In today’s streaming wonderland, if you don’t have a router that’s up to the task, your stream could wind up little more than a trickle, and your 4K TV could look a lot more like standard definition.
Wi-Fi 6 is the latest generation of Wi-Fi, and it boasts faster, more efficient home-network performance. Plus, the growing number of second-gen mesh router options is worth paying attention to as well — particularly since so many of them are less expensive than the router combo systems that came before them.
A number of interesting new options are currently on the market. For something decent that won’t break the bank and won’t require you to tether your devices to a wired connection access point for the fastest internet possible, here are CNET’s recommendations for routers for different situations.
Best Wi-Fi 6 router: TP-Link Archer AX6000
Wi-Fi 6 is the latest, fastest version of Wi-Fi and we’re expecting to see lots of new models that support it soon. But if you’re looking to make the upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 right now, or if you need a new wireless router and you want something future-proofed for the next generation of Wi-Fi devices, then go for the TP-Link Archer AX6000. It basically aced our performance tests, delivering the fastest router transfer speeds we’ve ever recorded, plus excellent range and low latency.
The AX6000 debuted at a price of $350, but it’s currently down to $300 and we’ve seen it marked down as low as $270. It definitely isn’t cheap even at that price, but if you can catch it on sale, it’s a worthy way to upgrade your home network to a robust Wi-Fi 6 network.
Best mesh router: Nest Wifi
Google Wifi’s second-gen follow-up, Nest Wifi, is faster, more affordable and just as easy to set up and use as the original. Plus, the range-extending Points double as Google Assistant smart speakers. A new design, available in multiple colors, is aimed at keeping these devices out in the open, where they’ll perform better.
Though it doesn’t support Wi-Fi 6 (and Nest’s range-extending satellite devices don’t have Ethernet ports), current-gen upgrades include support for new WPA3 security standards and also 4X4 MU-MIMO connections for faster speeds.
At $269 for a two-device setup capable of Wi-Fi coverage up to 3,800 square feet ($349 for three devices and 5,400 square feet of range), the dual-band Nest Wifi punches above its weight as the most well-rounded mesh router on the market right now.
Best gaming router: Asus RT-AX86U
Tyler Lizenby
Gaming features aside, Asus RT-AX86U offers full support for Wi-Fi 6. (Tyler Lizenby/CNET/TNS)
Gaming routers promise high performance and low latency for die-hard gamers, and it isn’t uncommon to find them for $300 or even $400. At about $250, the Asus RT-AX86U dual-band router is a strong value relative to routers like those — and the performance it delivers is flat-out great.
Most noteworthy is the router’s latency management. In fact, it leads all of the routers we’ve ever tested, gaming or otherwise, with the lowest average latency across all of our tests, which online gamers will definitely appreciate.
The RT-AX86U also offers full support for Wi-Fi 6, and if you need additional range, you can add other Asus “AIMesh” devices to your home network.
Even if you aren’t a gamer, this is still one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers you can buy right now.
***
-
3 of the best Wi-Fi routers on the market right now
Heykube/TNS
The iconic Rubik’s Cube drove me nuts when I had one. Fast forward a few decades to today’s Heykube, a next-gen, technology-driven version of the toy that’s much more fun and much less frustrating.
The programmable six-sided, 3-by-3 smart cube puzzle teaches you how to solve it — a nice, modern advantage over the ’80s version. Players solve scrambles with hints and different levels of difficulty, including quick solve and learn to solve.
Heykube allows users to create, share and solve their own algorithms via Python. Users with a Raspberry Pi can access the Heykube’s Python library for controlling the lights and sounds in the cubed smart toy. The Heykube companion app is available for sharing with others and watching tutorials.
Solving the puzzle is the same as in the past: turn the pieces up, down and sideways, with each side’s center square determining the color for that side.
The tutorials and the LED lights lend a helping hand in solving at first, as there are tricks to know and learn. Sometimes the solution was quick, but other times it brought me the same frustration and determination as the older cube.
The lights on the center-piece rotate, telling you the rotating direction. When the sound changes, the mode has changed. The hints can be turned on or off, making it programmable to a different level of difficulty.
Inside the Bluetooth-enabled Heykube is a microprocessor and long-lasting internal battery. The cube charges via micro USB (cable included). $79.99, heykube.com
Heykube/TNS
The iconic Rubik’s Cube drove me nuts when I had one. Fast forward a few decades to today’s Heykube, a next-gen, technology-driven version of the toy that’s much more fun and much less frustrating.
The programmable six-sided, 3-by-3 smart cube puzzle teaches you how to solve it — a nice, modern advantage over the ’80s version. Players solve scrambles with hints and different levels of difficulty, including quick solve and learn to solve.
Heykube allows users to create, share and solve their own algorithms via Python. Users with a Raspberry Pi can access the Heykube’s Python library for controlling the lights and sounds in the cubed smart toy. The Heykube companion app is available for sharing with others and watching tutorials.
Solving the puzzle is the same as in the past: turn the pieces up, down and sideways, with each side’s center square determining the color for that side.
The tutorials and the LED lights lend a helping hand in solving at first, as there are tricks to know and learn. Sometimes the solution was quick, but other times it brought me the same frustration and determination as the older cube.
The lights on the center-piece rotate, telling you the rotating direction. When the sound changes, the mode has changed. The hints can be turned on or off, making it programmable to a different level of difficulty.
Inside the Bluetooth-enabled Heykube is a microprocessor and long-lasting internal battery. The cube charges via micro USB (cable included). $79.99, heykube.com
-
3 of the best Wi-Fi routers on the market right now
Kingston/TNS
Kingston Technology is unveiling a pocket-sized external SSD with industry-leading read/write speeds.
The XS2000 transfers data at lightning-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 speeds — up to 2,000 megabits per second. The drive connects via USB-C and includes a removable rubber sleeve and IP55-rating.
The XS2000 measures 2.73-by-1.28-by-0.53-inches and is available in three capacities: 500 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB. A USB-C cable is included. Starting at $99.99, kingston.com
Kingston/TNS
Kingston Technology is unveiling a pocket-sized external SSD with industry-leading read/write speeds.
The XS2000 transfers data at lightning-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 speeds — up to 2,000 megabits per second. The drive connects via USB-C and includes a removable rubber sleeve and IP55-rating.
The XS2000 measures 2.73-by-1.28-by-0.53-inches and is available in three capacities: 500 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB. A USB-C cable is included. Starting at $99.99, kingston.com
-
-
3 of the best Wi-Fi routers on the market right now
Phoozy/TNS
Phoozy’s Apollo smart device cases are promoted as Spacesuit technology for every adventure, bringing protection with the brand’s patented Chromium Thermal Barrier. Adapted from NASA technology, the barrier prevents overheating in the sun and extends battery life in the cold.
The case deflects up to 90% of the sun’s heat to maintain a safe operating temperature. The inner layer insulates the device in cold environments, enabling up to four times more battery life than that of an uninsulated device.
The heat protection was easy to test. I took a drive with a phone in a Phoozy case and another phone not cased sitting on my dashboard. I played music from the uncased phone to gauge that it was working. Once the music stopped, I pulled over, and, sure enough, the uncased phone had overheated and shut off. The Phoozy-cased phone was still in fine working order.
In addition to heat management, Phoozy’s Apollo cases are designed to be climate-proof, germ-proof, drop-proof and sink-proof — handling extreme conditions of almost any kind.
You can find a Phoozy case to fit almost all of today’s smartphones and tablets. They all protect against heat and cold but differ in looks and other features, including a water-resistant flotation XP3 rating and antimicrobial materials.
Starting at $29.99, phoozy.com
Phoozy/TNS
Phoozy’s Apollo smart device cases are promoted as Spacesuit technology for every adventure, bringing protection with the brand’s patented Chromium Thermal Barrier. Adapted from NASA technology, the barrier prevents overheating in the sun and extends battery life in the cold.
The case deflects up to 90% of the sun’s heat to maintain a safe operating temperature. The inner layer insulates the device in cold environments, enabling up to four times more battery life than that of an uninsulated device.
The heat protection was easy to test. I took a drive with a phone in a Phoozy case and another phone not cased sitting on my dashboard. I played music from the uncased phone to gauge that it was working. Once the music stopped, I pulled over, and, sure enough, the uncased phone had overheated and shut off. The Phoozy-cased phone was still in fine working order.
In addition to heat management, Phoozy’s Apollo cases are designed to be climate-proof, germ-proof, drop-proof and sink-proof — handling extreme conditions of almost any kind.
You can find a Phoozy case to fit almost all of today’s smartphones and tablets. They all protect against heat and cold but differ in looks and other features, including a water-resistant flotation XP3 rating and antimicrobial materials.
Starting at $29.99, phoozy.com
-
3 of the best Wi-Fi routers on the market right now
Satechi/TNS
Charger-maker Satechi keeps up on what people need and provides different charging options, often with better features than the original chargers that came with your product (if your product even came with a charger), and often with a smaller price tag.
Satechi’s magnetic wireless car charger features Qi wireless 7.5W charging with a magnetic attachment. The charger (3.4-by-2.53-by-0.29-inches, 3.7 ounces) is built with clips for attaching to a vehicle’s air vents and rotates for proper hands-free viewing. A USB-C port is built into the charger for the included USB-C cable.
$44.99, satechi.net
Satechi/TNS
Charger-maker Satechi keeps up on what people need and provides different charging options, often with better features than the original chargers that came with your product (if your product even came with a charger), and often with a smaller price tag.
Satechi’s magnetic wireless car charger features Qi wireless 7.5W charging with a magnetic attachment. The charger (3.4-by-2.53-by-0.29-inches, 3.7 ounces) is built with clips for attaching to a vehicle’s air vents and rotates for proper hands-free viewing. A USB-C port is built into the charger for the included USB-C cable.
$44.99, satechi.net
-
-
3 of the best Wi-Fi routers on the market right now
Twelve South/TNS
Twelve South’s StayGo mini USB-C hub brings four extra ports to your iPad or MacBook: a headphone jack, USB, USB-C and HDMI.
The ports can add external drives, pass-through power, external displays, headphones and speakers or other external peripherals.
The hub measures 2.8-by-1.25-by-1.49 inches and is built with an aluminum exterior shell to dissipate heat. It can be connected directly to the device or via the included 19-inch extension cable for added flexibility — which is great when you have a protective case on the device.
$59.99, twelvesouth.com
Twelve South/TNS
Twelve South’s StayGo mini USB-C hub brings four extra ports to your iPad or MacBook: a headphone jack, USB, USB-C and HDMI.
The ports can add external drives, pass-through power, external displays, headphones and speakers or other external peripherals.
The hub measures 2.8-by-1.25-by-1.49 inches and is built with an aluminum exterior shell to dissipate heat. It can be connected directly to the device or via the included 19-inch extension cable for added flexibility — which is great when you have a protective case on the device.
$59.99, twelvesouth.com
