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

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.

The Super Bowl is one of the best Sundays of the year, and by picking out the right upgrades for your home network now while you still have time, you can ensure that you and everyone you’re hosting can watch the Super Bowl in crisp 4K, even while scrolling on their phones in between plays. And the best part, these are upgrades you and the rest of your household will be able to enjoy and benefit from for years to come.