How to choose a Wi-Fi router for a faster home internet
A slow connection is often the Wi-Fi, not your plan. Test near the router and in the far room: if the far room is much slower, a better router or an extender fixes it.
Check what you have first
Check your download and upload speed near and far from the router.
What to look for
- Dual band. 5 GHz is fast in nearby rooms; 2.4 GHz reaches farther.
- Wi-Fi 6 for many devices. Handles phones, TVs and laptops together better.
- Mesh for big homes. Two or three units cover every floor with one network.
- Extender for one far room. A cheap fix when only one room is weak.
- A cable for the TV or desk. A LAN cable is the steadiest link of all.
Questions people ask
Why is my speed lower than my plan?
Wi-Fi loses speed through walls and distance. Test next to the router: if it is close to your plan there, the Wi-Fi is the limit, not the connection.
Should I keep the router my provider gave?
It works, but many are basic single band routers. A dual band router often gives a big jump in far rooms.
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