Routers

Match the router to your home and how you use it. For a flat or small house, a good single router is plenty. For a larger home or thick walls, a mesh Wi-Fi system spreads coverage far better. Gamers and heavy users benefit from a router with strong wired ports and the latest Wi-Fi for low lag and steady speeds.

Wi-Fi 6 is fast, widely supported and great value for most homes. Wi-Fi 7 is the newest standard with higher speeds and lower latency, which is worth it if you have very fast broadband, lots of devices, or want to future-proof. If your devices and broadband can use it, a Wi-Fi 7 router gives the most headroom.

A single router suits smaller homes where one unit reaches every room. A mesh Wi-Fi system uses several units that work as one network, so you get strong, seamless coverage across a larger or multi-floor home with no dead spots. If parts of your house drop out, mesh is usually the better fix than a single powerful router.

The router your provider supplies is often basic. A better standalone router or mesh system can improve range, speed and stability, and gives you more control over the network. You usually keep the provider's box in modem mode or connect to it, then let the new router handle the Wi-Fi. It is one of the most worthwhile home upgrades.

For gaming, look for the latest Wi-Fi or, better still, a wired connection, strong gigabit ports, and features like Quality of Service that prioritise game traffic. Low, steady latency matters more than headline speed. If you can, connect your gaming PC or console by network cable for the most stable connection.