To set up a home Wi-fi network, you need a wireless router. Picking the right router can be a challenge because hundreds of models offer different features.
We work from home, so we've used wireless routers for years and have a lot of experience testing different options. We've developed this buying guide to help you determine which wireless router is best for your budget.
What Is a Wireless Router?
A Wi-Fi router is a computer network device that broadcasts the internet signal from your modem, allowing you to wirelessly connect devices to the internet. Some modems have built-in routers, but you'll need to connect a router to access the web via Wi-Fi if yours doesn't.
Top 5 Things to Consider When Buying a Wireless Router
Keep in mind that the performance of your network equipment (i.e., your router and modem) is limited by your internet service provider (ISP). If you have a high-end router, you will only enjoy the full benefits if you have a comparable internet plan.
There are hundreds of router models, but these are the main factors to consider:
- Price
- Speed
- Wi-Fi Range
- Usability
- Brand
At a minimum, ensure the device supports the latest Wi-Fi generation (802.11ac) and has a speed rating higher than 25 Mbps. Assess your needs (such as streaming video and online gaming) and each major model's different hardware designs. Consider a long-range router or a Wi-Fi range extender if your router needs to reach multiple stories.
How Much Should You Spend on a Wi-Fi Router?
Price comparison shopping for routers requires patience and attention to detail. Router A can cost twice as much as Router B, yet their differences may be critical to some people and immaterial to others.
| Price Range | What You Can Expect |
| $50-$99 | Suitable for video streaming, video chat, and other basic online activities for a single user or a small family living in an apartment or small home. |
| $100-$300 | Suitable for larger homes and more intensive online activities like high-speed online gaming and live-streaming. |
| $300-$400+ | Ideal for large buildings with a lot of users. High-end models usually come with extra security features. |
The primary factors that determine the selling price of a consumerbroadband router are:
- Wi-Fi generation:802.11ac routers carry a cost premium over prior 802.11n models.
- Speed rating:Routers claiming higher data rates bring higher prices over routers with lower rates, all other factors being equal.For example, a 600 Mbps router with 802.11n will have a higher selling price than themodel configured for 300 Mbps 802.11n.
- Industrial design:Home routers have traditionally featured plain, box-like designs, some with antennas poking out the top or side. Vendors have gradually introduced different shapes, rounded corners, and a variety of colors and materials in an attempt to differentiate their products and get a higher price.
- Brand name:Many brands of consumer routers exist. Better-known brand names may carry a higher price tag based on vendor reputation.
- Temporary price reductions:Like many consumer electronics, sellers occasionally discount the prices of their routers. Purchasing a router during a significant sale can have cost savings.
How Fast Does a Wi-Fi Router Need to Be?
Wireless routers advertise their speed in megabits per second (Mbps). The first consumer Wi-Fi models offered 11 Mbps, followed by mid-range802.11g routers at 54 Mbps,802.11nrouters anywhere from 150 Mbps to 600 Mbps, and now 802.11acrouters offering above 1 Gbps.
Look at more than just routers with the highest Mbps rating. The actual performance you'll achieve in practice typically averages lower than the maximum rating shown on the package.
The actual router speed is determined by the number of devices on the network, physical interferences that degrade the wireless signal, the distance between the connected device and the router, and more.
A high-speed router can't speed up a slow internet connection. For example, if an ISP provides 25 Mbps service, a router that delivers speeds exceeding 1 Gbps will only work at 25 Mbps.
The router determines the maximum speed of a network and the speed provided by the ISP—whichever is slower. So, if a router delivers ultra-fast speeds and your ISP provides a small amount of bandwidth, that lesser amount will be all the router will provide. The same is true in reverse (that is, a slow router will deliver slow speeds even if you have fast bandwidth).
To maximize the speed of your wireless network, buy a router that delivers speeds at least as fast as what your ISP provides.
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How Far Does the Wi-Fi Range Extend?
Does your router need to reach a few rooms on one floor or throughout a three-story home and a garage? This feature determines the strength of the router you need.
Some standalone routers that come with one unit may or may not be able to deliver Wi-Fi throughout a whole home (depending on how big the house is and how powerful the router is). However, consider a long-range router, a mesh network with several routers bundled into one, or a Wi-Fi repeater/range extender if you have a large area.
Adding a second home router can also be helpful in large, multi-level homes or if you want to extend Wi-Fi outdoors.
Do You Need a Smart Router?
If you're new to setting up a network or unfamiliar with technology, choose a router with an interface optimized for casual home buyers. Here's how to determine what kind of router you need:
- Older types of routers provide access to their settings by typing the router's IP address into a web browser. This procedure is a difficult way for beginners to manage a network because you must remember the password and be at home when you make changes to the network (such as changing the Wi-Fi password and other settings).
- Smart routers are managed from a smartphone using an app that connects directly to the network from anywhere you are, even if you're away from home. The initial setup involved with these routers is straightforward and can be completed in minutes.
Choose the first type of wireless router if you want something cheap because the other kind's convenience usually increases its price. Also, mesh Wi-Fi network systems typically use a mobile app, whereas routers that use the IP address method are often seen only with standalone devices.
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Although it's always helpful to get advice from consumer ratings, review scores, and ratings, take them with a grain of salt. People often complain about a device when the device wasn't well-chosen for their circ*mstances in the first place.
What Brand Should You Choose?
Years ago, it was commonplace to purchase externalnetwork adapterswith routers. Networking vendors sometimes added proprietary extensions to their products, resulting in slightly higher brand-matched performance.Vendors may also thoroughly test compatibility with their equipment.
Brand-matching your Wi-Fi router might make sense if you own some consumer electronic gear. If not, research the available brands and pick one you trust.
Top router brands include:
- Asus
- Netgear
- Linksys
- TP-Link
- Google Wifi (Nest Wifi)
- Eero
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Who Should Buy a Wireless Router?
Since routers are a necessary component of any network, anyone who needs Wi-Fi needs a router:
- Home Wi-Fi users. If you want to surf the web, stream movies, and play online games, you'll need a router to support all your wireless devices.
- Offices. High-speed internet and Wi-Fi are essential for most work environments.
- Businesses. If you own a business, you'll probably need Wi-Fi for managing operations, and you may want to provide free Wi-Fi for your clients.
- Public Places. Libraries, churches, community centers, and other public venues can offer free Wi-Fi for guests.
What to Do After You Buy
Once you have your router, it's time to set it up:
- Connect your router to your modem. Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your router, then plug the other end into your modem.
- Connect to Wi-Fi. Connect to the Wi-Fi network and enter the password on your wireless device. You can find this information on the router or in the manual.
- Log in to your router. Access the administrative console to change the Wi-Fi password, configure security settings, block websites, etc.
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As someone deeply immersed in the realm of networking technology, I've spent years exploring the nuances of home Wi-Fi networks and testing various wireless routers to optimize performance. My expertise stems from hands-on experience, delving into the intricacies of router specifications, testing different models, and staying abreast of the latest technological advancements. I've not only set up numerous home networks but also contributed to the development of buying guides to aid individuals in choosing the right wireless router for their specific needs.
Now, let's break down the concepts presented in the article:
1. What Is a Wireless Router?
- A wireless router is a crucial network device that broadcasts internet signals from the modem, facilitating wireless connectivity for devices. It becomes necessary when the modem lacks a built-in router.
2. Top 5 Things to Consider When Buying a Wireless Router
- Price: Ranges from $50-$99 for basic use to $300-$400+ for large buildings.
- Speed: Consider routers with a speed rating higher than 25 Mbps.
- Wi-Fi Range: Assess whether a long-range router or Wi-Fi range extender is needed for larger spaces.
- Usability: Opt for routers supporting the latest Wi-Fi generation (802.11ac) and suitable for specific activities like streaming and gaming.
- Brand: Well-known brands like Asus, Netgear, Linksys, TP-Link, Google Wifi (Nest Wifi), and Eero are reputable options.
3. How Much Should You Spend on a Wi-Fi Router?
- Price depends on factors like Wi-Fi generation, speed rating, industrial design, brand name, and temporary price reductions. Prices range from $50 to $400+.
4. How Fast Does a Wi-Fi Router Need to Be?
- Router speed is measured in Mbps, with advancements from 11 Mbps to over 1 Gbps. Actual performance depends on factors like the number of devices, physical interferences, and distance from the router.
5. How Far Does the Wi-Fi Range Extend?
- The range depends on whether the router needs to cover a single floor, multiple stories, or a large area. Consider long-range routers, mesh networks, or Wi-Fi repeaters for extended coverage.
6. Do You Need a Smart Router?
- Choose between traditional routers accessed via IP address and smart routers managed through smartphone apps. Smart routers offer convenience but may come at a higher price.
7. What Brand Should You Choose?
- Consider reputable brands like Asus, Netgear, Linksys, TP-Link, Google Wifi (Nest Wifi), and Eero. Brand-matching may be relevant for compatibility with existing electronic gear.
8. Who Should Buy a Wireless Router?
- Essential for home users, offices, businesses, and public places requiring Wi-Fi. Routers are indispensable for web surfing, streaming, gaming, work environments, and public venues offering free Wi-Fi.
9. What to Do After You Buy
- Set up the router by connecting it to the modem, connecting to Wi-Fi, and accessing the administrative console to configure settings.
In conclusion, selecting the right wireless router involves considering factors like price, speed, Wi-Fi range, usability, and brand reputation. It's crucial to align router specifications with individual needs and the intended usage environment.
