distinctive and dull, all at the same time (which although it’s not ideal, is quite an achievement, when you think about it.) But if you value functionality over form, don’t scroll down just yet, because this router has a great deal to offer. The firmware is a definite plus, crammed with handy performance tweaks and essential settings. They’re well-presented, too, and far easier to access than you’ll see with many more business-oriented routers. If you've got a lot of living space, you'll likely need a mesh system with at least three nodes to blanket it with usable Wi-Fi signals. But you also need to spend a lot of money on cleaning, energy, and other basic expenses for all that space, so ideally you'll keep your networking costs to a minimum. The X4300 Pro does just that, offering three nodes with up to 7,000 square feet of coverage for a fraction of the cost of competing mesh systems. Plus, it has speedy performance and is easy to install and manage. Who It's For There are welcome bonus features, too. Aircove’s groups enable connecting up to five locations simultaneously, for instance, so some devices can use your fastest local server, while your TV connects to your favorite streaming location, and a laptop uses the best server for your work. All of that means that you've got a lot to think about if you're currently in the market for an upgrade. That's where we come in. Whether you're interested in gaming routers, mesh systems, Wi-Fi 6 routersor just want something decent that won't break the bank, we're here to simplify things and point you in the right direction so that you can find the best Wi-Fi router to manage your needs. How to shop for a Wi-Fi router in 2023

Aside from its ease of installation, though, ExpressVPN also provides fast, reliable connections that you can count on, meaning you won't suddenly find yourself having to reset your router. Keeping your VPN on all day has never been a more viable option. You’ll need to consider adding Wi-Fi access points if you need to provide wireless access in your office. Also, the USB port is only used for powering a small device and provides no connection support for network-sharing devices like a printer or a shared storage drive.

Motorola Q11 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh System

The Linksys WRT32X is an impressive gaming-focused router with a smart prioritization engine which automatically optimizes your gaming traffic, cutting latency and boosting performance.

This level of enterprise power normally comes with a degree of complexity, but the TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 does a lot to keep its functions accessible to regular consumers. An app and some very clear setup instructions walk you through the first steps, and TP-Link’s Router Skill even allows you to carry out common tasks via simple Alexa commands. The Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro is not only one of the fastest Wi-Fi 6 routers we’ve tested, but it is incredibly well appointed. This router is physically huge, but for good reason: It’s equipped with a boatload of connectivity options, including 10Gbps and 2.5Gbps network ports. The router also supports link aggregation, offering the potential for truly massive bandwidth and future-proofing. It also offers a gamer-friendly user interface and lots of settings designed to optimize your gaming experience. Who It’s For Most VPN routers offer a lot of power and flexibility, but can take a while and some technical knowledge to set up. If you’re in a hurry, or just prefer an easier life, ExpressVPN’s Aircove is refreshingly different: you’ll probably have it up and running in under ten minutes, even if you’ve no VPN expertise at all. You will need a separate ExpressVPN subscription to connect, but once that’s set up, Aircove’s well-designed, jargon-free dashboard ensures it’s even easier to operate than most VPN apps. Sure, the ZenWiFi ET8 above is also an option for very large homes, but if you don't need its Wi-Fi 6E or multi-gig LAN capabilties, the X4300 Pro is a better choice for those who live large without spending big.

Does the Price of Your Wireless Router Matter?

If that isn’t enough, it supports Asus’ AiMesh technology, which allows it to work as a mesh router in conjunction with other Asus routers. This means that if you ever need to expand your network coverage, you can easily add a ‘node’ instead of replacing this existing router. What comes next after 802.11ax? That would be 802.11be, known as Wi-Fi 7. Some routers supporting this future standard have been announced, but no client devices support it yet, and the standard itself hasn't yet reached its final version.

However, if you do have a newer router that just doesn’t have the reach you need, you can save a little and invest in a wireless extender instead of getting a more expensive mesh Wi-Fi router.It’s a similar story with the VPN features. Sure, you can set it up to connect to most of the big providers, but that’s just the start. There’s also a VPN server which gives you remote access to your network, and the SMB-friendly ability to remotely operate PCs and servers. Make sure to evaluate the router's speed and connectivity options, along with additional features like parental controls, gaming optimization, and voice control. Although Aircove excels on the VPN front, there’s plenty to like about it as a router, too. Wi-Fi 6 support gives you potential speeds of up to 1,200Mbps, a 1.2 GHz 64-bit Quad-Core CPU has the power to handle dozens of simultaneous connections, there are four gigabit Ethernet ports for nearby devices, and a decent 1,600 square feet coverage to help you reach everything else. Satellites in a Wi-Fi mesh system are all part of the same network and provide seamless connectivity as you roam throughout the house, and they do not usually require any configuration or management beyond a few taps on a free, associated mobile app. A number of the solutions in this category support high-end features like guest networking, device prioritization, parental controls, and MU-MIMO, but because Wi-Fi mesh systems are designed to be simple, in most cases you won't be able to access the same kind of in-depth settings you can on routers. For that reason, power users and compulsive tinkerers might not love Wi-Fi mesh systems, but for everyone else who finds network setup intimidating, these are among the friendliest and most innovative options you can find today.