A router connects devices on your home network and directs their data to other networks, including the internet. A wireless router also provides Wi-Fi. It is not necessarily a modem: some homes have separate devices, while an ISP-supplied gateway may combine both jobs in one box.
What is a router?
A router directs data between networks and lets devices communicate on a local network. At home, it connects phones, computers, smart TVs, and other devices to one another and to the internet connection provided by your internet service provider (ISP). A wireless router adds Wi-Fi access; many routers also have Ethernet ports for wired connections.
Depending on the model, a router may include features such as a guest network, parental controls, or traffic-management settings. These features are not universal. Cisco offers an overview of router functions at What is a router?.
What is the difference between a modem and a router?
A modem (or another type of access device, depending on the service) connects your home to the ISP’s network. The router creates and manages your local network, then routes traffic between that network and the internet connection. The exact equipment depends on the access technology and provider.
#1 Best Overall
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
A simple layout is:
ISP connection → modem (if separate) → router → devices over Wi-Fi or Ethernet
An ISP gateway can combine modem and router functions in a single unit, so one box may be doing both jobs. The FCC discusses combined residential gateways in FCC-CIRC2607-05, a document identified as a draft circular; it should not be treated as binding policy. TP-Link also explains the distinction and combined equipment in its router guide.
Rank #2
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz speeds up to 867 Mbps and 2.4 GHz speeds up to 300 Mbps, delivering 1200 Mbps of total bandwidth¹. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
- Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Advanced Security with WPA3 - The latest Wi-Fi security protocol, WPA3, brings new capabilities to improve cybersecurity in personal networks
Do I need both a modem and a router?
You need equipment that provides both functions, but not necessarily two separate boxes. If your ISP supplied a gateway, it may already include a modem and router. If you have separate equipment, the modem connects to the service and the router connects your household devices to that connection.
Check the equipment label, ISP account information, or provider support details before buying anything. If you replace equipment, confirm it works with your ISP and connection type; compatibility requirements differ by provider.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
How do I secure my home Wi-Fi network?
Use the router’s app or administrator page to review these settings. Menu names differ by model, so consult the device manual or ISP instructions if a setting is not where expected.
- Change default credentials. Set a unique administrator password, and change the Wi-Fi network name and password from their defaults. Do not reuse an important account password.
- Choose a supported security mode. Enable WPA3 Personal if available; WPA2 Personal is also an acceptable option identified by the FTC. The FTC says, “WPA3 is the newer — and best — encryption available, but both will work to scramble your information.” If the router offers only WPA or WEP, check for software updates and then see whether WPA2 or WPA3 becomes available.
- Install software updates. Check for router firmware or software updates and install them. For ISP-provided equipment, find out whether the provider manages updates and how they are delivered.
- Consider a guest network. A separate guest network lets visitors connect without sharing your primary Wi-Fi password, when the router supports it.
- Review convenience features. Remote management allows administration from outside the home; WPS simplifies connecting devices; UPnP lets devices and apps request network access automatically. These features can be useful, but may also create security trade-offs. Disable them if you do not need them; if you rely on a feature, understand its purpose and keep the router updated.
- Check the firewall and finish safely. Confirm the router firewall is enabled, then log out of the administrator account after making changes.
The Federal Trade Commission’s How To Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Network provides consumer guidance on these steps, including the WPA options and replacement considerations. NIST’s NISTIR 8425A, published September 10, 2024, sets out cybersecurity requirements for consumer-grade router products; it is technical requirements context, not a home setup walkthrough.
Rank #4
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 - Designed with the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, featuring Multi-Link Operation (MLO), Multi-RUs, and 4K-QAM. Achieve optimized performance on latest WiFi 7 laptops and devices, like the iPhone 16 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
- 𝟔-𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦, 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝟔.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐭𝐡 - Achieve full speeds of up to 5764 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 688 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band with 6 streams. Enjoy seamless 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming, and incredibly fast downloads/uploads.
- 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Get up to 2,400 sq. ft. max coverage for up to 90 devices at a time. 6x high performance antennas and Beamforming technology, ensures reliable connections for remote workers, gamers, students, and more.
- 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚-𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝟐.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 - 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port, 1x 2.5 Gbps LAN port and 3x 1 Gbps LAN ports offer high-speed data transmissions.³ Integrate with a multi-gig modem for gigplus internet.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
When should you replace a router?
A new router is not automatically necessary just because a newer model exists. First install available updates and check the security options the router supports. The FTC advises considering replacement if an older router still does not offer WPA2 or WPA3 after software updates.
Replacement may also be worth considering if your current equipment cannot meet a specific need, such as ISP compatibility, the wired connections you require, or coverage in your home. A weak signal in part of the home is a coverage problem to assess; it does not by itself establish that every household needs a new router or a mesh system.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Best Value
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
- Full Gigabit Ports - Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
- Boosted Coverage - Four external antennas equipped with Beamforming technology extend and concentrate the Wi-Fi signals
- MU-MIMO technology - (5GHz band) allows high speeds for multiple devices simultaneously
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
What should you consider when choosing a router?
If replacement is necessary, compare the equipment against your service and home rather than choosing by the word “router” alone.
- Device type: Decide whether you need a standalone router to use with a separate modem, or a modem-router gateway. Check what your ISP supports and whether it supplies or manages the equipment.
- Connection and ISP compatibility: Confirm compatibility with your provider and the specific connection type before purchase.
- Home layout and coverage: Consider the size and layout of your home and where you need reliable Wi-Fi. TP-Link identifies home size and coverage among router selection factors; its guidance is vendor-authored.
- Devices and use: Take account of the number of devices and demanding activities in your household, such as video streaming or large downloads.
- Security and updates: Check for WPA3 Personal or WPA2 Personal and find out how the manufacturer or ISP provides software updates and support.
- Wired connections: Check the number and type of Ethernet ports if you need wired links for computers, access points, or other equipment.
Router features and capabilities vary by model. Verify specifications and support details for the specific device and provider rather than assuming a feature is standard.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
