Global consumer Wi-Fi router shipments decline in Q1 2026 amid changing market dynamics

Current Shipment Trends

The Wi-Fi router market is experiencing a downturn, with global shipments having decreased by 6% year-over-year in Q1 2026. This line of decline represents part of a broader trend that has seen a dramatic drop of nearly 34% since shipments peaked in 2021.

Causes for the Decline

The reduction in shipments can largely be attributed to consumers who upgraded their routers during the pandemic and now find no urgent need to switch to newer technology. Although newer standards like Wi-Fi 7 offer enhanced performance, rising costs for essential goods deter consumers from investing in new hardware.

Additionally, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have improved their bundled offerings, providing customers with adequate routers that meet their basic needs, thus reducing demand for standalone consumer purchases.

Positive Developments

Despite the overall decline, mesh Wi-Fi systems have gained traction, helping to offset losses for some vendors. Companies like Amazon with its Eero and Google with its Nest systems have seen improved performance in the mesh segment.

Brand Performance

Notable brands exhibited mixed fortunes in Q1 2026. Asus and Google experienced an uptick in shipments, with increases of 3.8% and 1.2%, respectively. In contrast, Xiaomi, Netgear, and TP-Link reported declines, with decreases of 1.3%, 3%, and 5.4%, respectively, while the 'Others' category saw a significant 10.4% decline.