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ZDNET Highlights
- Good Wi-Fi is essential, but most people feel like they can’t control 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 rely on Wi-Fi for almost everything: paying bills, shopping online, and most importantly, getting work done. So when that connection is broken, my entire routine comes to a sudden halt. Although it is possible to fix bad Wi-Fi, upgrading your hardware is the best solution in the long term.
Also: Slow or bad Wi-Fi at home? Try my 10 tips to optimize your internet speed
In this guide, I’ll explain what to look for in Wi-Fi accessories and give specific product recommendations based on the type of problems you’re experiencing.
Whether it’s eliminating dead zones, providing a faster connection, or supporting all your devices, there’s some good technology designed to upgrade your Wi-Fi to a network you can rely on 24/7, 365 days a year.
How can I fix my Wi-Fi?
First you must identify what type of problem you are facing, then consider products designed to solve those problems. I recommend either 1) buying a new router 2) building a mesh system or 3) adding a Wi-Fi extender.
If you don’t know where to start, consider the first option. A solid $300 router can cover a wide area without any adjustments, especially with how good the newer models are.
Also: Wi-Fi routers vs. mesh systems: I compared the two — and here’s what I’d choose
If you’re doing a lot of work in some areas with poor Wi-Fi, you may want to invest in a mesh network. These systems consist of a few individual “nodes” that act like miniature routers, covering areas of the home that don’t otherwise get signal strength.
If your Wi-Fi signal strength starts decreasing uniformly at a certain point, you can use an extender. A Wi-Fi extender captures that signal and, as the name suggests, spreads it to areas around the house that the router can’t otherwise reach. These are good for guest houses or larger properties.
What should I consider when purchasing products?
When shopping, it helps to ask yourself a few key questions.
- How big an area do you need to cover? A multi-storey house requires a different solution than a one-bedroom apartment. Larger homes often benefit most from a mesh system, while smaller spaces may only need a router and an extender in a 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 it puts on the network. If you expect to connect multiple devices, invest in something built to handle heavy loads.
- what is your budget? Mesh systems provide the most reliable coverage but are often the most expensive option. Extenders are more affordable, but may have difficulty covering larger areas.
Now let’s come to the list of products. By no means are these the only good options, these are just products we’ve tested for ZDNET ourselves and can vouch for, or actually use at home.
What Wi-Fi devices do you recommend?
For my home, I use this TP-Link Deco BE3600 Whole Mesh Wi-Fi 7 SystemWhich was actually recommended to me by a field technician from my ISP. I tried it on 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 fast.com Speed test, I have wireless speeds up to 840Mbps. This is enough bandwidth to minimize slowdown and stuttering even when multiple devices are running.
Also: Ranking the 7 Internet Providers with the Fastest Wi-Fi in the US
While I was in Monster Hunter Wildes, someone was broadcasting a football match at home, and neither of us ever noticed any performance issues. The system itself can go even further, supporting speeds 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 one channel becomes too crowded, it will automatically transfer to additional devices. Other notable features include support for over 150 concurrent devices and HomeShield to protect against malware. I purchased the three-pack package, which sells for $250. It’s expensive, but worth the cost.
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If you just want a standalone router and live in a small space, I’d recommend the Asus RT-BE86U. This is a router I reviewed in 2024, so although it’s not the newest router on the market, it performs well. Signal coverage extends up to 2,750 square feet, which is more than enough for most apartments and homes.
Within that range, Asus’ router delivers lightning-fast connection speeds of over 500Mbps, with virtually no latency. It can easily handle streaming, gaming, and large file downloads without any slowdown. The best part is that the device supports Wi-Fi 7.
Review: Asus RT-BE86U
The design of this router also deserves mention. On the back, you’ll find multiple high-speed Ethernet connections, including a 10G WAN/LAN port as well as several 2.5G LAN ports. There is also a dedicated gaming port that gives priority to gaming devices during peak hours for better gaming.
At the time of this writing, Asus RT-BE86U On sale for $220.
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The Eero Pro 7 is similar to the Deco Mesh system as it is also a Wi-Fi 7 router that offers top-notch performance. Each individual node covers up to 2,500 square feet and supports wireless speeds up to 3.8 Gbps. Where it really stands out is its features that make it better for crowded homes.
Review: eero pro 7
First of all, the Eero Pro 7 uses a tri-band system made up of 2Ghz, 5Ghz and 6Ghz channels. This setup provides more bandwidth for simultaneous connections. It also comes with TrueMesh, a software feature that automatically redirects the device to the best available band. For example, if one node in a system goes offline, TrueMesh immediately transfers traffic to another, ensuring that your connection remains uninterrupted.
The Eero Pro 7 triple-pack sells for $700. If you want the best wireless speeds up to 4.3 Gbps and coverage up to 7,500 square feet, check out eero max 7,
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As the name suggests, eero outdoor 7 There is a Wi-Fi 7 router that is designed for outdoor use. If your primary router or mesh system doesn’t reach far enough outside, backyards are often prime locations for dead zones.
Outdoor 7 solves that problem by extending coverage up to 15,000 square feet, extending your in-home network beyond the wall. ZDNET’s Maria Diaz tested the device and found that it provided a stable connection for her security cameras, smart speakers, smart lights, and even her Google Nest Cam. Additionally, it is omnidirectional, so you don’t have to worry about where to place other nodes or receiving devices.
Review: Eero Outdoor 7
Built to withstand the elements, the Eero Outdoor 7 has a water and dust resistance rating of IP66, ensuring the protection of the internal components. It can also handle extreme temperatures ranging from -40° F to 131° F.
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For budget conscious buyers, I recommend this TP-Link AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Range ExtenderIt doesn’t offer the same top-tier speeds or range as higher-end units, but it’s a reliable option for people living in apartments or small homes who want comprehensive coverage. The AX3000 provides 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 feet.
Plus: TP-Link’s new Wi-Fi 7 router is a travel-friendly option that won’t break the bank.
At the top are a pair of high-gain antennas paired with beamforming technology that helps focus the router’s Wi-Fi signal directly onto receiving devices, ensuring strong connections. Additionally, there is also a Gigabit Ethernet port for wired setup. Another useful feature is its EasyMesh support, which allows owners to connect the AX3000 extender to other compatible accessories and create their own low-cost mesh network.
This range extender is the only option on this list that doesn’t support Wi-Fi 7, opting for Wi-Fi 6. Although it lacks the super-fast speeds of the latest standard, Wi-Fi 6 is still fast and stable enough for everyday use. The TP-Link AX3000 is currently on sale for $100.
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I’ve been writing about software and consumer electronics for almost 10 years now, and during that time, I’ve come to rely on strong, stable Wi-Fi networks as much as any other tool in my career. Whether I was working from an office or someone’s backyard, a stable connection meant the difference between smooth productivity and complete disruption.
That experience has made me selective about the accessories I connect to my router. I know what to look for and how to make sure my network is working at its best. I also take professional recommendations seriously, so I’m grateful for my ISP technician’s suggestion. The list and advice I provide are not rigid rules. Rather, they are a basis to help you understand what to look for in Wi-Fi gear. The right solution depends on your lifestyle, equipment, and budget.
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