Should I Rent, Upgrade or Buy a WiFi Router?
As our need for connectivity and speed increases, it’s always a good idea to consider whether your WiFi router is the best choice out there for you. Recently, Consumer NZ, partnered with the Commerce Commission, have tested a number of WiFi routers, discovering that some broadband companies are providing devices that match the quality of those on shop shelves.
They tested a range of popular devices from broadband providers and retailers.
Telecommunications Commissioner, Tristan Gilbertson, says that this study builds upon the “importance of having a good in-home set-up to make the most of your broadband speeds.”
“Your router is your gateway to the internet, and the better the router, the better the performance of your connectivity,” says Mr Gilbertson.
As our demands and internet activities grow, such as TV streaming, gaming, video calling and social media, it’s important to understand the difference between different types of routers, user-friendliness, and their security features.
Most Kiwi households have multiple devices connected to their internet, doing various activities at the same time. However, you may not be entirely aware how to set up your router to have it perform as powerfully as possible.
Which Router is Reliable?
Consumer NZ’s study and testing revealed that routers from broadband providers are of the same quality as routers you can purchase from retailers. In some cases, they can even perform better than store-bought options. For those who are hesitant to invest in their own router, this could be good news. It is important to consider the rental cost of routers from broadband providers, however, which tend to be around $4 to $5 per month.
Which Router Stood Out?
For those considering their options, Consumer noted the products that stood out to them in their testing. The TP-Link Deco X55 and XE75 mesh systems were the top options for the off-the-shelf options.
On the other hand, some of the better performing options from broadband providers were found to be TP-Link Deco X53 (fibre and copper-based DSL) and X58-4G (4G broadband), as well as Spark's Smart Modem 2 (fibre and 4G).
To see the full breakdown of their findings, visit the Consumer website:
How Much Does It Cost to Rent?
More telecommunications providers will be adding monthly rental fees to their routers. This will cost Kiwis about $4 to $5 each month. As such, Consumer NZ has advised Kiwis to carefully consider their options. That fee will add up over time, and cost more than it might to buy your own router.
Gelling pointed out that when you buy your own router, you have the freedom to easily and quickly switch providers more often. This is a strategy that can save you money in the long term on your broadband bill.
When Should I Upgrade?
Consumer NZ’s product test writer, Nick Gelling, highlighted how important it is to upgrade your routers. He has advised to upgrade your router “every few years.”
“If you’re still using an outdated model, you might be missing out on significant improvements in speed and security.”
The Commerce Commission has also encouraged Kiwis to check the current speed of their internet connection. It may be worth seeing if you should upgrade to a faster plan or connection before you consider switching broadband providers and routers.
Here at Broadband Compare, we have a range of broadband speed tools. You can check the speed of your broadband. You can also try our interactive broadband speed calculator to see what speed might best suit your household based on how many devices and appliances you have, and your online activities, such as whether you stream, game or work remotely.
It’s always a good idea to understand the different fibre speeds on the market, and know which one might best suit you and your needs.
If you wish to buy a new router off-the-shelf, be sure to jump on PriceMe to compare different models and their prices so that you can find the best one for your needs.
And for those who would like to upgrade their router through a broadband provider, we encourage you to jump on Broadband Compare to compare different broadband plans and providers side-by-side, along with their routers, so that you can find the best deal that delivers value, quality connection, and savings. Comparing your broadband bill can help you take control back over your budget, saving you money, and helping relieve some of that financial stress.
Here are our top tips for helping your router work as well as possible:
Check the router location: Make sure you put the router in a central spot in your home. It’s even better if you can see it as well!
Try a mesh system: A mesh system is great for larger homes, where two or more routers are linked, boosting the connectivity and reliability of your internet.
Keep Updated with Tech: Make sure your router is capable of WiFi 6. WiFi 7 is coming eventually, however it’s still pricey and not all phones and devices are capable of it yet.
Go Ahead and Buy: If you are not happy with the offerings of broadband providers, go ahead and invest in your own router.
Compare and switch: Switch providers regularly to save money and try new routers, especially when your current one is over four years old. There are many benefits to switching providers.
