Renting Internet Equipment Often Ensures Better Network Reliability Than Buying Your Own Router

A recent study by Opensignal, conducted from January to March 2025, highlights a significant trend in home internet usage: renting internet equipment from your internet service provider (ISP) often results in a smoother and more reliable internet experience than purchasing your own router. This insight challenges the common assumption that owning your own equipment is always the better choice.

The primary reason behind this discrepancy is the enhanced network diagnostics and customer support that ISPs provide to renters. Many ISPs offer dedicated apps, customer care teams, and management services that simplify diagnosing and resolving network issues. While tech-savvy users can perform these diagnostics independently, the convenience and expertise offered by ISPs help maintain more reliable home networks, reducing downtime and customer frustration.

Moreover, ISPs often lease high-performance routers equipped with the latest Wi-Fi technologies. For instance, Frontier Fiber leases a tri-band Eero Wi-Fi 7 router that supports multiple devices and reduces network latency, enhancing the overall user experience. Such advanced equipment is typically included at no extra cost with fiber internet plans, contributing to better network reliability and consistency.

Opensignal assessed customer experience using two key metrics: reliability and consistency. Reliability measures how well the network handles multiple devices sharing bandwidth without lag or interruptions, while consistency evaluates the network's ability to perform well during everyday tasks. Users renting equipment reported higher scores in both metrics compared to those owning their routers.

The study also notes a distinction between internet types: cable and DSL users often buy their own equipment to save costs, as these ISPs rarely include free routers. Conversely, fiber internet users frequently lease equipment, benefiting from the superior reliability fiber provides. This difference likely influences the overall better experience reported by renters.

Choosing whether to rent or buy your router depends on individual circumstances such as budget, internet speed requirements, and available options. While owning your router can save money on monthly bills and offer greater control, it requires a willingness to manage network health and troubleshoot issues independently. Renting, on the other hand, often includes technical support and equipment upgrades, reducing hassle and improving satisfaction.

For example, broadband expert Joe Supan rented his router from Xfinity for six years, accumulating nearly $1,000 in rental fees. After investing in his own high-quality router, he experienced faster speeds, improved reliability, and reduced monthly costs. Conversely, users like the author, who receive free gateway devices from ISPs such as AT&T, benefit from seamless troubleshooting via ISP apps, leading to minimal disruptions and high customer satisfaction.

In conclusion, while renting internet equipment from ISPs generally offers better network reliability and ease of maintenance, buying your own router can be a cost-effective and empowering choice for those willing to manage their network health. Understanding these trade-offs helps consumers make informed decisions tailored to their needs and technical comfort levels.