Despite the higher long-term cost, renting offers "peace of mind" benefits that appeal to less tech-savvy users or those in temporary living situations.

In contrast, purchasing the same router from Verizon currently costs around . For those willing to look elsewhere, third-party Wi-Fi 6 or 6E routers—which are often compatible with Fios—can be found for as low as $100 to $200 .

The primary argument for buying a router is simple mathematics. As of 2026, renting a Verizon Fios Router typically costs about (or roughly $10–$15 depending on specific whole-home Wi-Fi plans). Over two years, a customer might pay over $430 in rental fees alone.

If you buy the official Verizon router, you typically break even in 20 to 22 months .

If you purchase a high-quality third-party router for $150, it pays for itself in less than nine months compared to an $18/month rental. The Case for Renting: Convenience and Support