You don’t need WiFi 7, introduced in 2024, to check email, conduct Zoom calls, and browse the web. In fact, if your laptop, phone, and other gadgets aren’t WiFi 7-compatible, you won’t notice much difference with the new standard, not yet anyway. So go ahead and save yourself some money with a WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E router.
You can still find WiFi 5 models, too, but I think you’ll be happier with the upgraded performance of the level 6 options.
As for the mesh vs. single-unit router question, that largely depends on your living situation. For homes larger than 2,500 square feet, a mesh router system is probably the better bet. These feature multiple units—a hub and one or two satellites—that work together to spread WiFi throughout your dwelling.
On the other hand, if you live in a smaller home—mine is approximately 2,000 square feet—you may find that a traditional single-unit router is sufficient. And, many single-unit routers now include tech that transforms them into mesh router systems simply by adding other units. This flexibility is great for folks who don’t want to commit to a full mesh system up front.
What about a cheap WiFi extender? Those won’t blanket your whole home in WiFi like a mesh router system, but they can relay the signal from a single-unit router into a dead zone, like a back bedroom or an out-of-the-way office.
And so, at a time when many households (including my own) are looking to stretch every dollar, here are our top picks for the best low-cost mesh router systems, single-unit routers, and WiFi extenders, ranked in order of Overall Score. For more info, consult our buying guide and full router ratings (available to CR members), which now feature 126 models.
