(Credit: PCMag/Amazon)
Tip-top Internet speeds are more important than ever. We're all streaming video, playing games, downloading files, and doing video conferences all day long, and when our router starts chugging from the traffic, it's frustrating. That's why the smart choice is to snag a router that can use the new Wi-Fi 7 protocol to widen your available bandwidth. Have a lot of square footage to cover? A mesh Wi-Fi network divides the traffic load across multiple nodes for stable, speedy coverage. For more details, check out our guide to what to look for when buying a router.
When a new router comes into the PC Labs, we run a comprehensive selection of tests, carefully charting data throughput, ease of setup, available features, signal strength, and more. Mesh Wi-Fi systems are tested equally carefully, with added metrics to evaluate multi-node performance. The eight routers and mesh systems below are all top-tier performers at significant discounts.
Netgear Orbi 370 Mesh Wi-Fi System
TP-Link Deco 7 Pro BE63 WiFi 7 Mesh System
TP-Link Deco 7 BE25 WiFi 7 Mesh System
Asus ROG Rapture GT6 Tri-Band WiFi 6 Gaming Mesh System
TP-Link Dual-Band BE3600 Wi-Fi 7 Router
Netgear Nighthawk RS700S Wi-Fi 7 Router
Google Nest Pro Router
TP-Link Tri-Band BE19000 WiFi 7 Router
Mesh Wi-Fi Systems
Every new Wi-Fi protocol opens up additional signal bands for your data to stream over. It's like adding lanes to a highway. If you've got hardware that supports the latest and greatest Wi-Fi 7 spectrum, snag a router that does the same for a $50 discount right now. We have a comprehensive review of the Netgear Orbi 370, a three-node mesh network covering up to 6,000 square feet. It performed capably across all of our benchmarking tests, with consistent signal strength and solid speeds, and we commented that it was super easy to set up and manage. Because this is a two-band system, not a three-band one, it cuts costs by reducing the total signal spectrum it covers, but unless you have a flabbergasting number of high-bandwidth connected devices, you're not likely to notice the difference.
We also have a nice 16% price drop on the Editors' Choice-winning TP-Link Deco 7 Pro, an exceptional mesh network that will make your devices very happy. In our review, we noted that it delivered class-leading throughput in testing, with great signal strength and coverage. If wired access is important, the Deco 7 Pro overdelivers in that area, as each node has four multi-gig wired networking ports as well as a USB port. Setup is a breeze, with the companion app proving very useful. It also comes bundled with the free version of TP-Link's HomeShield app, giving you parental controls with age-based content filters, website blocking, and more. A paid subscription version unlocks additional features as well.
For a budget-minded Wi-Fi mesh system, this dual-node TP-Link is a huge bargain with a $40 price drop at Best Buy. We put the Deco 7 BEE25 through its paces in a comprehensive review, noting that it was simple to set up and comes with helpful network management, parental control, and security software. Two 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports on the satellite unit provide stable wired connectivity as well. Speeds were solid, and it supports a wide range of technologies, including direct-to-client beamforming, 4K-QAM modulation, and voice control with Amazon Alexa and Google smart devices. While we wish the nodes also offered USB connectivity, on the whole this is a great starter system.
If your household has its share of gamers demanding low ping and fast downloads from their respective battlestations, this performance-focused dual-node system was deemed the top choice in our rundown of the best Wi-Fi mesh hardware. With maximum data rates of up to 574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 4,804Mbps on each of the 5GHz bands, it overdelivers in terms of capacity and benchmarked well in our review. A 2.5GbE WAN port paired with three 1GbE LAN ports gives you tons of high-speed wired connectivity as well. Like all Asus mesh systems, this one comes with a lifetime subscription to parental control and Trend Micro-powered security software, so cheaters and hackers can't mess with your games.
More Mesh Wi-Fi System Deals
- TP-Link Deco BE63 BE10000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Sy... — $396.50 ($469.99) Save $73.49
- TP-Link Deco X55 AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh System (3-Pack) — $149.96 ($195.29) Save $45.33
- Netgear Orbi 360 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System (3-Pack) — $256.13 ($299.99) Save $43.86
- Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro Quad-Band Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Router (2 Pack) — $999.99 ($1,699.99) Save $700.00
- TP-Link Deco BE67 BE14000 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 7 Sy... — $499.99 ($569.99) Save $70.00
- Get the Best Prices On Routers — Download Our Free Price Comparison Tool $0
Wi-Fi Routers
We consider this TP-Link model the best budget router on the market, with rock-solid throughput performance and a simple setup. In our review, PCMag expert John C. Delaney said that it was "a good choice for budget-conscious users who don't have any 6GHz clients and don’t plan to purchase any in the foreseeable future," thanks to multi-gig WAN and LAN ports, included network security and parental control software, and support for a wide range of Wi-Fi 7 technologies like Multi-Link Operation (MLO), 4K QAM, beamforming, and MU-MIMO data streaming. We did note that its area coverage isn't particularly strong, so it's best suited for apartments and smaller houses.
If you've got a need for speed, this imposing Netgear tower can deliver it. Using the latest Wi-Fi 7 bandwidth, it's a powerhouse of connectivity that we previewed here. Featuring redesigned RF circuits and internal antennas that get less interference from cables, it's a potent machine with 19.0 Gbps peak speed across the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. Setup is simple with the Nighthawk app on iOS or Android, giving you step-by-step directions and lots of management options, including speed testing and setting up guest networks. It's also got tons of range, supporting up to 200 devices over 3,500 square feet. Snag a 10% discount at Amazon.
Recommended by Our Editors
Google's entry into the router market features a charmingly simple design and good overall functionality, and while it's not the peak in terms of functionality, picking one up for 50% off can be a good option. We have an extensive review of the Google Nest Pro router, noting that it was effortless to set up, boasted a ton of helpful parental controls, and could be used as a smart home hub for Matter and Zigbee devices. We did ding it a few points for lacking multi-gig LAN and WAN ports, as well as the 6GHz radio not having its own SSID, so you can't connect devices exclusively to it. That said, it'll more than do the job for most households.
Let's close with a big price cut on a powerhouse router designed for gamers. The X-shaped TP-Link Archer delivered some of the fastest throughput speeds we'd ever recorded in our testing, with state-of-the-art Wi-Fi 7 antennas and solid components. You can read our full review for all the data, but the summary is simple: if you have the hardware that can use it, Wi-Fi 7 is the top choice. Other features that we noted include seven high-speed networking ports for wired connectivity, as well as TP-Link's HomeShield network security and parental control software. Our biggest criticism was how much it cost (it launched at $599.99, which is pretty high for a router), so this Amazon discount brings it down to a much more attainable price point.
More Router Deals
- TP-Link Archer BE230 BE3600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router — $79.98 ($119.99) Save $40.01
- Netgear Nighthawk RS150 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router — $169.99 ($199.99) Save $30.00
- TP-Link Archer BE400 BE6500 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router — $139.00 ($179.99) Save $40.99
- Asus RT-BE82U Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 AiMesh Router — $159.40 ($219.99) Save $60.59
- TP-Link Archer BE550 Pro BE9700 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router — $199.99 ($299.99) Save $100.00
- Get the Best Prices On Routers — Download Our Free Price Comparison Tool $0
More Deals to Consider
Additional reporting by Jade Chung-Lee.
What Is the Best Router at the Best Price?
There is no single best router, since the type of router you need depends on how large your house is and how many devices you need to connect, among many other factors. 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, thanks to its reasonable price and solid throughput performance in testing.
How Much Should I Pay for a Good Router?
Like with most electronics purchases, router pricing is based on performance and features. For example, an entry-level AX1750 802.11ax router will cost anywhere from $50 to $100, but a quad-band Wi-Fi 7 gaming router with enough bandwidth to support a battle royale LAN party could cost upwards of $700.
What is the Best Router Under $100?
The TP-Link Archer BE230 is as inexpensive as Wi-Fi 7 routers get, coming in under $100 when it's on sale (which is frequently). PCMag has a curated list of routers best suited for a variety of use cases and price points, so give that a look if you’d like more options.
What's the Best Overall Budget Mesh Wi-Fi System?
Those in search of a budget Wi-Fi mesh system should take a look at the Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro. Reasonably priced as far as mesh systems go, the Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro delivered speedy 5GHz throughput in testing, is easy to manage, and offers multi-gig and USB connectivity. Its performance on the 6GHz (Wi-Fi 6E) band is also good, though not quite as good as its 5GHz performance.
Where Can I Find the Lowest Prices on Routers and Networking Gear?
This page is your top destination for the best routers and networking gear deals. Our deals team scours the internet for the best current prices and updates them frequently. As is the case with many consumer electronics devices, you'll tend to find the best availability and prices from large retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. Be sure to check out our daily coverage of the best deals from those retailers, as networking gear frequently makes the cut.
Do Wi-Fi Routers and Mesh Systems Get Price Cuts During Prime Day or Cyber Monday?
We typically see some of the biggest discounts in all consumer electronics categories on Cyber Monday, Black Friday, and Amazon Prime Day. Amazon owns eero, a major Wi-Fi mesh networking vendor, so you can expect price cuts on highly rated eero mesh systems especially on Prime Day.
When Do High-End Gaming Routers Go on Sale?
The best time to find sales on high-end networking gear is when a new Wi-Fi standard is introduced. For example, when Wi-Fi 7 was released, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6e routers received significant discounts. In most cases, you don't need the latest standard right away, since you'll have few, if any, client devices that support it. So to get the absolute best deal on high-end hardware, it's wise to upgrade to a new standard that's one behind the current generation.
Plus, gaming-specific features like traffic prioritization tend to evolve slowly, and many gamers use a wired Ethernet connection from their PCs to their routers, so having the latest Wi-Fi generation is less important. This means that if you find a great deal on a Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E router right now, it'll likely serve you for years to come.
Are Mesh Networking Systems Ever on Sale?
Mesh networking systems are almost always on sale. You should rarely expect to pay more than 90% of a system's MSRP, and we typically see discounts deeper than that. One rare exception is for cutting-edge systems that use the latest technology. These tend to stick at their MSRPs for a few months or even a year after their introduction.
Can I Bundle a Router With an Internet Plan for a Deal?
In most cases, renting a router from your internet service provider is not a good deal. If your ISP charges $10 per month for a basic router rental, you'd pay more after two years than you would if you bought a $200 router.
However, two situations might make it worthwhile to bundle. The first is if your ISP offers a high-end system for a reasonable or zero extra monthly cost, which many do if you have a high-speed plan. For example, Frontier includes a Wi-Fi 7 router from eero at no extra cost with its Fiber 500 plan.
The second is if your ISP requires you to bundle. It could be worth using the bundled router rather than buying your own in this case.
About Our Experts
K. Thor Jensen is a writer and cartoonist living in the Pacific Northwest. He has contributed to dozens of prestigious outlets, including PCMag, Tested, Clickhole, and Newsweek. His second graphic novel, Cloud Stories, was released in 2017.
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I’m a managing editor at PCMag.com focused on PC hardware. Reading this during the day? Then you've caught me testing gear and editing reviews of Wi-Fi routers, printers, laptops, and tons of other personal tech. (Reading this at night? Then I’m probably dreaming about all those cool products.) I’ve covered the consumer tech world as an editor, reporter, and analyst since 2015.
I've covered most major consumer tech events, including CES, Computex, Google I/O, and IFA. I've also appeared on CBS News, in USA Today, and at many other outlets to offer analysis on breaking technology news.
Before I joined the tech-journalism ranks, I wrote on topics as diverse as Borneo's rainforests, Middle Eastern airlines, and Big Data's role in presidential elections. A graduate of Middlebury College, I also have a master's degree in journalism and French Studies from New York University.
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