Buying guide: routers and mesh Wi-Fi systems

Choosing a router or mesh system hinges on three pillars: maximum throughput determines transfer fluidity, the number of Ethernet ports governs wired connections, and antennas influence signal range. The gap between entry-level models and premium solutions is measured in tens of gigabits and coverage capacity.

What to check

Maximum Wi-Fi speed The maximum wireless transfer rate determines how fast data flows between your devices and the router. In the current market, the least capable models cap around one thousand one hundred and sixty-seven megabits per second, while the median sits at five thousand seven hundred and sixty megabits per second. The fastest routers reach eleven thousand five hundred and thirty megabits per second. The Kalyneo score reflects this positioning: the higher it is, the faster the router handles streaming, online gaming or large file transfers. Market median: 5,760 Mbit/s

Ethernet ports available The number of wired network ports determines how many devices can connect directly to the router by cable. This wired connection guarantees stability and speed superior to Wi-Fi, particularly for gaming consoles, desktop computers or home servers. Entry-level routers offer a single port, the median provides three, and the best-equipped models feature five. The score reflects this capacity: a high rating signals more simultaneous wired connection possibilities. Market median: 3

Number of antennas Antennas directly influence signal range and Wi-Fi coverage quality throughout your home. The most modest routers carry two antennas, the median lies between four and five, while the most generously equipped models integrate up to twelve. A high number of antennas generally improves the ability to penetrate walls and maintain a stable signal in distant rooms. The Kalyneo score grows with the antenna count: it indicates the router’s theoretical capacity to cover an extensive or complex space. Market median: 4.5

Installation and setup Setting up a router or mesh system typically involves a mobile application or web interface. Mesh systems simplify coverage extension by adding satellites that configure themselves automatically. A traditional router sometimes requires manual adjustment of channels or advanced parameters to optimise performance. Anticipate the time needed for initial configuration, especially if you wish to customise the guest network, parental controls or bandwidth priority for certain devices.

Benchmarks based on 30 recent market listings, collected on 4 October 2026.

What you get for each budget

Under €70

Routers in this bracket offer the essentials for daily browsing and apartment coverage, with sufficient throughput for standard streaming and a few Ethernet ports for priority connections.

€70 to €200

This mid-range segment delivers significantly higher speeds, several Ethernet ports and more antennas, suitable for connected households, simultaneous multimedia use and medium to large spaces.

Over €200

Premium models combine maximum throughput, numerous wired ports and multiple antennas to cover vast areas, support many devices simultaneously and guarantee optimal performance for online gaming or intensive transfers.