The 10 Best Mesh Wi-Fi Routers

Simon Hill August 24, 2024 gear Leave a comment 35 Views

Mesh routers promise dependable Wi-Fi throughout your home, and most of them follow through, so it's not surprising to see them growing popular. Instead of a single router to wash your whole home in Wi-Fi connectivity, a mesh system combines the main router with one or more nodes that appear as a unified Wi-Fi network. Your devices will connect to the nearest option automatically to get the best speeds.

Most of us are stuck with placing our router in a less-than-optimal spot, depending on where the internet connection comes into our home. By placing a second or third node, you can extend Wi-Fi coverage where you need it. Whether you want to fix a dead spot, deliver a stronger signal into the back bedroom, or have great Wi-Fi in the backyard, a mesh system could be the answer.

Before you dive into our lineup, it’s a good idea to consider whether a mesh system is right for you. Our guide on how to choose a router will help you answer that question and figure out what features you need. If you don't want to switch to a new system, we also have advice on how to upgrade your existing Wi-Fi and, as always, ways to secure it and protect your home network.

Updated June 2024: We added mesh routers from Asus, TP-Link, and Netgear, added some details to our existing picks, and updated prices throughout.

Our PicksBest Overall: Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8, $300Best Budget Mesh Router: TP-Link Deco X20, $180Best for Smart Homes: Eero 6, $200Best Value: Asus ZenWiFi XD5, $300Best for Simplicity: Google Nest Wifi Pro, $400Best for Large Homes: Netgear Orbi RBK753, $500Affordable Wi-Fi 6E: TP-Link Deco XE75, $220A Wi-Fi 7 Mesh: TP-Link Deco BE85, $1,500Best for Gamers: Asus ROG Rapture GT6, $430Best Outdoor Mesh Router: TP-Link Deco X50, $150Honorable Mentions Things to Consider: Shopping Tips How We Test

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Best Overall

Asus ZenWiFi XT8 (2-Pack)~~$330~~ $287 at Amazon $300 at B&H $469 at Target

The combination of speedy performance, impressive range, and lots of extra features earns the Asus ZenWiFi XT8 the top spot. (Even if it's a bit of a mouthful.) I tested the 2-pack, and the straightforward setup through the mobile app took minutes, though you have to keep the node close by during setup and then move it. This is a tri-band Wi-Fi 6 system with one 2.4-GHz band and two 5-GHz bands (one is reserved for wireless backhaul). Available in black or white, these units are fairly large. But they're unobtrusive and look quite classy, with side vents to help dissipate heat. Each router offers three gigabit Ethernet ports, which is very generous, as well as a 2.5 gigabit WAN port and a USB 3.1 port.

At short, medium, or long-range, the XT8 was consistently one of the fastest systems I tested, and speeds never dropped. The inclusion of AiProtection Pro, which adds anti-malware and parental controls powered by Trend Micro, is very welcome, especially since it doesn’t require a subscription, unlike most competitors. Just remember using AiProtection means sharing your data with Trend Micro, so you might want to read its privacy policy. I like the parental controls, too. You can set up and reuse profiles, schedule bedtimes, filter by age group, and review activity. The Quality of Service (QoS) option lets you prioritize activities like working from home, gaming, or streaming, and you can limit bandwidth for specific devices.

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The mobile app has a wealth of options, and the web interface is even more in-depth. It’s easy to split bands or set up a guest network. I also found that the app recognized most devices correctly (sometimes, it’s difficult to identify devices from the attributed hardware names in router apps). And there's support for AiMesh, which means you can easily add other Asus routers to expand your Wi-Fi system. The dedicated backhaul channel, the way the router speaks to its nodes and vice versa, is extremely fast, ensuring you get the full speed of your internet connection even from that node you placed near the backyard.

The major caveat with this mesh is that it can take some tinkering to get it working well for your home. If a failed firmware update is your idea of hell or you can’t face trial and error with settings, pick one of the systems below. My XT8 node initially refused to update its firmware, which took a couple of attempts to fix. I also had an issue with my Sonos speakers disappearing, which required a factory reset. Overall, using the XT8 has been a smooth experience. With a little patience and research, it’s easy enough for just about anyone to operate, but the depth of options will satisfy power users.

I also tested the slightly upgraded version of this mesh, the Asus ZenWiFi XT9 ($330). It appears identical but offers a few upgrades beneath the hood. Firstly, the 5-GHz band you can connect to offers 160-MHz channel width (theoretically double the XT8’s bandwidth), the processor is slightly more powerful, and there’s support for link aggregation. On the downside, just like with the XT8, I had some teething troubles with the XT9 that required a firmware upgrade and some tweaks to the settings. On the whole, it’s slightly better than the XT8, so if you see it at a similar price (currently, it’s only $30 more), I would go for the XT9 instead.

Best Budget Mesh Router

TP-Link Deco X20 (3-pack)~~$180~~ $140 at Amazon

This affordable Wi-Fi 6 mesh delivers decent coverage and performance, with optional parental controls and antivirus protection, making it ideal for an average family home. I tested the X20 3-pack, and it was very easy to set 'em all up. The three routers are quite small and sport a cylinder design that blends in well. This is a dual-band system (2.4-GHz and 5-GHz). There are two gigabit Ethernet ports on each router.

Coverage and speeds are OK, falling well short of the Asus XT8 but beating the Eero 6 (below). The app is straightforward, and it’s easy to set up a guest network. Originally released with the free HomeCare software, this has since changed to a HomeShield system, and TP-Link has updated its HomeShield and parental control subscriptions. You get basic network security (router scan, guest network, QoS) and parental controls (create profiles, pause internet, block, and filter) included for free, but everything else requires a subscription.

HomeShield Security+ costs $5 a month or $36 a year and adds web and intrusion protection with notifications and reports. Total Security costs $70 a year and adds antivirus for devices, VPN service, and a password manager. Advanced Parental Controls costs $3 a month or $18 a year and adds time limits, downtime scheduling, rewards, app time limits, safe search, insights, and reports. While this granularity enables you to pick and choose what you need, it might be confusing for some, and I’m not keen on subscription creep. That said, most families will likely want the Security+ and Advanced Parental Controls, which will come in at $54 for the year ($1 cheaper than the HomeShield Pro it replaces).

The Quality of Service feature lets you prioritize activities like gaming or streaming or set priority devices. Importantly, you can split the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands to show as two separate Wi-Fi networks. This is handy, as some smart home devices only operate on the former band. Similarly, there's a mixed mode for WPA2 and WPA3 security. Some devices don't work with the newer WPA3 standard, and some routers force you to choose one or the other, which can lead to issues. This mode ensures all your gadgets are on a compatible standard.

The web interface is basic and doesn’t add much, so I preferred using the easy-to-use app. However, it’s a little slow to update, and settings are still limited. It didn’t recognize many devices and listed obscure hardware manufacturer names, making it tough to figure out which devices to add to my kid’s profiles.

It wasn’t the speediest performer, but this system is fast and dependable enough for the average home. If you have a connection that's 500 Mbps or better, it might be worth upgrading to the Deco X60.

Best for Smart Homes

Eero 6 Mesh System (3-Pack)~~$200~~ $150 at Amazon $200 at Target

Amazon’s Eero 6 mesh system is one of the easiest to set up, offers fairly wide coverage, and delivers stable connectivity. It’s an elegant system, available as three identical routers or (a bit cheaper) as a main router and two small nodes. The Eeros blend in on a table or shelf, though the compact design leaves no room for any ports. (There are just two gigabit ports on the routers and none on the nodes.)

Although the basic Eero 6 was one of the slower systems I tested, particularly at longer distances, the speeds from the nodes were close to what I got from the main router. There were no drops, and it proved adept at sharing limited bandwidth. The mobile app is straightforward, giving you an overview of connected devices with the option to pause the internet and set up a guest network. I was also able to create profiles, group devices, set schedules, and fix bedtimes. Unfortunately, content filtering, other parental controls, advanced security, ad blocking, and activity insights require an Eero Plus subscription at $10 per month or $100 per year.

Eero is an Amazon company, and its routers come with Alexa support. Enable the Eero skill and you can pause the internet with a voice command through your Echo device, which is handy when your child won’t get off the computer to eat dinner. The Eero 6 router supports Matter and Thread and can pull double duty as a ZigBee smart-home hub in the same way Echo devices can, allowing you to directly connect some smart lighting, smart locks, and other ZigBee devices.

There are two other tricks that make Eero 6 systems attractive. If you have an Echo (4th Gen), Echo Dot (4th or 5th Gen), or Echo Dot with clock (4th or 5th Gen) smart speaker, it can act as a Wi-Fi extender, offering an extra 1,000 square feet of coverage at speeds up to 100 Mbps for up to 10 devices. Eero also recently added an Internet Backup option, so you can add multiple backup networks (Wi-Fi or hot spot) to keep you online if your main wired network goes down.

Eero’s simplicity will appeal to anyone who hates digging into settings, but there’s a cost. You won’t find any Quality of Service features for prioritizing activities, and you can’t separate bands. One final con with the basic Eero system I tested was comparatively slow transfer speeds, though this was not an issue for the higher-end systems.

Currently, there are four Eero systems on the market worth considering, offering a broadly similar experience. The first two are dual-band systems (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). Folks with internet connections up to 500 Mbps can go with the regular Eero 6. If you have a faster connection, up to 1 Gbps, and your home is smaller than 4,500 square feet, then the Eero 6+ ($300) is the system to pick. Folks with larger properties or above-average demands (lots of devices and people simultaneously using the internet) should consider the Eero Pro 6E ($550) (7/10, WIRED recommends), a tri-band system that supports the 2.4-GHz, 5-GHz, and 6-GHz bands. The Eero Pro 6 has been discontinued.

The Eero Max 7 ($1,700) (7/10, WIRED Review) is its top-of-the-line, Wi-Fi 7 option, boasting four Ethernet ports, two rated at 10 Gbps and two at 2.5 Gbps, but it will be overkill for most folks right now. You can dig deeper into the differences in our Eero buying guide. But whichever model you choose, keep an eye out for frequent discounts. All Eero systems are compatible with each other, which makes it easy to expand your network.

Best Value

Asus ZenWiFi XD5 (3-Pack)$250 at Amazon $225 at Best Buy $250 at B&H

Affordable and compact, the ZenWifi XD5 is a solid alternative to our top pick for more limited needs or budgets. Refreshingly, you don’t have to create an account to set up and use this system. Each of the three units features two gigabit Ethernet ports and can be wall-mounted. Basic security (AiProtection Classic) and parental controls come at no extra cost, and there is support for AiMesh, so you can mix and match other Asus routers.

Performance was smooth and reliable during my testing, with some impressively fast results for the price. I downloaded a 30-GB game in less than eight minutes. While this is a dual-band system, there is support for 160-MHz channels on the 5-GHz band. Asus says a 3-pack can cover up to 5,000 square feet, but speeds drop off as you move away from a router. To squeeze the best performance from the XD5, or any mesh system, connect the main router and nodes with Ethernet for wired backhaul.

The Asus mobile app is straightforward and enables you to schedule downtime and filter content for your kid’s devices via parental controls, split bands, and set up a guest network. Access more options, including basic QoS and VPN support, via the web interface. My parents have been using this system for more than a year now and it has been plain sailing. Folks with 1 Gbps or slower connections who prefer not to have a subscription will find this dependable system great value.

Best for Simplicity

Google Nest Wifi Pro~~$400~~ $344 at Amazon (3 Pack)$300 at Target (2 Pack)$200 at Walmart (1 Pack)$300 at Best Buy (2 Pack)

Mesh systems don’t come much simpler than this one. You don’t even need to install an app to use Google’s Nest Wifi Pro (7/10, WIRED recommends) because you can add it via Google Home, which you might already have installed if you use Google Assistant-powered smart home devices. These shiny pill-shaped routers come in packs of one, two, or three. There are four colors, and they are small enough to sit unobtrusively on a shelf. This is a tri-band (2.4-GHz, 5-GHz, and 6-GHz) Wi-Fi 6E system, and each router sports two 1-gigabit ports.

Setup is super simple, as you scan QR codes and follow feedback on positioning for a strong signal. The backhaul employs the 6-GHz band, and you must keep your router and nodes relatively close together because it has limited range. Each router is supposed to cover up to 2,200 square feet and can connect up to 100 devices. Coverage and performance were solid and consistent, and testing was refreshingly free from glitches and buffering. But the Nest Wifi Pro came mid-table in raw speed at short, mid, and long range.

The Wi-Fi section in the Google Home app is barebones. Scant options include guest network support, parental controls (Safe Search, scheduled downtime, adult website blocking), and prioritization for specific devices. But this is chiefly a mesh system for folks who don’t want to have to configure anything. Nest Wifi Pro also has built-in Thread and Bluetooth LE, and supports Matter, so, like the Eero, it’s a good choice for folks with smart home devices.

Disappointingly, it is not backward compatible with older Nest routers, and the Nest Wifi Pro does not have any special security software. With gigabit ports, this system is no good for anyone with a faster internet connection. But for folks pulling down 1 Gbps or less, this is a reliable, straightforward mesh system that you can set and forget.

Best for Large Homes

Netgear Orbi AX4200 RBK753 (3-pack)~~$600~~ $400 at Amazon (3-Pack)$450 at Best Buy

The enormous Netgear Orbi range has a strong reputation, but the company's many similar models make it tricky to choose the right one for you. The AX4200 RBK753 (I swear they're just mashing the keyboard at this point) mesh system I tested falls somewhere in the middle of the range and proved suitable for a large home. The setup was surprisingly tricky, taking more than an hour and several restarts to complete, as the app kept getting stuck on a loading screen. The router and nodes are large, but I like the curved design. I also appreciate the LED light turning off when things were working and displaying different colors to flag issues; every router should work this way. There are three gigabit Ethernet ports on the main router and two on each node.

Once up and running, though, the coverage, speeds, and stability proved to be worth the wait, and each node was able to deliver similar speeds as the main router. Speeds were a hair behind the Asus XT8, with some limitations at longer distances for individual units. But with two nodes, this system offers expansive coverage. The simple mobile app allows you to pause the internet entirely or by device or profile, see what devices are connected, check speed, analyze Wi-Fi (see the connection strength as you move around), set up a guest network, and a few more things. It’s very good at recognizing devices, which makes dividing them into profiles easier. You must access the web interface for advanced features.

The Netgear Armor security software powered by Bitdefender requires a subscription, and it's pricey at $100 per year. This includes scanning for potential vulnerabilities on your network and the option to install Bitdefender on supported devices to prevent potential hacks. Unfortunately, I noticed Netgear Armor caused a slight lag when web browsing, and when new devices join the network it triggers an automatic scan and a notification on your phone, which gets old fast. The free parental controls allow you to create profiles and pause the internet, but to set limits, track website and app usage, apply age-appropriate filters, set bedtimes, and more, you need Smart Parental Controls at $8 a month or $70 a year. These services are easy to configure and start out free for 30 days, but you need to pay up afterward, and it's a lot of extra cash on top of the purchase price.

The mobile app is straightforward, but it often takes a few seconds to load. Settings are also limited; there’s no mixed mode for WPA2 and WPA3 security like on the TP-Link above, you can’t split bands, and there’s no option to prioritize traffic for specific activities or devices. This is also a pricey system with the need for a subscription on top if you want the parental controls and added security (though you don't need it).

Having said all that, the Orbi AX4200 does deliver fast, reliable Wi-Fi over a large distance, and I didn’t have a single connectivity issue or dropout while testing it. For faster performance, you might also consider the Netgear Orbi RBK863 (7/10, WIRED Review), or go all out with the Netgear Orbi RBKE963.

Affordable Wi-Fi 6E

TP-Link Deco XE75~~$220~~ $189 at Amazon (2-Pack)~~$450~~ $295 at Amazon (3-Pack)

Support for Wi-Fi 6E, which operates on the 6-GHz band, is growing more common, and with Wi-Fi 7 arriving, 6E routers and mesh systems like this one are falling in price. A 2-pack of this tri-band mesh system is relatively affordable. These cylindrical routers sport the vaselike Deco family design, blending into rooms. The setup is quick and easy, and the main router automatically detected the second one when I powered it on. Each has three gigabit ports. (Sadly, there are no multi-gig or USB ports.)

Performance was consistently good throughout my home, with some of the fastest speeds I have recorded close to the routers, but the range is relatively limited. My top pick, the XT8, outperformed the XE75 in most scenarios. By default, the 6-GHz band is reserved for wireless backhaul, but you can open it up for devices. I joined with my Pixel 6 Pro, and after multiple speed tests at close range (up to 8 feet away), I generally got download speeds around 50 Mbps faster than on the 5-GHz band, but this dropped sharply with distance. The range of 6 GHz is significantly shorter, and just one room over, the signal strength was visibly weaker than 5 GHz. If you use the 6 GHz for wireless backhaul, you can’t have the routers too far apart or with too many obstacles or you will have dead zones.

Disappointingly, the free tier of HomeShield offers only limited security, and Security+ costs $5 a month or $36 a year for web and intrusion protection with notifications and reports, while Total Security costs $70 a year and adds antivirus for devices, VPN service, and a password manager. Advanced Parental Controls require a second subscription costing $3 a month or $18 a year for time limits, downtime scheduling, rewards, app time limits, safe search, insights, and reports. Quality of Service allows you to prioritize specific devices and set bandwidth allowances. There is also a mixed-mode security option for WPA2 and WPA3. You can also split the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands and create guest networks.

The Deco app and web interface are functional with limited options and feel a little clunky to navigate. The app failed to identify many of the devices on my network. I was also disappointed in the lack of an option to run a speed test on the router to see what my ISP delivers. Ultimately, the inclusion of that 6-GHz band won't make a difference for many people, but this is an affordable way to dip your toe in 6E waters. If you are prepared to spend a bit more, the Deco XE200 ($800 for a 2-pack), listed in other routers we have tested below, is an excellent performer and one of the best Wi-Fi 6E mesh systems you can get. The MSRP is high, but keep an eye out for price drops.

A Wi-Fi 7 Mesh

TP-Link Deco BE85~~$1,500~~ $1,000 at Amazon (3-Pack)~~$1,000~~ $700 at Amazon (2-pack)$1,300 at Best Buy

If you are an early adopter desperate to sample the delights of Wi-Fi 7 and don’t mind paying for the privilege, the TP-Link Deco BE85 (7/10, WIRED Review) is likely on your radar. There are few Wi-Fi 7 devices available today. The BE85 is fully backward compatible with previous Wi-Fi versions, but only devices that support Wi-Fi 7, like the OnePlus 11 5G, can take full advantage of this system.

TP-Link has stuck with the vase-like design that marks its Deco range, but these are by far the largest mesh routers it has released, and each has a stylized 7 on the front, lest you forget this is a Wi-Fi 7 system. Each router boasts four auto-sensing WAN/LAN Ethernet ports, two 10-Gbps ports (one is an SFP combo), two 2.5-Gbps ports, and a USB 3.0 port. Setup is quick and easy with the Deco app on your phone.

It is a tri-band system, and by default there is one SSID for the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands, a separate SSID for the 6-GHz band (your network name with “-6-GHz” appended), and an optional SSID for multi-link operation (with “-MLO” appended). MLO is a new Wi-Fi 7 feature that allows devices to connect on multiple bands simultaneously. Wi-Fi 7 also enables wider channels (up to 320 MHz from the current high of 160 MHz) and a handful of other improvements, but automated frequency coordination (AFC), which should boost range on the 6-GHz band, is not yet available.

You can expect fast Wi-Fi on any band and excellent coverage from this system (TP-Link says up to 9,000 square feet for a 3-pack). There's potential for stable, low latency, multi-gigabit speeds if you have Wi-Fi 7 devices. But you may also encounter bugs, since Wi-Fi 7 is still so new. The Deco app is decent, though you only get basic network security and limited parental controls included. Security+ costs $5 a month or $36 a year for web and intrusion protection with notifications and reports, while Total Security costs $70 a year and adds antivirus for devices, VPN service, and a password manager. Advanced Parental Controls require a separate subscription costing $3 a month or $18 a year for time limits, downtime scheduling, rewards, app time limits, safe search, insights, and reports.

Unless you have a large home, multi-gig internet connection, and at least a couple of Wi-Fi 7 devices, you should save your money and buy one of our other recommendations. As Wi-Fi 7 rolls out more widely, Wi-Fi 7 routers will drop in price. The Deco BE85 is one of a few Wi-Fi 7 options today, but you might also consider the Eero Max 7 and the Netgear Orbi 970 Series.

Best for Gamers

Asus ROG Rapture GT6 (2-Pack)~~$480~~ $450 at Amazon $480 at Best Buy

You know this mesh system is for gamers because it says so prominently on the side. It also features an LED grid on the front that you can customize (it glows red by default). Gaming routers are commonplace, but this is the first gaming mesh system I have tested. Truth be told, there’s no reason that gamers need a special gaming router. A good router is a good router. But, aside from the look, Asus touts game modes that boost performance and prioritize related traffic. My 2-pack of black routers (they come in white too) was simple to set up, and each sports a 2.5 Gbps WAN port, three 1 gigabit LAN ports, and a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port.

The tri-band Asus ROG Rapture GT6 finished near the top of the table in most of my tests. It has a single 2.4-GHz band and two 5-GHz bands (one is used for backhaul unless you connect the routers with an Ethernet cable). While the 2.4-GHz band performance was very good, the 5-GHz results were among the best I have recorded, and this system supports the wider 160-MHz channels and WPA3 for security. You also get AiProtection security software and comprehensive parental controls free for the lifetime of the product. The GT6 has VPN support, too, and you can use it as a VPN server when you are out.

Dive into the game prioritization to single out gaming devices and optimize related network traffic to ensure uninterrupted online gaming. We ran four simultaneous gaming sessions, and performance was silky smooth with no detectable lag. You can even find a map of world servers for popular titles and ping them to get a latency graph. The GT6 also proved adept in everyday use for everything from streaming movies to video calls, and it was one of the fastest systems I’ve tested at transferring files across the local network.

Some folks may be puzzled by the lack of Wi-Fi 6E support, but this is as fast as Wi-Fi 6 gets, and it outperformed several Wi-Fi 6E systems in my tests. The GT6 is undeniably pricey, and the bold gaming aesthetic won’t suit everyone, but for gamers craving low latency and high speed, it’s easy to recommend.

Best Outdoor Mesh Router

TP-Link Deco X50 Outdoor$150 at Amazon $150 at Best Buy

This large, cylindrical router comes with fixings to enable you to wall or pole mount, or you can simply set it on a table. It is waterproof and dustproof, with an IP65 rating, and has been coping with a typically wet Scottish summer without any issues. TP-Link suggests it can cover around 2,500 square feet, and it certainly has no problem filling my backyard with speedy Wi-Fi.

The base screws open to accommodate the power cable with a rubber seal, but you will need an outdoor socket or extension within reach. Even better, this router supports Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), so you can hook it up to your network and power it with a single Ethernet cable. It has two gigabit Ethernet ports.

I tested it in conjunction with the Deco X50 4G and it formed a mesh with no problem. It delivered decent speeds on the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands, despite a large distance between it and the main router and the fact it was relying on wireless backhaul. It offers basic security and parental controls, though you really need to upgrade to Security+ at $5 a month or $36 for the year and Advanced Parental Controls at $3 a month or $18 a year to unlock all the features. There is also support for Amazon Alexa and Google Home, so you can use voice commands with this router.

Whether you want to watch a movie on your phone while you sunbathe or crank the tunes up at your barbecue, this router is a great way to get a better Wi-Fi signal in your backyard.

Other Mesh Systems We Have Tested

Mesh systems are growing rapidly more popular, so you have a lot of choices. Some of these mesh systems narrowly missed out on a place above, but may still be worth looking at for some folks, some are best avoided.

TP-Link Deco BE65 (3-Pack) for £650: This tri-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh is TP-Link’s more affordable midrange system compared to the BE85 above. It offers stable, speedy coverage, but the 6-GHz band is relatively short-range in this UK model. Each router has four 2.5-Gbps Ethernet ports and a USB 3.0 port. By default, there’s a joint 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz SSID, a separate 6-GHz network, and you can create an MLO network that enables Wi-Fi 7 devices to connect across multiple bands. Sadly, you need subscriptions to get enhanced security and parental controls.

Asus ZenWifi ET8 (2-Pack) for $330: As the Wi-Fi 6E version of our top pick, I expected good things from the ET8 but was underwhelmed after testing. Speed and stability were solid, and Asus provides free security software and parental controls, but the range and backhaul performance was disappointing. This tri-band router trades one of the 5-GHz bands (used for wireless backhaul in its sibling) for the new 6-GHz band, so traffic and backhaul have to share, and the 6-GHz band proved to be very short range indeed. I also had some issues updating the firmware and with Spotify casting, though I was able to resolve them. Used as a single router, the ET8 could be good, but as a mesh system, it failed to impress.

Netgear Orbi 970 (2-Pack) for $1,700: There’s no denying that the tri-band Wi-Fi 7 Netgear Orbi 970 (7/10, WIRED Review) is an impressive quad-band mesh. It proved extremely fast and reliable, offers plenty of high-speed Ethernet ports, and delivers truly expansive coverage. The accessible app includes comprehensive security (free for the first year). I did have a few teething troubles, but the astronomical price is really what prevents me from recommending this mesh. You can get similar performance for less. You must also pay extra for full parental controls, now a separate subscription from the security software. Only folks with large houses, multi-gig connections, and deep pockets should consider this mesh.

Linksys Velop Pro 7 (3-Pack) for $900: The first Wi-Fi 7 mesh from Linksys proved easy to set up, and this tri-band system (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) delivered stable Wi-Fi throughout my home. Weirdly, the Velop Pro 7 only offers a single 2.5-Gbps Ethernet port, flanked by four gigabit LAN ports. That makes it impossible to fully enjoy multi-gig connections through Ethernet to devices or wired backhaul. Tests revealed significantly slower speeds than Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems from TP-Link and Amazon Eero (though both are more expensive). In fact, aside from Wi-Fi 7 clients at short range, the Velop Pro 7 scored similar results to the Velop Pro 6E, which is less than half the price. The Linksys app is barebones, which may suit some folks, although the parental controls are limited. We are already seeing some discounts on this system, which started out cheaper than the Wi-Fi 7 competition, but it’s still too early and too expensive for most people to consider upgrading.

Linksys Velop Pro 6E (3-Pack) for $400: Once up and running, this tri-band (2.4-GHz, 5-GHz, and 6-GHz) Wi-Fi 6E system offers impressive range and decent speeds. It is competitively priced with quite a few dips in cost (don't pay full price), comes with basic parental controls, and offers handy features like device prioritization and a guest network. But I had a terrible time with the installation. The app continually failed partway through the process, and I had to factory-reset the routers. Even then, it took multiple attempts to add the nodes. It’s also not backward compatible with older Velop “Intelligent Mesh” systems, because this is a “Cognitive Mesh” system.

TP-Link XE200 (2-Pack) for $600: This tri-band mesh system (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) scored some of the fastest speeds I have seen, offered consistently wide coverage, and blew away all the competition at close range. I downloaded a 50-GB game in 20 minutes and didn’t encounter any issues during testing. As it uses the 6-GHz band for backhaul, you have to think about placement and try to keep routers in sight of each other and within 50 feet (or better, connect them via Ethernet cable). The app is simple and offers most of the features you will want, but there’s no internet speed test, and you need subscriptions for real-time security and proper parental controls. While the XE200 improves on the XE75 above, the reason it appears down here is the price. It’s simply too expensive for most folks, though it has seen some deep discounts recently, so keep an eye out for deals.

Vilo 6 (2-Pack) for $155: The original Vilo system impressed with an impossibly low $60 price for a 3-pack, but it did not support Wi-Fi 6. Vilo’s latest release does, and, in theory, that means better coverage, faster speeds, and connectivity for more devices. Unfortunately, in practice, it was a different story. I found the system difficult to set up. While performance was good at times, it proved inconsistent. The network dropped altogether and required a reboot several times in the first three days. File transfer speeds were slow. Each unit has three gigabit Ethernet ports, and the Vilo app offers parental controls, a guest network, and various network settings. But weighing up the price and performance, this is impossible to recommend.

D-Link Eagle Pro AI M32 (3-Pack) for $200: This might be the ugliest mesh system I have tested. The relatively large, cheap-feeling, white and blue plastic routers are passable, but what possessed them to put an X on top to house the LED? On paper, the specs for this dual-band Wi-Fi 6 mesh are solid. Unfortunately, the performance proved erratic, the setup required multiple attempts, one of the nodes refused to connect despite close proximity to the main router, and it dropped the network completely several times on the first day. The built-in AI did not improve matters, and it scored below average results in my speed and coverage tests.

TP-Link Deco X50 4G for £154 and Deco X50 5G for £280: These routers operate just like regular dual-band routers (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), but they also have Nano SIM card slots for folks who live in areas with fast mobile networks, want some fallback option for patchy internet service, or need Wi-Fi temporarily or somewhere they can’t put in a fixed line. Setup is simple, they feature TP-Link’s subscription services for security and parental controls, and each unit has one 2.5 Gbps WAN, two gigabit LAN, and two external antenna ports. The performance will depend on your local mobile network, and you need an external antenna to get the best speeds. Testing with a gigabit internet connection, they proved fast and reliable and can cover up to 2,500 square feet. They are only available in the UK and Europe for now.

TP-Link Deco X50 PoE (3-Pack) for $350: This inconspicuous puck-sized router can be wall or ceiling-mounted for rooms where a mesh with wireless backhaul just won’t cut it. You must run an Ethernet cable to the router, but because it supports PoE, the cable delivers power too. This dual-band router (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) has a 2.5 Gbps WAN port and 1 gigabit LAN port and can cover up to 2,500 square feet.

TP-Link Deco S4 (3-Pack) for $130: Our previous budget pick, the Deco S4 is a dual-band system that offers pleasingly wide coverage and stable connectivity, but we recommend Wi-Fi 6 support as a minimum now, and this is a Wi-Fi 5 mesh. It is easy to set up and use, and each router has a pair of gigabit ports. The app offers basic parental controls and QoS, but it is distinctly barebones. That said, this could still be a good pick if money is tight and your internet connection is below 500 Mbps.

Netgear Orbi RBK863 (3-Pack) for $990: As good as the Netgear Orbi 860 (7/10, WIRED Review) series is, the high price will repel most people. Opt for a 3-pack, and the range of this system is unsurpassed at up to 8,000 square feet. It’s also very fast (though there’s no support for Wi-Fi 6E), and proved rock solid during my testing, with zero glitches and no downtime. These routers are among the largest in the mesh market. You get a year of comprehensive security software, Netgear Armor, with your purchase, but it costs $100 annually after, and if you want parental controls, you’re looking at another $70 a year on top. It is a dependable Wi-Fi 6 system, but there’s no need to spend this much.

Wyze Mesh Router (2-Pack) for $174 and Wyze Mesh Router Pro (2-Pack) for ($274): More affordable mesh systems can only be a good thing, and the dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) Mesh Router from budget security camera brand Wyze looks promising at first glance. Each router has two 1 gigabit ports, covers up to 1,500 square feet, and can connect more than 50 devices. Setup was a breeze through the regular Wyze app. While it mostly worked well for day-to-day video streaming and online gaming, I found that speeds were inconsistent (with fluctuations of more than 100 Mbps). I also encountered a few complete drops with my iPhone 14 Pro, where it switched to cellular. Features-wise, there is free security provided by Firedome, but not much else. The parental controls are limited (just a domain blocker), though Wyze tells me more comprehensive controls are in the works. The tri-band Wyze Mesh Router Pro adds Wi-Fi 6E support and performed far better (7/10, WIRED Review), but failed to match some of our picks above.

Plume SuperPods with Wi-Fi 6 (3-Pack) for $447: The Plume SuperPods (7/10, WIRED Recommends) are one of the simplest mesh systems to set up, and the HomePass app is very accessible. SuperPods deliver fast, reliable Wi-Fi, and they outperformed the Eero Pro 6 system in my testing. The essential HomePass subscription is a hefty $8 per month but provides solid security features, parental controls, ad-blocking, and motion alerts. The cloud service handles firmware updates automatically and is continually assessing your Wi-Fi and making tweaks to improve performance, without the need for any input from you.

Motorola MH7603 Mesh WiFi 6 System (3-Pack) for $80: This system performed slightly better than the Deco X20 in my testing, delivering consistently good mid-table speed and coverage, but you have to use the Motosync mobile app (there’s no web interface). I like the free built-in security, ad-blocking, and parental controls, but there’s no support for 160-MHz channels, QoS, or WPA3. I’m also a little wary of the fact that Minim has licensed the Motorola brand, and the privacy policy allows it to track your location through the mobile app (though you can opt out).

TP-Link Deco X55 (3-Pack) for $180: The X55 is similar to the X20 system on paper, but it’s capable of significantly faster speeds for not much more money. Sadly, you must shell out for subscriptions if you want comprehensive security and parental controls (you can get basics for free). In everyday usage, we barely noticed a difference between this and the X20, beyond faster transfer and download speeds. The main router was also a bit wobbly, occasionally going red for connection issues with no obvious cause. A software update also took multiple attempts to complete.

TP-Link Deco X4300 Pro (3 Pack) for $350: If you like Deco systems but want a Wi-Fi 6 system that’s faster than the X55, this dual-band offering is worth a look. I found it easy to set up, and the X4300 Pro worked reliably, offering solid coverage and stable, fast speeds throughout my home. It is very similar to the X60 but has improved 5 GHz and a 2.5 Gbps port. This is a good pick for busy homes with connections up to 1 Gbps.

Gryphon AX (2-Pack) for $499: After some trouble setting up this tri-band Wi-Fi 6 system, we found it performed well and coped with multiple streams and devices without complaint. The app is a little glitchy, but it boasts comprehensive parental controls. If you want enhanced security, ad-blocking, and the option to route traffic through your router when you or your family are out of the home—which allows for 24/7 monitoring of your kids’ online activities—you need to purchase Gryphon’s Premium plan for an extra $8 per month or $90 per year. But unless you require that level of oversight, this system is just too expensive, and it didn’t match our top pick for speed or coverage.

Linksys Atlas Pro 6 (MX5503) (3-Pack) for $200: Slightly cheaper than the tri-band Velop series, the Atlas Pro 6 looks very similar. I found the speed mostly solid and the range good, and it scored middle-of-the-pack performance overall. But sometimes the system struggled, likely because this is only a dual-band system, and the 5-GHz band is shared between devices and wireless backhaul. The Linksys app feels bare-bones, and you need a Linksys Shield subscription ($50 a year) to unlock all the features. But if you plan to set up a wired backhaul in a large home with fewer devices, this is a system worth considering.

Vilo Mesh (3-Pack) for $116: The Vilo Mesh is not a Wi-Fi 6 mesh system, and it’s not especially fast. It was our budget pick for a while, but the price has climbed from $60 to over $100 since the original release, and we recommend Wi-Fi 6 at a minimum now. That price is also too close to superior systems, like the TP-Link Deco S4 ($130). This mesh is easy to set up and use and offers most of the options an average person is likely to need. If you just want an affordable alternative to the crappy router your ISP rents you, and you have modest needs, this could be it.

Linksys Velop Wi-Fi 6 (MX4200) (3-Pack) for $380: This mesh system was easy to install and generally offered solid coverage and speeds, but the performance was inconsistent. It did well at long range but fell way behind the Asus XT8 and Netgear RBK753 at close range. All three Velop units are routers with generous 3-gigabit LAN ports and a USB port, but they’re also big and chunky. There’s a good range of features and options, but the sparse mobile app was a little glitchy and slow, and you need a Linksys Shield subscription ($50 a year) to get the handy age-range filters for parental controls.

Things to Consider

Here are a few points to keep in mind when you are buying a new mesh Wi-Fi system.

Many devices support Wi-Fi 6E now. (Some of the best laptops and phones do, and it’s only growing more common.) Support for Wi-Fi 7 is still pretty limited. All the mesh routers we recommend as main picks support at least Wi-Fi 6, and they are backward compatible with older Wi-Fi standards. While you might consider Wi-Fi 6E, most folks don't need to worry about Wi-Fi 7 yet. Our router shopping guide goes into more depth.There are many ways to upgrade your Wi-Fi, but your internet speed is limited by your internet service provider (ISP). If the maximum speed of data coming to your modem is 100 Mbps, that’s the fastest possible connection that any router can provide.The top speed that router manufacturers claim on the box is all of the bands added together, which is disingenuous since you will only ever connect to one band at a time.While it’s good to have an idea of a router’s coverage and speed, understand that your mileage may vary. The construction materials in your house, your neighbors’ proximity and Wi-Fi networks, the devices you have with wireless connectivity, and the position of routers and nodes in your home are just some of the factors that can impact the performance of your Wi-Fi.Backhaul channels are reserved for one mesh router or node to talk to another. It’s common for mesh routers to have a fast backhaul channel, enabling the main router to provide speeds as close to your full internet speed as possible to any node. This is also important for local network speed and may impact the performance of network-attached storage (NAS) systems, remote console play, and how quickly you can copy a file from one wireless device on your network to another.QoS, or Quality of Service, allows you to prioritize specific activities and their related apps. You can use it to ensure gaming, streaming, or video calls take precedence, which can be very handy in any household with limited bandwidth.Ports and cables can help establish more stable connections. They may be essential if you have smart home hubs for lights and security cameras or network-attached storage that needs to plug into your main router. But they can also be useful on nodes to plug in streaming devices or game consoles and get the full benefit of any dedicated backhaul channel speeds your chosen system might offer.Although mesh systems are tempting, many homes will be better served by a single, well-placed Wi-Fi router. Check out the Best Wi-Fi Routers for options. Some of the routers I tested in my two-floor 1,600-square-foot home performed just as well or better than mesh systems.

How We Test

To test these mesh systems, I used each one for at least a week (usually longer) in a busy family home of four with lots of video streaming, gaming, and video calls. I ran speed tests (downloads and uploads). I transferred files on the network on multiple devices from different spots around my home, including transferring files from devices connected to the main router to devices connected to nodes. I used NetSpot to survey signal strength throughout the house and create heat maps for comparison. I ran the TamoSoft Throughput Test. I turned the power and modem off and on to find out how each system recovered. I also tested the mobile apps and web interfaces to see how easy it was to change settings, set up parental controls, and access security features.

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