How to Choose a New Router

Caroline Lefelhoc / Updated Nov 14, 2024 | Pub. Nov 14, 2024

Home - Blog - How to Choose a New Router

Table of Contents

After a long day of work, you’re finally settling to watch one of this season’s new Hallmark movies. The popcorn is popped. The hot chocolate is steamy. You’re ready to zone out and enjoy a cheesy love story, only to watch that dreaded buffering circle spin endlessly.

If this scenario sounds painfully familiar, your router might be the silent saboteur of your night of holiday cheer.

Welcome to 2024, where the average home has more internet-connected gadgets than the Best Buy showroom: smartphones, laptops, and even smart fridges that order milk for you. We’re living in a world that depends on reliable Wi-Fi, yet many of us are still limping along with routers that belong in a technology museum.

But shopping for a new router is as fun as filing taxes. Between cryptic model numbers that look like rejected Star Wars droid names and enough technical jargon to make an engineer’s head spin, it’s no wonder most people give up and buy whatever’s on sale for Black Friday.

Don’t worry – we’re here to help you navigate the router aisle without a computer science degree so you can watch that Big City Girl fall in love with the Small Town Guy in peace.

Coverage, reliable performance, and security matter

Understanding Today’s Router Options

Your router is the heart of your home network, handling everything from work-from-home video calls to 4K streaming and online gaming. Modern households often have dozens of connected devices, increasing your router’s demand. That is why your choice of router matters more than ever.

Gone are the days when any basic router sufficed. You need strong coverage, reliable performance, and tight security features.

Assessing Your Home Network Needs

Take a moment to evaluate your home and how you use the internet. The size and layout of your home play a crucial role in choosing the right router. A small apartment might get perfect coverage from a single basic router, while a large two-story house with brick walls might need a mesh network system to eliminate dead zones [1].

Consider your internet habits, too. A budget router supporting speeds up to 100 Mbps might be plenty if you mainly browse the web and check email. But if your household streams 4K video in multiple rooms while gaming online, you’ll want a router that can handle 500 Mbps or more [2].

Tip: Remember that your router can’t exceed the speed of your internet service plan, so check your plan details before splurging on an ultra-fast router.

Understanding your coverage needs

Single Router vs. Mesh Network

One of your biggest decisions is choosing between a traditional single router and a mesh network system. Single routers have become more powerful but still have limitations in larger spaces or homes with signal-blocking materials like concrete walls or metal framing [3].

Mesh networks solve coverage problems by using multiple units to blanket your home with Wi-Fi. The main router connects to your modem, while additional units (nodes or satellites) extend the network. These systems are more expensive but provide seamless coverage without switching networks as you move around your home [4].

Understanding Wi-Fi Standards and Speed

Today’s routers support several Wi-Fi standards, with Wi-Fi 6 (also called 802.11ax) being the current mainstream choice. While Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 offer even better performance, they come with significantly higher price tags and require compatible devices to deliver their full benefits.

For most households, a Wi-Fi 6 router provides an excellent balance of performance and value [5]. These routers handle multiple devices more efficiently than older models and offer features like improved security and battery life for connected devices.

When looking at speed ratings, you’ll see routers advertising ambitious numbers like AX5400 or AX6000. These theoretical maximum speeds are split across multiple frequency bands and are rarely achieved in real-world use. Instead, focus on your internet service speed and make sure your router can comfortably handle it with room to spare.

Protect yourself from cyber threats

Security Features That Matter

Router security has become increasingly important as cyber threats evolve. Look for a router that supports WPA3, the latest Wi-Fi security standard. This provides stronger encryption and better protection against common attacks. Also valuable are features like automatic firmware updates, guest networks, and built-in firewalls.

Many premium routers now include advanced security features like network monitoring, malware blocking, and device quarantine capabilities. While these features often require a subscription, they can protect your connected devices.

Smart Features Worth Considering

Modern routers come with smartphone apps that simplify network management compared to the clunky web interfaces of the past. These apps typically offer easy setup, device management, parental controls, and guest access features. Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities let you prioritize certain devices or activities, ensuring your work video calls don’t stutter when someone starts streaming 4K video.

Make the long-term investment

Budget Considerations

Router prices vary widely, from basic models under $100 to premium mesh systems costing $500 or more. It’s tempting to save money with a budget router, but consider this a long-term investment in your home’s connectivity. A good router should last several years and provide room for your growing collection of connected devices.

That said, you don’t need to buy the most expensive option. Mid-range routers ($150-300) often provide the best value, offering strong performance and important features without the premium price tag of flagship models. If you need mesh networking, expect to spend more—good mesh systems typically start around $200 for a two-unit setup.

Configure security features properly

Setting Up for Success

Once you’ve chosen your router, proper placement is essential for optimal performance. Position your router centrally in your home, elevated if possible, and away from metal objects or other electronics that might interfere with the signal. If using a mesh system, place additional units strategically to create overlapping coverage zones.

During setup, take time to configure security features properly. Change default passwords, enable security features, set up your guest network, and configure any parental controls you need [6]. Many modern routers handle these steps through their smartphone apps, making the process much more straightforward than in the past.

Are you considering getting home internet service or switching to a new provider? You’ll need equipment that’s up to today’s internet standards. Check out our guide on the best modem/router combos 2024 here.