The Best Mesh Routers
Perhaps the most critical link in a gamer's hardware chain is their Internet connection. When the difference between victory or defeat boils down to a matter of milliseconds, poor connectivity can only spell disappointment. One of the major causes of poor connectivity is line-of-sight issues between the desktop and wireless router, as some routers have a limited capacity to work around corners or through walls. Mesh routers are the solution to this problem. They act as a relay system, expanding the maximum distance between the router and your gaming hardware (or other connected devices), creating an optimal connection. The mesh router you choose will depend on many factors, including the size of your rooms, the speed of your router, and the number of connected devices. We found the mesh routers that work best and arranged them in a nifty list for your perusal.
Netgear Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh Router
Spread the signal
Typically, our choice for Best Overall is not the most expensive of the products in our lineup, but Netgear’s Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band mesh router is the legitimate exception and with good reason. With WiFi coverage up to 5,000 SF for 60+ devices (in case your 59 siblings are on their iPads), the Orbi provides seamless connection at ultra-fast AX6000 speeds up to 6 Gbps. On the back of the unit, you will find five wired Ethernet ports, but on the inside is something even cooler: Triband Backhaul. This provides a dedicated band between your Orbi router and the satellite, which frees up the other two bands for maximum speed to your devices.
Pros:
- These routers work with all Internet providers so that anybody can enjoy their fast speeds and performance.
- They also support both Alexa and Google Assistant, meaning users don’t have to choose between platforms.
Cons:
- These may be more costly than other options on the market, but then again, the quality is higher, too.
NETGEAR Nighthawk Whole Home Mesh WiFi 6 System (MK62) – AX1800
Let the signal soar
It only makes sense that two Netgear products would make our list because the company has created reliable, quality routers and modems that gamers have trusted for years. The Nighthawk MK62 has many of the features of Netgear’s C7500 gaming router but in mesh router form. With WiFi 6 reliability of up to 3,000 square feet and four powerful streams of up to 1.8 Gbps, the MK62 provides flawless room-to-room roaming throughout your house. Two 1-gigabit ethernet ports are available, with a separate Guest WiFi Network option, so you don’t have to share your password.
Pros:
- The router works with cable, satellite, fiber, and DSL, making it one of the most versatile options out there.
- It also handles up to 25 devices at once, which should be plenty for one household.
- At half the cost of similar mesh routers, this is really a great value, given the quality.
Cons:
- There’s a bit of a learning curve when it comes to setting this router up, though tech-savvy users should manage.
ARRIS Surfboard Gigabit Docsis Modem and ARRIS Surfboard mAX Pro Mesh Router
Crank up the power
The Arris Surfboard mAX Pro brings the thunder with a mesh router that provides WiFi 6 coverage up to 6,000 square feet with total system speeds of up to 11 Gbps. The twelve streams of WiFi allow for simultaneous streaming of multiple 4K videos, smart home automation, and, of course, hardcore gaming. The Max Pro features a self-optimizing function that ensures your devices are always connected to the best available WiFi stream. You can even switch between networks using voice commands through Alexa or your Echo device or pause your connection and manage your network remotely.
Pros:
- This is one of the fastest available mesh routers out there, and it comes from a company known for making speedy WiFi devices.
- Once you’re set up, the WiFi connection is reliably stable, no matter the device.
Cons:
- For the inexperienced, setting up a VPN is difficult (if not impossible).
Linksys MX8000 Velop Mesh WiFi 6 System
Ideal for big houses
From another highly-trusted name in computer hardware, this system from Linksys is the next generation in wireless overage. And if you need additional coverage, you can simply add another module. The 2-pack provides WiFi 6 at 4 Gbps, both indoors and outdoors, and can handle up to 80 devices. If you’re gaming with the team, the next-generation access automatically increases efficiency on the fly, maintaining uninterrupted access to gigabit WiFi speeds. Though it’s one of the more expensive systems we researched, it’s worth every penny.
Pros:
- We love that this router has enough coverage to connect all the devices in our home and any we may have in the backyard.
- The Linksys app makes it easy to get this router set up and control it from a distance.
Cons:
- The performance seems to vary depending on your internet service provider.
Synology RT2600ac Dual-Band Gigabit WiFi Router
Switch it up
The Synology RT2600ac has all the features gamers need, and all you need to do is glance at its specs to prove it. Whether you consider its 1.7 Gigahertz Dual-core processor, its whopping dual-radio, MU-MIMO-enabled wave, or its wireless speeds (which can approach 2.13Gbps), you’ll see that this isn’t small potatoes here. Simply put, it’s what you’d expect from a professional gaming router. But in the same package, Synology adds their proprietary, optimized mesh hub with 2.13 Gbps bandwidth and a dedicated tri-band. This combination affords gamers — especially those using tablets — the mobility they want. All of this is at a cost that’s less than most standalone gaming routers.
Pros:
- We like that this router can be remotely managed via the app or web client, giving us some flexibility over how it’s controlled.
- It seems to seamlessly connect iPhones and other devices to VPNs, which is great for privacy.
Cons:
- The setup and installation can be somewhat complicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a mesh router system require a modem?
The mesh router is designed to extend the range of your WiFi signal, but the router still requires a connection to a modem, which you’ll likely need to purchase separately.
Can’t I just use my Amazon eero or Google Hub for gaming?
You can try, but typically these mesh router systems don’t provide the kind of gigabit speed required for hardcore online gaming.
Why go with a mesh router instead of a whole new network?
The beauty of a mesh router is fixing dead spots in your workspace. If you find that there are areas of your home or office that aren’t getting the full signal that your network is capable of, then mesh routers are the answer. If your entire network is experiencing slow Internet speeds, then it’s probably a network problem, in which case you need to talk with your ISP and consider new network hardware.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.