Once I've run tests in all five rooms, I repeat the entire process, but this time, I start with a fresh connection in the room farthest from the router. I start in the same room as the router, I run multiple speed tests on a Lenovo ThinkPad laptop with full support for Wi-Fi 6, I log the results in a spreadsheet, then I move to the next room and repeat. My operating procedure is largely unchanged - I start by setting each router up in a fixed location in our lab, and once it's up and running, I run a multitude of speed tests from five different rooms nearby. Last year, in 2022, I relocated my home test setup back to our product testing facility in Louisville, Kentucky. Like a lot of people, I spent the majority of 20 working from home, and that included my router tests. Some manufacturers like TP-Link are jumping the gun with Wi-Fi 7 router releases in 2023, but buying in now seems premature given that the standard isn't fully ratified yet and there isn't a Wi-Fi 7 device certification process yet. That said, at this point, the smarter play for future-focused shoppers might be to hold out until 2024, when we expect to see the full ratification of Wi-Fi 7, the next big generational update for Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi 6E is more than most homes probably need, but it's worth considering if you're looking for something future-oriented, as the number of home Wi-Fi devices that can connect over 6GHz is expected to grow. The only devices that can connect over that band are other Wi-Fi 6E devices, which means that it's largely free from interference. That Eero Pro 6E system is one of a growing number of routers that support Wi-Fi 6E, which adds in access to the ultrawide 6GHz band. Meanwhile, the Eero Pro 6E is my top mesh pick for homes with a gigabit connection. You can find a full slate of top picks in my mesh router rundown, but the TP-Link Deco W7200 stands out as an affordable option that tested well. If you live in a larger home or one with multiple stories, then stepping up to a mesh router that can offer better reliability at range makes a lot of sense. Devices like those can send signals in the 6GHz band, which offers lots of bandwidth and very little interference. The Eero Pro 6E mesh router is one of a growing number of routers that support Wi-Fi 6E. Just don't expect routers like those to come cheap. Shop around, and you'll also find new Wi-Fi 6E routers capable of sending signals using newly opened bandwidth in the 6GHz band. On top of that, there's a growing number of mesh router options that are well worth considering too, particularly since many of them are far less expensive than the router combo systems that came before them. Over the past few years, the new and improved version of the Wi-Fi standard called 802.11ax - or Wi-Fi 6 - has grown more ubiquitous, boasting faster, more efficient home network performance. Routers have come a long way in the past few years, with a number of today's best Wi-Fi router options boasting impressive speeds and features worth investing in. It's a particularly good time to upgrade your internet equipment. We've tested dozens of the latest models to help find options for every situation. But the best fit for your network depends on a few factors, from the size and layout of your home to the content you stream. ![]() It is the best router choice based on our testing - and it's a Wi-Fi 6 model that costs less than $100. That doesn't mean you need to spend a fortune to buy the best Wi-Fi routers though.įor instance, the TP-Link Archer AX21 is enough for most homes. To get the most out of your internet connection, you'll need a router that can access the speeds you're paying for. ![]() You may think that getting a high-speed plan at an affordable rate from your internet provider would guarantee you consistent and fast speeds.
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