The Best Wi-Fi Mesh Network System Deals This Week*
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Sure, maintaining smooth Wi-Fi performance and throughput for video streaming, gaming, and linking up smart home devices is important. But now that so many folks are working from home, you also need to consider how crucial work applications and different modes of work communication (especially video conferencing) perform over your home network. If your job or your children’s education rely on robust connectivity, strong, whole-house wireless coverage goes from a nice-to-have to a must.That’s where Wi-Fi mesh router systems come in. These kits blanket your home in a consistent web of Wi-Fi signal, using multiple physical pieces of transmitting hardware to help spread the signal. Let’s take a look at the best Wi-Fi mesh routers we’ve tested, followed by tips for understanding the features to consider before you buy one.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8)
Best Wi-Fi Mesh System for Most People
Why We Picked ItThe Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) is a tri-band Wi-Fi 6 mesh system that delivered speedy throughput scores in testing. It’s a two-piece system that offers plenty of coverage for medium to large homes (up to 5,500 square feet) and can be paired with other Asus devices that support AIMesh technology. It’s a snap to install and manage thanks to a user-friendly mobile app, and it comes with free lifetime parental controls and network security software. Who It’s ForThe Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) is a solid choice for anyone looking for an easy way to eliminate wireless dead spots. Its robust parental controls and anti-malware software make it an ideal choice for families that want to monitor and limit online activities while providing secure Wi-Fi 6 coverage to all corners of their home. It’s also a great choice if you plan on making wired connections, as its 2.5Gbps WAN/LAN port lets you take advantage of high-speed internet plans and provides speedy connectivity to NAS devices. Plus, at $399 for a two-pack and frequently available on sale, its current pricing is less than it was when we tested it three years ago, making it still expensive but potentially more attractive to people who want to maximize their networking budget.
PROS
Easy to install
Excellent performance
Lifetime parental controls and network security tools
Multi-gig LAN port
USB connectivity. User-friendly app
CONS
Pricey
Some advanced settings require web console
SPECS
Name
Value
Wireless Specification
802.11ax
Number of Bands
3
Total Rated Throughput
AX6000
Number of Antennas
6
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
3 on router, 4 on node
MU-MIMO
Quality of Service (QoS)
Security
WPA, WPA2, WPA3
Parental Controls
IPv6 Compatible
Coverage Area for Hardware as Tested
5500 sq ft
Number of Nodes
2
Wired Backhaul
Anti-Malware Tools
Number of USB ports
1
Separate Bands
DD-WRT / Tomato-Compatible
Learn More
Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) Review
Vilo Mesh Wi-Fi System
Best Budget Wi-Fi Mesh Network System
Why We Picked ItThe Vilo Mesh Wi-Fi System is the most affordable three-piece mesh system we’ve come across. It’s now $115.99 for a three-pack, up from $59.99 when we tested it in 2021, but it’s still a steal even at current pricing. It’s not a superstar performer, and it uses older Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) technology, but it is very easy to install and manage, offers good range, and comes with parental controls that let you schedule internet access times and allow or disallow internet access for any device.Who It’s ForIf you need to fill in Wi-Fi dead zones but don’t have the money for a mesh system that uses the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, the Vilo Mesh Wi-Fi system will get the job done. We don’t recommend this system for users who do a lot of 4K video streaming or those who download large chunks of data, but it is more than suitable for everyday web surfing and basic home networking duties.
PROS
Very affordable
Easy to install and manage
Basic parental controls
CONS
Uses older technology
Lacks malware protection and QoS settings
Middling throughput performance
No USB ports
SPECS
Name
Value
Wireless Specification
802.11ac
Number of Bands
2
Total Rated Throughput
AC1200
Number of Antennas
12
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
2 on router, 3 on nodes
MU-MIMO
Quality of Service (QoS)
Security
WPA, WPA2
Parental Controls
IPv6 Compatible
Coverage Area for Hardware as Tested
4500 sq ft
Number of Nodes
3
Wired Backhaul
Anti-Malware Tools
Number of USB ports
0
Separate Bands
DD-WRT / Tomato-Compatible
Learn More
Vilo Mesh Wi-Fi System Review
Asus ROG Rapture GT6 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Mesh System
Best Wi-Fi Mesh System for Gaming
Why We Picked ItAsus’ ROG Rapture GT6 is a sleek-looking, two-piece mesh system designed with gamers in mind. It combines game-enhancing settings, fast throughput, strong signal performance, and free Trend Micro network security software in a package that’s a snap to set up and manage. The Asus ROG Rapture GT6 kit not only delivered superior throughput and strong Wi-Fi signals in our tests, but it offers numerous features designed to enhance your online gaming experience, including a dedicated game port and a variety of gamer-centric settings. Throw in a cool-looking design with Aura RGB lighting effects, and it’s obvious why this mesh system should be at the top of gamers’ lists. Who It’s ForThe GT6 is a no-brainer addition to any household with many connected devices, especially if several of those are gaming PCs and consoles. The two reasons to opt for a cheaper non-mesh gaming router over the GT6 are if you’ve got a smaller home with less interference from neighboring Wi-Fi networks, or you’re on a strict budget.
PROS
Multi-gig WAN with strong broadcast signal
Sleek design
Speedy throughput performance
Lots of game-friendly features
Included anti-malware and parental control software
SPECS
Name
Value
Wireless Specification
802.11ax
Number of Bands
3
Total Rated Throughput
AX10000
Number of Antennas
9
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
3
MU-MIMO
Quality of Service (QoS)
Security
WPA2, WPA3
Parental Controls
IPv6 Compatible
Coverage Area for Hardware as Tested
5800 sq ft
Number of Nodes
2
Wired Backhaul
Anti-Malware Tools
Number of USB ports
1
Separate Bands
DD-WRT / Tomato-Compatible
Learn More
Asus ROG Rapture GT6 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Mesh System Review
TP-Link Deco X4300 Pro
Best Wi-Fi Mesh System for Medium to Large Homes
Why We Picked ItAny Wi-Fi mesh system worth its salt is easy to use, delivers good performance, and comes with parental control software that allows you to monitor and limit internet usage. The TP-Link Deco X4300 Pro checks all these boxes, plus it delivers up to 7,000 square feet of coverage for those who like to live large. It installed in minutes using the intuitive Deco mobile app and performed admirably on our throughput and signal strength performance tests. It also uses most of the latest Wi-Fi 6 technologies, including support for 160MHz channel bandwidth. Who It’s ForIf your current Wi-Fi router is unable to bring a strong wireless signal to every room in your four-to-six-bedroom house, the Deco X4300 Pro can help. It’s a moderately priced three-piece system that comes with free basic network security and parental control software, and also offers a paid subscription for more advanced parental controls and network security tools.
PROS
Speedy performance and wide coverage
Easy to install and manage
Comes with parental control and network security software
Multi-gig Ethernet connectivity
CONS
Expensive
No USB ports
Some HomeShield features require subscription
SPECS
Name
Value
Wireless Specification
802.11ax
Number of Bands
2
Total Rated Throughput
AX4300
Number of Antennas
4
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
2 on router, 3 on nodes
MU-MIMO
Quality of Service (QoS)
Security
WPA2, WPA3
Parental Controls
IPv6 Compatible
Coverage Area for Hardware as Tested
7000 sq ft
Number of Nodes
3
Wired Backhaul
Anti-Malware Tools
Number of USB ports
0
Separate Bands
DD-WRT / Tomato-Compatible
Learn More
TP-Link Deco X4300 Pro Review
Netgear Orbi RBKE963 WiFi 6E Mesh System
Best Wi-Fi Mesh System for Very Large Homes
Why We Picked ItThe Netgear Orbi RBKE963 is a three-piece mesh system that employs the latest Wi-Fi 6E technology to access the relatively uncrowded 6GHz radio band. This wildly expensive system delivered very fast throughput speeds in our performance tests, and it offers excellent signal range. It’s loaded with high-end components and is easy to configure. Who It’s ForPeople with very large dwellings (up to 9,000 square feet) and very large bank accounts who want to blanket their home in the latest Wi-Fi technology should take a look at the Orbi RBKE963. This beefy mesh system offers multi-gig WAN and LAN ports and comes with basic parental controls, but you can subscribe to Netgear’s Smart Parental Controls if you require age-based web filters, detailed browser history reports, and internet time rewards.
PROS
Blazing performance
Supports 6GHz Wi-Fi
Easy to install and manage
Multi-gig connectivity
Excellent signal range
CONS
Very expensive
Some features require a subscription
Lacks USB ports
SPECS
Name
Value
Wireless Specification
Number of Bands
4
Total Rated Throughput
AX11000
Number of Antennas
12
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
4 on router, 4 on node
MU-MIMO
Quality of Service (QoS)
Security
WPA2, WPA3
Parental Controls
IPv6 Compatible
Coverage Area for Hardware as Tested
9000 sq ft
Number of Nodes
3
Wired Backhaul
Anti-Malware Tools
Number of USB ports
0
Separate Bands
DD-WRT / Tomato-Compatible
Learn More
Netgear Orbi RBKE963 WiFi 6E Mesh System Review
Eero Pro 6E
Best Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System
Why We Picked ItAs with the Eero 6+, the Eero Pro 6E delivered fast throughput scores and strong signal strength in our performance tests. Both also offer the ability to control home automation devices and easy setup. But in return for a slightly higher price, the Eero Pro 6E adds multi-gig connectivity and support for Wi-Fi 6E. As more and more compatible client devices become available, this mesh system will let you take advantage of the relatively un-crowded 6GHz radio band without missing a beat.Who It’s ForIf you want a Wi-Fi 6E powered mesh system that is easy to set up and manage, the Eero Pro 6E is worth a look. As every high-end mesh system should, it supports 160MHz channel bandwidth for optimal throughput speeds. A USB port or two would be nice, and it’s unfortunate that parental controls require an optional subscription, but if easy setup and strong performance are your main concerns, the Eero Pro 6E will fit the bill.
PROS
Easy to install
Support for Wi-Fi 6E
Speedy throughput performance
Wide signal range
Built-in Zigbee radio
Multi-gig WAN port
Stylish, low-profile nodes
CONS
Pricey
Parental control and network security software not included
No USB ports
SPECS
Name
Value
Wireless Specification
802.11ax
Number of Bands
3
Total Rated Throughput
AXE5400
Number of Antennas
7
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
1 on router, 2 on satellites
MU-MIMO
Quality of Service (QoS)
Security
WPA2, WPA3
Parental Controls
IPv6 Compatible
Coverage Area for Hardware as Tested
6000 sq ft
Number of Nodes
2
Wired Backhaul
Anti-Malware Tools
Number of USB ports
0
Separate Bands
DD-WRT / Tomato-Compatible
Learn More
Eero Pro 6E Review
Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro
Best Budget Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System
Why We Picked ItReasonably priced as far as mesh systems go, the Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro delivered speedy 5GHz throughput in testing, is easy to manage, and offers multi-gig and USB connectivity. Its performance on the 6GHz (Wi-Fi 6E) band is also good, though not quite as good as its 5GHz performance. It comes with free network security software, and you can add an additional node to cover homes up to 6,000 square feet for a total price of $393.99. Who It’s ForThe Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro two-pack is a good value and a smart choice for anyone looking to jump on the 6GHz bandwagon. It’s also a breeze to install and manage using the Wyze mobile app.
PROS
Reasonably priced
Wi-Fi 6E support
Strong 5GHz throughput performance
Multi-gig Ethernet and USB connectivity
Built-in network security software
Low-profile nodes
CONS
Lacks strong parental controls
Limited settings
SPECS
Name
Value
Wireless Specification
802.11ax with 6E
Number of Bands
3
Total Rated Throughput
AX5400
Number of Antennas
6
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
1 on main router, 2 on node
MU-MIMO
Quality of Service (QoS)
Security
WPA2, WPA3
Parental Controls
IPv6 Compatible
Coverage Area for Hardware as Tested
4000 sq ft
Number of Nodes
2
Wired Backhaul
Anti-Malware Tools
Number of USB ports
1
Separate Bands
DD-WRT / Tomato-Compatible
Learn More
Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro Review
Eero Max 7
Best Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System
Why We Picked ItThe Eero Max 7 is a whole-home mesh Wi-Fi system that uses Wi-Fi 7 technology and high-speed ports to deliver exceptional throughput speeds. Wi-Fi 7 is still a draft wireless standard, and few devices other than routers support it. Still, if you’d like to future-proof your network, the Eero Max 7 is the way to do it. The system we reviewed, which has three nodes, managed more than 2Gbps throughput speeds in testing. The Max 7 also offers extensive support for home automation protocols like Zigbee, Matter, and Thread. Who It’s ForIf you’re looking to future-proof your Wi-Fi network, you probably also dabble in home automation, and the Max 7 serves both needs proficiently. Most other people don’t need to spend the kind of cash that Wi-Fi 7 requires right now, and will be just fine with a much cheaper Wi-Fi 6 mesh system.
PROS
Fast performance
Strong signal coverage
Easy to install and manage
Supports Thread, Matter, and Zigbee protocols
10GbE and 2.5GbE ports
CONS
Pricey
Lacks USB connectivity
Parental controls and network security software require a paid subscription
SPECS
Name
Value
Wireless Specification
802.11be
Number of Bands
3
Total Rated Throughput
BE20800
Number of Antennas
10
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
3 on router, 4 on node
MU-MIMO
Quality of Service (QoS)
Security
WPA2, WPA3
Parental Controls
IPv6 Compatible
Coverage Area for Hardware as Tested
5000 sq ft
Number of Nodes
2
Wired Backhaul
Anti-Malware Tools
Number of USB ports
0
Separate Bands
DD-WRT / Tomato-Compatible
Learn More
Eero Max 7 Review
Eero 6+
Best Expandable Wi-Fi Mesh System
Why We Picked It Amazon’s Eero 6+ is more than just a stylish three-piece Wi-Fi 6 mesh system. Sure, it delivers fast wireless throughput and strong signal transmissions in homes of up to 4,500 square feet, but it also has hidden talents. It functions as a home automation hub that controls Zigbee devices such as cameras, smart plugs, and thermostats. And of course, it works with Alexa voice commands and routines.Who It’s ForThe Eero 6+ is a good fit for those who use Amazon Alexa to control their smart home devices. It uses sleek, low-profile nodes to bring Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and home automation control to every room in the house, and it can access 160MHz channels. It comes with a thoughtfully designed mobile app that lets you control everything from your phone, but you’ll have a pay a bit more for parental control and network security software.
PROS
Excellent performance
Easy to install and manage
Controls home automation devices
Supports 160MHz channels
CONS
Pricey
Lacks USB connectivity
Some features require a subscription
SPECS
Name
Value
Wireless Specification
802.11ax
Number of Bands
2
Total Rated Throughput
AX3000
Number of Antennas
0
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
1 on router, 2 on satellites
MU-MIMO
Quality of Service (QoS)
Security
WPA2, WPA3
Parental Controls
IPv6 Compatible
Coverage Area for Hardware as Tested
4500 sq ft
Number of Nodes
3
Wired Backhaul
Anti-Malware Tools
Number of USB ports
0
Separate Bands
DD-WRT / Tomato-Compatible
Learn More
Eero 6+ Review
TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro Tri-Band Mesh System
Best Wi-Fi Mesh System for Efficient Wireless Backhaul
Why We Picked ItA mesh system can use one of a few different means of communicating between its nodes. This process, called backhaul, is essential to blanketing your home with strong, fast Wi-Fi signals. While most mesh systems use a dedicated 2.4GHz or 5GHz band for backhaul, the TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro instead defaults to using a 6GHz band, known as Wi-Fi 6E. This is among the most efficient setups we’ve seen, since few client devices have Wi-Fi 6E support yet, and the 6GHz spectrum is still relatively uncrowded. And if you do have Wi-Fi 6E-capable devices or are lucky enough to have a wired Ethernet connection for backhaul, the XE75 Pro can be configured to use 6GHz for client communications instead. Who It’s ForIf you’re in the market for a cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6E mesh system, but don’t have many Wi-Fi 6E-capable devices, you might want to consider the XE75 Pro. It puts Wi-Fi 6E technology to good use behind the scenes, while standing ready to use the 6GHz band for client devices in the future. Plus, at the current MSRP of $299 for a two-pack (cheaper than when we reviewed it), it’s reasonably priced.
PROS
Easy installation
Wi-Fi 6E support
HomeShield parental control and security software included
Multi-gig WAN
Solid performance
CONS
Pricey
No USB ports
Some HomeShield features require a subscription
SPECS
Name
Value
Wireless Specification
802.11ax with 6E
Number of Bands
3
Total Rated Throughput
AXE5400
Number of Antennas
0
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
3 on each node
MU-MIMO
Quality of Service (QoS)
Security
WPA3, WPA2, WPA
Parental Controls
IPv6 Compatible
Coverage Area for Hardware as Tested
5500 sq ft
Number of Nodes
2
Wired Backhaul
Anti-Malware Tools
Number of USB ports
0
Separate Bands
DD-WRT / Tomato-Compatible
Learn More
TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro Tri-Band Mesh System Review
Buying Guide: The Best Wi-Fi Mesh Network Systems for 2024
Many late-model wireless routers can project strong signal to most rooms of a typical medium-size house. But larger homes and dwellings with dense walls, multiple floors, metal and concrete substructures, and other material impediments may require additional components to bring Wi-Fi to areas that a single router can’t reach. Range extenders can help fill dead zones, but most provide only half the bandwidth that you get from your main router. Access points, meanwhile, offer more bandwidth than range extenders, but they require a wired connection to the main router. And both solutions typically create a new network SSID that you have to log in to as you move from one area of the house to another.If you’re new to networking, you might be worrying that all of the above will leave you sitting on the floor surrounded by a lot of router documentation and questioning your life choices. Fortunately, there’s another alternative: a mesh Wi-Fi system.What Is a Wi-Fi Mesh System?Also known by popular brand names like Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro, or TP-Link Deco, mesh systems (or mesh Wi-Fi routers) are designed to blanket your home with wireless coverage. These systems are a hybrid of sorts, made up of several networking components. A main router connects directly to your modem, and a series of satellite modules, or nodes, get placed throughout your house. They are all part of a single wireless network, and they share the same SSID and password. Unlike range extenders, which typically communicate with the router via the 2.4GHz or 5GHz radio bands, most Wi-Fi system satellites use mesh technology to talk to the router and to each other.Setting up and maintaining a traditional wireless home network can be daunting, even if you’re tech-savvy. Wi-Fi mesh systems, on the other hand, are geared toward users with little or no technical knowledge and can be installed in minutes. They typically come with a user-friendly mobile app that walks you through the installation process with easy-to-follow illustrated instructions. The app tells you where to place each node for maximum coverage and chooses the best Wi-Fi channel and radio band for optimal throughput performance, so you can maintain a strong wireless connection as you move about the house.
(Credit: TP-Link )
Wi-Fi mesh systems are easy to expand (with no current limit on the number of nodes you can add) and manage using your smartphone. From an app, you can disable Wi-Fi access to specific devices with the press of a button, or give certain devices network priority without having to log in to a complicated network console.What Should I Look for in Wi-Fi Mesh Router Design and Features?Most Wi-Fi mesh systems look nothing like a traditional setup with a router and range extender. The router and nodes use internal antennas and are almost always tastefully designed so you can place them out in the open rather than in a closet or under a desk. (Don’t expect to find a lot of flashing LED indicators—these systems are designed to blend in with your home’s décor.) They usually have at least one LAN port for connecting to devices like TVs and gaming consoles, but USB connectivity is a rare feature at this point.
(Credit: Netgear)
Similar to modern standalone routers, mesh systems are multi-band networking devices that operate on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz radio bands. Some models offer support for Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) technology, which streams data to multiple compatible wireless clients simultaneously rather than sequentially. Most Wi-Fi systems use band steering to automatically select the least-crowded radio band for the best performance and offer easy-to-use parental controls, guest networking, and device-prioritization options. While designed for ease of use, they usually let you configure port forwarding and wireless security settings but lack the advanced network-management options such as individual band control, firewall settings, and wireless transmission rate settings that you get with a traditional router. Nor can you use third-party WRT firmware to customize the system for enhanced performance and network monitoring.Do Wi-Fi Mesh Systems Support Wi-Fi 6?Some do, yes, and you should insist on it in a new mesh system if you own client devices that support it. Wi-Fi 6 (also called 802.11ax) is an evolution of 802.11ac technology that promises increased throughput speeds (up to 9.6Gbps), less network congestion, greater client capacity, and better range performance courtesy of several new and improved wireless technologies, including Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA). OFDMA improves overall throughput by breaking Wi-Fi channels into sub-channels, allowing up to 30 users to share a channel at the same time. Additionally, 802.11ax takes advantage of previously unused radio frequencies to provide faster 2.4GHz performance and uses MU-MIMO streaming, too. Some Wi-Fi 6 devices can also communicate on the less-crowded 6GHz band, which is known as Wi-Fi 6E. For more on the benefits of the 802.11ax protocol, check out our speed tests and primer What Is Wi-Fi 6?Which Is Better: A Wireless Mesh Router, or a Range Extender?If you’re worried what these systems might cost, don’t sweat it; aside from a few pricey contenders, most mesh systems are only slightly more expensive than a router/range extender combination. Wi-Fi systems range in price from less than $100 for a single-node system to at least $300 for a setup that can cover a 3,000-square-foot house with three or more nodes.
(Credit: Amazon)
The pricing looks higher with these systems because, in most cases, you’re paying for at least two devices, the router and a router node that forms the mesh. Most systems, in fact, come with two nodes, so you’re buying three devices in total. If you break it down per device, you’ll most often find that they cost only a little more than you’d pay for a similarly powered router and range extender solution. That’s especially true now that we’re seeing prices coming down on mesh systems, even the newer models compatible with Wi-Fi 6.Also remember: Wi-Fi systems are all about ease of use. They are a snap to set up and manage, offer whole-house coverage via a series of attractive nodes, and provide seamless room-to-room roaming over a single network. If you want total control over your network and require the best possible throughput performance and connectivity options, stick with a traditional router solution. If you don’t want to deal with things like assigning radio bands and logging in to different networks as you move throughout your home, however, a Wi-Fi system makes sense. (For more about the differences between these two technologies, check out our explainer Wi-Fi Range Extender vs. Mesh Network: What’s the Difference?)So, What Is the Best Wi-Fi Mesh System to Buy?We’ve laid out our top mesh picks in the detailed spec breakout chart below. For even more detail, you can click through to our full reviews of the best Wi-Fi systems we’ve tested. Need some more help getting all your devices up and running their fastest? Check out our tips for troubleshooting your internet connection. And once you’ve picked out the best product for your home, read our primer on how to set up a mesh Wi-Fi router.
