12 Wi-Fi upgrades to prevent a Super Bowl streaming fumble

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Sack the lag with these key home network upgrades ahead of Sunday's big game

A collage of Wi-Fi gear next to a Seahawks and Patriots helmet on a colored background
(Image credit: Getty/ Voietolt/ Ugreen/ Asus/ Hitron/ Arris/ TP-Link/ Amazon/ Netgear/ Tom’s Guide)

You’ve already scored a massive TV deal and prepped the ultimate game-day spread, but there’s one silent party-killer left to tackle: your home network. Imagine the frustration of a 4K stream freezing during a game-winning drive because your Wi-Fi couldn't handle the heat. Well, despite the rest of your rigorous planning, a crowded or sub-par home network could leave your guests talking about a blurry, low-res stream instead of who's hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy up into the air at the end of the night.

Thankfully, that’s where I can help. Whether you want to go all out and upgrade to one of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems for whole-home connectivity or you’re looking for the fastest speeds possible with one of the best Wi-Fi 7 routers, I’ve rounded up a few of my top picks below. Likewise, maybe you’re not ready for a new router but just want a better connection in your living room, game room or den. Well, that’s where one of the best Wi-Fi extenders could help.

If you’ve tried using a Wi-Fi extender before with no luck, then it might be time to consider either a powerline extender or even a MoCA adapter. The former uses your home’s powerlines to send internet to previously unconnected areas of your house, while the latter does the same thing but uses coaxial cable jacks in your walls — like for that old satellite dish up on your roof — instead.

When all else fails, though, you might want to forget Wi-Fi altogether and use a direct, wired connection to your router instead. For that, you’ll definitely need a super long Ethernet cable, and I’ve picked out a great flat one that’s easy to hide under a carpet so you and your guests don’t trip over it. If you’re running out of free ports on your router, then a network switch easily lets you add more. And if you’re in a warmer climate and want to watch the game outside, well, I’ve included an outdoor mesh extender for that too.

Anthony Spadafora
Anthony Spadafora
Managing Editor Security and Home Office

Anthony Spadafora is the managing editor for security and home office furniture at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches to password managers and the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. He also reviews standing desks, office chairs and other home office accessories with a penchant for building desk setups. Before joining the team, Anthony wrote for ITProPortal while living in Korea and later for TechRadar Pro after moving back to the US. Based in Houston, Texas, when he’s not writing Anthony can be found tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home. 

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