Router boxes are full of numbers like AX1800, AXE5400 and BE6500. Behind the jargon there are only a few questions that matter: how fast is your internet plan, how big is your home, and how many devices connect at once.
Wi-Fi 6: the sensible baseline
Wi-Fi 6 handles many devices far better than older routers and is plenty for most internet plans up to about 1 Gbps. A dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router is the best value for apartments and smaller homes.
Wi-Fi 6E: a fresh, uncrowded band
6E adds the 6 GHz band. It is fast and free of interference from neighbors, but the signal does not travel as far through walls. It shines when your newest phones and laptops sit in the same room or one room away from the router.
Wi-Fi 7: built for multi-gig internet
Wi-Fi 7 adds wider channels and can use several bands at once. It makes the most sense if you have a 2 Gbps or faster plan, a 2.5G Ethernet port on your modem, and recent devices that support it.
Single router or mesh?
- One router usually covers apartments and homes up to roughly 2,000 sq ft.
- Mesh systems spread several units around larger or multi-story homes for consistent coverage.
- Place the main unit high and central, away from metal cabinets and thick walls.
Compare routers and mesh systems in our Networking & Wi-Fi category.
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