Best mesh Wi-Fi systems of 2024
The best mesh Wi-Fi systems are the ultimate upgrade for your home network especially if you’re tired of dealing with Wi-Fi dead zones. These multi-piece kits can fill even the largest homes with a strong Wi-Fi signal whether you’re out in the garage or even in the backyard.
In order to determine which mesh Wi-Fi systems are the best, we put them through extensive real-world testing in a realhome. This includes running benchmarks at multiple distances to measure their speed, range and testing how these kits work together when combined into a single network. Plus, we evaluate how well each mesh Wi-Fi system is able to move data through walls and ceilings.
Based on our extensive benchmarking, the best mesh Wi-Fi system overall is the Netgear Orbi RBE973. This mesh router comes equipped with the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard for blazing fast speeds and has all the ports you need for multi-gig internet with a range of 95 feet. If you’re on a tight budget, the Vilo VLWFO1 is a great value pick for a three-piece, Wi-Fi 5 kit.
There are lots of other great mesh Wi-Fi systems we recommend for different use cases and homes based on our reviews, including larger, more powerful ones and more compact kits for smaller homes. These are the best mesh Wi-Fi systems you can buy right now.
The quick list
Value: ★★☆☆☆
Performance:★★★★☆
Range: ★★★★☆
The Netgear Orbi RBE973 is a Wi-Fi 7-powered mesh system with two 10 Gbps and four 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports. Each unit supports up to 200 connected devices and has a range of 3,300 square feet.
Value: ★★★★★
Performance: ★★☆☆☆
Range: ★★★★☆
The Vilo VLWF01 is the only Wi-Fi 5-powered mesh system on this list but for good reason. You can get a three-pack for just over $100 and additional satellites only cost $40. Each unit comes with three gigabit Ethernet ports, supports up to 40 connected devices and has a range of 95 feet.
Value: ★★★★★
Performance: ★★★★☆
Range: ★★★★☆
The TP-Link Deco XE75 is a Wi-Fi 6E-powered mesh system with three gigabit Ethernet ports. Each unit supports up to 200 connected devices and has a range of 2,400 square feet.
Value: ★★★☆☆
Performance: ★★★★☆
Range: ★★★☆☆
The eero Pro 6E is a Wi-Fi 6E-powered mesh system with a 2.5 and one gigabit Ethernet port. Each unit supports 100+ connected devices and has a range of 2,000 square feet.
Value: ★★★☆☆
Performance: ★★★★☆
Range: ★★★★★
The Netgear Orbi RBK863SB is a Wi-Fi 6-powered mesh system with a 10 Gbps WAN port and four gigabit Ethernet ports. Each unit supports up to 100 connected devices and has a range of 2,600 square feet.
Value: ★★★☆☆
Performance: ★★★★☆
Range: ★★★★☆
The Linksys Atlas Max 6E is a Wi-Fi 6E-powered mesh system with a 5 Gbps WAN port, three gigabit Ethernet ports and a USB 3.0 port. Each unit supports 195+ connected devices and has a range of 3,000 square feet.
Load the next 4 products…
Value: ★★★☆☆
Performance: ★★★★☆
Range: ★★★★☆
The Asus ROG Rapture GT6 is a Wi-Fi 6-powered mesh system with a 2.5 Gbps WAN port, three gigabit LAN ports and a USB 3.2 port. Each unit has a range of 2,900 square feet and customizable RGB lighting.
Value: ★★★☆☆
Performance: ★★★★★
Range: ★★★★☆
The TP-Link Deco BE85 is a Wi-Fi 7-powered mesh system with two 10 Gbps (one works as an SPF+ fiber port), two 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports and a USB 3.0 port. Each unit supports 200 connected devices and has a range of 3,400 square feet.
Value: ★★★★☆
Performance: ★★★☆☆
Range: ★★★★☆
The Linksys Velop Pro 7 is a Wi-Fi 7-powered mesh system with one 2.5 Gbps WAN port and four gigabit LAN ports. Each unit supports over 200 devices and has a range of 3,000 feet. The Velop Pro 7 gives you the benefits of Wi-Fi 7 without the sticker shock.
10. Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12
Value: ★★★☆☆
Performance: ★★★★☆
Range: ★★★★★
The Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 is a Wi-Fi 6E-powered mesh system with two 2.5 gigabit and two gigabit Ethernet ports. Each unit supports up to 200 connected devices and has a range of 3,000 square feet.
The best mesh Wi-Fi systems you can buy today
The best mesh Wi-Fi system overall
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Buy it if
✅ You have a multi-gig internet plan: The Orbi RBE973 is a great choice for those with multi-gigabit internet plans as it has two 10 Gbps Ethernet ports.
✅ You have a huge house: Each Orbi RBE973 device has a range of 3,300 feet and a three-pack can cover up to 10,0 square feet.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’re on a budget: The Orbi RBE973 is the most expensive Wi-Fi 7 mesh router released to date.
❌ You want free tech support: Netgear only includes 90 days of free tech support. After that, you’ll have to pay
The Orbi RBE973 is Netgear’s new flagship mesh Wi-Fi system and as such, it demands a premium price. While a two-pack will set you back $1,699, a three-pack is available for a whopping $2,299. Although Netgear’s Orbi devices are typically priced higher than the competition, the RBE973 is significantly more expensive than the $1,499 Orbi Wi-Fi 6E (RBKE963) it replaces. Still, if you want the best of the best in terms of Wi-Fi speeds and performance, this is the Wi-Fi 7 mesh router to get.
During our testing, the Orbi RBE973 was able to reach speeds of just over 2 Gbps at 15 feet from the router. This Wi-Fi 7 router has a maximum range of 95 feet but as is often the case with the 6 GHz band, we saw speeds drop off quickly the further we moved from the device. At 50 feet the Orbi RBE973 topped out at 495 Mbps and at 90 feet, we only managed to get 25.3 Mbps down. It’s worth noting that you’ll likely see better speeds at a distance if you switch to the 5 GHz band.
The Orbi RBE973 is a quad-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh router that in addition to the 6, 5 and 2.4 GHz bands, has a dedicated 5 GHz band for backhaul communications between the main unit and its satellites. It sports a slightly different design than past Orbi devices and is more cylindrical. At the rear of the main unit, you’ll find one 10 Gbps WAN port, one 10 Gbps and four 2.5 Gbps LAN ports whereas the satellites only have one 10 Gbps port and two 2.5 Gbps ports. The Orbi RBE973 performed well in our tests and its performance impressed us but we were less than pleased with its one-year warranty and 90 days of technical support.
Read our full Orbi RBE973 review
The best budget mesh Wi-Fi system
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Buy it if
✅ You want a compact mesh kit with a tower-style design
At just 2.7 x 2.7 x 5.9-inches, the Vilo VLWF01 is a very small mesh Wi-Fi system that won’t take up too much space at all.
✅ You don’t mind upgrading sooner rather than later
As this is a Wi-Fi 5-powered mesh system, it isn’t as futureproof as a Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 mesh router. You will likely need to upgrade down the line but the Vilo offers an inexpensive way to test out a mesh Wi-Fi system before investing in a more powerful one.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You have gigabit internet
A slower, Wi-Fi 5-based mesh system like this one won’t be able to take full advantage of more expensive internet plans with faster speeds.
❌ You want a mesh Wi-Fi system with built-in security
While the Vilo VLWF01 comes with parental controls from Bark, it doesn’t have built-in malware scanning like you’ll find on more expensive mesh Wi-Fi systems.
The Vilo VLWF01 may be a Wi-Fi 5-powered mesh system but you get quite a lot for just over $100. Normally, you would need to spend around $200 or more for just a two-piece mesh Wi-Fi system but here, you’re getting three identical units and any one of them can serve as your router. The Vilo VLWF01’s mini towers are also quite compact at just 5.8-inches tall and they can easily be tucked away on a bookshelf or placed on a desk.
During our testing, the Vilo VLWF01 was able to reach speeds of 455.4 Mbps at 15 feet and each unit has a range of 95 feet. Each mini-tower can cover up to 1,500 square feet and the three-pack is able to fill a 4,500 square foot home with a strong Wi-Fi signal. It’s worth noting that you can also buy additional Vilo units for just $40 each if you need to cover even more square footage.
At the back of each Vilo VLWF01, you’ll find three gigabit Ethernet ports and recessed reset button. Unlike more expensive mesh Wi-Fi systems though, Vilo doesn’t include any built-in security software but you do get parental control software from Bark. The Vilo VLWF01 is a good choice for those with slower internet plans (anything under gigabit Internet) that want to eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones without breaking the bank.
Read our full Vilo VLWF01 review
The best value mesh Wi-Fi system
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Buy it if
✅ You want Wi-Fi 6E on a budget: This is one of the best Wi-Fi 6E mesh systems you can get in a three-pack for under $500.
✅ You want built-in security software: TP-Link includes its HomeShield security software free of charge.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You have multi-gig internet: This mesh router only has gigabit ports unlike the Deco XE75 Pro.
❌ You want a lot of ports: There are only three Ethernet ports and no USB ports.
The Deco XE75 from TP-Link is available in either two-packs or three-packs and this mesh router system provides an inexpensive way to create a Wi-Fi 6E network that can fill your whole home with a strong Wi-Fi signal. Each of the two (or three) nodes can act as either a satellite or a router and they all have three Ethernet ports that can be used to hardwire devices or as a wired access point.
In our testing, the Deco XE75 had excellent data flow through walls, close up and at middle distances with a throughput of 1.220 Gbps at 15 feet. While you can use the 6GHz band to connect newer computers and phones, you can also use it for wireless backhaul between the unit designated as the router and the satellites.
One downside to the XE75 is that its Ethernet ports only support 1Gbps which is why TP-Link just released the Deco XE75 Pro which features a 2.5G Ethernet port for multi-gig connections.
Read our full TP-Link Deco XE75 review
The best mesh Wi-Fi system for Wi-Fi 6E
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Buy it if
✅ You want a compact mesh router: The eero Pro 6E is quite small and easy to hide on a bookshelf or desk.
✅ You don’t have a smart home hub yet: With Zigbee and Bluetooth built-in, you can use the eero Pro 6E as the center of your smart home.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You need a lot of ports: The eero Pro 6E only has two Ethernet ports in total (one gigabit Ethernet port and one 2.5 gigabit Ethernet port).
❌ You’re concerned about range: Each eero Pro 6E unit has a range of 85 feet whereas some other mesh routers can reach as far as 100 feet.
The Eero Pro 6E combines tri-band Wi-Fi 6E networking with a mesh setup that is quicker and easier than many of the other mesh Wi-Fi systems we’ve reviewed. With a single unit covering 2,000 square feet with fast Wi-Fi, the three-pack Eero Pro 6E will blanket up to 6,000 square feet with ease – and we set up the three-piece system in about 10 minutes.
It may not be the fastest or longest-reaching mesh kit we’ve tested, but the Eero Pro 6E can provide a gigabit of data per second up close while its 2.5Gbps Ethernet port means this mesh router is ready for when you decide to upgrade to multi-gig internet. The built-in Zigbee host can make this mesh router the center of your smart home and Amazon’s engineers are also working on adding Matter support in a future update. The Eero Pro 6E lets you set it and forget it while giving you speedy Wi-Fi 6E speeds. If you’re on a tighter budget though, the Eero Pro 6 and the Eero 6+ are both excellent Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems.
Another great thing about Eero’s mesh Wi-Fi systems is that you can use an Echo Dot as a mesh extender for additional Wi-Fi coverage. Also, if you’re an Eero Plus subscriber ($10 per month, $100 per year), you can set up Eero Internet Backup which uses your phone’s mobile hotspot to keep your home network and all of your devices working in the event of an internet outage.
Read our full Eero Pro 6E review.
The best mesh Wi-Fi system for Wi-Fi 6
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Buy it if
✅ You want excellent Wi-Fi 6 performance: This mesh router uses a new antenna design to boost mid-distance speeds and add extra range.
✅ You have a lot of smart home devices: The Orbi RBK863SB allows you to create a separate network for all of your smart home devices.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’re on a budget: Netgear’s Orbi devices are some of the best mesh routers out there but their priced at a premium compared to the competition.
❌ You need tech support: Tech support is limited to 90 days with this mesh router but you can pay extra for two additional years of support if you want.
The Netgear Orbi RBK863SB is a follow-up to the Netgear Orbi WiFi 6 (RBK852) which we’ve long hailed as the best Wi-Fi 6 router. This time around, Netgear has included an innovative new antenna design to help boost mid-distance performance as well as range. The Orbi RBK863SB can also create a separate network for all of your smart home devices for those that want to keep them isolated from the computers and smartphones on their main network.
During our testing, the Orbi RBK863SB reached 806 Mbps at 15 feet and we found that the router has a maximum range of 105 feet. Besides better mid-range performance and range, Netgear has an all-black version of the Orbi RBK863SB available to purchase on its site. The router and each of its satellites can support up to 100 devices which can tap into 40 and 80 MHz data channels but not the wider 160MHz channels like the Orbi RBKE963 can.
At the back of the Orbi RBK863SB, you’ll find four gigabit Ethernet ports as well as a 10 Gbps WAN port for connecting the main router to your cable modem. There’s also a Sync button as well as a recessed reset key but no On/Off button nor a USB port. Still, the Orbi RBK863SB is a big step up from its predecessor and can fill your home with a strong and reliable Wi-Fi 6 signal.
Read our full Netgear Orbi RBK863SB review.
The best mesh Wi-Fi system for thick walls
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Buy it if
✅ You have thick walls: The Atlas Max 6E was able to push a strong Wi-Fi 6E signal through walls in our tests.
✅ You want a lot of ports: This mesh router has four gigabit Ethernet ports, a 2.5 gigabit WAN port and a USB port.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You don’t have a lot of space: At 9.6 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches, the Atlas Max 6E units are quite bulky.
❌ You’re on a budget: The Atlas Max 6E still demands a high price despite being released back in 2021.
The Linksys Atlas Max 6E was the first mesh Wi-Fi router we tested that beat the Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi 6E (RBKE963) in terms of overall throughput. At 15 feet, the Atlas 6E had a throughput of 1.189 Gbps of data, which stayed strong at 25 feet (1.008 Gbps), before dropping to 382.2 Mbps at 50 feet.
Each Atlas Max 6E device has 12 amplified antennas, one 5Gbps WAN input port, four downstream gigabit LAN ports and a USB 3.0 port for attaching a storage device. Just as important, each unit can be configured as the host router or satellite during setup. We also like the fact that it comes with a three-year warranty and lifetime support, which blows away the competition.
However, the Linksys Atlas Max 6E is a much larger mesh Wi-Fi system than the likes of the Eero 6E or the Nest Wifi Pro. Just like with the Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi 6E (RBKE963), you’ll want to make sure you have enough room for the router and its satellites before picking one up.
Read our full Linksys Atlas Max 6E review.
The best mesh Wi-Fi system for gamers
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Buy it if
✅ You want a gaming router: The Asus ROG Rapture 6 looks like a gaming router but offers the range of a mesh Wi-Fi system.
✅ You want a router that stands out: The Asus ROG Rapture 6 includes built-in RGG and looks more like a compact gaming PC than a router.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want the latest Wi-Fi tech: The Asus ROG Rapture GT6 still uses Wi-Fi 6 instead of Wi-Fi 6E or even Wi-Fi 7.
The Asus ROG Rapture GT6 is a mesh router designed specifically for gamers that pushes Wi-Fi 6 to the max. Part of Asus’ Republic of Gamers line, this mesh Wi-Fi system is available in a two-pack and can cover up to 5,800 square feet with a strong Wi-Fi signal.
Unlike other mesh routers that are meant to be tucked away and hidden out of sight, the Asus ROG Rapture GT6 stands out with its trapezoidal shape and built-in RGB lighting. Under the hood, the GT6 has an array of nine antennas for better coverage and on the back, there’s a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port as well as three gigabit Ethernet ports and a USB 3.2 port for accessing data from a storage deviceacross your network.
Since the GT6 doesn’t ship with Wi-Fi 6E, it’s limited to a single 2.4 GHz band and a pair of 5 GHz bands. However, besides using 160 MHz data channels and beamforming, it creates 2X2 2.4GHz streams as well as 4X4 5GHz transmissions to reach a maximum throughput of 10.1 Gbps. In our testing, we were pleasantly surprised by how the GT6 was able to meet the Orbi RBK852 in terms of raw performance while also being cheaper.
Read our full Asus ROG Rapture GT6 review.
Best mesh Wi-Fi system for Wi-Fi 7
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Buy it if
✅ You want Wi-Fi 7: If you need the latest and greatest wireless tech for slightly cheaper than the competition, this is the mesh Wi-Fi router to get.
✅ You don’t want to have to upgrade later: This mesh Wi-Fi system won’t need to be upgraded for years as it ships with Wi-Fi 7 and can cover 9,600 square feet.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ Your internet plan isn’t multi-gig: Without a multi-gig internet plan, you won’t be able to truly take advantage of Wi-Fi 7’s faster speeds.
❌ You’re on a budget: At $1,500, the Deco BE85 is cheaper than other mesh routers with Wi-Fi 7 but not by much.
The TP-Link Deco BE85 is the first mesh Wi-Fi system with Wi-Fi 7 on board. This comes with a number of performance-enhancing features like the combination of ultra-wide 320 MHz data channels, 4K QAM and Multi-Link Operation (MLO) which allows it to aggregate multiple data channels. All of these upgrades make the TP-Link Deco BE85 the fastest mesh Wi-Fi system you can get right now but it comes at a steep price with a two-pack selling for $999 and a three-pack available for $1,499.
During our testing with a OnePlus 11 placed next to the Deco BE85, we were able to reach speeds of 3.9 Gbps. As is common with the 6 GHz band, as we moved farther away from the router, speeds dropped off quickly though we still managed to get 1.7 Gbps at a distance of 15-feet. However, the Deco BE85 still has a range of 100 feet.
The Deco BE85 is more than ready for multi-gig internet and at the back, you’ll find two 10 Gbps WAN ports, though one of them can be used as an SPF+ fiber port. There are also two 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports for connecting all of your wired devices, a WPS button for quick connections as well as a USB 3.0 port for sending data over your home network using an external drive. The Deco BE85 may be expensive but that’s the cost of being one of the first people to have a home filled with much faster Wi-Fi 7 data.
Read our full TP-Link Deco BE85 review.
The best budget mesh Wi-Fi system for Wi-Fi 7
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Buy it if
✅ You want Wi-Fi 7 on a budget: The Velop Pro 7 is one of the first mid-range Wi-Fi 7 mesh kits which makes it more affordable than both the Orbi RBE973 and the Deco BE85.
✅ Your house isn’t wired for Ethernet: This mesh kit can tap into faster 240 MHz channels for backhaul communications between the units.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ Your want the fastest Wi-Fi 7 performance: The Velop Pro 7 didn’t set any speed records in our tests like the other Wi-Fi 7 mesh kits on this list did.
❌ You have multi-gig wired devices: With only gigabit downstream ports, you won’t be able to get top speeds on your wired devices with multi-gig ports.
Unlike the other mesh Wi-Fi systems on our list of the best Wi-Fi 7 routers, the Linksys Velop Pro 7 is much more affordable though still priced higher than a Wi-Fi 6E mesh kit. You can pick up a three-pack for $900 which is less than half what you’d pay for the same configuration with the Orbi RBE973.
Of course, Linksys did make some compromises to sell the Velop Pro 7 at this price. For starters, you only get four gigabit Ethernet ports for your wired devices, though there is a multi-gig 2.5 Gbps WAN port to connect to your cable modem. At the same time, in our speed tests, we never managed to get over a gigabit and instead reached a max download speed of 916.7 Mbps at a distance of 15 feet.
Still though, the Velop Pro 7 gives you all of the other benefits of Wi-Fi 7 including faster 320 MHz data channels, 4K QAM and Multi-Link-Operations. Linksys also includes its Cognitive Security software which combines a filter for dangerous sites with machine learning-based online safety. If you want most of the best parts of Wi-Fi 7 without the sticker shock of other mesh Wi-Fi systems with the latest wireless standard, the Velop Pro 7 is a great choice.
Read our full Linksys Velop Pro 7 review.
The best mesh Wi-Fi system for large homes
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Buy it if
✅ You want built-in security: Asus includes its powerful AiProtection Pro security software for free with this mesh router.
✅ You want something compact: At almost 10 inches tall, hiding Asus’ ZenWiFi Pro ET12 units will likely be quite difficult.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You have a very big home: Since the Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 doesn’t come in a three-pack, it will be difficult to have a strong Wi-Fi signal throughout larger houses.
❌ You want the fastest data channels: This mesh router doesn’t support 320 MHz data channels which allow for much faster speeds.
The Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 is a Wi-Fi 6E mesh router that’s sold as a single unit or in pairs but not in a three-pack. Even with just two units though, you’ll be able to cover up to 6,000 square feet with a strong Wi-Fi signal or up to 6+ rooms, according to Asus. However, you will pay a bit of a premium for the Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and it’s unique design as a two-pack sells for $800 while a single unit can be had for $430. Fortunately though, this mesh Wi-Fi system often goes on sale for $100 less than its normal price.
Like the Nest Wi-Fi Pro or the TP-Link Archer BE800, the Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12’s design is one of its biggest selling points. It almost looks like a desktop model of a skyscraper with its chrome accents and clear top. In fact, if you look down on this mesh router from above, you can see several of its 10 antennas which create a spherical transmission pattern thanks to being aimed at a 45-degree angle. On the sides of the Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12, there are black cutouts that act as vents to bring cool air in and during our testing, the units never got hotter than 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
As for how the Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 performed in our tests, it was able to reach speeds of 1.27 Gbps at 15 feet and had an overall range of 90 feet. This mesh Wi-Fi system is also ready for multigig internet thanks to a pair of 2.5 gigabit Ethernet ports at its rear, though there are also two gigabit Ethernet ports for connecting your wired devices. Another thing that sets the Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 apart from other mesh routers is that Asus includes its AiProtection Pro security software free of charge to help keep your home network safe from online threats.
Read our full Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 review.
Testing results
| Distance | Netgear Orbi RBE973 | Vilo VLWF01 | TP-Link Deco XE75 | Eero Pro 6E | Netgear Orbi RBK863SB | Linksys Atlas Max 6E | Asus ROG Rapture GT6 | TP-Link Deco BE85 | Linksys Velop Pro 7 | Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 feet | 2.003Gbps | 455.4Mbps | 1.220 Gbps | 1.144Gbps | 806.9Mbps | 1.189 Gbps | 1.398 Gbps | 1.736 Gbps | 916.7 Mbps | 1.279 Gbps |
| 50 feet | 495.1Mbps | 102.4Mbps | 299.1 Mbps | 173.3Mbps | 547.7Mbps | 382.2 Mbps | 399.0 Mbps | 790.4 Mbps | 453.3 Mbps | 586.8 Mbps |
| 75 feet | 174.8Mbps | 71.5Mbps | 318.5 Mbps | 142.9Mbps | 195.3Mbps | 50.6 Mbps | 273.8 Mbps | 179.2 Mbps | 170.0 Mbps | 183.5 Mbps |
| 90 feet | 25.3Mbps | 12.1Mbps | 318.5 Mbps | X | 26.2Mbps | 6.5 Mbps | 5.6 Mbps | 42.6 Mbps | 12.1 Mbps | 86.1 Mbps |
Router specs
| Wi-Fi Router | Wi-Fi Generation | Wi-Fi Spec | Ports | Dimensions (LWH) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netgear Orbi RBE973 | Wi-Fi 7 | BE27000 | 1 10 Gbps WAN, 1 10 Gbps and 4 2.4 Gbps LAN (router), 1 10 Gbps and 2 2.5 Gbps LAN (satellites) | 11.4 x 5.5 x 5.1 inches |
| Vilo VLWF01 | Wi-Fi 5 | AC1200 | 1 gigabit WAN, 2 gigabit LAN | 5.8 x 2.7 x 2.7 inches |
| TP-Link Deco XE75 | Wi-Fi 6E | AXE5400 | 3 gigabit WAN/LAN | 6.8 x 4.1x 4.1 inches |
| Eero Pro 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | AX5400 | 2 gigabit WAN/LAN | 5.5 x 5.5 x 2.1 inches |
| Netgear Orbi RBK863SB | Wi-Fi 6 | AX6000 | 1 10 Gbps WAN, 4 1 gigabit LAN (router), 4 gigabit LAN (satellites) | 10.0 x 7.5 x 2.8 inches |
| Linksys Atlas Max 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | AXE8400 | 1 5 Gbps WAN, 4 gigabit LAN, 1 USB 3.0 (router/satellites) | 9.6 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches |
| Asus ROG Rapture GT6 | Wi-Fi 6 | AX10000 | 1 2.5 Gbps WAN, 3 gigabit LAN, 1 USB 3.2 | 7.1 x 6.2 x 3.0 inches |
| TP-Link Deco BE85 | Wi-Fi 7 | BE22000 | 2 10 Gbps WAN, 1 SPF+ fiber port, 2 2.5 Gbps LAN | 9.2 x 5.0 x 5.0 inches |
| Linksys Velop Pro 7 | Wi-Fi 7 | BE11000 | 1 2.5 Gbps WAN, 4 gigabit LAN | 8.7 x 3.7 x 3.7 inches |
| Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 | Wi-Fi 6E | AXE11000 | 1 2.5 Gbps WAN, 1 2.5 Gbps LAN and 2 gigabit LAN | 4.6 x 4.6 x 9.8 inches |
How to choose the best mesh Wi-Fi system for you
Coverage: If you have a larger home with 3,000 square feet or more, a regular router just won’t cut it. The same is true for multistory homes and oddly laid out houses, which don’t necessarily match the range pattern of coverage most standalone routers deliver.
Even if your home looks like it may be well-served by a traditional Wi-Fi router, there are plenty of obstacles and signal-disruptions that can make it difficult to get strong wireless coverage in every part of your home. In this case, the usual steps to make your Wi-Fi faster may not work.
The basic guideline is this: If your router leaves you with dead spots in your home or even in your yard, you’re likely better off with a mesh Wi-Fi system instead.
Speed: Picking the right mesh Wi-Fi system is much like any other Wi-Fi device. Our reviews examine the design, range and throughput performance, setup process and which settings you can adjust. We also look at each device’s built-in security features and parental controls. We even look at whether a mesh extension is easy to add to your home décor or whether it’s something you’ll want to tuck away out of sight.
All of our reviews dig into these aspects of a product while also highlighting any unique features worth considering in your decision making, like whether you want voice integration or how well a mesh system pairs with other smart home devices.
Ports: Though improved wireless connectivity is the main thing you want from a mesh Wi-Fi system, you’ll also want to think about wired connections. Ethernet offers faster connectivity for devices like game consoles and smart TVs that use more bandwidth and USB ports are useful for attaching older printers or storage to your network. However, not every mesh system has physical ports, so make sure you get a system that will meet your needs. Keep in mind though, you can always use an Ethernet switch to easily add more ports to your mesh router.
Price: For many shoppers, it all comes down to value – which mesh Wi-Fi system provides the most bang for your buck. So we also consider what you really get for your money, weighting which features are worthwhile and how any given product compares with other devices from competing manufacturers.
Mesh routers range in price from $120 to $400 or more. As mesh systems use multiple devices, you can generally buy a complete mesh Wi-Fi system as a two or three-unit package. However, you can also buy individual satellite units to extend a mesh network to cover a larger area. Individual units often sell for $100 to $200, though specialized units offering additional functions may cost more.
The products on this list are our top picks as they are the best mesh Wi-Fi systems you can buy right now. Whether it’s a question of performance, value or features, we call out the products that deliver the best value and explain why they might be the perfect fit for your home.
How we test the best mesh Wi-Fi systems
How we test the best mesh Wi-Fi systems
We test every mesh Wi-Fi system to measure performance and range, using Keysight IxChariot. Testing is done in a multi-story home with brick walls. As with standard routers, we test performance at a distance to provide real-world information about coverage and speeds. In addition to lab testing, we evaluate the ease-of-setup and features of each device.
We measure performance at a 5-foot distance without obstructions, so that we can gauge the maximum amount of data that the router can move. Higher throughput will serve you better in data-heavy uses, like streaming video, gaming, or connecting multiple users at once.
Range measures the furthest usable distance for the router. Longer ranges are better for larger homes, where rooms are spread out at a distance. We measure how much data a router can move at 5, 50, 75 and 100 feet, as well as what the maximum coverage area of a mesh Wi-Fi system.
We also test how well each mesh Wi-Fi system transmits and receives signals through drywall, brick, concrete and even metal walls; and how each handles coverage of a two- or three-story home. They also get additional testing to see how well each system does when sending a signal through the main router and through the included satellite units.
For more information, check out our guide on how we test Wi-Fi routers as well as our more general how we test page for Tom’s Guide.
Meet our testers
As someone who’s been working from home for the past six years, Anthony Spadafora has tried everything from Wi-Fi extenders to powerline adapters to get the most out of his home network before finally upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system. Along the way, he’s tested out loads of different routers and network configurations. Based on what he’s learned, Anthony tries to highlight the critical role Wi-Fi routers play in our day to day lives and how a mesh network can help solve the most common connectivity issues like Wi-Fi dead spots.
With experience in testing, using and evaluating wireless data from before Wi-Fi was even a word, Brian Nadel has tried out and reviewed every major router available in his home networking lab. A LAN nerd, his philosophy is to use the router the way you would, testing networking gear for ease of setup, performance, security and above all for value. The result is peace of mind when it comes to choosing the right router.
Check out all of our home networking coverage:
Best Wi-Fi routers | Best Wi-Fi 6 routers | Best Wi-Fi 7 routers | Best gaming routers | Best Wi-Fi extenders | Best powerline extenders
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