The Best Wifi Router
A cheap, fast Wi-Fi 7 router that covers most homes without the premium price — just mind the security debate. · Updated June 25, 2026
TP-Link Archer BE3600
★star.shop pickWirecutter pick
Pros
- Excellent value — Wi-Fi 7 performance for around $80–$100
- Two 2.5G Ethernet ports (WAN/LAN) plus a USB 3.0 port, rare at this price
- Reliable, speedy coverage for most homes and apartments
- Easy setup and management through the TP-Link Tether app
- Future-proof Wi-Fi 7 standard without paying flagship prices
Cons
- TP-Link has faced ongoing security scrutiny — Reddit's r/HomeNetworking widely recommends ASUS instead, citing outdated crypto and US national-security investigations
- Not a true buy-it-for-life pick: r/BuyItForLife favors ASUS or Ubiquiti/UniFi for genuine longevity, and routers age out with new Wi-Fi standards anyway
- Dual-band only (no dedicated 6GHz on some configs) — large multi-story homes may want a mesh system
- Advanced users will find firmware features limited compared to ASUS or Ubiquiti