The Best Mesh Routers
Whether you're at home or work, there's nothing worse than trying to get things done with a poor WiFi reception. To boost your signal, a mesh router setup can be essential. By using multiple wireless devices with powerful transmitters, you can enjoy speedy internet over thousands of square footage. This lets you stream 4K videos, play games lag-free, and download large files at wicked-fast speeds. Mesh WiFi routers can seem overwhelming, but these days they are incredibly easy to set up. Keep reading as we explore the top mesh routers on the market.
What to Look For
To find the best mesh routers on the market, we used careful research. This is what we looked for: connection speeds, WiFi 5 or 6 compatibilities, and the price point. For the ultimate speed, Netgear’s Orbi system tops our list at a lightning-fast six gigabytes per second. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for something a bit more affordable, Eero’s dual-band router is the way to go. It’s a fraction of the cost and offers a bit less speed, but it still creates a powerful, wide-range WiFi network that can eliminate dead zones. Read on to learn more about these mesh routers and how they can bring your home internet into the 21st century.
Linksys MX8000 Velop Mesh WiFi 6 System
Blazing-fast speeds in every corner
With this WiFi setup, you may be able to say goodbye to dead zones in your house. This system uses MX8000 access points to distribute WiFi across an enormous space. This system is so strong you may still be able to use your WiFi from the garage or backyard. Because the MX8000 system uses WiFi 6, it also offers a super-fast bandwidth speed, which can reach up to 4Gbps.
Pros:
- The nodes connect wirelessly, so you don’t have to switch between nodes. Instead, you can automatically connect to the closest node.
- The advanced settings are fully configurable. If you want to change the server, set up port forwarding, or establish a guest network, you can do it all.
Cons:
- It can occasionally take a while to reboot if you change a DHCP setting, for example.
Netgear Orbi Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System RBK852
Ditch the dead zones
From tablets, phones, and laptops to smart home devices like Alexa, almost everything seems to use WiFi these days. Normal routers can struggle with so many devices, which is why we recommend this mesh Wifi system from Netgear. It uses WiFi 6 technology to supply speeds of up to 2.5Gbps. Thanks to the satellite node, you can provide coverage to multiple rooms at once. And if you find you need to expand your network, you can try adding more satellite nodes to boost the range.
Pros:
- Network speeds remain strong even when far away from the access points, with little reduction in signal strength when in range.
- This can make WiFi calling and FaceTime videos much more stable. You’ll have a clearer connection and quality compared to regular router setups.
Cons:
- The browser interface for configuration can be a bit slow.
Eero 6 Dual-Band Mesh Wi-Fi Router
Small yet powerful
Setting up a mesh WiFi network in your home doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Enter the Eero dual-band router with Wifi 6. It’s a modular mesh router that can be expanded based on your needs. It costs a fraction of what most mesh routers cost and still has plenty of signal strength, covering around 1,500 square feet.
Pros:
- This is compatible with a few other Eero mesh router models. That way, you can upgrade your older system or add on to this one with less expensive versions.
- The setup can take as little as 10 minutes. You can change the password and SSID to the same one as your previous router, and your old devices may automatically reconnect.
Cons:
- Because certain devices change their MAC addresses when restarting, their parental controls and privacy filters may need to be reconfigured each time.
ASUS ZenWiFi AX6600 Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System
Fast installation, fast speeds
Setting up a new router setup for mesh WiFi might sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be — especially with the AX6600 mesh WiFi package. The app to set it up makes it super easy to install. It uses two powerful transmitters to spread WiFi throughout multiple rooms. If you have fast internet, this will be able to provide the speeds you’re paying for.
Pros:
- The setup can be completed in less than ten minutes, and it’s intuitive for novice users. The app makes it straightforward and fast.
- Switching between the two wireless nodes is a seamless process. You don’t necessarily have to manually switch connections to a new SSID since both transmitters use the same one.
- You can even set up a secure VPN server using this system.
Cons:
- If you’re unfamiliar with some of the technical terms, the setup can take a bit longer to figure out.
Google Wifi AC1200 Mesh WiFi System Wifi Router
Ultimate control
With the advent of 4K and 8K streaming and the increasing demands for lag-free gaming, you’re going to want a wireless system that can handle the pressure. Google’s AC1200 mesh router setup can handle gigabit internet and use it to its fullest capability. Even with 20+ connected devices, the stability is fantastic. Naturally, this system works seamlessly with Google Home devices. Of course, if you prefer Alexa or Siri, it also works well with those.
Pros:
- With each router sporting Ethernet ports, you can keep your wired network configured without much hassle. This system makes it easy to incorporate into whatever internet setup you have at home.
- This system will work through multiple rooms and even multiple floors. You can even use WiFi outside of your house with this system and can add more units to expand WiFi coverage.
Cons:
- With three nodes (and each with its own power cable and ethernet ports), the setup can take a while to calibrate for optimal speeds in your space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an SSID?
SSID, short for Service Set Identifier, is the name of your WiFi network. Most routers have multiple SSIDs for 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz connections. Mesh WiFi systems, however, often use one SSID, so you can instantly switch between access nodes without interruption.
Do I need to use more than two or three mesh WiFi nodes?
Two or three WiFi nodes are adequate for most houses ranging from about 5,000 to 6,000 square feet. If you have thick concrete walls, you might want to add one or two nodes. And if you’re looking to spread WiFi to a guest house or across a huge lawn or backyard, you also might want to add extra nodes.
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