When several people are online at once, test the broadband connection over Ethernet before replacing the router: a poor wired result points towards the service or a fault, while a substantially better wired result makes in-home Wi-Fi a more plausible constraint. Consider a provider router upgrade for simpler setup and support, a compatible retail router for particular ports or network controls, or Ethernet for fixed devices that can be cabled. Check connection requirements and any provider features you would lose before changing equipment.
If people routinely stream, browse, game or work online together, check whether the current router handles those activities adequately before choosing a replacement. Which? identifies simultaneous household use as a reason to consider a router upgrade, not proof that the router is always at fault.
If a direct Ethernet test performs substantially better than Wi-Fi, the wireless link is a more plausible constraint than the broadband line alone. Ofcom notes that Wi-Fi can be a bottleneck even when the connection delivered to the router is faster.
If straightforward setup and help with faults matter more than configuring additional router features, ask the provider about its equipment options. Check how using your own router would affect support and any functions supplied through the existing hub.
For a busy household, establish whether the broadband line or the in-home network is limiting use before deciding which equipment to change.
Consider it: When you want provider-led setup and fault support while replacing an ageing supplied router.
Trade-off: Your choice of hardware and network controls depends on what the provider offers.
Consider it: When in-home Wi-Fi needs attention or you need particular wired ports or connection-management features.
Trade-off: You must confirm the service connection and may take on more setup and troubleshooting yourself.
Consider it: When a desk computer, console or streaming device can be connected by cable.
Trade-off: Cabling is less convenient and does not improve Wi-Fi for mobile devices elsewhere in the home.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Finding the bottleneck | Pause heavy use, test directly by Ethernet, then compare Wi-Fi near the router. If wired service remains poor, check with the provider. | If my calls and streams falter, I want to know whether changing the router would address the problem. Around 42% of consumers put identifying the bottleneck first. |
| Shared-use capacity | Compare the router's bands, relevant WAN and LAN ports, and management features with your active devices and service. | With several people online together, I need the connections we rely on to remain usable. Router capacity and connection management come first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Compatibility and support | Confirm the modem or ONT arrangement, WAN connection and provider settings; ask what happens to voice service and hub features. | I do not want a new router to disrupt our connection or make faults harder to resolve. Around 25% of consumers prioritise compatibility and support continuity. |
A router cannot remove a limit on the broadband line. Which? recommends testing through a direct Ethernet connection; Ofcom also distinguishes speeds delivered over Ethernet from those experienced over Wi-Fi.
Pause competing traffic and compare wired and wireless results. Report persistently poor wired service to the provider before choosing new Wi-Fi equipment.
Connection methods differ. BT Business describes PPPoE requirements for its service, while other installations may involve an Ethernet connection to a modem or optical network terminal, or a router with an integrated VDSL modem.
Identify the equipment that connects to your broadband service and ask your provider for the exact router, authentication and support requirements.
An unsuitable router may require another modem or leave you needing to keep the provider hub in use.
A Wi-Fi 7 label does not mean every phone, laptop or TV can use features such as Multi-Link Operation. ASUS says MLO operation on its routers depends on the modes supported by client devices.
Check which household devices support the feature, then assess the router's ports and connection requirements separately from its headline wireless specifications.
Virgin Media says modem mode allows a separate Wi-Fi system to connect to its Hub, but is not currently available on Hub 5x. On supported Hubs, functions including some diagnostics and pod compatibility may be temporarily disabled.
Check your Hub model and the functions you use before changing modes, and keep a way to restore its previous configuration.
Losing app diagnostics or pod support can add setup and troubleshooting work.
A retail-router option when particular Wi-Fi features, wired ports or expansion options are part of the decision.
A retail-router brand to consider if model-specific Wi-Fi 7 features matter to your household.
A third-party router brand included in Which?'s UK router testing.
A provider-equipment route for Virgin Media households considering whether to retain their Hub while using separate Wi-Fi equipment.
These products cover retail-router choices for shared household use, including standalone routers and multi-unit systems. Compare their format and connection requirements with your existing service; a provider upgrade or Ethernet connection may still be the more suitable response.
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For several active wireless devices, its tri-band format is a reason to compare it with your current router and the capabilities of your devices.
Check its WAN connection, any modem or ONT requirement, and your provider's settings before using it as the main router.
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Its three-unit mesh format is worth considering when people need Wi-Fi in different parts of the home, rather than only around one router.
The listing calls for an existing modem or gateway; confirm how its router connects to your provider's equipment before buying.
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This standalone dual-band router is an option when you are considering a change to the main household Wi-Fi router.
TP-Link describes MLO for the Archer BE230 with compatible Wi-Fi 7 clients. Check the WAN and LAN ports and your provider's connection requirements separately.
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Its three-unit format suits consideration when household Wi-Fi needs extend across several rooms; a single-router change may be simpler if coverage is already adequate.
If faster-than-gigabit wired connections matter, check the Ethernet-port specification. Confirm provider settings and any modem or ONT requirement before replacing the main router.
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Consider this 5G router if a mobile connection is part of your household's internet plan, rather than assuming it is a direct substitute for your fixed-line router.
Check carrier and SIM compatibility and local reception for mobile use. For a conventional broadband connection, confirm the required modem and provider settings.
Test through Ethernet with other heavy use paused before deciding. Which? recommends a direct wired test; if it remains well below the service you expect, contact the provider, whereas satisfactory wired performance alongside much poorer Wi-Fi makes the in-home wireless connection a more plausible place to investigate.
No: the replacement must work with your service's connection equipment and settings. Ask your provider whether you need an Ethernet WAN connection to a modem or ONT, an integrated modem, authentication such as PPPoE, and particular settings; also check how third-party equipment affects fault support.
On supported models, modem mode lets the Hub act as a cable modem for separate Wi-Fi equipment. Virgin Media says Hub 5x does not currently support it, and that some functions on supported Hubs, including certain diagnostics, pod compatibility and Intelligent WiFi features, are temporarily disabled.
Check whether your provider requires its equipment to be returned before disposing of it. If the router is yours, use an applicable electrical-equipment collection route rather than assuming it belongs in household rubbish; GOV.UK identifies routers as subject to waste electrical and electronic equipment arrangements.