An announcement from Ofcom has revealed that VodafoneThree is working to use satellites to create a better network with wider smartphone coverage.

By using satellites, as well as current networks, this could create a far broader range of coverage, allowing smartphones to get good connections even in areas currently known as "not spots".

Ofcom has granted a licence for the company to use the 900MHz band with 4G and 5G for mobile broadband, calls and text connectivity in more remote areas.

The network – a result of the merger between Vodafone and Three – has a team-up going on with SatCo and AST SpaceMobile which will allow current standard smartphones to work with the satellite connections.

AST has shown off download speeds of over 20Mbps using a 5MHz channel, which is serviceable but nothing compared to what its next generation satellites could offer. You could be getting up to 120Mbps speeds in the most remote locations in the country in future.

O2 Satellite has also been approved for the 1800MHz band for a similar offering, which will use SpaceX's global Starlink for a 4G offering.

When will the Vodafone AST offering start?

Vodafone has now got the licence it needed from Ofcom, which helps keep it on track for a planned launch in summer 2026.

This should mean that, if you wander into an area where signal is low, you'll be switched across to direct satellite connectivity for consistent full four bar service.

It will particularly help those who live or travel to remote places, which are currently not served by mobile masts. And while it might not be the fastest connection possible elsewhere, it will still provide communications support for those who might be struggling.

I remember when 5G first rolled out, with so much promise, and testing the new ultra-fast speeds that, in some areas, on offer. It was a big leap forward for the best phones.

At this year's Mobile World Congress (MWC), taking place in Barcelona, Spain, the spotlight is now on 6G, the next step in mobile connectivity – which could be here sooner than you might think.

Qualcomm, among industry leaders – from Nvidia, to T-Mobile, Cisco, Ericsson, and many more – has asserted its backing of 6G, with commercial projects slated for as soon as 2029.

But 6G isn't just about faster speeds. Its main focus is on artificial intelligence (AI), because who would have it any other way? In 2026, AI is a cornerstone of industry, and the way we leverage it will, in theory, be improved by 6G.

" 6G is being designed as an AI-native system that builds upon three key pillars: connectivity,wide-area sensing, and high-performance compute," reads Qualcomm's official release on the matter.

Not that Qualcomm has all the say here, of course, it's the 3GPP – the Third Generation Partnership Project – that agrees the standards, with input and advice from key stakeholders.

Back in 2024, '6G Scenarios and Performance Requirements' was investigated, setting into motion what the next-generation RAN – that's Radio Access Network – would need to deliver for 6G.

Qualcomm's release continues: "These next-generation networks will feature new and advanced capabilities, including intelligent radios with integrated wide-area sensing capabilities, virtualized and cloud RAN with high-performance and energy-efficient compute, AI-based network autonomy, as well as edge and centralized data centers for entirely new AI workloads."

It's clear that AI is the hot word here. But 6G will have to manage such massive data demands, as artificial intelligence models increase, that the standard's cloud systems will be a vital part in shaping how it operates for better use-case scenarios.

With MWC, many big industry players are setting out their stall. Nvidia has also released a statement on committing to "Build 6G on Open and Secure AI-Native Platforms", with many operators and infrastructure providers also cited.

"6G is more than the next step in wireless evolution," says Cristiano Amon, Qualcomm CEO.

"It is the foundation for an AI-native future that distributes intelligence across devices, the edge, and the cloud, and transforms network providers into AI-driven enterprises."

We'll have to see how that takes shape over the next few years. But it's clear that AI is here to stay, to evolve – and the sort of demand that will require is going to need 6G to deliver in the near future.

The best Black Friday deals are well underway, and if you’re after a cheap SIM to go with your handset, then you’ll want to check out the SMARTY Black Friday sale. During big sales seasons, SMARTY offers double the data on its popular SIM plans, while keeping the prices as low as possible – and it’s done it again this year.

Right now, you can get the 40GB SIM only plan with double the data in the SMARTY Black Friday sale. The price of the plan stays the same, so you get 80GB of data for just £10 a month in this best SIM only deal.

View the 80GB SMARTY SIM only deal

Shop all SMARTY Black Friday SIM plans

The 40GB data SIM only plan – now 80GB in this double data Black Friday deal – will cost you just £10 a month. Like all SMARTY plans, the SIM is on a no contract basis, so you can start and cancel your SIM whenever you want.

Not only does this SIM only deal come with a huge 80GB of data, but you can also get fast 4G And 5G data with no speed caps and EU roaming to help you save extra money on your monthly phone bill. The SIM also has unlimited calls and texts.

To view the 80GB data SIM only deal, click the link above or keep reading for more deals from the SMARTY Black Friday sale.

If you don’t need as much data as 80GB, SMARTY has added an extra 7GB to its 8GB data plan, offering you 15GB of data for just £7 a month. For more cheap SIM only deals from different providers, check out how to save money on your mobile phone plan or scroll through the deals widget below.

Whether you’re coming to the end of your existing contract or looking for a new provider altogether, finding the right network for you is an extremely important task. Even if you hate to admit it, we live in a world that relies on fully functioning devices and streamlined applications, and using a fast and reliable network is the key behind it all. 

With over 7 billion active smartphone users in the world, it’s no surprise that nearly 4 million new models are sold everyday. Now that a new iPhone on its way, smartphone enthusiasts will be eager to use its new capabilities and features. However, in order to enjoy these to the full, it again comes down to a reliable, award-winning network*** like Vodafone’s.

Let us tell you five reasons why Vodafone, The Nation’s Network, should be your port of call, especially if you’re a sucker for a good deal. 

1. The UK’s only Lifetime Service Promise 

Vodafone is the only UK network to provide a Lifetime Service Promise. This market-leading device care offering means every new and refurbished phone comes with Battery Refresh and Lifetime Warranty at no extra cost, meaning phones last for longer with Vodafone. 

2. Spread the cost of a new phone with 0% APR Phone Plans up to 36 months

All of Vodafone’s new and refurbished pay monthly phones are available on 0% APR Phone Plans. Customers can decide how much they want to pay upfront for their new device, as well as choose the length of their device plan – up to 36 months. Plus,  customers can also take advantage of flexible upgrades, allowing them to get a new phone as soon as three months into their plan. All of this makes Vodafone the smarter place to buy a new phone. 

3. Save up to £736 and get an instant, guaranteed value with Vodafone’s Trade-in Tool

Not only is Vodafone a great network to buy an Apple device, but it’s also the best place to go to unlock the value of your old phone. Customers buying a new phone this September can save up to £736* when they trade in selected iPhone models. 

Vodafone’s Trade-in Tool provides new and existing customers with an instant and guaranteed trade-in price before you send the phone off. The value can then be used as a saving against your Airtime Plan or towards an existing Phone Plan, helping you upgrade more affordably. 

Customers who purchased an iPhone 15 series phone with Vodafone's Buy-Back Price Guarantee before 15th December last year can save up to £786**, which includes a £50 Buy-Back bonus when they trade in their phone and buy a new one. 

4. Award-winning loyalty and perks 

VeryMe Rewards is the loyalty programme for Vodafone mobile customers, and it’s packed with giveaways, offers and discounts every week. Customers can even gift selected rewards to a friend. 

5. It’s The Nation’s Network after all

Vodafone has coverage in 99% of UK homes and covers 96% of the UK, as well as winning numerous network awards. Having been supporting people since 1984, it’s an extremely reliable network. 

Not only do 0% APR phone plans up to 36 months and instant, guaranteed trade-in savings make it an appealing choice for those entering the network, but its market-leading Lifetime Service Promise, award-winning perks and  reliable, award-winning network*** ensure you’ll be a satisfied customer throughout. If the sound of a new iPhone has piqued your interest, there’s no other choice than The Nation’s Network. 

*Pricing subject to change: up to £736 saving on the iPhone 15 Pro Max 1TB.

**Value varies by model, up to £786 (1TB iPhone 15 Pro Max) and the guarantee requires the customer’s phone to be in good working condition.

***Reliable, award-winning network: the UK relies on Vodafone as a network provider as it powers critical national infrastructure and 77% of emergency services, provides coverage in 99% of UK homes, covers 96% of the UK and has won numerous awards. See full details and awards on Vodafone's Network Page.

I am a fan of roaming. No, not data roaming—that’s crazy expensive. I’m talking about traveling. Roaming adds an interesting flare to vacations and makes even mundane trips feel more adventurous. You just kind of wind up wherever you are at the end of the day, and you make do with what you have. But roaming far from home can result in you racking up some costly charges when your mobile data has to roam with you. Even if you’re like me and barely plan before setting out on an adventure, you might want to consider planning just enough to purchase an eSIM card from Nomad. 

What is an eSim card, and why would you want one? 

A Nomad eSim card is an affordable and accessible digital solution for accessing mobile data while traveling internationally. Staying connected is vital these days, and nobody wants to miss sharing the highlights of their adventures on socials. With Nomad eSim, you can have all the advantages of mobile connectivity while traveling without all the headaches and fees that come from letting your mobile data roam.

Connecting to mobile data while in a new country can be a hassle. Your flight lands, and before you can even access a translator app, you need to connect to mobile data. You’re left scrambling to find an overpriced shop in the airport where you can pick up a regionally appropriate sim card for your current location, stand in line to pay, and hope you have the local currency on hand already. Then you have to struggle to switch your SIM card over and hope you don’t lose your other one, which will inevitably be left to float around in your luggage. That’s no way to start a trip.

Your other option is to shell out mobile data roaming fees. It’s far more convenient and can be done from your mobile device. That’s all well and good until you get back a bill showing AT&T charged you a whopping $10 per day. It doesn’t take a long trip to rack up a lot of data roaming charges. Nomad eSim offers a better way to pay for your data package while traveling, offering flexible and user-friendly plans with connectivity partners across the globe. 

With prepaid plans, you can enjoy a fixed amount of GB across a set number of days for a flat fee, avoiding any surprise charges following your trip. Nomad also offers Day Plans, letting you pay a set fee per day for a specific amount of data, then covering your mobile roaming with unlimited data at a throttled speed. Whether you’re binging your favorite shows with a bowl of Ramen in Japan or uploading a TikTok from a picturesque villa in Italy, you can trust that you have the coverage you need without breaking the bank.

Convenient coverage wherever you may roam 

Nomad believes in redundancy, partnering with a large number of connectivity partners worldwide to offer data that is 20-40% cheaper than the competition. With more than one network provider in over 170 countries, Nomad ensures that eSIM card customers always have options for connectivity no matter where your adventurous spirit may guide you. 

Pick and pay for your plan via the Nomad app before you board your flight, hop on a train, or otherwise kick off your trip. Then activate your eSim card when you reach your destination for quick and easy data coverage. If you have any questions or concerns, customer service for Nomad is at your fingertips 24/7. You’ll even get a real person to help you through your struggles, unlike with some other services. 

Nomad eSims are great for personal travel, but they’re also a must-have for international business trips. Nomad offers an enterprise portal for businesses to make purchasing bulk eSim cards even easier. Save up to 75% on data fees for employees and ensure 4G/5G connectivity so you can compete on a global stage in an instant without compromising security.

Adventure awaits! Let Nomad eSIM help you connect and share that adventure when you get wherever life is taking you.

It was back in April of this year that Vodafone announced a big broadband upgrade to take on both EE and Sky. Now the telecoms provider is further upping the ante by refreshing its Pro II package offering to deliver its fastest-ever broadband – if you're in an eligible area and willing to pay for it.

The previous Vodafone upgrade uses the Openreach network, which is able to offer speeds of 1.6Gbps maximum. But this latest Pro II upgrade uses CityFibre and can offer 1.8Gbps or 2.2Gbps packages – smashing the Gigabit threshold – to deliver truly mind-boggling speeds. 

However, CityFibre isn't available everywhere – you can look up eligibility using the company's official network checker, here – but is working through its phase 2 rollout, with many UK towns, cities and districts earmarked for future benefit. Currently the network can benefit 8 million UK homes.

So just how much will you have to pay for Vodafone's Pro II package? Full Fibre 1.8Gbps and 2.2Gbps cost £70 per month. That's comparable to EE's Full Fibre service (with similar speeds) at £69.99 per month. Not cheap, but these speeds are tens of times faster compared to standard broadband package offerings. 

Part of that cost comes down to the hardware you'll receive, too, with Vodafone's Super WiFi 6E and automatic 4G back-up boosting the signal around your home – and, in the case of the latter, also filling in for any broadband drop-outs that may occur. Although the brand-new network ought to be more robust to avoid such outages. 

If those prices are well beyond your means (and, let's face it, needs – not everyone will need up to 2200Mbps downloads) or you have Openreach rather than CityFibre access then Vodafone's other packages start at £26 per month. The entry-level Pro II packages, including compatibility with Wi-Fi 6E  speeds, start from £39 per month. 

Three UK has greatly expanded its list of countries that support data roaming. It has added 92 new countries around the world to its Go Roam lineup, meaning you can now use your phone's minutes, data and texts in more than 160 locations.

You will need to pay a daily fee, or buy a 3-, 7- or 14-day pass, but the new list of countries includes holiday hotspots that have previously cost travellers £100s.

Go Roam Around the Extra is available to Three Pay Monthly customers who joined or renewed their contract on or after 1 October 2021, whether you have taken one of the best phones from the network or are just on SIM-only.

You can see the full list of added countries below, but it includes the likes of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, and Madagascar. Even China, Japan and South Korea are now covered.

The new scheme will cost customers £7 per day as a daily roaming charge in all covered locations. Pass are also available to save money across the travel period, with more information on the Three website.

You can use your mobile plan's allowance as per normal in all destinations, although there is a fair usage cap of 3,000 minutes, 5,000 texts and 12GB of data.

Use outside of those caps and in other, non-supported countries around the world will be charged at the normal rates.

Three UK customers still on Pay Monthly contracts agreed before October 2021 or Pay As You Go plans won't have access to Go Roam Around the World Extra, nor the additional desitinations. The original Go Roam agreements will remain, which includes roaming in 71 countries – such as Europe and the US.

It seems that if you want to expand the list, you'll have to sign a new contract.

Three UK's Go Roam Around the World Extra destination list

Here are the additional 92 destinations that are now covered by Go Roam Around the World Extra:

• Albania
• Andorra
• Anguilla
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Armenia
• Aruba (Netherlands Antilles)
• Azerbaijan
• Bahamas
• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Barbados
• Bermuda
• Bonaire (Netherlands Antilles)
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• British Virgin Islands
• Brunei
• Burkina Faso
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• Canada
• Cayman Islands
• China
• Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
• Curacao (Netherlands Antilles)
• Cyprus, North (Turkey)
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• Egypt
• Faroe Islands
• Gabon
• Georgia
• Ghana
• Greenland
• Grenada
• Guinea
• Guyana
• Haiti
• Honduras
• India
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kenya
• Kosovo
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Liberia
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Malaysia
• Mexico
• Moldova
• Montenegro
• Montserrat
• Morocco
• Myanmar
• Niger
• Nigeria
• North Macedonia
• Oman
• Pakistan
• Paraguay
• Qatar
• Rwanda
• Saba (Netherlands Antilles)
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Saudi Arabia
• Senegal
• Serbia
• Seychelles
• Sint Eustatius (Netherlands Antilles)
• Sint Maarten (Netherlands Antilles)
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Suriname
• Taiwan
• Tajikistan
• Thailand
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tunisia
• Turkey
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• Uganda
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Uzbekistan
• Zambia

Go Roam Around the World Extra will be available to Three UK customers from Wednesday 26 June 2024.

Summertime, strawberries and tennis. Yes, it's quickly approaching Wimbledon o'clock in the calendar, which kicks off on 1 July 2024. And we Brits go mad for it. So mad that, with the Wimbledon Public Ballot now closed, your chances of getting tickets are restricted – unless you're willing to get into 'The Queue' for many hours or even days. 

But there's potential salvation from Vodafone. If you're a customer with the service provider then the VeryMe Rewards app is serving up 99 pairs of tickets to be won. That includes Grounds Passes, to No.1 Court, Centre Court, and even finals tickets. 

Vodafone is 'Official Connectivity Partner of The Championships, Wimbledon' – a rather grand title for a grand event, I must say – which is why the provider has this access and ability to give away tickets. Entry is free, you just need access to VeryMe Rewards on Android or Apple iOS devices, and to engage by clicking 'Play' in the relevant giveaway promotion.

Vodafone has split the giveaway into three prize draw dates: you can enter between 29 April to 5 May for the first round; between 13 to 19 May for the second round; and 3 to 9 June for the third and final round. That means there are multiple chances to win, although the terms and conditions make clear you're only eligible to win one of the 99 pairs. 

In 2023 I was at Wimbledon for the Murray v Tsitsipas match – and it was an absolute sensation to watch. Sadly it got late, the light dwindled, and the match ran into a second day of play. Plus I missed the last train home. But it was worth it – that's how special Wimbledon is!

So if you're a Vodafone customer, or fancy picking up one of the best phones through the provider, such as the Samsung Galaxy S24 (see widget below for best prices), this Wimbledon tickets giveaway is one of many additional rewards on offer –  there are also Glastonbury tickets and more giveaways available in VeryMe Rewards, so there's something for everyone.

With smartphone prices and monthly phone contracts going up in price, switching to one of the best SIM only deals can help you save more money each month on your phone bill. As the spring sales approach, Smarty is offering its flexible plans at an even more affordable and low price, so if you’re thinking of changing to a SIM contract, this is the deal for you.

In Smarty’s spring sale, the best offer I’ve found is on its 40GB plan. Now, you can get an extra 20GB of data for the same price as the original plan.

Shop the 60GB SIM only plan at Smarty

Browse the Smarty spring sale

The 40GB plan from Smarty costs £10 a month, but in its spring sale, Smarty is giving shoppers 60GB data at the same low price of £10 a month. Included in the plan is 60GB of data, unlimited calls and texts, fast 5G and 4G data, no speed caps and EU roaming.

The best thing about buying a SIM from Smarty is that you won’t be hit with any unexpected price hikes. Smarty is committed to no annual price hikes, so if you buy this 60GB data plan today, you won’t get hit with a price hike once the deal passes and as the years go by, meaning you’ll still spend just £10 for this extra data allowance.

Another thing that sets Smarty apart from other SIM only mobile networks is the freedom over your contract. Its one-month plans means you can pause, change or cancel your SIM at any time, and you won’t be charged for it. Smarty also runs on Three’s network so you get great coverage and mobile data speeds.

If you need more data, Smarty’s Unlimited plan is only £10 more expensive than this 60GB SIM only deal. For £20 a month, you get unlimited data and the other benefits that all Smarty SIMs come with.

Connectivity has become an essential part of modern life, not just for checking your social media, but to keep all sorts of devices connected. Remote security cameras or monitoring equipment, payment kit, sensors and a whole lot more bundled into the Internet of Things. Some of this can be critical, as without a connection, it stops functioning.

The solution to this problem is often to use a "roaming" SIM or Multi-IMSI SIM. Unlike the typical SIM that you have in your mobile phone, these are designed to allow connections to multiple mobile phone networks.

This means that a static device, like a payment terminal for example, isn't tied to the network performance of one mobile phone network and can use a different network to stay connected.

The problem is that something must monitor the network performance as even if the roaming SIM can connect to a different network, it might need some intervention telling it to do so. That's perhaps not a problem in a larger device or something with a human operative, but if it's an autonomous connected device, it might not switch networks – and could be left offline.

The new rSIM – short for resilient SIM  – has a solution designed to bypass the problem.

It is a clever bit of tech that combines two SIMs in one and provides constant monitoring. It's the monitoring on the rSIM itself that's important here, because it constantly checks the network connectivity and can switch to a backup network if it discovers that the device is offline.

It's an interesting technology and while it's not directly related to your smartphone, it does demonstrate that you can have a self-aware dual SIM configuration on a single SIM device.

This is likely to be of interest to those wanting to deploy things like remote security cameras in industrial settings, providing peace of mind that losing the connection to one network isn't going to lead to a lack of coverage, for example.

The company behind rSIM calls this "always on" connectivity and the new device has been launched in partnership with Deutsche Telekom IoT and Tele2 IoT. Thanks to a Connectivity Management Portal, you'll be able to check on the performance of your rSIMs deployed across your devices.

It'll be interesting to see if it catches on.

The cost of roaming with your phone has been something of a hot potato recently, with significant increases in costs in recent years. But there's a cunning way to avoid those costs thanks to Revolut.

For those who don't know, Revolut is a banking app that offers great support for travellers, with attractive exchange rates and fee-free spending and withdrawals. It can help avoid banking costs when travelling for business or on holiday.

The company has now announced that it's addressing another travel pain point by offering roaming services too. This will allow you to easily arrange roaming access for your eSIM-compatible phone, again avoiding the often high costs that UK networks impose.

Through the Revolut app you'll be able to select the country you're in, the data you want and then you pay with your Revolut balance. That makes it really easy to arrange your mobile phone coverage and saves you from having to mess around with different apps or providers for each country you visit.

Prices start as low as £3 for 1GB of data, limited to 7 days of access. But then there are 30-day options for 3GB from £6. The prices vary slightly depending on the options you choose, with regional or global access costing more. For many users, the single-country option will be ideal for holidays and could save money compared to a regular phone network.

For example, I can get 3GB of data for use in the USA for £8 from Revolut, but under EE, my only option for data in the States is the Roam Further add-on at £25 a month!

Using eSIM to its advantage

We first started hearing about eSIM in 2016, but it was the launch of the iPhone 14 in 2022 that really drew attention to the tech.

In the US, the iPhone 14 launched as eSIM only, although that's not the case for the rest of the world, including the UK, where physical SIM remains. However, many phones now offer dual SIM support, so you turn off roaming data on your normal SIM and add eSIM for the roaming data.

The advantage that eSIM offers is that you can easily add a temporary connection through a service like Revolut without having to visit a store and buy a physical card.

The addition of eSIM to Revolut's selection of features for travellers will appeal to the company's 8+ million users in the UK and might also prove attractive to newcomers to the financial platform.

Vodafone will be giving its 5G network a big upgrade this year, and it should massively reduce the amount of time it takes to upload images, videos and other content to social media. It'll also be a boon for remote workers who need their upload speeds to be closer to their download speeds.

In association with Qualcomm and Xiaomi, Vodafone carried out its first European test of the new 5G uplink technology this month. Peak upload speeds were 273 megabits per second (Mbps), nearly three times the average upload speed of today's phones and even home broadband connections. In addition to the speed boost, the tech improves coverage and capacity too.

The upgrade uses what's called 5G Standalone, 5G SA for short, and it's compatible with phones going back several years: for example both the Samsung Galaxy S21 and iPhone 13 support 5G SA technology. However, the very fastest speeds are likely to be in the next generation of flagships, such as Android phones with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile platform.

What is 5G SA and why do we want it?

There are two kinds of 5G network: there's 5G Standalone, aka 5G SA, and there's 5G Not Standalone, or 5G NSA for short. Right now, the UK's mobile networks are 5G NSA: although they deliver 5G, a lot of it is delivered via 4G-spec infrastructure.

The reason for that is simple enough: it made it easier and cheaper to roll out 5G without having to completely replace every single part of the network. But it means that the core network could still be better, especially when it comes to coverage, capacity and security. If like me you live in a city or visit one for gigs or sporting events, you've probably experienced the problem where you can get a 5G signal but it feels like you're on 3G, especially in busy areas. 

There are other benefits too: 5G SA should deliver improved battery life and lower latency, with considerably less lag than you get on current connections. That's good news for gamers, of course, but it's also good news for any applications where delays can be a problem – such as future self-driving vehicles or remote healthcare.

There's no firm launch date for 5G SA in the UK just yet, but while Vodafone is the first UK network trialling 5G SA it isn't the only one investing in upgrades: EE and O2 have also committed to upgrading their core networks, although for now we don't have a timescale for rollouts. As ever with phone tech, busy cities are likely to get the upgrades first; if you're in a remote area you'll have to wait longer.

The Acer Predator Connect W6 wants to break into our best wireless router guide – although it actually supports Wi-Fi 6E as well, so is quick as it gets until Wi-Fi 7 arrives – and in our review we're going to give you all the information you need to decide if it's the router for you.

It's certainly a router built with gamers in mind, as you can tell by the Predator label that Acer has attached to it, and the rather aggressive design. There are also optimisations for the Nvidia GeForce Now streaming service, as we'll get into further on in this review.

If you're looking for a substantial upgrade on the router that your internet provider has supplied you with, then the Acer Predator Connect W6 might fit the bill. If you've got a greater area to cover, then it's also worth considering one of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems instead.

Acer Predator Connect W6: price & availability

You can buy the Acer Predator Connect W6 now, direct from Acer itself. Check the widgets embedded in this page to see if there are any better deals currently available on the web, but at the time of writing this router is going to set you back just under £300 / $300, and you can pick it up direct from Acer.

Acer Predator Connect W6 review: design & setup

The Acer Predator Connect W6 is quite a sight, and is definitely designed to appeal to gamers, with the slits that are cut into the casing and the lights that glow through from underneath (blue for a good connection to the internet, red for no connection, orange for a firmware update). It's more than likely to attract comments from visitors to your home, which isn't something you can say about many routers.

It's a rather bulky device too, measuring 265 x 260 x 111mm, so you'll either need to clear a bit of table space somewhere or use the integrated mounting holes to get it up on the wall. There are six chunky antennas attached, which each come with a fair amount of flexibility in terms of positioning, and there's also a 2.5Gbps WAN port, four 1Gbps LAN ports, and a USB-A 3.0 port for attaching storage.

Setup couldn't be much simpler: just plug it in and you're good to go, with the Wi-Fi settings printed underneath the router. These settings can be tweaked via a comprehensive web interface, which gives you access to device management and prioritisation options, plus a few basic parental controls (for blocking certain websites for example), and extras like a guest Wi-Fi network option.

There's also an accompanying app for Android and iOS you can use as well, but this doesn't offer the full range of router settings and asks you to sign up for an Acer account before you can use it. Most people are probably going to be fine sticking with the web interface, though the convenience of the mobile app is there if you want it.

Acer Predator Connect W6 review: performance & features

The Acer Predator Connect W6 is capable of reaching speeds of 7.8Gbps across three bands – 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz – and it's fully Wi-Fi 6E compatible. With Wi-Fi 7 only just beginning to appear, you're well covered for years to come with this router, and you get on-board features such as traffic optimisation to make sure all of your devices stay online and connected, even in busy households.

In our tests, the router showed impressively high levels of speed and impressively low levels of latency, although the technical limitations of the fastest 6GHz band mean it struggles through walls and floors. As far as range goes, we could comfortably connect to the router across a two-storey semi-detached house with no problems, but if you've got a bigger property or more floors then one of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems may be better suited for your needs.

There are a few features worth mentioning. Each antenna comes with tiny colour-coded LED lights next to it, which can be used together with a tool on the web interface to maximise signal strength through the way the antennas are positioned – it's a neat trick that seems to work well, and takes some of the guesswork out of working out where the router and its antennas should be pointing.

The Acer Predator Connect W6 is also officially certified for use with Nvidia's GeForce Now gaming streaming service, as mentioned earlier – making it a great choice if you're a regular user of that platform – and comes with Trend Micro Home Security Engine software for keeping a close eye on network security. With a lot of routers asking for an extra monthly subscription for additional security features, it's a welcome addition.

Acer Predator Connect W6 review: verdict

There's quite a lot to like about the Acer Predator Connect W6, whether it's the cloud gaming optimisations, the bundled security software, the USB-A 3.0 port that lets you connect storage to your network, or the antenna signal configuration utility. The web console you use to control everything is a level above what we've come to expect too, and offers plenty of features as well.

High speeds and low latency were noticeable when connecting devices to the network, and it's suitable for busy households that need to get a lot of different gadgets online. It's not the best router we've ever tested in terms of range, or the speeds you're going to get further away from it, but there are no major problems here – just don't expect it to have the extended coverage of a mesh system.

Those mesh systems can cost significantly more than the Acer Predator Connect W6 does of course, and if the main gaming machine in your home is in reasonably close proximity to where you'll be putting the router, then we'd highly recommend considering this as an option – especially if you're a regular Nvidia GeForce Now player.

Also consider

If you're looking for a different Wi-Fi 6E router with very decent speeds and performance, then the Asus RT-AXE7800 is certainly worthy of your consideration. It's around the same price as the Acer Predator Connect W6, you get the same tri-band coverage, and there's not a huge amount to choose between them.

Also in the same sort of price range and with Wi-Fi 6E support we have the Linksys Hydra Pro 6E. We were impressed with its solid performance and simple setup, and you might prefer its more straightforward design to the flashy Acer Predator Connect W6. It's fair to say the Linksys app is a little more polished than the Acer one too.

While you'll find Black Friday deals on just about anything these days, a great bargain on the best phones on the market is what it's all about. Those kinds of deals are what made Black Friday in the early years – and I've found a deal to make Black Friday great again!

It sees a staggering deal on the newest iPhone 15 model. You can snag the handset with a ludicrous 250GB of data for just £29.99 per month at Mobiles.co.uk.

That's a cracking deal for the new iPhone. It's on the ID Mobile network, too. That might not be a familiar name to everyone, but I can personally attest to their quality. I've been using the network for about five years now, and have had a great experience.

Then there's the handset itself. This generation marks arguably the biggest change to the iPhone in recent years. You'll get a redesigned chassis with curved edges for a nicer feel in the hand, the iconic Dynamic Island, and the A16 Bionic processor for snappy performance.

The camera was also given a boost this year, with an effective 2x telephoto enabled by a quad-bayer sensor on the main camera. That makes the two-sensor array much more usable, fixing one of the biggest gripes with the vanilla model.

In total, with the upfront cost and 24 months of the £29.99 monthly payment, this package will set you back £849. That's only £50 more than the base cost for the device, representing almighty value. In effect, you pay for the device over 24 months interest free, and only pay £50 for a whopping 6TB of data!

Unless you've been living under a rock for the last few years, you'll know that the best EVs on the market are getting even better by the day. The days of electric vehicles being tin cans with enough juice to get to the shops and back at 15mph are long gone.

Instead, we now see a wealth of different kinds of vehicles. Everything from big pickup trucks like the Tesla Cybertruck, to sports cars like the Porsche Taycan are available with electric power.

Now, another brand looks set to enter the fray – and it's a name you might recognise. The first Xiaomi EVs have just been spotted in a regulatory database in China, giving us a glimpse of the specs and the design.

And yes, if you're wondering, that is the same Xiaomi you're thinking of. You know, the one who makes great phones like the Xiaomi 13 Pro? Well, they make a lot more than just Android phones, and cars are the next thing in their catalogue.

So, what can we expect? Well, there are two models shown off in the filing – the Xiaomi SU7 and the Xiaomi SU7 Max. Interestingly, images of another variant – the Xiaomi SU7 Pro – are also shown in the photos, though details of that one aren't listed.

What we do hear about is the other two, which represent a standard and premium variant of the range. Those differ with single- and dual-motor drivetrains, different battery technology and different weights.

Across all of the range, you'll find an active rear wing as standard, while both models are based on a C-Class sedan design style. The renders are gorgeously shapely though, and resemble a Taycan more than anything else.

Inside, the car is also expected to run on HyperOS. That's the branding used for the operating system in Xiaomi phones, as well as the rest of their IoT range. It's worth noting that the naming convention doesn't necessarily mean they'll be the same software, though.

Xiaomi certainly seem keen to keep things relatively uniform across platforms. That's likely in a bid to promote user familiarity among different devices from the brand. With that in mind, we'd certainly expect a familiar look, even if it's not exactly the same.

There's no details of a release date to be found, but with listings like this cropping up, we'd certainly expect to see something soon.

Earlier today, EE announced that it is introducing 1.6 Gbps broadband to the UK – the fastest available in the country to date. However, one of its main rivals has now responded saying that it will introduce a broadband package that can achieve speeds that are 38% faster.

Vodafone claims that its 2.2 Gbps broadband will trounce the current EE network when it launches in "early 2024". It also reveals that an entire game, such as Call of Duty, will take just three minutes to download.

The service will initially be available on CityFibre's network, which is available in numerous locations around the UK but not everywhere. The partners trialled the speeds in York earlier in 2023, so know that the full fibre network is capable, it just needs to demonstrate that it can achieve similar results on a much wider scale.

"These new 2.2Gbps speeds are going to be a game changer in 2024," said Vodafone's chief commercial officer, Max Taylor.

"Being able to provide our customers with these phenomenal speeds, showcases the true capability of our Pro II Broadband, customers will be able to get the fastest broadband speeds, in all corners of the home and at an amazing price."

Vodafone's Pro II Broadband is already available and plans start at £38 per month. It's not yet known how much it will charge for the 2.2 Gbps tier.

It uses the Vodafone Ultra Hub and Super WiFi6E Booster to ensure stable signals around the home. Those will continue it seems, as they were also part of the successful York trials.

Vodafone is currently awaiting a judgement by the Competition and Markets Authority on whether it can push forward with a much-publicised merger with UK mobile network Three.

If the deal is ratified it would make the new company the largest operator in the country, with potentially the biggest 5G network. An answer is not expected this year, however.

The Linksys Velop Pro 6E has ambitions to be one of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems on the market, and our review will help you decide whether or not it's the right Wi-Fi upgrade for you. It certainly comes with a brand name you can trust in terms of home networking.

You can pick up this mesh system with just the main router, with the router and a single satellite, and with the router and two satellites – and it's the latter of those configurations, the one that's the most expensive and covers the biggest area, that we're reviewing here.

When it comes to getting the perfect Wi-Fi setup at your home, we've got plenty more buying advice for you to take advantage of. After reading this review, you might want to check out our detailed guides to the best wireless routers and the best Wi-Fi 6 routers.

Linksys Velop Pro 6E: price & availability

The Linksys Velop Pro 6E mesh Wi-Fi system is out and available to buy now. The three-pack version that we're reviewing here can be bought for around £499 / $449 at the time of writing – though the widgets embedded above should give you the best prices currently available on the web. In the UK, it's available from Amazon.

Linksys Velop Pro 6E review: design & setup

There's no physical difference between the main unit and the two satellites here – you just need to make sure that one of them is plugged into your existing home router supplied by your internet service provider, and that the other two are positioned elsewhere in your home. After that is done, the entire setup process is handled through the accompanying mobile app, which is the norm for systems like this.

We managed to get the Linksys Velop Pro 6E up and running in around 10 minutes, and everything went smoothly. The only slight annoyance is that all three units need to be close together during setup, which means you'll need three spare plug sockets close to your existing router – once that's taken care of, you're free to move the satellite nodes around to other locations.

The app that you use for setup is the same app that you then use to manage the network: checking on connected devices, configuring guest access, the available parental controls and so on. If you don't already have a Linksys account, you'll have to sign up for one – yet another email address and password combination to remember – but it's not too much of a chore to do this inside the app.

Each of these devices stands 196mm tall, 99mm wide and 95mm deep – they're about as tall as a Coca-Cola bottle, as you can see from one of the images accompanying this review. They're neither the smallest nor the biggest mesh networking devices we've come across, but they're reasonably easy on the eye – Linksys has clearly gone for the minimalist look here, which is fine by us.

Linksys Velop Pro 6E review: performance & features

Until Wi-Fi 7 appears, Wi-Fi 6E is the best wireless networking tech you can get, and that's what the Linksys Velop Pro 6E offers (it'll still work with older devices that use older standards, but you won't get the top performance). Linksys promises around 9,000 square feet of coverage with the three-pack system, which is going to cover the vast majority of properties very well indeed.

These units are also fitted with what Linksys calls "cognitive mesh", where various optimisations are made in real-time to ensure all of your devices are getting as much wireless internet as possible. The system is able to handle up to 600 devices, so it's enough for even the busiest of households, and they're automatically spread across three bands of connectivity: 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz. Each node also has a Gigabit Ethernet port.

Our home is a lot less than 9,000 square feet, and we didn't have 600 spare devices to hand, but we did test the Linksys Velop Pro 6E as best we could: connections were speedy and rock solid across the board, and in the furthest reaches of our property we were getting gains of around 10-20% in speed over our standard router. The Velop Pro 6E was also able to cover the back garden in speedy Wi-Fi, which our existing router can't do.

The accompanying app can be a little slow at times, but it's nicely designed, and does a good job of helping you manage everything to do with your network. The ability to setup a guest network is handy, so visitors can't see all of your connected devices, and basic parental controls are included too – for limiting the times a specific device can get connected, and the websites available to it.

Linksys Velop Pro 6E review: verdict

We were really impressed with what the Linksys Velop Pro 6E had to offer, and it's really got everything you could want from a mesh system like this: fast and reliable performance, simple setup, support for the latest standards, and useful features. We've got no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who wants to get rid of Wi-Fi dead zones in their house or get faster speeds in rooms further away from their main router.

Of course this system isn't going to improve the speeds you get from your internet service provider: the broadband speeds coming into your home won't change, but you might get closer to those speeds on more devices. If you're currently having very few problems with your existing Wi-Fi network, then the Linksys Velop Pro 6E isn't quite so much of a must-buy, as you might not see a huge difference.

We noticed absolutely no issues with lag or dropped connections when testing the Linksys Velop Pro 6E, and so it would definitely suit households with dozens or even hundreds of devices to connect. A mesh system such as this one is likely to do a much better job of keeping everything online at once than the router you've been given by your broadband provider.

Also consider

If you're looking for alternatives, the Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi 6E RBKE963 is absolutely one of the best Wi-Fi 6E mesh networks we've ever tested. It's going to cost you more than the Linksys Velop Pro 6E that we've reviewed here, but the units are packed with network optimisation features and offer top levels of performance – it's worth considering if you want the best of the best.

The Amazon Eero Pro 6E system gives you Wi-Fi 6E in smaller units than you get with the Linksys Velop Pro 6E, but again you're going to have to pay more for the privilege. There's a lot to like about the Eero boxes, with their simple setup and fast speeds, and if you need nodes that are easier to hide away on your furniture then it's another system that deserves a place on your shortlist.

The Asus RT-AXE7800 review is in contention for our best wireless router and best Wi-Fi 6 router lists, although it actually goes all the way up to Wi-Fi 6E. If you're looking to seriously level up your home networking kit, this could be the perfect way to do it.

Of course it's not going to be exactly the right purchase for everyone though: our detailed Asus RT-AXE7800 router review will tell you one way or another whether it deserves a place on your shopping shortlist, based on what your needs and your budget are.

Should you need any further tech buying advice, then we've got you covered there as well: after you've finished digesting our thoughts on the Asus RT-AXE7800, you might want to check out our guides to the best mesh Wi-Fi systems and the best standing desks.

Asus RT-AXE7800: price & availability

The Asus RT-AXE7800 review is available to buy right now, and the widget embedded above can direct you straight to the best prices on the web for this Wi-Fi 6E router. At the time of writing, we're seeing the hardware available for around £250 / $330. In the UK, you can pick it up from retailers including Amazon and Scan.

Asus RT-AXE7800 review: design & setup

You shouldn't have any difficulty at all when it comes to setting up the Asus RT-AXE7800 in your home. A little technical networking knowledge helps but is by no means essential, and you can configure the router as a new device through a web interface in your browser or through the companion apps for Android or iOS. In total, you won't be spending more than about 10-15 minutes getting it ready for use.

As far as the aesthetics of the device go, there's no doubt that this router wouldn't look out of place in a sci-fi series set in the near future. It's rather bulky and angular, with six external antennas that fold back against the unit, presumably to make it easier to package and transport. We don't think everyone is going to love the design, but some people will – and the majority probably don't care what their router looks like anyway.

The device measures 264 x 262 x 114mm with the antennas extended, and weighs in at 880g. It's fairly compact, especially considering the capabilities of the router, and a row of LED lights on the front of the unit do the job of keeping you informed about what is working and what isn't – though we didn't have any problems or downtime during our testing.

Around the back of the unit there's a power socket, four 1Gbps Ethernet ports, and a 2.5Gbps WAN/LAN port for hooking up to your existing router or modem. There's also a USB 3.0 (Type-A) port here for connecting up an external hard drive that can then be accessed by any computer, phone or tablet that you hook up to your W-Fi – it's a nice little extra that some users will appreciate.

Asus RT-AXE7800 review: performance & features

The process of attaching devices to the Asus RT-AXE7800 was quick and straightforward, and we were pleased to see solid speeds and connectivity all around our two-storey semi-detached property. With 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz bands to pick from, you're covered for both range and speed – the router lets you keep all three separate, or combine the 2.4GHz and 5GHz together and leave the 6GHz on its own.

We appreciate that extra flexibility, and with top speeds of 7.8Gbps, this is going to offer performance that's more than enough for most home users (that 2.5Gbps port means it's ready for high-speed fibre broadband too). It's also worth noting that two Ethernet ports can be combined for a 2Gbps wired connection – perfect if you have a laptop or console that needs the fastest possible link to the web.

Performance was pretty much flawless during our testing, with gadgets close to the router reaching speeds close to the maximum possible, and decent speeds achievable further away as well (especially on the 5GHz band). Adding dozens of devices didn't seem to trouble the router, and wired performance was impressive too – though you are then limited in terms of physical positioning of course. 

The accompanying software features are great, including traffic optimisation tools and comprehensive parental controls for limiting time online and specific device access. What's really good is that none of this requires an extra subscription, or even an Asus account – something that we wish was the case with more manufacturers. There is a paid-for subscription for extra security features, but it's not pushed on you.

Asus RT-AXE7800 review: verdict

No router is ever going to increase the speed of the internet coming into your home of course – you'll need to speak to your broadband provider for that – but upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6E router like this means that more of your devices can stay connected, and get decent wireless speeds further away from the router. The Asus RT-AXE7800 scores highly in those respects, and offers plenty more too.

Parents will appreciate the restrictions they can control, while more advanced users are going to like the traffic optimisation tools and the ability to separate the bands out into separate networks. There's a bit of something here for everyone, though it helps to have a smattering of technical knowledge to make the most of everything the router has to offer – complete beginners might prefer something more basic.

While many home users will be looking to one of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems to eliminate dead zones and improve coverage, a lot of smaller homes can actually get by perfectly well with a single router – and bear in mind that the Asus RT-AXE7800 can function as part of a mesh network if you buy some extra hardware. For a standard-sized two-storey home or something smaller, you should get coverage just about everywhere.

Making router recommendations is difficult, because we can't know what hardware you already have in place and how big your property is. However, if you're not completely happy with your current setup and have plenty of Wi-Fi 6E devices to hook up, then the Asus RT-AXE7800 is an excellent option – especially if you don't need the range (and don't want the extra expense) of a mesh system.

Also consider

Another excellent Wi-Fi 6E router we've tested recently is the Linksys Hydra Pro 6E. Again, you get three bands to work with, and setup is simple and straightforward, with the option of parental controls included as well. It's not quite as sophisticated or as powerful as the Asus RT-AXE7800, but you should be able to find it for a little bit less money, so it might suit your needs better.

If you've got more to spend and a larger space to cover, but you still want the Asus brand name and the Wi-Fi 6E speeds, then consider the Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12. This mesh system costs about four times as much as the Asus router we've reviewed here, but you'll have yourself a Wi-Fi network that is pretty much unbeatable – so it's a worthwhile investment if your home has a lot of floors and hundreds of gadgets to connect.

In 2021, it was announced that Virgin Media and O2 were joining forces, offering a broader range of services, including mobile, broadband, and television. The aim of the merge was to create a new “national champion” in the UK that can compete with other industry giants such as Sky and BT. Within this, Virgin Media O2 also committed to offering new and existing customers a huge range of perks and benefits which have not disappointed. 

In the wake of students returning to school and university, Virgin Media O2 has done it again, offering a wide variety of impressive discounts for students. With the ONS highlighting that 50% of students feel they’re facing financial difficulties and 91% worried about the rising cost of living, Virgin Media O2 has vowed to help students kick start the academic year on a money-saving high this September.

Before we begin, check out some of our Back to Class content:

9 home essentials you need for school, university and college

These 5 laptops are the best for college and uni students

Stay fit at uni (and beyond) with the best free fitness apps for students

20% off O2 Airtime Plans 

Students looking for a new device so they can study, stream, and stay in touch with friends and family can enjoy 20% off a new phone or tablet by simply by signing into UNiDAYS, UNIiDAYS GRADLiFE or TOTUM to get a unique online basket code. 

Those who already have an O2 contract can simply apply the student discount code to their bill by signing into UNiDAYS to get a code and then texting the word ‘STUDENT’ followed by the code to 61202 to benefit from a student discount. 

The offer also covers all selected accessories too. Go to Virgin Media O2's website for more information. 

Access to Volt benefits

Student households that have Virgin Media broadband and at least one housemate on O2 can access Volt benefits which includes a broadband speed upgrade to the next available tier and double data for any eligible O2 mobile plans. That means double the mobile data on every eligible O2 Pay Monthly plan in your household. 

You can also get up to 3 WiFi Pods (if needed) at no extra cost, as well as O2 Travel Inclusive Zone, so you can use your O2 phone or sim in 75 destinations with no additional charges. 

EU Roaming

For those students who want to travel in-between terms, O2 offers inclusive EU roaming in 45 destinations, up to 25GB. Wherever you fancy going in their Europe Zone, you’re free to call, text and use data just like you would in the UK, subject to a roaming limit.

O2 Priority

Students can also enjoy exclusive perks and experiences with Priority, including cinema tickets, daily treats and even access to exclusive gigs with the hottest music artists. All you have to do is get the free app for quick and easy access to Priority whenever you like!

O2 Extras

O2 customers can get their hands on Disney+, Amazon Prime, Amazon Audible or many more, free on O2 for up to 6 months depending on their tariff. 

Hungry for more? Have a look at our round-up of the best student discounts and freebies available in 2023!

It's been a turbulent ten months for the platform formerly known as Twitter. Since it was purchased by Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, in October 2022, the app has gone through a series of changes, most notably changing its name to X.

Surrounding that has been a spate of unusual feature choices. From introducing a video calling feature which absolutely no-one asked for, to relegating the accounts you actually follow and replacing them with paid subscribers that rarely align with your views and beliefs, the site appears to be wilting fast.

Still, as they say, even a broken clock is right twice a day. And, even when it seems hellbent on self-imploding, a useful X feature can come along every now and again.

That's exactly what has been unearthed by app researcher, Nima Owji. At the start of the month, Owji spotted a reference to ID verification on the platform. And now, they've found even more details.

According to the screenshot shared on their Twitter X profile, users need to share an image of their government issued ID and take a selfie. That should make it harder for people to have their identity mimicked by a seemingly real profile.

Based on the screenshots shared by Owji, it looks like the new step will be required to unlock the features of the paid-for verification system. The text in the image says, "Verify your government-issued ID to confirm your identity and unlock features as a Blue subscriber."

That's a good thing. When the verification system was first changed from a genuine mark of significance to a paid-for sticker, there were some pretty serious ramifications. Users could – and did – pay $8 for Twitter Blue, get their verified badge and begin mimicking companies and high-profile individuals. One tweet even sent the stock price of a healthcare company plummeting.

Does this feel like too little, too late? Absolutely. Realistically, this should have been part of the initial change, to stop frauds from trying to steal the identity of other individuals. 

But hey, lets give credit where it's due. This is still a positive change, and should at least stem the flow of verified bots and parody accounts. Hopefully, this can act as the catalyst for some more positive change across the platform. 

X will soon add a feature that's about as alien to the original premise of Twitter as tact is to Elon Musk. It has been confirmed that the social media network will be getting video calling in the near future.

After a tease posted on the platform by X designer Andrea Conway, which simply said "Just called someone on X", company CEO Linda Yaccarino told CNBC that X users will soon be able to have video chats through the service.

"Soon you’ll be able to make video chat calls without having to give your phone number to anyone on the platform," she said (via TechCrunch).

It's not yet clear whether the new feature will be exclusive to X Blue subscribers or open to everyone.

The move is a further step to transform the network into the "everything app" reportedly envisaged by Musk when he originally bought Twitter for $44 billion (£34.62 billion).

His plans also allegedly include adding a payment system similar to the PayPal service he owned in the early 2000s. At the time, he tried to change that company's name to X.com too, but was thwarted and eventually ousted by the board there.

While video calling will be well received by many on Twitter X, it will make it very different to the social media platform many have grown to love. Short and sweet bursts of tweets are becoming a thing of the past, as the service adopts many of the technologies and feature sets of rivals.

Maybe it's a pre-emptive strike in the battle with Meta's Threads. Maybe Musk and the X team expect the rival app to integrate more with WhatsApp in future, much like it's doing with Instagram.

We certainly suspect that there will be more to come from X in the coming months, to fend off its potentially biggest competitor. Threads launched with a fairly bare offering, but is also rapidly adding features to bring it up to speed and regain the millions of users it attracted initially.

Video calling might help X keep one step ahead – even though it plays at odds with the network's original core values.

Sky Broadband has introduced its most powerful home network hub as part of a new WiFi Max setup.

Using Wi-Fi 6 technology, the Max Hub is faster and more stable than its predecessor and is available for new and existing customers. It doesn't cost the Earth neither - priced at just £10 more per month on top of a broadband plan.

The Sky Broadband WiFi Max system also comes with a 25 Mbps Wi-Fi guarantee, so customers will be able to continue to stream 4K Ultra HD video and/or game in any room or get a refund.

Sky Broadband WiFi Max pricing

As well as the hub, customers are entitled to up to three free Max Pods - Wi-Fi extenders that ensure other rooms get decent wireless network coverage as well as the main one where the hub is located.

In addition, WiFi Max subscribers can book engineer visits at a time that suits them, even if it's an evening or weekend. This is if the service doesn't hold up to the guaranteed speeds.

WiFi Max is available with four broadband plans (each on 18-month contracts):

• Superfast Broadband 35, which costs £25 per month and offers average speeds of 36 Mbps (note: the guarantee on this plan is 10 Mbps minimum in each room)
• Ultrafast Broadband, which costs £30 per month for average speeds of 145 Mbps.
• Ultrafast Plus Broadband, which costs £48 per month for average speeds of 500 Mbps.
• Gigafast Broadband, which costs £53 per month for average speeds of 900 Mbps.

You need to add the £10 per month for WiFi Max too.

New customers can order the hardware and service now, while existing customers will have to wait until later this year when it will be available to them too.

“A modern, busy household needs Wi-Fi to be more powerful and more reliable than ever, so customers can stream, game, or use multiple devices at once without any hassle," said Sky Broadband's managing director, Amber Pine.

"With WiFi Max’s speed guarantee of up to 25 Mbps in every room, customers can relax knowing time online will be seamless, safe and without stress."

Sky claims that its new setup is ideal for use with Sky Glass and Sky Stream.

From time to time I think about buying the best mesh Wi-Fi system for my flat: it's an odd shape so the signal doesn't reach everywhere, and with two kids gaming or streaming congestion's often an issue. And then I look at the price and change my mind. So I'm very interested to see the Velop Pro 6E, the new and affordable mesh Wi-Fi system from Linksys.

If you’re not familiar with mesh networking, it’s a wireless network that can use multiple interconnected routers to deliver much wider coverage than a single router can provide - although as here, the individual routers can also deliver really impressive range on their own. But where mesh networks get good is when a single router struggles with range, because Wi-Fi speeds start to drop dramatically as the signal strength reduces. Mesh networks are designed to give you five-bar signals everywhere.

I've been using Linksys products since long before I had kids, so I know they're rock-solid when it comes to reliability. And the price here is reasonable for such well-specified routers: £199 for a single unit, £379 for two and £499 for three.

Linksys Velop Pro 6E: features and specifications

The Wi-Fi here is Wi-Fi 6E, which uses a third band, 6GHz, in addition to the more common 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. That means less interference and better throughput, because data on that band isn’t competing with all your smart home kit and your neighbours’ Wi-Fi. And you can potentially connect an awful lot of smart home kit here: the Velop Pro 6E can handle up to 200 devices at once. Connection speeds are up to 5.4Gbps.

The range is impressive. A single unit will cover up to 3,000 square feet, with the usual caveats about obstacles. A twin-pack is good for 6,000 square feet, and the triple can cover up to 9,000 square feet. As a rule of thumb that means you need one for a flat or smaller house, two for a four-bed house or three for your mansion.

I haven’t tested this one yet, but our very own Yasmine Crossland has reviewed the Wi-Fi 6 (not 6E) Linksys Atlas Pro 6, praising its simple setup and straightforward operation. It was particularly good at solving Wi-Fi signal issues. This newer product has even better speeds and supports many more devices, so it looks like a good option for larger spaces.

If you've got one of the best wireless routers or one of the best mesh systems installed at home, supporting the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard, then you might need the Netgear Nighthawk A8000 USB dongle as well – it's a simple, affordable way to complete the Wi-Fi 6E loop.

While laptop and desktop computers built in the last few years will come with Wi-Fi 6E support out of the box, older hardware devices won't – which means they won't be able to take advantage of the extra performance and capacity that you get with Wi-Fi 6E.

This Netgear Nighthawk A8000 review will tell you everything you need to know about this USB dongle. If you need any more help kitting out your home with gadgets, you might want to check out our comprehensive guides to the best laptops or the best 4K monitors.

Netgear Nighthawk A8000: price & availability

The Netgear Nighthawk A8000 Wi-Fi 6E dongle is out and available to buy now. You can find the latest online deals in the widgets embedded on this page, but at the time of writing the device costs around £90 / $90. If you're buying it in the UK, it's currently only available direct from Netgear.

Netgear Nighthawk A8000 review: design & setup

You get two main components in the box with the Netgear Nighthawk A8000. First is the Wi-Fi 6E antenna, which looks like a chunky USB drive and folds out to form an antenna. Second is a dock for this antenna, which connects to your laptop or desktop computer via a USB-A cable. You can either plug the antenna straight into your computer, or use the cradle if it's more convenient for your particular setup.

There's no USB-A-to-USB-C adapter here, so if your laptop or desktop only has USB-C ports you'll need to supply an adapter of your own. The supplied software that you need to install comes on a USB-A drive as well, so the same applies – though you can also download it from the Netgear website if you need. The Netgear Nighthawk A8000 is a Windows-only device, so it's not for Mac users.

Once installed, the Nighthawk A8000 shows up in the main Wi-Fi settings for Windows, with a toggle switch that you can use to enable or disable it – disabling it means your computer will fall back to the previous Wi-Fi adapter it was using (most likely on the motherboard). There's no need to reconnect to all the Wi-Fi networks that you were previously attached to – this information is retained by Windows, you're just using a different piece of hardware to connect to these networks.

As for the design, there's not too much to report: it's black, and functional, and reasonably compact. It's big as far as USB drives go, but it's about right for a Wi-Fi antenna, and it's good to have the option of the cradle if it's difficult to plug the antenna directly into your laptop or desktop. We like the way that the antenna extends too, to better pick up signals.

Netgear Nighthawk A8000 review: features & performance

We've mentioned the Wi-Fi 6E support here, and the device supports tri-band connectivity – 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz (though only the first two if you're using Windows 10). The dongle supports USB 3.0 for the fastest possible connection to your computer, and speeds of up to 1,200Mbps are possible on the 6GHz band. Use it with a Netgear router and you get a few more goodies, including the beamforming technology which helps to direct and focus Wi-Fi signals.

Now how well this works for you will depend on a whole host of factors, including the thickness of your walls and the quality of the Wi-Fi 6E router you're using it with. However, it should provide at least some benefits to the computer you plug it into – if not in speed, then in reliability (the 6GHz band is better at avoiding interference). In some setups, it's going to make quite a substantial difference in both speed and reliability.

When testing it with our own Wi-Fi 6E router, we found the connection to be quick and stable, with slight gains in terms of speed compared with a Wi-Fi 6 router and no adapter. While we don't have a huge house, the connection remained strong even at the edges of it, up in the top bedroom and even out in the back garden. Even with modest performance boosts, remember these will add up day on day, week on week.

You can use it with Wi-Fi 6 routers and USB 2.0 ports, but the speeds won't be as good – and of course this Netgear dongle can't actually improve the broadband speed offered by your service provider. The quality of a Wi-Fi network and your connection to it depends on many factors – but in terms of the device that connects your computer to the network, the Netgear Nighthawk A8000 is hard to fault.

Netgear Nighthawk A8000 review: verdict

The Netgear Nighthawk A8000 is a real top-tier device for a certain set of people without being a must-have device for everyone: you need to weigh up the sort of Wi-Fi speeds you need on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer, and the current networking kit you've got in place, to decide whether or not this is a hardware upgrade for you.

It's not the case that this is exclusively for people with laptops or desktops that need upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E, because even if your computer already supports them, chances are this antenna will do a better job – though just how much better will vary from device to device. You might buy it as a travel companion for example, for more reliable connections to hotel networks.

The extendable antenna and the USB dock are really good ideas from Netgear – they give you lots of flexibility when it comes to positioning the antenna and trying to get the best signal. It couldn't be any easier to set up and manage, and it's certainly a lot more straightforward than opening up a PC case to try and fit a Wi-Fi 6E card inside it.

In our testing, the device works superbly and we think it's an excellent and well-priced upgrade if you have a Wi-Fi 6E router, and you're using computers stuck on Wi-Fi 6 or that don't have particularly good Wi-Fi hardware of their own. If your laptops and desktops are already fully equipped with Wi-Fi 6E goodness, then it's going to be harder to justify the spend on the Netgear Nighthawk A8000.

Also consider

As we said, this is really the only product of its type on the market at the moment, though PCI-E Wi-Fi 6E cards are also available. If you're looking for something to pair the Netgear Nighthawk A8000 with, the Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi 6E RBKE963 is a superb bit of mesh networking kit, albeit a system that's going to cost you a substantial amount of cash.

Our guides to the best wireless routers and the best Wi-Fi 6 routers (including Wi-Fi 6E models) should give you some more pointers about hardware upgrades that you could consider to boost your Wi-Fi at home, although for the most stable and fastest results you should really be pairing the Netgear Nighthawk A8000 with a Netgear router.

If you're having to put up with subpar Wi-Fi coverage in the place where you live, then your thoughts are naturally going to turn to the best Wi-Fi routers and the best mesh Wi-Fi systems around – devices that can make sure that strong Wi-Fi signals get into every nook and cranny of the property you call home.

For some places, a single router with increased coverage will do fine; as for me, it's a mesh network all the way. The job of distributing Wi-Fi is given to two or more nodes rather than a single device, and while the amount you'll have to pay is therefore greater, you have a much more comprehensive home Wi-Fi solution.

I've been wanting to upgrade my home Wi-Fi for some time now, not just to ensure better coverage on every floor and in every corner of our house, but also to cope with an increasing number of devices that need to get online – and having tested out numerous options, my shortlist is down to these three models. The only problem now is trying to choose between them...

1. Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi 6E RBKE963

The Netgear Orbi series has long impressed in terms of mesh networks, and the RBKE963 is currently the top tier option from the brand – as you can probably tell from its hefty price. This three-pack comes with support for the very latest Wi-Fi 6E standard, and delivers awesome performance across a wide area.

Take a look at our Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi 6E RBKE963 review to see just how impressive this hardware package is. It supports up to 200 devices – enough for the busiest of smart homes – and can cover around 7,500 square feet (almost 700 square metres). You don't need to be an IT professional to get it installed however, as there's an accompanying Orbi app that's a breeze to use for setup.

Supporting overall speeds of 10.8Gbps, this mesh network ensures all of your gadgets and gizmos stay connected at the fastest possible speeds, with no problems when it comes to stability or dropping signals. The triple-band technology (including 6GHz) enables you to prioritise certain devices in terms of speed as well, should you need to.

2. Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12

Another high-end, high-cost, Wi-Fi 6E mesh networking system is this futuristic-looking option from Asus. There are just two units in the standard pack this time, giving you coverage for up to 6,000 square feet (over 550 square metres), tri-band speeds up to 10.8Gbps, and capacity for dozens and dozens of devices – although Asus doesn't put an exact number on this as some manufacturers do.

In our Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 review we talked about the "dazzling" tech specs you get with this hardware – OFDMA, beamforming, 1024-QAM and more (don't worry if you don't know those terms, they're simply all aiming to get you Wi-Fi that's faster, more reliable, and better when managing a lot of devices at once). There's also a dedicated 5GHz backhaul channel that lets the boxes chat to each other without affecting the rest of your home network.

Admittedly the looks aren't going to be to everyone's tastes, as these units have the aesthetics of props that have been used on a sci-fi movie – but then most people aren't going to be too fussed about what their mesh router system looks like, as long as it's doing its job. It's definitely in the top three options for me, if you can stomach the price point anyway.

3. Amazon Eero Pro 6E

This is the more affordable of all the options I've listed here, and arguably the easiest to setup too, which means it's going to have broad appeal. At the same time you're not going to get the same coverage or performance as you do with the Netgear or Asus models – so it's a question of that balance between power and price.

When we reviewed the Amazon Eero Pro 6E, we found that the mesh network made a significant boost in terms of Wi-Fi coverage and speeds, compared to a standard ISP-supplied router. As with other Eero products, the accompanying app is intuitive and takes all of the hassle out of managing a network.

You get tri-band functionality, network speeds up to 2.3Gbps, and 560 square metres (more than 6,025 square feet) of coverage with a three-pack. Add it all up and it's a serious contender for my mesh network upgrade – particularly if I want something that's straightforward to manage and isn't going to take up much room. All whilst being about a third of the price of its (admittedly more capable) competitors.

When it comes to the best routers you can buy right now, the Linksys Hydra Pro 6E stakes its claim by supporting the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard and coming in at a price that's relatively affordable – so it's sure to appeal to those of you who are on tight budgets.

Without excelling in any particular area, the router manages to cover all the key features, providing solid Wi-Fi coverage and speeds in our testing. The main focus is on the fastest 6GHz band, so check which of your gadgets at home also come with support for Wi-Fi 6E.

There are a growing number of products like this on the market: if you're looking to upgrade your home networking setup, be sure to also check out our guides to the best Wi-Fi 6 routers and the best mesh network systems before you start spending money.

Linksys Hydra Pro 6E: price & availability

You can go out and buy the Linksys Hydra Pro 6E right now – the widgets embedded on this page should give you the latest and lowest prices on the Wi-Fi 6E router, but at the time we're writing this you can pick up the device for around £290 in the UK or $350 in the US. In the UK it's stocked by retailers including Amazon.

Linksys Hydra Pro 6E review: design & setup

We're not sure how many people buy a router based on its aesthetic appeal, but we're guessing it's not a lot. Nevertheless, the Linksys Hydra Pro 6E has a certain angular and business-like charm to it – it looks like a serious bit of networking kit, and it says to any visitors to your home that you're not messing about when it comes to home Wi-Fi. Linksys has made a bit of an effort at style with the rounded, grilled cover, but generally speaking it's just a black box the size of a large paperback. A small colourful LED light gives you some basic status information.

Those four antennas are adjustable by the way – you don't have to have them pointing straight up into the air – and overall the router measures 280 x 170 x 60mm with those antennas laid down. Around the back are four wired Gigabit Ethernet ports, and one wired port for hooking up to the internet (or the router you've already got). There's a little power switch too – handy for those times when you need to reset the box and don't want to have to pull the plug out. You also get a USB 3.0 Type-A port if you want to share files from a USB drive.

As with most routers (and indeed most devices in general), setup is handled through a mobile app on your phone. While we wish we didn't have to sign up for yet another account every time we wanted to test another router, this is where we are now with new hardware – and the process of getting the router up and running is at least quick and straightforward. It's one of the friendlier apps of this type that we've come across.

Basic device prioritisation and various other features are available through the app, and through a web interface once setup is complete. We like the ability to switch on a guest mode with a toggle switch, should you not want visitors to be able to access your main Wi-Fi network. The app reports details such as which devices are connected to which band, and it also comes with its own speed test utility.

Linksys Hydra Pro 6E review: features & performance

As that '6E' in the name tells you, this supports the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard – it's the fastest and offers the most network capacity, but the jump from Wi-Fi 6 isn't a massive one, and all your other devices (from smart speakers to tablets) need to be Wi-Fi 6E-compatible to get the best performance (older Wi-Fi standards are still supported of course, but you won't get the same speeds).

Priority is given to the fastest, newest, shortest range 6GHz band, which offers speeds of 4,800Mbps (megabits per second) – compare that to 600Mbps for the 2.4GHz band and 1.2Mbps for the 5GHz band. Bandwidth is also more limited on the slower bands, so this is going to have the most appeal for those who have mostly new tech at home. Of course those speeds are theoretical, and won't magically improve the broadband speed you're paying for from your supplier.

Linksys claims you can cover up to 250 square metres with this router and hook up as many as 55 devices. We weren't quite able to push those claims to the limit, but we did test speeds in every corner of our (rather modest two-storey) home – speeds dropped as we moved one or two rooms and floors away from the router, but not by a huge amount. The device can be configured as part of a mesh too, if you need more coverage.

Testing Wi-Fi is always tricky because everyone's setup is different – devices, positioning, broadband speeds, even the materials in your walls and how many fish tanks you've got – but with our Wi-Fi 6E-enabled Pixel 7 Pro phone we got decent speeds throughout the home. If you've bought your hardware in the last few years it will probably be able to take advantage of Wi-Fi 6E, but it's worth checking what you've got, as the mix of gadgets you're connecting to the Linksys Hydra Pro 6E could make a difference.

Linksys Hydra Pro 6E review: verdict

If you want to future-proof with Wi-Fi 6E, then this is one of the most affordable devices around that fits the bill. While other Wi-Fi 6E routers and even some of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers can beat it in terms of speeds and coverage, especially on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, we don't think the average home user is going to hit the upper limits of what the Linksys Hydra Pro 6E has to offer.

Just about every tech purchase is a balance between performance, features, and how much you're actually going to have to pay, and that's no different when it comes to wireless routers. The Linksys Hydra Pro 6E gets that balance more or less right we would say, and in our own testing – which of course may or may not match up with what you want to put the router through – it didn't disappoint.

There's nothing in the way of malware protection here though, and only the basics as far as parental controls go, so you're not exactly blessed with a huge number of extra features – again an indication that you're shopping at the more affordable end of the scale as far as home routers go. The parental controls here do include the ability to block certain devices from the internet at certain times, for example, but you can't do anything as fancy as filter out specific websites.

Another question you need to ask yourself is whether it's worth upgrading to the Linksys Hydra Pro 6E from whatever router your internet provider has given you – in some cases the benefits might not outweigh the costs. It's also worth noting that the router has been out since 2021 in the US, and so is starting to get a little bit older: and with Wi-Fi 7 around the corner, you might decide to hang tight for a while.

Also consider

If you're got a bigger property to blanket in Wi-Fi then maybe you want to explore the mesh router option, and the Huawei Wi-Fi Mesh 7 can certainly help here: you're limited to Wi-Fi 6 rather than Wi-Fi 6E, but the asking price is a reasonable one, and there is tri-band functionality here for superior performance. The three units can cover up to 600 square metres and handle up to 250 devices.

If you absolutely want to make sure you get Wi-Fi 6E then consider the Amazon Eero Pro 6E. It's not the most powerful mesh networking system on the market, but in line with previous Eero devices, it is very simple to set up and manage – you get support for 100 connected devices and a coverage area of some 560 square metres, so it might suit your needs better than the Linksys Hydra Pro 6E we've reviewed here.

If there's one thing that annoys all tech lovers in equal measure, it's poor signal. It doesn't matter if you have the best phone in the world, everyone experiences blackspots every now and again.

Lots of different products and features attempt to combat this. Perhaps the most prominent is Apple's Emergency SOS via Satellite, which allows iPhone 14 users to call for help, even when outside of cellular signal range. A similar approach can be seen in the Motorola Defy Satellite Link, which even goes one step further, allowing for regular communications, as well as emergency ones.

Now, Nokia are attempting something different to counter one of the largest signal-free zones – the moon. According to a CNBC report earlier this week, the Finnish tech giant have plans to install a 4G LTE network on the moon's surface.

Their hope is to lay the groundwork for future human presence their, as well as providing better connection for control of the rover it lands in. They say it could provide remote control, and allow for real-time video and telemetry data to be streamed back to Earth. The network can also be used for communications between astronauts and mission control.

The hardware has been specially designed to deal with the environment on the moon, where temperatures fluctuate far above and below those experienced on Earth.

It's a bizarre thing to read, but the mission actually makes a lot of sense, laying the groundwork for other, future expeditions by offering a reliable network to tap into. While the end goal for some is human habitation, that might not be possible in the short term. But having a stable network to connect to could make it easier to install and operate other parts of the ecosystem that are required.

If you're in the market for one of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems around, then you'll want to weigh up the Netgear Orbi RBK863S pack, which includes a main router and two satellite nodes. It's an upgrade on the previous Netgear Orbi 850 series, if you're keeping track.

There are a lot of connectivity options here, including tri-band Wi-Fi and multiple wired Ethernet sockets, and everything is handled through the Netgear Orbi app as usual. This is most likely a substantial upgrade over the router that came with your broadband deal.

In this detailed Netgear Orbi RBK863S we'll explain everything you need to know about this mesh Wi-Fi system for you. For more context, we'd also recommend checking out our comprehensive guides to the best Wi-Fi 6 routers and the best wireless routers.

Netgear Orbi RBK863S: price & availability

The Netgear Orbi RBK863S package is out and available to buy now: the three-pack that we're reviewing here is going to set you back around £1,100 in the UK and $1,100 in the US. Check the widgets embedded on this page for the latest deals on the web, which might enable you to get the hardware for less. In the UK, you can get the kit direct from Netgear too.

Netgear Orbi RBK863S review: design and setup

The Netgear Orbi RBK863S system is going to be familiar to anyone who's seen a Netgear Orbi system before: these tall, slab-like routers and satellites haven't changed much down the years. Aesthetics aren't all that important when it comes to mesh systems, but there's a certain amount of elegance to these units, even if they are on the large size.

Specifically, both the main router and the satellites measure 254 x 191 x 71mm and weigh 1.29kg a piece. Unlike some other mesh router systems that we've seen, you can't really hide these Orbi RBK863S units away on a shelf or a desk – you really need a bit of space and planning to accommodate them. You can pick up this system in either white or black, if the colour is going to be important to you.

Setup is handled via the Netgear Orbi app on your phone, which again is similar to previous units in the same range. It's not the most polished app that we've ever come across – it doesn't have the slickness of something developed by the likes of Google, Amazon or Apple, but it does the job. The app will advise you about the best places to put the satellite nodes, and you should be ready to go with your new Wi-Fi network about 15 minutes after unboxing the kit.

It's worth pointing out that this pack comes with a year's subscription to Netgear Armor, which gives you a host of additional security features, including access to a Virtual Private Network (VPN), a firewall, network vulnerability scans, and advanced threat protection for all of the devices on your network. If you want to keep using it after the initial 12 months, it'll cost you £85 or $100 for another year.

Netgear Orbi RBK863S review: performance and features

With the three-pack that the Netgear Orbi RBK863S offers, you get coverage of up to 8,000 square feet (that's 743 square metres), which should be enough for most homes. Wi-Fi speeds of up to 6Gbps and wired speeds of 10Gbps are possible, although this is going to depend on your broadband connection and the hardware you've got. There's no support for the latest Wi-Fi 6E – this tops out at the almost-as-good Wi-Fi 6.

Besides speeds, one of the advantages of a mesh system is that you can connect a lot more devices: up to 100 are supported on this hardware set, and while we weren't able to test it right up to that limit, we did add dozens of devices without a hitch. The four 1Gbps Ethernet ports on each satellite help with connectivity, as does the dedicated backhaul channel which means the nodes can communicate with each other without interference.

While we don't live in the hugest of properties – a two-storey semi-detached – the Netgear Orbi RBK863S performed flawlessly when it came to getting Wi-Fi out to every corner of the house, even into the garden (something our existing Sky mesh network couldn't manage). We tried as best as we possibly could to overload the system, but video streaming and downloads stayed rock solid.

Clearly you're going to need one of the best broadband packages in your area to take full advantage of everything that this system can offer, so factor that into the price. However, if you do have the spare cash to spend this much on a mesh Wi-Fi system, then the Netgear Orbi range continues to be one of the best options out there – whether or not you're an expert in home networking.

Netgear Orbi RBK863S review: verdict

A step below the Netgear Orbi RBKE963 series, this is almost the top-of-the-range mesh networking system from Netgear – so as you would expect performance is pretty much fantastic across the board. If you need fast speeds across a wide area for a lot of gadgets, then this is certainly going to deliver, and it mostly takes care of itself in terms of setup and maintenance as well.

The question is whether you need a kit that's this expensive though. It's the same price as a decent laptop. And there are a lot of cheaper mesh systems around if your needs are a bit more modest (and don't include a need for a 10Gbps wired Ethernet, for example). 

Add in the lack of Wi-Fi 6E – not a disaster, but not great for future-proofing – and an app that remains rather underwhelming, and we can't give the Netgear Orbi RBK863S a very top score. It does rather brilliantly at getting internet around the house, which is of course what's most important, but there are a few issues around the edges that you need to know about before buying.

Also consider

There are lots of other mesh systems out there to choose from, many of them made by Netgear. We've already alluded to the Netgear Orbi RBKE963, which we described as "the ultimate mesh Wi-Fi system" in our review. It does have support for Wi-Fi 6E, and specs that are even better than the Netgear Orbi RBK863S, but you're going to have to pay even more to get hold of it.

At a more affordable level, the Amazon Eero Pro 6E brings Wi-Fi 6E to every corner of your home for a few hundred pounds (or dollars) less than the Netgear system we've reviewed here. What you lose out on are some of the extras, such as additional security features and extra Ethernet ports, and the coverage area isn't quite as big. For a lot of users, however, the Amazon Eero Pro 6E might be more than enough.

The Netgear Orbi RBK763 is another attempt from Netgear to get on our best mesh Wi-Fi system list, and the three-pack (two satellites and a router) offers everything you would expect from this manufacturer in terms of the quality and the reliability of the hardware.

With this Wi-Fi 6 system you can spread your Wi-Fi across multiple rooms and floors, making sure there are no dead zones to be found and keeping dozens of devices online at the time. The standard Netgear Orbi software on your phone is used to manage it all.

This in-depth Netgear Orbi RBK763 review will tell you whether or not this is the best mesh Wi-Fi system for you, and we've got plenty of other guides for you to take a look at as well: you might want to view our lists of the best wireless routers and the best Wi-Fi 6 routers.

Netgear Orbi RBK763: price & availability

The Netgear Orbi RBK763 system is out now and available to buy for around £600 in the UK and $600 in the US, though check the widgets embedded on this page for the latest deals around the web – and do double-check the model number as well, because there are a few different ones around.

Netgear Orbi RBK763 review: design and setup

The Netgear Orbi RBK763 units follow the trend set by previous models in the range: these are relatively big and bulky devices, though not heavy. Each one measures 211 x 168 x 64mm, so they don't have the compactness of something like an Amazon Eero Pro – though the extra size does mean the signal performance can be ramped up. Just be aware that these aren't the easiest pieces of kit to hide away in your home.

Setup is the same as always with Netgear Orbi routers, which is via the mobile app. It felt like we were watching progress bars for a long time, but in reality you can be up and running in as little as 15 minutes (add on a bit more if a firmware update is required). Something we did like in the app was the guidance about where to place the satellites, and everything is straightforward and easy to follow.

The main router plugs into your existing router that you've been sent from whichever company supplies your broadband, and then the two satellite units are automatically detected in seconds. As directed by the app, you'll need to position these smartly so as to maximise the Wi-Fi coverage across your home. With a router and two satellites you can cover up to 12,500 square feet (almost 700 square metres), though if you have a smaller home you can opt for the pack with a router and just one satellite unit and save yourself some money.

Netgear has done a good job with the subtle light bars on the router and the satellites that reassure you that everything is connected and working (or that there's a problem, depending on the colour). Included in the box with the RBK763 system you get the router, two satellites, power adapters for all three, and an Ethernet cable (for attaching the Netgear router to your existing router).

Netgear Orbi RBK763 review: performance & features

Reviewing mesh networking systems is always tricky, because we can't exactly call round at each one of your houses and see how the Netgear Orbi RBK763 copes with your converted basement and the large fish tank in your living room, for example. But we can tell you that in our two-storey, compact semi-detached house the units delivered speedy and reliable Wi-Fi into every corner of our home.

With one satellite a couple of rooms away from the router and the other upstairs, we got the same speeds everywhere we went, even outside in the garden – walls and floors and glass doors would appear to be no problem for the Netgear Orbi RBK763 package. If you need wired connections, there are a couple of Ethernet ports on each of the satellite units, and three on the router.

Netgear also promises that you can hook up as many as 75 devices at once and get maximum speeds of 5.4Gbps (which will of course depend on your broadband connection, provider and chosen package). It's a tri-band router, so as well as 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels for your actual gadgets, there's also a dedicated 5GHz channel just for the router and the satellites to talk to each other – that's not something that every mesh system has, and it means much better reliability (as well as a higher price).

In addition to the mobile apps, there's also a web interface, which isn't much to look at but which gives you access to more advanced settings like port forwarding and UPnP. Overall the software is fairly plain-looking and not the most intuitive, but it gives you access to everything that you need. You get a year of the enhanced Armor security protection for free, but after that it's a monthly payment, as are the advanced parental controls (though all the basics stay free).

Netgear Orbi RBK763 review: verdict

The verdict on the Netgear Orbi RBK763 is more or less the same as it is for any other bit of Netgear Orbi networking kit (which is no bad thing): these devices offer top-notch networking you can rely on at a relatively expensive price, which means they're perfect if you want among the best home Wi-Fi network money can afford. 

The 760 series that the RBK763 is part of is actually the more affordable out of Netgear's three options: the 860 series and the 960 series spread Wi-Fi even further, support even more devices, and can accept even faster connection speeds (not that you're likely to get close to them most of the time with your home broadband). If you have hundreds of devices you need to get online, or need to cover more space, these other solutions might suit your needs better.

With decades of experience behind it, you know you can rely on Netgear for a high-performance, reliable Wi-Fi mesh system, and that's certainly the case with the Orbi RBK763. Users with more modest needs might want to go for something cheaper though, while power users will perhaps be looking for Wi-Fi 6E, as you'll find in the Netgear 960 series. 

Also consider

We have previously looked at the Netgear Orbi NBK752 mesh system, and while it doesn't give you quite as much in the way of performance as the RBK763 model, it does have a 5G SIM card slot included – and that means if your main internet goes down you can get connected over a cellular network, assuming you have a strong signal where you live and you can afford a data plan with the network provider of your choice. It's far more expensive though, in the four-figures bracket!

For something that's much more affordable than either Netgear option we've looked at here, the Linksys Atlas Pro 6 is absolutely worthy of your consideration, though again it doesn't quite reach the same heights in terms of functionality and performance. If you're wanting to cover a smaller area with Wi-Fi and you're looking to stick to a smaller budget, then you may prefer to opt for the Linksys.

December is an expensive time of year, whether you’re frantically shopping for Christmas presents or having to replace old tech and appliances. If you’ve recently got a new smartphone or you’re trying to save money on your phone bill, choosing a SIM only plan is not only cost effective, but they come with powerful speeds and a huge amount of data.

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View the unlimited data SIM only plan at Three

Shop the Three Christmas sale

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At Three, the unlimited, 250GB and 30GB are all discounted in the Three Christmas sale, so you can get big data for a fraction of the price. To view the unlimited data SIM only deal at Three, click the link above or keep reading for more cheap SIM only deals.

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The Huawei Wi-Fi Mesh 7 wants to be one of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems around, particularly for those shopping at the budget end of the market – it comes in at a price well below some of its rivals, though of course there are trade-offs to talk about too.

That's not to say that it's the cheapest Wi-Fi 6 mesh option, but in terms of features versus price it hits a certain sweet spot. Just how good your mesh system needs to be depends on various factors, including the size of your home and how many gadgets you've got.

Our detailed Huawei Wi-Fi Mesh 7 will tell you everything you need to know about whether or not this is the right buy for you. You can also solve your Wi-Fi dead zone problems with our guides to the best Wi-Fi extenders and the best Wi-Fi 6 routers.

Huawei Wi-Fi Mesh 7: price & availability

You can buy the Huawei Wi-Fi Mesh 7 as a standalone router, as a router plus a satellite, or as a router plus two satellites. It's the two-pack we're covering here, the router and the satellite, and that's going to set you back around £330 in the UK from retailers such as Amazon. Check the widgets on this page for the latest and best prices across the web.

Huawei Wi-Fi Mesh 7 review: design & setup

We're not actually sure if it's possible to make mesh network systems look appealing from an aesthetic point of view, and the Huawei Wi-Fi Mesh 7 doesn't really settle the debate either way. These are relatively tall (221mm) curved blocks of plastic, and while they're kind of sleek they're also kind of dull and boring – they're also quite difficult to hide away on shelves and desks.

The router and satellite units are exactly the same, with a power socket, a reset button, and four Gigabit Ethernet ports that can also be used to hook up the main router bringing internet into your home. We do like the coloured LED status lights on the top of each unit.

Once you've got everything connected, the quick-start guide advises using a web browser on your phone or computer for setting up the system. Getting everything working can be a bit tricky – there were a couple of times when screens would hang when we were trying to save settings like the Wi-Fi password we wanted to use with the router, but we got there in the end. There is an accompanying mobile app too, though it's not the most polished, and there doesn't seem to be proper consistency between Android and iOS.

On the plus side, the satellite unit was detected automatically without any issues, and when it's up and running you can access a few basic settings through the same web interface. It's certainly not as convenient as using an app on your phone to manage your mesh network, but then again maybe you feel like your phone is already crammed with plenty of apps that you barely ever open anyway.

Huawei Wi-Fi Mesh 7 review: performance & features

This is a Wi-Fi 6 tri-band system, supporting one 2.4GHz channel (up to a max speed of 574Mbits/sec), one 5GHz channel (up to a max speed of 1.2Gbits/sec), and one 5GHz channel (up to a max speed of 4.8Gbits/sec). One of these channels is used to keep communication between the main router and the satellite open, to manage the passing over of devices and the Wi-Fi coverage around your home.

With the two-pack system, you've got coverage of up to 600 square metres, and support for up to 250 devices – a high figure indeed, and one you're unlikely to meet even if you're a smart home enthusiast. Older devices that aren't compatible with Wi-Fi 6 will still work fine, but at slower speeds, while Wi-Fi 6E kit will connect fine without reaching the heights of Wi-Fi 6E performance (a slight improvement over Wi-Fi 6).

Easy connectivity is provided via an NFC tag on the top of each unit (so tap-and-go access, but only for Android phones) and a WPS button – that should make the process of hooking up all your devices a little quicker, though selecting a Wi-Fi network and entering a password isn't too onerous anyway. It's worth pointing out that the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands appear as separate Wi-Fi networks, giving you more control over which devices are connected to the faster speeds (5GHz doesn't have as long a range as 2.4GHz, which is why you won't always be able to make use of it, depending on situation).

We tested the Huawei Wi-Fi Mesh 7 in a relatively compact, two-storey semi-detached house, and it managed to push stable and speedy Wi-Fi out to every corner of our property. The speeds you get are going to depend on the broadband deal you're signed up to in part, but we found the data transfer rates were as good as if not slightly better than our existing Sky mesh network. 

Huawei Wi-Fi Mesh 7 review: verdict

The Huawei Wi-Fi Mesh 7 is reasonably well-positioned in the market: it's one of the most affordable systems that supports tri-band functionality (so there's a dedicated communication band for performance that's more reliable). 

Of course the most important feature in any mesh networking kit is how fast it gets the Wi-Fi signal around your home, and on this score the Huawei Wi-Fi Mesh 7 does very well. While we weren't able to test these units to their limits (that's down to our Sky connection), we had no problems with the speed or the stability of this two-pack – although it's worth weighing up just how much better this is going to be than your current setup.

If you want to pay for tri-band Wi-Fi 6 mesh networking, then this is definitely one of the better choices out there – especially if you're after something that's just going to work without much in the way of maintenance, and offer you plenty of wired port options at the same time.

Huawei Wi-Fi Mesh 7 review: Also consider

There are now plenty of mesh networking systems out there to pick from. The high-end Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi 6E system is pretty much the ultimate: it's more expensive than the Huawei kit we're reviewing here, but it offers better performance and more features. We're again getting back to that balance between how much you want to spend and what you need your hardware to do.

The Amazon Eero Pro 6E system is also worth considering. The units are much smaller but that means less coverage and not as many wired ports for connecting up laptops and consoles and other devices. If you've got a smaller home with fewer gadgets in it, the Amazon option might be preferable depending on the features that you need – plus it does support the latest Wi-Fi 6E.

Looking for a cheap SIM only deal this Christmas? Well you're in luck, as Smarty has just launched its Christmas sale which offers money off its most popular SIM plans and double the data for record low prices.

For those who want big data for a cheap monthly cost with no strings attached, Smarty is the best provider to look at. The best deal we've found from the Smarty Christmas sale is on the 200GB data SIM only plan. Originally priced at £17, the 200GB data SIM only plan is now just £14 a month at Smarty.

View the 200GB SIM only plan at Smarty

Browse the Smarty Christmas sale

The 200GB data SIM only plan not only offers a huge amount of data but it comes with unlimited calls and texts, and 5G and EU roaming at no extra cost. At just £14 a month, this SIM only plan is on a no contract basis, so you can start and cancel your Smarty SIM whenever you want.

At T3, we’re big fans of Smarty, mainly because they have the best SIM only deals on the market. They have a wide range of data options available, from as little as 4GB all the way up to unlimited data. With flexible 1 month plans and no tie-ins, Smarty gives you the freedom over your contract and delivers fast speeds, powered by Three’s reliable network.

While many people will be looking to save some serious cash on big purchases this year, it’s definitely worth looking for cheap prices on broadband packages and phone contracts in the Christmas sales. The cost of living crisis has been hard on everyone, but Smarty has promised both new and existing customers that if they sign up for a Smarty SIM, they won’t be faced with any annual price rises.

To view the 200GB data SIM only deal, click the link above or keep reading for more Christmas SIM deals from Smarty.

If you’re on a tight budget this year, Smarty has just upgraded its 12GB data plan, offering customers double the data for the same low cost. Right now at Smarty, you can get the 12GB data SIM only plan for just £8 a month and with an extra 12GB on top, giving you 24GB data overall – more details can be found below.

For more cheap SIM only deals from different providers, check out our guide on where to save money on your mobile phone plan or search through the deals widget below.

If the never-ending flow of Black Friday deals has left your head in a spin, brace yourself – Cyber Monday is right around the corner for another round of unbelievable deals. Fear not though, here at T3.com, we pride ourselves on hand-picking the best deals just for you.

If you're looking to upgrade your phone plan, there really is no better time than right now. Discounts that wont be available any other time of the year are on offer, and make it cheaper than ever to upgrade.

One such example is this deal on a SIM-only plan from ID Mobile, via mobiles.co.uk. 

In order to get this discount, you'll need to redeem your cashback via your mobiles.co.uk account. Fortunately, that's a really simple process. You just log on and head to your account. Once there, a section called "My Cashback" will provide you with all of the necessary information.

If this deal isn't right for you, there are stack of other great options on there too. If you need more data, there's a 250GB option for £7.50 per month. That uses the same cashback system.

If you don't think you'll ever use 150GB of data – the UK average is 5.6GB per month, apparently – there's an 80GB option for just £6 per month.

I've used an ID Mobile SIM for a few years now, so I feel sufficiently qualified to tell you how good it is. Coverage is decent – you'll get the odd black spot here and there but nothing out of the ordinary. 5G signal strength is exceptional, too, with great speeds and really good coverage.

Using the app is super easy and gives you a wide range of information about your usage. You can use it to keep up-to-date with what data you have left, install a usage cap to make sure you don't get any nasty surprises and even shop for upgrades after a certain period of time.

T3 tracks the best SIM only deals every single week of the year, so we know a thing or two about where to shop for a plan and what a good deal is.

And now, among the best Black Friday deals we've seen so far in the Black Friday 2022 sales, is this superb SIM only deal from Smarty, which delivers a huge 120GB of data along with unlimited calls and texts for just £12 per month.

The thing that really takes this deal to elite level, though, is that it is 100 per cent contract free. That means you can cancel it easily online at any time and just walk way.

View the 120GB for £12 deal at Smarty now

The data you get, too, is delicious 5G data, the fastest available. So if you live in an area with 5G coverage you're going to get rapid data connection speeds, which will make streaming video and music a breeze.

The full details of this Smarty Black Friday SIM only deal can be viewed below:

For even more great SIM only deals be sure to check out T3's authoritative SIMO deals comparison chart below, which lists the very best offers currently available in the UK. What's so good about the chart is that is allows you to filter by a myriad of different things depending on what is most important to you, including contract length, monthly price, data allowance, texts allowance, calls allowance, network, product name and more.

The cost of living crisis is getting harder and harder, especially as we get closer to the festive season. Many monthly costs have risen significantly, including phone contracts, so switching to the best SIM only deals can help you save money each month and cut your bills in half.

One of the best mobile phone and network providers to shop for cheap SIM only deals is Three. Right now, Three is offering its popular 250GB data SIM only plan for half price for 6 months, as well as its other data plans.

View the 250GB data SIM only plan at Three

The 250GB data SIM only deal from Three offers 250GB data, unlimited texts and minutes for just £10 a month. It has no upfront fees and comes with a 24 month Advanced Plan contract length. For this plan, the first 6 months of your contract is half price and once you hit the seventh month, you pay £20 for the remainder of your contract.

If you’re a new Three customer, Three Advanced Plans offer data, texts and minutes, and come with a range of premium extras. These extras include 5G ready at no extra costs, roaming and personal hotspots, and you can use the Three+ rewards apps for exclusive offers at restaurants, cinemas and concert tickets.

All Three SIM only plans are half price for 6 months so you can choose how much data you need. Options start from as little as 1GB (currently just £4 a month) all the way up to unlimited data (now £12 a month). To view the 250GB data SIM only plan from Three, click the link above or keep reading for more Three SIM only deals.

If 250GB isn’t enough for you or it’s too much, Three has many SIM only deals up for grabs at half price for 6 months, including the unlimited data plan and the 100GB data plan. If you want more data, the unlimited data plan is just £12 but if you’re on a tighter budget, choose the 100GB which is currently £8. More details on these plans are below.

For more SIM only deals, search through our deals widget below and filter by contract length, data amount and mobile phone provider.

For anyone currently trawling broadband comparison engines to get the best home internet connectivity and speeds, then Vodafone suddenly looks like a supplier to check out or, if you already have, take a second look at.

That's because Vodafone has just officially announced its brand new Pro II Ultra broadband hub, which delivers the latest hotness in wireless internet connectivity – Wi-Fi 6E.

This means that the Pro II Ultra hub can have over 150 devices connected to it at once and, thanks to a Super WiFi 6E Booster, connectivity remains incredibly strong even over the biggest homes.

For those who aren't in the know, Wi-Fi 6E is the latest standard in wireless connectivity that utilizes the 6GHz wireless spectrum for communication. In layman's terms, this means faster internet speeds and lower latencies across the network, two things that everyone who runs a broadband Wi-Fi network wants.

How fast? According to Vodafone the Pro II Ultra hub unlocks speeds that are up to 25 times that of standard broadband.

Speaking on the launch, Max Taylor, Chief Commercial Officer for Vodafone UK said that:

"Vodafone Pro II sets the new standard for the UK broadband market. It combines the UK’s fastest and most reliable WiFi technology in the all new Vodafone Ultra Hub router with the UK’s largest full fibre footprint."

The T3 take: Wi-Fi 6E is very desirable and future-proofed

T3 has reviewed a handful of Wi-Fi 6E routers to date, including many that deliver the best mesh networks such as the Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi 6E (RBKE963), and we've been incredibly impressed with the performance on offer.

So, the fact that if you bag specific broadband packages with Vodafone you get this Wi-Fi 6E router included in your deal feels like a definite boon. It looks like a top, future-proofed piece of hardware that, when fed a good broadband connection, will be able to deliver rapid Wi-Fi all around even the biggest homes.

From my perspective, the importance of a top-class home Wi-Fi network is more important than ever in 2022. The amount of devices that need strong Wi-Fi to work best, such as consoles, TVs, smart home devices and even kitchen appliances, just keeps growing, so having a network that can go the distance is crucial.

Vodafone, with its Pro II Ultra launch, seems to recognize this, and it makes a great case from my point of view to consider when next upgrading a broadband connection.

Any Amazon Eero Pro 6E review will have to conclude that this mesh network is easy to use and very effective. It’s undoubtedly one of the best mesh networks you can buy, and it’s a lot cheaper than the ones that sit at the very top of the list.

A mesh network is essential for any bustling modern home, not only will it provide more reliable connectivity for more connected devices and boost the general strength of your Wi-Fi but it will also help stretch your network to every corner of the house, eliminating weak or dead spots further away from your router.

I’ve been testing out the Amazon Eero Pro 6E for a good couple of months now, and here you’ll be able to find out exactly what I thought about it - from its design and setup to its performance and extra features.

Amazon Eero Pro 6E review: price and what’s new 

You can buy a set of Amazon Eero Pro 6E devices starting from $399 in the US and £349 in the UK for a pack of one, or $799 / £799 for a pack of three. Take a look at the widgets on this page to see the latest deals on this mesh Wi-Fi system where you are. 

So the question is what makes this better, and more expensive than the standard Amazon Eero mesh network? The short answer to that is Wi-Fi 6E - the very latest version of Wi-Fi which promises the fastest speeds possible but only if your devices like your laptop and phone are also new enough to support it. You can expect speeds up to 2.3 Gbps with the Pro 6E whereas the standard Eero devices can only promise up to 550 Mbps. 

Opting for a Wi-Fi 6E network will not only futureproof your broadband, but it will also deliver more coverage (up to 190 m² instead of 140m²) and with the Pro 6E you will also be able to use it as a Zigbee smart home hub to control things like your smart lights through an app. 

Amazon Eero Pro 6E review: design and setup 

One thing I really like about the design of the Amazon Eero Pro 6E nodes is that they’re discreet and simple with a low-rise build instead of the tower-shaped design you often get with mesh networks. 

Square in shape with a slightly curved top, each one is meant to be placed on a worktop, table or shelf. Because they measure 142 x 138 x 51mm they’re a good size to fit just about anywhere. You can buy it in packs of one, two or three depending on the size of your home. 

The Amazon Eero Pro 6E nodes come in white, they are made from glossy plastic and each one has a little light on the top to let you know its status. On the back of each node, there’s one 2.5 gigabit Ethernet port and one 1 gigabit Ethernet port. There’s no USB port on these.

Setting up the Amazon Eero Pro 6E network is really easy. You’ll first need to download the app to your Android or iOS smartphone, and when you open it up you’ll be prompted to begin the setup process. You’ll just need to wait for the blue light to appear on the node before doing so. 

I found that setting up the main node was really quick and easy but the second gateway node took a bit of time, that was partly because it runs tests on the placement of the device to make sure you get the best connection possible across your whole home. 

Getting them set up around my house took about 20 minutes which is a lot longer than other networks I’ve tested out, but in saying that, it was still very easy and very much a case of leaving my phone to do the work during that time.

Amazon Eero Pro 6E review: performance and features 

The Amazon Eero Pro 6E delivers a tri-band network with access to a 2.4GHz, a 5GHz and a 6GHz band, dividing up your devices depending on their priority level and network needs. 

You’ll be able to hook up 100+ different connected devices to the network at once. Granted some networks, like the most premium TP-Link options, will let you use even more tech at once but for most people, this will be plenty and will mean everyone in the house can use their laptops, phones, smart lights and consoles without interrupting network speeds for anyone else.

Covering 560 m² this network will be ideal for small and medium-sized homes and should stretch to every corner. Those with more space to cover might want to look elsewhere as some networks offer into the thousands of square meters which will be better for much bigger homes than my own. 

I tested out the Amazon Eero Pro 6E system in my flat as a replacement for my standard router.

In the living room, which is where my router is, my connection was significantly boosted from 45.9Mbps download and 14.5Mbps upload speeds to 72.8Mbps download and 18.3Mbps upload speeds thanks to the Eero Pro 6E system. Day to day it was noticeable, particularly when I was working from home. 

But where it made the biggest difference was in my bedroom. My Wi-Fi router struggles to push my connection out to the other side of the flat, partly down to a number of thick walls in between. I could only expect to reach 12.5Mbps download and 14.6Mbps upload speeds in there on my Wi-Fi 6 smartphone. With the secondary Eero gateway node hooked up near there, I was able to get to 73.5Mbps download speeds and 18.6Mpbs upload speeds. I went from barely being able to load a web page to having no problems at all streaming full movies on Netflix. 

The Eero app is worth boasting about too because it’s just so easy to use. Everything is very simply laid out showing you all of your connected devices in a list, as well as what’s connected where. You can take a look at the network’s activity, check up on your network speeds as well as create profiles that allow you to schedule pauses on connectivity, add content filters and track data usage for members of your household. 

That all comes under the free plan, but if you choose to upgrade, you’ll unlock extra security features like ad blocking, content filters, historical data usage, DDNS and even anti-malware software if you opt for the priciest plan available. 

The most basic plan will set you back $2.99 / £2.99 / AU$4.99 a month, but for the most advanced plan, you’ll be looking at spending $9.99 / £9.99 / AU$15.99 a month. 

Another handy feature offered here is that the Amazon Eero Pro 6E doubles up as a Zigbee hub which means you can hook it up to your smart home devices and control them all using an Alexa voice assistant. It’s compatible with everything from Philips Hue to Hive Active Heating. 

You’ll also be able to control parts of your home network using the Alexa voice assistant, so you can switch off the internet for designated amounts of time or for certain profiles that you’ve set up in the app. 

Amazon Eero Pro 6E review: verdict

If you’re looking to make the most of your Wi-Fi connection at home, you want to eliminate dead spots, or if you just have a lot of online devices, the Amazon Eero Pro 6E mesh network is a stellar option that won’t cost an eye-watering amount of money. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still one of Amazon’s most expensive mesh networks but it’s still a lot cheaper than the most advanced ones out there. 

Easy to set up and use, everything about it is clearly laid out in the smartphone app. We also loved how it doubles up as a Zigbee hub which ultimately means fewer wires to get the smart home setup of your dreams. 

So what are the downsides? Well, it doesn’t actually cover as many square meters as some other choices so it’ll be best suited to small and medium-sized homes, it does also take a bit more time to set up the gateway nodes than elsewhere. That’s it though, overall it’s a pretty impressive piece of kit. 

Amazon Eero Pro 6E review: also consider  

For something even more powerful than this, take a look at the TP-Link Deco X90 (AX6600) Wi-Fi 6 mesh network. You will have to spend a bit more money on each node but the difference is huge because you’ll be covered for up to 200 connected devices when you buy a pack of 2. 

Another top-notch mesh network to know about is the Netgear Orbi NBK752, so good in fact, that it picked up a 5-star rating in its T3 review. Admittedly, it’s far from being cheap but it’s one of the most reliable and sought-after mesh networks out there.

The cost of living crisis has seen many monthly costs rise significantly. With bills getting harder to pay for, many people are looking to save money and switching to a SIM only deal is one of the best ways to do so. According to reports, millions of people are out of contract on their phones and spending more than they should each month. By switching to the best SIM only deals, you can save money each month and halve your bills.

Three is one of the best providers to shop for cheap SIM only deals and right now, you can get the unlimited data SIM only plan for just £11.50 a month for 6 months.

View the unlimited data SIM only plan at Three

The Three unlimited data SIM only deal offers unlimited data, texts and minutes for just £11.50 a month and no upfront fees. On this plan, the first 6 months of your contract is half price and once you hit month 7, you’ll pay £23 for the remainder of your contract length.

Three Advanced Plans not only offer data, texts and minutes, but also come with a range of premium extras. These include 5G ready at no extra costs, roaming and personal hotspots, and you don’t pay anything upfront.

Across all its SIM plans, Three is offering deals where you can get the first 6 months of your contract for half price, helping you save money as soon as you sign up. To view the unlimited data SIM only plan from Three, click the link above or keep reading for more SIM only deals.

If you use a lot of data, the Three unlimited SIM only plan is the best choice, but you can also find the 250GB plan for £10 a month and 100GB plan for £8 a month. If you don’t use as much data and want an even cheaper offer, the 1GB data SIM only plan is just £4 a month.

If you’re looking for more SIM only deals but are interested in a different provider, Smarty is offering its popular 50GB data plan for just £10 a month until the 7th November 2022. You can also search through our deals widget below by contract length, data amount and provider.

The cost of living crisis has affected the way we spend money and many people have been looking for ways to minimise their monthly spend and expenses. Switching to a SIM only deal is a great way to save money and choosing one of the best SIM only deals can dramatically cut the costs on your phone bill.

If you’ve just bought a cheap handset and need a SIM to get it working or you’re thinking about making the switch to a SIM plan, there are some incredible deals on offer this month from popular mobile providers, including Vodafone. Right now at Vodafone, you can get the unlimited data SIM only plan for just £13.50 a month.

View the unlimited data SIM only deal at Vodafone

The unlimited data SIM only plan is now half price at Vodafone and comes with maximum speeds of up to 10 Mbps, unlimited data, texts and minutes, and 5G and 4G connectivity. This 24 month contract also comes with no upfront costs, helping you save even more money on a new SIM only plan.

Originally priced at £27 per month, the unlimited data SIM only plan is now half price for 6 months. Available from now until the end of August, you only £13.50 a month for 6 months until you go back to paying £27 a month for the rest of the 24-month contract.

At Vodafone, you can find 6 months of half price data on its 24-month SIM only plans, meaning you won’t have to pay full price until February 2023. Half price Vodafone SIM only deals include 50% off Red 150GB, Red 200GB, Unlimited Max, Unlimited Lite and Unlimited plans, so you can easily choose how much data you need.

To view the unlimited data SIM only plan at Vodafone, click the link above or keep reading for more SIM only deals.

If you don’t think you need unlimited data or you’d rather have a data cap on your SIM, you can get super low prices on the Red 150GB and Red 200GB SIM only plans. 

The Vodafone Red pay monthly plans are a great choice for most people and have a wide variety of features, including fast speeds, roaming, calling and coverage. The 150GB SIM only plan is now just £10 a month and is Vodafone’s best selling plan. For more data, you can also find the 200GB SIM only plan for £11.50 a month.

If you’re looking for a cheap SIM deal but are interested in a different retailer, we’ve found one of the best offers from Smarty. Right now until the 7th November, Smarty is offering 50GB of data for just £10 a month. For even more deals, check out our guide to the best retailers to save money on your mobile phone plan or search through our deals widget below.

The Netgear Orbi NBK752 has a specs list that immediately puts it in contention for our best mesh networks guide: not only does it support the latest Wi-Fi 6 tech, it can also be fitted with a 5G SIM so you can pass a high-speed cellular connection around your home too.

You get a main router included in the package, as well as a similar-sized satellite unit to further expand the coverage of the system. If you have problems with Wi-Fi dead zones in your property then these should take care of them quite comprehensively.

In this detailed Netgear Orbi NBK752 review, we'll tell you everything you need to know about this system and how it works. You might also want to check out our guides to the best wireless routers and the best Wi-Fi 6 routers that you can put your money towards (and likely less of it too).

Netgear Orbi NBK752 review: price and availability

The Netgear Orbi NBK752 mesh network system is available to buy now in the UK and the US, and in the UK you can pick it up from retailers including Amazon. 

The widget embedded on this page will lead you to the cheapest deals available right now, but at launch the two-pack 5G system was retailing for £/$1,099 / €1,199.

Netgear Orbi NBK752 review: design and setup

If you've seen any of the Netgear Orbi mesh systems that have come before this one, you'll recognise the aesthetic of the NBK752 model. Our review pack came with a router and a satellite unit that both look similar, only you get the LAN/WLAN port connection on the router: they're two big, curved, rather futuristic-looking devices, with light indicators on the top and down near the bottom, so you know what state they're in.

Design is perhaps the least important factor when considering a Wi-Fi mesh system, but it's important to bear in mind that these are relatively large devices, standing some 86mm or a little over 3-inches tall. You can't hide them away on a desk in the same way as you can the mesh network satellites from Eero or Google, for instance, so factor that in when deciding which hardware package you want to go for.

Setup could be easier, but isn't too taxing. You pop in your 5G SIM, if you've got one, and connect up the router unit to your existing router (unless you're relying on cellular connectivity alone). There's a Netgear Orbi app that guides you through everything you need to do, including naming your new network and setting an access password.

Perhaps the most difficult part of the setup process is activating the 5G SIM, though of course that's nothing to do with Netgear, and it'll vary depending on which network you're going with. You may have to pop the SIM into a phone first in order to verify it and connect it to an account, but once you've got over the initial hurdles of registration, everything runs smoothly and without any issue.

Netgear Orbi NBK752 review: performance and features

We set up the Netgear Orbi NBK752 router downstairs, and the satellite unit upstairs in our relatively compact, two storey semi-detached home – and we can report that coverage and Wi-Fi speeds were excellent from this tri-band system. Netgear says coverage is good for 4,000 square feet and up to 40 devices, and while we weren't able to test those limits, we can well believe it considering the experience we had with the router.

Of course when it comes to performance, that's partly down to whatever speed your broadband provider is giving you, and how close your house is to a 5G mast – but as far as piping stable and speedy wireless internet around the home goes, we can't fault the NBK752 pack. You're looking at maximum speeds of 4.2Gbps, while the two Gigabit Ethernet ports on each unit give you even more flexibility in terms of connections.

The accompanying app for Android and iOS is competent, though it could use a more modern design. You can use it to set up features such as a guest network and basic parental controls, although more advanced settings require a monthly subscription – Netgear isn't the only manufacturer trying to get monthly payments out of its users, but considering the cost of the kit it would be nice to see more features added free of charge.

You can actually control which connection the router and satellite unit are using through the app: exclusively Wi-Fi, exclusive cellular, or primarily Wi-Fi with the cellular as a backup option if your regular internet goes down. It's that last option that we suspect most users are going to go for, because one of the main reasons for paying this much money for a new network system is that there's a backup to your broadband.

Netgear Orbi NBK752: verdict

We've been raving about the Netgear Orbi NBK752 system so far, but there is a catch: the price. We mentioned it up at the top, and the 5G version of this package is going to set you back £/$1,099 at launch. If you're paying for 5G data then that's extra too. This is cutting-edge Wi-Fi and cellular technology, in one of the most advanced and powerful mesh network systems there is, and the price is therefore appropriately high.

As for whether it's worth it, that's down to your needs. It's the kind of product that could cater for an office with multiple workers, let alone just a home setup. So if you have the money to spend and you want Wi-Fi and 5G connectivity you can rely on, at the fastest possible speeds, then go for it. If you already have a decent Wi-Fi setup at home, you're perhaps not going to get the boost in speeds and performance that you would expect when spending this much money.

In just about every area, the Netgear Orbi NBK752 impresses, even if the setup could be a bit slicker and the mobile app could look a bit less like it's from the 2010s. We've had no problems using the mesh network in the days we spent writing this review, and we've actually been relying on it more than our regular Wi-Fi network – having that 5G safety net is really handy if you absolutely can't afford to be without a web connection.

If you don't need that 5G failsafe, then there are of course much cheaper ways to get strong Wi-Fi coverage into every corner of your home, and then it's not so straightforward to recommend the Netgear Orbi NBK752. However, we'd say that if you want one of the best systems around at the moment, with just aboutevery feature you could need, this sits high up the list of the most capable systems. 

Also consider

The Netgear Orbi NBK752 is something of a frontrunner when it comes to mesh networking kit with 5G and Wi-Fi 6 – there's nothing really quite like it. If you have slightly different needs though, there are plenty of alternatives, including the Netgear Orbi 4G LTE system that turns a 4G connection into Wi-Fi that devices around your home can use – depending on where you live, it could be a decent broadband backup or alternative.

As for Wi-Fi 6 systems, something like the TP-Link Deco X90 is well worth a look: it's speedy and capable and packed with features, and should be able to get wireless internet into every corner of wherever you live. However, there isn't the integrated SIM card support, so if your broadband goes down then you're not going to have the same safety net that's provided by the Netgear Orbi NBK752.

It’s safe to say that the cost of living crisis has dramatically changed the way we spend money. With prices going up, monthly bills are getting harder to pay and many people are looking for ways to keep the cost down. In particular, phone bills can massively add up but switching to a SIM only plan is a great way to save extra money each month.

Smarty has some of the best SIM only deals on the market and has been responding to the cost of living by dropping its prices on its SIM only plans. Right now at Smarty, you can get the popular 30GB data SIM only plan for just £10 a month and with an extra 20GB on top.

View the 50GB SIM only plan at Smarty

The 30GB data plan deal from Smarty offers an extra 20GB of data (50GB in total) for just £10 a month for 12 months. The standard 50GB data plan is normally priced at £15 so you’ll be saving £60 a year when you buy this limited time offer.

This special offer 50GB data SIM only plan comes with unlimited calls and texts, superfast 5G connectivity and EU roaming. All Smarty SIM only plans come with no contract length so you can start and cancel your SIM whenever you want, for total freedom and flexibility.

If you’re new to Smarty, it’s one of the most reliable SIM-only mobile networks on the market today that’s owned and powered by Three. Not only does it offer fast speeds and low prices, but Smarty also promises new and existing customers that they won’t face any annual price rises on any of their SIM plans.

This 50GB data SIM only plan is available from Thursday 28th July to Monday 7th November 2022, so you’ve got plenty of time to snag this deal. To view this 50GB data plan, click the link above or keep reading for more SIM only deals from Smarty.

This 50GB data plan is one of the best SIM only deals available today and offers a good amount of data for an incredibly low price. If you want even more data, you can now get the unlimited data SIM only plan from Smarty for just £18 a month. See all the details below, but you’ll have to be quick as this deal ends on Sunday 31st July 2022.

If you’re looking for a cheap SIM deal but are interested in a different retailer, check out our guide on where to save money on your mobile phone plan or search through our deals widget below.

Transferring all your data from an old iPhone to a new iPhone can seem like a daunting process. There are thousands of photos, hundreds of contacts and dozens of applications to transfer, plus email accounts, calendar entries, contacts lists, and all the little things like wallpapers, alarms and system preferences.

Thankfully, while there can be some joy in manually setting up a new iPhone, it is far quicker and easier to use one of Apple’s systems to transfer data between iPhones. These systems let you transfer data directly from one iPhone to another, from an iCloud backup to your new iPhone, or from your computer via either Finder on a Mac and iTunes on a PC.

Each of these processes ensures that nothing is lost during the setup process and, once complete, your new iPhone will feel identical to your old one. Apart from the shiny new body, better camera and faster processor, of course.

Before going any further, you should back up your iPhone to iCloud. To do this, open the Settings app and tap on your name at the top of the page, then tap iCloud, the iCloud Backup, and Back Up Now.

Apple Watch users should unpair the wearable from their iPhone before setting up the new handset. Unpairing creates a backup of the Watch, which can then be paired to the new iPhone once you have finished setting it up using one of the three methods outlined below.

1. How to set up a new iPhone using Quick Start

Apple’s newest, quickest and simplest way to transfer data to a new iPhone is called Quick Start. It’s the most convenient, but occupies both phones at once, so can only be done at a time when you don’t need to use either handset for a little while. If you’re the sort of person who needs to be contactable at all times, this process might not be the best for you.

To get started, turn on both iPhones, make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are both enabled, and place them close together. They will recognise each other and a message on your old iPhone will ask if you want to use your Apple ID to set up the new handset.

Enter your Apple ID and tap continue. Then wait for an animation to appear on the new phone, and point the camera of your old iPhone (which will open automatically) at the display of the new one. A message will say ‘Finish on New iPhone’, then you’ll be asked to enter your old iPhone’s passcode on the new one. Now follow the instructions to set up TouchID or FaceID on the new phone.

Finally, tap the ‘continue’ button to transfer data from the old iPhone to the new one. Make sure you keep them close to each other and, crucially, plug them into a charger. This process can take a while and will drain the batteries of both phones if they aren’t plugged in.

2. How to set up a new iPhone using iCloud

Although Quick Start is the simplest option, it puts both iPhones out of action until the transfer process is complete. If you need to keep using your old iPhone in the meantime, you’re best off setting up the new handset via a backup downloaded from iCloud.

Turn on the new iPhone and follow the instructions to connect to a Wi-Fi network. Once you reach the Apps & Data screen, tap ‘Restore from iCloud Backup’, then sign in using your Apple ID. Pick which backup to use and make sure it is the most recent one – ideally it’ll be the backup you completed just a few minutes ago, in the first stage of this article.

The new iPhone will then download everything from the most recent iCloud backup of your old device. Make sure it remains connected to Wi-Fi and plugged into a charger throughout the process, which can take a while if you’ve a lot of data to download.

3. How to set up a new iPhone using Finder or iTunes

Lastly, and in a move with which early iPhone adopters will be familiar, you can set up a new handset using Finder or iTunes. As before, turn on your new iPhone and follow the steps for setting up Wi-Fi, then tap the ‘restore from Mac or PC’ option on the Apps & Data screen.

Now plug the iPhone into your computer (make sure it’s the one you use to back up your old iPhone), open iTunes or Finder, and select the new handset. Now click on ‘Select Restore Backup’ and select the most recent backup. Check that it’s the correct one (in other words, most recent backup) before progressing.

You will be asked to enter a password if the backup is encrypted, and then the process will begin. As ever, keep the new iPhone plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi until the setup process is complete. 

This Linksys Atlas Pro 6 (AX5400) review is aimed at anyone who wants one of the best mesh networks but who doesn’t want to pay over the odds for it - these systems can easily get expensive and this one is actually quite reasonable. 

If you struggle with weak Wi-Fi at home, or you’re looking for a way to make your network stretch as far as possible, a mesh network will be able to help. For busy households with dozens and dozens of connected devices, it’s an absolute must-have because everyone will get a steady connection no matter which room they are in or what they’re doing. 

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been trying out the Linksys Atlas Pro 6 (AX5400), a Wi-Fi 6 dual-band mesh network. In this review, you can find out how I got on with it and whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash. 

Linksys Atlas Pro 6 (AX5400) review: price and availability 

Available to buy now at Amazon, the Linksys Atlas Pro 6 (AX5400) starts at $500 in the US and £395 in the UK for a pack of three routers. You can also buy packs of two, or even just one node if you prefer. Take a look at the widgets on this page to see the best deals on it from across the web right now. 

Linksys Atlas Pro 6 (AX5400) review: design and setup

The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 (AX5400) mesh wi-fi system comes in packs of one, two or three. Each node is shaped like a tower block, they have sharp edges and a square shape with a hole littered top. The nodes are relatively compact standing 28cm high and 8.6cm wide. Made largely from matte white plastic, the design is subtle and they won’t be an eye sore if you were to place them in a more open spot. They will fit in tighter corners as well. 

On the back of each one, you’ll find the power input tucked away besides 1 Gigabit WAN ethernet port and 3 Gigabit LAN ports. They don’t have any USB ports, though. 

To let you know the node’s status, there’s an LED light on top of the device which shines blue when everything is as it should be. If the connection to the main node drops, you’ll see a yellow light or if there’s no connection at all then it turns red. 

Setting up the network was easy enough - it took me about 20 minutes. I just had to download the Linksys app, create an account and choose to Set Up A New Product. In comparison to some other mesh networks, it did take a bit of time to get each node set up as they needed to be ‘woken up’ and then updated. Luckily, the app does all the hard work for you. I was able to leave my phone near the node while it ran through the setup and installation. 

Linksys Atlas Pro 6 (AX5400) review: performance and features 

A dual-band Wi-Fi 6 network, the Linksys Atlas Pro 6 (AX5400) uses Velop Intelligent Mesh to boost your Wi-Fi coverage across your whole home and garden. It has the potential to cover up to 5400 sq. ft depending on how many nodes you have set up. 

You’ll have to remember that you’ll only be able to make the most out of Wi-Fi 6 support if you use up-to-date devices, older phones and laptops are limited to Wi-Fi 5 connectivity. 

Splitting your connected tech into two bands depending on their needs and priority level, the Linksys Atlas Pro 6 (AX5400) has a 2.4GHz channel and a 5GHz channel with 160MHz. By dividing them up, you relieve the pressure meaning you'll be able to do more online simultaneously. 

Each node will let you connect more than 30 different devices at once, so if you buy the three-pack you can have around 90 devices connected. That’s not best in class but for this price, it’s pretty impressive and means you should be able to have all your smart home tech running while one person streams Netflix, another plays an online game and all while you’re browsing the web on your PC. 

The great thing about a mesh network is that despite having different nodes dotted throughout your home, the system will automatically switch your devices between them as you move through the house giving you a stable and seamless connection everywhere you go. 

If you already own other Velop nodes at home then these can be used to extend your network even further.

I tested out the Linksys Atlas Pro 6 (AX5400) in my flat as a replacement for a standard Wi-Fi router. Usually, I have a dead spot in the bedroom where I struggle to get connected to the internet, and when it does work, the connection is pretty weak. 

Before setting up this network I could only expect to reach 12.5Mbps download and 14.6Mbps upload speeds in there on my Wi-Fi 6 smartphone. Using the Linksys Atlas Pro 6 (AX5400) it reached 37.6Mbps download and 16.7 upload speeds so it did a great job at stretching my coverage further. Finally, I can stream TV shows in bed! 

In the living room (where my router usually lives) my connection speeds stayed about the same when I started using the Linksys Atlas Pro 6 (AX5400). While it would have been good if it gave my entire network a boost, not just the weaker spots, it didn't matter too much to me as I already had a strong connection there.

The Linksy app itself is very simply laid out. You can easily see how many devices are connected to your network and you can see the name of each one, although it does take a moment or two to load up the information. The app also lets you switch on your guest network, change your Wi-Fi password and network name, run a speed test as well as create a list of the devices you want to give priority to.

There are some really handy parental controls worth knowing about as well, they are accessible through the main dashboard. You can select individual devices and then pause their internet access, schedule when they have access and block certain websites. Parental controls can be switched on or off across the whole network.

Admittedly the controls and features offered by the Linksys Atlas Pro 6 (AX5400) are a bit more basic than you might get elsewhere. For instance, you can’t see which specific sites each device has visited nor can you set time allowances. You don’t get as many security features either, some other options have filters for malicious content, security for your IoT devices and even detailed internet usage statistics as well as everything you get here (although they charge an extra monthly subscription fee for the privilege).

Linksys Atlas Pro 6 (AX5400) review: verdict 

For anyone who is looking to extend their home’s Wi-Fi network coverage, the Linksys Atlas Pro 6 (AX5400) is a good option. While it’s by no means cheap, it is more reasonably priced than a lot of others out there. 

In my experience, I found it successfully filled up the Wi-Fi weak spots in my home so I got a reliable connection in every room, but it didn’t necessarily improve the speeds in areas that my standard router was able to cover before. 

The app is very easy and intuitive to use even though you don’t get as much control over your network as you might do elsewhere. In saying that it does do everything you actually need it to so it's still definitely worth the consideration. 

Linksys Atlas Pro 6 (AX5400) review: also consider  

Another mesh network I’ve tested out and would recommend is the TP-Link Deco X90 (AX6600). If you have a large home then it could be a better choice because you can have up to 200 devices connected at once. I was seriously impressed with how much it managed to improve both my Wi-Fi speeds and coverage. 

For most people, the very best mesh network you can buy is the Netgear Orbi WiFi 6. It’s super easy to set up and use, there are plenty of wired ports available and it does an excellent job at boosting your home Wi-Fi network’s potential. It is very expensive though. 

The summer is coming. The sun is shining. The Wi-Fi in your garden isn't very good. Oh dear. Best extend that Wi-Fi signal then! Here's how to extend Wi-Fi to reach into your garden for working-from-home summer greatness and Wi-Fi music-streaming BBQ party fun-times. 

This Wi-Fi extender guide for your garden offers simple tips, from router setup to hotspotting, through to physical kit purchases to improve your home's Wi-Fi reach through a number of possible device fixes: from the best hotspots and best routers to the best Wi-Fi extenders and best mesh network systems. 

1. Quick fix: Change router band

This tip will very much depend on the router that you own. Most modern routers run on 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands (with Wi-Fi 6E and forthcoming Wi-Fi 7 furthering those available bands). Most routers are intelligent enough to auto-select or switch between these bands for best results.

However, if that's not the case you may wish to force the router to use 2.4GHz instead of 5GHz. Although the lower frequency band isn't as efficient with data, its wavelength works better over longer distances, so is ideal for extending Wi-Fi in your garden. Especially if you can reposition your router so it's by the access to your garden, or at least closer. 

Turning your router off and back on may reset the optimal bands it is using (classic off/on trick, as ever). Otherwise find the card on the back of your router that contains the IP address. Type this number into a web browser to open its settings, then select the desired 2.4GHz band. Note: this may result in poorer in-the-home connectivity, but you won't care if you've got your feet up in the garden, eh?

Router doesn't cut it? The best affordable router 2026 is the D-Link R15 (pricing in widget below). Or check out our best wireless routers guide for some of the mightiest and speediest options available today. 

2. Buy a Wi-Fi extender

Wi-Fi extenders do exactly what the label says: extend your Wi-Fi network. They're best used in large homes, really, but could help push Wi-Fi into your garden too, if positioned correctly. 

Wi-Fi extenders are designed to be simple to setup and use, which is their real big sell. You rarely need to worry about calibrating them or tweaking obscure system settings: it's simply a case of plugging in, getting them onto your existing Wi-Fi network, then letting them get on with the task.

For our money the NetGear WN3000RP is the best option on the market right now (pricing in widget below). You can plug it directly into the wall near your garden access and help project that signal strength across your lawn and beyond. Or check out our best Wi-Fi extenders guide for even more affordable options. 

3. Buy a Powerline adaptor

Powerline adaptors are a fascinating idea: these plug-socket devices use the electrical cabling in your home's walls to extend your Wi-Fi throughout. You plug one in by your router via Ethernet, then position the additional devices where you want Wi-Fi to be delivered – whether via Ethernet to a device (such as a TV) or wireless at that source. 

If you've got a garden office with electricity and want to extend the Wi-Fi to reach there then it's a plausible solution that's cheaper than going all-in with a point-to-point system. It won't result in the best possible speeds as per the router, but if you've got a good connection at source then it'll be more than good enough. 

We find TP Link's products super reliable, but they can be a little pricier (see widget below for the Powerline AV2000), although you can source far cheaper ones too. Just make sure you've got a plug socket near to your garden access to project that signal out to those patio tables and chairs. 

4. Setup a mesh network

This solution is a little more 'all in', but setting up a mesh network is well worth it for the home all year round, in addition to extending the Wi-Fi into your garden or, indeed, garden office. 

Investing in the best mesh Wi-Fi network products will ensure your Wi-Fi connectivity is the fastest it’s ever been. This means no blind spots, so you can have an uninterrupted connection whenever and wherever you need it – including in the great outdoors (not the wilderness, mind, this garden Wi-Fi extender method does have its limits).

There's a fair bit more setup required to get a mesh network to play nice with your existing router, but once it's done you can position the relevant extenders anywhere you please. That includes without wires, so reaching the end of your garden with an additional satellite is possible – even if you choose to do that later down the line. 

Of all the options listed in this extend your garden Wi-Fi guide, however, mesh networking is the priciest solution. It's also the best, in our opinion, as you get what you pay for. We think Google Wifi is a great solution for many (pricing widget embedded below), but if you want something even faster and fancier then check out our best mesh network guide. 

5. Tether to mobile

If you can get a 3G, 4G/LTE or even 5G connection in your garden space on your mobile phone then a potentially useful option is to simply turn on Wi-Fi Hotspot or Personal Hotspot on your Android or Apple device. Doing so is easy, too.

For Android swipe down and locate the Wi-Fi Hotspot (or similar name) in the settings, tap it to activate; you'll need to press-and-hold to reveal the hotspot settings, including the name of network and the password. 

For Apple go to Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot or Settings > Personal Hotspot and you'll be able to Allow others to join; within these settings are the same useful options to change the network name and password. 

On your laptop or other Wi-Fi device it's then as simple as connecting to that Wi-Fi hotspot, just as you would connect to the internet in your home: click the Wi-Fi logo in your Windows or Mac taskbar, locate the network, tap in the relevant password, and away you go. 

A word of warning though: data isn't always free. Some plans will limit your monthly allowance, others may charge for use over a given amount. So this bonus tip shouldn't be something to rely on time and again, especially if you're streaming heavier content, such as making long video calls and such like.

6. Buy a portable hotspot

Although buying a portable hotspot isn't the best long-term solution for most people to extend Wi-Fi in the garden, it does offer additional benefits: if you ever travel – whether for work or pleasure – then you can take a hotspot device with you and browse when abroad too. Typically you can't use your personal mobile phone won't permit hotspotting when overseas. 

Portable Wi-Fi hotspots act as your own personal Wi-Fi network. Some are even SIM free, such as the Urozetta Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot (pricing in widget below): when you get to a new country, you just open up the companion app on your phone and pick the data plan offer you want to go for.

So if your home garden becomes a hotel balcony for a week, or the outside steps of a convention centre where the Wi-Fi costs a small fortune, that's almost like working from a garden overseas really. This is the best solution for that.

Broadband is a home essential but with the cost of living hiking up prices, many people are looking to switch providers or change packages to keep their bills down. Broadband can get quite expensive depending on the provider or service you choose, but unfortunately, it’s not something we can live without, especially if you work from home.

As a Deals Writer and Shopping Expert, I’ve been trying to find ways for T3 readers to save money on their monthly bills and everyday purchases. I’ve already covered how I save money on my broadband package and choosing the right provider is a great way to get the most out of your money.

Sky, BT and Virgin Media are three of the main broadband providers in the UK. Alongside their broadband packages, all three also provide mobile phone and TV packages and you can often find money-saving bundle deals which is a great way to keep the costs down. But which one should you choose?

I’ve looked into Sky Broadband, BT Broadband and Virgin Media Broadband, and have rounded up what they offer and which one has the most value, in terms of price, package options and power. We’ve also got a broadband comparison guide that you can refer to to find the best deals.

Sky Broadband

Starting off with Sky Broadband, Sky has some of the best speed and package options on the market. From Sky, there are three broadband options to choose from: Superfast 35, Ultrafast and Gigafast.

Superfast 35 is the most basic broadband package with 36 Mb/s download speeds and 9 Mb/s upload speeds, and is best for streaming and browsing in small households. This package is £25 a month for 18 months. Ultrafast is the next one up with 145 Mb/s download and 27 Mb/s upload speeds and is designed for streaming and gaming in UHD. The Ultrafast package is £32 a month for 18 months. Finally, the Gigafast is the fastest option from Sky with average download and upload speeds of 900 Mb/s and 90 Mb/s. Gigafast is £55 a month for 18 months and offers future-proof broadband for big and busy homes. All plans include Sky Pay As You Go and come with a £19.95 set-up fee.

If you want Sky Broadband and TV together, you can get some great TV, Broadband and Talk deals. The basic TV and Broadband plan you can get is the Q Lite - Fibre and Sky Q for £31 a month, the Sky TV and Superfast Broadband is £39 a month and the Sky TV, Netflix & Ultrafast Broadband package is £46 a month. 

The main benefits of Sky Broadband are the speed and WiFi guarantees, as if the speed or WiFi isn’t as promised, Sky gives you your money back. Sky Broadband also has daily line checks and comes with built-in security. Overall, the Sky Broadband & TV plans are definitely the best on the market, but as a Sky user, my broadband does have rare occasional outages which I don’t love. Although, the TV plans are what makes Sky stand out. Check out the best Sky deals for TV, broadband and mobile discounts you can find this month. 

BT Broadband

BT Broadband is another option for UK broadband customers and is known as the most reliable broadband service. There are multiple packages available with Fibre, Full Fibre and Complete Wi-Fi. The BT Fibre packages include BT Fibre Essential, BT Fibre 1 and BT Fibre 2. The Full Fibre plans are Full Fibre 100, 300, 500 and 900 and then there’s the Complete Wi-Fi packages, all with 24 month contract lengths.

When you sign up to BT Broadband, you’ll have to check what’s available to your area and this will determine how much you spend and the speeds you get. Prices typically start at around £34.99. If you want something super powerful, I suggest looking at the Full Fibre which can go up to 900 Mb/s download speeds or if you want extra WiFi in specific spots, you can get Complete Wi-Fi to cover more areas in your home.

Similar to Sky, you can get BT Broadband and TV deals. BT Broadband is extremely fast, reliable and comes with money-back guarantees if the service isn’t up to par. The TV plans are what makes BT Broadband and TV so popular, especially its Sports channels. It really packs a punch so I’d definitely recommend looking into BT Broadband.

Virgin Media Broadband

Finally, Virgin Media Broadband has the fastest speeds on the market. All plans are on an 18 month contract length, free set-up and comes with Virgin Media Talk Weekends, so you get broadband and phone services. The broadband packages you can find are: Broadband + Phone (M50, M100 or M200 speeds) and Volt M100 Fibre. There are also bundle packages with Virgin Media TV which is the Big Bundle or the Ultimate Volt Bundle.

The Broadband + Phone plans are the best basic broadband packages and prices typically start at £20 a month which is the cheapest price compared to the other two providers. Volt M100 Fibre is normally £50 a month (although it’s discounted right now to £29.99) and comes with an O2 SIM.

Virgin Media broadband and TV have a wide variety of options and prices range from £20 up to £85. The Broadband + Phone packages are definitely the best and most popular, and all Virgin Media broadband plans are super strong, fast and reliable. If you want to sign up just for broadband and phone but not TV, Virgin Media is the best choice, although it’s not as widely available as Sky or BT.

Verdict: Which is the best broadband provider?

Overall, the best broadband provider out of Sky, BT and Virgin Media has to be Virgin Media. It’s super fast, reliable and there are so many options to choose from which are all at amazingly affordable prices. Its TV packages could be better but in terms of just broadband, the crown has to go to Virgin Media. Other than Virgin Media, BT is also quick and reliable but is lacking when it comes to TV. If you’re looking for broadband and TV, I’d definitely recommend going for Sky.

For more details on what TV packages you can find from Sky, BT and Virgin, I’ve also had a look into which TV provider you should choose too.

Wi-Fi 7 is coming to bring next-generation wireless connectivity speeds to your devices – as we explain in T3's Wi-Fi 7 Everything You Need to Know feature. MediaTek, however, is ahead of the game when it comes to such next-gen speeds, having announced its Wi-Fi 7-capable Filogic 380 chip.

Speaking directly with T3 ahead of its chipset reveal, MediaTek representatives commented that Wi-Fi 7 speeds will be here sooner than many think – meaning before 2022 is out – thanks to the development of chipsets such as Filogic 380. 

However, the chip-maker was not suggesting that true Wi-Fi 7 will arrive before it is ready. That's not going to be possible until the Wi-Fi Alliance certifies Wi-Fi 7 as an official standard (IEEE 802.11be). 

'Wi-Fi 7 ready'

So while we'll have products with MediaTek Fliogic 380 inside, running Wi-Fi 7 capable speeds of up to 36Gbps, the company claims, we'll have to look at it as a 'Wi-Fi 7 ready' sort of situation. It's a chicken before the egg scenario.

But this isn't a bad thing, ultimately, because if devices – including phones, tablets and smart TVs – feature chipsets like Filogic 380 (or, indeed, Qualcomm's Wi-Fi 7 Networking Pro Series, as announced earlier in May) then we all benefit: it's just future-proofing, delivering devices that can form that Wi-Fi 7 chain as and when it's ready and got the Alliance stamp of approval. 

So should you be excited about Wi-Fi 7? Well, that'll depend on just how much of a computing geek you are. But it'll bring clear benefits, such as multi-link operation (like multi-band aggregation across its frequency bands) for more consistent and faster speeds. And that, in an increasingly connected world, can only be a better thing for everyone. Looks like MediaTek is very much a big player in that future world in the making.

Wi-Fi 7 is coming – and the next-gen wireless internet speeds could be here even sooner than you think, thanks to MediaTek having already announced Wi-Fi 7 compliant modems for forthcoming devices. 

But what exactly is Wi-Fi 7, why would you want it, when can we expect it to be a standard, and how can you get it? In this Wi-Fi 7 explainer feature we'll dig into each of those questions in explaining what's coming down the road for the step-up wireless standard.

What is Wi-Fi 7? 

Wi-Fi 7 is the next step in wireless standards (which will be known as IEEE 802.11be), which promises to deliver much faster speeds between compatible devices, by using a wider range of frequencies. 

So why does Wi-Fi 7 matter? Well, it's so much faster than the current Wi-Fi 6/6E (802.11ax standard) that, for when that's not ample enough, the new standard could spell the end of the need for Ethernet cables being plugged into devices.

Wi-Fi 7 is a bit like how 5G was to 4G in mobile roaming connectivity. That's to say it'll permit much faster speed potential, whether you've known you needed that or not, but even more importantly it'll bring lower latency too, which will be key to cutting those cable connections for some tasks. 

How fast is Wi-Fi 7?

Just how fast are we talking about Wi-Fi 7 being? It's a theoretical maximum at present, but it could reach speeds of 30Gbps. That's thirty gigabits per second. Put that in perspective: the current maximum of Wi-Fi 6 and 6E (known as IEEE 802.11ax standard) is 9.6Gbps. So we're talking more than a tripling of speed potential. 

How can Wi-Fi 7 be so fast? It's down to a multitude of things. Firstly it utilises the 6GHz band, which is said to offer much less interference than the current 5GHz and 2.4GHz frequency bands. 

In addition, Wi-Fi 7 can utilise something called MLO (multi-link operation) which is  a bit like carrier aggregation for mobile phones, in that multiple frequency bands can be used in tandem for optimum performance and consistency. 

When can I get Wi-Fi 7?

Wi-Fi 7 might be here sooner than you think: MediaTek has already revealed its Filogic 380, which is destined for mobile devices in the coming months – certainly before the year 2022 is out. Not that Wi-Fi 7 proper will be available by that time. 

"Why not?" we hear you cry. Well, because Wi-Fi 7 needs to go through a process to verify and validate its standards. That's done by The Wi-Fi Alliance, so until that body has affirmed its standards, nothing can technically get a Wi-Fi 7 stamp of approval, so to speak. That's unlikely to happen until the end of 2023, i.e. next year.

But that's not going to stop Wi-Fi 7 speeds being available well prior to then. MediaTek, speaking with T3 at the launch of its Filogic 380 Wi-Fi 7 platform, expects that  even without official certification and no spec finalised by the Alliance, brands are likely to push a 'Wi-Fi 7 ready' style, or something along those lines. 

How will I get Wi-Fi 7 speeds?

To get Wi-Fi 7 speeds you will, of course, need Wi-Fi 7 kit. That's why it's important for the Wi-Fi Alliance to approve the protocols of the standard, so then kit can be certified and sold. Because you'll need kit to achieve such speeds. 

That's across the board, too, so if you want Wi-Fi 7 speeds on, say, your tablet then said device will need to be fitted with the relevant hardware and connected to a compatible router. The whole chain will need to be in on the action. However! Wi-Fi 7 is backwards compatible, too, so there's no issues in hand-shaking with Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5 standards too. 

Is 3G still available? News that Three UK, a major mobile network provider, is set to pull the plug for its 3G network by the end of 2024 might not come as a huge surprise – especially as USA carriers have already begun their 3G cull – but it does raise the question as to how the incoming end of 3G will affect you. 

The general answer, at least certainly for those with a 4G/LTE and/or 5G capable device, which will cover the majority of releases over the past several years, is that it will have no notable impact. Only a very small number of those still using far older devices that cannot access 4G or 5G spectrum will likely need to rethink their product choice.

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Which carriers will end 3G and when?

• AT&T: already gone, February 2022
• T-mobile: scheduled 1 July 2022
• Sprint: expected to end '31 May 2022'
• Verizon: scheduled 31 December 2022
• EE: scheduled 'early 2023' (date unspecified)
• Three: 'end of 2024' (date unspecified)
• Vodafone: 'in 2023' (date unspecified)
• o2/Telefonica: will switch off 2G and 3G 'by 2033'

The end of 3G: Why's it happening?

In short: 3G is old. Like, really old for a technology – it arrived back in 2002, some 20 years ago. It's therefore inefficient for those networks and carriers to even be running multiple systems, especially in a world where a vast majority of their users will be using 4G or greater – whether they're acutely aware of that or not. 

Secondly, the way data is packaged works differently between 3G and 4G (and 5G) – the USA uses CDMA, the UK is GSM, so are different again – and it's inefficient to be running both at once when the world is moving forward. 

The number of users expected to be affected isn't explicitly known, but as a percentage it's believed to be small worldwide – less than 10 percent at the time of writing. Even so, that's still not a small number of people, so some millions of network users could be affected in the coming years.

No more 3G connection: What can I do?

You'd need to possess a rather old device to fall foul of the 3G cut – say, an iPhone 5 or earlier. Even then, however, some access to ultra-slow (by today's standards) 2G will remain, so it won't necessarily wipe out your connection entirely – although 3G-specific products were released and, in such instances, yes, you'll need to look to buy something new to replace the fallout.

Is it such a bad thing that 3G is ending? It'll save companies operational costs which, in theory, should be used for re-investment in newer, faster systems and architecture. And that, ultimately, can only benefit the future of network connectivity as we move into a world where 5G is the norm – until, again, in the future we move beyond that too.

With the cost of living crisis changing the way we spend money, many of us are looking to cut down on our monthly expenses. Phone bills tend to rack up a lot of money, so if you’re looking to keep the costs down, a great way to do this is to switch to a SIM only deal.

Some of the best SIM only deals come from Smarty, a SIM-only mobile network that’s owned and powered by Three. Smarty SIM only plans offer super-fast speeds, unlimited calls and texts and no upfront costs, at incredibly low prices.

If you’re looking for a new SIM only plan, Smarty is currently offering its 100GB SIM only data plan for just £12 a month.

View the 100GB SIM only plan at Smarty

This 100GB data SIM only plan from Smarty offers a huge amount of data, unlimited texts and calls, plus 5G and EU roaming at no extra cost. At just £12 a month, this SIM only plan also comes with no speed restrictions and is on a no contract basis, so you can start and cancel your Smarty SIM whenever you want for total flexibility.

Due to the cost of living price hikes on TV, phone and broadband contracts, Smarty is promising both new and existing customers that when they sign up for a Smarty SIM, they won’t be faced with any annual price rises. This means the current price of £12 a month on this 100GB data SIM only deal will stay this price during your entire contract term.

Smarty has been rolling out incredible deals like this one all year, including doubling data for free and slashing their prices. This SIM only deal is running from May to July so you have plenty of time to take advantage of this saving. To view the 100GB data plan, click the link above or keep reading for more SIM only deals from Smarty.

P.S. For more SIM only deals, check out our guide to how and where to save money on your mobile phone plan.

While 100GB is a huge amount of data to use each month, we wouldn’t blame you if you wanted the biggest amount of data available. Unlimited data can be quite expensive, depending on which provider you go for but with Smarty, you can currently get the unlimited data SIM only plan for just £20 a month – more details below.

Switching broadband providers or finding a broadband package at a cheap price are great ways to try and curb the cost of living price hikes. Some of the best broadband deals start from as little as £17 a month, helping customers cut back on their monthly bills while still staying connected.

This month, we’re seeing lots of broadband deals in the Spring sales, including this top deal from Sky. If you’re looking for a new broadband provider or faster speeds, the Superfast 35 package from Sky is now just £25 a month in the Sky Spring sale.

View the Sky Broadband Superfast 35 deal

This 18 month contract is a special offer from the Sky Spring sale and is just £25 with a £19.95 setup fee. The Sky Superfast 35 Broadband package offers 36Mb average speeds, ideal for streaming and browsing in small-medium households.

Sky broadband can sometimes be a little on the pricier side compared to other competitors but this deal can definitely save you some money in the long run and it comes with Sky Talk Pay As You Go.

The Superfast 35 isn’t the only deal currently available from Sky. Shoppers can also get the Ultrafast package for just £32 a month for 18 months, with average speeds of 145Mb. If you want something even faster, the Gigafast package from Sky is £55 a month for 18 months and delivers 900Mb average download speeds and future-proof broadband for even the busiest homes.

To view the Superfast 35 broadband deal from Sky, click the link above or keep reading for more broadband deals, packages and prices from the UK’s top providers.

If you’re interested in a cheaper broadband deal from a different provider, TalkTalk is offering its Fibre 65 package for just £20 a month on an 18 month contract. It comes with no setup costs, 67Mb average speeds and unlimited downloads, plus you get a free £55 gift card when you sign up.