How Long Should a Router Last? When to Replace Yours

Typical Router Lifespan

Consumer Routers: 3-5 Years

Consumer routers typically last between 3 to 5 years under normal conditions. Most manufacturers design them for this timeframe, balancing cost-effectiveness with reasonable longevity. After 5 years, there's a rapid increase in failure rate due to aging internal parts, cessation of security updates, and obsolescence of wireless protocols.

Factors that affect lifespan include:

• Environment: Routers in hot, dusty, or humid environments fail sooner
• Usage: Routers handling heavy traffic 24/7 wear faster than lightly-used ones
• Quality: Premium routers with better components last longer than budget models
• Placement: Routers with good ventilation last longer than those in enclosed spaces

Business-Grade Routers: 7-10 Years

Business-grade routers in clean, climate-controlled server rooms with stable power can last closer to 7-10 years. They're built with commercial-grade components designed for continuous operation. However, for home use, this longevity advantage must be weighed against cost (3-5x more expensive) and technology obsolescence.

Signs It's Time to Replace Your Router

Performance Degradation

If you're experiencing frequent disconnections, slow internet speeds that don't match your plan, or the need to restart your router regularly (more than once a month), these are signs of failing hardware. Performance should be consistent—gradual decline indicates aging components.

Try this test: if restarting temporarily fixes issues but they return within days, your router is struggling and likely nearing end of life.

Overheating

A router that feels too hot to touch comfortably or shuts down during warm afternoons is experiencing thermal failure. This is caused by aging thermal pads, dust-clogged vents, and worn capacitors. Overheating accelerates component failure and is a clear sign replacement is imminent.

If your router's exterior is uncomfortably hot even in a well-ventilated location, don't wait for complete failure—replace it soon.

No Firmware Updates

This is critical from a security perspective. Once manufacturers discontinue support, routers can no longer receive security updates. Budget models typically stop receiving updates after 2 years, while premium brands offer 5-7 years of support.

To check: log into your router's admin interface and look for firmware update options. If the last update is more than 12-18 months old, visit the manufacturer's website to see if your model is still supported. If support has ended, replacement should be a priority even if the router appears to work fine.

Outdated WiFi Standards

WiFi technology evolves quickly:

• WiFi 4 (802.11n): Released 2009, obsolete for modern use
• WiFi 5 (802.11ac): Released 2014, adequate but aging
• WiFi 6 (802.11ax): Released 2019, current standard
• WiFi 6E: Released 2021, adds 6 GHz band
• WiFi 7 (802.11be): Released 2024, newest standard

If your router only supports WiFi 4 or older, it's significantly limiting your network performance. WiFi 5 routers are still functional but miss out on WiFi 6's improvements for handling multiple devices and lower latency.

Can't Support Your Internet Speed

If you've upgraded your internet plan to 500 Mbps or gigabit speeds but your router only supports older standards or has 10/100 Ethernet ports instead of gigabit ports, you're not getting what you pay for. Your router is the bottleneck.

Run a speed test with a device connected directly to your modem. If you get the expected speed, then run another test through your router. If there's a significant difference, your router can't handle your current plan.

The Security Factor

Even if your router appears to be working perfectly well, you should replace it if it's no longer receiving firmware updates. Security vulnerabilities discovered after support ends leave your network exposed to potential attacks.

Your router is your network's first line of defense. An outdated router with unpatched security holes can allow hackers to intercept traffic, steal passwords, access connected devices, or use your internet connection for illegal activities.

At the 5-year mark and beyond, security becomes the primary reason to replace even a functioning router.

Technology Obsolescence vs. Hardware Failure

Here's an important distinction: routers often become obsolete before they fail. A 6-year-old router might still power on and provide WiFi, but it likely:

• Lacks security updates
• Uses outdated WiFi standards
• Can't handle modern device counts
• Doesn't support current internet speeds
• Misses features like parental controls, guest networks, and app management

Don't wait for complete failure. Proactive replacement when your router becomes outdated (even if functional) ensures better security, performance, and features.

Recommended Replacement Schedule

Experts recommend replacing your router at least every 5 years, and every 2-3 years if you use several high-bandwidth devices and smart home devices. Here's a practical schedule:

• Budget routers: Replace at 3 years
• Mid-range routers: Replace at 4-5 years
• Premium routers: Replace at 5-6 years or when security updates end

Also replace immediately if you experience frequent failures, significant overheating, or your router is no longer receiving security updates regardless of age.