How to choose a Wi-Fi router for a normal home

Most homes do not need the newest or most expensive router. A good router matches your internet plan, covers the rooms you use, and has the ports you need. Start with those three points.

Match the router to your internet plan

Check your plan speed first. A router rated for much more than your plan is wasted money. For plans up to 500 Mbps, a Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 router is plenty. For gigabit plans, look for Wi-Fi 6 or newer and at least one gigabit port.

Wi-Fi standards in plain terms

Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac): still fine for most homes, and cheapest.
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): better with many devices at once. The best value for most people today.
Wi-Fi 7: useful for fast plans and new devices, see our guide on mesh systems.

Coverage: one router or several

A single router covers a small apartment well. For a larger house, walls and floors reduce range, so you may need a mesh system or an extender. Place the router high, in the open, and away from microwaves and thick walls. Placement often improves coverage more than upgrading the router.

Ports

WAN port: connects to your modem. Gigabit is the minimum for fast plans.
LAN ports: at least four gigabit ports for a TV, game console or computer.
2.5 Gbps port: only needed if your plan is faster than 1 Gbps.

Security and updates

Choose a router that receives firmware updates from its maker, and set a unique admin password. Turn on WPA3 if the router supports it, otherwise WPA2 is still acceptable. Avoid routers with no update policy.