One of the most important components of your home Wi-Fi network performance and security is your Wi-Fi router. The Wi-Fi router is the piece of equipment that creates a network in your home to which computers, mobile phones and other internet devices attach. After your devices attach to the Wi-Fi network, they receive data and other information from the Internet and can communicate with each other on the network. The Wi-Fi router accomplishes its job by broadcasting information across the air on your local network using various channels. The router also functions as a traffic cop, directing internet traffic to and from the correct locations.

There are hundreds of Wi-Fi routers to choose from when shopping for a new one. It can be difficult choosing a router from the overwhelming sea of models with each model offering a range of features. To simplify the selection process, we recommend that you focus on these six key areas when buying a router that suits your personal needs.

Coverage Range

Select a router that can broadcast to all your rooms or workspaces. Your typical Wi-Fi router can transmit information up to 300 feet indoors; however, some of the more powerful routers can cover up to 3,000 square feet. If you live in a relatively moderate sized home, choose a Wi-Fi router with a higher coverage range (2,500+ sq. ft.). If you live in a small studio or apartment, there is no benefit in spending extra money on an unnecessarily powerful Wi-Fi router. The manufacture will disclose the Wi-Fi router’s broadcast range in square footage on the packaging.

Speed

Before purchasing a Wi-Fi router, confirm your internet speed with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). The average internet speed for home offered by ISPs in the US is around 200-300 Mbps, according to HighSpeedInternet.com. However, individual plans can vary significantly with some ISPs offering speeds as low as 25 Mbps and others offering 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps) or faster.

Select a router that supports your internet bandwidth speed. Generally, a faster Wi-Fi router is better. You want to avoid choosing a Wi-Fi router that transmits data at slower rates or supports a low number of devices because it will throttle the rate at which data can flow on your network to devices. A slow Wi-Fi router will also affect the quality of your gaming, video conferencing and movie streaming experiences.

Look at the packaging and choose a router that uses newer Wi-Fi technology like Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7. Choose your router based on the number of Gigabytes per second that it transmits data (more Gigabytes is better). Many newer routers can support a streaming speed of over 10 Gigabytes per second. Also look at the speeds supported by the router’s internet ports. Top performing routers can support multi-gig cable and fiber with 2.5 Gbps internet ports or 1 Gbps Ethernet ports.

Security Features

Buy a Wi-Fi router that has integrated cybersecurity features. The best Wi-Fi routers will integrate security seamlessly so that there is no extra work for you to do. You just plug it in and then let the router do its job securing your network. Some manufacturers make managing your network security easy by providing a mobile app for administering the Wi-Fi router.

Choose a router that offers strong cybersecurity features like the following: a built-in firewall, access control, automatic download of firmware updates, defense against network DDOS attacks, vulnerability scanning of new devices as they attach to your network, and parental controls that can block children from visiting specific websites.

Number of Supported Devices

Sometimes we forget just how many devices concurrently attach to our Wi-Fi networks to consume internet services. A typical family could have as many as 25 devices attached to its Wi-Fi network at the same time. Think about it – each family member may have their own mobile phone, a tablet, and a home or work computer. Then you have streaming devices, smart TVs, appliances, security cameras, workout equipment, medical devices, the list goes on and on. It is important to select a Wi-Fi router that can support multiple devices concurrently on multiple bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).

Carefully review the Wi-Fi router details then select one that accommodates all your current devices but also allows growth as new devices come into your home. Some newer Wi-Fi routers are marketed to support 50 or more concurrent devices.

Ease of Setup

This is a straightforward requirement. Prioritize selecting a Wi-Fi router that is easy to install without the help of your ISP. The best Wi-Fi routers are plug-and-play and can be set up in your home within minutes. It is important that you make sure your chosen Wi-Fi router is compatible with your ISP’s network. Most ISPs provide a list of supported or approved Wi-Fi routers on their website. The Wi-Fi manufacturer’s packaging should also disclose which ISPs support their device.

Cost

Cost is subjective.  What seems cheap to you may be expensive for someone else. Choose the best quality and best performing Wi-Fi router that fits within your budget. Do keep in mind that Wi-Fi routers have a lifespan. It is recommended that your router be replaced every three years, so think about your Wi-Fi purchase as a three to four-year investment.