6 Best Wi-Fi Mesh Network Systems

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Last Updated: Feb 17, 2023 | Published: Jan 26, 2023
A hand holding a phone next to a router
A mesh network extends a Wi-Fi signal over a large area. (Image: Shutterstock)

The only thing worse than having a poor Wi-Fi signal is getting no Wi-Fi signal at all. The most common cause for no signal at home is limited router coverage. Installing a Wi-Fi mesh network can fix this problem, as it helps increase the Wi-Fi range significantly. Through multiple access points around your house, a mesh router setup can improve performance and extend the range of your Wi-Fi network. Mesh systems are a perfect fit for multistory or large homes. Investing in a good mesh system means you probably won’t need to upgrade your setup for the next few years. Below, we recommend the best Wi-Fi mesh network systems.

eero Pro 6E

The eero Pro 6E delivers speedy throughput performance and multi-gig connectivity, and several other features. The three-pack version covers 6,000 square feet, while the two-pack version covers 4,000 square feet.

The device has one 2.5 Gbps port and one 1 Gbps port. There’s no USB connectivity, so you won’t be able to connect printers or other wire-dependent devices to this mesh system. The Pro 6E also offers a mobile app to check internet speeds, assign parental controls, configure settings, schedule internet access pauses, and more.

This mesh system is pricey, and you’ll have to pay extra for anti-malware protection and parental controls, but the eero Pro 6E offers everything you expect from a top Wi-Fi mesh network system. So it rightly deserves a spot on this list.

TP-Link Deco S4

The back view of a router with two large antennas
Adding more nodes to the system will extend the range of a mesh setup. (Image: Shutterstock)

The TP-Link Deco S4 is affordable and offers excellent coverage. It won’t match the top speed of high-end mesh systems, but it provides outstanding performance for its price. It covers an area of up to 4,000 square feet and features two 1 Gbps WAN and LAN ports, dual-band frequency, and parental controls.

The Deco S4 app is user-friendly and allows you to control your mesh system network from anywhere. You can use the app for various tasks, including configuring Quality of Service (QoS) settings. This mesh system is ideal for a few people in a large home. However, if your bandwidth requirements are more than 500 Mbps, the Deco S4 might get overtaxed, and you’ll need a more powerful mesh system.

Netgear Orbi AX6000

If you’re ready to splurge, consider the Netgear Orbi AX6000 mesh system. This two-piece mesh system delivers solid connectivity and strong throughput. It’s the most expensive mesh system on this list, but you get tons of features, including four LAN ports, multi-gig WAN, and easy installation.

The Netgear Orbi AX6000 provides Wi-Fi coverage for 5,000 square feet. It also includes advanced features such as signal beamforming and simultaneous data streaming. Signal beamforming allows users to focus internet bandwidth on a specific device.

Surprisingly, this high-end product doesn’t offer QoS options or parental controls. Regardless, the performance and connectivity options make it one of the best mesh network systems on the market.

Motorola Q11

The Motorola Q11 impresses with its ease of installation, solid performance, compact design, and built-in WPA3 encryption. The Q11 offers up to 5,000 square feet of coverage in single- or three-node versions. It has one LAN port on the router and two on each node.

Although it’s disappointing that this powerful mesh system doesn’t have any USB ports or QoS options, you do get parental control and anti-malware tools. The Motorola Q11 is ideal for robust security software, ease of use, and respectable throughput.

ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8)

A USB device connected to a router
USB connectivity allows peripheral devices to connect directly to the internet. (Image: Shutterstock)

Equipped with the latest hardware, the ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8) will eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones throughout your home. Along with excellent range, it delivers blazing-fast throughput, anti-malware software, parental controls, and 2.5 Gbps LAN and WAN ports.

The ZenWiFi AX mesh system has two nodes, offering a total coverage of 5,500 square feet. It has a USB port, which is a feature often missing in more expensive mesh networking systems. You also get signal beamforming, bundled security tools, and other advanced features. One drawback of the ZenWiFi AX is that you have to use the web console for some advanced settings.

Google Nest Wi-Fi

Google delivers wireless signals to all corners of your home with the Nest Wi-Fi mesh system. It’s one of the most aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-use mesh systems on the market. You can pick from three colors: Mist, Sand, and Snow. The Google Nest Wi-Fi offers excellent performance through powerful hardware and built-in Google Assistant capabilities. The three-piece version provides coverage for up to 5,400 square feet. For smaller homes, the Google Nest Wi-Fi router will likely be sufficient, as it offers 1,600 square feet of coverage.

The Google Nest Wi-Fi has gigabit LAN and WAN ports, but it lacks USB connectivity. You also get robust security features, including the latest WPA3 encryption. If you use Google devices such as Google Home products, you will find the Google Nest Wi-Fi ideal for your home. Your mesh system settings will allow you to control any connected Google smart devices.