Amazon is offering significant discounts on a wide range of tech products for Labor Day, including laptops like the MacBook Air, Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth speakers, 4K TVs, and earbuds, making it a prime opportunity for consumers to upgrade their gadgets at reduced prices.
Apple discontinued its AirPort Wi-Fi routers in 2018, but recent developments suggest the company may re-enter the Wi-Fi router market by integrating advanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips into upcoming Apple TV and HomePod mini devices, potentially supporting Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7, although it's unclear if these devices will function as routers. This indicates a possible future return to the router market, leveraging new wireless technology.
In anticipation of President's Day, several mesh systems and Wi-Fi routers are on sale, including the Eero Pro 6, TP-Link Deco XE75, Asus ROG Rapture GT6, TP-Link Deco BE63, Asus RT-AXE7800, and Archer AX55. These devices offer various features such as Wi-Fi 6E, tri-band connectivity, and multiple gigabit ports, catering to different needs and budgets.
Google is offering a significant discount on its Nest Wifi router, with a single router now priced at $59, down from $169. The sale is in effect until December 31, 2023. However, the Nest Wifi point and bundles are not discounted. This fire sale comes amid reports that Google is working on a new Nest Wifi, raising speculation about the future of the current lineup. Inventory for Nest Wifi is running low at other retailers, while Google Wifi and Nest Wifi Pro are still in stock.
Wi-Fi routers have several features that can improve network security, experience, or both. These include automatic updates, Quality of Service (QoS) rules, guest networks, bandwidth monitoring, custom DNS servers, VPN servers, Dynamic DNS (DDNS), parental controls, router-level speed tests, and Ethernet connections. Upgrading to a newer router is recommended if your current one is over 3-5 years old and doesn't support these features.
Home Depot shoppers are rushing to buy a two-pack of Google Nest Wi-Fi mesh routers that retail for $269 online but are on sale for just $68 in-store. The routers come with Google Assistant and parental permission controls. The deal is only available in-store, and shoppers are advised to check their local branch's inventory before heading out. The Home Depot also offers a price match for online competitors, but seasonal or clearance prices are not eligible. Other clearance deals on home essentials can be found at Walmart.
It is recommended to replace your Wi-Fi router every five years to avoid security risks and speed issues. Checking for firmware updates and performance issues can help determine if it's time for a replacement. If your ISP provided your router, it's best to replace it with your own for better security and faster speeds. When buying a new router, consider Wi-Fi 6 routers, mesh networks, and brands like NETGEAR, TP-Link, Linksys, and Asus.