The best Wi-Fi routers of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed
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12 min read
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'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?
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Remote work and home offices are becoming more prevalent, changing people's tech demands. A reliable internet connection is now just as important (if not more) than having a capable laptop or smartphone. While the router provided by your internet service provider may be good enough for a household with only a few devices, it may struggle as you add additional devices, video calls, online gaming, and multiple users to the network.
Upgrading to a state-of-the-art Wi-Fi router will improve speeds, reduce dead zones, and ensure stable connections throughout your home. Key features like multi-gig ports and certain advanced security tools also play an important role for households with demanding connectivity needs.
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To find the best Wi-Fi routers, we researched both popular, established models and newer releases, focusing on performance, coverage, features, and overall value. We even spoke to experts and researched customer reviews to make better decisions. After much deliberation, we chose the Eero Pro 7 as our top pick overall. It delivers next-gen Wi-Fi 7 performance, ensuring strong whole-home coverage and excellent reliability. It's perfect for households that want a fast, stable network with a device that's easy to setup.
Also: We tested 15 Wi-Fi 7 routers in our lab, and this one had the widest coverage
In our July update, we added all new products as our top picks.
Why We Like It: The Eero Pro 7 stands out as one of the most reliable and frictionless Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems. It delivers speeds of up to 3.8Gbps and outputs a consistently strong signal of up to 2,500 square feet per unit. I stress "per unit" because you connect multiple Pro 7 nodes to expand coverage. What really sets this router apart is how it handles congestion. The router splits its signal across three bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. If one band becomes congested, the Eero Pro 7 will instantly move connected devices over to a freer band. In total, a single node can support over 200 simultaneously.
Who It's For: I'd recommend the Eero Pro 7 to anyone who wants strong, dependable home Wi-Fi that's easy to set up. The accompanying app simplifies the onboarding process. It fits best in medium- to large-sized homes with a wide range of devices, such as smart TVs streaming 4K movies and an ecosystem of smart home gadgets.
Who Should Look Elsewhere: The Eero Pro 7 isn't the cheapest option. To get the most out of this router, you'll need to get multiple units. ZDNET Staff Writer Maria Diaz tested the system at her home and found that two Eero Pro 7 units were not enough to handle all her smart home gadgets. According to Diaz, "bandwidth depends on the type of connected devices and their type of connection."
Eero Pro 7 features: Tri-band | Dual 5 GbE ports | Wi-Fi 7 | speeds up to 3.9 Gbps | built-in Thread, Zigbee, and Matter smart home hub integration | supports 200+ devices | covers 2,000 sq ft
Why We Like It: The Eero 7 is a more affordable alternative to the previous entry. It delivers much of the same experience as the Eero Pro 7, albeit at a smaller scale. Performance remains strong thanks to its Wi-Fi 7 support. However, instead of being a tri-band system, it is only a dual-band system. Speeds are lower as well, hitting a cap of 1.8Gbps, and coverage is down to 2,000 square feet. Still, the mesh system is top-notch, capable of handling a slew of devices, from smartphones to laptops and streaming devices with relative ease.
Its main claim to fame is its consistency. The Eero 7 runs quietly, maintaining a strong connection without the constant need to tweak or micromanage.
Who It's For: This Wi-Fi 7 router is perfect for small to mid-sized homes and apartments. It is easy to setup and delivers stable connections across the entire signal range. As mentioned earlier, it's cheaper than the Eero Pro 7. Over at Amazon, an Eero 7 3-Pack retails for $350. An Eero Pro 7 3-Pack is double that amount.
Who Should Look Elsewhere: If you want the best possible Wi-Fi 7 experience, go with the Eero Pro 7, as it offers features the base Eero 7 doesn't. The Eero Pro 7 has three separate bands to support 200 individual devices. Because the Eero 7 operates on a small scale, congestion can be more of an issue.
Eero 7 features: Dual-band | Dual 2.5 GbE ports | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz | Wi-Fi 7 | speeds up to 1.8 Gbps | Thread, Zigbee, and Matter smart home integration | supports 120+ devices | covers up to ~2,000 sq. ft. per unit | app-based setup and automatic network optimization
Why We Like It: The NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S is a robust Wi-Fi 7 router, capable of handling virtually anything you throw at it. With tri-band Wi-Fi delivering speeds up to 19Gbps, it has the bandwidth to handle 4K streaming, online gaming, large file transfers, and video conferencing simultaneously without bottlenecking. User reviews praise the Nighthawk RS700S for its fast performance, whether you're right next to it or at the edges of its signal range. And it boasts a pretty big signal range, covering up to 3,500 square feet.
What really sets this router apart is its hardware. It features a 10GB WAN port for multi-gigabit internet plans, a 10GB LAN port for blazing-fast wired connections, and four additional Ethernet ports if you need them.
Who It's For: The Nighthawk RS700S is primarily for power users who want fast Wi-Fi that reaches far, but don't want to invest in a mesh system. Content creators and gamers in particular will appreciate the stability and speed this router provides. It's also a good pick if you want a Wi-Fi 7 router and don't plan to upgrade anytime soon. The Nighthawk's hardware and features will support a great home network for years to come.
Who Should Look Elsewhere: At $600 full price, NETGEAR's Nighthawk RS700S is one of the more expensive options on this list. Plus, I would consider it overkill for users and homeowners with slower broadband plans and devices that still rely on older Wi-Fi standards. If your laptop only supports Wi-Fi 5, for example, you won't fully benefit from everything the Nighthawk offers.
Netgear Nighthawk RS700S features : 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz | Wi-Fi 7 | speeds up to 19 Gbps | supports up to 200 devices | covers up to 3,500 sq. ft. | 10Gbps wired internet speeds | NETGEAR Armor security | Nighthawk app management
Why We Like It: The NETGEAR Orbi 970 is the router I'd recommend if money is no object and you want the absolute best Wi-Fi experience. It delivers blistering Wi-Fi 7 speeds of up to 27 Gbps across four separate wireless bands. A single router can send signals out to 3,300 square feet. But if you get the 3-pack, that signal extends out to 10,000 square feet. None of the other entries on this list even comes close to offering the same experience as this router. Capable of supporting up to 200 connected devices, the Orbi 970 is perfect for large homes and spaces with demanding network traffic.
Who It's For: The Orbi 970 is built for enthusiasts and large households that need as much bandwidth as possible. Think of a house with an extensive smart home ecosystem comprising cameras, doorbells, robot vacuums, and more. Small businesses would also appreciate something like this, as it provides reliable coverage throughout an office.
Who Should Look Elsewhere: This router is very expensive. A single Orbi 970 will run you $800. A 3-Pack will cost you $1,800, and that's the discounted price. Once discounts end, be prepared to drop a whopping two grand on three routers. Similar to the previous entry, I wouldn't recommend this to people with devices that still run on Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6. Older devices will still work thanks to backward compatibility, but they won't take full advantage of the router's capabilities.
NETGEAR Orbi 970 features: Tri-band | Wi-Fi 7 | speeds up to 27 Gbps | supports up to 200 devices | covers up to 10,000 sq. ft. (3-pack) | 10GB internet port | Advanced Router Protection | NETGEAR Armor subscription trial
Why We Like It: The TP-Link Deco 7 strikes a good balanced between price and performance. It effectively brings Wi-Fi 7 to a much lower price point. This is the only entry on this list that does not exceed $100.
I own the Deco 7 and I can attest to its effectiveness. It provides wireless speeds of up to 3.6 Gbps. In everyday use, the router delivers enough bandwidth for streaming 4K movies, online gaming, video conferencing, and smart home devices without a hint of slowdown. Setting up through the Deco app takes only a few minutes, which is nice. You can have fast wireless speed in almost no time. My favorite feature is HomeShield, providing robust network protection and real-time IoT (Internet of Things) security.
Who It's For: TP-Link's Deco 7 is ideal for households that want to enjoy Wi-Fi 7 without paying super high prices for a supporting router. It's a good fit for families with many devices, whether between parents and kids or among kids. Since its signal can be expanded with additional nodes, it's a smart option for homes that may need broader coverage in the future.
Who Should Look Elsewhere: Power users and small businesses may find the Deco 7 pretty limiting. Speeds cap at 3.6 Gbps, and it only supports up to 150 connected devices. Plus, it's only a dual-band system. It lacks a dedicated 6Hz band that the higher-end models have.
TP-Link Deco 7 features: Dual-band | Wi-Fi 7 | speeds up to 3.6 Gbps | supports up to 150 devices | covers up to 2,500 square feet | 2.5 Gbps x2 | Multi-Link Operation | HOMESHIELD Protection
When you decide to upgrade your existing router setup or replace the basic device your ISP gave you, you first need to decide your Wi-Fi priorities.
If you're home with multiple occupants and many devices, a mesh network is probably the best option, especially if you are on a large property. Below is a list detailing every option on this list and what they excel at.
We evaluated a wide range of popular Wi-Fi routers, covering options for different budgets, home sizes, and networking needs. As hybrid and remote work continue to shape how people use technology, a reliable router has become a new must-have device. We also considered the needs of households where multiple people compete for bandwidth for work, entertainment, online learning, and connected devices.
Ultimately, we based our recommendations on several key factors:
Traditional Wi-Fi routers provide a single access point for your broadband/fiber connections. While routers can deliver excellent speeds and low latency, performance can suffer as more devices are added, creating congestion. Mesh systems take a different approach, using multiple interconnected access points, or nodes, to create a larger, more consistent coverage area. This helps reduce weak signals and improve reliability in larger spaces.
I certainly think so, especially if you have a fast 1Gbps internet plan, you're a big gamer or content creator, or you have a busy smart home. If you don't fit in these groups, then yeah, you can skip upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 for a while. Wi-Fi 6 and even Wi-Fi 5 remain capable and affordable standards that can handle everyday home networking needs.
It absolutely matters what you buy. While every router under the sun provides basic internet access, the differences between models matter a lot. Slower routers are perfect for households or apartments with few devices. Faster routers provide much-needed bandwidth and speed. Even among those high-end routers, there is a lot of variety. Certain models provide robust parental controls as well as VPN support.
At a minimum, a router needs two connections: a power cable and an Ethernet cable that links it to your modem or fiber gateway.
Many routers also include additional Ethernet ports for connecting devices that benefit from a wired connection, such as gaming consoles, desktop PCs, streaming boxes, and more. Some routers may also support additional accessories or features, such as USB-connected storage devices or network printers, although availability varies.
To get the best range and coverage from your Wi-Fi router, place it in a central location in your home to evenly distribute the wireless signal. You'll want to reduce the number of obstacles and other electronics. Avoid placing it near appliances like microwaves or large entertainment systems. These devices can disrupt Wi-Fi.
A bottleneck occurs when a router cannot handle the amount of data being requested from the network, resulting in slower speeds, delays, and dropped connections. If the router lacks the processing power or bandwidth capacity to manage those requests, performance plummets.
Older routers and basic models from internet service providers may struggle to handle today's ultra-connected homes since they were not designed to support dozens, or even hundreds, of devices simultaneously. Modern routers offer improved performance. Mesh Wi-Fi systems help by spreading network traffic across multiple access points to reduce congestion.
With the Tenda router system, you get three units, each packed with five internal antennas and five independent high-power FEMs (Front-End Modules), offering super-fast connectivity capable of handling broadband speeds up to 2,000 Mbps and Wi-Fi speeds of 688 Mbps at 2.4 GHz and 4,323 Mbps at 5 GHz.
TP-Link's Roam 7 is built for life on the road. It's a small gadget, measuring 4.9 x 3.7 x 1.5 inches and weighing just under nine ounces. On the sides are two adjustable antennas to boost wireless signals, while on the bottom are a pair of rubber feet keeping the unit stable. Heat vents wrap around the body, allowing hot air to escape, which is much needed. The Roam 7 can support up to 90 other connected devices at once, and as you pile on the connections, the router heats up.
