Recognizing when you should replace your router — either because it no longer performs well or doesn’t provide the security you need — could save you significant time and headaches down the road.

In this article, we’ll go over the signs indicating that it’s time to replace your router, some basic troubleshooting you can perform, and what you should look for in your next router.

5 signs you need a new router

Experts recommend upgrading your router every five years at minimum or every two to three years if you tend to buy the latest Wi-Fi gadgets.

If you’re not sure whether it’s time for an upgrade, here are a few telltale signs you need a new router:

1. Slow internet connection

Your router should be able to deliver the internet speeds you’re paying for. If you notice your Netflix suddenly buffering when your kids play online games, or large downloads take forever to finish, an outdated router may be to blame.

You can take some easy troubleshooting steps to try to speed up your connection, which we’ll discuss later on. However, if your internet access stays sluggish after troubleshooting, you might consider running a few internet speed tests.

Try testing multiple wireless connection spots around your home using different devices — such as both your phone and laptop — to get a clearer idea of the problem. These results should show you whether the wireless signal issue stems from using a specific device or area of your home, or whether it’s an issue affecting your entire network.

2. Router age

Internet router technology is constantly improving with advances that provide faster Wi-Fi and better security. If you’ve had the same router for five years or more, it may be worth upgrading the old router even if the router you're using now is still getting the job done. You’re likely missing out on better overall performance.

For instance, if your current router doesn’t support Wi-Fi 6 or WPA3, both of which were released within the past few years, you’re long overdue for an upgrade. Wi-Fi 6 boosts your network, especially if you have several home devices competing for bandwidth, and WPA3 is the latest in Wi-Fi security.

3. Router is running hot

It’s normal for electronic devices to feel warm while in use, but if your router is consistently hot or if your internet connection drops and your router feels hot to the touch, it’s likely overheating. This can happen for several reasons, but if your router runs at a high temperature for too long, it can lead to a slow or lost internet connection — or it could even stop working altogether.

You can decrease the chances your router will overheat by keeping it in a well-ventilated area, periodically cleaning dust out with pressurized air, and updating its firmware. If your router continues to run hot, it may be time to upgrade.

4. Unreliable connectivity

Your router’s primary job is to connect you to the internet. Disconnecting in the middle of a Zoom meeting or while trying to complete an assignment is not only frustrating, it’s also a possible sign your router is on its last legs.

As with slow connection issues, your router might not be entirely at fault. Provider network outages, modem issues, loose cords, and other problems can also disrupt your internet connectivity. But if you troubleshoot only to find that you’re still experiencing frequent drops in connection, your router is the likely cause.

5. Rented equipment

Renting a router from your internet service provider might be the most convenient option, but router fees add up over the length of your plan. Most ISPs charge $5 to $10 per month for rented routers, so you could be paying up to $120 yearly in router fees if you’re relying on equipment from your provider.

Aside from saving you money in the long term, buying your own router gives you more control over your network. With hundreds of routers available on the market, you shouldn’t have trouble finding one that makes your life easier with a boosted Wi-Fi range, faster connections, and better security.

Router troubleshooting

There are a few troubleshooting steps you could take to ensure your router is the source of your connectivity issues before throwing it out.

Start with a simple reboot by unplugging your router’s power cord, waiting a few seconds, and plugging it back in. If you have a separate modem, you might also try unplugging and plugging it back in after a few seconds as well.

If a reboot doesn’t do the trick, you can try repositioning your router. Large obstructions, metal objects, and other electronics can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal, so make sure to place your router in an open, central area. Repositioning can also help if you live in a building with steel walls in its infrastructure that can obstruct your router’s signal from room to room.

The positioning of the antennas on your router is also important, as they help direct the signal. If there are multiple antennas, position them in different directions — for example, one horizontal and the other vertical — for optimal coverage.

If your Wi-Fi network connection is still sluggish, your router’s firmware might be due for an update. To do this, you’ll have to find the router’s internet protocol (IP) address. An IP address is a series of four numbers separated by periods, and each number can range from 0 to 255. For example, an IP address could be 1.25.244.38.  

Most routers have this printed on a sticker affixed to the device, but if yours is missing this sticker, you can find the address by accessing the network settings of any connected computer or phone.

Once you’ve found the IP address, connect to the router with an ethernet cable, as some routers don’t allow access to the configuration page if you’re connected via Wi-Fi. Enter your router's IP address into a web browser as if you were visiting a webpage, then enter your login information.

Your router’s configuration page will have several administrative options. For firmware updates, access the “Update” page and check if a new version of the router's firmware is available. After downloading and installing the latest firmware, your router will likely reset.

What to look for in a new router

Once you’ve decided to upgrade your router, choosing the best new device can be a challenge. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some of the most important features to consider during your search.

Wi-Fi standard

Wi-Fi standards determine your router’s connection speed, so pay special attention to this number. Many home routers use Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which supports throughput speeds of 3.5 Gbps. The newest Wi-Fi standard, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), supports increased throughput speeds of 9.6 Gbps.

Faster Wi-Fi lets you enjoy better upload and download speeds, run multiple online applications simultaneously, and more. And thanks to the increased speeds and higher capacity Wi-Fi 6 supports, more devices can connect to your network simultaneously without experiencing latency.

If you have a lot of gadgets on your network, or you’re looking for faster speed and reliability, a Wi-Fi 6 router may be worth considering.

Wi-Fi security

Network security should always be a top priority, as hackers who manage to breach your router’s defenses can gain access to your personal, sensitive information. Luckily, many routers offer security protocols with encryption technology to prevent unauthorized users from accessing your network.

At a minimum, your new router should support WPA2 encryption. WPA2 keeps your network safe by encrypting all data and requiring every new device to submit a WPA2 password to connect.

WPA3 is the latest and strongest Wi-Fi security protocol. WPA3 is designed to encrypt your data using an encryption method called Perfect Forward Secrecy. It uses a new key exchange protocol called Simultaneous Authentication of Equals, which generates a unique key for each authentication attempt.

If you want the most secure option available or frequently allow multiple people to connect to your network, go for a router that supports WPA3 encryption.

Router design

Routers come in many shapes and sizes, and their design affects how far your network signal can reach. Some routers barely reach devices less than 50 feet away, whereas others have a strong signal at 100 feet or farther.

If you have a large home, the best option for you is likely a mesh Wi-Fi router. Although traditional routers create a single access point, mesh routers link two or more access points together. One of these access points acts as the central hub, whereas others act as satellites, creating a single, seamless Wi-Fi signal as you move around the different rooms of your house.

Tri-band routers are another design option worth considering over their dual-band counterparts. Although dual-band routers transmit over one 2.4GHz band and one 5GHz band, tri-band routers add an additional 5 GHz band. If you have several devices using the 5GHz frequency, bandwidth will be shared among all of them to reduce network congestion and deliver faster speeds.

VPN support

Having a router that allows for VPN installation is more of a perk than a requirement. However, a VPN is essential if you're looking to enhance your Wi-Fi security. If you install that VPN on your router, all the devices in your home will be protected with an encrypted connection. 

Here are some recommendations for VPN apps for your router: 

• ExpressVPN: As far as VPN apps for your router, we think ExpressVPN is the best one for the job. It has the easiest and most supportive installation process for routers and extensive compatibility with a number of routers as well. 

  Get ExpressVPN | Read Our ExpressVPN Review

• NordVPN: NordVPN is another VPN provider that's easy to install on a router, and it offers 24/7 customer support should you have any issues during setup. Beyond router support, Nord also offers features like dark web monitoring, ad and tracker blocking, a password manager, and more, depending on your selected plan.

  Get NordVPN | Read Our NordVPN Review

• Surfshark: Surfshark actually allows for unlimited simultaneous connections, but it's still handy to have that encryption coming directly from your router. It's also the most affordable subscription on this list, so you can keep your devices protected, even on a budget. 

  Get Surfshark | Read Our Surfshark Review

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On ExpressVPN's website

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ExpressVPN

• Premium VPN offering strong security and ultra-fast speeds
• Strict no-logs policy with independent audit
• In-house Lightway protocol for more speed and security
• More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost

FAQs

Bottom line

Your router is your home’s gateway to wireless internet connectivity. If it’s no longer doing its job well, it’s time to upgrade to a newer, more reliable router. Upgrading should not only eliminate your slow or dropped connection headaches but also provide better security and Wi-Fi coverage.

That said, it may be worth troubleshooting your connectivity issues to decide whether you need a new router. Perform a simple reboot by unplugging your router’s power cord, waiting a few seconds, and plugging it back in. If that doesn’t help, try repositioning the antennas or moving your router to an unobstructed area away from metal objects or other electronics. Lastly, you can check for firmware updates on your router’s configuration page.

If troubleshooting doesn’t do the trick, or you’re ready to move on to a newer model, finding the right router doesn’t have to be challenging. Check compatibility with your internet service provider, then determine your required performance, coverage, and features (like the ability to install a VPN app). The perfect router ultimately depends on your needs.

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On NordVPN's website

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• High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
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• Too many confusing plans

Author Details

Juliana Kenny

About the Author

Juliana Kenny is a freelance writer with 13 years of experience specializing in cybersecurity topics. Her expertise includes endpoint security, cloud security, and networking technologies like secure access service edge (SASE). She has written for technology giants, including Oracle, Hitachi Vantara, and Comcast. When she's not diving deep into security news, you can find her bird-watching or baking.