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The Best Wi-Fi Routers of 2024: In-depth Buying Guide

David Gibson
  Aug 9, 2022 7:21 AM

Because of the epidemic, so many of us have been compelled to work and learn remotely over the last year, the value of having a strong Wi-Fi connection has been crystal evident. But what makes a good Wi-Fi router, and how can you determine which one is best for you? Our buying guide today will help you find out the best Wi-Fi routers of 2024.


Overview

Internet service providers (ISPs) link your home to the internet and often give you a modem and router. The modem connects your house to the internet; the router connects to the modem, and you will connect all of your devices wired or wirelessly to the router to have access to that connectivity. With the best Wi-Fi router, you can make the most of your Wi-Fi in your home rather than depending on a standard setup designed to operate in every home.

Here's everything you need to know before buying a router and top picks of our high-rated routers for a variety of needs and budgets.

Top Picks


Buying Guide

1. Type of router

For most individuals, the easiest method is to use a single router or a router and modem combo. Keep in mind that this device will need to connect to your current socket or modem via Ethernet wire, which limits where it may be placed. If you reside in a tiny house with a restricted number of devices to connect, go with a single band router. In the event of larger homes with several devices to connect, dual-band routers are recommended. Dual-band routers operate at both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. As a result, it is better suited for multi-device connections and larger residences. You can also check for this Amazon eero 6 dual-band mesh Wi-Fi 6 router for faster wifi with support for 75+ devices simultaneously.

2. WiFi Standards

As of early 2022, the IT sector is beginning to shift away from the WiFi 5 standard and toward WiFi 6, which is quicker and supports more devices connected at the same time. You may still use previous WiFi 5-certified devices, such as smartphones and laptops, with WiFi 6 routers, but you won't get all of the benefits of WiFi 6. Purchasing a Wi-Fi 6 router will simply provide future-proofing for your home Wi-Fi network. Why don’t you have a look at TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router? It can perfectly fit your home and concentrate signal strength towards your devices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Ports

LAN (local area network) ports link a computer to a router through an Ethernet connection. If you want more LAN ports than the router provides, you can increase the number accessible by connecting an Ethernet switch. Ethernet provides speedier access for devices that require more bandwidth, such as gaming consoles and smart TVs, while USB ports are useful for connecting a printer or storage to your network.

4. Speed

When deciding how fast your router should be, there are several factors to consider. Your ISP will determine the maximum speed of your internet. Internet speeds are measured in megabits per second (Mbps) (megabits per second). Run a speed test in your browser to see what download and upload speeds you are experiencing. A connection speed of roughly 200 megabits per second should be sufficient to perform these types of duties for a household. And NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi Router is also worth considering because it can speed up to 1750 Mbps

5. Security

Check to see whether the router has a built-in firewall or antivirus. Even low-cost routers include a built-in firewall to protect users from malware assaults. For increased security, some of them include a built-in antivirus application. You should protect your router using a password and the most recent encryption standard available, which is most likely WPA2 or WPA3, depending on the age of your router. Normally, you'll only need to input the password once into each wireless device; the gadget will remember it after that.

6. Device Prioritization

Quality of service (QoS) is an undervalued quality worth investigating, especially if your family members are all internet users. QoS allows you to prioritize devices and, in some cases, services or activities. You may make your work PC the main device, ensuring it has the maximum bandwidth to lessen the possibility of stuttering calls. Some routers allow you to prioritize activities such as gaming in order to reduce latency and offer the best possible experience.


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Last update on Aug 9, 2022 7:21 AM / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


FAQs

1. Will older devices continue to function with a Wi-Fi 6 router?

Yes, Wi-Fi 6 is fully backward compatible, meaning earlier-generation Wi-Fi devices will still be able to connect to it and connect to the internet. They simply won't be able to take use of the new Wi-Fi 6 capabilities that improve performance for current-generation devices.

2. Is Wi-Fi 6 the same as Wi-Fi 6E?

No, Wi-Fi 6 is the most recent version of Wi-Fi, but Wi-Fi 6E is a special designation for Wi-Fi 6 devices that can send signals in the ultrawide 6GHz band, something routers couldn't do until recently, when the FCC opted to release that 6GHz spectrum for unlicensed usage.

3. Is it true that more costly Wi-Fi routers are better?

In a test setting, costlier routers provide greater maximum bit rates. They don't, however, add much to a realistic household setting. Any brand name router with gigabit Ethernet ports in the $60 range would suffice.


Final Thought

Picking the best Wi-Fi routers doesn't have to be difficult thanks to all our listed budget-friendly products and detailed buying guides above. If you’re still undecided though, we can recommend our top favorite wifi router: TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router due to its durability, attractive design, and adequate capacity.


4.8
5 ratings
David Gibson
David Gibson
David has been a computer engineer for almost a decade. He loves reading about technology, computers, and smartphones in general. He is also an avid writer so he can be seen sharing his opinions about tech products in his spare time. He is currently residing in New York.