This content first appeared on Mashable aimed at a US audience and has been modified for the UK audience.

Like running water, central heating, a roof over your head, and an advanced gaming console — reliable WiFi is one of life’s necessities. Be truthful: You simply couldn’t live without it. As contemporary life becomes smarter and more interconnected, having a high-quality WiFi router at home is increasingly vital.

WiFi routers are straightforward to set up and can dramatically enhance WiFi coverage throughout your home with blazing-fast connection speeds. Sounds appealing, doesn’t it? The era of waiting for slow downloads and frustrating buffering should be a thing of the past.

But how do you determine the best router for you and your household? It relies on several factors, including the size of your coverage area, the number of connected devices, and the kinds of devices connecting to the router. We are knowledgeable in this area. Here’s a brief guide on everything you need to understand, plus a curated list of the top WiFi routers available at present.

What is a WiFi router?

Essentially, it’s a small device positioned in a corner of a room that transmits data from your broadband line to your devices, enabling each device to access the internet. Although wireless routers are, well, wireless — that’s the purpose, folks — they usually come with Ethernet ports too, which allow you to directly connect PCs, televisions, and other devices to the internet.

How does a WiFi router function?

The WiFi router transforms broadband data into radio bands, which are subsequently picked up by your devices. These radio bands resemble distinct lanes, which maintain data separation to avoid congestion. Different devices require varying bandwidths — some demand more than others — so the greater the number of bands, the more effective the router is. You can select from single, dual, or tri-band routers.

Single vs. dual-band — which is better?

A single-band router consists of just one 2.4 GHz frequency band. These are typically more affordable, connect effortlessly to devices, and are effective at overcoming obstacles such as doors and walls. However, they have slower speeds than multi-band routers and lack many of the latest features. Single-band is likely the best option if your internet demands are minimal. Dual-band routers are more expensive but also guarantee improved speeds and performance. Dual-band routers have become the standard, so contemporary devices will be adequately supported.

Is a tri-band router necessary?

If there are many people in your household — like a large family with numerous devices per person — a tri-band router will be the optimum choice. Tri-band routers feature one 2.4 GHz channel and two 5 GHz channels. These routers are designed to manage multiple Gigabit speeds — up to 2166 Mbps on each 5 GHz band. For an exceptionally large household — a spacious house with many rooms — a mesh system is ideal.

What is a mesh WiFi system?

A mesh WiFi system essentially comprises a series of interconnected router units — referred to as satellites or nodes — that each emit a WiFi signal, effectively eradicating any internet dead zones within the home. Mesh systems are advantageous for residences with numerous rooms and devices, helping sustain internet speeds no matter where you are. Mesh systems are also expandable, allowing you to add additional nodes and broaden coverage.

Do you need a specialized router for gaming?

If you have numerous devices and a router that isn’t up to the challenge, you’ll encounter lag issues while using your console. You need a router capable of accommodating multiple devices. Seek out a gaming router that provides prioritization for your gaming consoles and applications. If you reside in a home with several gamers, you might also want to consider a router that allows you to manage how much bandwidth each individual in your household receives. Some also include a customized management console to