When was the last time you updated your Wi-Fi router? If it wasn’t within the last few years, chances are your existing setup isn’t Wi-Fi 6 compliant. This standard brings faster throughput speeds, better battery life, and less bandwidth congestion than Wi-Fi 5 (here’s how to see if you need to upgrade). Remember, the more devices you have in your home, the more simultaneous connections your router needs to be able to support. Additionally, the larger your home is, the more difficult it is for your connection to get where it needs to go. With all those factors working against you, you should definitely check out what to look for when buying a router, as well as our list of the best Wi-Fi routers and mesh systems that will give your signal a boost and make the most of the dollars you spend on your monthly internet service bill.
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Whether you use enough data to run your very own cryptocurrency mining operation or have a large family interested in gaming and streaming, you need a device (or devices) that can provide the bandwidth necessary to avoid slowdowns and dropped connections. But how do you know which is the right one let alone how much to pay for a good one? That’s where the experts in the PC Labs come in. They run routers through a gamut of tests, including data throughput rates, ease of setup, available features, signal strength, and more. Mesh Wi-Fi systems are tested similarly but with a few variations, ensuring that our ratings reflect a variety of factors (including price). We’ve taken all of that info and looked high and low for the best deals on right setup to fit your individual needs.
Mesh Wi-Fi Systems
Editors’ Choice Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System
4.0
Excellent
What Our Ratings Mean
- 5.0 – Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 – Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 – Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 – Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 – Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 – Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 – Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 – Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 – Dismal: Don’t even think about buying this product
Read Our
Editorial Mission Statement
and
Testing Methodologies.
Eero Pro 7 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 7 Router (3-Pack)
SEE ALL SPECS
Specs & Configuration
4.0
Excellent
What Our Ratings Mean
- 5.0 – Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 – Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 – Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 – Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 – Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 – Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 – Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 – Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 – Dismal: Don’t even think about buying this product
Read Our
Editorial Mission Statement
and
Testing Methodologies.
4.0
Excellent
What Our Ratings Mean
- 5.0 – Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 – Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 – Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 – Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 – Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 – Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 – Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 – Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 – Dismal: Don’t even think about buying this product
Read Our
Editorial Mission Statement
and
Testing Methodologies.
Eero Pro 7 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 7 Router (3-Pack)
$549.99
at Amazon
$699.99
Save $150.00
$549.99
at Amazon
$699.99
Save $150.00
The Eero Pro 7 earned our Editor’s Choice Award for Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems, thanks to impressive throughput performance and support for Thread, Matter, and Zigbee smart home technologies, plus it works with Amazon’s Alexa home automation platform. The three-pack covers up to 6,000 square feet and supports speeds of up to a whopping 5 Gbps. This tri-band router gives you access to the 2.4 Ghz and 5 GHz bands as well as the 6 GHz band, delivering more bandwidth so even those with a wide variety of devices from gaming consoles to security cameras will be able to stay connected without the slowdown caused by high volumes of online traffic.
Parents who want parental controls will need to pay $10/month for eero Plus for parental controls and network security, like ad blocking and a VPN powered by Guardian, so bear that in mind if you want those features. “If you’re looking for a whole-home mesh solution that offers impressive Wi-Fi 7 performance and supports the latest home automation tech, look no further than the eero Pro 7.” It’s on sale now for $150 off retail.
Best for Google Households
Google Nest WiFi 6 Pro Wi-Fi 6E Tri-Band Mesh System
$119.95
at Amazon
$199.99
Save $80.04
With up to 2,200 square feet of coverage, the single Google Nest Pro node offers a strong, stable network connection. A single mesh router is also capable of handling a large number of simultaneously connected devices due to the greater bandwidth offered by the tri-band connectivity, and a triple pack is available for larger spaces. Because this is a Google Device, the Google Nest Pro can be easily set up and added to your smart home network via the Google Home app. This app also allows you to check speeds and manage your network directly from your smartphone. Our expert reviewed the Google Nest Pro and praised the easy installation, Wi-Fi 6E support, and solid performance—all of which make this Wi-Fi mesh system a great choice at 40% off.
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Wi-Fi Routers
Best for Home Use
3.5
Good
What Our Ratings Mean
- 5.0 – Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 – Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 – Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 – Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 – Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 – Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 – Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 – Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 – Dismal: Don’t even think about buying this product
Read Our
Editorial Mission Statement
and
Testing Methodologies.
TP-Link Archer AX21 AX1800 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router
SEE ALL SPECS
Specs & Configuration
3.5
Good
What Our Ratings Mean
- 5.0 – Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 – Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 – Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 – Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 – Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 – Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 – Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 – Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 – Dismal: Don’t even think about buying this product
Read Our
Editorial Mission Statement
and
Testing Methodologies.
3.5
Good
What Our Ratings Mean
- 5.0 – Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 – Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 – Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 – Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 – Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 – Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 – Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 – Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 – Dismal: Don’t even think about buying this product
Read Our
Editorial Mission Statement
and
Testing Methodologies.
TP-Link Archer AX21 AX1800 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router
$59.99
at Amazon
$79.99
Save $20.00
$59.99
at Amazon
$79.99
Save $20.00
The TP-Link Archer AX21 AX1800 is an Amazon best-seller in computer routers thanks to its ease of setup, affordability, and signal strength. This dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands and speeds up to 1,800Mbps. Its four high-gain antennas with beamforming technology focus signal strength to provide a reliable connection. Our expert called it a “solid performer” and what it lacks in features it makes up for in affordability, especially with this $40 price drop.
Recommended by Our Editors
Best for Gamers
Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router
$235.63
at Amazon
$329.99
Save $94.36
“The Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro is a well-equipped—albeit pricey—tri-band Wi-Fi 6 gaming router with top-shelf performance, high-speed wired connectivity, and lots of gamer-friendly settings,” which is why it earned our Editors’ Choice Award for high-end gaming routers. If you or someone in your household plays a lot of online games, you understand the frustration of a laggy connection. With the GT-AX11000 Pro, which offers speedy throughput performance and setting specifically tuned to optimize gaming performance, lag will be a thing of the past.
The companion app also displays pertinent information, including ping, real-time traffic, and upload and download speeds. This router also comes equipped with Asus AiProtection software, which includes robust parental control and network security features. The hefty price tag was one of the few cons our expert listed, which is why this 29% discount is so valuable.
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*Deals are selected by our commerce team
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Best Router and Networking Deals at Walmart
FAQ
What Is the Best Router at the Best Price?
There is no single best router, since the type of router you need depends on how large your house is and how many devices you need to connect, among many other factors. That means picking the right one is more important than ever, and our expertise can help. PCMag has been testing Wi-Fi gear since the standard first emerged. We’ve outlined here our picks for the best Wi-Fi routers you can buy. Each has been selected based on thorough, objective testing, which includes evaluating throughput speeds, range, and signal strength. Our top overall Wi-Fi router pick for most buyers is TP-Link’s Archer AXE75, thanks to its reasonable price and solid throughput performance in testing.
How Much Should I Pay for a Good Router?
Like with most electronics purchases, router pricing is based on performance and features. For example, an entry-level AX1750 802.11ax router will cost anywhere from $50 to $100, but a quad-band Wi-Fi 7 gaming router with enough bandwidth to support a battle royale LAN party could cost upwards of $700.
What is the Best Router Under $100?
The TP-Link Archer BE230 is as inexpensive as Wi-Fi 7 routers get, coming in under $100 when it’s on sale (which is frequently). PCMag has a curated list of routers best suited for a variety of use cases and price points, so give that a look if you’d like more options.
What’s the Best Overall Budget Mesh Wi-Fi System?
Those in search of a budget Wi-Fi mesh system should take a look at the Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro. Reasonably priced as far as mesh systems go, the Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro delivered speedy 5GHz throughput in testing, is easy to manage, and offers multi-gig and USB connectivity. Its performance on the 6GHz (Wi-Fi 6E) band is also good, though not quite as good as its 5GHz performance.
Where Can I Find the Lowest Prices on Routers and Networking Gear?
This page is your top destination for the best routers and networking gear deals. Our deals team scours the internet for the best current prices and updates them frequently. As is the case with many consumer electronics devices, you’ll tend to find the best availability and prices from large retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. Be sure to check out our daily coverage of the best deals from those retailers, as networking gear frequently makes the cut.
Do Wi-Fi Routers and Mesh Systems Get Price Cuts During Prime Day or Cyber Monday?
We typically see some of the biggest discounts in all consumer electronics categories on Cyber Monday, Black Friday, and Amazon Prime Day. Amazon owns eero, a major Wi-Fi mesh networking vendor, so you can expect price cuts on highly rated eero mesh systems especially on Prime Day.
When Do High-End Gaming Routers Go on Sale?
The best time to find sales on high-end networking gear is when a new Wi-Fi standard is introduced. For example, when Wi-Fi 7 was released, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6e routers received significant discounts. In most cases, you don’t need the latest standard right away, since you’ll have few, if any, client devices that support it. So to get the absolute best deal on high-end hardware, it’s wise to upgrade to a new standard that’s one behind the current generation.
Plus, gaming-specific features like traffic prioritization tend to evolve slowly, and many gamers use a wired Ethernet connection from their PCs to their routers, so having the latest Wi-Fi generation is less important. This means that if you find a great deal on a Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E router right now, it’ll likely serve you for years to come.
Are Mesh Networking Systems Ever on Sale?
Mesh networking systems are almost always on sale. You should rarely expect to pay more than 90% of a system’s MSRP, and we typically see discounts deeper than that. One rare exception is for cutting-edge systems that use the latest technology. These tend to stick at their MSRPs for a few months or even a year after their introduction.
Can I Bundle a Router With an Internet Plan for a Deal?
In most cases, renting a router from your internet service provider is not a good deal. If your ISP charges $10 per month for a basic router rental, you’d pay more after two years than you would if you bought a $200 router.
However, two situations might make it worthwhile to bundle. The first is if your ISP offers a high-end system for a reasonable or zero extra monthly cost, which many do if you have a high-speed plan. For example, Frontier includes a Wi-Fi 7 router from eero at no extra cost with its Fiber 500 plan.
The second is if your ISP requires you to bundle. It could be worth using the bundled router rather than buying your own in this case.
About Our Experts
Tom Brant
Deputy Managing Editor
Experience
I’m the deputy managing editor of the hardware team at PCMag.com. Reading this during the day? Then you’ve caught me testing gear and editing reviews of laptops, desktop PCs, and tons of other personal tech. (Reading this at night? Then I’m probably dreaming about all those cool products.) I’ve covered the consumer tech world as an editor, reporter, and analyst since 2015.
I’ve appeared on CBS News, in USA Today, and at many other outlets to offer analysis on breaking technology news.
Before I joined the tech-journalism ranks, I wrote on topics as diverse as Borneo’s rainforests, Middle Eastern airlines, and Big Data’s role in presidential elections. A graduate of Middlebury College, I also have a master’s degree in journalism and French Studies from New York University.
Read Full Bio
Jade Chung-Lee
Merchandising Associate
Experience
When she isn’t perusing online stores for deals, Jade enjoys playing video games (mostly JRPGs and roguelikes), sorting board game components neatly into containers, and building Gundam models. Her love of electronics has persisted through her youth and has resulted in a collection of gaming peripherals including keyboards and controllers, scale figures, and art work. Jade lives in blissful harmony with her wife, cat, and two chinchillas—as well as a host of houseplants.
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