Best Routers and Access Points for Business in 2024
We tested over a dozen routers and access points to see which ones are ideal for your business.
Aug 15, 2024 | Share 
Best Routers
-
Best router overall
Zyxel SCR 50AXE- $186.41*
- Free security suite
- Third 6 GHz band
- No multi-gig internet
-
Best budget router
Reyee RG-E5- $89.99*
- Excellent long range
- Free cloud management
- No VPN tools
-
Best firewall router
Cisco Meraki Go GX50- $323.99*
- SPI firewall
- Site-to-site VPN support
- No Wi-Fi
-
Best access point
Cisco Meraki Go GR12- $166.99*
- Customer insights
- Built-in VPN server
- No channel control
-
Best prosumer access point
Zyxel NWA90AX Pro- $110.33*
- Power over Ethernet
- Multi-gig support
- Clunky interfaces
* Amazon.com prices (as of 8/15/24 10:30 MST). Read full disclaimer.
† Price for three units.
Our pick: Which router or access point is best for business?
Based on our tests, the Zyxel SCR 50AXE is our current top pick for the best router for business. It’s loaded with features and packs a third band to balance all your client devices better. However, if you’re only looking to expand your current network, the Cisco Meraki Go GR12 access point is ideal for its Power over Ethernet (PoE) support, proximity-based customer insights, and mesh networking.
How we test routers and access points
We vigorously test routers and access points to see how well they stack up against the competition in speed and range. We also evaluate the setup process and dig into the web and mobile apps to see if they’re easy or difficult to use. Check out our methodology section for more information.
The 5 best routers and access points for business
- Best router overall: Zyxel SCR 50AXE
- Best budget router: Reyee RG-E5
- Best firewall router: Cisco Meraki Go GX50
- Best access point: Cisco Meraki Go GR12
- Best prosumer access point: Zyxel NWA90AX Pro
Compare business router speeds and prices
| Model | Max throughput | Tested speed @ 40 ft.† | Price* | Order online | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best router overall | Zyxel SCR 50AXE | 5,400Mbps | 388Mbps | $186.41 | View on Amazon |
| Best budget router | Reyee RG-E5 | 3,200Mbps | 636Mbps | $89.99 | View on Amazon |
| Best firewall router | Cisco Meraki Go GX50 | N/A | N/A | $323.99 | View on Amazon |
| Best access point | Cisco Meraki Go GR12 | 1,800Mbps | 416Mbps | $166.99 | View on Amazon |
| Best prosumer access point | Zyxel NWA90AX Pro | 3,000Mbps | 431Mbps | $110.33 | View on Amazon |
* Amazon.com Prices (as of 8/15/24 10:30 MST) Read full disclaimer.
† Speed recorded using a Wi-Fi 6 client and an 80 MHz channel.
What should you look for in a router or access point for business?
Security should be your top priority. Every router and access point we’ve tested has some form of business-grade security, whether it’s a full security suite or an unforgiving firewall. But be mindful of your overall cost, as some models require at least one subscription to get the most out of them.
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is another feature you should be mindful of when shopping for a new access point. This feature eliminates the need for a power outlet, but it requires a compatible switch or a power injector adapter.
Do you have a good business plan to go with your router?
If not, enter your zip code below to see what options are available to you.
Best router overall: Zyxel SCR 50AXE
|
Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com |
|
An affordable tri-band upgrade bottlenecked by Gigabit Ethernet |
|
Score:3.9out of 5 |
The SCR 50AXE has good speeds for the money, even when we test the 6 GHz connection. But its gigabit-locked WAN port keeps this router from reaching its full potential. |
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
$186.41*
* Amazon.com Price (as of 8/15/24 10:30 MST). Read full disclaimer.
The Gigabit Ethernet WAN port bottlenecks your Wi-Fi speeds. 
You can remove the side panel to mount the SCR 50AXE on a wall. 
The magnetic stand snaps onto the bottom of the SCR 50AXE. 
We love the curved design with red highlights on the SCR 50AXE router. 
The SCR 50AXE has a lot of potential but falls short due to Gigabit Ethernet bottlenecking its speeds. 
The cloud-based Nebula Control Center has an annoyingly steep learning curve.
Expand for product details and ratings
| Category | Score* | Summary |
| Performance | 4 | Scores well when we test its 5 GHz and 6 GHz speeds. |
| Features | 4 | Packs a ton of security features for free. |
| Design | 4 | Includes a third 6 GHz band for better client device balancing. |
| Setup | 4 | Provides an easy setup through the Nebula mobile app. |
| Ease of use | 3 | Requires a cloud-based web interface with a steep learning curve. |
* out of 5 points
What we like about it: The SCR 50AXE router tests with good speeds up close and at long range. It also packs loads of security features, like malware prevention, a built-in ad blocker, and a dark web blocker.
What we wish it did better: The SCR 50AXE needs a multi-gig WAN port to back the advertised 5,400Mbps bandwidth.
Why do we recommend it? The third 6 GHz band helps reduce congestion on your local network and provides slightly better speeds than the 5 GHz one. The router has a ton of security features, too, making it a worthwhile investment.
Tested speeds at a glance
| 5 GHz max speed | 2 feet | 40 feet | 120 feet |
| 1,200 | 834 | 388 | 165 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using a Wi-Fi 6 client and an 80 MHz channel.
| Wi-Fi specs | Wired specs |
|
|
Best for budgets: Reyee RG-E5
|
Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com |
|
A business-class router at a friendly price |
|
Score:3.8out of 5 |
The Reyee RG-E5 is a business-first router with great long-range speeds. It includes free access to a cloud management platform for managing multiple Reyee access points. |
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
$89.99*
* Amazon.com Price (as of 8/15/24 10:30 MST). Read full disclaimer.
The Reyee RG-E5 provides your basic connections with gigabit wired speeds. 
The Reyee RG-E5 antennas don't detach, but you can rotate them 90 degrees. 
The Reyee RG-E5 includes a WPS button on top for fast device pairing. 
The Reyee RG-E5 has great range for offices and homes. 
The Reyee RG-E5 is one of the easiest routers we’ve used to date.
Expand for product details and ratings
| Category | Score* | Summary |
| Performance | 4 | Has the best long-range speeds for a router under $150. |
| Features | 3 | Provides an ARP Guard and free Ruijie Cloud account. |
| Design | 3 | Lacks multi-gig internet support and VPN tools. |
| Setup | 4 | Has one of the fastest setups we’ve tested to date. |
| Ease of use | 4 | Requires the web and mobile app to use fully. |
* out of 5 points
What we like about it: The RG-E5 has great long-range speeds at this price. Moreover, it has some of the best speed consistencies we’ve seen to date, meaning you don’t see a dramatic speed dropoff as you move away from the router.
Ruijie Cloud is useful, too, if you need to manage multiple Reyee devices installed across the globe.
What we wish it did better: The RG-E5 is the only Wi-Fi 6 router we have in-house that doesn’t support the latest security standard, WPA3, which is more secure than WPA2. Plus, it lacks in many other areas like VPN and wired multi-gig connectivity.
Why do we recommend it? The Reyee RG-E5 is a high-performance router at the $150 price point. It lacks in some areas, sure, but if consistent speed is what you need across a long range, this is the router for your business.
Tested speeds at a glance
| 5 GHz max speed | 2 feet | 40 feet | 120 feet |
| 1,200 | 843 | 636 | 330 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using a Wi-Fi 6 client and an 80 MHz channel.
| Wi-Fi specs | Wired specs |
|
|
Best firewall router: Cisco Meraki Go GX50
|
Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com |
|
The ideal bouncer for safeguarding your network |
|
Score:4.1out of 5 |
The Meraki Go GX50 is designed to sit at the front of your network and inspect every digital nugget flowing through your wired connections. However, you need additional equipment if you want Wi-Fi. |
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
$323.99*
* Amazon.com Price (as of 8/15/24 10:30 MST). Read full disclaimer.
The Meraki Go GX50 is a great centerpiece for bringing all your networks together. 
You can assign a virtual network to each Gigabit Ethernet port on the Meraki Go GX50. 
The Meraki Go MX50 includes screws and anchors for mounting it on a wall. 
The Kensington lock helps keep the Meraki Go GX50 secured to its station. 
The Meraki Go GX50 includes site-to-site VPN tunneling support. 
The Meraki Go GX50 web and mobile apps are easy to use and nearly identical in design.
Expand for product details and ratings
| Category | Score* | Summary |
| Performance | 4 | Provides decent wired speeds. |
| Features | 4 | Includes network isolation and built-in VPN tools. |
| Design | 4 | Packs a USB port that is only used to charge devices. |
| Setup | 4 | Gets your first network up and running quickly. |
| Ease of use | 5 | Presents a clean interface on desktop and mobile. |
* out of 5 points
What we like about it: This router doesn’t have Wi-Fi, but it definitely has a lot to love. You can create up to four isolated virtual networks and assign each to an Ethernet port. It also supports site-to-site VPN connectivity and includes a built-in VPN server so employees can access the network remotely.
What we wish it did better: This router doesn’t support wired multi-gig speeds or Power over Ethernet (PoE), so you’ll need a power injector adaptor or a secondary PoE switch to support access points with PoE.
Why do we recommend it? The Meraki Go GX50 is best if you need extra protection against potential threats. Plus, you can create and control up to four virtual networks, so your guest connections aren’t mingling with your Point of Sale devices.
Tested speeds at a glance
| 5 GHz max speed | 2 feet | 40 feet | 120 feet |
| 1,200 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using a Wi-Fi 6 client and an 80 MHz channel.
| Wi-Fi specs | Wired specs |
|
|
Best access point: Cisco Meraki Go GR12
|
Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com |
|
Great for adding Wi-Fi to any wired network |
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Score:3.9out of 5 |
The Meraki Go GR12 access point is packed with great features, like Power over Ethernet and guest insights. But it’s limited in capacity and Wi-Fi speed. |
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
$166.99*
* Amazon.com Price (as of 8/15/24 10:30 MST). Read full disclaimer.
You can use the GR12 in any network setup, but it's ideal for businesses that need wider Wi-Fi. 
The single Gigabit Ethernet port on the GR12 supports Power over Ethernet. 
The status LED is mounted under the lid on the GR12. 
You can mount the GR12 on a wall or ceiling using the included mounting kit. 
The GR12 uses the same cloud-based web interface provided to other Meraki Go products.
Expand for product details and ratings
| Category | Score* | Summary |
| Performance | 4 | Matches the speeds of similar access points we’ve tested. |
| Features | 4 | Includes landing page support and a built-in VPN server. |
| Design | 3 | Packs PoE connectivity but lacks multi-gig speeds. |
| Setup | 4 | Provides pros with a superfast setup process. |
| Ease of use | 4 | Displays the same settings on the web interface and app. |
* out of 5 points
What we like about it: The Meraki Go GR12 has decent speeds based on our tests. Plus, it supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) connectivity, so you can mount it virtually anywhere indoors. Other callouts include proximity-based customer insights and a built-in VPN server.
What we wish it did better: The GR12 needs a multi-gig WAN port to support wired speeds over a gigabit.
Why do we recommend it? The Meraki Go GR12 easily fits into any business network to expand your Wi-Fi space. It meshes with identical GR12 units to broadcast Wi-Fi around heavy equipment and office corners.
Tested speeds at a glance
| 5 GHz max speed | 2 feet | 40 feet | 120 feet |
| 1,200 | 825 | 416 | 149 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using a Wi-Fi 6 client and an 80 MHz channel.
| Wi-Fi specs | Wired specs |
|
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Best prosumer access point: Zyxel NWA90AX Pro
|
Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com |
|
A good way to expand your home-based business network |
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Score:3.8out of 5 |
The NWA90AX Pro is a great access point for adding multi-gig wireless speeds to your home business network. But “pro” home users may find the cloud interface difficult to master initially. |
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
$110.33*
* Amazon.com Price (as of 8/15/24 10:30 MST). Read full disclaimer.
The NWA90AX Pro tested with great multi-gig Wi-Fi 6 speeds. 
The NWA90AX Pro's serial console port is only used for debugging. 
The NWA90AX Pro slides on and snaps into place on the included mounting plate. 
The NWA90AX Pro's multi-color LED turns light blue when client devices aren't connected to Wi-Fi. 
You can create up to eight different SSIDs with the NWA90AX Pro. 
The Nebula Control Center is clunkier than the NWA90AX Pro's local interface, but for good reason.
Expand for product details and ratings
| Category | Score* | Summary |
| Performance | 4 | Matches the tested speeds we get from other access points. |
| Features | 3 | Includes landing page support and mesh-based failover. |
| Design | 4 | Packs a multi-gig PoE port and 160 MHz channels. |
| Setup | 4 | Gets you up and running quickly when using the local interface. |
| Ease of use | 4 | Displays two clunky interfaces that can be difficult to use. |
* out of 5 points
What we like about it: The NWA90AX Pro supports multi-gig wired and wireless speeds based on our tests. Other callouts include VLAN tagging and support for custom landing pages (via Nebula) and mesh-based failover.
What we wish it did better: The cloud-based Nebula interface has a steep learning curve that “pro” home users may find intimidating.
Why do we recommend it? The NWA90AX Pro access point has good speeds for the money. Plus, you can create up to eight Wi-Fi networks with it, which comes in handy for isolating guests from employees, servers, and Point of Sale devices.
Tested speeds at a glance
| 5 GHz max speed | 2 feet | 40 feet | 120 feet |
| 1,200 | 865 | 431 | 156 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using a Wi-Fi 6 client and an 80 MHz channel.
| Wi-Fi specs | Wired specs |
|
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Notable specs and features
Nearly every business-oriented router and access point we’ve tested lacks the features we commonly associate with home routers. So, what are the standout features you should consider when purchasing a router or access point for your business? We list a few.
Security
Security should be first on your list. Features like malware prevention, intrusion prevention, and mail fraud prevention are great to have, but they’re best when offered for free with your equipment. Having a thorough firewall is great, too, but be mindful of the potential speed reduction.
Power over Ethernet
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is essential for installing access points in places that generally don’t have electrical outlets, like on ceilings. These devices receive power and data over Ethernet, but they can’t transmit power. To supply power to all your access points, you must use a PoE-compatible switch or several power injector adapters.
VLAN support
You want a router or access point with support for virtual networking. This feature allows you to separate traffic so that customers can’t directly access your Point of Sale devices or internal data servers. VLAN tagging is also helpful in preventing curious employees from virtually snooping around in other departments and accessing sensitive data.
Failover support
Failover is handy when an access point loses its direct connection to the network’s main gateway. When this happens, the access point reroutes data through another access point installed nearby until its connection to the gateway is restored.
Our verdict
The Zyxel SCR 50AXE is the most well-rounded router for business we’ve tested to date. It benchmarks with great speeds on the 5 GHz band and even better on the third 6 GHz band. Plus, it packs a free security suite you just can’t beat, with features like malware, intrusion, and mail fraud prevention you usually pay for on other routers. Its only real drawback is that it doesn’t support multi-gig wired speeds.
If you need an access point instead of a router, the Cisco Meraki Go GR12 is an excellent choice. It also doesn’t support multi-gig wired speeds, but other callouts make it a worthwhile investment, such as mesh-based failover, landing page support, and unique proximity-based customer insights. It works best with other Cisco Meraki Go products.
Methodology
We test router speed by setting up each router in an office and connecting it to a local test server. Then, we transmit test data between our wireless devices and the server, taking numerous measurements to account for fluctuations in Wi-Fi speeds.
The first tests occur close to the router, without obstructions—so the Wi-Fi is as strong and fast as it’s gonna get. We repeat the process straight out at 10, 20, and 30 feet, with only a glass door obstructing our view of the router. The same glass door and an exterior door blocks our path when we test outside at 40 and 50 feet.
We also run tests in a hallway to the left of the TV room and office—where there’s a glass door, three walls, and an air handler unit blocking our view of the router. The dining room, another testing point, sits to the right of the kitchen, TV room, and office—two walls and a glass door block the path in this test.
To test video streaming, we connect a fast storage device to the router and stream a 4K video to six wireless devices simultaneously—two phones, three tablets, and a laptop—connected to the same wireless band.
Client devices used in testing
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | Google Pixel 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi specification | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Stream configuration | 2 x 2 | 2 x 2 |
| Max 5 GHz speed (AX) | 1,200Mbps | – |
| Max 5 GHz speed (AC) | 866Mbps | 866Mbps |
| Max 2.4 GHz speed (AX) | 195Mbps | – |
| Max 2.4 GHz speed (N) | 144Mbps | 144Mbps |
| Wi-Fi specification | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Google Pixel 3 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Stream configuration | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 2 x 2 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 2 x 2 |
| Max 5 GHz speed (AX) | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 1,200Mbps |
| Google Pixel 3 | – |
| Max 5 GHz speed (AC) | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 866Mbps |
| Google Pixel 3 | 866Mbps |
| Max 2.4 GHz speed (AX) | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 195Mbps |
| Google Pixel 3 | – |
| Max 2.4 GHz speed (N) | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 144Mbps |
| Google Pixel 3 | 144Mbps |
Router benchmarks
Here are the average 5 GHz speeds recorded for each router. Wi-Fi speeds fluctuate significantly, so these numbers reflect at least three tests taken at each 10-foot interval.
Zyxel SCR 50AXE
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | Google Pixel 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 feet | 834 | 611 |
| 10 feet | 783 | 579 |
| 20 feet | 690 | 534 |
| 30 feet | 598 | 456 |
| 40 feet (porch) | 388 | 210 |
| 120 feet (across street) | 165 | 92 |
| 2 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 834 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 611 |
| 10 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 783 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 579 |
| 20 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 690 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 534 |
| 30 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 598 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 456 |
| 40 feet (porch) | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 388 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 210 |
| 120 feet (across street) | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 165 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 92 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using an 80 MHz channel.
Reyee RG-E5
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | Google Pixel 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 feet | 843 | 695 |
| 10 feet | 842 | 692 |
| 20 feet | 789 | 656 |
| 30 feet | 725 | 646 |
| 40 feet (porch) | 636 | 445 |
| 120 feet (across street) | 330 | 143 |
| 2 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 843 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 695 |
| 10 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 842 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 692 |
| 20 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 789 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 656 |
| 30 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 725 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 646 |
| 40 feet (porch) | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 636 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 445 |
| 120 feet (across street) | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 330 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 143 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using an 80 MHz channel.
Cisco Meraki Go GR12
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | Google Pixel 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 feet | 825 | 683 |
| 10 feet | 780 | 637 |
| 20 feet | 697 | 584 |
| 30 feet | 615 | 428 |
| 40 feet (porch) | 416 | 276 |
| 120 feet (across street) | 149 | 87 |
| 2 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 825 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 683 |
| 10 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 780 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 637 |
| 20 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 697 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 584 |
| 30 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 615 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 428 |
| 40 feet (porch) | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 416 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 276 |
| 120 feet (across street) | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 149 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 87 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using an 80 MHz channel.
Zyxel NWA90AX Pro
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | Google Pixel 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 feet | 865 | 680 |
| 10 feet | 786 | 641 |
| 20 feet | 690 | 592 |
| 30 feet | 598 | 490 |
| 40 feet (porch) | 431 | 312 |
| 120 feet (across street) | 156 | 138 |
| 2 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 865 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 680 |
| 10 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 786 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 641 |
| 20 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 690 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 592 |
| 30 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 598 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 490 |
| 40 feet (porch) | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 431 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 312 |
| 120 feet (across street) | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 156 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 138 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using an 80 MHz channel.
Other routers and access points we tested
We tested over a dozen routers and access points to determine which ones were ideal for your business. Here are the tested models we do and don’t recommend.
Other routers we recommend for business
| Model | Summary | Price* | Shop online |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zyxel WAX640S-6E | Supports multiple SSIDs, Power over Ethernet, and mesh networking support. | $329.92 | View on Amazon |
| ExpressVPN Aircove | Packs a unique built-in VPN client you can use with any VPN service. | $189.90 | View on Amazon |
* Amazon.com Prices (as of 8/15/24 10:30 MST). Read full disclaimer.
FAQ about routers and access points for business
Do all business routers and access points have Power over Ethernet?
Can an access point be used as a router?
What is NAT mode?
Disclaimer
Amazon.com Prices as of 8/15/24 10:30 MST. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Highspeedinternet.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
Author - Kevin Parrish
Kevin Parrish has more than a decade of experience working as a writer, editor, and product tester. He began writing about computer hardware and soon branched out to other devices and services such as networking equipment, phones and tablets, game consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom’s Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others. At HighSpeedInternet.com, he focuses on network equipment testing and review.
Editor - Jessica Brooksby
Jessica loves bringing her passion for the written word and her love of tech into one space at HighSpeedInternet.com. She works with the team’s writers to revise strong, user-focused content so every reader can find the tech that works for them. Jessica has a bachelor’s degree in English from Utah Valley University and seven years of creative and editorial experience. Outside of work, she spends her time gaming, reading, painting, and buying an excessive amount of Legend of Zelda merchandise.
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