Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. How we test routers. This secret trick could solve your home Wi-Fi issues. Whether playing your favorite multiplayer game or just trying to sit through a Zoom call without lagging, you know how important a strong internet connection can be.
Lightning-fast connectivity is practically required for almost everything, whether you're chilling on your own or working. And let's not forget installing smart home gadgets or streaming our favorite shows. If you've already upgraded a speed tier with your internet provider and followed a few simple steps to improve your connection but continue to see problems with buffering, it's possible you could see a major improvement by moving your router.
That's it! Yes, something as simple as relocating your tech could mean better connectivity. So whether you're hanging out with friends or binge-watching movies with family, keep reading to learn about the best spot in your home for your router and other easy tricks for faster Wi-Fi. A reliable connection will help ensure whatever you're up to goes off without a hitch. First things first: you can trace a lot of connection issues back to your equipment.
It all starts with choosing the right router. Not all routers are the same and how fast your wireless speeds are often depends on the size and layout of your home. A single wireless access point should suffice for most apartments and smaller homes under 1, square feet.
If your router is several years old, consider upgrading to a newer model or Wi-Fi 6. That's not the latest and greatest generation of Wi-Fi technology -- that would be Wi-Fi 7 -- but it's newer than what most have in their homes and should give you faster wireless speeds and better overall coverage. For bigger, multilevel homes, it's worth considering upgrading to a mesh network to offer consistent coverage throughout the house.
