesh System ReviewPros
- Multi-gig WAN with strong broadcast signal
- Sleek design
- Speedy throughput performance
- Lots of game-friendly features
- Included anti-malware and parental control software
Cons
- Expensive
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
Cons
- Expensive
Latest Wi-Fi Router Stories
Other vendors, including Asus and Netgear, have received an exemption to the Trump administration's foreign-made router ban, but Chinese-affiliated brands have not been so lucky.
We all need an internet connection, but you should also get a fast and stable one too! Amazon's Big Deal Days aren't here yet, but we've already got some great mesh and router sales.
Wi-Fi 7 coming right up! The Eero Max 7 won our Editors' Choice award for Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems, and it's 30% off on Amazon right now. Save $180 on a speedier connection while you can.
The distinctive-looking Tenda BE12 Pro dual-band router delivers solid throughput performance, but it's light on advanced features and Wi-Fi 7 technologies. It's a decent choice if budget is top of mind.
$109.99
These days, your wireless router is not just your lifeline to the internet, but also to your job. We've hand-tested the top routers so you can find the right fit to build a snappy home Wi-Fi network.
We all need an internet connection, but you should also get a fast and stable one too! Amazon's Big Deal Days aren't here yet, but we've already got some great mesh and router sales.
Getting annoyed at your streaming services constantly buffering? Tackle the problem with a new router or Wi-Fi mesh network from Netgear, TP-Link and other top brands at a deep discount.
We all need an internet connection, but you should also get a fast and stable one too! Amazon's Big Deal Days aren't here yet, but we've already got some great mesh and router sales.
The FCC's temporary exemption lasts until March 2028 and covers the ROG, TUF, RT, and other product lines, which is good news for Asus's upcoming Wi-Fi 8 devices.
Starlink.com published support documents for the Router 4 after it received FCC approval. But the new Wi-Fi router doesn't appear to be on sale yet.
Need more reliable wireless internet? Wi-Fi 8 promises trouble-free connections, and TP-Link plans to start selling the first routers and mesh systems early next year. Here's what to know.
The Deco 8 Ultra mesh system can support more than 200 connected devices, but you might never see it. TP-Link is still fighting for an exemption to the FCC's foreign-made router ban.
Cybersecurity company VulnCheck discovers two additional backdoors, dubbed SpeakingStone and DarkLantern, primarily in Zbtlink router models.
Although Comcast is pitching 'WiFi Motion' as a home security solution that requires opt-in, the same capability is raising questions about privacy.
Your phone is secretly broadcasting your network's unique ID. Type these six characters into your router settings to go off the grid.
Have a household full of digital devices—and online gamers? Your network needs a router that's ready-made to give gaming traffic the right of way. Check out the best we've tested.
The TP-Link Archer GE400 gaming router delivers blazing 6.5Gbps Wi-Fi 7 speeds, dedicated 2.5G multi-gig ports, and WTFast game acceleration, and saves you $50 right now on Amazon.
Zbtlink says the alleged backdoor is intended for customer troubleshooting, but it's working on a firmware update to fix the issue nonetheless.
Growing adoption of Wi-Fi 7 in the US, along with new router equipment, appears to be driving up fixed broadband speeds, according to Speedtest.net parent Ookla.
The temporary exemption lasts until Feb. 1st, 2028. Might SpaceX's Starlink begin producing a next-gen Wi-Fi router in the meantime?
