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Key findings from ZDNET
- Good Wi-Fi is essential, but most people feel like they can’t control their spotty network.
- The best long-term solution is better hardware.
- In this guide, I explain what to look for in Wi-Fi devices and recommend devices for specific needs.
Like many people, I rely on Wi-Fi for almost everything: paying bills, shopping online, and most importantly, working. So when that connection drops, my entire routine comes to a screeching halt. While it’s possible to fix Wi-Fi issues, upgrading your hardware is the best long-term solution.
Also: Slow or spotty Wi-Fi at home? Try my 10 solutions to optimize your internet – fast
In this guide, I’ll explain what to look for in Wi-Fi accessories and give specific product recommendations based on the types of problems you’re experiencing.
Whether it’s eliminating dead zones, providing a faster connection, or supporting all your devices, there’s good technology out there designed to upgrade your Wi-Fi to a network you can count on 24/7, 365 days a year.
How can I fix my Wi-Fi?
You must first identify the type of problem you are facing and then consider products designed to solve those problems. I recommend 1) buying a new router 2) creating a mesh system or 3) adding Wi-Fi extenders.
If you don’t know where to start, consider the first option. A solid $300 router can cover a wide area without any adjustments, especially considering the quality of the new models.
Also: Wi-Fi router vs. mesh system: I compared the two – and here’s what I would choose
If you’re dealing more with spotty Wi-Fi in certain areas, you might want to invest in a mesh network. These systems consist of a few different “nodes” that act like miniature routers, covering areas of the home that would not otherwise receive a strong signal.
If your Wi-Fi signal strength seems to decrease evenly at a certain point, you can use extenders. A Wi-Fi extender captures this signal and, as the name suggests, extends it to areas around the home that the router wouldn’t be able to reach otherwise. They are good for guesthouses or larger properties.
What should I consider when purchasing products?
When shopping, it’s helpful to ask a few important questions.
- How big is the area you need to cover? A multi-story house requires a different solution than a one-bedroom apartment. Larger homes generally benefit more from a mesh system, while smaller spaces may only need a router and an extender in the bedroom.
- How many devices will be connected? Phones, laptops, smart TVs, and other connected devices share your router’s bandwidth. The more you have, the more pressure will be placed on the network. If you expect to connect a lot of devices, invest in something built to handle heavy loads.
- What is your budget? Mesh systems provide the most reliable coverage, but are often the most expensive option. Extenders are more affordable, but may struggle to cover large areas.
Now let’s go to the product list. By no means are these the only good options available, they are just products we have tested for ZDNET and can vouch for or actually use at home.
What Wi-Fi devices do you recommend?
For my home, I use the TP-Link Deco BE3600 Full Mesh Wi-Fi 7 Systemwhich was actually recommended to me by my ISP’s field technician. I tried it at his suggestion and fell in love.
At its core, it’s a Wi-Fi 7 mesh system that delivers next-generation wireless speeds. According to the Fast.com speed test, I got wireless speeds up to 840 Mbps. That’s enough bandwidth to make slowdowns and stuttering a work of fiction, even with multiple devices running.
Also: The Fastest Wi-Fi 7 Internet Providers in the US, Ranked
Someone at home could be streaming a football match while I’m immersed in Monster Hunter Wilds, and we both never noticed any performance issues. The system itself can go beyond that, supporting speeds of up to 3.6 Gbps.
It helps that the Deco system supports dual-band Wi-Fi, split between 5GHz and 2.4GHz channels, so if one channel gets too crowded, it will automatically move extra devices. Other notable features include support for over 150 simultaneous devices and HomeShield for malware protection. I bought the three-pack, which costs $250. It’s pricey, but it’s worth the cost.
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If you just want a standalone router and live in a small place, I recommend the Asus RT-BE86U. It’s a router I reviewed in 2024, so while it’s not the newest router on the market, it works well. Signal coverage extends up to 2,750 square feet, which is more than enough for most apartments and homes.
Within this range, the Asus router offers extremely fast connection speeds of over 500 Mbps with virtually no latency. It can easily handle streaming, gaming, and large file downloads without any sign of slowdown. The icing on the cake is that the device supports Wi-Fi 7.
Review: Asus RT-BE86U
The design of this router is also worth highlighting. On the back, you’ll find multiple high-speed Ethernet connections, including a 10G WAN/LAN port, as well as multiple 2.5G LAN ports. There’s even a dedicated gaming port that prioritizes gaming devices during peak hours for smoother gaming.
At the time of this writing, the Asus RT-BE86U It’s on sale for $220.
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The Eero Pro 7 is very similar to the Deco mesh system in that it is also a Wi-Fi 7 router that offers top-notch performance. Each individual node covers up to 2,500 square feet and supports wireless speeds of up to 3.8 Gbps. What really stands out is the feature that makes it better for congested homes.
Analysis: Eero Pro 7
First, the Eero Pro 7 uses a tri-band system made up of 2 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz channels. This configuration provides greater bandwidth for simultaneous connections. It also comes with TrueMesh, a software feature that automatically redirects devices to the best available bandwidth. For example, if one node in a system goes offline, TrueMesh quickly redirects traffic to another, ensuring your connection remains uninterrupted.
The Eero Pro 7 triple pack retails for $700. If you want the best wireless speeds of up to 4.3 Gbps and coverage of up to 7,500 square feet, check out the Eero Max 7.
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As the name suggests, the Eero Outdoor 7 is a Wi-Fi 7 router designed for outdoor use. If your main router or mesh system doesn’t reach far enough, backyards are often prime locations for dead zones.
Outdoor 7 solves this problem by increasing coverage by up to 15,000 square feet, extending your home network beyond the wall. ZDNET’s Maria Diaz tested the device and found that it provided a stable connection for your security cameras, smart speakers, smart lights, and even your finicky Google Nest Cam. Plus, it’s omnidirectional, so you don’t have to worry about where to place other nodes or receiving devices.
Review: Eero Outdoor 7
Built to withstand the elements, the Eero Outdoor 7 has a water and dust resistance rating of IP66, ensuring internal components are protected. It even withstands extreme temperatures, ranging from -40° F to 131° F.
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For budget-conscious buyers, I recommend the TP-Link AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Range Extender. It doesn’t offer the same top-tier speeds or range as higher-end units, but it’s a reliable choice for people living in apartments or small homes who want broad coverage. The AX3000 offers speeds of up to 2.4 Gbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, covering a total area of about 2,400 square feet.
Plus: TP-Link’s new Wi-Fi 7 router is a travel-friendly option that doesn’t break the bank.
At the top are a pair of high-gain antennas paired with beamforming technology to help focus the router’s Wi-Fi signal directly onto receiving devices, ensuring stronger connections. Additionally, there is a gigabit Ethernet port for wired setups. Another useful feature is EasyMesh support, which allows owners to connect the AX3000 extender to other compatible accessories and create their own low-cost mesh network.
This range extender is also the only pick on this list that doesn’t support Wi-Fi 7, opting instead for Wi-Fi 6. While it doesn’t have the super-fast speeds of the newer standard, Wi-Fi 6 is still plenty fast and stable for everyday use. The TP-Link AX3000 is currently on sale for $100.
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I’ve been writing about software and consumer electronics for nearly 10 years, and in that time I’ve come to rely on strong, stable Wi-Fi networks as much as any other tool in my career. Whether I was working in an office or someone’s backyard, a stable connection meant the difference between smooth productivity and complete interruption.
This experience has made me picky about the accessories I connect to my router. I know what to look for and how to ensure my network is functioning at its best. I also take professional recommendations seriously, so I’m grateful for my ISP technician’s suggestion. The list and advice I’ve given are not hard-and-fast rules. Instead, they’re a foundation to help you understand what to look for in Wi-Fi equipment. The right solution depends on your lifestyle, devices, and budget.
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