I won't lie to you: Picking the best Wi-Fi routers can be a nuisance.

Many people don't know what to look for, and outside of some strategic buzzwords, product blurbs don't make things much clearer. That’s where I come in: I’m here to break it all down and highlight a few routers actually worth your attention.

When shopping for a router, you only really need to know the Wi-Fi standard that your devices support (if you're using one of the best laptops, you might be looking for Wi-Fi 7). Beyond that, you'll want to know about speeds, range, and ports, and I’m covering all of that below to make this (mildly annoying) process as simple as possible.

My current pick for the best Wi-Fi router is the TP-Link Archer BE400, and that's because of access to Wi-Fi 7 combined with a reasonable price tag ($145 at Amazon). It's a solid dual-band router with speeds just below 6 Gbps, and it'll do the trick for most people.

Need a mesh system? My favorite one right now is the tri-band TP-Link Wi-Fi 7 Deco BE63. It's easy on the eyes (which cannot be said about most routers) and costs $420 at Amazon for a pack of three, which covers up to 7,600 square feet.

Whether you need something affordable or you need a monstrous router to keep up with one of the best gaming laptops, I've got you. Check out the best Wi-Fi routers in 2025 below.

Best Wi-Fi routers

How to choose the best Wi-Fi router

Picking the right router isn't easy, and without a lot of knowledge about networking and cybersecurity, you might feel a little lost when faced with some of the terms I've used above.

Good news: You don't need to be an expert to buy the right router. Here are some things to consider before you shop for the best Wi-Fi router for your needs.

• Which type of Wi-Fi should I buy?
  
  We're at a point where routers marked with Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7 are all readily available. Choosing between those depends on your needs, and while I don't recommend buying Wi-Fi 5 anymore unless your devices are on the older side, Wi-Fi 6 is often the most budget-friendly pick. Wi-Fi 6E gives you slightly higher speeds and an extra 6GHz band for reduced congestion. Wi-Fi 7 ramps that up even more, but those routers are still super pricey, and chances are that your laptop or phone can't take full advantage of them yet.
• Should I get dual-, tri-, or quad-band?
  
  Dual-band routers broadcast on two frequencies: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. They're the cheapest option of the three. Tri-band routers add a third band (surprise, surprise), most commonly a 6GHz band. This helps reduce congestion if you have a lot of connected devices. Quad-band routers might offer up to two 6GHz bands but are very expensive. A tri-band router is an excellent pick if you want smoother performance across many devices, but a dual-band router will suffice for one person.
• Do I need a mesh system?
  
  Some routers have excellent range on their own, but those that don’t can still cover your entire home when used as part of a mesh system. Mesh setups use two or more units to blanket your home in Wi-Fi, eliminating dead zones. If you live in a house above 2,500 sq. ft. (unless specified otherwise), or one with multiple floors and tricky layouts, a mesh system means every member of the household can enjoy uninterrupted Wi-Fi throughout the house. The downside is that this is pricier than just buying one router.

Most people (and most households) don't need a wildly expensive router. But if you're shopping right now, I still recommend buying one with the newer Wi-Fi standards if your budget allows, as this means future-proofing your devices when they need it.

A great gaming experience isn't just about the best gaming laptops; you need excellent connectivity, too, and right now, Amazon has a slew of deals on TP-Link routers. These are my picks for great deals on new Wi-FI 6E and Wi-Fi 7 gaming routers.

Your router is the last link in the multifactor chain that determines your broadband speed. If you haven't upgraded your router in a long time and you have a recently purchased laptop, chances are you aren't achieving your maximum performance.

Three of these models target those looking to boost performance on a lean budget. The least expensive of the bunch is the Wi-Fi 7 TP-Link Dual Band BE-3600 for $99 (a 17% discount from $119). Close step-up models are the Wi-Fi 6E TP-Link AXE5400 at $129 (down from $199) and the TP-Link Archer BE6500 at $149 (down from $179).

For bigger budgets, bigger potential performance boosts, and deeper discounts, look at the TP-Link AXE16000 at $351, down from $599. That's a $248 savings and a massive 41% discount on this hulking router optimized for Wi-Fi 6E gaming and performance. Or the TP-Link Tri-Band BE15000 Wi-Fi 7 router at $299 (a 25% savings over its usual $399 price).

Act fast to snag one of these limited-time router deals. And for more savings, see our roundup of Amazon Gaming Week deals.

Today's best TP-Link router deals

You don't have to wait for Amazon's Prime Big Deals Day in October to get excellent deals on Amazon devices. That includes this Amazon eero 6+ mesh Wi-Fi router 3-pack, priced at $194 for a limited time, down from its usual $299 price.

The eero 6+ packs a ton of connectivity power into its compact nodes. This 2022 W-Fi 6 router packs Gigabit Ethernet and includes three nodes so that you can spread coverage out across up to 4,500 square feet. It can have up to 75 devices connected simultaneously, and you can use Alexa to control Thread and Zigbee compatible smart home devices. The eero 6+ is a dual-band system, with support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHZ bands (with 160MHz channel support).

Our sister site, TechRadar, reviewed the eero 6+ and gave it 4 out of 5 stars. The reviewer liked its competitive pricing and ease of use. However, parental controls require an extra fee. 

Amazon has all versions of the eero 6+ on sale — the 1-pack, 2-pack, and 3-pack — but the 3-pack has the deepest discount at 35% off. These deals are among the many already underway for a limited time in advance of Amazon's Prime Big Day Deals in October. 

Today's best Amazon eero 6+ deal

It may not be the flashiest Prime Day deal, but this just might be the one you really need even if you don't know it. The Amazon eero Pro 6E tri-band mesh router is on sale for an all-time low price of $159.99.

No one really thinks about updating their WiFi system until the very last moment, and why should you? If your WiFi works, well that's about all you need. But with the updates to networking systems and routers that came with WiFi 6, 6E, and WiFi 7 there's more reason to upgrade your routers. This is especially true if you haven't updated to a mesh network.

So if you're still using an outdated WiFi 5 router, it's time to hit "add to cart" before this deal passes you by.

Today's lightning Eero Pro deal

It's not unusual to see the premium tier of a typical residential internet plan advertised as having "1 gigabit per second speed!" But when you read the fine print, the data transfer speed might actually be something like 940 Mbps — or megabits per second. Close to 1 gigabit, but they're rounding up. And when you test the speed with a tool like Ookla Speedtest, the rate might be even lower.

Now imagine having an internet speed of 402,000,000 Mbps with the same fiber optic cable you can get off the shelf.

To put it another way: Imagine having virtually no download times for huge game files, even for massive games like ARK: Survival Evolved.

Earlier this spring, Japan's National Institute of Information and Communications Technology achieved this new 402 terabits-per-second internet speed world record, showing that near-instant data transfer speeds are closer to reality.

Transferring data over 50 kilometers of standard, commercially available optical fiber cables, the international research team achieved a staggering data transmission rate of 402 Tbps, or 402,000,000 Mbps, beating the previous rate "by over 25%."

While these world-record internet speeds won't be reaching your home anytime soon, the NICT's experiment results will most certainly influence the future development of in-home internet speeds.

Let's examine exactly how these results were possible and what this major world record could mean for your in-home internet speeds years from now.

How 402,000,000 Mbps speeds were made possible

The international joint research team broke the world record for the fastest " data rate," or data transmission rate, reaching 402,000,000 Mbps in "a standard commercially available optical fiber."

A data transmission rate — also known to as a data transfer rate, DTR, or throughput — is the volume of data that moves from point A to point B within a certain period of time.

In order to increase the speed with which data was able to travel from one place to another, NICT used more transmission bands, which you can essentially think of as lanes on a highway. With more lanes or increased transmission bandwidth of 37.6THz — up 35% from NICT's previous test in October 2023 — a much higher data transmission rate was made possible. 

Compared to what we have access to in our homes now, WiFi 7 is capable of 320MHz channel bandwidths, which is double that of WiFi 6.

It is practically impossible to cost-effectively upgrade from 340MHz to 37.6THz right now. However, this could certainly influence ideas for doubling bandwidth again, making 640MHz channel bandwidths possible for WiFi 8.

As it stands, even the most powerful desktop PC couldn't achieve these newly set world record speeds. Your motherboard, RAM sticks, SSD, and Ethernet port would all throttle speeds because they simply aren't that advanced yet and probably won't be for quite some time.

With those limitations in mind, it's difficult to see this world record as just for show.

It's a fantastic feat that's fun to talk about, sure. But this test also opens the door to more tests that can be replicated on a smaller scale to improve existing in-home internet speeds and laptop hardware.

We're using the internet more than ever before, but does that mean everyone needs the most expensive, fastest internet plan available? Probably not.

With more internet-based streaming services, online multiplayer games, video meetings for remote work, and a plethora of smart devices that need wifi to function, the amount of Mbps required for the average home is likely higher than 25 Mbps, the amount the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines as "advanced service."

According to the FCC, Basic Service ranges between 3 Mbps and 8 Mbps, Medium Service ranges between 12 Mbps and 25 Mbps, and anything over 25 Mbps is Advanced Service. But in 2021, a group of four senators wrote a letter to the FCC to "update broadband program speed requirements to reflect existing and anticipated uses," advocating for a minimum speed of 100 Mbps.

100 Mbps is plenty for many households nationwide, but it's not perfect for every household. Consider these three factors before choosing an internet plan in your area.

3. Connection types available in your area

The most common types of internet connections available are DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), fiber, and cable. And each of these three internet connections has a different maximum speed.

According to Optimum, "DSL uses your local phone line to connect to the Internet and transfer data," similar to dial-up, but you're able to use the phone and internet at the same time.

More people across the country use a cable or fiber connection. Optimum explains that cable internet functions by connecting your modem via a coaxial cable. Your modem typically comes with wifi capabilities and Ethernet ports, which is how my desktop computer and PS5 are currently hooked up. 

Fiber, or fiber optic, the internet is another wired connection that "works through data being transmitted by light through the fiber optic rather than electricity." Fiber internet is by far the best and fastest option available, but it's unfortunately not available in all areas yet. 

I live on the outskirts of Denver, a major city, and I still don't have access to fiber internet. But if you have the option between cable and fiber in your area, fiber is generally cheaper and offers faster speeds.

2. What people in your household use the internet for

You only need fast internet speeds if your tasks require fast internet speeds. 

For example, the FCC says you only need about 1 Mbps for general browsing and emails and 5 - 8 Mbps for streaming high-definition (HD) video. If that's all you use your internet for when you get home from work, you don't need to pay extra for higher speeds.

But if you're streaming in Ultra HD 4K for hours, connecting to HD teleconferences, and playing online multiplayer games, paying for more than 100 Mbps might be worth it.

According to the FCC, these are the minimum download speeds needed for "adequate performance" for a few different activities: 

• General Browsing and Email: 1 Mbps
• Telecommuting: 5 - 25 Mbps
• File downloading: 10 Mbps
• Social Media: 1 Mbps
• Streaming Standard Definition Video: 3 - 4 Mbps
• Streaming High Definition (HD) Video: 5 - 8 Mbps
• Streaming Ultra HD 4K Video: 25 Mbps
• Standard Personal Video Call: 1 Mbps
• HD Personal Video Call: 1.5 Mbps
• HD Video Teleconferencing: 6 Mbps
• Game Console Connecting to the Internet: 3 Mbps
• Online Multiplayer: 4 Mbps

Considering the FCC is likely outdated in its minimum requirement for household speed, calling 25 Mbps "Advanced Service," take these minimum recommendations for individual activities with a grain of salt.

The FCC even says on the same page, "Additional speed may enhance performance." So, if you're playing a competitive online multiplayer game, you might need more than the recommended minimum of 4 Mbps.

Plus, the speeds you're paying for aren't always the speeds you get. During peak times, you might only get 50 - 75% of the speeds you're paying for.

I'm paying $50 monthly for "up to 400 Mbps" download speeds and "up to 10 Mbps" upload speeds. That clever "up to" language can be incredibly misleading when signing up for an internet plan. A quick speed test showed I'm currently getting 208 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload.

So, as someone who plays online games, streams in 4K, peruses social media, browses the web, answers emails, streams music, and works remotely, I probably need a minimum of 50 Mbps. If I were living alone, I'd likely want to get 100 Mbps for a lag-free, smooth connection while streaming and gaming, so I'd pay for up to 200 Mbps. 

If you don't want to do the math, check out this neat tool from Consumer Reports that lets you estimate the speeds you need based on how you use your internet. 

1. The number of devices using the internet

As mentioned above, if I were living by myself, I'd probably be paying for up to 200 Mbps download based on how I use my internet. But because I'm living with my husband, who requires about the same amount of internet I do for similar tasks, that amount gets doubled, so I'm paying $50 for up to 400 Mbps.

The handy internet speed calculator from Consumer Reports allows you to add multiple devices, making it easy to estimate how much speed you need for your entire household.

If there's ever a chance that you and the three other members of your household would be playing online games simultaneously, account for that. 

While it's not a brilliant idea to pay for the top plan from a local ISP if you don't need it, it could be worth going up a tier so you don't experience pesky buffering while you're trying to watch a movie during dinner or play an online game with your kids.

If you frequently don't reach the speeds you're paying for, your wifi router might be slowing you down. The router that comes from your ISP often isn't the best, so paying a small fee to upgrade your router could be worth it for a smoother, faster connection.

We use the internet for a lot, from researching random questions and completing school assignments to playing online games and streaming your latest obsession on your platform of choice. Having an internet connection is almost as vital as electricity, and depending on the speeds you pay for, it might be almost as expensive, too. 

It's important to consistently check your internet speeds to make sure you're getting the speeds you're paying for. If you notice that your connection seems slower or laggier than usual, the most likely culprit is your Wi-Fi router. Often, Wi-Fi routers might need to be updated, moved to a better spot, or upgraded entirely. Here's how to tell if your Wi-Fi router is causing your internet speeds to suffer.

How to tell if your Wi-Fi router is slowing your internet speeds

Before you can figure out if your Wi-Fi router is slowing your internet connection, you first have to know what speeds you're paying for and what your current internet speed is.

If you don't remember what internet speed you're paying for, you can quickly check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). You can take a look at a physical bill, log into your online account, or call customer service to determine the speed or speed range you're currently paying for.

With that number in mind, it's time to check your current internet speed. Speedtest by Ookla is one of the most-used internet speed checkers, and it's wise to run about three to five tests to get a good average.

It's worth noting that if someone is downloading something on your network, multiple people are using the local network at once, or there's more demand or congestion on the wide area network, this can affect your overall speed results. However, there shouldn't consistently be a huge discrepancy between your current internet speed and the speed you're paying for.

For example, I'm paying for download speeds up to 400 Mbps and upload speeds up to 10 Mbps. Running a quick speedtest showed a current download speed of 364 Mbps and an upload speed of 11 Mbps. These speeds are from a wireless connection only a room away from my router. If my speeds were consistently below half of what I was paying for, that's when I'd start assessing my router.

Depending on the router you have, it could be in need of a firmware update. Typically, this can be done in the router's mobile app by simply heading to settings and checking for updates. If you have a router from your ISP, you can always call customer service to see if there are any firmware updates that need to be pushed through to your router.

Next up, check your router's location. Is it hidden away in a cabinet or closed off in a room, with multiple walls between the router and the device you're testing speeds on? If there's major interference between your router and your devices, your internet speeds will suffer. 

Try performing a speed test right next to your router, with no walls or cabinet doors in between, and see how much, if any, your internet speed improves. If it's improved, you should definitely relocate your Wi-Fi router for better speeds. You can improve a distanced connection by using an Ethernet cable or investing in a mesh network.

If updating or moving your Wi-Fi router doesn't boost your internet speeds, it might be time to upgrade your router entirely. Generally, you should replace your router every five years, or every three years if you use a lot of high-bandwidth devices. 

If it’s time to upgrade, consider waiting for a Wi-Fi 7 router

With the new Wi-Fi 7 standard on the way, it might be worth waiting to upgrade your router, even if your internet speeds are slower than they should be right now. After all, new Wi-Fi standards tend to come around every three to four years, so waiting a few months to future-proof your router for years seems worthwhile.

There were plenty of exciting products at CES 2024, but one of the most noteworthy for us is MSI's Roamii BE Pro Mesh System. It's only half the cost of many standalone Wi-Fi 7 routers we've seen so far, and it promises impressive speeds and all the great benefits of mesh networks.

The Wi-Fi 6e standard officially released in 2020, so we've been waiting three years for a new and improved Wi-Fi standard. According to the Wi-Fi Alliance (via Tom's Hardware), this long wait is finally over. 

The highly-anticipated Wi-Fi 7 specification is set to be finalized by the end of the first quarter in 2024. The Wi-Fi Alliance says that "Wi-Fi 7 devices are entering the market today, and Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 7 will facilitate worldwide interoperability and bring advanced Wi-Fi performance to the next era of connected devices." But what exactly will this advanced performance look like for you? Here's what you need to know.

How will Wi-Fi 7 improve over Wi-Fi 6/6e?

Starting with the info everyone wants to know, Wi-Fi 7 offers speeds up to 40 Gbit/s, roughly 4.8x faster than Wi-Fi 6. To reach these speeds, Wi-Fi 7 uses three frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 G Hz) and a channel width of 320 MHz and 4096-QAM. The 320 MHz superwide channels will provide twice the throughput of Wi-Fi 6, and 4096-QAM can produce 20% higher transmission rates compared to Wi-Fi 6's 1024-QAM.

It'll also use features like MU-MIMO and OFDMA, which Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6e started, to improve connection speeds. Tom's Hardware notes that with these speeds, Wi-Fi 7 could actually be a "strong alternative to traditional wired Ethernet."

The Wi-Fi Alliance writes, "As user demand for high capacity, low latency technologies like AR/VR/XR, cloud computing, and Industrial IoT grows across market segments, Wi-Fi 7 devices will deliver optimized performance, even in dense environments in the 2.4 and 5 GHz band." 

The low-latency promises of Wi-Fi 7 position it to target the burgeoning AR/VR/XR headset market, but Tom's Hardware points out that direct wireless connections are difficult to achieve in modem environments. It'll be interesting to see how well 2024 headsets, like Apple's Vision Pro or Samsung's rumored VR/XR headset, perform with Wi-Fi 7 compared to Wi-Fi 6, given that they support the new standard, of course.

There are a few Wi-Fi 7-badged adapters for PCs and routers available today that adhere to the 'draft' Wi-Fi 7 specification. Most 'draft' devices will be able to support the full Wi-Fi 7 standard after a firmware update, and they'll work perfectly fine on a consumer level. However, enterprises in crowded office buildings will want to upgrade to a "fully ratified device," according to Tom's Hardware, because they work over very specific frequencies.

Wi-Fi 6 has been the latest and greatest wireless network standard since it first released in 2019. Now, there’s another contender: Wi-Fi 6e. 

As you might guess by its name, Wi-Fi 6e is more of an extension of Wi-Fi 6 than it is an entirely new standard. Wi-Fi 6e offers more bandwidth and speed to users, but despite its debut in 2020, there weren’t a ton of devices compatible with Wi-Fi 6e until recently and the current router options are still pricey. So is it worth upgrading? What exactly are the differences between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6e? 

Here’s everything you need to know about the newest Wi-Fi standard, and how Wi-Fi 6e improves on Wi-Fi 6. 

Wi-Fi 6 technology

Wi-Fi 6 was a refreshing and much-needed change when it first appeared in 2019. Prior to Wi-Fi 6 launching, Wi-Fi 5 had been the wireless standard for seven years, and people were ready for faster networks with lower latency to keep up with their household bandwidth needs. 

With a few choice technologies, Wi-Fi 6 could support more bandwidth overall and handle your bandwidth more efficiently. Data transmission speeds improved with Wi-Fi 6, which was fantastic for people who frequently used online streaming services. 

Wi-Fi 6 also supported up to eight independent streams of data within the home, and could send and receive data over both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. For the first time, you could even run a single ultra-wide 160-MHz channel on the 5GHz band, which was great for data-hungry activities like playing online video games. . 

Wi-Fi 6e Technology: What’s new

Wi-Fi 6e has a lot in common with Wi-Fi 6, but there are two major differences.  

• Wi-Fi 6e has 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands like Wi-Fi 6, but it also features a wide 6GHz band. 
• Wi-Fi 6e is not backwards compatible with any wireless network standard prior to Wi-Fi 6.

Both of these differences translate to greater amounts of bandwidth and faster wireless speeds, which is great news for those who stream 8K content, play AR/VR games, and download large files. 

The 6GHz band available through new Wi-Fi 6e routers is only available to devices with Wi-Fi 6e support. Wi-Fi 6 devices can’t access the speedy 6GHz band. This 6GHz band does have a shorter range than 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, but if your device supports Wi-Fi 6e, it’s worth setting up close to your router. 

CNET compared Wi-Fi bands to different highways, and it’s the best example on the internet so far. A 2.4GHz band is like “a one-lane country highway,” and if slower devices are on that band with you, they’ll bring your speed down too. A 5GHz band is like “a three-lane interstate,” so it’s easier to share the road with slower drivers and still maintain your speed. 

The new 6GHz band is like “a shiny, new seven-lane superhighway, and only 6e devices get access to the onramp.” With a Wi-Fi 6e router and a compatible Wi-Fi 6e device, you could possibly be the only person using that band within your home, unbothered by slower devices. Even if another Wi-Fi 6e compatible device hops on with you, you’re both going the same speed, so to speak. 

In short, Wi-Fi 6e technology can provide faster wireless speeds, lower latency, and more dedicated bandwidth. But you need a device compatible with Wi-Fi 6e and a Wi-Fi 6e router to take advantage of these perks. 

Wi-Fi 6e vs. Wi-Fi 6: Specifications

The only spec Wi-Fi 6e and Wi-Fi 6 have in common is that they’re both mesh compatible. 

When it comes to available data bands, Wi-Fi 6 is only equipped with 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, while Wi-Fi 6e boasts an additional 6GHz band. Then, Wi-Fi 6 offers one 160-MHz-wide channel in a 5GHz band, and Wi-Fi 6e offers eight, with one in a 5GHz band and seven in 6GHz bands. With faster, dedicated 6GHz bands, Wi-Fi 6e is able to achieve faster data delivery rates.

Which devices support Wi-Fi 6e?

It’s not difficult to find a Wi-Fi 6e router to replace your existing router, though they can be expensive. The compatibility trouble typically lies with the devices that you’d be connecting to your Wi-Fi 6e router. Even the best Wi-Fi router can’t utilize its speedy 6GHz band if your devices only support the Wi-Fi 6 standard. 

There are quite a few Android phones that support Wi-Fi 6e, including Google’s Pixel 6 and 7 series, and Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra, S22 Ultra, and all of its S23 phones. Motorola also has quite the Wi-Fi 6e compatible lineup, with the Edge 2021, Edge 2022, Razr 2022, and Edge 30 series. Plus, any laptop running Windows 11 will have support for Wi-Fi 6e. 

iPhone users don’t have access to a Wi-Fi 6e-compatible smartphone—yet. It’s rumored that the iPhone 15 will come with Wi-Fi 6e support. The only Apple products that can access that 6GHz band right now are the M2 iPad Pro, 2023 MacBook Pro, and 2023 Mac mini. 

Is upgrading to Wi-Fi 6e worth it?

The first question you should ask yourself is whether or not your current devices support Wi-Fi 6e. If they don’t, and you don’t plan on upgrading your smartphone, computer, or tablet anytime soon, there’s no need to upgrade. 

If you need a new router and you want to future-proof your network, you could consider splurging on a Wi-Fi 6e router or waiting for a Wi-Fi 7 router to come out in 2024. However, keep in mind that Wi-Fi 6e won’t be backwards compatible with Wi-Fi 5 or earlier standards. 

For many people, the cost of upgrading to Wi-Fi 6e isn’t worth it because Wi-Fi 6 is still fast enough to handle modern demands. The biggest reason upgrading to Wi-Fi 6e now would be worth it is if you use a lot of bandwidth-intensive applications, like 4K or 8K streaming or virtual reality gaming.  

Mesh networks provide blanket coverage to your home, office, or industrial space. Rather than connecting to one access point and crossing your fingers that it reaches into the farthest corners of your space, mesh networks use a series of routers, all connected to one another that provide even coverage throughout the space – so long as you have enough access points to cover it. 

This, though, is different from just cramming as many routers as you can fit in your home. Adding additional routers means having to manually switch to the closest one (or the one with the strongest signal). With a mesh system, all of this is done in the background using AI that determines where your device can get the strongest signal. For example, passing from your living room to your bedroom could mean switching between several access points along the way, all automatically, and without you even noticing.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of a mesh network is the coverage it can offer. Rather than accepting that your home will have dead spots, you can now ensure relatively even coverage throughout. And if the mesh network doesn’t reach the furthest places in your yard, for example, you can just add additional access points to stretch it a little further.

What is a mesh network?

Simply put, a mesh network is just a group of connected devices that work together to improve coverage within a space. Instead of a single router, you now have several connected access points. The first point, the router, communicates a signal to each access point, thus stretching your network. 

Where the magic happens is in the artificial intelligence powering these networks. Rather than switching connections as you go, AI sends signals to nearby access points as well as your connected devices and determines when one signal is stronger than another. Once it determines there’s a stronger connection available, the switch happens in the background and the user is none the wiser. In the past, this required a specialized network of devices controlled by a switch, which wasn’t the simplest thing for a novice to set up and use. 

Today, most consumer-grade mesh networking devices are essentially plug and play. You’ll plug in the router and ensure you have a strong connection, just like any other, and then start plugging in access points in strategic locations throughout the space. It’s far enough to extend the network, but close enough to receive a strong signal from another nearby access point.

Wired vs. wireless mesh networks

A wired system is the classic mesh network that comes to mind for anyone that has dabbled in networking. To establish a wired mesh network, you must first establish static routes, then define a connection per node, or use a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) to automatically assign an IP address upon connection. If this sounds complicated, it is — at least for those who aren’t used to peering under the hood of a router or messing with network settings. Worse, you often have to redo these steps – or more – for each device you connect to the network. 

The benefits of a direct local area network (LAN) connection are in bandwidth. Assuming the signal coming into the space is strong, you won’t lose much bandwidth when plugging a device into the router. For years, this was and arguably still is – the best way to connect multiple devices in the same space. LAN parties became all the rage among computer gamers and some still exist in smaller, more niche circles.

But a wired network isn’t without its downsides. Space is a concern; you’ll need multiple pieces of hardware, all connected via wires that are often strewn about on the floor. It’s unsightly and can even be unsafe when too many devices are plugged in at once.

A wireless mesh network alleviates the space issues. You won’t be tripping over wires nor plugging in all of your devices into an ethernet port. Where it’s not quite as good as a wired system is in bandwidth. Since this is wireless, the broadcast begins to degrade as soon as it leaves the router and degrades even more when it travels long distances and through materials like metal or concrete.

These days, it’s rare to see a wired mesh system within a home. Most kits are sold as part of a wireless solution and include apps designed to make getting up and running as simple as connecting to a Bluetooth speaker.

What is a hybrid mesh network?

There exists a third option that, as you might have guessed, sits between the wired and wireless mesh networks. It’s called a hybrid mesh network. This system uses ethernet to connect to both the router and each access point. As mentioned, a wireless network only has a wired connection at the router (and not the access points), and a wired system has a wired connection at the router, all access points, and all devices. The hybrid system, on the other hand, uses ethernet to connect to the router and each access point, but not the devices connected to them. 

It’s a best of both worlds scenario that gives you a solid connection at each access point and minimal signal degradation between the access point and your device — provided access points aren’t spread too far apart, that is.

Which system is right for me? And do I need mesh?

Do you need a mesh network? The answer is, it depends. While everyone (except those who live in a studio apartment, tiny house, or other small space) could benefit from a mesh network, the choice about which one to employ will generally depend on how you plan to use it.

Wireless is great for most consumer applications due to the ease of setup and the simplicity afforded by not having to wire everything through walls or run wires along floorboards. For an office, wired is often best. Here you’ll want the increased security brought on by a wired connection at each device, and you’ll generally have a few more industrial aspects offered by the space that allow you to hide wires more efficiently than you would at home. But if you just can’t decide, or if you’re a hardcore gamer and every bit of download speed matters, a hybrid connection may be optimal for you. 

Black Friday is in full swing and this is the best time to pick up a great broadband deal — saving big on those monthly costs!

Every year without fail, we see internet service providers offer their lowest possible rates on fibre broadband, 4G broadband and more. This year is no different and we’re already starting to see Virgin Media and Sky come out the gates strong with seriously good savings and incentives.

Broadband is an essential purchase alongside any Black Friday laptop deal. Whether you need the fastest possible speeds or just need a dirt-cheap internet connection, we’ve got you covered in our selection of the best Black Friday broadband deals.

Black Friday Broadband Deals

Black Friday Broadband Deals: Editor’s Selection

Black Friday Broadband Deals: Buying Guide

Here’s some advice if you want to shop around for yourself. Before I begin, Mbps means megabits per second, not megabytes per second: a megabit is one-eighth the size of a megabyte. Not many ISPs tell you that transparently and it gives you a false impression of the speeds that are truly possible.

Figure out what you need

This one sounds a little obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people are paying for speeds they don’t need, or getting a super low-cost deal that doesn’t fit their speed requirements.

Shop the price you find

As we countdown to Black Friday, you’ll see ISPs getting very competitive. Before you settle on one deal, do look around and see what else there is.

Ring Ring?

Do you need to make calls or not? Let’s be honest, most of you don’t need a home phone, but if in the situation that you do, you’ll need to narrow your search to broadband packages that include calls too.

On the flip side, broadband deals without calls can save you some money.

Netgear's Nighthawk router gives your home wireless network an instant performance boost. And for a limited time, one retailer is practically giving it away. 

One standout deal is the Netgear Nighthawk AX3000 router for just $49. Formerly $122, that's $73 off and one of the best Walmart Prime Day alternative deals you can get. 

• Browse: Walmart's entire sale

The Netgear Nighthawk AX3000 is one of the best WiFi 6 routers to buy. It supports ultra-fast speeds 3Gbps to boost overall Wi-Fi performance. Meanwhile, the router's 4-WiFi streams increase bandwidth to combat network congestion.

As we all work, learn and game from home, multiple connected devices to our wireless network can slow down performance. This can lead to steaming and download issues on gaming consoles, laptops, and tablets. That's where the Netgear Nighthawk AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 router comes in. It's the best home networking device to get if you want to improve streaming, downloading, and gaming on connected devices. 

If you want smooth gaming, 4K/8K video streaming and video conferencing, the Nighthawk AX3000 router is the one to get.

If you're sick of being disconnected while raiding in World of Warcraft, USB Wi-Fi adapters can be a must when trying enhance your pesky wireless connection. To be frank, you could easily get away with purchasing a cheap $9.99 USB Wi-Fi adapter, but I speak from experience when I say that's a bad idea. If you’re facing serious connection issues, it probably won't help very much. But if you just need something to connect with because your system doesn't have a Wi-Fi card, then cheap will be fine.

We recommend putting down a decent amount of cash to ensure your connection is unbreakable. After all, we don't want your guild mates getting salty that they lost their healer halfway through a boss fight. This means you might be paying $29.99 to $89.99, but deciding which adapter to purchase comes down to a combination of many things. So let us stop with the fluff and get right to it: Here are the best USB Wi-Fi adapters you can buy right now.

What are the best USB Wi-Fi adapters? 

The best USB Wi-Fi adapter depends on which operating system you run. Every USB Wi-Fi adapter on this list supports Windows 7, 8 and 10, but if you’re running macOS or older versions of Windows, you’ll need to be a bit more picky.

Our favorite USB Wi-Fi adapter is the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900, mainly due to its combination of high-data transfer rate, an included magnetic cradle, and its ability to support Windows 10 and macOS Catalina (10.15). If you’re running Windows XP or Vista, you’ll want to look out for the Trendnet TEW-809UB, as it’s the only USB Wi-Fi adapter on this list that can support those systems.

The TP-Link Archer T9UH provides a great balance of affordability and performance, possessing data transfer rates as high as the best entries on this list, yet it only costs $49.99. However, it does not support macOS Big Sur. If you’re just looking for the most affordable option that will still get you results, the TP-Link Archer T4U Plus is worth checking out. It has the lowest data transfer rate of any USB Wi-Fi adapter on this list, but it’s only $29.99, meaning you’ll be saving quite a bit of money.

And the ASUS USB-AC68 is also quite attractive thanks to its wireless USB capabilities. It’s the most expensive USB Wi-Fi adapter on this list, but if you don’t want a cord bothering you and are looking for high-data transfer rates, this could be a worthwhile investment.

USB Wi-Fi adapters macOS Big Sur and Venura support 

We’ve noticed a shocking lack of macOS Big Sur support for USB Wi-Fi adapters, so if you are running this operating system, you might face a bit of trouble getting it to work. There aren't any official drivers for the TP-Link, Netgear, Trendnet and Asus adapters in this list, but certain sections of the community have put in the work to get these adapters functional.

For example, on the TP-Link forums, someone discovered a user-created driver and disabled SIP (System Integrity Protection) on macOS to make it compatible. We cannot confirm how safe this method is, but it seems that it has worked for several people. If you’re not willing to take this risk, we recommend waiting until these companies put out official drivers that support macOS Big Sur.

With the recent reveal of macOS Ventura, we will be keeping a look out on compatibility reports with the upcoming operating system as we get closer to launch.

The Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 costs $68.99 and is the best USB Wi-Fi adapter you can buy right now. It provides a high transfer rate, managing 1,300 megabits per second on 5Ghz and 600 megabits per second on 2.4Ghz. It’s also compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, and from macOS X 10.8.3 up to 10.15 (download this driver for Catalina support). It should work immediately when plugged in, but to get it functioning optimally, we recommend plugging it into a USB 3.0 port. It’ll still work when plugged into a standard USB 2.0 port, but it won’t perform as well.

However, the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 is bulky. If you plug it straight into your laptop or desktop, it will take up a considerable amount of space, and if it’s surrounded by tons of other ports being used, we predict it won’t fit at all. Thankfully, the package comes with a USB 3.0 cable and magnetic cradle (the Amazon version comes with this). This allows you to connect the USB Wi-Fi adapter through a wire and ensures the giant thing isn’t taking up precious port space. 

If you’re looking for a USB Wi-Fi adapter that balances both affordability and performance, look no further than the TP-Link Archer T9UH. It costs $49.99 and can manage 1,300MBps on 5Ghz and 600MBps on 2.4Ghz. USB 3.0 connection will assist in increasing transfer speeds. It’s quite a thick adapter too, meaning you’ll want to use the magnetic cradle it comes with so it doesn’t get in the way of other ports. When comparing performance between a wired connection and wireless connection through this Wi-Fi adapter, both reached the maximum speeds possible by my internet connection.

It also comes with a two-year warranty, which should be more than enough time to test if it’s defective. And with the WPS button, establishing a connection is fast and easy. This device worked excellently in providing wireless internet to one of my desktops that lacked an internet card. The adapter supports Windows XP, 7, 8, and 10. However, the Amazon page shows that it only supports macOS 10.12 to 10.8. After checking TP-Link’s website, it seems drivers for macOS Catalina and Big Sur are not available. 

The TP-Link Archer T4U Plus is the best USB Wi-Fi Adapter for those on a tight budget. It’s only $29.99, and although it doesn’t possess as many premium features as more expensive alternatives, it’s more than satisfactory for those looking for a decent adapter without breaking the bank. It can manage 400Mpbs on 2.4GHz and 867Mbps on 5GHz, making it noticeably slower than the first two entries on this list.

However, it also comes with a USB 3.0 port, meaning you can expect even higher transfer speeds if connected to the correct port. It’s also compatible with Windows 7, 8 and 10, and macOS (a Catalina driver is available on the TP-Link website, but a driver for Big Sur is not yet available). It also comes with a 2-year warranty and free 24/7 tech support. 

The Asus USB-AC68 is a powerful USB Wi-Fi adapter that is worthwhile for those looking for high-data transfer rates without having to worry about a wired connection or an oversized USB dongle taking up an unnecessary amount of space. It’s as powerful as most of the best USB Wi-Fi adapters, possessing a transfer rate of 1,300MBps on 5Ghz and 600MBps on 2.4Ghz. However, it’s currently $83.59 at Amazon, so you’d need to cough up a decent amount of cash to get your hands on it.

If you’re not interested in using a wireless USB, you can connect it through the included wire. It also uses USB 3.0, meaning you’ll need to connect it to the correct port for optimal speeds. It’s compatible with Windows 7, 8 and 10, so if you’re still running XP or Vista, this isn’t the adapter for you. It’s also surprisingly limited on macOS devices, only compatible on anything from 10.7 to 10.11.

The Trendnet TEW-809UB is the perfect choice for those needing a USB Wi-Fi adapter that can connect to more Windows operating systems than the others. It can be used with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10. However, it can only run macOS 10.6-10.13, with the Trendnet website, showing no recent driver additions. Similar to the other USB Wi-Fi adapters, it’s operating at 1,300MBps on 5Ghz and 600MBps on 2.4Ghz. It’s also very large, coming in at 7 x 3 x 9 inches. Still, I love its cool all-black spider design. And thanks to a simple USB cable connection and an LED indicator that shows the status of the device, you can hook it up quite easily. 

One caveat is the $79.99 price, which makes it one of the more expensive of the USB Wi-Fi adapters on this list. And for some reason, the antennas are entirely detachable. It also comes with three years of TRENDnet Manufacturer’s Protection. 

How to choose the best USB Wi-Fi adapter for you 

Selecting the best USB Wi-Fi adapter comes down to a combination of price, data-transfer rate, ease of connection, and compatibility with your operating system. The TP-Link Archer T4U Plus is the cheapest adapter on this list, but the $29.99 price tag means you’ll experience a slower data transfer rate than if you were to buy some of the more expensive alternatives. On the other hand, the priciest adapter on this list is the ASUS USB-AC68, but this will provide much faster data-transfer rates and the option for a wireless USB connection.

If you’re looking for a good balance between quality and affordability, the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 and TP-Link Archer T9UH should keep your covered. Both provide data-transfer rates as high as the others entries on this list and won’t break the bank. And finally, the Trendnet TEW-809UB is definitely expensive, but if you’re still running Windows Vista (please upgrade to Windows 10), it’s the only adapter on this list that lists it as a compatible operating system. 

Second chance Memorial Day deals are still available at Amazon today. One limited time deal nets you Amazon's eero 6 Mesh WiFi system for an all-time low price. 

Amazon continues to offer its eero 6 Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System for $159. That's $40 off its normal retail price of $199. This marks an all-time low price for this home networking system. It's one of the best Memorial Day deals you can still get.

• Browse: Amazon's entire sale

Amazon's eero 6 mesh Wi-Fi system employs one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers to buy. This 3 pack includes an eero 6 router and two eero 6 extenders. This Wi-Fi system covers up to 5,000 square feet with Wi-Fi speeds up to 500 Mbps to eliminate issues like dead zones and buffering. And with Zigbee smart home hub functionality built-in, you can easily connect and control compatible devices on your network via Alexa.

While we didn't test this router system, Amazon eero 6 reviews rate it 4.4 out of 5-stars. Satisfied customers praise the eero 6's easy setup and solid, stable connection speeds for multiple devices.

The eero 6 mesh Wi-Fi 6 router measures a compact 2.4 x 3.9 inches so it can easily be tucked away on a bookshelf in a corner. And with support for 75+ connected devices, the eero 6 lets the whole family enjoy smooth 4K streaming, gaming and video calling. If you want reliable wireless connectivity for multiple gadgets at home, the eero 6 Wi-Fi system might be just what you need.

Every wireless device in your home connects to your router, and if you're like many people today, it takes only an hour or two without Wi-Fi to leave you feeling some anxiety at being disconnected. Get your connections up and running by installing a new router, using this simple guide.

While this basic process should help you get any new router online, it is worth noting that each model will be a little different. Many new models have a streamlined setup process that combines or skips some of these steps, or that lets you manage your setup entirely through a smartphone app. When in doubt, follow the directions that came with the router. But if you want a general walk-through of setting up your home network, these steps should get you fully connected.

1. Check your internet connection

If you're connecting your router to an existing modem or ISP gateway, then you probably already have a good idea of whether or not your internet is working, but it's always worth checking. A bad connection can make for a long and frustrating attempt at router installation when there may be nothing wrong with the router itself.

If you're installing your router as part of moving into a new home or apartment, it's all the more important to make sure you have an active internet connection, since you are likely to be setting up your router alongside a newly installed or activated internet service.

To check internet status, simply connect to your modem or ISP gateway using an Ethernet cable, and plug it directly into your laptop or desktop PC. (If you don't have an Ethernet port on your laptop, you'll want to get an Ethernet adapter.) If your computer is getting an internet connection, you're in good shape to set up the router.

Also, some ISP gateways offer combined modem and router functions. In this case, you'll want to make sure the modem/router combo is set to bridge mode. This should be explained in whatever instructions came with the gateway device.

2. Place the router

As you unpack the router, pay attention to any documentation that's included. Keep an eye out specifically for any stickers or slips of paper that may include vital setup information, like the address for the router's web interface, or the default username and password.

If antennas are separate from the main router unit, you'll want to install them. This is usually done by screwing them on to the connectors on the back or sides of the router. In other cases, the router's antennas will be built in, and only need to be extended and positioned.

Once it is unpacked and assembled, you'll need to find a place to install the router. The ideal router position will be in a central location, rather than at one end of the home. Since routers broadcast in all directions, you'll want to put it roughly in the middle of your home to get the best coverage and signal strength.

A higher position -- such as up on a shelf -- is preferred, since radio waves move out and down as they propagate through your home. You'll also want to avoid potential interference from metal objects, brick or concrete walls. And stay away from the microwave, since it puts out the same frequencies that your wireless signal uses.

3. Connect to power

Once it is powered on, you should see the router's indicator lights activate. Some will blink or change color during the setup process, indicating certain functions and changes, but there should be a light that shows when the router is properly plugged in and turned on. Wait a minute or two after plugging in the router, as it may take a few moments for it to get up and running.

4. Connect to your internet source

Next you'll want to connect your router to your internet source, be it a cable or DSL modem or similar ISP gateway. For this, you'll use a basic Ethernet cable, plugged into the router's WAN or internet port. This port is usually distinguished from others on the device with a different color, or it may be physically separated from the rest of the ports with a space.

Watch the router's LED indicators as you plug in the cable. You should see a color change or a new light that indicates an active internet connection has been established. If there is no confirmatory indicator light, double-check the connection, ensuring that you're plugged into the correct port and that the Ethernet cable you're using is in good working order.

Finally, you'll want to confirm that the router has a working connection by plugging your laptop into one of the device ports on the back of the router. You should be able to quickly open a wired connection, just as you did when confirming an active internet connection.

5. Access the router's web interface

While you have a computer connected to the new router, now would be an ideal time to set a new network name and password. Additionally, you'll need to log in to the same web interface to upgrade your firmware, adjust your security settings and activate your Wi-Fi. Check out our handy guide to walk through the process, or follow the instructions that came with the router.

While you're activating the Wi-Fi, you'll also want to choose an encryption protocol for your wireless network. Skip Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) if it's offered, since the standard has been shown to be woefully insecure for at least the last decade. We recommend using Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2) protection, since it's much more secure.

It's also worth noting that many new routers use a dedicated app for setup. In these cases, you can usually complete the setup without plugging in a PC at all.

6. Connect wired devices

If you want to physically connect any devices to your router, such as a printer, game console, TV or internet phone system, you'll need an Ethernet cable for each. Plug the wired device into one of the available ports on the back of the router.

7. Connect your PC or device to Wi-Fi

Finally, once your Wi-Fi network is up and running, you'll want to get the rest of your devices connected. If you haven't already, you may want to set a new name and password for the router, and logging onto your new Wi-Fi network will require knowing both the network name and password.

• More: How to enable AES encryption on your router
• This is how to change your router’s IP address
• Where to place your router for the best Wi-Fi signal
• How to change your router's quality of service (QoS) settings
• Here's how to find your MAC address on Windows 10.

Wi-Fi has been around since 1997. Since then, it has evolved many times to serve internet users’ growing needs. The latest of these evolutions is Wi-Fi 7, based on the new 802.11be standard and expected to reach speeds comparable to physical ethernet cables.

Reports show that the new Wi-Fi specification can reach speeds of up to 30 Gbps (gigabits per second) for every access point. To put that in perspective, Wi-Fi 6, which was just released in 2020, has a maximum bandwidth of 9.6 Gbps, making Wi-Fi 7 at least three times faster than Wi-Fi 6.

Brief history of Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi has played a key role in the growth of the internet. It has made it easier for people to reach the world wide web by allowing multiple connections on single routers. This eliminated the need for each user to set up an individual ethernet connection.

When Wi-Fi first became available in 1997, it was primarily limited to one frequency: 2.4 GHz (802.11). In 1999 the 802.11a standard added 5 GHz (802.11a). 

Over the next 20 years, the updates were focused on feature updates without expanding the frequencies. In 2003, 802.11g was released, providing greater distances and speeds. 802.11n hit the market in 2008, offering even faster and more reliable service by utilizing ”multiple input, multiple output” (MIMO) technology. The MIMO method uses multiple antennas both for the receiver and transmitter to improve communication between the devices.

In 2012, 802.11ac was released. It offered four times the speed of 802.11n. It also had a greater width and was compatible with more antennas. 

It wasn’t until the fastest currently consumer-available Wi-Fi option, Wi-Fi 6, came out in 2020 that a new 6GHz frequency was added. It boasted a 9.6 Gbps speed that was way higher than Wi-Fi 5’s 3.5 Gbps.

The improvement of wireless connection speeds has heightened the possibilities of IoT (internet of things) devices. Fast Wi-Fi means devices can communicate with each other faster and deliver more accurate data. Wi-Fi has also become a norm in public places, such as restaurants, cafes, malls, and more.

What are the advantages of Wi-Fi 7?

The all-new Wi-Fi 7 is expected to provide improvements over its predecessors. Here are some of the highlights we can look forward to.

Significant boost in speed
As we mentioned above, Wi-Fi 7 will use new technology for significantly faster internet speeds. One critical issue with Wi-Fi versus cabled connections is the poor speeds that may occur due to environmental noise in the same frequency. With Wi-Fi 7, you can expect your speed to be almost as good as using a wired connection.

Multi-Link Operation (MLO)
Wi-Fi 7 can dynamically use all bands and channels to make connections faster and avoid high-interference bands. It uses a Multi-Link Operation (MLO) that combines different channels across varying frequencies through load balancing and aggregation, resulting in better performance.

Backward compatibility
Wi-Fi 7 is expected to work with most devices, as long as they are 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz compatible. This avoids the compatibility issues faced by most new technologies, such as 5G. If you have an old phone from 2010, it will most likely work with Wi-Fi 7.

Lower latency
Latency refers to the length of time for data to travel from one point to another. Latency is significant in wireless connections, as there are plenty of factors that can affect transmission. With Wi-Fi 7, users are expected to have lower latency issues and better reliability. This low latency makes it a good alternative to wired ethernet connections.

6 GHz Wi-Fi band
If you had glasses that could see Wi-Fi connections, you would see different Wi-Fi frequencies jampack the air. Similar to car traffic, the more Wi-Fi signals in an area, the higher the interference for those using similar bands. Wi-Fi 7 uses 6 GHz, a Wi-Fi band that is currently rarely used. Hence, Wi-Fi 7 users should experience minimal interference.

Improvements on 802.11ax
Wi-Fi 7’s draft specifications show that it will provide various enhancements over Wi-Fi 6. One improvement is the use of the wider 320 MHz channel, as opposed to Wi-Fi 6’s 160 MHz. This wider channel means better and faster connections. It also utilizes 4,096 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) technology, allowing more data per hertz.

When will Wi-Fi 7 be available?
There is no definite release date yet for Wi-Fi 7. However, it is expected to be available to consumers between 2023 and 2024. If you can’t wait that long, the best routers in the market that support Wi-Fi 6 (and Wi-Fi 6E) offer excellent performance and include a number of affordable options if you are hoping to upgrade when Wi-Fi 7 arrives. Follow our website to get the latest news about Wi-Fi 7.

Some routers allow you to customize exactly what multimedia gets priority via a process known as Quality of Service (QoS). For instance, perhaps you want to make sure that video streaming always gets more love than streaming audio. The QoS can do that. You can even tell some routers that Skype takes priority over Netflix by assigning “highest” priority to these applications.

• More: How to Enable AES Encryption on Your Router
• This is how to change your router’s IP Address
• Where to place your router for the best Wi-Fi signal
• See how to Install a New Router

1. Log into your account. Open your browser and enter the manufacturer’s default IP address, typically located on the underside of your router or in the user manual or a custom one that you set. Using your username and password, log into your router settings page.

2. Open the Wireless tab to edit your wireless settings. 

3. Locate the QoS Settings. This can likely be found as a subcategory beneath advanced network settings or Wireless Settings.

4. Click on the Set Up QoS Rule button. QoS Rules are customized settings to tell the router what types of traffic to give priority to. Each rule will allow you to assign priority to a certain type of connection (e.g. Skype), which the router will then use to start filtering your bandwidth.

5. Add Networks you want to Prioritize. Your router will likely populate a field of commonly used applications in the main QoS setting tab. If you see the applications you want to give “highest” priority already populated, click the box next to the application and click Edit. Assign the application “highest” priority, then click apply to Apply your settings. If the application isn’t already populated, add it by clicking the “Add Priority Rule” button at the bottom of your QoS page, and go through the basic setup for each network type.

6. Click Apply. Then reboot your router under the general settings.

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When it comes to improving your home Wi-Fi coverage, it's easy to think that a new router or added piece of equipment will solve all of your wireless woes. To an extent, that's true, and a new mesh router or Wi-Fi extender will definitely give you better coverage in a large home. But the first thing to ask is whether you're really getting all the performance your router has to offer. In many cases, the quickest way to clear up dead spots and enjoy better connectivity isn't new hardware, but a new position for the router you already own.

A wireless router is essentially a wireless access point married to a basic network router, and the convenience of wireless connectivity boils down to one thing – radio waves. Even knowing the basics of how radio signals work will help you ensure that you eliminate the most frequent causes of bad signal and poor coverage.

We've pulled together six essential guidelines for finding the best spot for your router and getting the most coverage it can offer. By eliminating sources of interference and finding an optimal position for your router, you can be sure that you're getting the best performance available from whatever router you have, old or new.

Where to place your router for the best Wi-Fi signal

1. Put it in a central location

A radio signal doesn't just broadcast in one direction. Instead, it's more like ripples in water, with the router sitting dead center and coverage radiating outward. If you've placed your router in a far corner of your home, or set it up at one end or another, you're probably reducing your usable coverage by half. The other thing to consider is that the signal is stronger at closer distances, so you'll want to reduce the distance between the router and any connected device.

The ideal position for a wireless router, then, is in a central location. Placing your router in the center of your home reduces wasted coverage area and eliminates unnecessary distance between the unit and any connected devices on the outside edges of the coverage area.

It’s also worth considering what parts of the home you want to get Wi-Fi coverage. Do you want wireless coverage in your garage or backyard? If so, include these areas as you determine a central location.

MORE: Out-of-the-Box Router Tips: 4 Changes to Make on Your New Router

2. Place the router in a higher position

Although ripples on a pond are a good way to visualize how a Wi-Fi signal radiates outward, it's also deceptively two-dimensional. Radio waves don't just radiate out horizontally, but vertically, too. A better illustration might be a bubble, with the router at the center. That spherical coverage means that you want to put the router in an elevated position, rather than on the ground, where the floor and foundation might get much of your coverage "bubble."

Higher positions allow more signal to cover the areas where you actually use your Wi-Fi, and let the router broadcast with fewer objects impeding the signal (more on that in a moment). When in doubt, take a page from professional installers, who will place routers on high shelves, or even mount them on the ceiling or high on a wall.

If you're in a multistory home, you'll also want to consider how the different floors get covered. For a two-story home, the best position will be located either near the ceiling on the first floor, or near the floor on the second, providing consistent coverage both upstairs and down.

3. Cut down on walls, and stay away from windows

Radio signals travel best through open air. The ideal situation would let you have a direct line-of-sight between your device and the router at all times, but that's rarely feasible when trying to cover multiple rooms in a home.

Thankfully, most building materials will still let a Wi-Fi signal through – wooden beams and drywall won't disrupt the signal too much, and neither does glass. That said, you want to keep the number of walls between your device and your router to a minimum. And be wary of denser materials, like concrete or brick, which absorb radio waves far more than regular wood and drywall.

Although routers aren't the sort of gadgets we want to put on display, sticking it in a closet or tucking it behind another object will have a negative impact on performance, since you're surrounding it with signal-killing materials.

You'll also want to keep your router away from windows. Glass doesn't do much to impede a wireless signal, meaning that a big window might just be letting your Wi-Fi signal spill out into the yard, or right into your neighbor's home.

4. Clear the obstacles

The one material most likely to foul up your Wi-Fi signal isn't wood or glass or even concrete. It's metal. Whether it's a wire-shelving unit, a steel desk, the refrigerator in the kitchen or the water heater in your basement, large metal objects will reflect and absorb the Wi-Fi signal, creating dead zones. If your router is right next to a metal object, that dead zone might be a whole wing of your house.

Try to position your router so that large metal objects won't come between it and the areas of the house you want coverage. And think about the metal you might not see. A large metal pipe hidden in a wall, a duct running across the ceiling, a cast iron bathtub or a steel security door covered with a wood veneer will disrupt wireless signals just as much as a wrought iron wall-hanging or a big metal filing cabinet.

One other Wi-Fi impediment you might not have thought of is water. As a liquid, water is much denser than air, and especially large amounts of water, like in an aquarium. You might love Finding Nemo, but putting your router next to a fish tank will definitely have a negative impact on your wireless performance. For best results, keep your router a few feet from any large amounts of water, and try to position the router above the aquarium to ensure that the signal travels beyond your finned friends.

5. Avoid interference and noise

While physical obstacles are easy to spot, interference can have just as big an impact on your Wi-Fi performance. A lot of devices will use the same 2.4-GHz wireless band that your router does. Everything from cordless phones to Bluetooth speakers to baby monitors share this segment of the airwaves, and things get pretty crowded. And if you're in a tightly packed neighborhood or an apartment building, that band isn't just crowded, it's bumper-to-bumper traffic. If your router offers 5-GHz coverage, consider switching solely to that, since it's less congested.

It's also common to see everyday electronics pump out electronic noise in this same frequency band. Everything from elevators to poorly shielded TVs can create interference. When in doubt, move your router 5 to 6 feet away from other electronics.

The worst offender for interference is, by far, the microwave. If your router is within 10 feet of a microwave oven, you're probably nuking your Wi-Fi signal every time you warm up a burrito or reheat last night's leftovers.

MORE: Best Wi-Fi Routers 2018

6. Reposition those antennas

Once you've positioned the router itself, you may also want to consider the router's antennas.

For starters, you'll want to use whatever orientation the router is designed for. If it's meant to sit horizontally, don't try to wedge it into a bookcase vertically or hang it vertically on the wall. Internal antennas are prepositioned to provide optimal coverage, but throwing off the angle of the router can negate that.

And although there's not much else you can do to position an internal antenna, external antennas can often be adjusted. Several manufacturers recommend putting the antennas at either a 45-degree diagonal or parallel to the floor at zero degrees to get the best coverage in a two-story home.

If you still have a limited wireless connection, you can try some workarounds for certain tasks, like preventing Steam from auto-updating games so they don't become more demanding to run. 

Troubleshooting your router or want to take a deeper look at connected devices? Here's how to find your MAC address on Windows 10.

A 4G hotspot can make the difference between receiving that important business proposal while you're sitting in the airport or several hours later, after you land. That’s why we went looking for the fastest and most reliable hotspots on the market, testing the latest and greatest devices from the big-four — AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. Find out which hotspots delivered the fastest transfer rates for the money and which fell flat.

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Measuring 3.8 x 2.2 x 0.7 inches and weighing 3.6 ounces, the Elevate is one of the more pocket-friendly hotspots, and includes a 32GB microSD Card slot. For overseas travelers, the Elevate 4G can also be used in any of the 220 GSM countries where AT&T has roaming agreements. The Elevate performed the best among other 4G hotspots, averaging downloads of 12.4 Mbps across all locations and uploads of 8.3 Mbps, and proved generally faster when loading websites.

AT&T Elevate 4G Mobile Hotspot Review

Combining solid battery life and a bargain price, the Sonic 4G seems like a good value. However, this hotspot only connects to T-Mobile's HSPA network which doesn't provide the same bandwidth as the other carriers' LTE services. Is it worth the money?

T-Mobile Sonic 4G Mobile HotSpot Review

The Verizon Jetpack 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot 890L allows users to connect 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices when running on Verizon’s 4G LTE network and five devices when connected to 3G. Even better, Jetpack 890L is CDMA and GSM-enabled so you’ll be able to use it in more than 200 countries. Downloads averaged an impressive 7.3 Mbps and uploads averaged 5.7 Mbps, and its 1700 mAh battery ran for a fairly good 6 hours and 10 minutes.

Verizon Jetpack 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot 890L Review

The Sierra Wireless 4G LTE Tri-Fi Hotspot can connect to Sprint’s 3G, 4G WiMAX and 4G LTE networks, and includes GPS for use with Sprint Navigation. The Tri-Fi performed well, with average download speeds of 9.3 Mbps and uploads of 1.8 Mbps, and provided excellent Web-surfing speeds.

The Sierra Wireless 4G LTE Tri-Fi Hotspot’s massive 3600 mAh battery allowed our unit to run for an incredible 10 hours and 35 minutes. However, Sprint's LTE network has only reached a few U.S. cities, which means many users will have 3G only, depending on where they live.

Sprint Sierra Wireless 4G LTE Tri-Fi Hotspot Review

Verizon's 4G LTE network is available in more than 370 markets nationwide. The 4620L's reach extends far beyond the United States, however. This global-ready device works in more than 200 countries. When not in a 4G LTE coverage area, the 4620L drops back to 3G speeds. Verizon Wireless' $49.99 Jetpack 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi 4620L delivers strong speeds, the ability to share with 10 devices and an optional long-lasting battery. We especially like the informative screen.

Verizon Wireless Jetpack 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi 4620L Review

Finding one of the best Wi-Fi routers is perhaps the most crucial tech decision you will make. It's the device that ensures that you have solid connectivity for every other device in your home, making it the literal foundation of your network. Whether you use your connection purely for entertainment or it's a crucial piece of your work from home or remote learning setup, it remains vital that it can keep up with your needs.

After dozens of hours researching the best wi-fi routers available today we have gathered together a collection of the best of the best for a wide variety of different needs. Regardless of your budget, wireless needs or home size we have the best Wi-Fi router for you.

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What is the best wi-fi router?

The best wi-fi router for most people today is the TP-Link Archer AX21, it offers a fantastic blend of value to performance that will easily meet the needs of most users. The TP-Link Archer AX21 can cover most homes or apartments with enough bandwidth to support multiple users streaming HD or 4K content, surfing the web, or gaming online. It's also one of the most affordable routers to feature Wi-Fi 6.

The TP-Link Archer AX21 is reasonably compact, allowing you to find an ideal central location for it without too much difficulty and the four antennas can be rotated and positioned to allow for optimal coverage throughout your home. The four additional LAN ports and the USB Type-A port should be enough for most users peripheral needs. The solid TP-Link Tether app makes setup and management of the router easier than browser-based management, but that of course is available as well if you prefer.

While the TP-Link Archer AX21 is the best wi-fi router for most users, for those that need more performance, more coverage, or those that want to spend a little less there are other excellent options on the market that will be the right fit for you. Take a look at the full lineup of our favorite wi-fi routers below and we’ll help you identify the perfect fit for you.

Here are the best Wi-Fi routers you can buy today

While the run-of-the-mill appearance of the TP-Link Archer AX21 won't grab you the solid Wi-Fi 6 performance and incredibly affordable price point should. 

TP-Link has delivered a number of our favorite affordable routers in the past and the Archer AX21 follows in that tradition with specs that dramatically outperform its roughly $100 price. The easy-to-use iOS/Android app allows you to easily set up and handle basic features without turning to the web interface including some simple traffic prioritization. More complex tasks will still require that you turn to the web interface, but many users won't find that necessary.

Despite its budget price point you get some higher-end features like Alexa support, including Wi-Fi Simple Setup, which makes setting up any Alexa-enabled devices in your home quick and easy. 

There are certainly benefits to the higher-end options covered on this page for some users, but if you are looking to cover a medium-size home (up to 2,500 square feet) and don’t have either a bounty of peripherals to connect or incredibly demanding bandwidth needs, the TP-Link Archer AX21 is the best Wi-Fi router for you.

If you are already bought into the Google Home or Nest ecosystems, then the Nest WiFi is an easy recommendation. For those who haven’t dipped their toes into either yet, this is an excellent entry point. The Nest WiFi is a mesh Wi-Fi router that can be purchased individually or with multiple extensions depending on the size of your space. The standard two-pack is rated for up to 3,800 square feet, so it should be plenty for most homes.

While it doesn’t offer the fastest top speeds, it will deliver sufficient bandwidth for the web browsing and HD or 4K video streaming needs of a multi-user household. The added bonus is that you get a built-in Nest Mini equivalent speaker in the router and any additional access points for both smart home interactions and music playback. This can manage the rest of your smart home devices and act as part of a whole home speaker system with other Nest or Google Home speakers.

The relatively small size and pleasantly rounded fabric design of the Nest Wifi are additional points in its favor. Unlike many Wi-Fi routers, you are going to want to leave this out in the open due to the smart home/speaker functionality, which is also ideal for delivering a solid Wi-Fi signal around your home. For those with complex networking needs, the Nest WiFi may fall short as it doesn’t offer some more advanced options, but if you want an easy-to-use solution, the Nest WiFi is one of the best.

Affordable and Wi-Fi 6 were mutually exclusive concepts for a router until recently, but the TP-Link Archer AX50 (a.k.a. AX3000) is another option that proves this is no longer the case coming in under $150.

While gamers or those with extensive smart home needs may need more than the four gigabit LAN ports and USB 3.0 Type-A port available on the TP-Link Archer AX50, it is more than enough for most users. You get the most up-to-date Wi-Fi 6 tech along with other enhancements like MU-MIMO and beamforming. At 12.99 x 9.65 x 2.95-inches, it is on the larger side which depending on your setup may not be convenient. 

Gamers looking for the highest throughput possible might want to take a look at our gaming-specific recommendation (see below) and those with larger homes (over 2,500 square feet) should consider a mesh option, but the TP-Link AX50 manages to make Wi-Fi 6 accessible without sacrificing anything that will impact the majority of users.

While the Asus RT-AX86U Gaming Router would be dramatic overkill for most people, gamers are one category of Wi-Fi users that will use every last bit of performance that they can wring out of the hardware to avoid a single dropped frame.

The dual-band design can deliver up to 5.7Gbps over its Wi-Fi 6 and 160MHz channels. The antennas can be rotated to optimize the signal depending on the layout of your home and placement of the router (they are replaceable if you want to upgrade them later). The true 2Gbps wired and wireless speeds are among the best available today.

While the router offers solid coverage for approximately a 2,500 square foot home on its own, it’s worth noting that additional Asus routers can be added on via the company’s AiMesh system (it doesn’t have to be the exact same unit) to fill in a gap in coverage if necessary.

If you are looking to spend less than $50 on a new router then the TP-Link Archer A7 is the easy answer. Like its larger sibling, the TP-Link Archer C2300, the Archer A7 isn’t going to win any design awards for its simple black casing and three antenna array. Sill, the end result is a solid performer for an amazing price.

The app and web-based customization tools are easy to use and let you set a variety of options to optimize your network for specific activities. For example, you can enable parental controls along with some basic security features.

The limitations with the TP-Link Archer A7 are the overall range, which is probably sufficient for a roughly 2,500-square foot home and multiple users hitting the network hard with taxing activities like 4K streaming or gaming. The best Wi-Fi routers don't have to be the most expensive options.

If you go for the spare-no-expense model of tech purchasing, then let me introduce you to the Netgear Orbi 6 AX6000, a Wi-Fi 6 router that offers the best speeds of any mesh network option on the market. The downside is that it costs more than twice what a solid mesh option like the Nest WiFi will give you, and delivers advantages that will go unnoticed by most users.

Unless you have a gigabit connection in your home or are pushing around a lot of data within your home network, then you just aren’t going to appreciate the faster speeds that are provided by the Netgear Orbi 6 AX6000. But if you are looking to future proof your home setup, this router is going to be ready to stream 4K or 8K video to multiple screens in your home without breaking a sweat. 

Coverage shouldn’t be a problem with up to 5,000 square feet from the two-pack and additional satellites will add another 2,500 square feet of coverage each. While the white and silver design of the Netgear Orbi 6 AX6000 isn’t offensive by any means, you might not want it to be a  part of your room decor.

While it doesn’t have an integrated speaker like the Nest Wifi, you can control the system with voice commands from either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Extras aren’t really a big part of the experience with the Netgear Orbi 6 AX6000.  The same goes for the software, which doesn't have the same extensive customization options you’ll find from a gaming router or even our top recommendation, the TP-Link Archer C2300. It’s pretty much just focused on delivering the fastest performance across the widest coverage, and with that, it delivers.

The Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 can be a confusing option because it's a solid, mid-range router with a price closer to what you would expect for a mesh network or a high-performance router. So what are you paying extra for? Security. 

The Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 offers an abundance of security features baked in, like 802.11i data encryption and a double firewall that will help anyone on your network stay free from hackers and malware. Beyond that, it also includes a three-year subscription to Bitdefender Total Security, a comprehensive security suite that, by itself, would cost over $200. 

Beyond this functionality, it offers reasonable performance for those with less than 2,000 square feet to cover in their home and will deliver enough bandwidth for most families. The router also has a nice collection of ports, including four 1Gbps LAN ports and two USB Type-A ports, meaning you should have no problem getting any smart home or other connected devices up and running. It’s also worth noting that the antennas are removable and could be replaced with high-gain or amplified antennas if you need a bit of a signal boost.

Mesh Wi-Fi routers and smart home tech have both been popular product categories over the last several years and Samsung has brought them together in the affordable SmartThings Wifi. Available as either a single unit or in a three-pack to take advantage of the mesh features, SmartThings Wifi is already less expensive than most of its competitors and also serves as a SmartThings hub, a device to manage your smart home devices that would cost over $100 on its own.

While each individual SmartThings Wifi doesn’t have a tremendous range, the combined three-pack should be sufficient to cover at least a 3,500 square foot home with enough bandwidth to keep all of your family’s devices streaming video while giving the required signal to smart home devices. One of the best Wi-Fi routers paired with one of the best smart home services is a nice combination.

The name isn't terribly memorable, but the Asus RT-AX88U is an impressive Wi-Fi 6 router and likely to be one of the best Wi-Fi routers available for some time. Available for between $300 to $350 you won't feel like you are being punished too much for future-proofing your wireless network even if you don't have too many Wi-Fi 6 devices just yet. 

The router comes with a wide assortment of ports to connect including eight 1Gbps LAN ports, and two USB 3.1 Type-A to connect up any peripherals. Built-in software includes Trend Micro AiProtection that provides both general security and parental control options.

With support for Wi-Fi 6 along with a host of other modern features like MU-MIMO, OFDMA and beamforming it is about as future-proof as they come and ready to handle a houseful of users without a problem. And if you want to prioritize the traffic from some devices, say a PS5 or Xbox Series X that's easy to set up in settings.

Serious gamers may want to consider our more gaming-specific option (see Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 above), but even those with larger homes could still consider the Asus RT-AX88U as it supports the Asus AiMesh allowing you to add additional compatible Asus routers as needed.

How to choose the best wi-fi router for you

While it can be daunting to look at even this list of the best wi-fi routers and identifying which is the right one for you, it really comes down to a few critical pieces of information about your needs. If you’ve made it through the list and still find yourself unsure then consider the factors below, which we have also addressed in our descriptions for each individual wi-fi router above, and then you should be able to return to the list and narrow it down to the best wi-fi router for you.

Square footage: If you live in a home or apartment that is less than 2,000 square feet this shouldn’t be much of a concern, every wi-fi router on our list will cover that space without issue. Larger homes will need to consider a more powerful router and those with especially large or unusual layouts will probably be best served by a mesh option to cover every corner of your space.

Max Data Transfer Speeds: Your needs here will depend both on what you are doing with your network and the number of users on it simultaneously. The more data intensive tasks you are running and the more users you have the higher you want this number to be. For a single user even the 1.3Gbps in our lowest end options will be sufficient in most situations, a family will probably want to look to the 2.2Gbps and up options, while 6Gbps and beyond are the territory for those with particularly high-end needs or those looking for a future-proof solution.

Extras: A bit of a catch-all here, but if there is some specific need or focus that you have that can help you identify the best wi-fi router for you quickly. Are you particularly security conscious? We gave you an option for that. Do you want an option that also integrates your smart home technology? We have a couple of different options there. Are you a hardcore gamer or looking to be able to stream 8K content? Again there are options above tailored to both of these activities.

While Wi-Fi 6 and now Wi-Fi 6e may feel like they just arrived, the march of progress continues and Wi-Fi 7 is just around the corner. 

MediaTek recently conducted the first live demo of Wi-Fi 7, based on the IEEE 8.02.11be standard. The company boasts that this will "mark the first time that Wi-Fi can be a true wireline/Ethernet replacement for super high-bandwidth applications" (via SlashGear).

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Wi-Fi 7 is naturally faster than Wi-Fi 6, up to 2.4x faster according to MediaTek, due to its utilization of 320Mhz, 2.4Ghz, 5GHz and 6GHz frequencies and 4K quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) technology.

While that speed will be the headliner for many, the reduced latency and superior handling of network congestion may be the more compelling point for some. Whether you are looking at home or office environments, the vast array of devices that we use can bog down a network pretty quickly now. Wi-Fi 7 promises to combat this with its multi-link operation (MLO) technology. MLO aggregates channels across different frequencies to enable flawless performance for multiple devices on the same congested network. 

For increasingly common high bandwidth activities like 4K (and eventually 8K) video streaming, online gaming, game streaming services, and VR, these upgrades will be vital. 

MediaTek projects that the first products with Wi-Fi 7 will reach the market in 2023, so while it will likely take a few years for it to become pervasive, you'll be able to dip your toes in the fast-moving Wi-Fi 7 stream next year. 

There’s little in life more frustrating than slow internet, especially in the work from home age, so you may find yourself wondering how to increase internet speeds at your house. While some areas of the country wait for fiber lines, others still don’t have access to broadband speeds, leaving few options for faster, more reliable connections. 

Channel bonding, in some cases, is the answer to this dilemma. Today we’ll discuss what it is, who it works for, and some of the drawbacks you might experience from channel bonding two internet connections in your home.

What Is Channel Bonding?

As its name implies, channel bonding is stitching multiple channels together to create one faster internet connection. It is accomplished by software or hardware used to distribute your web traffic among different internet providers. This distribution occurs at the packet level or when your data are segmented while traveling inside the internet.

You can liken channel bonding to a restaurant where your order is distributed to multiple chefs so they can prepare it faster. With channel bonding, your computer can have multiple internet providers ask for different parts of your request. Your provider’s returned data is then stitched back together by your channel bonding software or hardware.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Channel Bonding

Channel bonding is very effective in improving your internet speed. When bonded, the two channels work in parallel before combining to deliver (almost) twice as much data as your typical connection. Without channel bonding, even if you have two connections that provide 100 Mbps each, you will never exceed 100 Mbps as you are always connected to only one of them.

It also protects you from sudden disconnections as you are always connected to two or more providers simultaneously. If you have multiple connections you’re probably used to switching between them when one fails. Your channel bonding setup will take care of this for you. You’ll no longer have to worry about getting disconnected and switching to the network that’s currently online. 

Unfortunately, channel bonding isn’t perfect. As we have already mentioned, it requires multiple internet connections to work. These connections can come from the same provider, but that means if one goes down it’s quite likely they both will. So you will need to subscribe to more than one internet plan for it to work, and ideally from different providers to avoid outages.

The ideal solution, if it’s available to you, is just one fast fiber or broadband connection. But as we mentioned previously, this isn’t always possible.

To use channel bonding, you may also need to purchase a wi-fi router that can do it for you. Another option would be to download an application or software that can do server-side channel bonding. Whether you elect to go with a hardware or software solution, both come at a cost.

Different Ways to Do Channel Bonding

Channel bonding is accomplished in one of two ways. The first is by using hardware, whether it be a router or a dedicated PC to manage your connection. Another option -- and the best option for most people -- is a software solution. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but the software solution usually comes at a lower cost (though it’s often a monthly subscription) and involves less maintenance and tinkering. 

Let’s take a closer look at both options.

Using Hardware to Channel Bond

The hardware solution is most commonly done with a router. There’s no “right” way to bond two internet connections and solutions here are plentiful, but the common theme is that they all join a split connection into one at the end. The router accepts both connections, merges them, and treats them as one connection before sending a signal to your device(s).

One advantage of using hardware for channel bonding is that you can connect multiple devices, enjoying faster internet speeds from each. Software solutions often force you to pay per-device.

A disadvantage is that this isn’t usually a straightforward process for casual internet users. It’ll often require hours of tinkering to set it up and then ongoingmaintenance whenever something goes wrong. You may be better off hiring a network specialist to do it for you but that too comes at a cost. 

Using Software to Channel Bond

If you are using a mobile device, whether it’s powered by Android, iOS, or another operating system, you can download applications to channel bond. Apps like Connectify, Mobolize and Net Optimizer allow your device to connect to Wi-Fi and mobile data simultaneously.

This is great if you like to use multiple devices, which is probably most of you reading this article. But unlike the hardware solution, you’ll rarely pay once for this. Software-based channel bonding solutions typically come with a monthly bill. Another negative is that monthly access isn’t always the most reliable, depending on which service you use. It’s a “you get what you pay for” space. 

Is Channel Bonding Worth it?

Yes and no. Like all things technology, the answer really is “it depends.” If you can get a fiber connection, or a speedy broadband connection from your cable provider the answer is a resounding no. The extra cost and complication of channel bonding are definitely not worth it if you have these faster and more reliable options available

If you live in a place limited to DSL providers, however, then channel bonding could provide that speed boost you’ve been looking for, in addition to increased reliability -- assuming both connections aren’t coming from the same provider.

If you're schooling or working from home, you'll need a fast and stable wireless connection. This Google Nest WiFi deal will blanket every corner of your home with reliable connectivity for less.  

Currently, Walmart has the Google WiFi (2-pack) on sale $179 Usually, this mesh WiFi router system retails for $269, so that's $70 off. It's the lowest price we've ever seen for this top-rated Wi-Fi system. 

Available now at Walmart. 

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Google Nest WiFi is the best mesh WiFi  system to buy. 

It features 2.0GHz and 5.0GHz dual-band technology and delivers Wi-Fi speeds of up to 2000 Mbps. 

The Nest WiFi system is this deal features a Nest WiFi Router base unit and one Nest WiFi Point extender. The routers' minimalist design complements any decor and the system itself supports up to 32 extensions.  

Sister-site Tom's Guide reviewed the Google Nest router system and loved its easy setup and Google Assistant with music support. They gave it a 4.5 out of 5 star rating and the Editor's Choice Award for its overall good performance. 

Google Nest WiFi mesh routers are small enough to be tucked away on a shelf or windowsill. This router and extension 2 pack blankets up to 3800 square feet with reliable WiFi connectivity. 

Each router has a 4.3-inch diameter, is 3.6 inches tall and has shotgun-cooling holes at its base. 

Like other smart routers, the Nest WiFi router system is the center of your connected devices. Its Point Extension pushes your WiFi signal throughout the home while Google Assistant responds to voice commands and plays audio. 

In a nutshell, the extension is an all-in-one mesh extender and a Google Home Mini smart speaker. And at $90 off, it's a solid choice.

Are you looking to upgrade your WiFi connectivity, but you need to do so on a budget? Thankfully Black Friday deals are here, and we happen to have a killer sale on the Google Nest mesh WiFi system just for you! 

Best Buy has the Google Nest WiFi (2 Pack) on sale for $179. Usually, this mesh WiFi router system retails for $269, so that's an impressive $90 off. It's by far the lowest price we've seen for this top-rated Wi-Fi system. 

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Google Nest WiFi is hands down the best mesh WiFi system to buy, and with $90 in savings, it's truly a hard deal to resist.

With 2.0GHz and 5.0GHz dual band technology delivering Wi-Fi speeds of up to 2000 Mbps, this mesh router system is the perfect upgrade for either home or office. 

Our sister site Tom's Guide reviewed the Google Nest router system and fell in love with its easy setup and Google Assistant with music support. They gave it a 4.5 out of 5 star rating and their Editor's Choice Award for its overall good performance. 

Google Nest WiFi mesh routers are small enough to be tucked away on a shelf or windowsill with just a 4.3-inch diameter and standing at 3.6-inches tall. This router and extension 2 pack blankets up to 3800 square feet with reliable WiFi connectivity. 

Black Friday is here and we’re seeing tons of deep discounts on today’s most coveted tech. Visit our Black Friday 2021 hub for the best deals happening right now. 

Amazon's extended Labor Day sale continues to slash prices on a range of Alexa-enabled devices. If you want to upgrade your home wireless network setup, this deal is for you. 

As part of the sale, you can get the eero 6 Mesh Wi-Fi 6 router for $90. It typically retails for $129, so that's $39 off its normal price. This marks this dual band Wi-Fi router's lowest price ever. In terms of labor day deals, it's one of the best you can still get. 

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eero 6 deal

The eero 6 is one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers out there. It covers up to 1,500 square feet with Wi-Fi speeds up to 900 Mbps to eliminate issues like dead zones and buffering. 

It also functions as a Zigbee smart home hub so you can easily connect and control compatible devices on your network via Alexa.

Although we didn't test this router, eero 6 reviews on Amazon rate it 4.4 out of 5 stars. Satisfied owners praise the eero 6's easy setup and lightning-fast connection speeds. Others praise the router's lag-free streaming performance and good value for the price. 

The eero 6 mesh Wi-Fi 6 router measures just 2.4 x 3.9 inches so it can sit on any desk, bookshelf or be tucked away in a corner. And with support for 75+ connected devices, the eero 6 lets the whole family enjoy smooth 4K streaming, gaming and video calling.

If you want fast and reliable wireless connectivity for multiple gadgets at home, the eero 6 is a solid choice. 

Prime Day whole home mesh WiFi router deals are abundant at Amazon. If you want fast and seamless WiFi throughout your home for less, check out these savings.

For Prime Day, the eero Pro Mesh WiFi System is on sale for $191. Usually, this kit would set you back $319, so that's $128 in savings. It's the lowest price ever seen for this eero bundle and one of the best Prime Day deals you can get. 

If you're not an Amazon Prime member, sign up for a free 30-day trial here to get this deal.  

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eero Pro mesh WiFi deal

The eero Pro home mesh router system covers a range of up to 1,500 square feet. It eliminates dead zones so the entire family can stream, game, and work from every corner of the home.

Another standout Prime Day deal is the Google Nest WiFi Router (2-Pack) for $209 ($90) off. It features 2.0GHz and 5.0GHz dual band technology and delivers Wi-Fi speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps. 

So if you want fast and reliable wireless connectivity for working, learning, and gaming from home, don't miss out on these Prime Day mesh WiFi system deals. 

Prime Day ends June 22 so be sure to check out our best Amazon Prime Day 2021 deals hub for the best discounts.

More Prime Day Mesh WiFi deals

The era of the best USB Wi-Fi adapters is here.

For many of our devices, Ethernet is dead. It’s dead, and we killed it. Sort of. That may be slightly melodramatic, but our obsession with slim, trim and lightweight devices (such as some of the best laptops)has made things awfully difficult for the wired connection. Many devices on the market today simply don’t have the space to fit an Ethernet port, leaving the ever-reliable RJ45 input heading in the direction of the internal optical drive.

That’s OK. We do, after all, have the impressive technology of Wi-Fi to sustain our internet needs. And luckily for us, Wi-Fi has been built into just about every device crafted by man within the last decade. Be it watches, phones, TVs, games consoles, toasters, refrigerators, or even the lights of our very homes, Wi-Fi has spread its pervasive and invisible tendrils into all aspects of our lives. Which is great stuff, right? 

It would be if it wasn’t for just a few small niggles when it comes to maintaining an ideal environment for Wi-Fi to flourish. Minor things really, things you probably don’t have to worry about. Unless, of course, your house is made of bricks, concrete, drywall, plaster or metal, in which case, things can get a little awkward. That’s right, the very floors and walls of your domicile are betraying you, hacking away at your router’s potential range and output. 

But before you take a sledgehammer to the structural integrity of your home, there are a few less labor-intensive steps you can take to make the most of your dampened Wi-Fi signal. It could be time to modernize your router, as a number of fantastic new technologies are packed into newer models that can ease a slew of networking problems. We’ve already done much of the legwork for you when it comes to scouting out the best Wi-Fi routers available, so should it be time for an upgrade, look no further.

Of course, having a powerful router in place is only half of the solution. Having a strong output of signal means very little if you don’t have the hardware required for your device to make the most of it. Your dated internal Wi-Fi card may struggle to take advantage of features such as Beamforming or MU-MIMO, leaving it to needlessly pick through a mess of interfering Wi-Fi signals and choking its potential. Sometimes, the easiest and most practical solution is to invest in a decent USB Wi-Fi adapter.

What are the best USB Wi-Fi adapters?

The best USB Wi-Fi adapters will maximize the throughput of your network while supplying a steady signal over range. While no adapter can perform as well as a direct Ethernet connection, you’ll want something that can maintain strong and reliable speeds no matter where you take your device. With that being the case, portability may be a factor, giving you the option of using the adapter outside of the home or office without it becoming a cumbersome burden.

With these factors in mind, our pick for the best Wi-Fi adapter is the Netgear Nighthawk a7000. Aside from sounding like the newest member of the Bat-family, the Nighthawk can noticeably boost Wi-Fi signals over a wide range with its beamforming ability, without sacrificing speed for stability.

If portability isn’t too important to you, the TRENDnet TEW 809UB is a reliable alternative that has fantastic range and performance across both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands from a simple plug-and-play installation.

Adapters like the TP-Link Archer T4U Plus are great buys for those on a budget. While its AC1300 rating won’t deliver the same throughput as the AC1900 adapters, its performance across both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands is strong and it features extensive driver support for use with many devices.

Looking like something that’s fallen off of James T. Kirk’s utility belt? The Netgear Nighthawk is an AC1900 rated dual-band Wi-Fi USB adapter you can pick up for about $68.99. The Nighthawk gives a boost to your Wi-Fi coverage, especially on 5GHz bands. An adjustable arm contains four internal antennas that use Beamforming to maximize the stability of your connection with compatible routers.

As with most high-speed adapters, it’s recommended that the Nighthawk be connected to a USB 3.0 port to maximize its results. If your device is quite thin and placed atop a desktop, you may encounter an issue when connecting the Nighthawk directly due to its bulky clearance. However, a magnetic cradle is supplied to allow better positioning and flexibility.

Once you get past the harrowing reality of what’s become of the offspring to the Boston Dynamics dog-bot, you’ll be thoroughly impressed with the TRENDnet TEW’s speed and performance. The use of Beamforming in conjunction with its four individually positionable… legs(?) means you can cover a number of areas in your office or house for maximum effect. With an AC rating of 1900, that range isn’t at the compromise of speed either with a maximum potential transfer rate of 1300Mbps.

It’s bulky and it looks like a dead insect, meaning you’re unlikely to pull this out at Starbucks when you notice your signal isn’t cutting it. But, as a stationary device to boost and maintain a signal at range across both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, the TRENDnet TEW-809UB performs remarkably well. Picking up this Wi-Fi adapter will set you back $80, and while that isn’t the most expensive option on this list, it is up there. So, if you’re enamored by this upturned cyberpunk turtle, be prepared to pay for its impressive range. 

A pricier alternative, but if you have a compatible router, the ASUS USB-AC68’s beamforming compatibility and 3x4 MU-MIMO antennas will greatly improve the stability and speed of your Wi-Fi connection. The two positionable antennas can neatly fold and unfold to afford you a decent amount of fine-tuning, whether connected directly to a USB 3.0 port or while placed in the included cradle. And while the 2.4GHz frequency will reportedly struggle, especially at range, connecting through 5GHz will be ideal for streaming and gaming. 

It’s admittedly easy to scoff at the phrase “ideal for gaming” when we’re talking about Wi-Fi connections. Yes, an Ethernet connection is the ideal, but in terms of minimizing any latency, the tech behind the ASUS USB-AC68 does a great job at sustaining a speedy and stable connection. As mentioned, this is the pricier option. Picking up this Wi-Fi adapter could cost you anywhere between $80 and $90 depending on the retailer. It’s a bold price tag, but if you have a router capable of making the most of the AC68’s features, it could be worth the cash.

The Linksys WUSB6300 is a great solution for on-the-go wireless connectivity. With an AC rating of 1200, you can expect speeds below that of the Netgear, Asus and TRENDnet adapters on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. But thanks to MU-MIMO and beamforming compatibility, the WUSB6300 is able to perform solidly at range and supply a strong and reliable connection. The drop in AC rating is felt noticeably more through 2.4GHz, with the best results being delivered through 5GHz connections. 

There are some reported latency issues here, which makes the Linksys adapter unsuitable for gaming. But you can stream and browse the web without interruption thanks to its solid 5GHz performance. The Linksys WUSB6300 is available for $40 to 50 and could happily fill the role of Wi-Fi receiver at home, at work, or on the go for most daily tasks and necessities.

The most affordable adapter within our selection is the TP-Link Archer T4U Plus. While it lacks the added stability of beamforming compatibility, this AC1200 dual-band Wi-Fi adapter has two six-inch high-gain antennas to help boost both 5GHz and 2.4GHz signals. MU-MIMO compatibility then helps boost network performance to the adapter and hopefully squeeze as much performance as possible out of this budget buy.

The Archer T4U has extensive driver support that makes it readily usable on most Windows, macOS or Linux machines, which a number of other adapters struggle to offer. And while it can’t reach the same speeds as the Netgear Nighthawk or the TRENDnet TEW-809UB, as a no-frills boost to your Wi-Fi connection, it could potentially be worth more to you than the $30 you’d need to part with in order to pick one up. 

If you're looking for a Netgear Nighthawk router to boost your home wireless network performance, this deal is for you. 

For a limited time, you can get the Netgear Nighthawk AX4 AX3000  for $91 at Amazon. It normally retails for $139, so that's $48 off and a great price for this Wi-Fi 6 router. If it sells out, Walmart has it for $92.

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Netgear Nighthawk router deal

The Netgear Nighthawk AX4 AX3000 is one of the best WiFi routers to buy. This 4-Stream dual-band WiFi 6 router supports data transfer rates of up to 600 megabits per second. 

As we all work, learn and game from home, multiple connected devices to our wireless network can slow down performance. This can lead to steaming and download issues on gaming consoles, laptops, and tablets. That's where the Netgear Nighthawk AX4 AX3000 WiFi 6 router comes in. It's the best home networking device to get if you want to improve streaming, downloading, and gaming on connected devices. 

The Nighthawk AX4 AX3000 supports ultra-fast speeds up to 600Mps with 3Gbps to boost overall WiFi performance. Meanwhile, the router's 4-WiFi streams increase bandwidth to combat network congestion. If you want to enjoy smooth gaming, streaming, and video conference calls, the Nighthawk AX4 AX3000 router is the one to get.  

A recent survey from the UK's Citizens Advice shows one in six households struggle to afford broadband during the UK lockdown — cutting off key services for those with low income.

Citizens Advice surveyed 1,646 people who said they had broadband at home. However, 275 acknowledged they had struggled to pay their broadband bills between March 2020 and January 2021.

Citizens Advice believes an estimated 2.3 million people had fallen behind on their broadband bill by the end of 2020, locking people out of "key services." Who's at fault? Broadband providers.  

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Broadband affordability

According to the charity, only three out of the 13 largest internet providers are offering affordable tariffs for those with a low-income wage. With the UK lockdown making job availability difficult, the amount of people in need continues to grow.

Communications regulator Ofcom has provided insight into the pricing of broadband, finding that households were paying an average of £37 a month for landline and broadband. In terms of the average low-income budget, it would take four times the proportion to pay this compared to an average household.

With lockdown in place, broadband has clearly become an essential service, whether it be for work from home, educational material from schools or essential supplies.

There is some good news, though. As of December 2020, the European Electronic Communications Code was put into UK law, meaning Ofcom and the government can make it compulsory for internet providers to introduce affordable broadband tariffs. 

So, Citizens Advice is currently calling on the UK government and Ofcom to make lowering tariffs compulsory for all broadband providers.  

If you're working from home, you'll need a fast and stable wireless connection. This Google Nest Wi-Fi Cyber Monday deal will blanket every corner of your home with reliable connectivity for less.  

Best Buy has the Google Nest Wi-Fi (2 Pack) on sale for $189. Usually, this mesh Wi-Fi router system retails for $269, so that's $80 off. It's the lowest price we've ever seen for this top-rated Wi-Fi system. 

Don't need both routers? No problem. A single Google Nest Wi-Fi router is now $139, or $30 off the retail price. 

These are the best prices we've seen on Google's pretty yet practical Wi-Fi system, and we doubt the sales will last long. 

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Google Nest Wi-Fi router Cyber Monday deal

Google Nest Wi-Fi is the best mesh Wi-Fi system on the market for those living in a multi-level apartment or townhouse or anyone who owns a large home. 

It features 2.0GHz and 5.0GHz dual-band technology and delivers Wi-Fi speeds of up to 2000 Mbps (that is 2 Gigs!). 

The Nest Wi-Fi system is this deal features a Nest Wi-Fi Router base unit and one Nest Wi-Fi Point extender. The routers' minimalist design complements any decor and the system itself supports up to 32 extensions.  You also get an ethernet cable for handwriting directly into your laptops, desktops or consoles. 

Our sister site, Tom's Guide, reviewed the Google Nest router system and loved its easy setup and Google Assistant with music support. They gave it a 4.5 out of 5-star rating and the Editor's Choice Award for its overall good performance. 

Google Nest Wi-Fi mesh routers are small enough to be tucked away on a shelf or windowsill. This router and extension 2 pack blankets up to 4,400 square feet with reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. Moreover, it can handle up to 200 connected devices and is fast enough to stream multiple 4K videos at a time.

Each router has a 4.3-inch diameter, is 3.6 inches tall, and has shotgun-cooling holes at its base. 

Like other smart routers, the Nest Wi-Fi router system is the center of your connected devices. Its Point Extension pushes your Wi-Fi signal throughout the home while Google Assistant responds to voice commands and plays audio. 

Cyber Monday deals are here and there are tons of deals on the industry’s best laptops. Be sure to bookmark our best Cyber Monday laptop deals page to stay on top of this year’s exclusive deals on laptops.

Today's best Netgear routers improve wireless streaming, downloading, and gaming on connected devices. This shocking post Black Friday - Cyber Monday weekend deal gives you the performance boost you need for an incredibly low price. 

Currently, Walmart has the Netgear Nighthawk AX4 AX3000 WiFi Router on sale for $99. When not on sale, this Netgear router would set you back $169, so that's $70 in savings. This is the lowest price we've seen for this WiFi router and $84 cheaper than Amazon's current price. This is one of the best Cyber Monday weekend deals you can get.

• Shop Walmart's entire Cyber Monday weekend sale
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Netgear WiFi router deal

Netgear WiFi routers are among the best home networking devices to buy.

If you have multiple devices like consoles, laptops, and tablets connected on your wireless network, the best WiFi router can give you a performance boost. 

The Nighthawk AX4 AX300 supports ultra-fast speeds up to 600Mps with 2.4Gbps to boost overall WiFi performance. Meanwhile, the router's 4-WiFi streams increase bandwidth to combat network congestion. So if you want to say goodbye to buffering for good and enjoy smooth gaming and streaming on your home network, the Nighthawk AX4 is the Netgear router you want. 

Cyber Monday is almost here and we expect to see a plethora of deals on today's best mobile gadgets. Be sure to keep an eye on our Cyber Monday hub for the best sales of the season. 

If you're schooling or working from home, you'll need a fast and stable wireless connection. This Google Nest WiFi deal will blanket every corner of your home with reliable connectivity for less.  

Currently, Best Buy has the Google Nest WiFi (2 Pack) on sale for $199. Usually, this mesh WiFi router system retails for $269, so that's $70 off. It's the lowest price we've ever seen for this top-rated Wi-Fi system. 

It's also $40 cheaper than Amazon's current price. 

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Google Nest WiFi is the best mesh WiFi  system to buy. 

It features 2.0GHz and 5.0GHz dual band technology and delivers Wi-Fi speeds of up to 2000 Mbps. 

The Nest WiFi system is this deal features a Nest WiFi Router base unit and one Nest WiFi Point extender. The routers' minimalist design complements any decor and the system itself supports up to 32 extensions.  

Sister site Tom's Guide reviewed the Google Nest router system and loved its easy setup and Google Assistant with music support. They gave it a 4.5 out of 5 star rating and the Editor's Choice Award for its overall good performance. 

Google Nest WiFi mesh routers are small enough to be tucked away on a shelf or windowsill. This router and extension 2 pack blankets up to 3800 square feet with reliable WiFi connectivity. 

Each router has a 4.3-inch diameter, is 3.6 inches tall and has shotgun-cooling holes at its base. 

Like other smart routers, the Nest WiFi router system is the center of your connected devices. Its Point Extension pushes your WiFi signal throughout the home while Google Assistant responds to voice commands and plays audio. 

In a nutshell, the extension is an all-in-one mesh extender and a Google Home Mini smart speaker. And at $70 off, it's a solid choice.

You're going to need one of the best workstations at your disposal, whether you need to crunch a horde of data or edit large video files in 4K.

The best workstations are targeted toward professional users who need to run graphics-intensive apps. The key difference between some of the best gaming laptops around and a workstation is its GPU, as it's primarily optimized for tasks such as design and 3D rendering instead of sheer gaming performance. And workstations generally have stronger CPUs as well, like an Intel Core i9 or Intel Xeon processor, instead of the typical Core i7 you'd find in most gaming laptops.

To speed up your workflow in apps like Adobe Premiere or Blender, your workstation needs a beastly processor (such as Intel's Xeon series); a vibrant, color-accurate display; and a powerful GPU.

While the quest to procure the best workstation is no feeble task, we will help you pick the best system for your needs and budget. Whether you need a huge, vibrant display or an affordable powerhouse, here are the best workstations you can buy right now.

The new generation of best workstations is here. The MSI WS65 9TM is blasting through fools with an Intel Core i7-9750H processor and a beastly Nvidia Quadro RTX 5000 GPU with 16GB of VRAM. 

Combo that with a superslim and lightweight design, a ridiculously vivid 4K display and a decent battery life. Oh, and did we mention that this 0.7-inch thin workstation is also mil-spec tested? Yeah, the MSI WS65 9TM is a straight-up beast.

The HP ZBook Studio x360 G5 is the king of 2-in-1 workstations. It's armed to the teeth in military-durable aluminum and it's equipped with an all-powerful Intel Xeon processor and Nvidia Quadro graphics. 

Between that, its gorgeous 4K display, 0.8 inches-slim physique and tactile keyboard, this is the machine you want. Another key feature is the ZBook Pen, which offers 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity as well as tilt controls and three customizable buttons. On top of that, this HP has impressive battery life. The perfect all-around creative speed demon among the best workstations.

What drew me in about the Asus ProArt StudioBook Pro W700G3T, apart from its exhaustively long name, is its stunning Turquoise Gray design and vivid 16:10 display. Its 17-inch screen is colorful and bright, and its beefy Intel Xeon E-2276M processor (with 32GB of RAM) can handle whatever you throw at it. Throw in a comfortable keyboard, and the StudioBook Pro is one of the best workstations around.

With its raw power and pure sRGB, the Dell Precision 7730 has one of the most colorful displays you can find. Its Core i9-8950HK CPU destroys the competition, and its 17.3-inch, 4K panel covers a ridiculous percentage of the sRGB spectrum. In addition, it offers a Nvidia Quadro P5200 GPU with an awesome 16GB of VRAM, leaving plenty of room to run the most graphically intensive programs. And although the chassis is kind of chunky, this laptop offers a comfortable typing experience.

For content creators on the move, it's hard to beat the HP ZBook x2, which is a powerful detachable 2-in-1 with a slick Bluetooth keyboard. A major selling point is the six shortcut buttons on either side of the display, which can be programmed for Photoshop to change color hues or even increase the size of your brush, giving artists a more streamlined experience. It also comes with a comfortable stylus that feels identical to a WACOM pen, and it offers 4,096 degrees of pressure sensitivity in both the tip and eraser. The HP ZBook x2 makes it easy to visualize your creations with its 14-inch, 4K panel that envelops you in vivid colors. While its Quadro M620 GPU isn't the strongest around, the ZBook x2 offers plenty of unique features to stand out on its own.

A good workstation can cost as much as a good used car, but Lenovo has come to the rescue with the ThinkPad P1. The best part is that if you get the base model you’ll also be getting discrete graphics, unlike many other workstations that offer a pointless integrated version. Premium configurations are equipped with a Core i5-8400H CPU, an Nvidia Quadro P1000 GPU, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. (Not to mention a supremely comfortable keyboard and colorful display.

While we are finally seeing widespread adoption of Wi-Fi 6 in new laptops, tablets, and routers this year, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) officially adopted new rules that will allow future Wi-Fi 6 compatible devices to deliver even more speed.

Specifically, the FCC is opening up the 6 GHz band for routers and other wireless devices, which will free up new lanes of network traffic from the congested 2.4 and 5GHz bands that are available to these devices today (via New Atlas).

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The 6GHz band represents a significant 1,200 MHz of spectrum that will roughly quintuple the amount of available spectrum for Wi-Fi while delivering faster speeds than 2.4 or 5GHz bands. The net effect of these two factors is estimated to yield about a 2.5 times increase in theoretical network speeds as compared to what we have today.

There are already devices out there using the 6GHz band and many are critical pieces of utilities and public safety operations. Ajit Pai, the Chairman of the FCC, said as part of the announcement that they are "ensuring that those incumbents are protected by requiring the use of automated frequency coordination systems, which will only allow new standard-power operations in areas that will not cause interference to incumbent services, and by placing conservative power limits on low-power indoor operations."

Returning to the most important question: When will you get faster Wi-Fi? Consumer devices are allowed to start using this spectrum immediately, but unfortunately, this is not built into existing consumer routers, laptops, tablets, or smartphones. The expectation is that by the end of the year some devices that integrate support for the 6GHz spectrum could start to appear, but look to 2021 for more widespread adoption.

HP just announced the latest members to its workstation line of laptops, the HP ZBook Studio and ZBook Create. HP makes some of the best-looking workstations in the business. But if its current claims are to be believed, it now makes one of the most powerful and the smallest. The Book Studio and Book Create are set to launch in August but there is no word on pricing yet. 

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HP ZBook design

The Studio and Create have identical chassis made from dark gray CNC aluminum. From the photos, the glossy Z emblazoned in the lid of the notebooks is a bit much, but I’m hoping it’ll be more subdued in person. 

At 4 pounds, 13.9 x 9.2 x 7 inches, the laptops are on a par with the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 (4 pounds, 14.2 x 9.7 x 0.7 inches) but slightly lighter than the MSI WS65 9TM (4.3 pounds, 14.1 x 9.8 x 0.7 inches) and the HP ZBook 15 G5 (5.7 pounds, 14.8 x 10.4 x 1.0 inches).

HP ZBook durability and security

The HP workstations are durable and secure. Each laptop has passed MIL-STD testing which means they can both take a bump or two. And to ensure your sensitive files and information stays private, HP has loaded up both systems with a host of features. In addition to TPM 2.0 software, the laptop also comes with an optional fingerprint scanner, and HP SureView, a screen filter that obscures the view of anyone not sitting directly in front of the laptop. 

HP ZBook display

Like most premium workstations, the Create and Studio laptops feature a few display configurations. But for these laptops, both 15.6-inch screens are 4K (3840 x 2160), with HDR and Pantone-certification for accurate color calibration. However, one panel has HP’s Sure View privacy technology integrated and boasts a brightness of 1,000 nits. 

HP ZBook specs

Each of the laptops can be configured with up to a next-gen Intel Xeon processor. But where the Create goes up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super GPU, the Studio offers a workstation-grade Quadro 5000 GPU. That graphics card is why the Studio can stake its claim as the world’s most powerful mobile workstation. However, the notebook will have to earn that title and endure our lab tests. 

For ports, the laptops have two USB Type-C ports, a pair of USB 3.0 ports and a full HDMI port. 

Outlook

HP is coming out swinging with the Studio and Create laptops. The company’s ZBooks have traditionally served up powerful specs with an attractive design. And from the looks of things, The Studio and Create are well on their way to upholding that tradition. However, we’re hoping that HP can give consumers an affordable price with those specs. For now, we’ll just have to wait and see. 

Google's Nest WiFi mesh router system ensures that a fast and stable wireless connection reaches every corner of your home. 

For a limited time, you can get the Google Nest WiFi (2 Pack) for $199 at Best Buy. Normally $269, that's $70 off and the lowest price we've ever seen for this mesh WiFi system. 

It's one of the best deals on work from home essentials you can get. 

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The Google Nest WiFi mesh router system is the best mesh WiFi system we've seen.

This two pack system on sale features a Nest WiFi Router base unit and one Nest WiFi Point extender. The routers' minimalist design complements any decor and the system itself supports up to 32 extensions.  

In our sister site Tom's Guide's Google Nest WiFi review, they loved its easy setup and Google Assistant with music support. They gave it a 4.5 out of 5 star rating for its overall good performance. 

Google Nest WiFi mesh routers are small enough to be tucked away on a shelf or windowsill. This router and extension 2 pack blankets up to 3,800 square feet with reliable WiFi connectivity. Each router has a 4.3-inch diameter, is 3.6 inches tall and has shotgun-cooling holes at its base. 

Like other smart routers, the Nest WiFi router system is the center of your connected devices. Its Point Extension pushes your WiFi signal throughout the home while Google Assistant responds to voice commands and plays audio. 

In a nutshell, the extension is an all-in-one mesh extender and a Google Home Mini smart speaker. And at $70 off, it's a solid choice.

Once you have your new router set up, and have updated your password and security, there's still plenty you can do to improve your router's performance. These tips also assume that you've already installed your router, changed the network password and updated your security firmware. If you haven't done those basic steps yet, come back later when you have.

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Even if you've taken those basic steps, you may want to look up your admin username and password so that you can log in to your router's web interface to change settings and enable certain features. From picking the optimal location to adjusting your settings for speedier Wi-Fi, you can use these tweaks to squeeze a little more performance out of your home network.

1. Pick a Good Router Location

If you're like most people, you set up your router wherever it was easy to do so. You found a spot by your modem close to a wall outlet, and called it good as soon as you could go online and check your Facebook page. But if you want better coverage throughout your home, you may want to consider finding a better position for your router.

Routers work by broadcasting and receiving radio waves, so find a place for your router with an eye toward signal strength. If you have your router positioned at an end or corner of your home, you're probably getting better coverage in your yard than on the other end of the house. Routers broadcast outward, so you'll want to place the router in a central location.

Radio signals also travel downward, so get your router up off the floor. An elevated position, such as on a shelf, or mounted high on a wall, will help ensure that all that sweet wireless coverage goes to your devices instead of into the ground.

For ideal placement, you may want to remember that having a direct line-of-sight to the router will translate into better performance.  A direct line-of-sight to the router will give you lower latency and faster ping times, without having to punch through walls or furniture. You may not be able to guarantee line-of-sight for every device in your home, but it's definitely something to consider for specific uses, like your gaming rig, or for a cord-cutter's home theater setup.

Finally, be sure to stay clear of anything that may cause interference with your Wi-FI signal. Metal objects, like metal shelving, air ducts in walls and ceilings, metal pipes and structural beams, can all disrupt wireless signal. But even walls can be a problem when made of dense, solid materials like brick or concrete.

2. Create Another Network for Guests

Setting up a separate guest network will make you more secure and give you an easy way to share Wi-Fi with friends without having to hand over your network password. It also keeps your home network clear for the things you really want on it.

To set up a guest network, you'll need to access your router's web interface, and log in with your router's username and password. Generally, part of the wireless settings menu will be an option to set up a guest network.

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Name your guest network something that won't get confused with your home network, and create a new password. Be sure to use a unique password, since you will be sharing this with acquaintances and strangers – you definitely don't want to use the same password you use on your regular network or, say, your online bank accounts.

3. Pick the Right Band for Each Device

Current routers that use the Wireless-N and AC standards are dual-band devices. They can broadcast on both the 2.4-GHz band – which is used by cordless phones, Bluetooth devices, and pretty much every other wireless device in your home – as well as the less crowded 5-GHz band.

The two bands differ greatly in speed, with 2.4GHz maxing out at 600 Mbps, while 5GHz supports up to 1300 Mbps. But the real difference is congestion, because 2.4GHz is used for just about everything wireless, from headphones to wireless mice, and it even gets extra noise from microwaves. It's crowded enough with all those devices, but if you're in an apartment building filled with other people's wireless stuff, it's an absolute traffic jam.

Switching to 5GHz will give you better performance on a less crowded band, which is pretty much a win-win. The only potential drawback is that the 5GHz signal has a slightly shorter range than the 2.4GHz, so larger homes may have more dead spots on that band.

The good news is that dual-band routers (and there are even a few tri-band models already on the market) can run these bands independently, as separate networks. Devices that need better coverage over a distance can be switched over to 2.4GHz, and low-usage devices, like smart- home gadgets and printers, can be put on that same 2.4-GHz band to keep the 5-GHz band free and clear for better performance on gadgets that game, stream or otherwise take advantage of higher bandwidth.

To set up separate 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz networks, log in to your router's management console and look for the wireless settings menu. Once there, you can set the router to keep 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands running as separate networks, and set new network names for each.

4. Change the Channel

While you're setting up your 5-GHz network, you should also think about changing the channel each network uses. In the WI-Fi settings, you'll see that each network has a selection of channels it can operate on.

It may be set to automatically select the channel, or to switch channels when the one in use is congested. However, you can also select a specific channel to use, avoiding channels that are in heavy use by neighbors and nearby networks.

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There are a number of free utilities that let you scan the channels in use by the various networks visible in your home, and even provide diagnostic information that includes data on channel quality and speed.

Apple users can take advantage of a free tool built into macOS, called Wireless Diagnostics. Windows users can pick from a few free tools, like NetSpot, Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector or Acrylic WiFi Home. Any of these tools should give you information about which channels are in heavy use, and which are free for better performance.

Credit: Shutterstock

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Encryption is a hotly-debated topic in Washington, but an essential part of web security everywhere else. For most of us, this starts with how we’re connecting to the internet -- our router. Each router has multiple encryption settings, of which AES/WPA2 is the hands-down winner when it comes to keeping each of us secure. Dated technologies, like WEP, aren’t much better than no protection at all, and sadly some older routers are set to that by default. Firmware updates should bring you into modern times, but you may still have to know what you’re looking for.

Here’s how it’s done, at least on my router.

1. In the address bar, enter the home address for your router and press enter. For mine, it’s 192.168.1.1, but depending on your router it could be 192.168.0.1, or another variation. If it’s neither of those, a quick Google search for “[router brand] home address” will get you where you need to be.

2. Log in, and press OK to proceed.

3. Click Wireless settings at the top of the page -- or something similar on your router.

4. Click Basic Security Settings -- or, just “security settings” or something similar.

5. Under Wi-Fi Security, select WPA2. WPA2 utilizes AES encryption, which is typically plenty for most households.

6. Click Apply at the bottom.

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The Luma Whole Home Wi-Fi System consists of a series of routers that work in unison to bring Wi-Fi coverage to every corner of your home. Although each individual router typically costs $149, Amazon currently offers a 3-Pack of Luma Routers for $283.

The Luma routers were designed so that you'll never experience a dip in coverage the farther you are from your main router, like you would in a traditional home setup.

Each hexagon-shaped Luma stands about 4.6 inches tall and has two dual-band radios on 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands using 802.11ac. While it's possible to use just one Luma in a small home, the router really shines when paired with multiple Lumas to create a mesh network. In this scenario, one device acts as a router and the others as wirelessly connected extenders to push Wi-Fi throughout your home.

You can use up to 10 Luma devices at a time, but one or two should cover a 998 square-foot home. By comparison, a 3,500 square-foot house would take at least three Lumas based on our tests.

The router uses WPA2 encryption and comes with a unique name and password. Parental controls are also easy to set up via the Luma app.

Now with Alex integration, you can also say things like "pause the Internet" when an Echo is hooked up to the network. Or you can tell Alexa to prioritize your Internet connection above everyone else.

The 3-Pack of Luma Routers is currently $283 at Amazon.

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You plug in your brand-new wireless router.  You plug the Ethernet cable from your DSL or cable modem into the router’s WAN port (or Internet port, as it might be labeled).  You plug the Ethernet cable from your desktop PC into one of the router’s LAN ports.  You sit back, relax, and enjoy your brand-new Internet connection.

Easy, right?  Suppose you want to set up some of the router’s more advanced features – like, say, a wireless network or two (likely the reason you purchased it in the first place).  Or maybe you need to get a little fancier and enable some port forwarding for games or applications, parental controls to keep the young ones offline during homework time, or a firmware update or two to ensure that your router is as up-to-date and secure as can be.

Most of the time, your router’s manufacturer tells you how to access the device’s Web-based configuration page right in the manual itself (if it’s not printed on the underside or rear of the router as-is).  In case you’re misplaced that, we have a few other techniques you can use to pull up your wireless router’s Web address.

1.  Pull up File Explorer.  Open up a new window in Windows Explorer (File Explorer, for Windows 8 folk) by hitting the Windows Key + E shortcut on your keyboard.  You can also pull up your Start Menu and start typing “explorer,” which should give you a handy shortcut.

2.  Click on the Network icon.  If you’re lucky, Windows will self-identify your wireless router within Windows/File Explorer itself.  From there, you need merely right-click on your router and select the View Device Webpage in order to pull up your device’s Web-based configuration screen.  Type in the appropriate login/password combo to log in (either one that you set awhile back, one that’s printed in your router’s manual or one that’s printed on the router itself).

3.  Pull up a Command Prompt. If that didn’t work, here’s option two: Pull up your Start Menu and either start typing “cmd” (Windows 8 users) or do a quick search for Command within the “Search programs and files” field (Windows 7).  If you’re running a version of Windows prior to that, use whatever method is most applicable to you – or go find the Command Prompt shortcut within your Accessories folder.  (You can also open up a Run Window by hitting Windows Key + R on your keyboard, and then type in “cmd” and hit Enter.)

4.  Summon Your Gateway.  Once you’re in the Command Prompt, type this and hit Enter once you’re done: ipconfig 

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5.  Read the Numbers. You’ll now see a bunch of text related to your various network adapters and what-have-you.  Scroll up until you see the very first listing for Ethernet Adapter Ethernet, “Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection,” or whatever the very top listing happens to be called on your system (which will vary with the parameters of your particular connection).  Under the line that says IPv4 Address, it should have a few numbers – likely starting with a 192.168, if your home network is set up like most routers’ defaults.

6.  Use the Gateway. Within this chunk, look for the IP address that appears on the Default Gateway line. It should start with the same three sets of numbers as your IPv4 address.  In a default setup, this is often 192.168.1, or 192.168.0, or maybe even 192.168.100. You, however, want all four numbers: 192.168.1.1, we’ll say for the sake of example.

7.  Open a Web browser. Then type the IP address of the gateway that you just found directly into the address bar.  Do not type http:// or anything before it. Just type the numbers. In our case, we’d just simply type 192.168.1.1 into the address bar, since that’s the example IP address in the Default Gateway line from before. Hit Enter.  

8.  Troubleshooting your router.  If you’re still stuck, there’s a chance that you might have flipped off your router’s DHCP server at some time previous. If that’s the case, and you’re using your router as a dumb switch / access point, then the above techniques won’t work. To find your router, you can always use a freeware network discovery app to discover its IP address. Or, if you don’t mind reconfiguring, you can simply reset its settings to default by holding in its physical reset button for around 8 to 10 seconds or so.  That’ll pop your router’s DHCP server back on, assigning your device a conventional IP address located within the router’s available range and giving you the opportunity to access its Web-based configuration via the aforementioned methods.

Remember: When in doubt, you can always reset. And for added security, you can alter your router's IP address. 

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Americans traveling broadband have few good mobile broadband options. You  can spend a fortune on international roaming charges with your current phone or, in the case of T-Mobile, settle for unbearably-slow 2G connections. You can buy a local prepaid SIM when you arrive, provided you have an unlocked phone and can find a helpful sales clerk who speaks English and a prepaid plan that provides enough data. Or you can rent a hotspot from XCom Global that comes with unlimited 4G HSPA+ Internet access for $15 a day. We had to chance to test XCom's new 4G HSPA+ ZTE MF60 hotspot on a recent trip to Barcelona, Spain and came away impressed with its speedy performance and simple design.

For years, XCom Global has been providing rental hotspots and USB modems for U.S. travelers who want to visit any of 175 different countries. When ordering on xcomglobal.com, you list your travel days and which countries you plan to visit. XCom then sends you a device that's been preloaded with a local SIM card a day or two before you leave, along with a prepaid envelope to send it back upon your return. The country makes deals with local carriers in all of the countries it covers that include unlimited data so  you don't have to worry about running out of bytes, or purchasing service when you get there. Our test modem came with a SIM card for Movistar, one of Spain's largest broadband carriers.

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Though XCom's service is well established, the company's ZTE MF60 hotspot just replaced the company's original 3G Novatel MiFi 3352 units this past fall and the Barcelona trip was our first opportunity to go hands-on with the new high-speed hardware. The first thing we noticed about the MF60 is how compact it felt in our hand and in a pocket of our laptop bag. At 3.9 x 2.1 x 0.54 inches and 2.6 ounces, ZTE's hotspot is both smaller and lighter than Novatel's  3.9 x 2.4 x 0.72-inch, 2.9-ounce unit.

More important than its weight is the MF60's blue OLED screen, which shows the battery status, connection status, carrier and signal strength. Displaying that information provides a big improvement over the MiFi 3352, which uses a single, cryptic multicolored light that flashes red, amber, green, blue or violet to let you know its status. We have used XCom's MiFi 3352 on many international trips during the past few years and were always confused about whether it was connected or not and how much battery was left. Below the LED screen, XCom places a label with the device's unique SSID and password.

The ZTE MF60 charges via a microUSB port, which also allows it to connect to  your PC as a standalone modem. XCom Global includes  a cable and a very convenient AC adapter, which has a slider that lets you select U.K., European or U.S style plugs. The device also has a slot of a microSD card so you can share data with other people who are connected to the same hotspot.

Ease of Use

Connecting to the XCom ZTE MF60 was a breeze, both from our laptops and our smartphones. After powering on the hotspot, all we had to do was log on to it using the provided name and password. There was no need to install or configure the service. Unfortunately, the default SSID and password were random sets of letters and numbers that were not particularly memorable, but we could have changed them in the browser-based configuration software, if we had wanted to.

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Speed and Reliability

Our mobile broadband experience in Barcelona depended a lot more on Movistar's local HSPA+ network than ZTE's hardware. While we usually were able to get a strong four or five bar connection, we hit dead spots or mysteriously lost our connection a few times. Then we had to hit the WPS button on the right side of the device to reset it. This was particularly frustrating when we were uploading large videos and had to start over.

Using Ookla Speedtest, a synthetic benchmark that measures mobile broadband throughput, we regularly got download speeds as high as 11.82 Mbps and upload speeds of 3.03 Mbps. That is much faster than those we received in the past with MiFi 3352, which is limited to a theoretical maximum of 7.2 Mbps down and 5.76 Mbps up. At these speeds, we uploaded 250MB or larger videos to our servers in a matter of minutes. A Skype audio call was clear and steady.

However, at a few points, we had upload and download speeds that fell below 1 Mbps in the same hotel room, particularly when connected to our old ThinkPad X301 laptop.  Generally the speeds were somewhere in between these two extremes and considerably faster than the free Wi-Fi service our hotel provided.

The ZTE MF60 was useful at press conferences we attended, because the press Wi-Fi provided by companies such as Intel and Huawei was often overloaded with other users. Because it fit easily in a pocket of our laptop bag, we could carry it with us throughout the day and keep our phone connected to it as well. However, if we did not use the hotspot for long period of time and we connected to it again, we would sometimes need to reset the connect by hitting the WPS button.

Battery Life

XCom provided two, 1,500 mAh batteries with the ZTE MF60, both of which were fully charged. Unfortunately, we found that the device would run out of juice fairly quickly when stuck in our bag all day. ZTE specs the MF60 for 4 to 5 hours of endurance, though many online users report 2.5 to 3-hours per battery, which is closer to our experience. We definitely needed both batteries to make it through even part of a day.

We connected the hotspot to our giant Energizer XP18000A external battery and to our laptop often. When in our hotel room, we kept the MF60 plugged into the wall, where it served us reliably all day long. You'll want to bring an extra battery with you. 

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Verdict

While we wish the hardware had better battery life and that the local Movistar connection we used in Spain was more consistent, XCom Global's ZTE MF60 hotspot provides the best solution for travelers who need mobile broadband when they go abroad. Nearly every time we try to buy SIM cards for our phones after landing, we have problems finding a store that sells reliable prepaid SIMs and a salesperson who can help us. On one trip to Germany, we bought three different SIM cards from stores, none of which worked. Simply being able to log on to the Internet just minutes after stepping off the plane in a foreign country would have been enough for us to plunk down $15 a day.

However, the ability to surf the Web, conduct Skype calls or conduct file transfers at HSPA+ speeds makes this a must-have tool for business users on the go. The new hotspot makes us feel even more strongly that we wouldn't leave home without it.

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Recently, Dish Network Corporation announced that Blockbuster will be ending its DVD rental service and closing all of its remaining stores. Come January 2014, the once prominent chain of video stores will be a faint memory, thanks to online video services. Blockbuster isn’t the first business to be taken down by new technology and it won't be the last. Here are six prominent business models that are already or soon will be completely gone, thanks to the Internet.

Blockbuster’s demise has loomed over the outdated business for about ten years. Netflix started to make strides with its mail rental system in the early 2000s, but Blockbuster passed on the opportunity to buy the competitor for $50 million, according to Variety. About a decade later, Netflix is valued at $19.7 billion, and former Blockbuster executives can rest easy knowing it’s nearly impossible that they’ll ever make a mistake that severe again. It wasn’t the mailing service that took Blockbuster out of business, though. It was Netflix’s video streaming service, which offers customers a wide selection of movies and shows to watch instantly. Other brands like Amazon, Hulu and even HBO followed suit, leaving no need for consumers to take that long trip to the video store, find out the new release they want is out of stock and rent “Armageddon” for the tenth time.

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Borders Books closed its doors in 2011 after a decade-long battle with online competitors Amazon and Barnes & Noble. A store like Borders doesn’t have a place in the modern retail sphere when everything you can buy there -- books music, and movies -- has moved to digital downloads. The real death blow was when Amazon introduce the Kindle, an eReader that gave readers the convenience of holding a seemingly endless number of books in one ultra-portable device. You could also download any title you wanted in about 60 seconds. Borders competitor Barnes and Nobile has clung to life with its own eReader, the Nook, but Amazon is still leading the eReader market.

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Listing all the specific record stores that have gone out of business would take too long. The reason for their demise is a simple one; downloading songs online (pirated or legal) is just easier—and you don’t have to don a pair of dirty headphones hundreds of other people have worn to figure out if buying that album is worth it. There is something to be said about the vibe of records stores, but I’m only 24 and base most of that idea on the movie “Empire Records.” The truth is that record stores would be in trouble even without the advances of the Internet. Megastores like Wal-Mart have been pulling sales away from dedicated record stores for a long time, and the web delivered the final blow. iTunes and other legal means of downloading music -- coupled with piracy -- torpedoed record stores a long time ago, and they’re not coming back.

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Who needs a travel agent when you have William Shatner? Seriously, it’s hard to think of a time when travelers couldn’t book their own flights and hotel rooms, and conduct research on destinations they’re traveling to own their own. Let’s say you want to take a trip to New York City; you can book your flight and make hotel reservations with ease—without a middle man. Then you look up tourist activities in the city, or get advice from Yelp and other apps on lesser known spots to check out. It doesn’t make sense to go through an agency.

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Not quite federal, not quite private; post offices are having trouble staying afloat these days. With services like FedEx and UPS that make shipments easier, it’s hard for the post office to stay relevant. If you’re in your twenties, odds are that you haven’t bought stamps in your lifetime. The post office hasn’t gone under, yet, but the odds of it happening have never been higher. The problem is that crucial services, like keeping track of where people live, is done by the post office. Otherwise, there’s really no reason for the post office to still exist. Even postcards and greeting cards have gone digital, and you can send them right from your phone using a wide range of apps.

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Remember what it was like before everyone had cell phones? Me neither. Luckily we have films and television to give us a glimpse into the past. People used pay phones to keep in touch when they were out of the house. You can still find payphones across the country, and as a New Yorker I can say confidently that they look disgusting. As of 2012, the U.S. had 305,000 working payphones, as noted in our piece on obsolete technologies still in use, but it’s not much of a leap to say that the business model of collecting change to let people have conversations is mostly dead. Odds are you won’t see new payphones popping up, and that’s fine.

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With the Netgear Zing, also known as the AirCard 771S, Sprint now has its first mobile hotspot with a touch screen. Available for $49 after a $50 rebate, the tri-band Zing allows for 10 simultaneously connected devices over 4G LTE and packs an intuitive touch-enabled home screen that puts your network's important information front and center. However, with other hotspots available for next to nothing, is the Zing worth taking on the road?

Design

Click to EnlargeThe Zing is rectangular with smooth, rounded edges and a 2.4-inch 320 x 240 QVGA color touch screen in the center. At 4.3 x 2.7 x 0.6 inches, the Zing is longer and wider than the Sprint MiFi 500 LTE (3.9 in x 2.4 in x 0.7 inches) but still slid comfortably into our pockets.

A silver ring of plastic wraps around the Zing. The bottom edge contains a microUSB port for charging, and an enclosed SIM card slot, while the power button sits on the top edge. The hotspot's 2500 mAh Li-ion battery can be removed easily by popping off the back panel.

We found the 4-ounce Zing comfortable to hold, thanks to the dark gray soft-touch material that makes up the device's front and back covers, as well as the slight incline from the hotspot's edge to its screen.

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Features

Click to EnlargeA quick tap of the Zing's power button illuminates its 2.4-inch touch screen. The device's main screen is laid out neatly, with reception, battery life and alerts on the top and Wi-Fi name and password toward the center. A convenient data usage meter sits in the middle of the screen, with Devices, Wi-Fi and Settings menus under it.

The Netgear Zing allows for up to 10 devices to be connected at once over 4G LTE, and users can monitor and block any connected products by tapping the Devices icon. The Wi-Fi menu allows hotspot users to enable guest Wi-Fi for visitors and change the device's network name and password.

Zing owners can change a variety of system settings, including screen brightness, network mode, sleep settings and GPS functionality. Users can also get a more detailed summary of their data usage by tapping the arrow on the main screen's data meter. If you prefer to monitor your connected devices from your smartphone, there is a free Netgear AirCard app for iOS, Android and Kindle.

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Performance

Click to EnlargeOn the East Side of Manhattan, the Zing delivered an average download speed of 6.68 Mbps and an upload speed of 4.16 Mbps using Speedtest.net. The Sprint MiFi 500 LTE performed slightly worse when tested at the same time and at the same location, with an average download speed of 6.4 Mbps and an upload speed of 3 Mbps. The Zing's speed results were similar to the AT&T MiFi Liberate (5.9 Mbps down / 4.7 Mbps up).

The Zing also performed well in our real-world test. We downloaded the 140MB OpenOffice installer in 3 minutes and 27 seconds. That's almost identical to the MiFi 500 LTE (3:26).

Coverage Areas

Sprint currently offers 4G LTE coverage in 151 areas in the United States, including major cities such as Miami, Atlanta and Chicago. We tested our Zing in Midtown Manhattan, though Sprint's website lists only the Bronx, Brooklyn, Flushing, Jamaica, Staten Island and Yonkers as New York's officially covered areas. You might want to opt for an AT&T or Verizon device if wide 4G LTE coverage is a priority.

Battery Life

Click to EnlargeThe Zing is more than capable of lasting through a long day of Web browsing. The device's 2,500 mAh battery lasted a fantastic 13 hours and 15 minutes on the LAPTOP Battery Test (Web surfing via LTE). The Zing lasted more than five hours longer than the Sprint MiFi 500 LTE (7:59), but fell short of the Verizon Jetpack 5510L's colossal battery life of 14 hours and 43 minutes.

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Value

The Zing can be purchased with a two-year contract for $49.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate. Plans for the device start at $34.99 a month plus taxes and fees for 3GB of combined 3G and 4G data. The next step up is a $49.99 plan with 6GB of combined data, as well as a $79.99 plan with 12GB.

Verdict

Click to EnlargeWith an intuitive touch-screen interface, sleek and comfy design, and excellent battery life, the Netgear Zing is a solid choice at $49. While its battery life is shorter, the MiFi 500 LTE is free with a two-year contract. Those who travel a lot should also take a look at the larger coverage areas of Verizon and AT&T, as Sprint's 4G LTE availability is somewhat limited for now. Still, Sprint customers looking for the greatest endurance from a mobile hotspot will like what the Netgear Zing has to offer.

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Though late to the 4G LTE party, Sprint is busy adding cities to its rollout, with 151 markets currently covered and more to come. Users who want to get their laptops, tablets and other devices onto this growing high-speed network have a compelling choice in the new MiFi 500 LTE. This lightweight and easy-to-use mobile hotspot is free with a two-year contract and lasts all day on a charge.

Design

Click to EnlargeMade by Novatel, the MiFi 500 LTE has a simple but functional aesthetic, with a gray plastic back and sides, a glossy top surface with a monochrome status screen and four simple buttons: left arrow, right arrow, power and OK. At 3.8 X 2.4 X 0.7 inches and 3.35 ounces, the MiFi 500 LTE is small enough to fit in even the smallest pocket, and it's a bit more compact than Sprint's other LTE hotspot, the 2.7 x 4.3 x 0.6-inch, 3.95-ounce Netgear Zing.

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Interface

Click to EnlargeThe MiFi 500's on-device UI is pretty straightforward, with a basic home screen that shows the battery status, number of attached devices and network connectivity. The local menu allows you to see (but not change) the password, get a list of IP addresses for every device and check for software updates. The Mobile Network submenu allows you to switch between LTE-preferred, LTE-only, 3G-preferred and 3G-only modes. When we found the device connecting to 3G with it set to LTE-preferred mode, we changed the setting to LTE-only and managed to connect to Sprint's LTE network.

If you want to change the Wi-Fi password, limit the number of devices, control how long the screen stays on or enable the MiFi 500 to share location data with devices, you must enter the Web interface in your browser. Although that interface provides more control over the hotspot, it's also fairly spartan, with just a handful of buttons and tabs to click.

Our favorite setting that's exclusive to the Web interface is Stealth mode, which disables all lights on the MiFi 500, including the blinking status light, so that other people won't know it's on. This feature could come in handy when you don't want to disturb or distract others around you.

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Performance

Click to EnlargeThe MiFi 500 LTE provides strong 4G speeds that are consistent with those on other devices in Sprint's LTE network. On the east side of Manhattan, in an area with strong LTE coverage, the hotspot provided an average download speed of 7.2 Mbps and upload speed of 3.4 Mbps on Speedtest.net. The Sprint version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 got similar scores (8.6 Mbps down / 2.5 Mbps up) when we tested it previously in the same location, but the LG Optimus F3 did better when we tested it on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, notching marks of 10.6 Mbps down and 5.9 Mbps up.

We've seen stronger average speeds in the past from such Verizon hotspots as the Jetpack 5510L, which got an average download speed of 21.75 Mbps and upload speed of 10.02 Mbps. However, AT&T's MiFi Liberate was a bit weaker in Manhattan, providing average speeds of 5.9 Mbps down and 4.7 Mbps up.

However, in a real-world downloading test, the MiFi 500 really shined. It took just 1 minute and 51 seconds to download the 140MB OpenOffice installer. That's less than half the time the Verizon Jetpack took (6:27) and just a quarter of the time the AT&T MiFi Liberate took in its fastest location (8:00).

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Battery Life

Click to EnlargeWith its 1,800 mAH battery, the MiFi 500 lasts through an entire workday of continuous use. That's impressive, but not as strong as some competitors. When we connected a PC to the MiFi 500 and programmed it to surf the Web continuously, it took 7 hours and 59 minutes for the hotspot to run out of juice. AT&T's MiFi Liberate lasted 8 hours and 26 minutes on our test, while the Verizon Jetpack 5510L endured for an epic 14 hours and 43 minutes.

Coverage

As of this writing, Sprint blankets 151 U.S. markets with its 4G LTE signal. Some of the larger cities include Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas and Boston. However, though we tested our MiFi 500 in Manhattan, only the Bronx and Brooklyn are officially listed by Sprint as covered markets. Users who want more thorough nationwide coverage should consider AT&T or Verizon, both of which cover all the major metropolitan areas.

Value

Sprint's hotspot data plans start at $34.99 for 3GB of monthly data and rise up to $49.99 for 6GB and $79.99 for 12GB. Verizon charges $30 per month plus a $20 line charge (for a total of $50/month) for 4GB of data on its LTE network, while AT&T charges $50 for its 5GB plan. Users who are happy with a modest amount of monthly data should consider Sprint's 3GB plan, while those who plan to download a lot of media files will want the 6GB plan that adds up to a reasonable $8.33 per GB.

Verdict

Click to EnlargeThe Sprint MiFi 500 doesn't have the flashy touch-screen interface of the AT&T MiFi Liberate or the mind-blowingly long battery life of the Verizon Jetpack 5510L, but it still has a lot to offer Sprint customers. With a simple, easy-to-use menu; a lightweight body; and fast download speeds, this free hotspot is a great deal. Users looking for even faster speeds and even longer endurance should consider the Jetpack 5510L, which rides on Verizon's larger network but costs more per month. However, if you have Sprint LTE coverage in your area, the MiFi 500 should be at the top of your list.

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If the thought of being stuck in a plane without an internet connection gives you separation anxiety, you may want to make sure that the next flight you book offers Wi-Fi onboard. But because the service is still being installed in many airlines, it is often difficult to find that information before you buy a ticket.

Almost all major U.S. airlines now offer in-flight Wi-Fi for at least some of their flights, with the exception of JetBlue, which is rolling out the service this summer. Virgin America, on the other hand, already offers Wi-Fi for all of its flights.

Unless you know that you're taking Virgin, finding a Wi-Fi enabled flight at booking time can be an exercise in frustration. None of the major airlines’ websites that we searched currently offer the advanced option of searching specifically for flights with Wi-Fi. Travel booking sites like Orbitz, Travelocity, Kayak and Expedia also lack the option right now.

Here’s how to make sure the next flight you book has Wi-Fi on board.

1. Run your flight search on either the airline site or a third-party booking site.

Enter the search parameters – dates and locations, and any additional options you might have. 

2. Scan search results for Wi-Fi logo

Some airlines, such as Delta and US Airways, display Wi-Fi availability on their list of search results. With these airlines, you simply need to look for the Wi-Fi symbol in the search listings, and select those flights.

Delta even allows you to filter these search results to show only flights with Wi-Fi. Scroll to the bottom of the grey filter panel on the left to see the option for In-Flight Amenities and select Wi-Fi.

But many other airlines don’t offer that option, and don’t even display Wi-Fi readiness in their search results. Many airlines, like Alaska and United, ask you to look for a “special mark” or “Wi-Fi logo” on the aircraft as you board the plane to ascertain Wi-Fi availability. Others, like Southwest and American, offer that information only after you've booked the flight.

In those cases, you need to do a little more legwork to make sure that a flight offers the service before booking it. 

3. Look up flight information. Take down the flight numbers and, if available, the plane models of flights you are considering.

4. Check an online plane guide  such as SeatGuru.

SeatGuru is a website that aims to help travelers find the best seats on airplanes, using factors such as in-flight Wi-Fi, proximity to the bathroom, potentially noisy infants and availability of legroom.

Enter the flight information you looked up into the relevant fields on Seatguru’s homepage, and you’ll be taken to a page showing basic information of all flights with that number – including Wi-Fi availability.

If you want more information on your flight, click the corresponding link for seat maps, baggage information, and tips to get a better seat. 

5. Book Your Flight

Once you’ve checked that Wi-Fi is available on your desired flight, go ahead and book it. Happy surfing on your next trip!

Alternative: Use RouteHappy

If all the steps above were too much of a hassle for you, consider using RouteHappy.com. RouteHappy computes the “happiness” of a route based on a trip’s duration, seat comfort and availability of amenities such as Wi-Fi, power outlets and in-flight entertainment options. 

Features are clearly listed on its search results. If you tell the site that Wi-Fi is a preferred “happiness factor,” your results will give that feature preference. 

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Yota Devices, the folks behind the dual-screen Yota Phone that won our Best Smartphone of CES 2013 award are at it again. This time, Yota is showing  of its new Ruby global Wi-Fi hotspot, and, like the dual-screen phone before it, this device packs some intriguing features. 

Sporting a brushed metal exterior, the Ruby's design is elegant in its simplicity. Up front is a  single backlit Yota logo that you can customize to change colors depending on your connection. For example, you'll automatically know when you drop from 4G LTE to 3G.  Yota COO Lau Geckler told us that carriers will be able to re-brand the Ruby with their own logos. Along the Ruby's top edge is a small E-Paper display that provides you with the Ruby's remaining battery life and connectivity status.

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Yota wisely chose to outfit the Ruby with both standard USB and microUSB ports. Geckler explained that the reason for the double connection is to help limit the number of wires you have to carry with you.

The hotspot supports LTE, UMTS and GSM bands, allowing users to bring it around the world. And while that's a nice feature in itself, it's the Ruby's social sharing aspect that makes it really standout. Yota has equipped the hotspot with a private and public router function. When set to private, only verified users with the correct password can connect to the Ruby.

When set to public mode, however, anyone within the hotspot's range can connect. Yota says users can also create custom messages that will be seen by anyone that connects to the hotspot.

Geckler said the Ruby is expected to get between 20 and 60 hours of battery life on a single charge. Streaming media will drop that down to roughly 10 hours, but we'll have to confirm those numbers through our own testing.

As of yet, Yota hasn't announced any U.S. carrier partners for the Ruby, but Geckler did say the company was talking to each of the Big Four. That said, an announcement could be coming sometime in the next few months. 

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WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) is an automated service that gives priority to multimedia running through your wireless network. That includes voice, video and audio that, when you’re using, you want to always work. WMM essentially funnels more of your bandwidth to devices using these criteria so you spend less time buffering and more time streaming the content you want.

1. Log into your account. Open your browser and enter the manufacturer’s default IP address, typically located on the underside of your router or in the user manual or a custom one that you set. Using your username and password, log into your router settings page.

2. Open the Wireless tab to edit your wireless settings. Once there, go to the “WMM” (or equivalent) tab if you’re not already on the correct page.

3. Toggle WMM Support to On or Enabled. The WMM setting will either be in its own category or within a subheading under your wireless settings menu. Simply click the drop-down box (or button, depending on your router) and select the desired setting. There will likely be some other advanced options available to you in this menu, but you’ll likely want to stay away from these unless you know what you’re doing.

4. Click Apply. Then reboot your router under the general settings.

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