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Yes—you can check which devices are connected to your Wi-Fi in your router’s web interface or your internet provider’s app. Look for a list called “connected devices,” “wireless clients,” or “DHCP clients,” then compare it with the devices used at home and by guests. An unfamiliar name is a reason to investigate, not proof that someone is stealing your Wi-Fi.
Where to check for devices using your Wi-Fi
Sign in to your router’s web interface or open your internet provider’s app. Find the connected-device list, which may be labeled “connected devices,” “wireless clients,” or “DHCP clients.” The Federal Trade Commission’s home Wi-Fi guidance identifies these as places to see which devices are connected. Menu names and locations vary by router and provider.
Compare the entries with devices that may use your network, including phones, computers, televisions, game consoles, printers, cameras, smart speakers, and connected appliances. Remember guests’ devices and equipment that is powered off or no longer in regular use; the router’s label may be generic or stale.
How to tell whether an unfamiliar device is actually unauthorized
A router may identify a device by its manufacturer, model, or a generic hostname rather than a name you recognize. Where possible, check the Wi-Fi settings on the device itself or its companion app and compare the details with the router’s entry.
#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.
Also account for private or randomized Wi-Fi addresses. Supported Apple devices can use a unique randomized Wi-Fi MAC address, so the address shown by the router may not match the device’s hardware address. Apple explains this feature in its Wi-Fi address guidance.
Do not conclude that a stranger is connected based only on an unfamiliar label or address. If you still cannot identify an entry after checking household and guest devices, secure the network and contact your router manufacturer or internet provider if the entry or other suspicious activity persists.
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
Secure your Wi-Fi if a device remains unexplained
- Change the router administrator password. This password controls router settings and is separate from the Wi-Fi password. Use a unique password; someone who can access the router’s administrator settings may be able to change network settings, including the Wi-Fi password.
- Set a new, unique Wi-Fi password. Avoid reusing a password from another account. Reconnect your household devices with the new password.
- Use a supported security mode. Choose WPA3 Personal if your router and devices support it; otherwise, use WPA2 Personal. The FTC identifies WPA3 as the newer option and WPA2 as a mode that also protects the network.
- Install available router software or firmware updates. Check the manufacturer’s or provider’s instructions for your exact model and apply security updates.
- Review router settings. Look for changes you do not recognize. The FBI lists unrecognized configuration changes, connectivity problems, and overheating as signs associated with router malware, but none of these signs alone proves the router is compromised.
- Turn off remote administration if you do not need it, save the change, and reboot. For suspected suspicious activity, the FBI’s router security advisory also recommends necessary security and firmware updates, password changes, and rebooting.
- Ask for model-specific help if the problem continues. Contact your router manufacturer or internet provider for instructions tailored to your equipment and account.
When to replace the router
Consider replacing a router if it no longer receives security updates or if, after checking for available software updates, it cannot offer WPA2 or WPA3. The FTC advises that WPA and WEP are outdated and insecure, and recommends considering a new router when updates do not make WPA2 or WPA3 available. The FBI likewise recommends replacing an end-of-life router with a supported model where possible.
Before choosing a replacement, check whether it supports WPA3 or at least WPA2, whether its manufacturer provides security updates, and whether your devices can use the security mode you select. Support and menus vary by model, so confirm details with the manufacturer or internet provider. An unexplained device entry by itself does not mean you need new hardware.
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.
Separate visitors’ devices with a guest network
If your router supports a guest network, it can keep visitors’ devices separate from your main household network. Check your router or provider’s instructions for enabling it; the FTC’s home-router guidance also points to guest-network setup advice.
Quick Recap
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
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.
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