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Mesh routers promise dependable Wi-Fi throughout your home, and most follow through, but finding the best mesh Wi-Fi system for the job can be tricky. Instead of a single router to provide 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 automatically connect to the nearest option for 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. You can extend Wi-Fi coverage by placing a second or third node where needed. Whether you want to fix dead zones, deliver a stronger signal into the back bedroom, or have great Wi-Fi in the backyard, a mesh Wi-Fi system could be the answer. The Netgear Orbi 770 Series is our top pick for most people, but I have many alternatives to suit different homes and internet connections.
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 Wi-Fi mesh system, I also have advice on upgrading your existing Wi-Fi and ways to secure it and protect your home network.
Updated October 2025: We made the Netgear Orbi 770 Series the top pick, added the TP-Link Deco BE67 and BE25 Outdoor, switched in the Deco X55 as our budget pick, and added mention of the Eero Pro 7 after testing. We've also added more FAQs and specs to the comparison table.
Best Wi-Fi 7 Mesh
If you are excited to sample the delights of Wi-Fi 7 or keen to future-proof, the Netgear Orbi 770 Series (8/10, WIRED Recommends) may be the best way to do so right now. More and more phones and laptops now support Wi-Fi 7, and prices for Wi-Fi 7 systems like this one are getting slightly more affordable. The Orbi 770 is backward compatible with previous Wi-Fi versions, but only devices that support Wi-Fi 7, like the iPhone 16 range, can take full advantage of this mesh.
These towering routers aren’t quite as big as the far more expensive Orbi 970 Series, but they have a similar design and are relatively large. The main router has four 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports, while the satellites make do with two 2.5 Gbps ports apiece. There’s no USB. Setup is quick and easy using the Orbi app on your phone.
It is a tri-band system, and by default, there is one SSID for the 2.4-GHz, 5-GHz, and 6-GHz bands, and it supports multi-link operation (MLO). MLO is a new Wi-Fi 7 feature that allows devices to connect on multiple bands simultaneously. While a single SSID simplifies things, MLO can cause problems for legacy devices because Wi-Fi 7 has more stringent security requirements (WPA2 or higher). Something like an iPhone 5 won’t be able to connect, though you could potentially use a guest or IoT network.
Wi-Fi 7 also enables wider channels (up to 320 MHz from the current high of 160 MHz) and a handful of other improvements. You can expect consistently fast Wi-Fi and excellent coverage from this system (Netgear says up to 8,000 square feet for a three-pack). There's potential for stable, low-latency, multi-gigabit speeds if you have Wi-Fi 7 devices connected to the main router (there was occasionally a touch of lag with the satellites).
The Orbi app is straightforward and shows connected clients, enables you to check your internet speed, and has a few other settings. You get 30-day trials of Netgear’s Armor security software (powered by Bitdefender) and Smart Parental Controls, but after that, Armor (phishing and malware protection, device and network scanning) costs $40 for the first year, then jumps to $100, and the parental controls (profiles, age-appropriate filters, scheduling, and time limits) are $8 per month. You don't need either subscription.
Unless you have a large home, a multi-gig internet connection (up to 2.5 Gbps), and at least a couple of Wi-Fi 7 devices, you could save your money and buy one of our other recommendations. But Wi-Fi 7 is rolling out more widely, and this mesh is a significant drop in price over the first wave of Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems, like the Deco BE85 ($800), Eero Max 7 ($1,700), and Netgear Orbi 970 Series ($1,800). In my home, the 770 was largely indistinguishable from the much pricier 970, and a two-pack will more than suffice for most folks. If your internet connection is faster than 2.5 Gbps, consider the excellent Netgear Orbi 870 (3-Pack) at $1,299.
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Version | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bands | 6 GHz, 5 GHz, and 2.4 GHz |
| Ports | One 2.5 Gbps WAN, three 2.5 Gbps LAN (main), two 2.5 Gbps LAN (satellites) |
| Size | 5.28 x 9.88 x 3.95 inches |
Another Good Wi-Fi 7 Mesh
Note: The US government has been mulling a TP-Link router ban after reports that vulnerabilities in the Chinese firm’s routers were exploited in high-profile attacks linked to the Chinese government. According to The Wall Street Journal, the US Commerce, Defense, and Justice departments are investigating TP-Link, though no evidence of any deliberate wrongdoing has yet emerged. TP-Link president Jeff Barney told WIRED the company is cooperating with the investigation, has a transparent supply chain with manufacturing in Vietnam, not China, and is now headquartered in California, having split from TP-Link Technologies, which focuses on mainland China. TP-Link is not the only brand targeted by malicious actors; Cisco and Netgear devices have also been infected in suspected Chinese state-sponsored attacks. I'll continue to monitor this situation before deciding whether I need to reconsider recommendations.
This tri-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh is a little cheaper than our top pick and almost as good. These cylindrical routers sport the vase-like Deco family design, blending into rooms, with a fairly subtle 7 on the front denoting the Wi-Fi version. The setup was a little glitchy for me. While the main router quickly detected the other two when I powered them on, it took a couple of attempts to add and rename them correctly. Each has one 10 Gbps Ethernet port, one 2.5 Gbps port, a Gigabit port, and a USB 3.0 port.
Performance was consistently good throughout my home, with some of the fastest speeds I have recorded at close and medium range. My top pick, the Orbi 770 Series, outperformed the BE67 in some scenarios. By default, the 6-GHz band is a separate SSID, appended _6GHz, and MLO is switched off. I joined with my Pixel 10 Pro XL, and after multiple speed tests at close range (up to 8 feet away), I generally got download speeds around 100 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 that of 5 GHz. If you want to take advantage of 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. I don't think the coverage is as wide as TP-Link suggests, though much depends on your home; the Orbi 770 offered slightly better range for me.
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 for the first year ($130 per year after) 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 or IoT networks.
The Deco app and web interface are solid but fairly limited in terms of options. The app was able to identify many of the devices on my network, but this required me to share data with a third party. There is now an option to run a speed test on the router to see what your ISP delivers, which is handy. Ultimately, this three-pack gave me reliable and speedy internet throughout my home and garden.
TP-Link does have far too many similar mesh systems, though, and I run through some of the alternatives below. Performance and price-wise, the BE67 falls between the BE63 and the flagship BE85, and I think it’s the sweet spot in TP-Link’s line-up for most people. The Deco BE68 is the same system as the BE67, but exclusive to Best Buy.
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Version | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bands | 6 GHz, 5 GHz, and 2.4 GHz |
| Ports | One 10 Gbps WAN/LAN, one 2.5 Gbps and one Gigabit LAN, one USB 3.0 |
| Size | 4.23 x 6.93 x 4.23 inches |
Best Wi-Fi 6 Mesh
The combination of speedy performance, impressive range, and lots of extra features earns the Asus ZenWiFi XT8 the title of best Wi-Fi 6 mesh system. (Even if 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. 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 classy, with side vents to help dissipate heat. Each router offers three gigabit Ethernet ports, which is 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 that 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.
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.) 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 for just about anyone to operate, but the depth of options will satisfy power users. You can find open source firmware if you want to go down the rabbit hole.
I also tested the slightly upgraded version of this mesh, the Asus ZenWiFi XT9 ($335). It appears identical but offers a few upgrades beneath the hood. Firstly, the 5-GHz band you can connect to has a 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. It’s slightly better than the XT8, so if you see it at a similar price, I would go for the XT9 instead.
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Version | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bands | 2x 5 GHz and 1x 2.4 GHz |
| Ports | One 2.5 Gbps WAN, three Gigabit LAN, one USB 3.1 |
| Size | 6.3 x 2.95 x 6.36 inches |
Best for Simplicity
Amazon’s Eero mesh systems are some of the easiest to set up, offer fairly wide coverage, and deliver stable connectivity. The Eero Pro 6E is an elegant system, available as two or three identical routers. The Eeros blend in easily on a table or shelf, sport a USB-C port for power, and two Ethernet ports rated at 2.5 Gbps and 1 Gbps. This tri-band system supports Wi-Fi 6E, offering the 6-GHz band alongside 2.4- and 5-GHz, and is designed to be a hands-off, set-and-forget mesh system.
The Eero Pro 6E was impressively fast in my tests; there were no drops, and it proved adept at sharing 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 could also 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 Pro 6E 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.
Two other tricks make Eero systems attractive. An Echo (4th Gen), Echo Dot (4th or 5th Gen), or Echo Dot with clock (4th or 5th Gen) smart speaker 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 offers an Internet Backup option, so you can add multiple backup networks (Wi-Fi or hotspot) 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 basic Eero systems is comparatively slow transfer speeds, though this was not an issue for the Pro 6E and other higher-end systems I tested.
A few Eero systems on the market are worth considering, offering a broadly similar experience. The first two are dual-band systems (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). Although the basic Eero 6 ($200) was one of the slower systems I tested, particularly at longer distances, it's likely enough for folks with internet connections up to 500 Mbps and modest needs. 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) might suit.
If you want a Wi-Fi 7 system and have a small home or limited demand, consider the Eero 7 ($350). It’s another dual-band system, so you don’t get the faster 6-GHz band, but you get the other advantages of Wi-Fi 7, including MLO and enhanced security. The Eero 7 performed respectably in my tests, with solid 2.4- and 5-GHz band speeds, but range and throughput are limited, meaning it won’t be a good pick for everyone. It has a 2.5 Gbps port, but I'd pick something else if your connection is faster than 1 Gbps. The Eero 7 only did slightly better than the 6+ and was significantly outperformed by the Pro 6E. Considering that a three-pack of the Pro 6E frequently drops to $400, it's a better buy.
Anyone with larger properties or above-average demands (lots of devices and people simultaneously using the internet) should consider the Eero Pro 7 ($700)—it offers slick and smooth tri-band Wi-Fi 7 at a reasonable price, and I think it's the sweet spot in Eero’s Wi-Fi 7 lineup. Or the top-of-the-line Eero Max 7 ($1,700), which boasts four Ethernet ports, two rated at 10 Gbps and two at 2.5 Gbps, though it will be overkill for most people. If you want a stronger signal in your backyard this summer, you can also snag an Eero 7 Outdoor ($400) to pair with any of these systems, though I have not tested it yet.
All Eero systems are compatible with each other, which makes it easy to expand your network. You can dig deeper into the differences in our Eero buying guide. But whichever model you choose, keep an eye out for frequent discounts.
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Version | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bands | 6 GHz, 5 GHz, and 2.4 GHz |
| Ports | One 2.5 Gbps and one Gigabit WAN/LAN |
| Size | 5.6 x 5.4 x 2 inches |
Best Budget Mesh Router
The Deco X55 is an affordable Wi-Fi 6 mesh that delivers decent coverage and performance, with optional parental controls and antivirus protection, making it ideal for an average family home. I tested the three-pack, and it was very easy to set 'em all up. The three routers are 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.
The X55 is similar to the X20 system it replaces here on paper, but it’s capable of significantly faster speeds for not much more money. That’s a price worth paying for quicker downloads and file transfers, and the X55 is significantly more stable and reliable than when I first tested it several years ago.
Coverage and speeds are solid, falling short of the Asus XT8 but beating systems like the entry-level Eero 6. This is only a dual-band system, so speeds at the nodes are much lower with wireless backhaul because it only has two bands for all traffic. The app is straightforward, and it’s easy to set up a guest network. 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.
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.
While it's not the fastest mesh around, the X55 offers an excellent level of performance for the price, and it's likely enough for folks with modest needs and an internet connection below 1 Gbps.
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Version | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bands | 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz |
| Ports | Three Gigabit WAN/LAN |
| Size | 4.33 × 4.33 × 4.49 inches |
Best Outdoor Mesh Router
Whether you want to watch a movie on your phone while sunbathing, crank the tunes at your barbecue, or stay online in your garden office, this router is a great way to get a better Wi-Fi signal into your backyard and outbuildings.
You get fixings that enable you to wall- or pole-mount this outdoor mesh router, or you can set it on a table. It's waterproof and dustproof, with an IP65 rating, and has survived a typical wet Scottish summer without any issues. TP-Link suggests it can cover around 2,800 square feet, and it has no problem filling my backyard and beyond with speedy connectivity.
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 model 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 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports.
I tested with the Deco BE67 system above, and it formed a mesh with no problem. It is only a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 device, so there’s no 6-GHz, but it delivered solid speeds on the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands, despite a distance between it and the nearest node and the fact that it was relying on wireless backhaul. It offers basic security and parental controls, though you 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.
The thing about selecting an outdoor router to join your mesh is that you really need to pick something compatible, so folks with an Eero system should look at the Eero 7 Outdoor, and anyone with an Asus system should consider the ZenWiFi BD4 Outdoor. I picked the Deco BE25 here as it strikes a nice balance between price and performance, and it’s a Wi-Fi 7 router.
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Version | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bands | 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz |
| Ports | Two 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN (PoE) |
| Size | 4.3 x 8.5 x 4.8 inches |
Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems Comparison Table
| Mesh Wi-Fi Systems | Price (MSRP) | Wi-Fi Version | Bands | Ports | Suggested Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Wi-Fi 7 Mesh: Netgear Orbi 770 Series (3-Pack) | $700 | Wi-Fi 7 | 6 GHz, 5 GHz, and 2.4 GHz | One 2.5 Gbps WAN, three 2.5 Gbps LAN (main), two 2.5 Gbps LAN (satellites) | 8,000 square feet |
| Best Alternative Wi-Fi 7 Mesh: TP-Link Deco BE67 (3-Pack) | $603 | Wi-Fi 7 | 6 GHz, 5 GHz, and 2.4 GHz | One 10 Gbps WAN, one 2.5 Gbps LAN, one Gigabit LAN, one USB 3.0 | 8,100 square feet |
| Best Wi-Fi 6 Mesh: Asus ZenWiFi XT8 (2-Pack) | $330 | Wi-Fi 6 | 2x 5 GHz and 1x 2.4 GHz | One 2.5 Gbps WAN, three Gigabit LAN, one USB 3.1 | 5,500 square feet |
| Best for Simplicity: Amazon Eero Pro 6E (3-Pack) | $550 | Wi-Fi 6E | 6 GHz, 5 GHz, and 2.4 GHz | One 2.5 Gbps and one Gigabit WAN/LAN | 6,000 square feet |
| Best Budget: TP-Link Deco X55 (3-Pack) | $140 | Wi-Fi 6 | 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz | Three Gigabit WAN/LAN | 6,500 square feet |
| Best Outdoor Mesh: TP-Link Deco BE25 Outdoor (1-Pack) | $130 | Wi-Fi 7 | 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz | Two 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN (PoE) | 2,800 square feet |
Mesh Wi-Fi Systems: Your Questions, Answered
What Is a Mesh Wi-Fi System?
Mesh Wi-Fi systems comprise a main router that connects to your modem via Ethernet cable and one, two, or more satellites or nodes that come pre-paired with the main router. The entire system presents as a single network with the same SSID and password. By placing nodes in different rooms, you can strengthen your home Wi-Fi and get a strong signal throughout your house. The mesh system should automatically connect your devices to the router or node with the strongest signal.
What Should I Consider When Shopping for a Mesh System?
Here are a few points to keep in mind when you are buying a new mesh Wi-Fi system.
Wi-Fi standards: Many devices support Wi-Fi 6E now. (Many of the best laptops and phones do, and it’s only growing more common.) Support for Wi-Fi 7 is also growing (the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 range support it). All the models I recommend as main picks support at least Wi-Fi 6, and they are backward compatible with older Wi-Fi standards. If you have a lot of new devices, consider Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7. Our router shopping guide goes into more depth.
Internet speeds: 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.
Bands: The top speed that router manufacturers claim on the box is all of the bands added together, which is disingenuous since you usually only connect to one band at a time. MLO is a feature in Wi-Fi 7 that enables you connect on multiple bands simultaneously but you will still never achieve the top speeds that manufacturers state.
Coverage: 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: 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: 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: 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.
Mesh vs. router: 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 the modern two-floor 1,600-square-foot home I used to live in performed just as well or better than mesh systems, but the old Victorian house I live in now, although not much bigger, has very thick walls and really needs a mesh.
Security: Most routers come with optional subscriptions for security, parental controls, and sometimes other extras like VPN service. You don't need these subscriptions, but they can be handy and provide peace of mind. Just make sure you factor in the cost or opt for a system from a manufacturer like Asus, which offers them for free.
Wait for sales: Mesh systems tend to be very expensive when first released and are often buggy. By waiting a few months, you can expect deep discounts (50 percent is not unusual) and firmware updates that ensure more stable performance. I am considering revising review scores based on initial pricing and performance for mesh systems that are now more affordable and stable, but I will always add a note to indicate when I have done this.
What Are the Benefits of a Mesh System?
Easy setup is part of the appeal of mesh Wi-Fi systems, and they generally have a companion app that should guide you through the process. Mesh systems are designed to automatically manage your network, deciding on the correct bands and Wi-Fi channels for different devices to ensure a speedy and stable connection.
Mobile apps generally make it easy to check on connected devices and tweak basic settings should you need to. They often offer parental controls, network security, guest network, and device or activity prioritization features, but sometimes these require a paid subscription. Mesh systems are also expandable, so you can add more nodes should you need to. Many mesh manufacturers, such as Eero, enable you to mix and match mesh systems from different ranges.
What Are the Disadvantages of a Mesh System?
The main downside to mesh systems is price, as they're generally more expensive than single routers. You may find speeds from nodes are significantly reduced compared to the main router if you rely on wireless backhaul. Mesh systems are not suitable for every home and can often be outperformed by a good, well-placed single router. Each node also requires a good spot within range of the main router with an outlet. I break this down further in mesh system vs. Wi-Fi router.
Is Mesh Router Location Important?
Poor placement of nodes is the main mistake people make with a mesh system. Nodes must be within range of the main router and need a strong signal. Think of a mesh system as the Wi-Fi backbone of your home, and avoid placing nodes at the extremities. It’s also crucial not to place nodes next to potential obstructions (metal, furniture, mirrors) or hide them away in cabinets. Avoid potential interference from other electronics like microwaves, baby monitors, and TVs. While people often place nodes too far away from the main router, placing them too close together can also reduce their effectiveness.
Are Mesh Systems Better Than Wi-Fi Extenders?
Mesh systems are superior to even the best Wi-Fi extenders for most homes. Wi-Fi extenders take the Wi-Fi signal from your router and use the same frequency band to repeat the signal. You can expect slower speeds (50 percent of your main router speed is the maximum, but it’s usually much lower), higher latency, and smart home issues. They also tend to plug directly into outlets, making it tough to position them well. Cheap extenders don’t work well, and good ones are so expensive that you are better served by upgrading your router or buying a mesh system. The one case where it may be worth buying an extender is when you have a single trouble spot in your home.
Should I Choose a Wi-Fi 6 or a Wi-Fi 7 Mesh?
While most folks will be fine with Wi-Fi 6 for now, Wi-Fi 7 brings potential improvements in bandwidth and speed, among other things, though you can expect coverage to be similar. Most Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems are still relatively expensive. We are starting to see some cheaper dual-band Wi-Fi 7 systems, but they miss out on the 6-GHz band, simply offering the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands we are used to. Unless you are connecting your mesh routers with Ethernet cables to create a wired backhaul, a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 system will likely perform worse than a similarly priced tri-band Wi-Fi 6 mesh (with two 5-GHz bands and one 2.4-GHz) in most homes, because it has to use the available bands for wireless backhaul (traffic between the router and nodes). If you want to try the 6-GHz band, Wi-Fi 6E mesh systems offer a more affordable way to do so.
All that said, if you have a very busy household with a lot of devices or want to be future-proof and don’t mind paying for it, a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh is the way to go. If you currently have issues with latency or bandwidth, or you simply want the latest features, such as MLO enabling devices to connect on multiple bands, Wi-Fi 7 is worthwhile.
Can I Add Mesh Wi-Fi to an Existing Router?
You can add a mesh system to your existing router, but it’s not always the best idea. Ideally, you will have a separate modem that you can plug your mesh directly into, and you can remove your old router. If you have a combined router and modem supplied by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), you may need to plug your mesh system into that, but you should set your ISP’s router into bridge mode. Ensure you check compatibility, as some mesh systems have limitations when used this way.
Some manufacturers also offer single routers that have mesh support, so you can add mesh systems or additional routers to create a mesh. These are usually proprietary, such as AiMesh from Asus, so you can only mix routers from that manufacturer. There is an open standard called EasyMesh, but only TP-Link offers wide support across its range. If you decide to mix and match, it’s best to pick devices that support the same Wi-Fi standard with broadly similar specs.
How Did WIRED Select Products to be Reviewed?
I try to test as many mesh releases as possible, and have put more than 40 different systems through their paces so far (a handful of those have since been discontinued but most are reviewed on this page). It’s not possible to test every device, so, while I will typically test flagship systems, I also strive to find more affordable systems and identify models that will suit the average family home in terms of budget and performance.
We are brand agnostic, so we will test systems from any manufacturer, provided we can get a hold of them. All the mesh systems we test are provided by the manufacturers or their PR companies. We do lean toward testing more systems from the most popular brands. I would love to test one of Ubiquiti’s mesh systems, but have been unable to secure one so far.
What Does WIRED Do With the Devices After Testing Them?
Most are loaned for a month or so and then returned. A handful of our recommended picks are kept for longer term testing. The remainder are donated to charities. I recently dropped off a batch to Reusing IT, and have donated several devices to Oxfam and Shelter.
How We Test Mesh Routers
To test the best Wi-Fi mesh systems, I use 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 run speed tests (downloads and uploads). I transfer files on the network on multiple devices (including iPhones, Android phones, Windows PCs, and MacBooks) from different spots around my home, including files from devices connected to the main router to devices connected to nodes. I use NetSpot to survey signal strength throughout the house and create heat maps for comparison. I run the TamoSoft Throughput Test, and I turn the power and modem off and on to find out how each system recovers. I also test the mobile apps and web interfaces to see how easy it is to change settings, set up parental controls, and access security features.
Other Mesh Wi-Fi Systems We Like
Mesh systems are growing rapidly more popular, so you have a lot of choices. While these aren't the best options, some of them only narrowly missed out on a place above, so they may still be worth exploring.
TP-Link Deco XE70 Pro (3-Pack) for $270: Support for Wi-Fi 6E, which operates on the 6-GHz band, is common now, and with Wi-Fi 7 rolling out, 6E routers and mesh systems like this one are falling in price. A two-pack of this tri-band mesh system is relatively affordable and enough to cover most households, making this perhaps the best Wi-Fi 6E mesh for most people. I also tested the XE75 ($280 for a three-pack), which is almost identical, but has three Gigabit ports and no multi-Gig. There is also the XE75 Pro ($400 for a three-pack), which does have the 2.5-Gbps port and theoretically offers slightly more bandwidth but is far more expensive. Since TP-Link often discounts its mesh systems, I would pick whichever one is cheapest (folks with multi-gig connections should go with either Pro model).
TP-Link Deco X50 Outdoor for $150: This was our previous outdoor pick, and it’s still a good dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router that will form a mesh with any Deco system (I tested with the Deco X50 4G). It’s a solid performer, but with the Wi-Fi 7 BE25 Outdoor coming in around the same price, I’d pick that instead.
Asus ZenWifi BD4 (3-Pack) for $290: One of the first Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems from Asus that might be described as affordable, the BD4 looks like an interesting prospect on paper. Each unit has two 2.5-Gbps ports; installation was easy, and you get the usual subscription-free parental controls and security software. But is a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh a good idea? You don’t get the faster 6-GHz band, and if you plan to use wireless backhaul, speeds will suffer for connected devices, although the BD4 can employ MLO to connect on both bands simultaneously. Sadly, I found the BD4 was erratic. A firmware update failed, and I had to factory reset, but I couldn’t log back in. My internet also dropped several times, and I had to keep resetting my modem. My experience with Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems from Asus so far has been frustratingly buggy. Your mileage may vary, and this system performed well when it worked, but I think more firmware improvements are required.
Netgear Orbi 870 (3-Pack) for $1,299: This tri-band mesh from Netgear is a step up on the 770 Series we recommend above, adding a 10-Gbps WAN/LAN port and doubling the bandwidth on the 5-GHz and 6-GHz bands. My experience with the 870 Series is best described as flawless. The setup was straightforward, performance was top-notch on every band and at various distances, and this mesh system was near the top of the table in all my tests. It also proved extremely stable and had no trouble covering my entire home and garden. The Netgear app is light on functionality, and keeping the security software and comprehensive parental controls after the free 30-day trial requires pricey subscriptions, but you don’t need them. The only reason the 870 doesn’t appear above is that the 770 is likely enough for most folks, but if your internet connection is faster than 2.5 Gbps, this is the mesh system I recommend.
Asus ZenWiFi BT8 (2-Pack) for $680: Based on its mostly stellar speed and range, the tri-band BT8 is a Wi-Fi 7 mesh that I can see myself recommending in the future. Sadly, the highs were hamstrung by inconsistent performance and perplexing intermittent lag, which made testing the BT8 a frustrating roller-coaster experience. A step down from the BT10 but still plenty fast enough for most folks with 2.5-Gbps or slower internet connections, the BT8 was a breeze to install, offered impressive speeds across all three bands, and delivered excellent range. Consider the subscription-free parental controls and security software, and the BT8 looks like a real contender. Unfortunately, as is often the case with Asus systems, the firmware is an update or two away from consistent stability. In a few months, with improved software and a lower price, this just might replace the XT8 above, but it’s not there yet.
Asus ZenWiFi BT10 (2-Pack) for $690: This Wi-Fi 7 mesh was top or near the top of the table in all my tests, with strong coverage and impressive throughput. It is a tri-band system (2.4, 5, and 6 GHz) with two 10-Gbps Ethernet ports, one Gigabit port, and a USB 3.0 port. It is highly configurable, includes security software and parental controls, and supports VPN services and 4G or 5G tethering. The reason I hesitate to fully recommend this mesh, aside from the high price, is that I have encountered several issues during testing with my Sonos system disappearing (this may be the fault of Sonos), and my Pixel 9 dropping connection repeatedly and having to be reset. The latest firmware update seems to have stabilized things, but it may make sense to wait a little longer for all the bugs to be ironed out before you consider this mesh.
Google Nest Wifi Pro (3-Pack) for $382: Mesh systems don’t come much simpler than this one. Google’s Nest Wifi Pro is a tri-band (2.4-GHz, 5-GHz, and 6-GHz) Wi-Fi 6E system that works via Google Home, and each router sports two 1-gigabit ports. The setup is super simple, coverage and performance were solid and consistent, and my testing was refreshingly free from glitches and buffering, though WIRED editor Julian Chokkattu had issues that Google's customer support could not fix. The Nest Wifi Pro came mid-table in raw speed at short, mid, and long range, and settings in the Home app are very bare-bones. Disappointingly, it is not backward compatible with older Nest routers.
TP-Link Deco BE63 (3-Pack) for $415: TP-Link has stuck with the vase-like design that marks its Deco range for this tri-band mesh, and each has a stylized 7 on the front, lest you forget this is a Wi-Fi 7 system. Each router boasts four 2.5-Gbps auto-sensing WAN/LAN Ethernet ports and a USB 3.0 port. This mesh was a solid performer in my tests, but couldn't match the Netgear Orbi 770 above. Folks with many legacy devices may prefer it to the Orbi 770 because you can separate the SSIDs (though it also supports MLO). The UK version of this system is the BE65 (£550), but it isn't quite as strong a performer as the BE63 because of limitations on the 6-GHz band in the UK. Frequent deep discounts make this even more tempting for folks looking to try their first Wi-Fi 7 mesh.
TP-Link Deco X20 (3-Pack) for $160: The Deco X20 is an affordable Wi-Fi 6 mesh that delivers decent coverage and performance, with optional parental controls and antivirus protection, making it ideal for an average family home. This dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) mesh was our budget pick for a long time, and there are two gigabit Ethernet ports on each router. Coverage and speeds are OK, falling well short of the Asus XT8 but beating systems like the entry-level Eero 6. 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, so it’s not as great a bargain as it once was.
Asus ROG Rapture GT6 (2-Pack) for $343: Gamers don't 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 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.
TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-Pack) for $800: The Deco BE85 was TP-Link's first Wi-Fi 7 mesh. As the flagship, it offers unrivaled performance, with double the bandwidth of the more affordable BE63 listed above. 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. It delivered wide coverage and excellent performance in my tests, but unless you have a very fast multi-gig internet connection and loads of Wi-Fi 7 devices, it will be overkill for your home.
Asus ZenWifi ET8 (2-Pack) for $229: As the Wi-Fi 6E version of our top pick, I expected good things from the ET8, but I was underwhelmed after testing. Speed and stability were solid, and Asus provides free security software and parental controls, but the range and backhaul performance were 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 $1,350: There’s no denying that the tri-band Wi-Fi 7 Netgear Orbi 970 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 6E (2-Pack) for $250: 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 $350: 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 is better than the XE70 Pro 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.
TP-Link Deco X50 4G for £201 and Deco X50 5G for £197: 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 LANs, 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 $220: 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 a 1-gigabit LAN port and can cover up to 2,500 square feet.
Gryphon AX (2-Pack) for $499: After some trouble setting up this tri-band Wi-Fi 6 system, I 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.
Mesh Systems We Don’t Recommend
They can't all be winners. These are the mesh systems I had trouble with or can't recommend for one reason or another.
Acer Predator Connect T7: I had high hopes for this Acer system, as the company has considerable prowess in computing, but my excitement at a relatively new mesh player was short-lived because the half-baked Predator Connect T7 is a mess. The installation was buggy, the firmware update repeatedly failed, and even when I got it up and running, it proved to be one of the least stable systems I have ever tried. The band steering is poor and frequently dumps me onto the slowest 2.4-GHz band. The T7 also dropped my connection multiple times a day, froze video calls, and was a general pain. It was so janky that I could not complete many of my tests.
Linksys Velop Pro 7 (3-Pack): 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). 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 bare-bones, which may suit some folks, although the parental controls are limited.
Vilo 6 (2-Pack): The original Vilo system impressed with an impossibly low $60 price for a three-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.
Netgear Orbi RBK863 (3-Pack): As good as the Netgear Orbi 860 series is, the high price will repel most people. Opt for a three-pack, and the range of this system is unsurpassed. It’s also very fast (though there’s no support for Wi-Fi 6E), and it 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. Even with deep discounts, this is overpriced, and why buy it now when you can snag a Wi-Fi 7 system for a similar price?
TP-Link Deco S4 (3-Pack): Our previous budget pick, the Deco S4, is a dual-band system that offers pleasingly wide coverage and stable connectivity, but I 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 bare-bones. That said, this could still be a good pick if money is tight and your internet connection is below 500 Mbps.
Wyze Mesh Router (2-Pack) and Wyze Mesh Router Pro (2-Pack): 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, but failed to match some of our picks above. I also have concerns about security breaches at Wyze.
Linksys Velop Wi-Fi 6 (MX4200) (3-Pack): 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.
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