As long as Wi-Fi has been a thing, wireless routers have, by and large, been flat-out ugly. They typically have all the visual flair of an aging cable box, most with the unfortunate addition of antennae or two sticking out the rear. Most people, understandably, try to hide them under the television or tucked away in a bookshelf. The problem is that keeping your router out of view can degrade access to your Internet signal. Thankfully, technology firms are finally realizing this vital piece of modern kit can also be beautifully designed. These three recent models stand out.
Google OnHub
Made in partnership with technology firms ASUS and TP-Link, Google designed the OnHub to be smarter, faster and prettier than the average router. They’re costly — about $200 — but not completely unreasonable.
Starry Station
After a failed bid to shake up the television industry, Chet Kanojia is back at it with Starry, a bold idea to deliver high-speed Internet to homes via wireless signals. The idea is still in beta, but the company’s gorgeous Starry Station router is available today, though at a steep cost of $349.99.
Eero
Eero says it’s more than just a router — it’s a “wi-fi system,” using multiple (great-looking) stations to blanket even large or oddly-designed homes in sweet, sweet wireless Internet. Each individual Eero costs $199, while a pack of three will run you $499.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Why Trump’s Message Worked on Latino Men
- What Trump’s Win Could Mean for Housing
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- Sleep Doctors Share the 1 Tip That’s Changed Their Lives
- Column: Let’s Bring Back Romance
- What It’s Like to Have Long COVID As a Kid
- FX’s Say Nothing Is the Must-Watch Political Thriller of 2024
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
Contact us at letters@time.com