Secure a home Wi-Fi router by using WPA3 Personal—or WPA2 Personal if WPA3 is unavailable—changing both the Wi-Fi and administrator passwords, installing updates, and disabling features you do not use. Replace the router only if it cannot support WPA2 or WPA3 after you check for updates, or if it no longer receives security updates.
1. Use WPA3 or WPA2 encryption
In your router’s wireless security settings, choose WPA3 Personal if it is available. WPA2 Personal is also an appropriate choice when WPA3 is not supported. The FTC describes WPA3 as the newer and best encryption available and recommends WPA3 Personal or WPA2 Personal for a home network. FTC: How To Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Network
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Do not use WEP or legacy WPA. If those are the only choices shown, check the router maker’s instructions for a firmware update, then see whether the updated settings include WPA2 or WPA3. If neither is supported, the router is a candidate for replacement. A router that supports WPA2 does not need replacing merely because it lacks WPA3.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2. Change the two passwords that protect different things
Your router has separate credentials for joining Wi-Fi and administering the router. Changing one does not change the other.
#1 Best Overall
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
- Wi-Fi password: Controls who can join your wireless network. Set a unique password that you do not reuse for another account.
- Administrator password: Protects access to router settings. Replace the factory default, and change the default administrator username too if the router permits it.
Choose a network name that does not reveal personal details, such as your name or address, or identify the router brand. Use the router’s manual or your internet service provider’s instructions to find the relevant settings; menu labels differ by model.
3. Install updates and check whether the router is still supported
Look for router software or firmware updates through the router’s settings or the manufacturer’s support site. For an ISP-provided router, ask the provider whether updates are installed automatically and whether the device still receives them. Enable automatic updates if the router offers that option.
Rank #2
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz speeds up to 867 Mbps and 2.4 GHz speeds up to 300 Mbps, delivering 1200 Mbps of total bandwidth¹. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
- Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Advanced Security with WPA3 - The latest Wi-Fi security protocol, WPA3, brings new capabilities to improve cybersecurity in personal networks
Update support is specific to the router model, so do not assume that every device follows the same schedule. NIST recommends automatic updates where available and says to consider replacing or retiring older smart-home devices that can no longer receive updates. NIST: 7 Tips to Keep Your Smart Home Safer and More Private
4. Turn off features you do not need
Disable these options if you are not using them. Their menu names and dependencies vary, so consult your router manual or ISP rather than switching off a feature you rely on.
Rank #3
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
- Remote management: Allows router controls to be accessed over the internet. Turn it off if you do not need to administer the router from outside your home.
- Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS): Offers a button-based way to connect devices. Disable it if you do not use that setup method.
- Universal Plug and Play (UPnP): Lets devices discover one another. Disable it if your devices and services do not need it.
The FTC recommends turning off remote management, WPS, and UPnP when they are not needed because these conveniences may weaken security. FTC: How To Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Network
5. Use guest access and separate smart-home devices where possible
Give visitors the guest-network login instead of sharing your main Wi-Fi password. A guest network can help limit a visitor’s device from reaching devices on your primary network, but the degree of isolation depends on the router. Check its documentation rather than assuming that every guest network fully separates devices.
Rank #4
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕: Powered by Wi-Fi 7 technology, enjoy faster speeds with Multi-Link Operation, increased reliability with Multi-RUs, and more data capacity with 4K-QAM, delivering enhanced performance for all your devices.
- 𝐁𝐄𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫: Delivers up to 2882 Mbps (5 GHz), and 688 Mbps (2.4 GHz) speeds for 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming & more. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance, and obstacles like walls.
- 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐆𝐢𝐠 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝟐.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟑×𝟏𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐋𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬: Maximize Gigabitplus internet with one 2.5G WAN/LAN port, one 2.5 Gbps LAN port, plus three additional 1 Gbps LAN ports. Break the 1G barrier for seamless, high-speed connectivity from the internet to multiple LAN devices for enhanced performance.
- 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭-𝐆𝐞𝐧 𝟐.𝟎 𝐆𝐇𝐳 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐝-𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫: Experience power and precision with a state-of-the-art processor that effortlessly manages high throughput. Eliminate lag and enjoy fast connections with minimal latency, even during heavy data transmissions.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 - Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft. for up to 60 devices at a time. 4 internal antennas and beamforming technology focus Wi-Fi signals toward hard-to-reach areas. Seamlessly connect phones, TVs, and gaming consoles.
If your router supports a separate network for smart-home devices, consider using it for products such as cameras or connected appliances. NIST recommends considering network separation for smart-home devices; the available controls and how they isolate devices vary by router. NIST: 7 Tips to Keep Your Smart Home Safer and More Private
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6. Check the firewall and the devices connected to Wi-Fi
Confirm that the router’s built-in firewall is enabled. Review its connected-device list periodically. If you see a device you do not recognize, investigate it using the router’s documentation or your ISP’s help before deciding what action to take.
Best Value
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
- Full Gigabit Ports - Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
- Boosted Coverage - Four external antennas equipped with Beamforming technology extend and concentrate the Wi-Fi signals
- MU-MIMO technology - (5GHz band) allows high speeds for multiple devices simultaneously
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
Keep phones, computers, cameras, and other connected devices updated and protected with unique passwords where applicable. Disconnect older devices you no longer use if their security is out of date. Router settings protect only one layer of the home network; they do not replace security updates and safe settings on each device. The FTC’s guidance also covers securing internet-connected devices at home. FTC: Securing Your Internet-Connected Devices at Home
Should you replace an older router?
Decide based on security support and compatibility, not age alone. NIST’s September 2024 publication, Recommended Cybersecurity Requirements for Consumer-Grade Router Products, describes security outcomes and requirements for consumer routers; it is product-security context, not a household setup checklist. NIST IR 8425A
| Check | Keep using it if… | Consider replacement if… |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless encryption | It supports WPA3 Personal or at least WPA2 Personal. | After checking for updates, it offers only legacy WPA or WEP. |
| Security updates | The manufacturer or ISP still provides updates, automatically or through a supported update process. | The router no longer receives security updates. |
| Compatibility | It works with your ISP and the devices you need to connect. | A replacement is needed to meet your ISP or household-device requirements. |
Before buying anything, verify the exact model’s current update-support policy and compatibility with your ISP and devices. The guidance here establishes when replacement may be warranted; it does not assess specific router models.
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