Latest Announcement: 2025's Leading Wi-Fi Routers Ranked
Choosing the Best Wi-Fi Routers Simplified
Navigating the labyrinth of Wi-Fi routers can be a daunting task, but fear not! This guide breaks it down, making the process as painless as possible.
When shopping for a router, familiarize yourself with the Wi-Fi standard supported by your devices. If you own one of the finest laptops, you might be on the lookout for Wi-Fi 7.
Beyond that, factors like speeds, range, and ports come into play. Let's dive deep into these:
Speed - The Wi-Fi standard plays a significant role in the speed you'll experience. While we don't recommend using Wi-Fi 5 routers on anything except older devices, Wi-Fi 6 is the budget-friendly go-to option. Wi-Fi 6E offers slightly higher speeds and an additional 6GHz band for less congestion. Wi-Fi 7 routers deliver even faster speeds, but they tend to be pricier, and many devices currently can't take full advantage of them.
Band - When it comes to bands, dual-band routers operate on two frequencies (2.4GHz and 5GHz), tri-band routers add a third (often a 6GHz band), and quad-band routers may offer up to two 6GHz bands. A tri-band router is an excellent choice if you want seamless performance across multiple devices, but a dual-band router is more than enough for one user.
Range - Some routers have an impressive range on their own, but those with limited range can still cover your entire home as part of a mesh system. Mesh setups use multiple units to eliminate dead zones. If you live in a house with more than 2,500 sq. ft. or multiple floors, a mesh system ensures everyone experiences uninterrupted Wi-Fi at home. Just remember, a mesh system tends to be pricier than just buying one router.
In 2025, a few stellar Wi-Fi routers hit the market. For affordability and solid performance, consider the TP-Link Archer BE400 (priced at around $145) for a peek into Wi-Fi 7. But, if you're after high-end strength, the tri-band TP-Link Wi-Fi 7 Deco BE63 mesh system (costing about $420 for a set of three) might be just what you need, covering up to 7,600 sq. ft.
Whether you're on the hunt for something affordable or a heavy-duty router to match a gaming laptop, we've got you covered. Explore the best Wi-Fi routers of 2025 in the list below:
Best Overall Wi-Fi RouterBest Premium Wi-Fi Mesh SystemBest Budget Wi-Fi RouterBest Budget Mesh SystemBest High-End Wi-Fi 6 RouterBest Gaming RouterBest Wi-Fi 7 RouterBest Security Features in a Wi-Fi Router
Remember, you don't need to be an expert to buy the right router. Just consider the type of Wi-Fi, whether you need additional bands, and if a mesh system is necessary. The goal is to future-proof your devices without burning a hole in your wallet. Happy shopping!
- If you own one of the finest laptops, you might be interested in Wi-Fi 7 routers, which deliver faster speeds but are generally pricier.
- For those on a budget, Wi-Fi 6 is a budget-friendly option, providing decent speeds, but Wi-Fi 6E offers slightly higher speeds with an additional 6GHz band for less congestion.
- A tri-band router, such as the TP-Link Wi-Fi 7 Deco BE63 mesh system, is an excellent choice if you want seamless performance across multiple devices in a large home.
- In the world of gadgets and technology, shopping for a budget Wi-Fi router like the TP-Link Archer BE400 can provide solid performance and a glimpse into Wi-Fi 7, making it an affordable choice.
