Shop Carmel

11 Best Mesh Routers for Wi-Fi [Updated 2022]

Your Wi-Fi experience will be much improved if you switch to one of the best mesh routers for Wi-Fi, which can cover the biggest of houses with fast and unbreakable connections. You may eliminate dead spots in the distant rooms and even out in your backyard by using a mesh router, which has numerous devices working together to create a single, uninterrupted Wi-Fi network. A mesh router can accomplish what a standalone router simply cannot, delivering strong Wi-Fi signals to every section of your house, no matter how many floors you have or how many brick walls you have.

No matter where you desire improved Wi-Fi coverage, a simple mesh system is a step higher, even if it just covers a small portion of your home. Mesh routers are becoming more popular, and we’ve put them through their paces and evaluated their performance, range, and ease of use to help you choose one of the best mesh routers for your house.

These are the finest mesh Wi-Fi routers you can purchase right now, based on our testing and reviews.

Best Mesh Routers for Top-notch Wi-Fi Connection

Nest WiFi, which is Google’s own mesh Wi-Fi solution, is our recommendation for the best mesh routers. In addition, it is simple to set up and integrates well with other smart home devices. A killer feature that none of the other top mesh routers have is: Every mesh extension comes with integrated Google Home smart speakers, allowing you to control your home with your voice.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use mesh networking device, go no further than the Netgear Orbi WiFi. A variety of extensions are available, including weatherproof outdoor extensions and also the Netgear Orbi Voice, having Amazon Alexa built-in. The individual units produce some of the greatest broadband speeds available.

11 Best Mesh Routers for Wi-Fi

1. Nest WiFi

Rating: 9.2 out of 10

Google’s Nest WiFi is the greatest mesh Wi-Fi solution on the market today. Performance, ease of setup, and Wi-Fi coverage that can handle anything from a tiny house to a vast estate are just some of the advantages of this router.

The Nest WiFi, on the other hand, includes a Google Home smart speaker in every mesh extension, unlike any other mesh kit. Using voice commands, you can operate the router and any other connected devices in your home, including smart lighting and your smart TV.

Additional Google Home units may be added to other rooms in your home using Nest extensions, which will give you a voice assistant in every room of your house. The mesh network may be extended even farther if you have outdated Google WiFi equipment lying around. With this, you’ll have the finest, easiest mesh WiFi network for your house.

Specifications

  • Wi-Fi Spec: 802.11ac/dual-band
  • Number of Antennas/Removable: 4/No
  • Ports: Two 1-Gbps LAN
  • Peak Throughput: 653.2 Mbps
  • Size: 4.3 x 4.3 x 3.6 inches

Pros

  • Excellent performance
  • Google Assistant built-in
  • Easy setup

Cons

  • Short-range
  • Minimal configuration options

2. Netgear Orbi WiFi 6 (RBK 852)

Rating: 9.4 out of 10

To put it simply, the Netgear Orbi WiFi 6 (RBK852) combines everything we love about Netgear’s premium mesh Wi-Fi system with the futureproof features and eye-popping speeds of Wi-Fi 6. The Orbi model series is known for its ease of use and high quality, and the newest model does not disappoint.

Built-in security ensures that your home’s Wi-Fi network is safe and secure, while the RBK852’s category-leading performance ensures that your home’s Wi-Fi network is fast and secure. In older houses with many walls, the Netgear Orbi is a good choice for individuals searching for the simplest and quickest mesh networking kit available. Orbi WiFi 6 (RBK852) is the best mesh Wi-Fi 6 device on the market.

Specifications

  • Wi-Fi Spec: AX6000/Tri-Band
  • Number of Antennas/Removable: 8/No
  • Ports: Router – 1 WAN/4 LAN; Satellite – 4 LAN
  • Peak Throughput: 883.6Mbps
  • Size: 10.0 x 7.5 x 2.8 inches

Pros

  • Top Wi-Fi 6 mesh performance
  • Malware protection
  • Excellent wall and ceiling penetration

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Large

3. TP-Link Deco X20

Rating: 8.6 out of 10

Deco X20 mesh kit is a cheap joy that can help fill a house with Wi-Fi 6 data and secure a family’s identity with an additional layer of online protection. The TP-Link Deco X20 mesh router with Wi-Fi 6 is the most cost-effective way to cover bigger households with faster and more capable speeds than any prior 802.11ac system. Up to 5,800 sq ft of coverage and 150 connected devices are possible with the Deco X20, which is available in sets of three.

The Deco X20’s dual-band connectivity and its two-gigabit cable connections on each node make it simple to set up and maintain the network. If you’re using TP-Deco Link’s app, which comes with the router, you’ll have all the tools you need to get your network up and running fast and easily. TP-Link HomeCare security and its antivirus software are also included as part of the package, which provides lifetime protection with WPA3 encryption.

Specifications

  • Wi-Fi Specs: Wi-Fi 6/Dual-band
  • Number of Antennas/Removable: 4/No
  • Ports: 1 WAN Gigabit Ethernet, 1 LAN Gigabit Ethernet
  • Peak Throughput: 574 Mbps (2.4 GHz)/1201 Mbps (5 GHz)
  • Size: 4.33 x 4.33 x 4.49 inches

Pros

  • Small router and satellites
  • Inexpensive
  • Excellent range
  • Extra security

Cons

  • No dedicated backchannel for data
  • Lack of customization options

4. Linksys Velop AX4200

Rating: 8.8 out of 10

If you have a big house, the Linksys AX4200 mesh kit provides tri-band Wi-Fi 6 coverage without the exorbitant expense of typical mesh Wi-Fi 6 systems. The three-pack we tested can cover 8,000 sq ft and is readily expandable with additional devices, making this mesh network a fantastic option for those on a tight budget. Additionally, it contains a USB port, which some users may like.

As a result, this mesh kit isn’t as quick as its more costly rivals and doesn’t give us many possibilities for customizing security and customization. If you’re looking for an inexpensive method to set up a large Wi-Fi network in your home, the three-pack Linksys Velop AX4200 mesh routers are an excellent choice.

Specifications

  • Wi-Fi Specs: Wi-Fi 6/Tri-Band
  • Number of Antennas/Removable: 8/No
  • Ports: 1 WAN/3 LAN, USB 3.0 (per unit)
  • Peak Throughput: 507.7Mbps
  • Size: 9.6 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches

Pros

  • Inexpensive mesh kit
  • Good throughput with the dynamic tri-band operation
  • Three-year warranty

Cons

  • No security software
  • Slow setup

 

5. Eero Pro 6

Rating: 9.4 out of 10

The Eero Pro 6 is the fastest and easiest mesh system we’ve seen yet, combining tri-band Wi-Fi 6 technology with a mesh setup that is faster and simpler than anything else we’ve seen. It took us approximately 11 minutes to set up the three-piece system, which can cover up to 6,000 sq ft with a single device and relatively fast Wi-Fi.

At mid-range distances, when other mesh systems falter, Eero Pro 6 mesh kit performs well, is easy to set up, and adapts itself automatically. Capabilities like home automation tools, local DNS caching, and band steering are also available if you need finer control. However, the Eero Pro 6 is at its finest when you just set it and leave it, resulting in lightning-fast Wi-Fi 6.

Specifications:

  • Wi-Fi Specs: Wi-Fi 6/Tri-Band
  • Number of Antennas/Removable: 7/No
  • Ports: 2 Ethernet on each unit
  • Peak Throughput: 438.2Mbps
  • Size: 5.3 x 5.3 x 1.9 inches

Pros

  • Great range
  • Dynamic tri-band operation
  • Easy fast setup

Cons

  • Devices have only two Ethernet ports
  • Moderate throughput close up
  • No USB ports

6. Netgear Orbi RBK752

Rating: 9.2 out of 10

There’s no better Wi-Fi 6 mesh system out there than the highly-rated Netgear Orbi RBK852 if you’re on a tight budget. The less expensive Orbi RBK752, which comes in a two-pack and can cover up to 5,000 sq ft, has a weaker CPU and fewer internal antennas, resulting in lower throughput and range. For medium-sized houses, it’s ideal, but for bigger spaces, you’ll need the 3- or 4-packs. Packages may be more costly than individual satellites, but they are more cost-effective in the long run.

If you’re on a tight budget, the Wi-Fi 6 Orbi is a great way to obtain Netgear’s superb mesh networking hardware and acceptable speeds across your house for less than the more costly version.

Specifications

  • Wi-Fi Specs: Wi-Fi 6/Tri-Band
  • Number of Antennas/Removable: 6/No
  • Ports: Router – 1 WAN/3 LAN; Satellite – 2 LAN
  • Peak Throughput: 506.7 Mbps
  • Size: 9.4 x 6.5 x 2.0 inches

Pros

  • Malware protection
  • Tri-band operation
  • Easy setup
  •  

Cons

  • Large
  • 90-day support policy
  • Short-range

7. Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8)

Rating: 7.8 out of 10

The Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) offers Wi-Fi 6 mesh networking in an easy-to-use form factor that’s ideal for a wide variety of mid-budget households. If you’re looking to flood a medium-sized house with Wi-Fi, then the Asus ZenWiFi AX is an excellent choice. The ZenWiFi AX’s two-year guarantee and built-in security may not make it the quickest mesh kit, but it may offer a family network’s “administrator” the confidence that the data will pass through.

Neither are there any antennae or flashing lights to detract from the elegant appearance. A bookend-like form and a size that makes rival mesh systems appear downright huge are ZenWiFi’s main selling points. The ZenWiFi’s mesh network may be expanded even further with an existing Asus router, which means you can keep your present gear and use it with the ZenWiFi mesh network.

Specifications

  • Wi-Fi Spec: Wi-Fi 6/Tri-Band
  • Number of Antennas/Removable: 6/No
  • Ports: 1 WAN (2.5Gbps)/3 LAN (Gbps), USB 3.0
  • Peak Throughput: 0Mbps
  • Size: 6 x 6.3 x 2.9 inches

Pros

  • Good Wi-Fi 6 performance
  • Protects against malware
  • Tri-band design
  • Two-year warranty

Cons

  • Can take a long time to reconnect satellites
  • Short-range

8. TP-Link Deco M9 Plus

Rating: 8.4 out of 10

All of these functions are possible with TP-Deco Link’s M9 Smart Mesh Wi-Fi System, which comes in a 3-pack and is available on the company’s website for a low three-figure price. Three tiny extensions that may be hidden or mounted on the wall are used to cover up to 6,500 sq ft with a strong wireless signal in the Deco M9 Plus.

A home network may be easily managed thanks to features like built-in security, an infected-device quarantine, malicious-content filtering, and intrusion prevention. However, when dealing with walls and ceilings, we found the general performance to be subpar.

Deco M9 Plus is the finest mesh Wi-Fi kit to acquire if you care more about ease of setup than top speed, even if it lacks top performance. Even though each Deco unit includes a built-in USB port, this port is not (yet) activated, therefore USB devices like storage and printers cannot be connected.

Specifications

  • Wi-Fi Specs:11ac/Tri-Band
  • Number of Antennas/Removable: 8/No
  • Ports: Two 1Gbps LAN, USB (“reserved”)
  • Peak Throughput:5Mbps
  • Size:0 by 6.0 by 1.5 inches

Pros

  • Home Automation connections
  • Simple, straight-forward setup
  • Network security software

Cons

  • Need to use TP-Link Deco app

9. Eero Mesh Wi-Fi Router

Rating: 9 out of 10

The Eero mesh router is known to be the best bargain in mesh networking today if you want a simple Wi-Fi solution that doesn’t create dead areas in your house. For a low price and simple storage, the Eero’s three-pack of mesh devices is a great option. It’s possible to have a decent Wi-Fi connection in a house without paying a fortune, despite the limited range and performance.

A smartphone is all you need for setup, and the setting is simple enough that anybody can operate it. Even if you’re willing to pay a monthly membership price, you can have powerful network security. If you want to operate your home network with your voice, you can link the Eero system to an Alexa-enabled smart speaker.

Specifications

  • Wi-Fi Spec:11ac/Dual Band
  • Number of Antennas/Removable: 4/No
  • Ports: Two 1Gbps LAN
  • Peak Throughput:1 Mbps
  • Size:9 x 3.9 x 2.4 inches

Pros

  • Easy setup
  • Small, easy-to-hide devices
  • Extra security available

Cons

  • Low performance
  • Expensive security options

10. Linksys Max Stream AC1900

Rating: 9.2 out of 10

High-bandwidth applications may enjoy speeds up to 1.9 Gbps on the Linksys Max-Stream AC1900 Multi-User MIMO Router (EA7500). Allows up to 12 devices to be connected concurrently, including tablets, smartphones, and 4K UHD TVs and gaming consoles. Designed for families with heavy Wi-Fi traffic. Even if at the same time numerous devices are connected, MIMO technology offers a fast, continuous Wi-Fi connection.

Three simultaneous data streams are provided by the Max-Stream AC1900’s 3×3 Wireless-AC technology.

For wire connectivity, 4 gigabit Ethernet ports and USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports are available.

Multiple users may simultaneously access high-bandwidth online activities thanks to the MaxStream AC1900’s MU MIMO technology. At speeds of up to 2x the speed of a non-MU-MIMO router, multiple users may download files, listen to music, play online games, and stream HD movies without encountering lag or buffering.

Additionally, the Max-twin Stream’s core CPU, clocked at 1.4 GHz, enables lightning-fast data transmission rates for all of your connected gadgets. In addition, three data streams are sent simultaneously by the router, resulting in improved throughput.

Specifications

  • Wi-Fi Spec:11ax/Dual Band
  • Number of Antennas/Removable: 4/No
  • Ports: Two 1Gbps LAN
  • Peak Throughput:1 Mbps
  • Size:9 x 3.9 x 2.4 inches

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Mesh capable
  • Solid close-range throughput
  • Speedy file transfer performance

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Lacks malware protection
  • No multi-gig LAN
  • No link aggregation
  • Middling long-range performance.

11. Netgear AX1800 4-Stream Mesh Extender

Rating: 9 out of 10

The Netgear AX1800, a Wi-Fi extender that can build a mesh network with any router or ISP gateway, is the best choice if you want to move to a mesh network without dumping your present router. It’s the only way to obtain mesh coverage through a standalone Wi-Fi 6 router since the Netgear EAX20 has Wi-Fi 6 speeds and mesh functionality built right in.

While its huge desktop style and pricing, which is more costly than other routers, may not thrill everyone, the evidence is in the performance. Without a plug-in design, this extender cannot be hidden behind a sofa or in a corner. That’s exactly what you get with the Netgear EAX20’s category-leading speeds and 95-foot range.

Specifications

  • Wi-Fi Spec: Wi-Fi 6/Dual-band
  • Number of Antennas/Removable: 4 internal/No
  • Ports: 4 Gigabit Ethernet
  • Peak Throughput:4Mbps
  • Size:5 x 6.7 x 2.5 inches

Pros

  • Wi-Fi 6 support with 802.11ax operations
  • Customization and built-in security
  • Offers mesh compatibility with other devices

Cons

  • Large
  • No USB ports

Choosing the Best Mesh Router

The first step to finding the ideal mesh Wi-Fi system is to determine if you really need one.

Coverage: A standard router will not do the job if your house is more than 3,000 square feet. As with multi-story residences and weirdly arranged dwellings, the range pattern of coverage provided by most standalone routers doesn’t always match. In addition, even if your house seems to be well-served by a typical wireless router, there are several barriers and signal disruptions that may make it difficult to achieve adequate Wi-Fi coverage in every area of your home.

If your current Wi-Fi router leaves you with dead areas in your house or even outside, you may want to consider a mesh Wi-Fi system.

Speed: Choosing a mesh Wi-Fi system is like choosing any other Wi-Fi equipment. Setup, throughput performance, range, design, and the settings you may change are all examined in our assessments. Our focus is on parental controls and security safeguards. We’ll also examine whether or not a mesh extension can easily be incorporated into your home’s design or whether you’ll wish to hide it. For example, if a product has unique features like voice interaction or how well it works with the other connected devices in the house, they will be highlighted in any of our product reviews, which will help you make an informed choice.

Ports: In addition to wireless connectivity, you should also consider wired connections when purchasing a mesh Wi-Fi system. USB connections are useful for connecting printers and storage devices to your network, while Ethernet provides speedier connectivity for devices like gaming consoles and smart TVs that need more bandwidth. So make sure you acquire a mesh network that can match your demands before making a purchase.

Price: When it comes to purchasing an extender, many people are looking for the most value for their money. Consider what you receive for your money, as well as how each product stacks up against the competition when deciding which one is best for you.

Depending on the model, mesh routers may cost between $120 and $400. It is common to purchase a mesh system in a two- or three-unit bundle because mesh systems need numerous devices to function. Satellite devices may be purchased to expand the mesh network’s coverage. It’s very uncommon for individual units to cost between $100 and $200, however, specialist ones that have additional features may cost more.

As a result, these are the finest mesh Wi-Fi systems available on the market today. No matter what you’re looking for, we’ll help you find the most value for your money and explain why it’s the ideal option for your house.

How do we test Mesh Routers?

We use Ixia’s IxChariot software to measure the performance and range of every mesh router. A multi-story house with brick walls is used for testing. Real-world information concerning coverage and speeds may be obtained by testing at a distance, much as with ordinary routers. For each gadget, we also take into account its simplicity of use and features.

At a distance of five feet without impediments, we can determine the router’s maximum data transfer rate. For data-intensive applications like gaming, streaming video, or connecting many users simultaneously, you’ll want higher throughput.

The router’s maximum useful range is determined by its range. It is preferable to use long ranges in bigger houses since the rooms are spaced apart. At 5, 50, 75, and 100 feet we assess how much data routers can transfer, and the maximum coverage area of a mesh network.

Conclusion

These were our top selections for the best mesh routers to help you eliminate dead spots in your home. A mesh Wi-Fi router is a better option than just replacing an old one.

Keep in mind the size of the coverage area you’ll need before making a purchase, and keep an eye out for the other things we mentioned.

Leave a Comment