On the other hand, Wi-Fi 5 routers - although not quite as fast - are still plenty powerful, easily reaching speeds close to 1Gbps when paired with the appropriate internet plan. (The exception being some newer smartphones in iPhone’s 11 and 12 lineup, and some Samsung Galaxy models and laptops such as the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go.) You can still use Wi-Fi 5 devices with these newer routers, but they won’t be able to tap into some of the benefits. In reality, although they do offer significant improvements in speed over Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) routers, most devices being sold right now aren’t Wi-Fi 6-ready yet. The relatively new Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) routers can provide the fastest wireless connection possible - in theory. Here are some factors to keep in mind when shopping for the best router for your home: In other words, if you own a laptop from 2012, don't expect it to magically run at top speed, even with one of the latest routers in the market. Speeds are also bogged down by devices with older Wi-Fi technology. Most of the time, the only way to get speeds close to what your ISP advertises is by connecting devices directly to the router Ethernet ports. It’s good to remember that wireless signals are sensitive to interference from other connected devices, and can be weakened by the number and density of walls between you and the router. Two people watching Netflix on 4K on separate devices, for instance, will easily bog down a 50Mbps connection. If you’re experiencing slow connectivity or lagging, use an online calculator to check whether your maximum bandwidth is enough for your typical usage. So, if your plan offers a maximum of 500 megabits per second (Mbps) of bandwidth (the maximum amount of data that can be transferred at a specific time), your connection won’t be reaching gigabit (Gbps) speeds, no matter how fast your router is. Keep in mind that your connection will only be as fast as the plan you're paying for. It decodes incoming internet signals and passes them onto the router, which then redistributes them wirelessly to your laptop, smartphone and other devices logged on to your network. A modem is the device that connects you directly to the internet. Modems and routers are not the same thing. Such a system is similar to using Wi-Fi extenders, but it eliminates the need for devices to reconnect to different networks as you move around your home. A mesh Wi-Fi system improves coverage in a large home by taking signals from the main router and relaying it. ![]() Some models can even be linked to compatible routers from the same brand to create a mesh network. Also, their network settings can be tweaked as needed - which isn't necessarily the case for routers provided by internet service providers, which sometimes restrict access to certain settings. ![]() Whether budget-friendly or high-end, most routers let you prioritize speed to your most important connected devices and include some level of parental control and malware protection. Routers available for around $200 or more can generally handle more devices, larger areas and heavier usage, including 4K streaming and intense gaming by multiple members of a household. ![]() Routers selling for around $100 or less can help improve wireless speeds in a small home, assuming it’s one where few devices are connected at the same time. ![]() You don't have to spend a lot to get a good router. Buying your own wireless router can also end up saving you some money in the long run if you're paying a monthly fee for one provided by your internet provider.Įven if you have a router supplied for "free," it's probably not the fastest or most capable one available - and your wireless coverage may suffer. Upgrading your router can improve wireless speeds and coverage in your network. Expensive (around $450), configuration may be difficult for some users.
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