Best Wi-Fi 7 Routers for 2026: The Fastest Routers We've Ever Tested
The Federal Communications Commission has announced a ban on the sale of new foreign-made routers in the US, affecting most available models. Currently, only Netgear and Eero have received exemptions from this ban. Consumers are advised to hold off on purchasing routers until more information is available regarding software updates and additional exemptions.
- ▪The FCC's ban on foreign-made routers will take effect, impacting nearly all routers sold in the US.
- ▪Netgear and Eero are the only brands exempt from the ban as of now.
- ▪There is a risk that routers not exempted may not receive software updates after January 1, 2029.
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Editor’s note, May 13, 2026: On March 25, the Federal Communications Commission issued a notice that the sale of new foreign-made routers will be banned going forward. Virtually every Wi-Fi router available for purchase in the US meets the FCC’s “foreign-made” criteria. As of May 13, Netgear and Eero are the only consumer routers that have received an exemption. All the other routers we recommend on our best list have previously received FCC approval, but there’s a risk that they won’t be able to receive software and firmware updates after Jan. 1, 2029. CNET is reporting on the ongoing router ban news, and, with the exception of Netgear and Eero, we recommend that you hold off on purchasing a router until we learn more about the software extension and which router brands get exemptions.
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