Your router is the device most likely to be silently slowing down everything in your home — and the device most people never think about until something breaks.
Here’s a straight answer to “how often should I replace it” plus how to tell when yours is overdue.
The short answer: every 4–5 years
That’s the practical replacement cycle for a router that gets typical home use. After 5 years, even if it still seems to “work,” several things are usually wrong:
- WiFi standards have moved on. Routers from 2019 and earlier don’t support WiFi 6 — modern phones, laptops, and TVs run faster on it.
- Internet speeds increased. Your ISP may now offer 500 Mbps or 1 Gbps service. An older router caps your speed regardless of what you pay for.
- Security updates stopped. Manufacturers stop releasing firmware patches after 4–6 years. An unpatched router is a security risk.
- More devices in the home. A router that handled your 2019 device count (10–15 devices) struggles with your 2024 count (30+).
Signs yours is overdue
Even before the 5-year mark, these are clues:
- Slow WiFi when wired internet is fast. Test by plugging into the router with Ethernet. If wired is fast and wireless is slow, the router is the bottleneck.
- Devices keep dropping the connection. Especially on the second floor or far end of the house.
- You have to restart the router weekly to keep it working. This is not normal.
- You can’t update the firmware — manufacturer site shows nothing newer than 2–3 years ago.
- Video calls freeze or pixelate on a wired connection where the same call works fine on cellular data.
ISP-provided vs your own router
Most ISPs (Verizon, Optimum, Spectrum) include a router with your service. They charge $10–$15/month for it.
Pros of ISP router: support, automatic firmware updates, replacement if it breaks.
Cons of ISP router: usually basic equipment, often outdated by 2–3 years, you pay for it forever.
Math: at $12/month, ISP rental costs you $144/year. A solid mid-range router costs $80–$150 once and lasts 5+ years. After year one, owning your own is cheaper. After year five, much cheaper.
The exception: if you’re not technical and want zero hassle, ISP rental is fine. The convenience has value.
What to look for in a new router
For most homes:
- WiFi 6 (802.11ax) at minimum, WiFi 7 if you want longevity
- Gigabit Ethernet ports (most routers have this now)
- Mesh-capable — even if you only buy one node, you can add a second later if you have dead spots
- Brand reliability — TP-Link, Asus, and Netgear’s mid-range lines are solid; Eero or Google Nest if you want mesh from the start
For a typical 1,500–3,000 sq ft home, a single solid router is enough. For larger homes, multi-floor homes, or homes with thick walls, a 2–3 node mesh system makes a real difference.
When to call us
Set-it-and-forget-it routers exist, but the “set it” part assumes you set it up well. We do free site surveys for homes — we measure actual signal coverage room by room and recommend the right number of access points and where to put them. After that, you can DIY the install or have us handle it.
For more complex setups (full-home mesh, business-grade equipment, outdoor coverage), WiFi solutions is our service for that. (732) 637-9640.