Best Wireless Routers of 2024

Without a good wireless router to reliably transfer all of this data from the cloud to your various devices, it’s hard to imagine how modern life would function smoothly.

With nearly 150 WiFi routers in our ratings, we here at Consumer Reports have a thorough understanding of what separates a good router from a not-so-good router. So consider the following overview a sort of “cheat sheet” on the state of the overall market.

At CR, we divide routers into two broad categories: multi-unit mesh routers and single-unit routers.

A single-unit router plugs directly into the modem supplied by your internet service provider. It then wirelessly slings internet signals around your home. Voila: WiFi!

Mesh routers feature one unit that plugs into the modem plus one or two additional units known as “satellites” or “beacons” that you place in other parts of your home to maximize coverage. The units then “talk” to one another, steering the WiFi signal around obstacles such as doors, walls, and appliances and creating what’s known as a mesh network.

A single router is generally sufficient for apartments and smaller houses, but if you live in more than 2,000 square feet, a mesh router may be a better choice.

The models below stand out with strong Overall Scores, offering solid performance at a range of distances as well as decent privacy and security protections.