The best WiFi routers depend on whether you need broad home coverage, newer Wi-Fi 7 features, gaming controls, or a private connection while traveling. Compare wireless bands, wired ports, mesh options, and device capacity against your internet plan and the places you need a signal.
Quick Top Products
TP-Link Archer BE600
- Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with 6 GHz and channels up to 320 MHz.
- Includes a 10 Gbps WAN/LAN port and three 2.5 Gbps LAN ports.
- Coverage up to 2,600 sq. ft. and support for up to 120 devices.
Best For: A larger home with Wi-Fi 7 devices and multi-gig wired equipment.
TP-Link Archer AXE75
- Tri-band Wi-Fi 6E includes a 6 GHz band.
- The combined Wi-Fi speed is up to 5,400 Mbps.
- OneMesh works with a TP-Link OneMesh extender for expansion.
Best For: Households with compatible Wi-Fi 6E devices that want three bands and mesh expansion.
TP-Link Archer GE800
- Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 supports up to 19 Gbps across three bands.
- Two 10 Gbps and four 2.5 Gbps ports support multi-gig wired equipment.
- Includes Turbo Game Acceleration and a performance panel.
Best For: Gamers with several multi-gig wired devices and a high-bandwidth internet connection.
TP-Link Archer BE400
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 7 with up to 6.5 Gbps total bandwidth.
- Coverage is up to 2,400 sq. ft. for up to 90 devices.
- Has two 2.5 Gbps ports and three 1 Gbps LAN ports.
Best For: A household upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 that wants multi-gig ports and stated coverage for a medium-to-large home.
TP-Link Archer BE230
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 7 includes MLO, Multi-RUs, and 4K-QAM.
- Two 2.5 Gbps ports are joined by three 1 Gbps LAN ports.
- Maximum coverage is up to 2,000 sq. ft. for up to 60 devices.
Best For: A household seeking Wi-Fi 7, multi-gig wired ports, and mesh compatibility in a dual-band router.
Tenda RX12 Pro V3.0
- Wi-Fi 6 speeds are up to 2,402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz.
- Four gigabit ports include automatic WAN/LAN recognition.
- NFC tap-to-connect requires a compatible Android device.
Best For: A home user who wants Wi-Fi 6, built-in VPN support, and quick NFC connection for compatible Android guests.
Tenda AC6
- Dual-band AC1200 Wi-Fi is rated up to 1.2 Gbps combined.
- Includes four 100 Mbps Ethernet ports.
- Supports guest Wi-Fi, AP mode, and parental controls.
Best For: A basic home network needing dual-band Wi-Fi and parental controls rather than multi-gig ports.
TP-Link Deco 7 BE23
- This is a one-pack Wi-Fi 7 mesh router.
- Coverage is stated up to 2,500 sq. ft. for 150 devices.
- Two 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN ports support wired connections.
Best For: A home seeking a mesh-style Wi-Fi 7 node with a stated 2,500 sq. ft. coverage area.
TP-Link Archer GE650
- Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 includes a dedicated 5 GHz gaming band.
- Wired ports include two 5 Gbps and three 2.5 Gbps connections.
- A dedicated game panel provides network and router insights.
Best For: Gamers who want a dedicated 5 GHz gaming band, gaming controls, and multi-gig wired ports.
TP-Link Roam 6 AX1500
- Pocket-sized design with two gigabit ports.
- It can create a private network from public Wi-Fi.
- USB-C power supports a 5V/3A PD source such as a power bank.
Best For: Travelers who want to share public Wi-Fi privately and power a portable router from USB-C.
Multi-Gig Wi-Fi 7 for Larger Homes
TP-Link Tri-Band BE9700 WiFi 7 Router (Archer BE600) – 10G Port, 2.5G Port, 3× 2.5G LAN, 320MHz Channel, Covers up to 2,600 sq. ft., 120 Devices, VPN, HomeShield Security
The Archer BE600 pairs tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with a 10 Gbps WAN/LAN port and three 2.5 Gbps LAN ports, giving a busy home room for faster wired connections as well as wireless devices. It supports up to 120 devices and coverage up to 2,600 sq. ft., with six antennas and beamforming.
The 6 GHz band and channels up to 320 MHz can suit newer Wi-Fi 7 clients. HomeShield and VPN client and server support add network management options.
Coverage and speeds depend on the home layout and connected equipment, so treat the published figures as upper limits.
Best For: A larger home with Wi-Fi 7 devices and multi-gig wired equipment.
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Choose the Archer BE600 if your home has Wi-Fi 7 clients and wired devices that can use multi-gig ports. Its port mix stands out among the standard home routers here, while tri-band operation includes 6 GHz.
Check that your modem and internet plan can use the faster WAN connection, and consider room layout before relying on the maximum coverage figure. If you want a simpler Wi-Fi 7 upgrade with fewer advanced ports, compare other dual-band Wi-Fi 7 routers.
Wi-Fi 6E with a Dedicated 6 GHz Band
TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router (Archer AXE75), 2025 PCMag Editors' Choice, 2.5Gbps WAN Port for Gaming & Streaming, 6GHz Band, 160MHz, OneMesh, Dual-Core CPU, VPN & WPA3 Security
The Archer AXE75 is a tri-band Wi-Fi 6E router with a 6 GHz band, giving compatible devices another band alongside 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz. Its listed combined Wi-Fi speed is up to 5,400 Mbps, and OFDMA is designed to help multiple devices transmit at once.
A 2.5 Gbps WAN port can suit a faster incoming connection, while OneMesh allows expansion with a compatible TP-Link extender. VPN client and server support, WPA3, and HomeShield add network features.
It does not have the Wi-Fi 7 label of newer picks, so weigh its 6E support against your devices and upgrade plans.
Best For: Households with compatible Wi-Fi 6E devices that want three bands and mesh expansion.
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Pick the AXE75 if your devices can use Wi-Fi 6E and you want 6 GHz without moving to Wi-Fi 7. OneMesh offers a path to extend coverage, but it depends on pairing with a compatible extender.
The 2.5 Gbps WAN port is useful only when the modem and service can take advantage of it. For a newer wireless standard, compare dual-band or tri-band Wi-Fi 7 routers and confirm which bands your current devices support.
High-Capacity Ports for Gaming Setups
TP-Link Tri-Band BE19000 Wi-Fi 7 Gaming Router Archer GE800 | 12-Stream | 2×10G + 4×2.5G Ports, USB 3.0 | Turbo Acceleration, Dedicated Gaming Port & Panel, RGB Lighting, HomeShield, Free Expert Help
The Archer GE800 is a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 gaming router with up to 19 Gbps combined wireless speed across three bands and 12 streams. Its wired connections are a major draw: two 10 Gbps ports and four 2.5 Gbps ports can accommodate a demanding mix of gaming equipment and other wired devices.
Game acceleration, a dedicated gaming port, and a live performance panel focus its feature set on gaming management. EasyMesh support offers a compatible way to extend coverage.
This is a specialized, feature-heavy choice; make sure the connected devices and internet service can use its high-speed ports.
Best For: Gamers with several multi-gig wired devices and a high-bandwidth internet connection.
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Choose the GE800 when a gaming setup needs several multi-gig wired connections and you will use its game controls. The two 10 Gbps and four 2.5 Gbps ports distinguish it from general-purpose home picks.
Its published wireless total is a combined maximum across bands, not a single-device speed. Before buying, match the port speeds to your modem, internet plan, and wired devices; for a less gaming-focused Wi-Fi 7 router, consider another model.
Wi-Fi 7 with Broad Home Coverage
TP-Link BE6500 Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (BE400) – Dual 2.5Gbps Ports, USB 3.0, Covers up to 2,400 sq. ft., 90 Devices, Quad-Core CPU, HomeShield, Private IoT, Free Expert Support
The Archer BE400 brings dual-band Wi-Fi 7, MLO, and a combined bandwidth figure of up to 6.5 Gbps. Its coverage is rated for up to 2,400 sq. ft. for up to 90 devices, and six antennas with beamforming focus signals toward devices.
Two 2.5 Gbps ports provide a faster WAN/LAN connection and a faster LAN connection alongside three 1 Gbps LAN ports. EasyMesh can extend coverage with a compatible router or range extender.
It is a capable home upgrade, though it does not include a 6 GHz band; consider a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 or Wi-Fi 6E router if 6 GHz matters.
Best For: A household upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 that wants multi-gig ports and stated coverage for a medium-to-large home.
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The BE400 fits a Wi-Fi 7 household that values stated coverage and wants more than one multi-gig port. Its dual-band setup is simpler than a tri-band router and excludes 6 GHz, which may matter if you specifically want that band for compatible clients.
Check your floor plan against the maximum coverage figure and confirm whether your modem needs a 2.5 Gbps connection. For another dual-band Wi-Fi 7 option, compare the port mix and rated coverage against your needs.
Compact Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Home Router
TP-Link Dual-Band BE3600 Wi-Fi 7 Router Archer BE230 | 4-Stream | 2×2.5G + 3×1G Ports, USB 3.0, 2.0 GHz Quad Core, 4 Antennas | VPN, EasyMesh, HomeShield, MLO, Private IOT | Free Expert Support
The Archer BE230 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router with MLO, Multi-RUs, and 4K-QAM. Its published wireless rates are up to 2,882 Mbps on 5 GHz and 688 Mbps on 2.4 GHz; it does not support 6 GHz.
For wired devices, it has two 2.5 Gbps connections and three 1 Gbps LAN ports. TP-Link rates maximum coverage for up to 2,000 sq. ft. and up to 60 devices, and EasyMesh can work with compatible routers and extenders.
This is a straightforward Wi-Fi 7 option for homes that do not require a dedicated 6 GHz band or broader coverage.
Best For: A household seeking Wi-Fi 7, multi-gig wired ports, and mesh compatibility in a dual-band router.
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Choose the BE230 for a home Wi-Fi 7 upgrade with two 2.5 Gbps connections and EasyMesh support. Its rated device and coverage figures can help you judge fit; compare them with your expected layout and number of active clients before settling on it.
Because it lacks 6 GHz, households specifically seeking that band should consider a Wi-Fi 6E or tri-band Wi-Fi 7 model. Check that the modem and wired devices can use the faster ports.
Wi-Fi 6 with VPN and NFC Guest Access
Tenda AX3000 WiFi 6 Router,Dual-Band Gigabit Wireless Internet Router, Mesh & AP Mode, Built-in VPN, NFC Tap-to-Connect, OFDMA MU-MIMO, Secure IoT Network for Home Gaming & 4K Streaming(RX12 Pro V3.0)
The Tenda RX12 Pro V3.0 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router with speeds of up to 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. OFDMA and MU-MIMO support multiple devices, and it supports over 100 devices simultaneously.
Four gigabit ports with automatic WAN/LAN recognition serve wired equipment. The router also supports EasyMesh, AP mode, a separate IoT network, and VPN protocols including OpenVPN and WireGuard with the latest firmware.
NFC tap-to-connect is a distinctive guest-access option, but it requires a compatible Android device. A modem or ISP gateway is still needed for internet access.
Best For: A home user who wants Wi-Fi 6, built-in VPN support, and quick NFC connection for compatible Android guests.
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The RX12 Pro V3.0 suits buyers who want Wi-Fi 6 features, gigabit wired ports, VPN options, and a separate IoT network without prioritizing Wi-Fi 7. NFC guest access is convenient only if the connecting phone supports NFC and is Android.
Its VPN WireGuard support depends on the latest firmware, so check firmware before configuring it. Like the other standalone routers, it needs a separate modem or ISP gateway.
Choose a newer Wi-Fi 7 pick if your devices and upgrade plans make the newer standard a priority.
Entry-Level AC1200 with App Controls
Tenda AC1200 Smart WiFi Router, High Speed Dual Band Wireless Internet Router with Smart APP, 4 x 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Ports, Supports Guest WiFi, Access Point Mode, IPv6 and Parental Controls(AC6)
The Tenda AC6 is an AC1200 dual-band router with a stated maximum Wi-Fi rate of up to 1.2 Gbps, split between 867 Mbps on 5 GHz and 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. Four 100 Mbps Ethernet ports handle wired connections, so this model is best considered for a basic network rather than a multi-gig setup.
Its app can help set up and manage the network, with guest Wi-Fi and parental controls included. Access point mode lets it turn a wired connection into Wi-Fi.
It is a router only, not a modem, so confirm your existing modem or gateway can provide the internet connection and that 100 Mbps ports meet your needs.
Best For: A basic home network needing dual-band Wi-Fi and parental controls rather than multi-gig ports.
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Consider the AC6 when a modest home network needs dual-band Wi-Fi, guest access, and basic app controls. Its four 100 Mbps Ethernet ports are the key limitation for wired devices or internet service faster than that port class can handle.
The listed AC1200 wireless rate is a combined maximum across bands, not a per-device promise. Verify that your existing modem is available and that this router's wired connection speed fits your service before choosing it over another gigabit router.
Single-Unit Deco Mesh Starter
TP-Link Deco 7 BE23 Dual-Band BE3600 WiFi 7 Mesh Wi-Fi Router | 4-Stream 3.6 Gbps,160 Mhz | Covers up to 2,500 Sq.Ft | 2× 2.5G Ports Wired Backhaul | VPN, MLO, HomeShield, Free Expert Help, 1-Pack
This Deco 7 BE23 package is a one-pack dual-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh router. The unit supports MLO, Multi-RUs, and 4K-QAM, with rates up to 2,882 Mbps on 5 GHz and 688 Mbps on 2.4 GHz.
Its stated coverage is up to 2,500 sq. ft. for up to 150 devices, and it has two 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN ports for wired equipment or backhaul. The Deco system can combine compatible Deco products under one network name, and the unit supports VPN features and a separate IoT network.
As a single pack, it is one node; check whether you will need additional compatible nodes for your home's layout.
Best For: A home seeking a mesh-style Wi-Fi 7 node with a stated 2,500 sq. ft. coverage area.
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Choose this Deco if you want a mesh-oriented Wi-Fi 7 unit and may expand with other compatible Deco products. The one-pack configuration gives you one node, while the stated coverage is a maximum; walls and layout affect practical reach.
Its two 2.5 Gbps ports support wired equipment or backhaul, which can be useful where Ethernet is available. Compare it with a conventional Archer router if you prefer that form and do not need Deco-system integration.
Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Gaming Router
TP-Link Tri-Band BE11000 Wi-Fi 7 Gaming Router Archer GE650 | 6-Stream 11 Gbps supports 320MHz | 2×5G + 3×2.5G Ports USB 3.0 | Game Acceleration, Dedicated Gaming Port & Panel, RGB Lighting|HomeShield
The Archer GE650 is a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 gaming router with a dedicated 5 GHz gaming band and support for 6 GHz. Its published rates reach up to 5,764 Mbps on 6 GHz, 4,320 Mbps on 5 GHz, and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz.
For wired systems, it has two 5 Gbps ports and three 2.5 Gbps LAN ports. The game panel can show network and router performance, and the feature set includes game acceleration and customizable RGB lighting.
These gaming-focused features make it a specialist pick. Check which of your devices support its bands and whether your modem can use the faster WAN port.
Best For: Gamers who want a dedicated 5 GHz gaming band, gaming controls, and multi-gig wired ports.
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Pick the GE650 if gaming is a central use and you want a dedicated 5 GHz band, a game-focused dashboard, and multiple multi-gig ports. Its tri-band Wi-Fi 7 includes 6 GHz, unlike dual-band Wi-Fi 7 home routers.
The headline combined rates are band-specific maximums, so your clients and environment affect actual connections. If you need more wired 5 Gbps ports, compare a router with that port configuration; for a general home network, consider a less gaming-focused feature set.
Pocketable Wi-Fi 6 Travel Router
TP-Link Roam 6 AX1500 Portable Wi-Fi 6 Travel Router Dual-Band | Easy Public WiFi Sharing | Hotel/RV/Travel Approved | Phone WiFi Tether | USB C 3.0 | Multi-Mode | OpenVPN, WireGuard® | TL-WR1512X
The Roam 6 AX1500 is a pocket-sized dual-band Wi-Fi 6 travel router for hotels, airports, RVs, and other trips. It can connect to public Wi-Fi and create a private network, or work in router, access point, repeater, and client modes.
OpenVPN and WireGuard support suit remote workers who want VPN connectivity through the router. The unit supports up to 60 devices and has two gigabit ports for wired connections.
USB-C power can come from the included adapter or a 5V/3A PD power source such as a power bank. It is designed for travel connectivity, not a substitute for a home router's broader coverage needs.
Best For: Travelers who want to share public Wi-Fi privately and power a portable router from USB-C.
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Choose the Roam 6 for compact travel use, especially if you want one private network for devices that connect through hotel or public Wi-Fi. Its two gigabit ports and USB-C power support flexible setups, while Wi-Fi 6 rates are more modest than a newer Wi-Fi 7 travel router's figures.
Confirm whether the public network's sign-in process works with your setup and whether a compatible power source is available. For a newer wireless standard and faster WAN, compare the available port specifications.
How to Choose Wifi Routers
How We Picked WiFi Routers
The candidates cover several real router needs: general home Wi-Fi, multi-gig wired networks, gaming, mesh expansion, and travel. We favored distinct uses rather than repeating the same model or filling the list with alternate versions.
The Tenda AC6 represents a basic AC1200 option, while the RX12 Pro brings Wi-Fi 6, gigabit ports, VPN support, and IoT network features. Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 picks offer newer bands or features for compatible devices.
A router's headline wireless rate is a combined maximum across bands and does not promise that one phone or computer will reach that figure. Coverage and device counts are maximum claims, too.
Home layout, walls, client hardware, and internet service shape what a router can deliver. Check the modem requirement and match the router's WAN and LAN ports to the service and wired devices you actually use.
Comparing WiFi Routers
The biggest decision is wireless generation and band layout. The AC6 is an AC1200 dual-band router with 100 Mbps Ethernet ports.
The RX12 Pro adds Wi-Fi 6 and gigabit ports, while the AXE75 offers Wi-Fi 6E with three bands including 6 GHz. Among Wi-Fi 7 choices, the BE230 and BE400 are dual-band, while the BE600, GE650, and GE800 add tri-band operation.
The Deco 7 BE23 is also dual-band Wi-Fi 7, packaged as one mesh node.
Port selection can matter as much as wireless speed. The BE230, BE400, and Deco unit include 2.5 Gbps connections; the BE600 adds a 10 Gbps port and three 2.5 Gbps LAN ports.
The gaming GE650 and GE800 include multiple multi-gig ports plus gaming controls. Consider whether your modem, plan, and client devices can use those faster links before paying for them.
| Product | Standout features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link Archer BE600Check Price |
| A larger home with Wi-Fi 7 devices and multi-gig wired equipment. |
| TP-Link Archer AXE75Check Price |
| Households with compatible Wi-Fi 6E devices that want three bands and mesh expansion. |
| TP-Link Archer GE800Check Price |
| Gamers with several multi-gig wired devices and a high-bandwidth internet connection. |
| TP-Link Archer BE400Check Price |
| A household upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 that wants multi-gig ports and stated coverage for a medium-to-large home. |
| TP-Link Archer BE230Check Price |
| A household seeking Wi-Fi 7, multi-gig wired ports, and mesh compatibility in a dual-band router. |
| Tenda RX12 Pro V3.0Check Price |
| A home user who wants Wi-Fi 6, built-in VPN support, and quick NFC connection for compatible Android guests. |
| Tenda AC6Check Price |
| A basic home network needing dual-band Wi-Fi and parental controls rather than multi-gig ports. |
| TP-Link Deco 7 BE23Check Price |
| A home seeking a mesh-style Wi-Fi 7 node with a stated 2,500 sq. ft. coverage area. |
| TP-Link Archer GE650Check Price |
| Gamers who want a dedicated 5 GHz gaming band, gaming controls, and multi-gig wired ports. |
| TP-Link Roam 6 AX1500Check Price |
| Travelers who want to share public Wi-Fi privately and power a portable router from USB-C. |
Choosing a Router for Home Coverage
For a home where one router does not reach every room, consider expansion support. Several Archer models support EasyMesh, the AXE75 works with a OneMesh extender, and Deco products can form a mesh system together.
The Deco BE23 is a single unit, so its stated coverage does not mean it contains multiple nodes. Compare the maximum area claims with your floor plan and think about walls, floors, and where the router can sit.
The BE400 gives a maximum coverage figure of 2,400 sq. ft. and up to 90 devices; the BE600 lists up to 2,600 sq. ft. and up to 120 devices. The Deco BE23 lists up to 2,500 sq. ft. for its one-pack unit and up to 150 devices.
These figures can help narrow options, but they are not guarantees for every home. If you have dead zones, check compatible mesh units and wired-backhaul options.
Wi-Fi Router Features for Gaming and Smart Homes
For gaming, the GE650 and GE800 include dedicated gaming features such as game acceleration, a gaming panel, and multi-gig ports. The GE650 calls out a dedicated 5 GHz gaming band, while GE800 has two 10 Gbps ports.
These may fit households with compatible gaming devices and fast wired service; they add little value if your gaming system and internet connection cannot use them. The BE230, BE400, and AXE75 are more general-purpose alternatives with Wi-Fi 7 or 6E features.
Smart home controls vary. The RX12 Pro offers a separate IoT network, parental controls, and built-in VPN support.
HomeShield appears on multiple TP-Link choices, and the Deco unit also supports a separate IoT SSID. Check which controls and VPN modes are included in the router's software and whether a feature needs updated firmware or compatible devices.
For the Tenda AC6, the documented advantages are simpler: guest Wi-Fi, app management, and parental controls.
Travel Router or Home Wi-Fi Router?
The Roam 6 is a portable Wi-Fi 6 router, and the Roam 7 is a portable Wi-Fi 7 model with a 2.5 Gbps WAN port. Both can create a private network from public Wi-Fi and support VPN connectivity; the Roam 7 also lists support for up to 90 devices versus 60 for Roam 6.
Their multiple operating modes make them useful for hotels, RVs, and travel setups, but a portable router serves a different role from a stationary home model. The Roam 7 does not support 6 GHz despite its Wi-Fi 7 label.
Check travel-router power options, port needs, VPN protocols, and whether a location's public Wi-Fi login flow will work with the device. For a home network, compare coverage, Ethernet speeds, and mesh compatibility instead.
The two categories share the word router, but the portable models are designed to connect through available Wi-Fi or tethered service while away.
Who Should Buy Which WiFi Router
For a basic, lower-speed wired setup, consider the Tenda AC6 and its four 100 Mbps ports. For Wi-Fi 6 with gigabit wired connections, the Tenda RX12 Pro adds an IoT network and VPN options.
If your clients support 6 GHz Wi-Fi 6E, the Archer AXE75 is the supplied 6E choice. For Wi-Fi 7 home use, compare dual-band BE230 and BE400 against tri-band BE600, with the Deco BE23 offering a single-node mesh route.
Gamers with multi-gig equipment can compare the GE650 and GE800 by their port mix and game controls. Travelers should compare the Roam 6 and Roam 7 by generation, connection modes, device capacity, and port speed.
Before choosing any Wi-Fi router, verify modem compatibility and identify which features your devices, internet plan, home layout, or travel connection can actually use.