Routers are the gateway to the internet and are essential for a reliable, secure, and fast connection. Whether you’re streaming your favorite show, joining a video conference, or gaming with friends, the right router ensures your experience is seamless.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to choose a router that meets your needs. Whether you're upgrading or buying your first router, this wireless router buying guide is here to help.
What is a router?
The router is a piece of equipment that takes the signal from your modem and distributes it to both wired devices and wireless (wi-fi) devices. The router also controls the range in which you can receive a wireless signal. (Learn more about how the internet gets to your digital device)
The first step in selecting a router is making sure it can handle the speed of your internet plan. Not all routers can handle all internet speeds. If your internet plan has 300 Mbps and your router can only handle 100 Mbps, you will be missing out on 200 Mbps of speed. (What internet speed is right for you?)
Understand Your Internet Needs
First things first: consider your internet usage. Are you a casual browser, a remote worker, a gamer, or managing a smart home? Your answer will determine the speed, range, and features your router should have.
Common Use Cases
- Casual browsing and email
- Activities like checking email, reading the news, or scrolling through social media require minimal bandwidth, making them easy to handle on almost any internet plan.
- Streaming HD or 4K content
- Watching your favorite shows or movies in high definition—or even stunning 4K—demands a stable, high-speed connection to avoid buffering and enjoy smooth playback.
- Online gaming
- Whether you're playing competitively or casually, online gaming relies on low latency and fast upload/download speeds for responsive, lag-free gameplay.
- Multiple connected smart devices
- From security cameras to smart speakers and thermostats, a smart home needs a reliable connection that can support many devices running at the same time.
Learn more about our residential internet plans.
Key Features to Look For in a Router
Modern routers come with a variety of features. Let’s break down what’s important
Dual-Band or Tri-Band?
- Dual-band routers offer 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
- Dual-band routers provide two frequency options—2.4 GHz for broader coverage and 5 GHz for faster speeds—giving you flexibility based on your needs.
- Tri-band routers add an extra 5 GHz band to reduce congestion.
- Tri-band routers take it a step further by adding a second 5 GHz band, which helps reduce network congestion and improve performance for multiple connected devices.
Wi-Fi Standards
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) is common.
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) is the standard found in many homes today, offering solid speed and performance for everyday use.
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is faster and supports more devices.
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is the next-generation upgrade—delivering faster speeds, better efficiency, and the ability to handle more devices at once, making it ideal for smart homes and busy networks.
Coverage Area
Make sure your router provides strong, reliable coverage in every part of your home—including basements, upper floors, or outdoor areas. For larger homes or spaces with thick walls, a mesh Wi-Fi system can eliminate dead zones by using multiple access points to blanket your entire space with consistent signal strength. Determine the best place to put your WiFi router.
Security Features to Consider
Security is essential when it comes to protecting your personal data and keeping your home network safe from unauthorized access. When choosing a router, look for advanced features like:
- WPA3 encryption - offers stronger protection than older standards
- Built-in firewalls - help block malicious traffic
- Guest network access - allows visitors to connect without exposing your main devices or sensitive information.
These features add critical layers of defense to keep your internet experience safe and secure.
Want a router that checks off all of these boxes and more? All West trusts the Plume SuperPod system for all your router needs. Plume is a cloud-based system that provides you with full-strength, uninterrupted connectivity where and when you need it.
The Plume app delivers an enhanced experience through custom guest access, parental controls, and AI Security™ for added protection. SuperPods™ are beautiful, small and plug straight into the wall.
Learn more about the top 5 features of Plume our staff raves about
Conclusion
Choosing a router doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Consider your household’s usage, the size of your space, and whether you want cutting-edge features. With the right router and internet bundle, you can enjoy strong, stable Wi-Fi for years to come.
If you need help selecting a router or want to learn more about Plume, our Customer Service team is just a phone call away at 866.255.9378.
