The Prime Big Deal Days are in full swing, but a discount on Netgear’s Orbi 770 Series is not to be missed, since this is the best Wi-Fi 7 mesh for most homes right now. It is easy to set up and use, delivers stable and speedy performance, and provides expansive coverage. If you’re looking to jack up your home Wi-Fi, the Orbi 770 Series is a great way to do it—especially with this Prime Day deal.
For many years, I recommended Asus mesh systems, like the XT8 (also on sale right now), because they perform well, include free security and parental controls, and allow for deep configuration. The XT8 is still my pick of Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems, but Asus has failed to impress with Wi-Fi 7, releasing mesh routers with flaky firmware. They are slowly improving, but in the meantime, Netgear stepped into the breach with excellent Wi-Fi 7 systems.
Netgear’s premium pricing used to put me off, but it has started to offer more affordable mesh routers, and the Orbi 770 Series is the sweet spot in the lineup for most folks. Refreshingly easy and impressively stable, this tri-band mesh offers three bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) as a unified network that’s available for devices and as backhaul (traffic between the main router and satellites). You can expect very fast speeds at short range but also wide coverage for more than 100 devices.
A 2-pack of the Netgear Orbi 770 Series will likely be enough for most homes, and easily delivered in my modern 1,600-square-foot house, extending a strong Wi-Fi signal into my backyard. However, after moving into an old Victorian house with thick walls, I had to switch up to three. Luckily, the 3-pack is also on sale.
Handling four simultaneous movie streams and online gaming sessions with apparent ease, the Netgear Orbi 770 is easy to recommend. The accessible app shows connected devices, allows you to set up a guest network or IoT network, and offers a handful of analytical tools. The main router has a 2.5 Gbps WAN and three 2.5 Gbps LAN ports, while the satellites make do with two 2.5 Gbps LAN ports apiece.
The subscriptions are a bit of a catch with this system. Netgear Armor is feature-packed security software that includes Bitdefender Security and VPN service, but it’s only free for 30 days, then $40 for the first year, and $100 a year after. Basic parental controls are free, but to set limits, track website and app usage, apply age-appropriate filters, and set bedtimes, you must subscribe to Smart Parental Controls for $8 a month or $70 a year after the 30-day trial. You can live without these, but they’re nice to have.
While a cheaper Wi-Fi 6 mesh will still serve most homes well, snagging the Orbi 770 enables you to tick off Wi-Fi worries for the next few years. It is a supremely slick, set-and-forget mesh that’s robust, reliable, and rangey. And this Prime Day deal is the cheapest I’ve seen this system so far.
Are you constantly resetting your dated router, or feeling like your streaming isn’t as snappy as it used to be? You might consider upgrading your router, and our favorite Wi-Fi router, the Asus RT-BE58U, is currently marked down by $20 on Amazon. For just $130, you could upgrade your whole house to Wi-Fi 7, and get all the benefits that come with it.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Importantly, the Asus RT-BE58U support Wi-Fi 7, the latest and greatest in in-home wireless internet. If you want to learn more about the benefits of the new standard, make sure to check out our full explainer that breaks down all of the technical details. The practical benefits are speeds up to four times faster than Wi-Fi 6, lower latency, and better handling for more connections to the router. While these devices were expensive at launch, as prices have come down and device support has risen, they’ve become worth the extra price.
The Asus mobile app gives you a surprising amount of control over your Wi-Fi settings without having to dig into the even more detailed admin panel. With excellent feature support, you can configure your network-wide VPN, or create separate networks for smart home devices and guests. If you want added security or parental controls, Asus offers those with no additional monthly fee.
We were impressed with the RT-BE58U’s range right out of the box, with our reviewer Simon Hill saying it covered his two-story, 1,600-square-foot home without any extra help, although he noted that sometimes devices would switch to the slower 2.4-GHz band at the edges of the range. If you think you’ll need extra coverage for your larger-than-average house, you can use Asus’ AiMesh feature to easily add extra routers or range extenders to your setup.
Of course, it still has all the wired connections you’d expect from a modern router, with three gigabit LAN ports, 2.5- and 1-gigabit WAN ports, one of which is also a LAN port, and USB WAN for 4G LTE and 5G mobile tethering. As long as you don’t have an expansive home, the Asus RT-BE58U should cover almost all of it with fast, reliable internet, and it’s easy to set up and configure to your needs, but you can always check out our full roundup of the best Wi-Fi routers if you aren’t sure.
Amazon’s Eero is getting into the cellular hotspot router business… sort of. At IFA 2025, the company announced the Eero Signal, a device that can back up your Eero network with cellular data, kicking in when it detects an internet outage.
The Eero Signal is an upright little device with a USB-C splitter that plugs into your existing Eero router’s USB-C port, powering both devices. If you’re paying for a $99.99 annual subscription to Eero Plus, you’ll get 10GB of cellular backup data per year. Eero will also roll out a $199.99/year “Eero Plus 100” plan that, you guessed it, gives you 100GB of data to use. Eero spokesperson Connor Rice said the Signal will work with any USB-C Eero router that supports Wi-Fi 6 or higher.
Eero Plus subscribers already have access to a built-in backup internet feature—called, uh, Eero Internet Backup—that can automatically switch your network over to a nearby hotspot or alternative Wi-Fi network. But if you’d rather not pay separately for another company’s mobile hotspot data and don’t just have another Wi-Fi network lying around to use, you can pick up a 4G LTE version of the Signal for $99.99 early next year. Eero says that later in 2026, it will release another one that uses 5G RedCap, a newer cellular protocol meant to provide low-latency, low-bandwidth service, primarily for things like IoT and wearable devices. The 5G model will set you back $199.99, according to Rice.
Eero is “working with multiple major cellular carriers to enable backup data if there’s an internet outage,” according to Rice. He said the throughput customers can expect when using the Signal’s cell backup will be up to 150Mbps, while the 5G RedCap version will get up to 220Mbps. He added that those are “theoretical maximums,” and actual speed will depend on several factors, like how close users are to cell towers and what cellular spectrum is available.
The company also announced the Eero PoE 7, a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 power over ethernet router that works with its existing mesh systems and can get both power and data from a single ethernet cable. This one won’t be available to the general public—instead, it’s intended for “businesses and residential properties that use wired infrastructure and have high-bandwidth needs.” The PoE 7 has specs similar to the Eero Max 7, with the company promising wireless throughput up to 3.9Gbps and wired up to 9.4Gbps. Each device will have two 10GbE ports and can cover up to 2,000 square feet, according to Eero. The PoE 7 will be available in the U.S. and Canada in November for $499.99, from “select internet service providers and professional installers.”
Amazon’s Eero mesh range is tough to beat for folks seeking a set-and-forget mesh Wi-Fi system for their home. Simplicity, with a side of smart home support, makes the Eero Pro 7 a compelling prospect. It strikes a nice balance in Eero’s Wi-Fi 7 lineup, offering the faster 6-GHz band and better all-around performance than the entry-level Eero 7, while costing far less than the top-of-the-line Max 7.
While I experienced teething troubles with systems like the Max 7 when Wi-Fi 7 was new, my time with the Pro 7 has been plain sailing. Quick to install, easy to use, and reliable, this is an easy mesh to recommend, but there’s plenty of competition. At $700 for a 3-pack, the Eero Pro 7 is not cheap, and you need to shell out for an Eero Plus subscription to unlock all its features.
Easy Life
Photograph: Simon Hill
Eero systems have a well-deserved reputation for being easy to set up and use. Download the Eero app, sign in with your Amazon account, and follow the onscreen instructions to get your network up and running in minutes. The app keeps things simple, with a home page showing your internet connection, mesh routers, and connected devices. You can dig into the full list of devices and review activity, but everything else is hidden in the settings.
I tested a 3-pack of identical shiny white plastic routers, featuring the same tower design as the Max 7, just slightly smaller. They blend in easily and plug into power via the USB-C port on the back. Each unit sports two 5-Gbps Ethernet ports. The app guides you on placement, and it’s best to think of your mesh as an internet spine for the home, so rather than placing a node in a dead spot, set it up halfway between your main router and the room you’re trying to cover.
My Eero Pro 7 testing spanned a house move, so I was able to test it in a modern home where two units easily blanketed every corner and in an old Victorian house with much thicker walls, where all three units were required. While speeds using Wi-Fi 7 devices in the same room as the main router were as fast as I’ve recorded, there was a significant drop-off one or two rooms over. This is because the 6-GHz band doesn’t penetrate as well as the 5-GHz or 2.4-GHz bands we are used to.
Everyone wants reliable and fast internet, and a good router can help. The trick is to work out how the complicated mess of standards, confusing acronyms, and sci-fi-sounding features translate to better Wi-Fi in your home. Join us as we tear back the curtain to reveal the pertinent facts about Wi-Fi, routers, mesh systems, and other jargon. Hopefully, you’ll be better equipped to buy a router by the end.
Updated November 2024: We added information on alternatives to a new router, the rollout of Wi-Fi 7, updated average speeds, details on how mesh systems use bands, more information about ports and speeds, and some useful links.
Table of Contents
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Who Is Your Internet Service Provider?
Internet service providers (ISPs) connect your home to the internet, and they usually send you a modem and router (sometimes in a single device). The modem connects your home to the broader internet, the router hooks up to the modem, and you connect all your gadgets—with wires or wirelessly—to the router to access that connectivity. ISPs often charge you a rental fee for this equipment, and their routers are usually basic in terms of performance and features. The good news is that ISPs are by law no longer allowed to force you to use their equipment or charge you to use your own hardware, though you may still have to return their stuff to avoid charges.
We’re largely looking at using your own router in this guide and using your ISP’s modem. By using your own, you can potentially save money in the long term, but you can also enjoy faster Wi-Fi, better coverage, easier configuration, and extra features like parental controls and guest Wi-Fi networks. We will run through your router options, but whatever system you decide to go with, check compatibility with your ISP before buying. You can also search your ISP’s forums to find posts where people discuss using different routers and modems. A little research before you shop can save you a big headache down the line.
What Kind of Router Do You Need?
Photograph: Simon Hill
There are various ways to make your Wi-Fi faster, and buying a new router is one of the most obvious. To help you decide on the type of router to go for, calculate the rough square footage of your home before you begin.
Single Router
The simplest solution for most people is to choose a single router or a router and modem combo. Bear in mind that this device will have to plug into your existing socket or modem via Ethernet cable, which restricts where you can place it. The Wi-Fi signal will be strongest near the router and will gradually drop off and slow down the further away you get. If you’re able to, place your router centrally in your home and leave it out in the open.
Routers should always state square footage for coverage, but certain types of construction—thick walls, insulation, and other devices—can interfere with Wi-Fi signals, so don’t expect to enjoy full-speed Wi-Fi at longer distances. Powerful routers with wide coverage are often large devices with multiple external antennas, but they’re usually very expensive.
Mesh Systems
If you have a large home and want solid coverage in your garden, or you have thick walls and specific dead spots with your current setup, then mesh Wi-Fi could be the answer. Mesh systems consist of a central hub, which connects just like a single router, as well as additional satellites or nodes you can place around the home.
Devices connect to the internet through the nearest node, so you can achieve wider Wi-Fi coverage and a more reliable connection in different areas by adding a node. Just bear in mind that each node will need a power outlet. Mesh systems are typically more expensive than single-router setups, but they enhance coverage and reliability, and they often boast additional features and control options. They also tend to be smaller than regular routers and are typically designed to blend in with your decor.
Most mesh systems are expandable, and some manufacturers allow you to link individual routers to create a mesh, so you can start with a single router and add more as required. Just make sure you understand which devices are compatible. For example, any Asus router that supports AiMesh can work as part of a mesh system, but TP-Link’s OneMesh technology only allows you to add compatible Wi-Fi extenders—you can’t link routers together.
Alternatives to a New Router
Photograph: StockSnapper/Getty Images
If your issue is more about coverage and you have a single problem room where you want to improve Wi-Fi, or a particular device that needs a faster connection, you might not need to buy a new router. Try one of these alternatives. They each have their own technical challenges and potential issues. Even when successfully deployed, they won’t come close to matching the convenience of a good mesh system, but they are all much cheaper.
Ethernet Cables
Before Wi-Fi was ubiquitous, we relied on Ethernet cables to connect computers and other devices to routers. Ethernet connections are much faster, more stable, and more secure than Wi-Fi (or any other option we suggest here). The drawback is that the device you want to connect needs to have an Ethernet port, and you have to run cable from your router to the device. If you need to run Ethernet cables to multiple spots, use an Ethernet switch. With a switch you can plug one cable in from your router and run several cables out to various devices. Anyone looking to get the best performance from a mesh system should also consider running Ethernet cables between the main router and nodes to create a wired backhaul that leaves the Wi-Fi bands free for your devices to connect to.
Power Line Adapters
Sold in pairs, power line adapters pass an internet signal through your electrical wiring. You plug one into a power outlet near your router and connect it with an Ethernet cable, while the other power line adapter plugs into a power outlet in the room where you want faster internet. They can be a good solution if you have a console or smart TV in your living room at the back of the house, but your router is in the front hall, for example. Unfortunately, effectiveness depends heavily on your electrical wiring.
MoCA (Multimedia Over Coax Alliance)
If your home already has coaxial cables installed (perhaps for cable TV), you can use them to create a reliable wired network that offers high speeds and low latency compared to Wi-Fi. You can buy routers, network adapters, or Wi-Fi extenders that support the MoCA standard. Much like power line adapters, this can be a great way to pass an internet signal to a smart TV, game console, or desktop that doesn’t get a strong Wi-Fi signal.
Wi-Fi Repeaters
You can use Wi-Fi repeaters to spread the Wi-Fi from a single router a bit further and potentially boost the signal in a dead spot. These devices are a good solution for some people, but they can be inefficient, prone to interference, and often create a secondary network with a different name from your regular Wi-Fi. Nowadays, you can get better performance at a similar price by opting for a mesh or adding a second router if your main router supports it, like Asus does with AiMesh.
Access Points
If you don’t mind a challenge and have a spare old router lying around, you can look into configuring it as an access point or using it as a Wi-Fi extender. This can be particularly effective if you’re able to connect it to your main router via cabling, but configuration can prove tricky.
What Speed Do You Need?
Photograph: RerF/Getty Images
There’s plenty to consider when you’re trying to decide how fast your router should be. The maximum speed of your internet is determined by your ISP. Internet speeds are stated in Mbps (megabits per second). The median global fixed broadband speed is 94 Mbps for downloads and 49 Mbps for uploads, according to Ookla’s Speedtest. Most ISPs will state up to a certain speed or give you a range—like 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload—but what you actually get is often lower than the maximum (especially upload speeds), and it must be shared between all of your connected devices.
The Eero Outdoor 7 comes with fixings and instructional videos for installation onto stucco, vinyl, wood, or fiber cement walls. You can also attach it to a fence or a wooden post if you prefer. The Eero Outdoor 7 supports PoE (power over Ethernet), meaning you can plug a single Ethernet cable into the 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port to deliver both internet and power, though the other end will have to plug into something like Eero’s PoE Gateway ($400).
A wired connection will squeeze the best performance from the Eero Outdoor 7, but means running a cable. If you prefer to connect wirelessly, you’ll need the optional outdoor power adapter, which costs an extra $50. It will use the 5-GHz band to connect to an existing mesh wirelessly, reducing the available bandwidth for devices. If you’re wondering about the lack of 6-GHz, often touted as the main advantage of Wi-Fi 7, Eero decided it didn’t make much sense for outdoor Wi-Fi where the range is so vital, and it’s a fair point (6-GHz is relatively short range and requires more power).
Photograph: Eero
The Eero Outdoor 7 is compatible with all the existing Eero systems that the company sells, so you can move freely inside and out, and it will pass off the connection seamlessly to your devices, automatically finding the best channels and minimizing interference. Just like Eero’s routers, the Outdoor 7 is smart-home-friendly, with support for Thread, Zigbee, and Matter. That will be handy for devices like security cameras and robot mowers and could be a crucial selling point for the Eero Outdoor 7 compared to other outdoor routers, like the significantly cheaper TP-Link Deco X50 Outdoor ($150).
The Eero Outdoor 7 costs $350 and is available starting November 13. The bundle with the 30-watt PoE (Power over Ethernet) and outdoor power adapter is $400 and gives you around 18 feet of cable to run to an outdoor outlet. It will also be offered in two-packs and bundled with other Eero systems, like the Max 7. The Eero Outdoor 7 comes with a three-year warranty.
Using an Eero mesh system without the Eero Plus subscription limits you to a basic set of options. You can schedule Wi-Fi downtime, set up a guest network, and use your Eero as a smart home hub. That might be enough for most, but here’s what you get if you subscribe. First, it’s worth noting that Eero used to offer a two-tiered subscription. Eero Secure was $3 per month or $30 per year and included advanced security, content filtering, ad-blocking, activity insights, and VIP support. Eero Secure+ was $10 per month or $100 per year and added third-party apps 1Password (password manager), Encrypt.me (VPN), and Malwarebytes (antivirus), as well as DDNS for remote network access.
Select internet service providers still offer Eero Secure, but the only option for everyone else is the rebranded Eero Plus, which includes everything listed above for $10 per month or $100 per year. The subscription also now includes Internet Backup, which allows you to add secondary backup networks (alternative Wi-Fi or hotspot connections) that the system can use, should your main Wi-Fi network go down.
Eero Plus is relatively expensive considering features like parental controls and real-time security are often provided for free by router manufacturers like Asus and Linksys. If you need the bundled apps, Eero Plus is arguably worth it, but even if it’s the only way to get the best Eero experience, it’s hard to justify such a high cost. Thankfully, in keeping with the brand ethos, everything is super easy to use, and the parental controls are among the best. Keep an eye out for the frequent discount offers. If you feel the subscription cost is too high, we suggest you choose a different mesh system.
The mobile app is straightforward, but it often takes a few seconds to load. Settings are also limited; there’s no mixed mode for WPA2 and WPA3 security like on the TP-Link above, you can’t split bands, and there’s no option to prioritize traffic for specific activities or devices. This is also a pricey system with the need for a subscription on top if you want the parental controls and added security (though you don’t need it).
Having said all that, the Orbi AX4200 does deliver fast, reliable Wi-Fi over a large distance, and I didn’t have a single connectivity issue or dropout while testing it. For faster performance, you might also consider the Netgear Orbi RBK863 (7/10, WIRED Review), or go all out with the Netgear Orbi RBKE963.
Support for Wi-Fi 6E, which operates on the 6-GHz band, is growing more common, and with Wi-Fi 7 arriving, 6E routers and mesh systems like this one are falling in price. A 2-pack of this tri-band mesh system is relatively affordable. These cylindrical routers sport the vaselike Deco family design, blending into rooms. The setup is quick and easy, and the main router automatically detected the second one when I powered it on. Each has three gigabit ports. (Sadly, there are no multi-gig or USB ports.)
Performance was consistently good throughout my home, with some of the fastest speeds I have recorded close to the routers, but the range is relatively limited. My top pick, the XT8, outperformed the XE75 in most scenarios. By default, the 6-GHz band is reserved for wireless backhaul, but you can open it up for devices. I joined with my Pixel 6 Pro, and after multiple speed tests at close range (up to 8 feet away), I generally got download speeds around 50 Mbps faster than on the 5-GHz band, but this dropped sharply with distance. The range of 6 GHz is significantly shorter, and just one room over, the signal strength was visibly weaker than 5 GHz. If you use the 6 GHz for wireless backhaul, you can’t have the routers too far apart or with too many obstacles or you will have dead zones.
Disappointingly, the free tier of HomeShield offers only limited security, and Security+ costs $5 a month or $36 a year for web and intrusion protection with notifications and reports, while Total Security costs $70 a year and adds antivirus for devices, VPN service, and a password manager. Advanced Parental Controls require a second subscription costing $3 a month or $18 a year for time limits, downtime scheduling, rewards, app time limits, safe search, insights, and reports. Quality of Service allows you to prioritize specific devices and set bandwidth allowances. There is also a mixed-mode security option for WPA2 and WPA3. You can also split the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands and create guest networks.
The Deco app and web interface are functional with limited options and feel a little clunky to navigate. The app failed to identify many of the devices on my network. I was also disappointed in the lack of an option to run a speed test on the router to see what my ISP delivers. Ultimately, the inclusion of that 6-GHz band won’t make a difference for many people, but this is an affordable way to dip your toe in 6E waters. If you are prepared to spend a bit more, the Deco XE200 ($800 for a 2-pack), listed in other routers we have tested below, is an excellent performer and one of the best Wi-Fi 6E mesh systems you can get. The MSRP is high, but keep an eye out for price drops.
If you are an early adopter desperate to sample the delights of Wi-Fi 7 and don’t mind paying for the privilege, the TP-Link Deco BE85 (7/10, WIRED Review) is likely on your radar. There are few Wi-Fi 7 devices available today. The BE85 is fully backward compatible with previous Wi-Fi versions, but only devices that support Wi-Fi 7, like the OnePlus 11 5G, can take full advantage of this system.
TP-Link has stuck with the vase-like design that marks its Deco range, but these are by far the largest mesh routers it has released, and each has a stylized 7 on the front, lest you forget this is a Wi-Fi 7 system. Each router boasts four auto-sensing WAN/LAN Ethernet ports, two 10-Gbps ports (one is an SFP combo), two 2.5-Gbps ports, and a USB 3.0 port. Setup is quick and easy with the Deco app on your phone.
TP-Link’s new Archer BE19000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Gaming Router is here, and it promises to redefine your gaming experience. This router is designed with gamers in mind, featuring cutting-edge technology to deliver unparalleled speed and stability. Let’s dive into what makes this router a game-changer.
Unmatched Speed and Performance
The Archer BE19000 boasts impressive Wi-Fi 7 speeds of up to 19 Gbps across three bands. This ensures that every device in your home can access high-speed internet without any lag. With 12 streams and dual 10 Gbps ports, this router provides an optimal gaming experience, whether you’re playing solo or with friends. The inclusion of quad 2.5 Gbps wired ports further enhances connectivity, allowing multiple devices to enjoy seamless internet access.
Advanced Game Acceleration
One of the standout features of the Archer BE19000 is its advanced game acceleration capabilities. This router stabilizes connections and minimizes lag, which is crucial for a responsive and immersive gaming experience. The integration of WTFast Gamers Private Network (GPN) helps in reducing latency by optimizing the path data takes through the internet. Additionally, the router’s powerful game panel displays network status, router performance, RGB settings, and accelerated games and gear in real-time, giving gamers a comprehensive overview of their setup.
Sleek Design with Customizable RGB Lighting
The Archer BE19000 is not just about performance; it also features a sleek and stylish design. The high-performance launchpad design is complemented by smooth multicolor RGB lighting, adding a touch of personalization to your gaming setup. The optimized antenna layout ensures quality connections, making the router not just functional but also visually appealing. This design enhances the gaming atmosphere, creating an electrifying environment that pulses with the energy of your victories.
Comprehensive Security and Coverage
Security is a top priority with the Archer BE19000. It comes fully equipped with TP-Link HomeShield, providing comprehensive antivirus protection. This ensures that your gaming sessions are safe from online threats. Additionally, the router’s EasyMesh compatibility allows any EasyMesh-compatible access point to be added to the network. This feature eliminates Wi-Fi dead zones, delivering consistent coverage throughout your home.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the TP-Link Archer BE19000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Gaming Router is a robust choice for gamers seeking high-speed, reliable connectivity. Its advanced features, such as game acceleration, customizable RGB lighting, and comprehensive security, make it a standout option in the market. Priced at $599.99, it is currently available on Amazon with a limited-time launch promotion at $499.99. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a professional, this router offers the performance and stability needed to elevate your gaming experience. For more information, visit the TP-Link website.
We have tested some other routers we like and have several more in the queue. These aren’t as great as the picks above but are worth considering.
Netgear Nighthawk RS700 for $699: Although I had setup issues that required a factory reset, there’s no hiding the top notch performance of this router. It’s a Wi-Fi 7 tri-band router with two 10 Gbps Ethernet ports, four gigabit ports, and a USB 3.2. The tower design is new for the Nighthawk line and it looks great. This router will blend in far better than our bulky Wi-Fi 7 pick above from Asus and it was slightly faster on the 6-GHz band, though not the 5-GHz or 2.4-GHz bands. It mainly misses out on a recommendation because it is more expensive. We’re already seeing discounts on the RT-BE96U and Asus offers free security software and parental controls. If you get the Nighthawk RS700S, the “S” at the end denotes a free year of Netgear Armor, which costs $100 a year thereafter. If you need parental controls that’s another $70 a year.
Vodafone Pro II from £39 a month: Folks in the UK looking for a new internet service provider (ISP) should check out Vodafone’s Pro II. While ISPs have traditionally provided shoddy routers to their customers, that seems to be changing. The Vodafone Pro II is a tri-band router that supports Wi-Fi 6E, and it delivered lightning-fast speeds in my tests on a par with many of my picks above. The range is limited, especially on the 6-GHz band, but this service comes with a range extender that appears as part of the same network. You can also get a 4G backup that connects to Vodafone’s mobile network to keep you online should your regular internet connection fail. It’s only available with a two-year Vodafone service contract, starting from £39 a month.
Firewalla Gold SE for $449: This quirky portable device is perfect for people who worry about security and privacy. It offers comprehensive tools for monitoring all traffic in and out of your house, robust and detailed parental controls, ad-blocking, and enhanced security with a built-in firewall and VPN option. It serves as a router, but you will want to pair another router in access point mode for Wi-Fi in your home. It’s expensive and may prove intimidating for inexperienced folks, but it offers deep insight into your network and an impressive depth of security features without an additional subscription. The Gold SE has two 2.5 Gbps ports and two gigabit ports and is suitable for folks with up to 2-gigabit connections. If your internet is only one gigabit, try the more affordable, but slightly less capable, Firewalla Purple ($359) (8/10, WIRED recommends).
TP-Link Archer BE800 for $500: With a fresh design that’s more desktop PC than router, the BE800 (8/10, WIRED Review) tri-band beast came out on top or close to it in my tests on the 2.4-GHz, 5-GHz, and 6-GHz bands, proving impressively swift for file transfers and downloads. It also boasts speedy ports galore, a cool but kind of pointless customizable dot-matrix LED screen, and the Tether app offers a guest network, IoT network, VPN server or client, EasyMesh, QoS for device prioritization, and remote management. This was our Wi-Fi 7 pick, but the Asus RT-BE96U beat it in my tests and does not require a subscription. TP-Link’s Security+ ($5/month, $36/year) and Advanced Parental Controls ($3/month, $18/year) bring full-featured parental controls and network security.
Reyee RG-E6 for $144: This affordable gaming router from Reyee came very close to unseating our budget gaming pick above (TP-Link Archer GX90) after some impressive test results. It is only a dual-band router, but with support for 160-MHz channels, the speeds on the 5-GHz band were very good. It has a 2.5-Gbps WAN/LAN and three gigabit LANs but no USB ports. Reyee’s app offers prioritization for devices, ports, and gaming traffic, separate guest and IoT networks, and basic parental controls. What it lacks is any security, and the app is poorly translated. But if that doesn’t bother you, this is likely the best gaming router you can get for the money.
TP-Link Archer AXE75 for $170: While this tri-band router makes Wi-Fi 6E affordable, its performance was mixed. The 6-GHz band offers fast speeds at close range but drops off sharply with distance. I found the 5-GHz band somewhat inconsistent, recording zippy performance in most of my tests but relatively slow results on a few occasions. You also need subscriptions if you want full-featured parental controls and network security, and all four Ethernet ports are limited to 1 Gbps.
Synology WRX560 for $220: If you already have the Synology RT6600ax listed above, the WRX560 is a decent additional device for setting up a mesh network. I had some issues with setup that required a factory reset, but once up and running, the WRX560 offers a strong and stable signal on the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands. However, a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router is a tough sell at this price, so if you just need one, it’s worth spending the extra $80 for the RT6600ax.
TP-Link Archer AX5400 Pro for $200: This dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router is almost identical to the Archer AX73, except for the 2.5 Gbps WAN port. It delivers relatively fast speeds on the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands and boasts a 160-MHz channel width on 5 GHz. The range is good, easily covering my home and garden, but the performance was inconsistent. It was also relatively slow at moving files locally. There’s support for TP-Link OneMesh, VPN, and QoS, but you only get basic parental controls and network security unless you subscribe.
MSi RadiX AXE6600 for $161: This Wi-Fi 6E tri-band gaming router has that familiar red and black Sith spider look, though you can customize the lighting. It proved very fast in most of my tests, coming close to the top of the table at short range on the 6-GHz band and offering average performance on the 5-GHz and 2.4-GHz bands. But the mobile app had limited options, a confusing layout, and was buggy (it crashed on me more than once). The web interface was better, with more options, including open VPN, simple parental controls, guest network, and QoS optimization for gaming. Unfortunately, performance was inconsistent, and I suffered random drops twice in a week of testing.
Linksys Hydra Pro 6E for $200: One of the first Wi-Fi 6E tri-band routers (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) to hit the market, the price has dropped significantly since release. It proved easy to set up, and has a very straightforward app, though it was often slow to load. It has a 5-Gbps WAN port and four gigabit LAN ports. The performance proved reliable, and it’s possible to get lightning-fast speeds at close range if you have a device that supports Wi-Fi 6E. Coverage and speeds at mid and long range were average. There are free basic parental controls that enable you to block sites and schedule downtime, but only on a per-device basis (no profile creation or age restrictions filters). You can split bands if you want to, and prioritize three devices. There’s also a guest network option and easy Wi-Fi sharing. Another positive is that this router works with any other Linksys Intelligent Mesh router (including the Velop mesh range).
Linksys Hydra 6 for $100: Specs-wise, this compact router is similar to our top pick (TP-Link Archer AX55). It’s a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router with a gigabit WAN and four gigabit LAN ports. The setup was easy, and it uses the same Linksys app as the Pro 6E above, so you get free parental controls, guest network, prioritization, and band splitting. It proved speedy at close range and not bad at mid-range, but if your home is larger than 1,600 square feet, it may struggle. However, as an Intelligent Mesh router, it can mix and match with other Linksys routers or its Velop mesh system. Linksys suggests a limit of 25 connected devices. Although it managed more than 40 without issues in my testing, busy households will likely want something more powerful.
Reyee RG-E5 for $100: Based purely on performance, this dual-band, Wi-Fi 6 router impressed me. It offered great coverage, very fast speeds on the 5-GHz band, and solid stability. It can also form a mesh with other Reyee routers, and the app boasts free parental controls. On the downside, security is lacking (no WPA3, no 2FA, no anti-malware), you have to create a Ruijie Cloud account (Ruijie is the Chinese parent company), and the poorly translated app is slightly confusing.
While the Netgear Orbi 970 Series has impressed me over the past month, it is not flawless. I first tried to test this system before it was released and had to give up after encountering frequent network drops. To be fair, I had issues testing many pre-certified Wi-Fi 7 systems, particularly with Google’s Pixel 8 (and I’m not the only one). Netgear has updated the Orbi 970 firmware, so it runs far more smoothly. I had issues with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra this time, but deleting its network settings and reconnecting fixed my problems.
Premium Price
There’s a lot to like about the Netgear Orbi 970 Series, but it makes the Eero Max 7 (7/10, WIRED Review) and the TP-Link Deco BE85 (7/10, WIRED review) look relatively affordable, and both of those systems slightly bested it in many of my tests. The scenario where the Orbi comes out on top is for very large homes with multi-gig internet connections. If you have a big house, you can likely afford it, but why pay more? One possible answer is the extras.
Netgear Armor is a comprehensive security package with many features. It scans devices when they connect to your network, proactively blocks threats, including malware and dodgy websites, and includes Bitdefender Security and VPN service to safeguard your devices outside the home. This package certainly adds value, and some families will find it very useful, though you only get the first year for free. It costs $100 a year after that.
Basic parental controls are free but limit you to creating profiles for your kids’ devices and pausing their internet. If you want to set limits, track website and app usage, apply age-appropriate filters, set bedtimes, and more, you need Smart Parental Controls at $8 a month or $70 a year after the 30-day trial. These are comprehensive parental controls, but that’s a hefty extra fee.
While the subscription model is now dominant, Asus still offers much of the same functionality for free with its router range. It’s not quite as user-friendly, but you can tweak more settings. If you prefer the set-and-forget approach, you can save hundreds with the Eero Max 7 at $1,700 for a three-pack or $1,150 for a two-pack (less if you wait for a sale). It is every bit as easy to use, and an Eero Plus subscription at $100 a year includes everything you get with Netgear Armor and Smart Parental Controls, plus genuinely handy extra smart home features and one of our favorite password managers.
You might pay a premium for some consumer electronic brands because you love the design or for unique features, but that’s harder to justify for something as utilitarian as a router. The Netgear Orbi 970 Series is undoubtedly an excellent mesh, but it doesn’t do much, if anything, that another mesh system cannot do for less. Ultimately, it is overpriced and overkill for most folks.
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