Let's face it. We rely heavily on the internet. You could be working from home, going to school, streaming or gaming -- we need the internet. However, our internet isn't always reliable. In fact, a CNET survey found that 51% of US adults who saw their bills increase last year say their internet is still unreliable.
Securing fast internet through your service provider is only half of the battle. "Once the connection gets to your home, your router matters just as much," warns Tyler Cooper, editor in chief at the research and advocacy group BroadbandNow. "A cheap, outdated router can make a gigabit plan feel slow."
Making key choices about the hardware you use in your home can improve your online experience. Whether you're streaming 4K Netflix to multiple TVs or need the lowest ping for that blockbuster multiplayer game, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to ensure you have the right equipment for your family's needs.
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Do I need a modem and router?
Getting your home online generally requires two things: a modem and a router. The good news is that these two components are usually built into a single piece of equipment. But knowing the difference between the two is still important.
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The modem
Think of the modem as the device that connects your home to the big, wide web of the internet. It's your digital front door and it translates the external internet connection into one that your computer or phone can use.
With that said, you might wonder, "Do I need a modem and a router?" The answer will depend on your home's internet connection.
Cable and DSL connections require a modem and a router. Fiber connections typically don't need a modem and instead use an Optical Network Terminal to convert the external fiber connection to one that can be used inside your home.
Check with your ISP if you're unsure which connection type your home has.
The router
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While your modem connects the internet from your ISP to your home, a router beams that internet to all of your home's devices. This can be transmitted via Wi-Fi or through wired Ethernet connections.
The router handles all of the internal network traffic for your home. Think of it as a police officer directing traffic at a broken stoplight -- it sends traffic to where it needs to go.
What type of router do I need?
There are many types of routers on the market. While not everyone needs a modem, everyone does need a router, and choosing the right one can be confusing. Which router is right for you will depend on how you intend to use it.
For the gamers
Some routers are built with gaming in mind, offering super-fast wired connections and multiple external antennas for a speedy wireless connection when needed. Gaming routers are designed to reduce latency as much as possible, ensuring a stable connection for online games. They often include Quality of Service features, which help prioritize gaming traffic over other types, like streaming video.
For larger homes
For those with larger homes, where one router may not reach all the rooms, a mesh Wi-Fi system is a great option. Mesh systems use a main router and additional access points to extend the Wi-Fi coverage further than would normally be available. Mesh routers generally have a router and a single access point, but more can be added depending on your needs. The extra hardware components often mean more expensive, but it could well be worth it if you have a larger home.
Aimee Simpson, director of product marketing at cybersecurity firm Huntress, warns that older homes with thick walls can really stifle a router's Wi-Fi reach. Sometimes, the sheer size of a property can work against it.
"For both of these cases, consumers can turn to mesh Wi-Fi," Simpson says. "Mesh Wi-Fi uses several individual nodes that you place around the house, creating a web of different internet hotspots that you can connect to." The additional range can help eliminate connectivity dead spots.
How to get the best internet performance
As technology has advanced, and our online needs have expanded, so has the need for faster Wi-Fi technology. The newest standard, Wi-Fi 7, is the fastest yet, and it achieves impressive speeds by using three wireless bands simultaneously. Unlike Wi-Fi 6E, its predecessor, Wi-Fi 7 can use the 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz bands simultaneously, increasing the available bandwidth. Wi-Fi 7 also doubles the channel size of the 6GHz band from 160MHz to 320MHz, increasing the amount of data it can transmit at once.
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Not all devices support Wi-Fi 7. The newer, premium smartphones, including the iPhone 17 and Samsung's Galaxy S25 lineup, are Wi-Fi 7 enabled. However, the iPhone 16 series (or older) are not. While a Wi-Fi 7 router will work with any device that connects to Wi-Fi, you'll need a Wi-Fi 7-compatible device to make the most of its capabilities. There are still plenty of Wi-Fi 6 and 6E routers available, but most manufacturers have switched to Wi-Fi 7 for their new releases.
What equipment do I need for fast Wi-Fi?
The router is the component that provides Wi-Fi connectivity, creating the network to which your phone, laptop, streaming stick and other devices will connect.
Most routers are single pieces of hardware that all your devices connect to and they're fine for most homes. But if your home is larger, your router might struggle to send its signal to all rooms and across all floors. In that instance, router placement will be key. While you can place your router anywhere, its location can have a drastic impact on performance.
Ideally, your router should be placed in a central location to cover as much of your home as possible. You should also avoid obstructions, so don't place it in a cupboard or on a middle shelf whenever possible.
If you have a large or multi-story home, get a mesh router system. A mesh Wi-Fi system uses multiple access points, which can help negate some of the effects of poor placement and obstructions.
The all-in-one solution: Modem-router combo
Most people use a modem-router combination to connect to the internet at home. If you're renting your router from your ISP, it's likely that you are, too. These jack-of-all-trades devices are quick and easy to install and maintain, which is why ISPs offer them to their customers. Setting up your router normally takes just a few minutes.
By combining the modem with the router, these devices reduce complexity. They also make troubleshooting easier -- the old "turn it off and back on" trick is less of a chore if you only have one device to diagnose.
However, what you gain in convenience, you often lose in performance. These all-in-one devices may not use the latest technologies, especially if they're provided by your ISP. While they are likely fine for a small apartment and basic internet browsing, more complex needs could be problematic.
Should you replace your ISP modem or router?
Choosing to replace an ISP modem isn't for everyone; it's an option for people who want the best home internet equipment. The same applies to replacing your ISP's router and it's a good idea if you're dealing with Wi-Fi problems, like spotty connectivity in your home.
There are plenty of reasons to use your own equipment instead of your ISP's, starting with the simplest: You'll own your own hardware. That means no more rental fees, plus you can choose hardware with the features you need.
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Depending on the hardware you buy, you can also expect improved performance. But an often overlooked bonus is that you will have full control over your hardware's settings and configuration.
"ISPs typically will be more than happy to rent you basic all-in-one units that get the job done, and that's fine," Cooper explains. "But they're usually limited in features and performance. You get more control, stronger Wi-Fi and better long-term value when you own it outright." ISPs often lock features and options down, seemingly for little reason. That's an issue you won't have to worry about if you provide your own modem or router.
But for all the positives, there are still some negatives to buying your own network hardware that you should consider. Maintenance and troubleshooting will be on you -- your ISP's customer service team won't be able to help if things go awry. The hardware will have its own support team but it can be easier to get problems fixed if the company that provides your internet is also the company that provided the modem and router.
Too long; didn't read?
I know that's a lot of words in the name of faster internet, so let's boil things down to the key takeaways.
Cable and DSL internet require a modem and a router to get online at home. They can be separate devices or a combo device that acts as the modem and the router.
Your modem takes the internet connection from outside your home and translates it into something your router can use.
Your router handles all connectivity inside your home, whether it's between devices or between a device and the internet.
You can rent a router from your ISP or buy your own.
Choosing your own hardware gives you more control over performance and configuration at the expense of added complexity -- especially if something goes wrong.
If you do buy your own router, consider the size of your home and whether a mesh system would be beneficial.
Wi-Fi 7 is the latest wireless technology. Its theoretical data transfer rate is 2.4 times that of the previous Wi-Fi 6/6E standards.
Regardless of who owns your router or what technology it has, placement is key. Aim for a central location away from obstacles that could interfere with the signal.
Now, it's over to you. Armed with all the information you need to make an informed decision, consider whether your setup is sufficient for your needs, and if not, consider upgrading to something new.
After all, choosing the best home internet equipment isn't just about today; it's about futureproofing for your internet-connected home of tomorrow, too.