Best Wi-Fi routers: Boost your bandwidth with our top picks

Wouldn’t it be great if your internet service worked everywhere you needed it? This isn’t a pipe dream — your internet can work seamlessly and reliably for exactly what you need, where you need it and how you plan to use it, provided you have the right router. Are you a gamer? A “work-from-homer?” Or someone who just wants to stream the latest Netflix true crime documentary without enduring a buffering pause right before the case breaks? In short, which are the best Wi-Fi routers for you? Let’s find out.

Our top picks for the best Wi-Fi routers

What to consider when buying a Wi-Fi router

Your space and needs

“Before purchasing a Wi-Fi router, it’s important to understand that different routers cater to diverse needs,” says David Gilbert, tech expert and product manager at ExpressVPN. “First, consider your primary use of the Wi-Fi network. Will it be casual internet browsing or more demanding, multitasking activities? Second, you want to assess the size and layout of your space. Large homes and multifloor setups require more powerful coverage than apartments. Finally, security is paramount when using any router, especially with the increasing prevalence of cyber threats and privacy concerns.”

Customer support

The level of ease of use and customer support will simplify or complicate your in-home Wi-Fi experience. “Your router setup shouldn’t be cumbersome or overly stressful, and your setup should be easy to manage,” says Gilbert. “If you’re not too tech-savvy, look for routers that feature intuitive user interfaces, mobile apps for remote management and setup wizard software.”

Ease of setup

Every generation of routers has made strides in streamlining the setup process to make installation as easy as possible. “Today, modern routers are simplifying these steps, with a plug-and-play process,” says Gilbert. “Most can be easily set up without manual configuration or complicated adjustments. Find a router that can connect to a power source and the internet. From there, most routers automatically configure themselves to provide internet access to connected devices and require minimal user intervention.”

How we selected the best Wi-Fi routers

To select the best Wi-Fi routers, my first step was to consult with experts and ask them which brands, specs and key features consumers should pay attention to. I looked at industry trends, customer reviews and online communities where users shared their experiences to create a list of products with a wide range of options. I tried to find routers that were, above all, reliable and consistent while also looking at niche options suitable for gaming and traveling.

Some of these options are admittedly a few years old, which, in technology terms, is an eternity. But they’ve held strong, with consistent recommendations and track records, hence their inclusion here. Finally, since dependable Wi-Fi shouldn’t break the bank, I tried to keep the options as affordable as possible, relative to the scale of their intended use.

What is the best location for a router in my home?

Because every home is different, it’s impossible to determine a “best” location for everyone. But Gilbert suggests a few “dos” and “don’ts” to consider when finding the ideal location for router performance.

“The most ideal position is to place the router in a central location, away from obstructions and interference sources,” he says. “Place your router in a central area, on the main floor of the house, to minimize the distance between the router and all connected devices. Position your router in an elevated position, such as on a shelf or mounted on a wall, to help improve signal coverage and range.”

Avoid putting your router on the floor, or in enclosed spaces like cabinets, which can obstruct the Wi-Fi signal and degrade performance. “You should also avoid placing routers in the kitchen, as other devices and metallic objects like your microwave and freezer emit waves that can weaken and disrupt the Wi-Fi signal. If you have a larger home and walls or other obstructions are unavoidable, consider using Wi-Fi extenders or mesh systems to extend coverage to all areas of the house.

What’s the difference between Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 5 was launched in 2014, while Wi-Fi 6 was launched in 2019–2020 and remains the most current generation of connection capability. While it’s not perfect — there’s a lot of pressure on Wi-Fi 7 — it offers faster speeds than its predecessor, better safety protocols and an increase in the number of devices supported by a single router.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Which Wi-Fi router has the highest range?

“While there isn't a single type of Wi-Fi router that universally has the highest range, certain factors can contribute to better range and coverage,” says Gilbert. “The range primarily depends on the Wi-Fi standard supported by the router, the number and quality of antennas and the router's transmission power. Routers that support newer Wi-Fi standards, like Wi-Fi 6, incorporate multiple high-gain antennas and are part of a mesh Wi-Fi system, tending to offer better range and coverage.”

What are some common Wi-Fi router issues?

According to Gilbert, the most common Wi-Fi router issues include slow internet speeds, dropped connections, interference from other devices and security vulnerabilities. “Slow speeds can be caused by various factors,” he says. “Outdated hardware, interference from neighboring networks or congestion on Wi-Fi channels can all impact internet use. Your device’s distance from the router, obstacles like walls or furniture and the number of connected devices can also impact overall speed.”

Security threats are also an issue. Your level of internet use might make you more prone to security dangers, such as malware, hacking and access to your resources. “Regular firmware updates and additional security measures, including firewall protection and intrusion detection, can help mitigate these risks,” says Gilbert.

How can I improve the Wi-Fi signal strength in my home?

“Users can make immediate improvements by optimizing router placement for better coverage and signal distribution,” says Gilbert. “Updating the firmware to ensure access to the latest and strongest features is also important. For those seeking further enhancements, Wi-Fi signal strength can be improved by using range extenders or mesh systems.”

Do Wi-Fi routers come with built-in security features?

“While some routers come with basic security features, like WPA2 encryption, these features may sometimes be outdated or not enabled by default,” says Gilbert. “Users can enhance security by enabling WPA3, which uses a more robust encryption standard and better protection against various types of attacks.”

How often should I upgrade my Wi-Fi router?

“Users shouldn’t feel compelled to upgrade their routers as soon as new technologies are introduced,” says Gilbert. “However, it’s generally recommended that you upgrade your router every three to five years to keep up with technology advancements and security updates.”

What is the difference between a modem and a router?

“The main difference between a modem and a router is their primary function,” says Gilbert. “A modem connects your home network to the internet service provider (ISP), while a router manages network traffic and provides Wi-Fi connectivity to devices within your home.”

In many cases, when you sign up for service, ISPs will provide an all-in-one modem-router combination, which combines the functionality of both a modem and a router. “While convenient, these combination devices may not offer the same performance or features as standalone modems and routers,” says Gilbert. “Many people choose to augment or replace the device provided by their ISP for this reason.”

Do I need to buy my own router if the internet company already provided one?

“One of the primary reasons users like myself choose to purchase their preferred routers is to enjoy options that allow them to customize and control their networking environments, according to their specific needs and preferences,” says Gilbert. “By purchasing their routers, users can select devices that offer advanced features, such as support for the latest Wi-Fi standards, enhanced security protocols, customizable firmware and additional management capabilities. This enables users to tailor their network setup to meet their unique requirements and maximize the performance and security of their internet connection.”

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