Wi-Fi Mesh Networking Systems: Buying Advice, Tips, and News
Mesh network systems are designed to cover dead zones and blanket your home with uninterrupted Wi-Fi coverage. They’re simple to set up and easy to expand with additional nodes if you have a large home. With lab-tested recommendations for every budget, we can point you to the right mesh router for your needs.
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Wi-Fi Woes? Here's How to Set Up and Find the Perfect Spots for Mesh Network NodesSuffering from spotty Wi-Fi in parts of your home? The right mesh network setup can help bring seamless connectivity to every corner. Here's how to optimize your internet connection.
By John R. Delaney
Our Top Picks
eero Pro 7
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The eero 7 Pro is an excellent, reasonably priced Wi-Fi 7 mesh system that uses 5GbE Ethernet jacks and 6GHz transmissions to deliver strong wireless performance to every corner of your home.
Full eero Pro 7 ReviewPros
- Easy to install
- Supports Thread, Matter, and Zigbee
- Uses the 6GHz radio band
- Good performance
- 5GbE networking
Cons
- Parental control and network security software cost extra
- No USB ports
Pros
- Easy to install
- Supports Thread, Matter, and Zigbee
- Uses the 6GHz radio band
- Good performance
- 5GbE networking
Cons
- Parental control and network security software cost extra
- No USB ports
TP-Link Deco 7 Pro BE63 BE10000 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi 7 System
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
TP-Link's easy-to-use Deco 7 Pro mesh system brings the latest 6GHz Wi-Fi 7 technology to your home—every inch of your home—with superb throughput and signal strength.
Full TP-Link Deco 7 Pro BE63 BE10000 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi 7 System ReviewPros
- Easy to install and manage
- Excellent throughput performance
- Multi-gig Ethernet ports
- USB port on each node
- HomeShield software included
Cons
- Pricey
- Some HomeShield features require a subscription
Pros
- Easy to install and manage
- Excellent throughput performance
- Multi-gig Ethernet ports
- USB port on each node
- HomeShield software included
Cons
- Pricey
- Some HomeShield features require a subscription
Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) is a whole home Wi-Fi 6 mesh system equipped with the latest 802.11ax hardware. It delivered speedy throughput in our testing and comes with tough parental controls, anti-malware software, and a 2.5G LAN port.
Full Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) ReviewPros
- 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
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
eero 6+
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The eero 6+ Wi-Fi mesh system makes it easy to bring speedy wireless networking to every room in your house, but you’ll pay extra for some security and management features.
Full eero 6+ ReviewPros
- Excellent performance
- Easy to install and manage
- Controls home automation devices
- Supports 160MHz channels
Cons
- Pricey
- Lacks USB connectivity
- Some features require a subscription
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
eero Pro 6E
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Eero Pro 6E is a speedy Wi-Fi 6E mesh system loaded with features, including multi-gig WAN and the ability to control home automation devices.
Full eero Pro 6E ReviewPros
- 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
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
Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
With high-speed ports, USB connectivity, and speedy performance, the Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro is a smart choice to serve as the brains of a future-proof home network.
Full Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro ReviewPros
- 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
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
Asus ROG Rapture GT6 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Mesh System
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Asus' 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.
Full Asus ROG Rapture GT6 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Mesh System ReviewPros
- Multi-gig WAN with strong broadcast signal
- Sleek design
- Speedy throughput performance
- Lots of game-friendly features
- Included anti-malware and parental control software
Cons
- Expensive
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
Cons
- Expensive
Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro is a pricey, powerful Wi-Fi 7 mesh system brimming with high-end features, including two 6GHz radio bands and two 10GbE networking ports.
Full Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro ReviewPros
- Excellent performance and wide coverage
- Dual 6GHz bands
- Lots of networking ports plus USB connectivity
- Network security and parental control software included
Cons
- Expensive
- No 2.5GbE ports
Pros
- Excellent performance and wide coverage
- Dual 6GHz bands
- Lots of networking ports plus USB connectivity
- Network security and parental control software included
Cons
- Expensive
- No 2.5GbE ports
Latest Wi-Fi Mesh Networking System Stories
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Sick and tired of slow speeds on your home network? Your router might be to blame. Pick up a multi-node mesh system at a deep discount and get peak coverage in every spot.
The Ring Alarm Pro is a powerful all-in-one home security system that pairs reliable protection with built-in Wi-Fi 6 networking, making it an excellent choice—especially if you also need a new router.
$229.99
The Netgear Orbi 870 Series is a pricey tri-band mesh system that uses high-end components and multi-gig ports to deliver strong Wi-Fi 7 throughout your home.
$999.99
Suffering from spotty Wi-Fi in parts of your home? The right mesh network setup can help bring seamless connectivity to every corner. Here's how to optimize your internet connection.
Working from home by day, gaming and streaming by night? Defeating Wi-Fi dead zones is more important than ever. A mesh network system blankets your home with uninterrupted wireless coverage. These are the best mesh routers we've tested.
The sale of new foreign-made Wi-Fi routers is now banned in the US. Here's why we're not pulling our recommendations of existing networking hardware from Asus, TP-Link, and other foreign companies.
A smart, balanced entry into Wi-Fi 7 mesh, TP-Link's Deco 7 Pro BE14000 impresses with coverage, features, and on-point (if not field-leading) performance.
$499.99
Wide signal coverage and simple setup and management make Motorola's MNQ1525 an appealing budget mesh option, but without 6GHz band support or multi-gig LAN, know that this is Wi-Fi 7 with a few asterisks.
$99.99
The Google Nest WiFi Pro three-pack will blanket your entire home with superfast Wi-Fi 6 speeds, and put an end to dead zones, while saving you $120 right now. Do not overthink this one.
The TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro 3-pack will cover your entire apartment with powerful Wi-Fi 6E speeds, supporting up to 200 devices, at a 38% discount on Amazon.
The Netgear Orbi Tri-Band 4-Pack Router System blankets your entire house with coverage of up to 10,000 square feet, and gives you Wi-Fi 6 speeds at a 37% discount.
The weatherproof AX3000 blankets your backyard with seamless mesh connections, delivers Wi-Fi 6 speeds, and saves you $60 on Amazon right now. Don't let this deal drop!
'It'll be specific to each brand, [but] personalization is the holy grail of commercialization,' Nick Seitz, global head of Starlink’s aviation business, said at CES panel this week.
The Motorola MQ20 is a tri-band Wi-Fi 6E mesh system that performs well and is easy to configure, but its list price approaches those of much better Wi-Fi 7 systems, making it a tough sell unless you can find it on sale.
$149.99
The Netgear Orbi 370 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh system that offers good performance and signal range—albeit with some key Wi-Fi 7 protocols omitted, making its reasonable price its best feature.
$329.99
The TP Link Deco X55 AX3000 gives you Wi-Fi 6 speeds up to 3.0 Gbps, kills dead zones, and with Cyber Week, you can pick it up for 40% off. Don't wait!
GFiber’s monthly cost has remained the same since 2012, and they keep adding more features.
If your home has Wi-Fi dead zones, a mesh system can fix things fast. With a rare $160 discount for Cyber Monday, the eero Pro 6E is the one I'd buy.
Cyber Monday sales are going strong, and we've found some fantastic discounts on top-rated Wi-Fi routers and mesh systems. Look no further to grab the best Wi-Fi deals.
