Best WiFi routers in 2025 (UK)
This content originally appeared on Mashable for US audiences and has been adapted for UK audiences.
Like running water, central heating, a roof over your head and a next-generation gaming console, good Wi-Fi is one of life’s essentials. Be honest: you simply couldn’t exist without it. And as modern life becomes smarter and more connected, having a quality WiFi router in your home is more important than ever.
WiFi routers are easy to install and can instantly improve WiFi coverage throughout your home with lightning-fast connection speeds. Looks good, right? The days of expecting slow downloads and maddening buffering should be long gone.
But how do you choose the best router for you and your home? This will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your coverage area, the number of devices connected, and the types of devices connected to the router. But we’re wired for this stuff. Here’s a quick guide to everything you need to know, plus a selection of vest WiFi routers available right now.
What is a WiFi router?
Quite simply, it’s a small contraption placed in the corner of a room that transmits data from your broadband line to your devices, allowing each device to connect to the internet. And while wireless routers are wireless—that’s kind of the problem, people—they usually also have Ethernet ports, which allow you to physically connect PCs, TVs, and other devices directly to the Internet.
How does a WiFi router work?
The WiFi router converts high-speed data into radio bands, which are then picked up by your devices. These radio bands are like different channels, which keep the data separate to prevent it from being obstructed. Different devices need different bandwidths – some devices need more than others – so the higher the number of bands, the more efficient the router. You can choose from single, dual, or tri-band routers.
Single-band or dual-band: which is better?
A single-band router only has one frequency band of 2.4 GHz. These are generally cheaper, connect easily to devices, and are ideal for penetrating obstacles such as doors and walls. But they have lower speeds than multi-band routers and don’t have all the latest features. Single band is probably the best solution if your Internet needs are minimal. Dual-band routers are more expensive but also promise better speeds and performance. Dual-band routers are now pretty much the norm, so modern devices will be well served.
Do you need a tri-band router?
If there are a lot of people in your home, such as a large family with many devices per person, a tri-band router will be the best choice. Tri-band routers have one 2.4 GHz channel and two 5 GHz channels. These routers are equipped to handle multiple Gigabit speeds: up to 2,166 Mbps on each 5 GHz band. For a literally large household – a large house with many rooms – a mesh system is best.
What is a mesh WiFi system?
A mesh WiFi system is essentially a series of connected router units – called satellites or nodes – that each broadcast a WiFi signal, eliminating any internet dead zones in the home. Mesh systems are suitable for homes with many rooms and devices, helping to maintain internet speeds wherever you are. Mesh systems are also expandable, allowing you to add additional nodes and increase coverage.
Do you need a specialized router for gaming?
If you have many devices and a router that isn’t up to par, you’ll experience lag issues when gaming on your console. You need a router that can handle multiple devices. Look for a gaming router that offers prioritization for your gaming systems and applications. If you live in a home with multiple gamers, you may also want to get a router that will allow you to control the amount of bandwidth each member of your household has. Some also feature a modified management console to easily adjust bandwidth priorities based on your needs. And make sure your gaming router is at least double bad so you can use the 5GHz channel for faster speeds. A tri-band router is even better because you can then reserve a 5GHz channel just for gaming.
What is the best WiFi router?
We’ve done a lot of work to make your selection process as simple as possible. Whether you’re looking for a single-band WiFi router or a full-fledged tri-band model to handle streaming and gaming for an entire family home, we’ve got you covered for good coverage. There’s something below to connect everyone.
These are the best WiFi routers for 2025.
