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Mesh routers vs. Wi-Fi routers: I tested both at home, and the winner is not so obvious

Standard Wi-Fi routers offer a single access point, but mesh systems spread connectivity throughout your home. Which is better for you? Let's break it down.

While you can still expect to pay a hundred dollars or more for a premium router, there are many budget-friendly options stable enough to keep your home office running effectively without further input. Gamers and live streamers, for example, should generally stick with wired Ethernet connections and traditional routers, as they will likely provide improved speeds and stability over wireless-first products. This could include keeping an eye on network traffic, rebooting, or even turning off the internet entirely -- perhaps an appealing prospect for those with children who don't want to mess with a typical router's configuration.

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