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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Good Wi-Fi is essential, but most people feel like they can’t control their spotty network.
- The best long-term solution is better hardware.
- In this guide, I explain what to look for in Wi-Fi devices and recommend devices for specific needs.
Like many people, I rely on Wi-Fi for just about everything: paying bills, shopping online, and most importantly, working. So when that connection drops, my entire routine comes to a screeching halt. While it’s possible to fix spotty Wi-Fi, upgrading your hardware is the best solution in the long term.
Also: Slow or spotty Wi-Fi at home? Try my 10 go-to fixes to optimize your internet – fast
In this guide, I’ll explain what to look for in Wi-Fi accessories and give specific product recommendations based on what kinds of issues you’re facing.
Whether it’s eliminating dead zones, delivering a faster connection, or supporting all your devices, there is some good tech out there designed to upgrade your Wi-Fi to a network you can count on 24/7, 365 days a year.
How can I fix my Wi-Fi?
First you should identify what kind of issue you’re experiencing, then consider the products designed to solve those problems. I recommend either 1) buying a new router 2) creating a mesh system or 3) adding Wi-Fi extenders.
If you don’t know where to start, consider the first option. A solid $300 router can cover a wide area without any adjustments, especially with how good new models are.
Also: Wi-Fi router vs. mesh system: I compared both – and here’s what I’d choose
If you’re dealing more with spotty Wi-Fi in certain areas, you might want to invest in a mesh network. These systems consist of a few different “nodes” that act like miniature routers, covering areas of the house that otherwise don’t get signal strength.
If your Wi-Fi seems to fall off in signal strength equally at a certain point, you can go with extenders. A Wi-Fi extender captures that signal and, as the name suggests, extends it to areas around a home that the router can’t otherwise reach. These are good for guest houses or larger properties.
What should I consider when shopping for products?
When shopping, it helps to ask yourself a few key questions.
- How big is the area you need covered? A multi-story house requires a different solution than a one-bedroom apartment. Big homes often benefit most from a mesh system, while smaller spaces may only need a router and an extender in the bedroom.
- How many devices will be connected? Phones, laptops, smart TVs, and other connected devices all share your router’s bandwidth. The more you have, the more strain will be put on the network. If you expect to connect many devices, invest in something built to handle a heavy load.
- What is your budget? Mesh systems provide the most reliable coverage but are often the priciest option. Extenders are more affordable, but may struggle to cover large areas.
Now, let’s get to the list of products. By no means are these the only good options out there, they’re just products we’ve tested ourselves for ZDNET and can vouch for, or actually use at home.
What Wi-Fi devices do you recommend?
For my home, I use the TP-Link Deco BE3600 Whole Mesh Wi-Fi 7 System, which was actually recommended to me by my ISP’s field technician. I tried it at his suggestion, and fell in love with it.
At its core, it is a Wi-Fi 7 mesh system that delivers next-gen wireless speeds. According to the Fast.com speed test, I have wireless speeds up to 840 Mbps. That’s enough bandwidth to make slowdown and stuttering a work of fiction, even with multiple devices running.
Also: The fastest Wi-Fi 7 internet providers in the US, ranked
Someone at home could be streaming a soccer match while I’m deep into Monster Hunter Wilds, and the two of us never notice any performance problems. The system itself can go beyond that, supporting speeds of up to 3.6 Gbps.
It helps that the Deco system supports dual-band Wi-Fi, split between 5Ghz and 2.4GHz channels. So if one channel gets too crowded, it’ll automatically move extra devices over. Other notable features include support for over 150 concurrent devices and HomeShield to guard against malware. I bought the three-pack package, which sells for $250. It’s pricey, but worth the cost.
If you only want a standalone router and live in a small place, I recommend the Asus RT-BE86U. It’s a router that I reviewed back in 2024, so although it’s not the newest router on the market, it performs well. Signal coverage extends up to 2,750 square feet, which is more than enough for most apartments and households.
Within that range, Asus’ router delivers lightning-fast connection speeds of over 500 Mbps with virtually no latency. It can easily handle streaming, gaming, and large file downloads without a hint of slowdown. The cherry on top is that the device supports Wi-Fi 7.
Review: Asus RT-BE86U
The design of this router deserves mention, too. Around the back, you’ll find multiple high-speed Ethernet connections, including a 10G WAN/LAN port as well as several 2.5G LAN ports. There’s even a dedicated Gaming Port that prioritizes gaming devices during peak hours for smoother play.
At the time of this writing, the Asus RT-BE86U is on sale for $220.
The Eero Pro 7 is very similar to the Deco mesh system in that it’s also a Wi-Fi 7 router delivering top-notch performance. Each individual node covers up to 2,500 square feet and supports wireless speeds up to 3.8 Gbps. Where it really stands out is in the feature that makes it better for congested homes.
Review: Eero Pro 7
First, the Eero Pro 7 utilizes a tri-band system made up of 2Ghz, 5Ghz, and 6Ghz channels. This setup provides greater bandwidth for simultaneous connections. It also comes with TrueMesh, a software feature that automatically redirects devices to the best available band. For example, if one node in a system goes offline, TrueMesh quickly reroutes traffic to another, ensuring your connection remains uninterrupted.
The Eero Pro 7 triple-pack retails for $700. If you want the best wireless speeds up to 4.3 Gbps and coverage up to 7,500 square feet, check out the Eero Max 7.
As the name suggests, the Eero Outdoor 7 is a Wi-Fi 7 router designed for outdoor use. If your primary router or mesh system doesn’t reach far enough outside, backyards are often prime locations for dead zones.
The Outdoor 7 solves that problem by boosting coverage up to 15,000 square feet, extending your in-home network beyond the wall. ZDNET’s Maria Diaz tested the device and found it provided a stable connection for her security cameras, smart speakers, smart lights, and even her finicky Google Nest Cam. Additionally, it’s omnidirectional, so you don’t need to worry about where to place other nodes or receiving devices.
Review: Eero Outdoor 7
Built to withstand the elements, the Eero Outdoor 7 has a water and dust resistance rating of IP66, ensuring internal components are protected. It even handles extreme temperatures, ranging from -40° F to 131° F.
For budget-conscious buyers, I recommend the TP-Link AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Range Extender. It doesn’t provide the same top-tier speeds or range as higher-end units, but it is a reliable choice for people living in apartments or small homes that want wide coverage. The AX3000 provides speeds up to 2.4 Gbps on the 5Ghz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4Ghz band, covering a total area of around 2,400 square feet.
Also: TP-Link’s new Wi-Fi 7 router is a travel-friendly option that won’t break the bank.
On top are a pair of high-gain antennas paired with beamforming technology to help focus the router’s Wi-Fi signal directly to receiving devices, ensuring stronger connections. Also, there’s a gigabit Ethernet port for wired setups. Another helpful feature is its EasyMesh support, allowing owners to connect the AX3000 extender to other compatible accessories and create their own low-cost mesh network.
This range extender is also the only pick on this list that doesn’t support Wi-Fi 7, opting for Wi-Fi 6. While it lacks the super-fast speeds of the latest standard, Wi-Fi 6 is still plenty fast and stable for everyday usage. The TP-Link AX3000 is currently on sale for $100.
I’ve been writing about software and consumer electronics for almost 10 years now, and during that time, I’ve come to rely on strong, stable Wi-Fi networks as much as any other tools in my career. Whether I was working from an office or someone’s backyard, a stable connection meant the difference between smooth productivity and total disruption.
That experience has made me picky about the accessories I connect to my router. I know what to look for and how to ensure my network is operating at its best. I also take professional recommendations seriously, so I’m grateful for my ISP technician’s suggestion. The list and advice I gave aren’t rigid rules. Rather, they’re a foundation to help you understand what to look for in Wi-Fi gear. The right solution depends on your lifestyle, devices, and budget.
