How to get secure and reliable WiFi for your apartment.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Why Choosing the Right Router for Your Apartment Matters
- The Best Router for an Apartment: Nighthawk WiFi 7 RS700S
- The Case for Mesh WiFi in Apartments
- WiFi 7 Orbi 970 Series: The Most Powerful Mesh System for an Apartment
- The Best Routers for Apartments by Size
- Why Security Is Crucial in Apartment WiFi
- Tips for setting up WiFi in Apartments
- FAQs
- Conclusion: Find the Perfect Router for Your Apartment
Why Choosing the Right Router for Your Apartment Matters
WiFi speeds and reliability today are almost equal to Ethernet cable connections, but there are obstacles to overcome, particularly in busy neighborhoods and smaller spaces. Challenges include interference from neighboring networks, space constraints, and physical barriers that weaken WiFi signals. Considerations when choosing a new router include:
Apartment WiFi Security
Apartments often have overlapping networks, making a secure router or WiFi Mesh System essential to prevent hacking and unauthorized access. Security features like NETGEAR Armor, WPA3 encryption, VPN, and regular firmware updates provide robust WiFi network protection from cyber threats.
Strong WiFi Performance in Small Spaces
It can be tempting to buy the biggest and most expansive WiFi system, but is it necessary or even advisable? Often a powerful NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router with less coverage can provide the range you need and prevent your WiFi from bleeding into neighboring units. WiFi 7 features such as MU-MIMO and beamforming antennas provide strong, stable signals even in dense environments.
Device Support
Modern households use multiple wireless devices concurrently. A smart home network can include smartphones, laptops, game consoles, streaming services, smart TVs, security systems, and loads of IoT gadgets, all demanding fast internet speeds. Now imagine your neighbor’s apartments also have a bunch of WiFi devices sharing the airwaves with yours! Choosing a router with the right capacity is crucial for network device support and a seamless WiFi experience.
The Case for Mesh WiFi in Apartments
While a modern WiFi 7 router is sufficient for many apartments, it’s not the only solution. A WiFi Mesh System, consisting of a main router and one or more satellites, creates a seamless network that improves coverage. Dense building materials like concrete can weaken WiFi signals, and crowded apartment buildings often have competing networks that cause interference. If you’re struggling with weak signals, a WiFi Mesh System with enhanced penetration can help cut through congestion and deliver reliable coverage for larger apartments.
The Best Routers for Apartments by Size
WiFi technology has advanced dramatically during the past decade. In a few short years, WiFi systems have evolved from dual-band WiFi 5 and WiFi 6 routers to tri-band and quad-band WiFi 7 routers that use the 2.4GHz band, 5GHz band, and 6GHz band. Multi-gigabit ethernet ports and wireless mesh networks are now a reality, and leading manufacturers such as NETGEAR offer router solutions for homes and apartments of all sizes. Let’s explore some options to ensure the perfect WiFi fit for your home.
Small Apartments (Under 1,000 sq. ft.)
Best Budget Router for Apartment: NETGEAR Nighthawk RS300
- Compact and affordable WiFi 7 router for small spaces, with speeds up to 9 Gbps.
- Supports up to 100 devices, perfect for smaller spaces with fewer connected gadgets.
- Includes NETGEAR Armor for advanced security, ideal for apartments with many overlapping networks.
- Learn More about RS300
Medium-Sized Apartments (1,000–1,500 sq. ft.)
Best Mid-range Router for Mid-Size Apartment: NETGEAR Nighthawk RS500
- WiFi 7 cable modem speeds up to 12 Gbps, suitable for streaming, gaming, and video conferencing.
- Handles up to 120 devices, making it perfect for medium-sized spaces with smart TVs, laptops, and IoT devices.
- 360-degree WiFi Coverage with beamforming antennas.
- Learn more about RS500
Alternative Option – Mesh WiFi for mid-size apartment: NETGEAR Orbi 770 Series
- Tri-band WiFi 7 with speeds up to 11 Gbps and coverage of 8,000 sq. ft. (3-pack), or 5500 sq. ft. for 2-pack – ensuring no dead zones.
- Perfect mesh WiFi for small-to-medium apartments where seamless connectivity is essential.
- Learn more about Orbi 770 Series
Large Apartments or Lofts (1,500+ sq. ft.)
Best Router for Large Apartment: NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S
- Premium WiFi 7 router with low latency, speeds up to 19 Gbps, and support for over 200 devices. Perfect for online gaming and other high bandwidth activities.
- Ideal for large spaces with multiple users and high-bandwidth activities like 4K/8K streaming or gaming.
- Features robust beamforming for consistent performance across the apartment.
- Learn more about RS700S
Mesh System for Large Apartment: NETGEAR Orbi 870 Series
- Tri-band WiFi 7 with speeds up to 21 Gbps and coverage of 6,000 sq. ft. (2-pack).
- Eliminates dead zones, making it a great option for larger layouts, multi-story or multi-room apartments.
- Built-in NETGEAR Armor for full-network security for 30 days.
- Improve long-range connections with add-on satellite access points which include LAN ports, USB ports, and wireless connectivity.
- Learn more about Orbi 870 Series
Why Security Is Crucial in Apartment WiFi
Older routers and modems provided by internet service providers (ISPs) can have outdated firmware and security systems that can expose networks to malicious intrusions. An upgrade to a NETGEAR wireless router or whole-home mesh system is the solution for preventing unauthorized access to your WiFi network.
In addition, your neighbors may accidentally or intentionally connect via an unsecured network and slow your network connection. NETGEAR’s advanced security features prevent hacking and phishing attempts, providing peace of mind for your family when connected to the internet.
- Set up a guest network to securely share WiFi with visitors.
- Use parental controls to manage connected devices in shared living spaces.
- Learn more about NETGEAR Armor
Tips for setting up WiFi in Apartments
The first step is to ascertain the square feet size of your apartment. Then you should explore NETGEAR options for standalone Nighthawk Routers and Orbi WiFi Mesh Systems.
Here are some tips to get the most out of your new router.
Positioning: Place your router centrally to evenly distribute the signal or choose a mesh system for more flexibility. Avoid placing the router near walls shared with neighbors to reduce interference.
Secure Your Network: Change default passwords and enable NETGEAR Armor for cybersecurity. Disable remote management unless necessary for added protection.
Optimize Settings: Use the NETGEAR app to monitor your network and prioritize high-demand devices.
Upgrade Your Internet Plan: You may need to upgrade your ISP plan and modem to get the most out of your new router. 500mbs to Gigabit + is recommended.
FAQs
What makes a router ideal for apartments?
Compact coverage, strong security, fast speeds, multi-functionality, and the ability to handle multiple devices concurrently are key.
Should I get a mesh system for my apartment?
A high-speed mesh system like the Orbi 770 or 870 Series is ideal for larger apartments and large homes, or those with complex layouts or solid interior concrete walls.
Why is WiFi 7 important for apartments?
The best WiFi routers reduce interference, offer faster upload and download speeds, and handle more home devices. WiFi 7 routers are perfect for dense environments.
How can I secure my apartment WiFi?
You can secure fast WiFi for your apartment using WPA3 encryption and NETGEAR Armor and change default passwords to prevent unauthorized access.
Conclusion: Find the Perfect Router for Your Apartment
Choosing the right tri-band router, quad-band router, gaming router, or mesh system, can dramatically improve your internet experience. The impressive NETGEAR range includes WiFi 7 routers like the RS300, RS500, and RS700s, or mesh systems like the Orbi 770, 870, and Orbi 970 Series. Before purchasing, you should consider router speed, performance, range, coverage, security features, number of devices, and your budget. Whether you’re a gamer, a streamer, or a casual internet user, there’s a NETGEAR WiFi router or mesh system that’s right for your home network.
