Buying a WiFi router today is far more confusing than it used to be. When you walk into a store or browse online, you’re bombarded with terms like WiFi 4, WiFi 5, WiFi 6, dual-band, tri-band, 300 Mbps, 3000 Mbps, and more.
For most people, these terms don’t mean much—and that leads to a common mistake: buying an expensive router that they don’t actually need.
After working with home networks, studio setups, and office environments for years, I’ve seen countless users overspend on routers or choose the wrong one for their usage. This guide will help you understand exactly what to look for when buying a WiFi router.
Why Do You Need a WiFi Router?
Before you buy a router, ask yourself a simple question:
What will you use the internet for?
Most users skip this step and just buy the most expensive router they can afford. But in reality, your usage type should decide your router.
Basic Usage
- Social media
- YouTube
- Web browsing
- Smart TV streaming (HD)
- CCTV monitoring
For this kind of usage, a 30–50 Mbps router is more than enough.
If you want something future-proof, go for a 100 Mbps capable router.
Heavy Usage
- 4K streaming
- Online gaming
- Video calls
- Work-from-home tasks
- Large file uploads/downloads
For these tasks, you should consider a router that supports 100 Mbps or higher speeds.
Understanding WiFi Standards (WiFi 4, 5, 6, and 7)
When buying a router, you’ll see different WiFi generations:
| WiFi Standard | Also Called | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi 4 | 802.11n | Outdated, avoid |
| WiFi 5 | 802.11ac | Best for most homes |
| WiFi 6 | 802.11ax | Heavy usage, future-proof |
| WiFi 7 | Latest | High-end, expensive setups |
TechX7 Advice
For most households:
- WiFi 5 is still perfectly fine
- Choose WiFi 6 if you do heavy streaming, gaming, or work
- Buy WiFi 7 only if your devices support it
A common mistake is buying a WiFi 6 or 7 router while your phone, laptop, or TV only supports WiFi 5.
Single Band vs Dual Band vs Tri Band
Routers operate on different frequency bands.
2.4 GHz (Single Band)
Pros
- Longer range
- Better wall penetration
Cons
- Slower speeds
- More interference
Dual Band (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz)
Pros
- Good speed and range balance
- Ideal for most homes
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than single band
Tri Band (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz)
Pros
- Best performance
- Handles many devices
Cons
- Expensive
- Only useful for large smart homes
Expert Recommendation
- Skip single-band routers—they’re outdated.
- Dual-band routers are best for 90% of users.
Choose tri-band only if:
- You have 15–20+ devices
- You use home automation
- You need high performance everywhere
Understanding Router Speed (Mbps Ratings)
Routers are often labeled like:
- 300 Mbps
- 1200 Mbps
- 3000 Mbps
These numbers represent theoretical maximum speeds, not real-world performance.
Example:
A router advertised at 867 Mbps may deliver:
- Around 430–600 Mbps in actual use
TechX7 Tip
Always choose a router with 2–3× higher speed rating than your internet plan.
Example:
- 100 Mbps internet → buy a 300 Mbps or higher router
Coverage: How Much Area Does Your Router Need?
Coverage depends on:
- Home size
- Wall thickness
- Furniture and obstacles
General Guidelines
| Home Size | Recommended Router |
|---|---|
| Up to 900 sq ft | Basic router |
| 900–1500 sq ft | Mid-range dual-band |
| Above 1500 sq ft | High-power router or mesh |
Manufacturers rarely mention exact coverage because every home layout is different.
Antennas: How Many Do You Really Need?
Routers come with:
- 2 antennas
- 4 antennas
- 6 antennas or more
TechX7 Recommendation
- 4 antennas → Ideal for most homes
- 6 antennas → Only for larger or high-performance setups
Antenna Positioning Tip
Instead of pointing all antennas straight up:
- One at 0°
- One at 45°
- One at 90°
Test different angles to find the best coverage.
Important Features to Check Before Buying
1. Security
Look for:
- WPA2 (minimum)
- WPA3 (preferred)
Avoid routers with outdated security.
2. LAN Ports
Even if you mostly use WiFi:
- Gamers
- Desktop users
- Smart TVs
Often need wired connections.
Choose routers with at least 3–4 LAN ports.
3. Guest Network & Parental Controls
Useful features:
- Separate guest WiFi
- Website blocking
- Device monitoring
Using a Router as a WiFi Extender
If your home has multiple floors or weak signal areas:
Instead of buying a cheap extender:
- Use another router as an access point
Benefits
- More stable connection
- Less signal drop
- Better speeds
Mesh systems are also available but are more expensive.
Recommended Budget Ranges
| Budget | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Under ₹1000 | Single-band router (not recommended) |
| ₹1500–₹3000 | Dual-band WiFi 5 or WiFi 6 (best value) |
| ₹3500+ | High-end WiFi 6 or WiFi 7 |
| ₹20,000+ | Mesh or premium systems |
Best value for most users:
₹1500–₹3000 dual-band router.
Best Router Brands to Consider
Choose reliable brands:
Avoid unknown, cheap brands—they often have:
- Weak signals
- Security issues
- Poor durability
Practical Router Placement Tips
- Place router in the center of your home.
- Keep it in an open, ventilated area.
- Avoid cupboards or enclosed spaces.
- Change the default admin password.
- Use apps to find the best signal spot.
TechX7 Tips Most People Don’t Know
- Don’t trust box speeds—real speeds are lower.
- Always choose higher speed than your plan.
- Dual-band is the sweet spot for most homes.
- Replace routers every 4–5 years for best performance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right WiFi router doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is to:
- Understand your usage
- Pick the right band and speed
- Avoid unnecessary high-end models
For most homes in 2026, a dual-band WiFi 6 router in the ₹1500–₹3000 range offers the best balance of performance and value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which WiFi router is best for home use?
A dual-band WiFi 5 or WiFi 6 router is best for most homes.
2. Is WiFi 6 worth buying in 2026?
Yes, especially if you stream in 4K, game online, or want future-proof performance.
3. How many antennas do I need?
Four antennas are ideal for typical home usage.
4. What is the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz?
- 2.4 GHz: longer range, slower speed
- 5 GHz: shorter range, faster speed
5. Should I buy a single-band router?
No. Single-band routers are outdated and not recommended.
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