Best Mesh Wi-Fi Router Networks of 2023

While most Wi-Fi routers are usually good enough to cover smaller residences, such as apartments or townhomes, you may find yourself looking for a signal on the second floor in larger homes. In cases like this, switching to a mesh Wi-Fi router system can provide you with more comprehensive internet coverage across your home and keep everyone connected. Rather than endlessly searching the internet for the best device, we’ve explored all the major options and picked our favorites for you, so you can choose based on what’s best for your home and budget.

Eero 6+ (BroadbandNow Top Pick)

• Wi-Fi and radio bands: Wi-Fi 6, dual-band
• Coverage area (3-pack): 4,500 square feet.
• Speeds supported: Up to 1 Gbps
• Devices covered: 75+

Purchase on Amazon for $194.99 (3-pack)

Out of the mesh Wi-Fi systems we tested, we found that the eero 6+ was the most well-rounded option for households in terms of coverage, speed, and features. It covers up to 4,500 square feet, delivers fast internet speeds up to 1 Gbps through its upgraded Wi-Fi 6 internet, and makes setup a breeze using the eero app. Overall, it’s a significant step up from its predecessor, the eero 6.

We really liked that it provided a guest network for visitors, leaving the primary networks dedicated to smart home devices. Also, it’s affordable at just $194.99 for a 3-pack of routers, giving it an edge over more sophisticated (and expensive) mesh Wi-Fi routers. Even though no USB connectivity was available, we didn’t miss it much as a feature. We recommend the eero 6+ if you are new to mesh Wi-Fi routers, want significant coverage from multiple routers, and are looking for one of the easiest options in terms of installation.

Google Nest Wifi Pro (The Next-Best Router System)

• Wi-Fi and radio bands: Wi-Fi 6E, tri-band
• Coverage area (2-pack): 4,400 square feet.
• Speeds supported: Up to 5.4 Gbps
• Devices covered: 100

Purchase on Amazon for $199.99 (2-pack)

While we love the eero 6+ for its all-encompassing features, if it happens to be unavailable, or if you want to integrate better with your Google infrastructure at home, the Google Nest Wifi Pro router system is the next-best option. With upgraded Wi-Fi 6E technology and tri-band frequencies, Google’s Nest Nest Wifi Pro routers can broadcast across 4,400 square feet at blazing-fast speeds up to 5.4 Gbps with just two devices. The Nest Wifi Pro system takes it to the next level compared to the regular Google Nest Wifi routers in terms of performance.

We also liked that the Google Nest Wifi Pro routers were as fashionable as they were functional. Each unit has a sleek design and comes in several colors, ideal for homes that want their devices to match their aesthetic. That said, we were a bit disappointed about the lack of compatibility with older generations of Google Nest Wifi, and it’s a little expensive at $256.43 for just two routers. Google Nest Wifi Pro is best for you if you already have devices with Google Assistant, and you’re looking for a mesh Wi-Fi router that goes a little above and beyond — just be prepared to pay for those functionalities.

TP-Link Deco X60 (Best for Budget Buyers)

• Wi-Fi and radio bands: Wi-Fi 6, dual-band
• Coverage area (3-pack): 5,000 square feet
• Speeds supported: Up to 2.4 Gbps
• Devices covered: 150+

Purchase on Amazon for $209.43 (2-pack)

For those who want to make the most of their investment or are simply looking for a cheaper alternative to our picks, the TP-Link Deco X60 is a solid choice. Covering a whopping 5,000 square feet and delivering speeds up to 2.4 Gbps, this mesh Wi-Fi router system works great for larger households needing Wi-Fi for farther distances. While other devices may go on sale occasionally, the TP-Link Deco X60 is worth every penny at its $208.95 price point, and you’re likely to find it at a steal for a three-pack as well. Rarely do we see fast internet connections with this level of coverage, so we were pretty impressed overall with the Deco X60.

We did notice some connectivity issues, as seen by the Deco app used to set up the nodes, and other customers reported similar problems. It certainly didn’t have the world-class backing from Amazon that the eero 6+ has, but it was still functional and formidable as a device. That said, you may want to consider that when choosing this system. Otherwise, we found the TP-Link Deco X60 perfect for people who want a budget-friendly mesh Wi-Fi system with substantial coverage.

Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8 (Best for Smart Homes)

• Wi-Fi and radio bands: Wi-Fi 6, tri-band
• Coverage area (2-pack): 5,500 square feet
• Speeds supported: Up to 4.8 Gbps
• Devices covered: 75+

Purchase on Amazon for $349 (2-pack)

Gamers, heavy streamers, and smart home aficionados alike will enjoy the Asus ZenWifi AX XT8 for its simple setup process, 8K streaming capabilities, and AiMesh technology. Strategically designed from the ground up and featuring special vents for airflow and a quad-core CPU, the Asus ZenWifi AX XT8 reaches optimal performance with wireless speeds up to 4.8 Gbps across a tri-band Wi-Fi 6 system.

However, with all these features, you’ll have to shell out for a higher price point. Compared to TP-Link and eero, the Asus ZenWifi AX XT8 Wi-Fi router system is expensive. We recommend the Asus ZenWifi AX XT8 for people who have smart homes or need the best possible connection across a substantial coverage footprint. Light internet users need not apply.

Orbi 970 Series (Best for Performance)

• Wi-Fi and radio bands: Wi-Fi 7, quad-band
• Coverage area (2-pack): 6,600 square feet
• Speeds supported: Up to 10 Gbps
• Devices covered: Up to 200

Purchase on Amazon for $1,699.99 (2-pack)

For the ultimate mesh Wi-Fi experience, look no further than the Orbi 970 Series. The only router that offers Wi-Fi 7 and quad-band radio frequencies, the Orbi 970 was the most powerful mesh Wi-Fi system we found among our choices. Reaching speeds up to 10 Gbps and covering a massive 6,600 square feet using just two routers, the Orbi 970 is one of the fastest and most advanced mesh Wi-Fi routers available.

If the Asus ZenWifi AX XT8 router is Lexus expensive, then the Orbi 970 is the Ferrari of mesh Wi-Fi routers as the most expensive router in our lineup. Clearly, the Orbi 970 isn’t great for anyone looking to stay on budget, but it is perfect for people who want best-in-class technology in their homes.

Our Top Recommendations for Mesh Wi-Fi Routers

Why You Should Purchase a Mesh Wi-Fi Router System

Streaming, emails, video calls — digital devices can do so much nowadays, and they extend to every corner of our homes. Some people work from a home office and require a stable Wi-Fi connection, while others may want to stay updated on the newest movies and TV shows everywhere, from their garage to the attic. Whatever the case, there are several reasons why someone would consider purchasing a mesh Wi-Fi router system. You might want to switch if the following sounds like you:

• Your household has Wi-Fi dead spots. If you use a standard router system in a large home, chances are you’ll find areas (known as dead spots) that don’t receive Wi-Fi because of physical barriers that block the signal. A mesh Wi-Fi router system can resolve these signal deserts in your home.
• You want consistent technology throughout your home. If you’re a fan of smart devices or have multiple devices throughout your home, a mesh Wi-Fi router is perfect for ensuring everyone stays connected. Huddling around the router will no longer be necessary. Your household can enjoy streaming, video calls, and internet browsing to their heart’s content wherever they are.
• Your number of devices exceeds your network’s capabilities. Smart fridge for the kitchen, virtual assistant in the living room, a couple of smart TVs in your bedrooms, and a handful of smartphones scattered across the house — maybe you pack your household with the latest and greatest devices. With a normal router, your network might be unable to connect to all of them. A mesh Wi-Fi router can expand your Wi-Fi signal and reach all of your favorite devices.

Other Mesh Wi-Fi Router Systems Worth Mentioning

We’ve listed our top choices above based on a number of factors, but we also found that the following router systems are great alternative options. If none of the above mesh Wi-Fi systems match your needs, you might try using one of the following options:

• Eero Pro 6: Not to be confused with our top pick, the eero 6+, the eero Pro 6 offers fast speeds, Wi-Fi 6 technology, and low latency. It’s also perfect if you want to upgrade from the eero 6.
• TP-Link Deco S4: One of the cheaper models on the market, it still packs a punch by offering extensive parental controls, gigabit Ethernet ports, and fast AC1200 speeds.
• Vilo 6: Another affordable mesh Wi-Fi system, the Vilo is probably one of the slower mesh Wi-Fi systems when compared to other routers. That said, it is still a usable router and works fine if you want coverage and don’t need super fast speeds.
• Wyze Mesh Router: Although there have been some reports of inconsistent internet speeds, Wyze mesh routers can cover a huge area (up to 1,500 square feet per router) and connect multiple devices at once.
• Motorola MH7603: Controlled exclusively through the mobile app, this mesh Wi-Fi system offers coverage and speed that’s just as decent as their prices. It also comes with parental controls and several security features.

Pro Tips for Picking the Perfect Mesh Wi-Fi Router System for Your Home

Still having trouble deciding which mesh Wi-Fi router system is best for you? Here are some considerations to help you narrow down your options:

• Consider your home’s bandwidth. Does your household consist of casual internet users who only browse the internet or watch a movie every now and then? Do you work from home or have a roommate who streams consistently? Before switching to a mesh Wi-Fi router, consider how much bandwidth your home uses and choose based on how much speed you need.
• Count the number of devices you have. Chances are you probably only have some smartphones, a computer or two, and maybe a TV. However, if your home is full of smart home devices and electronics, you will need a more robust mesh Wi-Fi system.
• Avoid overspending on a system you don’t need. Just because something is expensive doesn’t mean that it’s the best option for you. Some systems offer just enough coverage and speeds to complete basic tasks, while others offer the most high-end coverage and features. Look at your household activities and compare them to the mesh Wi-Fi systems on offer to see what fits your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mesh Wi-Fi Routers

Do I still need a modem with a mesh Wi-Fi router setup?

You will still require a modem with your mesh Wi-Fi router system. While modems bring internet into your home, mesh Wi-Fi routers extend your Wi-Fi coverage to every corner of your residence.

What’s the difference between a mesh Wi-Fi router and a Wi-Fi extender?

Although both mesh Wi-Fi and a Wi-Fi extender have similar functions, the two systems have some major differences. Wi-Fi extenders take your Wi-Fi connection and rebroadcasts the signal around your home. With Wi-Fi extenders, you’ll typically have two networks (one for your router and one for the extender), so you’ll have to switch between networks to use the internet.

With mesh Wi-Fi, you only use one network and multiple nodes across your household to create a consistent network. Because you only use your router’s Wi-Fi network, you won’t need to switch between networks to connect to the internet — you’ll stay connected regardless of which device is closest to you.

Are mesh Wi-Fi routers good for everyone?

While most homes will benefit from the added coverage and speeds of mesh Wi-Fi routers, they aren’t for everyone. If you live in a small home, town house, or apartment, you might not get all the benefits of a mesh Wi-Fi router system. We also don’t recommend them for homes with download speeds under 25 Mbps.

Will a mesh Wi-Fi 6 system work with non-Wi-Fi 6 and non-Wi-Fi 6E devices?

Yes, all mesh Wi-Fi 6 routers are backward compatible with non-Wi-Fi 6 devices. That said, you’ll get the most performance out of devices that have Wi-Fi capabilities.