Wireless Routers

08/14/24 - Wednesday

Gooood morning!

If you’ve been following Frugal Friends for a while, you know that in 2024 we’re preaching affordable quality rather than cheap quantity. 🙌

Whether it’s shoes, clothes, household items, or ROUTERS! It’s best to buy something that lasts rather than many items that won’t stand the test of time.

Besides, who has room for that?! 

BUT before we get to the low-down on procuring internet, we want to remind you of a wellness themed GIVEAWAY we’re doing. 1 lucky winner will receive over $1,000 worth of cash gift cards PLUS more goodies. Registration ends 8/16 so please don’t wait!

🧑🏻‍💻 Routers: The Breakdown

With internet issues cropping up everywhere (ehem, Microsoft fiasco!), it’s a good idea to check your WiFi router.

According to this article, routers should be replaced every 5 years maximum. (2-3 years if you’re a smart home girlie, Alexa burns up routers quick).

There are two main types of routers: single-unit and mesh

1. Single-unit routers are small boxes with antennas that plug directly into the modem & provide WiFi to your entire home. They are small & portable, but cover less square footage than a mesh router, making these an ideal option for apartment living.

✅ Our favorite single-unit router is the Synology RT6600ax, which offers great features like parental controls, its own VPN, and threat prevention. 

✅ If streaming is more your speed, the Linkysis AX1800 covers over 1,500 square feet & features WiFi 6 technology that make game nights a breeze! 

One of the biggest downfalls of single-unit routers is that they can’t “steer” the signal around furniture. I.E. - if your couch is in front of your box, you won’t be streaming the latest episode of The Bear anytime soon.

Thankfully, that’s where mesh routers come in. 

2. Mesh routers have a single unit that plugs into the modem, but rather than utilizing antennas, the mesh router has a “satellite” that you put in a different room to extend WiFi coverage.

The mother hub & satellites are then able to steer the signal around your house to maximize coverage. This system is ideal for anyone in a 2,000 or more sq. ft. home, or someone who takes their binge watching seriously. Me time? 💯

✅ Our favorite mesh router is the TP-Link AX3000. With whole-home capabilities, WiFi 6 technology, and easy management, this router will have you saying “yes, please” before your old router hits the electronic recycle bin.

✅ Last but not least, this mesh router might be our favorite of them all. With security right out of the box, a lower price, and the ability to connect up to 50 devices, the Linksys Atlas isn’t playing around. 

Before we finish shopping, there’s one more thing to get squared away: Choosing insurance.

Picking a policy doesn’t have to be a headache, and can be done in just a few easy steps over at Policygenius. 

Policygenius is an insurance comparison marketplace that features home, auto, life, and disability insurance for all stages of life. And with smart tools and human technical support, Policygenius makes shopping a breeze! 🍃 **

🛜 How to Buy a Router (Wired)

💻 How to Be a Computer Geek (WikiHow)

📖 Book Launch Party! Don’t forget to join us on August 20 at 7 p.m. ET to celebrate the launch of Jen & Jill’s fabulous new book. Buy What You Love Without Going Broke is available for pre-order now, and if you provide proof before the launch party, there might be goodies. 😉

Do you budget or make a spending plan monthly?

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Spending is a skill and you can learn to master it. If you’ve ever struggled with being unable to stick to a budget or felt guilty about spending on something you enjoy, Jen and Jill’s upcoming book is going to be your next favorite read.

Grab your pre-order gifts. Free With EVERY pre-order. 🥳

Warmly,
Kim

⭐️⭐️ P.S. Want to share all this goodness with your friends AND earn cool Frugal Friends merch?

**Means this is a sponsored or affiliate section. We may earn a small fee or commission when you choose to try one of our sponsor or affiliate partners. But opinions are still 1000% our own.