Best Cheap Upgrades Before Replacing Your Router
When Wi-Fi performance drops, the default reaction is to buy a new router. Router marketing encourages this, but in reality, many Wi-Fi problems have nothing to do with the router itself.
There are several inexpensive upgrades and adjustments that often deliver bigger improvements than replacing hardware. These fixes cost less, take less time, and help you understand your network before spending real money.
This guide walks through the best cheap upgrades to try first — in the order that actually makes sense.
1. Move the Router (Free, Highest ROI)
This is the most overlooked fix.
Bad placement causes:
- Dead zones
- Weak upstairs coverage
- Random disconnects
Before buying anything:
- Move the router to a central location
- Raise it off the floor
- Keep it away from metal and electrical equipment
Even a small relocation can dramatically improve coverage.
2. Replace or Extend the Ethernet Cable
Routers are often stuck near modems because the Ethernet cable is too short.
A longer Ethernet cable lets you:
- Move the router to a better location
- Avoid basements and corners
- Improve overall coverage
This upgrade costs very little and enables all other improvements.
What to look for
- Cat6 Ethernet cable
- Flat cable if running along baseboards
- Appropriate length with a bit of slack
3. Add a Single Mesh Node Instead of Replacing Everything
If coverage is the issue, adding one node is often better than replacing the router.
Advantages:
- Lower cost than full replacement
- Targets problem areas directly
- Often integrates with existing systems
Many mesh systems allow you to expand gradually.
This is especially effective for:
- Basements
- Far bedrooms
- Home offices
4. Run Ethernet to One Problem Area
Wiring one location can stabilize the entire network.
Good targets:
- A gaming room
- A home office
- A basement or garage
Once wired:
- Add an access point or mesh node
- Reduce wireless load elsewhere
- Improve overall reliability
Flat Ethernet cable makes this easier than most people expect.
5. Upgrade Router Placement Accessories
Small accessories can unlock better placement.
Useful items include:
- Wall-mount brackets
- Adhesive cable clips
- Raceway for clean routing
These are cheap, renter-friendly, and often eliminate the need for new hardware.
6. Improve Power Stability
Unstable power causes network instability.
Low-cost improvements:
- Quality surge protector
- Small UPS for modem and router
This prevents brief drops and protects equipment.
7. Reduce Wireless Load
Your Wi-Fi might be overloaded, not underpowered.
Reduce load by:
- Wiring TVs and PCs
- Disabling unused devices
- Removing extenders
Fewer wireless devices = more stable Wi-Fi.
8. Tune Channels and Bands
Free performance is hiding in your router settings.
Check:
- Channel selection
- Band separation
- Channel width
Proper tuning often fixes nighttime slowdowns and random drops.
9. Replace the Power Adapter (Surprisingly Common Fix)
Failing power adapters cause:
- Random resets
- Instability under load
- Intermittent disconnects
If your router uses an external adapter and shows weird behavior, replacement is cheap and effective.
When Replacing the Router Makes Sense
After trying the above, replacement may be justified if:
- The router lacks modern band support
- Coverage issues persist after placement fixes
- Performance degrades under load
- Firmware support is poor or locked
At that point, replacement is informed — not impulsive.
What Actually Helps (In Order)
Before buying a new router:
- Fix placement
- Extend Ethernet to improve location
- Add a mesh node or access point
- Wire one problem area
- Improve power stability
- Tune settings
- Replace hardware only if needed
Final Thoughts
Most Wi-Fi problems aren’t solved by buying the newest router — they’re solved by fixing fundamentals.
Cheap upgrades often unlock the performance you already paid for. Once you understand where your network struggles, you’ll know exactly what to upgrade and why — instead of guessing.
Spend smart first. Upgrade big only when it’s actually necessary.