How to Choose a Router

Routers can vary in price, all the way from less than $100 to $300 or more. How much you should spend on a router depends mostly on your budget.

But also, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the features you need in order to use your internet services to their full potential.

You’ll likely fork over more cash for a router that supports faster speeds and has features like MU-MIMO and beamforming. Not to mention that tri-band routers and those that support telephone service will cost more as well.

So, when considering what price you want to pay for a router, also consider what features you need to have.

Most every router should be compatible with any internet service provider (ISP), but it’s a good idea to check anyway. Especially if you’re considering a modem-router combo.

Modems use technology based on the type of connection your internet provider uses, and if you’re using a cable modem with DSL internet, well. Your internet just won’t work. So checking compatibility is critical.

Most ISPs publish lists of modems and routers that are compatible with their service or guides on what to look for. Here’s where you can find lists of compatible equipment for some of the top internet providers in the US:

• Comcast Xfinity
• Cox
• XTREAM powered by Mediacom (PDF)
• Astound Broadband, Powered by RCN
• Sparklight (formerly Cable One)
• Spectrum

You can also look at our lists of best Xfinity routers, Spectrum routers, and AT&T routers.

One thing to consider: if you’re thinking of switching internet providers, your new ISP should be able to recommend (possibly even provide) a compatible router.

You’ll want a router that offers more speed than what’s advertised with your internet plan. The right router gives you the best chances of getting the fastest Wi-Fi speeds available even when you have multiple devices and people connecting at the same time. And it ensures the speed you pay for won’t go to waste.

But keep in mind that most routers advertise a combination of the speeds on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. Most devices don’t use both Wi-Fi frequencies at the same time, so this combined speed is a little misleading. So be sure to look at the max speed supported by your router’s 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies.

And remember, wireless speeds are prone to slow down because they have to travel through the air—or worse, solid objects like walls, floors, and furniture. So if you need the max speeds you can get from your router for your CS:GO gaming session, connect to your router with an Ethernet cable.

Oh, and if you’re a streaming fiend, you may want to pick a best router for streaming.

You’ll see the numbers 802.11 plus a letter or combination of letters when looking at routers. This is called the wireless protocol or Wi-Fi standard, and it tells you how good the router’s throughput and range are.

But you don’t need to get technical to understand these Wi-Fi standards. Just look for a router that supports one of the newest wireless protocols:

• 11ax (Wi-Fi 6): The newest standard is expected to deliver speeds up to 10 Gbps, but many devices and internet connections don’t support these speeds. So you may not need to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 just yet.
• 11ac (Wi-Fi 5): You’ll likely see this standard on most routers, and it’s perfectly capable of keeping you connected since it supports speeds up to 3.5 Gbps.
• 11n (Wi-Fi 4): This standard was the first to allow you to use both the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequencies, and it supports speeds up to 600 Mbps.

This tip almost goes without saying: you’ll need a router with a range that covers all or most of your home.

All routers should give you an idea of the amount of square footage they can cover, though some get more specific than others. For example, we recommend the TP-Link Archer A20 and xFi Pods, but both of those give an estimated range based on how many bedrooms are in your house.

But don’t worry. If you get your router set up and it doesn’t beam a Wi-Fi signal to the farthest reaches of your home, you can grab a Wi-Fi extender or mesh Wi-Fi system to amplify the reach of your Wi-Fi signal.

Router brands are releasing new technology all the time, and some of the more recent upgrades can make a positive impact on your online experience. Here are a few features you might want to look for when shopping for your new router:

QoS lets you tell your router which devices and internet connections to prioritize over others. So, if you’re a gamer and need to make sure your internet connection is stable even if your partner or kids turns on Netflix, you can tell your router to prioritize your Xbox’s internet connection over your smart TV.

With MU-MIMO, your router can support multiple wired and wireless connections more efficiently. Without MU-MIMO, your router can send bandwidth to only one device at a time, even if they’re both connected at the same time. But MU-MIMO lets your router divide up your bandwidth and support all of your connected devices at the same time.

Modern routers use beamforming to direct a Wi-Fi signal to a device. Before beamforming, routers would blast a Wi-Fi signal in all directions. You can think of beamforming as a more efficient, laser-targeted Wi-Fi signal that also results in a stronger connection.