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The main conclusions of ZDNET
- Good WiFi is essential, but most people feel like they have no control over their poor 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 trust it WiFi for almost everything: paying bills, shopping online and, above all, working. So when that connection is lost, my entire routine comes to a standstill. While it is possible to fix bad Wi-Fi connections, upgrading your hardware is the best solution in the long run.
Also: Slow or faltering WiFi at home? Try my 10 solutions to quickly optimize your internet
In this guide, I’ll explain what to look for in Wi-Fi accessories and provide specific product recommendations based on the issues you’re facing.
Whether it’s eliminating dead zones, delivering a faster connection or supporting all your devices, there is good technology available designed to upgrade your Wi-Fi to a network you can count on 24/7, 365 days a year.
How can I fix my WiFi?
First you need to identify what kind of problem you are experiencing and then think about the products designed to solve these 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 lot of area without any modifications, especially with how good new models are.
Also: Wi-Fi router vs. mesh system: I compared both – and here’s what I’d choose
If you often experience poor WiFi in certain areas, it is best to invest in a mesh network. These systems consist of a few different “nodes” that act as miniature routers, covering areas of the home that would otherwise not receive signal strength.
If at some point your Wi-Fi seems to lose signal strength equally, you can opt for extenders. A Wi-Fi extender captures that signal and, as the name suggests, extends it to areas around a home that the router cannot otherwise reach. These are good for guest houses or larger properties.
What should I pay attention to when shopping for products?
When you’re shopping, it helps to ask yourself a few important questions.
- How large is the area you want to cover? A multi-storey house requires a different solution than a one-bedroom apartment. Large homes often benefit the most 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 all share your router’s bandwidth. The more you have, the more pressure there is on the network. If you expect to connect a lot of devices, invest in something built to handle a heavy load.
- What is your budget? Mesh systems provide the most reliable coverage, but are often the most expensive option. Extenders are cheaper but may struggle to cover large areas.
Now let’s go to the list of products. These are certainly not the only good options out there, they are just products that we have tested ourselves for ZDNET and can vouch for, or that we can actually use at home.
Which Wi-Fi devices do you recommend?
For my house I use the TP-Link Deco BE3600 Whole 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 with it.
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 lag 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 game while I’m deep in Monster Hunter Wilds, and we never notice any performance issues. The system itself can go even further and supports 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 a channel becomes too busy, additional devices are automatically moved. Other notable features include support for more than 150 simultaneous devices and HomeShield to protect against malware. I bought the three-pack, which sells for $250. It’s pricey, but 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 performs well. The signal coverage extends to 2,750 square feet, which is more than enough for most apartments and households.
Within that range, Asus’ router delivers lightning-fast connection speeds of over 500 Mbps with virtually no latency. It can easily handle streaming, gaming and large file downloading without a hint of lag. The icing on the cake is that the device supports Wi-Fi 7.
Judgement: AsusRT-BE86U
The design of this router also deserves mention. On the back you will find several fast Ethernet connections, including a 10G WAN/LAN port and several 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 writing, the AsusRT-BE86U is for 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 delivers top performance. Each individual node covers up to 2,500 square meters and supports wireless speeds of up to 3.8 Gbps. Where it really stands out is the feature that makes it better for busy homes.
Judgement: Eero Pro 7
Firstly, the Eero Pro 7 uses a tri-band system consisting of 2GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz channels. This setup provides greater bandwidth for simultaneous connections. It also comes with TrueMesh, a software feature that automatically routes devices to the best available band. For example, if one node in a system goes offline, TrueMesh quickly redirects traffic to another node so your connection remains uninterrupted.
The Eero Pro 7 triple pack retails for $700. If you want the best wireless speeds up to 4.3 Gbps and coverage up to 7,500 square feet, check out the Honor 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 primary router or mesh system doesn’t extend far enough outside, backyards are often prime locations for dead zones.
The Outdoor 7 solves that problem by increasing coverage to 15,000 square feet, extending your home network beyond the wall. ZDNETs Maria Diaz tested the device and found that it provided a stable connection for her security cameras, smart speakers, smart lights, and even her finicky Google Nest Cam. Plus, it’s omnidirectional, so you don’t have to worry about where to place other nodes or receiving devices.
Judgement: Eero Outdoor 7
Built to withstand the elements, the Eero Outdoor 7 has a water and dust resistance rating of IP66, protecting internal components. It can even handle extreme temperatures ranging from -40° F to 131° F.
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For price conscious buyers I recommend the TP-Link AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 range extender. It doesn’t offer the same top speeds or range as more expensive devices, but it’s a reliable choice for people who live in apartments or small houses and want wide coverage. The AX3000 offers speeds of up to 2.4 Gbps on the 5GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, covering a total area of approximately 2,400 square meters.
Also: TP-Link’s new Wi-Fi 7 router is a travel-friendly option that won’t break the bank.
On top are a pair of high-gain antennas combined with beamforming technology to aim the router’s Wi-Fi signal directly at receiving devices, ensuring stronger connections. There is also a gigabit Ethernet port for wired installations. Another useful feature is EasyMesh support, allowing 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 choice on this list that doesn’t support Wi-Fi 7, opting for Wi-Fi 6. While it lacks the super-fast speeds of the latest standard, Wi-Fi 6 is still plenty fast and stable for everyday use. The TP-Link AX3000 currently retails for $100.
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I’ve been writing about software and consumer electronics for almost a decade now, and during that time my career has become as dependent on strong, stable Wi-Fi networks as any other tool. Whether I was working from an office or someone’s backyard, a stable connection meant the difference between smooth productivity and total disruption.
That experience has made me picky about the accessories I connect to my router. I know what to look out for and how to ensure that my network functions optimally. I also take professional recommendations seriously, so I’m grateful for my ISP technician’s suggestion. The list and advice I gave are not rigid rules. Rather, they provide a foundation that helps you understand what to look for in Wi-Fi equipment. The right solution depends on your lifestyle, devices and budget.
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