Looking for a wireless router? Here are some top picks.
Looking for a wireless router? Here are some top picks.
We enjoy fast online connectivity. We have been using an older Netgear N600 wireless router for quite some time. Our home is a two-story building with a basement, and the modem and router are located on the second floor. We link numerous devices through Wi-Fi, but the connection often suffers from slow speeds and weak signals. During my recent test, I noticed the Wi-Fi would drop and then reconnect frequently. Is this likely due to our outdated router? I didn’t realize it was the issue. I’m seeking guidance on selecting a better wireless router.
We possess cable internet. We have been utilizing an older Netgear N600 wireless router for quite some time. It's a two-story home with a basement, and the modem and router sit on the second floor. Numerous devices connect to it via Wi-Fi... yet the connection often encounters problems like slow speeds and weak signals. During a recent test, I observed it frequently dropping for a few seconds before reconnecting. Could this be due to the cable internet provider or our wireless setup? I wasn't aware our router was outdated. However, I'm inclined toward the first option shared below since it supports Wi-Fi 6 and has excellent reviews. It features multiple antennas and strong signal performance. Despite the two floors and basement, it seems more reliable than the current setup.
These were the two routers I evaluated: TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A7) - Dual Band Gigabit Internet Router - 58+tax and NetGEAR Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi Router, R6700. The latter offers faster speeds but lacks Wi-Fi 6 support. Many reviews mention weaker signals, especially in multi-story homes. Would you consider purchasing one only if you live in a single-story residence or apartment? I’m curious about the Archer AX1800 Smart WiFi Router (AX21) with Wi-Fi 6—it seems like the top choice for strong coverage across floors. Thanks for the detailed feedback!
I wouldn't use TP Link anything—they're low-quality products made for minimal cost and about as dependable as a Lada Riva. The last unit I saw only had WiFi AB support and just one 100BASE LAN port. My Netgear Nighthawk R7000 has worked perfectly for me over the past two years; I've never needed to reset it or adjust settings to get things running smoothly. It's installed upstairs in a two-story building, and all my devices on the floor connect to it. Another solid option is an Asus RT—they're known for being extremely reliable.
If the only concern is WiFi speed, that’s not ideal (since it works well over cable) and you have an open LAN port, it’s better to install just a WiFi access point rather than purchasing a full router. Options like Ubiquiti U6 Lite or UAP AC Lite would work well.
I just checked the Netgear options online. The recent reviews look pretty poor, but your list of seven routers might work better. Since you have a two-story home with a basement, strong signal in the basement is important. Your older Netgear N600 seems to struggle there, so you might want to consider newer models for better performance.
Someone with a two-story home and basement might share their thoughts. Should I connect to mesh Wi-Fi or not? I noticed mesh networks work well across multiple floors but tend to be slower. If it matters, which brand should I choose—Deco, Google, or Netgear? There are also other options available.