How to pick the best Wi-Fi router for your home

💡 Need to know

• Start with your home's layout. A traditional router may be enough for a smaller home, while mesh Wi-Fi can help cover larger spaces and dead zones.
• Wi-Fi 6 is still a solid choice. Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 offer newer features, but not every household needs them.
• Match the router to your internet plan. A better router can improve coverage and wireless performance, but it won't increase your provider's internet speed.
• Don't overlook security. Look for WPA3 support, automatic firmware updates, and a guest network.

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A fast, stable Wi-Fi connection is a must, and it starts with the right router—whether you work from home, game all night, or want to stream a different show than everyone else in the house. But with Wi-Fi 6, 6E, 7, and mesh systems to choose from, how do you know which router is actually worth buying?

That's where we come in. At Asurion, our experts help people get more out of their home networks, from protecting Wi-Fi from hackers to troubleshooting why a Nintendo Switch won't connect to a TV. Here's what we'd look for when choosing the best Wi-Fi router for your home.

What does a router do?

Your router connects the devices in your home to your internet service, sending Wi-Fi signals to phones, TVs, gaming consoles, laptops, and other connected tech. Many routers also have Ethernet ports for devices that benefit from a wired connection.

Some internet providers supply a combined modem and router, often called a gateway. Others let you use your own equipment, although compatibility requirements vary.

Which type of router is right for you?

There are two common setups to consider: a traditional wireless router and a mesh Wi-Fi system. Both can provide reliable internet access, but the best choice depends more on your home's layout and coverage needs than square footage alone.

Traditional wireless router

For an apartment or smaller home, a single router may be all you need. It's generally less expensive than a mesh system and works well when the signal can reach the rooms where you use Wi-Fi most.

Placement matters, though. Keep the router in a central, open location when possible. Thick walls, multiple floors, and interference from other electronics can weaken the signal, even with a powerful router.

Mesh network

If Wi-Fi works perfectly in the living room but barely reaches the upstairs bedroom, a mesh network may be a better fit. Mesh systems use multiple connected units, called nodes, to spread Wi-Fi coverage throughout the home. They're especially helpful for larger houses, unusual layouts, or areas where walls and floors block the signal. They typically cost more than a single router, but can provide more consistent coverage. Some also support wired connections between nodes for better performance.

A Wi-Fi extender is another option for reaching a weak spot, although performance and roaming between coverage areas may not be as seamless as with a mesh system. Need help deciding? Check out our guide to whether a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network is right for your home.

What internet speed do you need?

Internet speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). Your internet service provider determines the speed available through your plan, while your router affects how well that connection reaches your devices.

To see what you're actually getting, run a speed test near the router, then repeat it in the rooms where Wi-Fi feels slow.

Here are some general download-speed guidelines for common activities:

These are approximate speeds for individual activities, not recommendations for an entire household. Upload speed also matters for video calls, livestreaming, and sending large files.

For a household with several people streaming, gaming, or working from home, 200–500 Mbps may be a reasonable starting point. Larger households with heavier usage may benefit from faster plans.

The important thing is not paying for speed you can't use—or buying a router that can't keep up with the internet plan you already have. For more guidance, check the FCC's broadband speed guide.

Wi-Fi 5 vs. Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 6E vs. Wi-Fi 7

If you've shopped for a router recently, you've probably noticed a growing collection of Wi-Fi numbers. Here's what they mean for everyday use.

Wi-Fi 7 is the newest widely available generation, but that doesn't automatically make it the best purchase for every home. Its advanced features, including Multi-Link Operation, require compatible hardware to deliver their full benefits.

If most of your devices use Wi-Fi 5 or 6 and your internet plan isn't especially fast, a good Wi-Fi 6 router may be plenty. Wi-Fi 6E or 7 becomes more appealing when you have newer devices, a fast internet plan, or a busy network with lots of simultaneous activity.

Older devices can generally connect to newer routers through backward-compatible Wi-Fi bands, so upgrading doesn't mean replacing every phone, laptop, and smart speaker in the house.

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Other Wi-Fi router questions to consider

How many people will typically use your router?

A home with two people browsing and streaming has different needs from one with several gamers, remote workers, and connected devices running at once.

Look for a router that can handle multiple simultaneous connections. If you regularly host guests, choose one with a guest network so visitors can connect without using your main Wi-Fi password.

How many Ethernet and USB ports do you need?

Planning to connect a gaming console, desktop computer, printer, or smart home hub directly? Check the router's Ethernet ports before buying.

Wired Ethernet connections can be especially useful for gaming, video calls, and devices that need a stable connection.

USB ports are less essential for most households, but may be helpful if the router supports compatible external storage or printer-sharing features.

How much security do you need?

Your router connects much of the technology in your home, so security deserves more than a quick glance at the box. Asurion recommends looking for WPA3 encryption, automatic firmware updates, and a separate guest network. WPA3 offers stronger protection than WPA2, although some older devices may need a WPA2/WPA3 compatibility mode.

You'll also want to:

• Create a strong, unique Wi-Fi password.
• Change the router's default administrator password.
• Keep firmware updated.
• Disable unnecessary remote administration features.
• Use a guest network for visitors and, where appropriate, connected devices.

For step-by-step help, read our guide to securing your home Wi-Fi network.