Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesUsually, no. An older phone, computer, or smart-home device can use the fastest Wi-Fi mode it supports when the router has compatible modes enabled. Replacing the router—not every older device—may help if the router is the part holding back your internet service, coverage, or household capacity. Check the likely bottleneck before buying anything.
Will an old device slow down your Wi-Fi?
Age by itself is not a reason to replace a Wi-Fi client device. A newer router does not give an older device newer Wi-Fi hardware, but it can still let that device connect using its own fastest supported mode. Apple recommends enabling every radio mode the router offers so older and newer devices can each use the fastest mode they support: Apple’s recommended Wi-Fi router settings.
That does not mean every device will get the same speed. A device’s Wi-Fi capabilities, the router’s settings, distance, interference, and the broadband connection can all affect its actual performance. If only one older device is slow, investigate that device and its connection before assuming it is slowing the rest of the network.
When should you consider replacing the router?
The router is a more plausible upgrade target if it cannot deliver the speed in your internet plan, has inadequate coverage or capacity for your home, is unreliable, or no longer receives needed support. The FCC’s consumer broadband guidance says to check the router model and notes that outdated equipment may be involved when troubleshooting does not resolve a speed problem. If updates are unavailable and the router cannot provide subscribed speeds, a new router or one supplied by your ISP may be needed: FCC Consumer Guide: Broadband Speeds.
Recommended Free Tools
#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 higher theoretical Wi-Fi speed does not guarantee faster internet in practice. Your broadband plan can limit the connection, and placement, neighboring networks, channel settings, network load, and client capabilities can also matter. Diagnose the limiting factor before replacing equipment.
How to find what is limiting your speed
- Test more than one location. Run a speed test near the router and where the slowdown occurs. If practical, compare Wi-Fi with a wired connection. This helps distinguish a broadband or router issue from weak Wi-Fi coverage in one part of the home.
- Compare the plan and router. Check your subscribed internet speed and the specifications for your router model. If the router cannot support the service you pay for, it may be the bottleneck.
- Install available updates. Update the router’s firmware and the devices’ software. Apple says router firmware updates can improve stability, performance, and security: Apple’s firmware guidance.
- Enable the modes and bands your router supports. Allow all offered radio modes and supported bands so each client can connect using what it supports. Apple’s guidance covers radio modes and bands: recommended radio modes and Wi-Fi bands.
- Review placement and channels. Keep the router positioned to serve the areas where you use Wi-Fi, and review nearby network interference and channel settings. Wider channels can offer higher speeds but are more susceptible to interference. Apple recommends 20 MHz on 2.4 GHz and Auto or all widths on 5 GHz and 6 GHz where supported; see its channel and channel-width guidance.
- Check which band the device joined. To use 6 GHz on a Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 network, both the client and router or access point must support the relevant generation and feature. Compatible Apple devices may also be configured to use 2.4 or 5 GHz. If a supported device is not using 6 GHz as expected, check whether the bands share one network name (SSID): separate band names can lead to a limited-compatibility prompt and a 5 GHz fallback. See Apple’s Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 guidance and its SSID recommendations.
What to compare if you do need a new router
Choose based on the problem you have identified, not just the newest Wi-Fi generation. Compare these practical details:
Rank #2
- OneMesh Compatible Router - Form a seamless WiFi when work with TP-Link OneMesh WiFi Extenders
- Next-Gen Wi-Fi 6 Technology – The Archer AX10 leverages advanced Wi-Fi 6 features like OFDMA and 1024-QAM to deliver improved efficiency across your entire network. Perfect for high-bandwidth activities like streaming, gaming, and smart home connectivity.
- Next-gen Dual Band router - 300 Mbps on 2. 4 GHz (802. 11n) plus 1201 Mbps on 5 GHz (802. 11ax)
- Connect more devices than ever before - Wi-Fi 6 technology simultaneously communicates more data to more devices using OFDMA and MU-MIMO while reducing lag dramatically
- Powerful Dual-Core 900MHz Processor – Handles multiple data streams simultaneously for reliable performance across your devices. Ensures smooth streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing without buffering or lag.
- Wi-Fi generation and bands: Check that the router supports the modes and bands your current devices need, including any newer band you plan to use.
- Wired ports and throughput: Make sure WAN and LAN capabilities are adequate for your broadband plan and wired devices.
- Coverage and expansion: Consider the home layout and whether mesh nodes or access points are available if a single router cannot cover the problem areas.
- Capacity: Check whether the system suits the number of devices that are active at the same time.
- Support and compatibility: Confirm that the manufacturer still provides firmware and security updates and that the router works with the ISP and older clients you intend to keep.
- Security settings: Check that the router’s security options remain compatible with your devices. Apple describes WPA2/WPA3 Transitional as allowing WPA3 Personal for devices that support it while older devices use WPA2 Personal (AES): Apple’s Wi-Fi security guidance.
Before replacing equipment, confirm the new router will work with the ISP and the older devices you plan to retain. Enabling compatible radio modes can allow older clients to connect without requiring their replacement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 𝐆𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐅𝐢 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟖𝐊 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 – Up to 5400 Mbps WiFi for faster browsing, streaming, gaming and downloading, all at the same time. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, & obstacles such as walls.
- 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐅𝐢 𝟔 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫 – Equipped with 4T4R and HE160 technologies on the 5 GHz band to enable max 4.8 Gbps ultra-fast connections.Power:12 V 2.5 A
- 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 – Supports MU-MIMO and OFDMA to reduce congestion and 4X the average throughput
- 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 - Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft. High-Power FEM, 6× Antennas, Beamforming, and 4T4R structures combine to adapt WiFi coverage to perfectly fit your home and concentrate signal strength towards your devices.
- 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭 – Improved vented areas help unleash the full power of the router
Rank #4
- Next-Gen Gigabit Wi-Fi 6 Speeds: 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz bands ensure smoother streaming and faster downloads; support VPN server and VPN client¹
- A More Responsive Experience: Enjoy smooth gaming, video streaming, and live feeds simultaneously. OFDMA makes your Wi-Fi stronger by allowing multiple clients to share one band at the same time, cutting latency and jitter.²
- Expanded Wi-Fi Coverage: 4 high-gain external antennas and Beamforming technology combine to extend strong, reliable, Wi-Fi throughout your home.
- Improved Battery Life: Target Wake Time helps your devices to communicate efficiently while consuming less power.
- Improved Cooling Design: No heat ups, no throttles. A larger heat sink and redefined case design cools the WiFi 6 system and enables your network to stay at top speeds in more versatile environments.
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.
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.
