Life without a wireless router would seem absolutely primitive, wouldn’t it? Wireless connectivity is so common that we take it for granted. It’s everywhere, from restaurants to airports to our homes and vehicles. Wireless routers are the electronic hubs that emit the invisible magic of the airborne Internet that we so depend on. 

Whether you’re in the market for a router because your old one became obsolete or died, or maybe you’re moving to a new space, buying a new router can be a not-so-simple undertaking. Read our buying guide below for an overview of some of the basics of wireless routers, as well as answers to commonly asked questions.

The first thing you should do when shopping for a router is to assess your needs by thinking about how you use a wireless router. For example, if you mainly do simple Internet surfing and have an average size home, then you could probably get by with a basic router. However, some people prefer to go with extra powerful high-speed routers. This includes gamers, people who stream a lot of high-def content, or those with remote jobs that demand a lot of bandwidth for video meetings, etc. 

In addition, the size of the space matters. If you have a very large house or if you’d like good coverage in the yard or driveway, you might want to go with a mesh router system. Mesh systems have a base that connects to other satellite router units around the home, creating a mesh pattern of wireless signals throughout your space. 

Depending on the manufacturer, most routers are configured either online or through an app. Step-by-step instructions as well as a point of contact for customer service or technical support come with all routers. That said, however, some routers are easier to set up than others, and offer a variety of options. For instance, with an app or online controls, some routers allow you to create or change a password, set up a guest log in, set parental controls, and more. Before you buy a router, check the product listing to see its method of configuration for settings.

Wireless routers that do not function as a modem, too, have ethernet LAN ports in order to give you extended capability for hardwiring electronics. In this case, the cable modem where the signal from your Internet service provider comes into the home is a separate unit, and usually, these modems don’t have a lot of ports to plug into. So, when you attach your wireless router to the modem, the extra ethernet LAN ports on the router serve as a place to plug in a cable directly when you need the absolute highest speed, such as for gaming or data transfer.

Unless you’re a techie, it may be tempting to buy the first wireless router you see. And chances are, any router will get the job done by sending out a wireless Internet signal. However, there are many factors that come into play and will affect your user experience over the long term. Here are some important aspects to consider before making your final selection in a wireless router:

We’ve taken the time to research and evaluate many of the top routers on the market today. Before you make your final selection, check out our top picks for the best wireless routers below:

Highly Rated Router 

For three of four years in a row, TP-Link’s wireless routers earned the number one spot for customer satisfaction. That says a lot! With high speed and all-around high performance, it’s no wonder people are happy with TP-Link’s routers to deliver their streaming content efficiently and without hassles.

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Connect up to 40 devices wirelessly and up to 5 hardwired through the ethernet port with this router from TP-Link. 

Dependable Wifi Router

This router comes from Netgear, a well-established brand in the world of wired and wireless connectivity. With the capability to connect up to 25 devices, this router is a perfect fit for most households.

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You’ll have peace of mind with the security features built into this router from Netgear, and you’ll enjoy the 4 ethernet ports for hardwiring your devices, too.

With Us Phone App

Control through the app gives this Linksys EA7300 Max-Stream router a leg over the competition. With a lightning speed transmission rate of 1.7 Gbps and an exceptional 18-month warranty, this router is a safe bet for your home or small business.

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Cons:

Easy set up and parental control through the app are notable features of this high-speed router from Linksys.

Alexa Compatible

Easy voice control through Alexa is seamlessly integrated into the eero Pro mesh router, because it comes from Amazon itself. This router can be used alone or paired with another eero Pro or eero Beacon to extend your wireless capability. It’s also backward compatible with older units.

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This premium router from eero by Amazon has plenty of loyal fans for its security features, easy set up, and convenient app control.

Turn WiFi On & Off with a Button

Tenda offers good customer service and quick set-up with this affordably-priced wireless router. You’ll be happy with the wide coverage area and several ethernet ports for hardwiring, too.

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For a wireless router on a budget, the Tenda AC1200 offers many features and will get you online in no time.