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 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 a router in a less than optimal spot , depending on where the internet connection comes into the 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 line-up, 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 October 2022: We added the TP-Link Deco S4, Motorola Q14, TP-Link Deco X55, Deco X4300 Pro, and the Gryphon AX. Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED.
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This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Best Overall Photograph: Asus The combination of speedy performance, impressive range, and lots of extra features earns the Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8 its top spot here.
(It’s a bit of a mouthful. ) I tested the two-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. 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. 5G LAN port and a USB 3.
1 port. At short, medium, or long range, the XT8 was consistently the fastest system 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.
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.
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.
On the downside, 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 but managed to resolve it with a factory reset. Overall, using the XT8 has been a smooth experience.
It’s easy enough for just about anyone to operate, but the depth of options will satisfy power users. Best Value Photograph: TP-Link This affordable package folds in parental controls and antivirus protection while delivering decent coverage and performance, making it ideal for an average family home. I tested the AX1800 three-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. There are two gigabit Ethernet ports on each. 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. TP-Link’s HomeCare is free, and it enables the antivirus protection powered by Trend Micro and robust parental controls. It’s a breeze to set up profiles with time limits and scheduled bedtimes, there are basic filters by age, and you can review activity on both the app and website.
The Quality of Service feature lets you prioritize activities like gaming or streaming or set priority devices. Importantly, you can split 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. Only a few devices 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 AX3000 ($240) .
★ Alternative : The Motorola MH7603 Mesh WiFi 6 System ($240) performed slightly better than the X20 in my testing. This affordable system delivered 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). Best for Simplicity Photograph: Eero 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 with 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 main router. ) Although this 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 smart at sharing limited bandwidth. The mobile app is straightforward and gives 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 schedules and set bedtimes.
Unfortunately, content filtering and other parental controls, as well as advanced security, ad blocking, and activity insights all require an Eero Secure subscription at $3 per month or $30 for the 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 very handy when your child won’t get off the computer to eat dinner.
The Eero 6 router supports 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. The 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.
If you like the sound of the Eero but want something a bit faster, then the Eero Pro 6 ($599) is an upgrade worth considering ★ A Good Alternative : The Plume SuperPods with Wi-Fi 6 ($297 for 3-pack) ( 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 $99 per year 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. Best Budget Photograph: TP-Link Most mesh systems are expensive, but the Deco S4 from TP-Link is a solid choice that won’t break the bank. Sporting a familiar cylindrical design, this three-pack of routers offers pleasingly wide coverage and stable connectivity.
Setup through the Deco app was straightforward and trouble-free. Each router has two gigabit ports, and this is an easily scalable system (you can wirelessly link up to 10, with additional nodes at $50 apiece). The S4 is a dual-band system and the only recommendation in our guide that does not support Wi-Fi 6.
But I was surprised by how well this system performed, coping admirably with multiple video streams and gaming sessions. While the range is generally good, speed drops off swiftly with distance and obstacles. If you don’t have the internet speed or devices to take advantage of Wi-Fi 6, or stability and range are more important to you than outright speed, the Deco S4 is still a good buy.
As TP-Link’s budget mesh offering, the extras are barebones. There are no additional security features, and the parental controls are limited, but they include basics like filters and time limits. QoS only covers device prioritization, and as a Wi-Fi 5 system there’s no support for WPA3 security.
But you can split the 2. 4-GHz and 5-GHz bands and create guest networks. Finally, the Deco app is a little slow and basic but deliberately simple.
Anyone who likes to tinker or check up on the speed their ISP delivers will be disappointed. If you can stretch your budget to the frequently discounted Deco X20, I think you should, as you will get Wi-Fi 6, beefed-up security, and slightly better performance. For busy homes with several folks online at the same time or connections above 500 Mbps, you should go for something more powerful.
But if money is tight, this is your best option. Best for Large Homes Photograph: Netgear 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.
Setup was surprisingly tricky, taking more than an hour and several restarts to complete, as the app kept sticking 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, 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 parental controls and Netgear Armor security powered by Bitdefender require a subscription, and it’s pricey at $70 per year. This does include scanning for potential vulnerabilities on your network and the option to install Bitdefender on supported devices to prevent potential hacks.
The parental controls are comprehensive and easy to configure. 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. These services start out free for 30 days, but you need to pay up afterward, which can be annoying.
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).
There is a free tier for parental controls, but it’s severely limited . 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. Affordable Wi-Fi 6E Photograph: TP-Link Support for Wi-Fi 6E , which operates on the 6-GHz band, is still sparse.
So far, most 6E routers and mesh systems have been so expensive as to be off-putting, but TP-Link’s Deco XE75 changes that. A two-pack of this tri-band mesh system is relatively affordable. These cylindrical routers sport the vaselike Deco family design, blending into rooms.
Setup is quick and easy, and the second router was automatically detected when powered on after I set up the first. 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 the increase dropped off 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.
Disappointingly, this TP-Link system has HomeShield onboard. The free tier offers only limited security and parental controls, and you pay $6 per month or $55 for the year to get HomeShield Pro. Confusingly, TP-Link offers HomeCare for free on other routers, which includes security from Trend Micro and comprehensive parental controls.
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 right now, but this is an affordable way to dip your toe in 6E waters if you are determined to do so. Mesh systems are growing rapidly more popular, so you have a lot of choices.
These mesh systems narrowly missed out on a place above but may still be worth looking at for some folks. Motorola Q14 (3-pack) for $500 : This tri-band Wi-Fi 6E system came close to a recommendation with some of the fastest speeds I have recorded. These routers also boast an attractive gray fabric finish (they look like speakers) and an accessible app that includes security scanning and parental controls without a subscription.
Sadly, the glitchy setup and regular node disconnects mean I can’t wholeheartedly recommend the Q14. It took several attempts and the help of customer support to get my third node to join the network. As it turned out, a 2-pack ($429) would have been sufficient for my home.
But while the highs were high, the app was often slow to load, and I got daily notifications from my second node as it inexplicably disconnected and reconnected. My TV also kept connecting to the main router, despite having a node in the room. TP-Link Deco X55 (3-pack) for $219 : The X55 is similar to the X20 system on paper, but it’s capable of significantly faster speeds for not much more money.
Sadly, it is a HomeShield system, which means paying $6 per month, or $55 for the year, 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, or even the much cheaper S4, 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 $400 : 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 boasts improved 5 GHz and a 2. 5-Gbps port. This is a good pick for for busy homes with connections up to 1 Gbps.
Gryphon AX (2-pack) for $479 : 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/month or $90/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 $550 : 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.
Google Wi-Fi (3-pack) for $199 : Not only do Google’s mesh routers have easy setup and a comparable range to the Eero system, but they also double as smart speakers with Google Assistant inside. On the downside, this expandable mesh system doesn’t support Wi-Fi 6 and lacks Ethernet ports. Google has announced a new Nest Wifi Pro with Wi-Fi 6E support.
Sadly, it’s not backwards compatible with existing Google or Nest routers. We’ll be testing it soon. Vilo Mesh (3-pack) for $100 : The Vilo Mesh is not a Wi-Fi 6 mesh system, and it’s not especially fast, but it is worthy of mention because it’s cheap.
It’s 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, this could be it. The Vilo was our budget pick, but the price has climbed from $60 to $100 since the original release.
That price is comparable to superior systems, like the TP-Link Deco S4 ($130) . Linksys Velop Wi-Fi 6 (MX4200) (3-pack) for $480 : 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 a generous three 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. Here are a few points to keep in mind when you are buying a new mesh Wi-Fi system.
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) and transferred files on the network on multiple devices in different spots around my home. I also used NetSpot to survey signal strength throughout the house and create heat maps for comparison.
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From: wired
URL: https://www.wired.com/story/best-mesh-wifi-routers/
