How to choose a router and improve your Wi-Fi
8 Oct 2026
The most expensive router is not always the best for you. What matters is that it suits the size of your place, the number of your devices and the speed of your internet plan.
1. A router does not raise your plan speed
Your internet speed is set by your plan with the provider. A good router distributes it steadily across your devices and covers more space, but it cannot give you more than you pay for.
2. Wi-Fi standard
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac): enough for everyday use and mid-range plans.
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): the balanced choice today, better with many connected devices.
- Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7: newer and pricier, useful if your devices support them.
Remember that you only benefit from a standard if your device (phone or laptop) supports it too.
3. Numbers like AX1800 and AX3000
These are the sum of the theoretical maximum speeds of all bands, not a real speed you get on one device. Use them only to compare routers.
4. Bands
- 2.4GHz: longer range and better through walls, but slower and prone to interference.
- 5GHz: faster but shorter range. A dual-band router is the sensible minimum.
5. Coverage
In a small flat one router in a central spot is enough. For a large or multi-storey home look for a mesh system, which beats a range extender that usually cuts speed. Put the router high and in the open, away from metal objects and the microwave.
6. Ports
Choose a router with Gigabit (1000Mbps) ports rather than Fast Ethernet (100Mbps); the latter caps your speed if your plan is above 100Mbps. A USB port is useful for sharing a drive or printer.
7. Wired for fixed devices
A desktop computer, TV and game console are better on a network cable (Cat5e or Cat6): faster and more stable than Wi-Fi, and it frees the wireless network for phones.
8. Security
- Change the router admin password from the default.
- Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption and a strong Wi-Fi password.
- Update the router firmware regularly.
- Turn on a guest network for visitors so they cannot reach your devices.
9. Useful features
Parental controls, QoS to prioritise calls and games, and VPN support if you work remotely.
Before you buy
Check your internet connection type (cable, fibre or other) and that the router works with it, or that you will use it behind the provider device. And check the warranty.
