We test router speed by setting up each router in an office and connecting it to a local test server supporting 10,000Mbps (10Gbps) wired internet speeds. Then, we transmit test data between our wireless devices and the server, taking numerous measurements to account for fluctuations in Wi-Fi speeds.

The first tests occur close to the router, without obstructions—so the Wi-Fi is as strong and fast as it’s gonna get. We repeat the process straight out at 10, 20, and 30 feet, with only a glass door obstructing our view of the router. The same glass door and an exterior door blocks our path when we test outside at 40 and 50 feet.

We also run tests in a hallway to the left of the TV room and office—where there’s a glass door, three walls, and an air handler unit blocking our view of the router. The dining room, another testing point, sits to the right of the kitchen, TV room, and office—two walls and a glass door block the path in this test.

To test video streaming, we connect a fast storage device to the router and stream a 4K video to six wireless devices simultaneously—two phones, three tablets, and a laptop—connected to the same wireless band.

* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using a 160 MHz bonded channel and a 2,882Mbps starting link rate.

† Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using a 160 MHz bonded channel and a 2,402Mbps starting link rate.