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The best mesh routers you can buy: Expert recommended

ZDNET's recommendations for the top mesh Wi-Fi systems include options from TP-Link, Netgear, Amazon, and more.
Written by Charlie Osborne, Contributing Writer
Reviewed by Kayla Solino
Amazon Eero Max 7 mesh Wi-Fi system | Best mesh Wi-Fi system overall
Eero Max 7
Amazon Eero Max 7 mesh Wi-Fi system
Best mesh Wi-Fi system overall
View now View at Best Buy
ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6 gaming mesh system | Best mesh Wi-Fi system for gamers
ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 (2PK) Tri-Band WiFi 6 Gaming Mesh
ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6 gaming mesh system
Best mesh Wi-Fi system for gamers
View now View at Amazon
TP-Link Deco AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 mesh system (Deco X55) | Best home mesh Wi-Fi system
TP-Link Deco AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 mesh system (Deco X55)
TP-Link Deco AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 mesh system (Deco X55)
Best home mesh Wi-Fi system
View now View at Amazon
Netgear Orbi RBKE963 | Best mesh Wi-Fi system for large homes
Netgear Orbi RBKE963
Netgear Orbi RBKE963
Best mesh Wi-Fi system for large homes
View now View at Amazon
Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro | Best mesh Wi-Fi system for Google ecosystems
Google - Nest Wi-fi Pro
Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro
Best mesh Wi-Fi system for Google ecosystems
View now View at Best Buy

Demand for fast and reliable Wi-Fi is at an all-time high as millions of people rely on Zoom and other video conferencing apps to communicate with colleagues and clients. Many organizations are also finding that video calls reduce the need for business travel and client visits, and although there has been a return to the office, these tools provide a crucial way for employees to work from home.

However, increased reliance on Wi-Fi can reveal problems, especially in larger offices or homes where the Wi-Fi signal may struggle to reach more distant rooms on other floors. This is also true if your heart is set on creating a home office or workspace in your garden. Instead of relying on a conventional Wi-Fi router, opting for a mesh networking system can be a fantastic solution for expanding coverage. With this in mind, we have researched the best mesh Wi-Fi systems to help you gain the signal you need. 

Also: The best Wi-Fi routers

What is the best mesh router right now?

Our top pick for the best mesh Wi-Fi system of 2024 is the Amazon Eero Max 7 mesh Wi-Fi system. The speed, coverage, and signal strength are excellent, and Amazon says the router will support the upcoming Wi-Fi 7 standard.

Check out our other top-rated mesh router options below to see how they stack up to the Eero Max 7 and each other. 

The best mesh routers of 2024

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Wi-Fi 7
  • Increased speed
  • TrueMesh
  • Smart home compatibility
Cons
  • Extra units can become expensive
More Details

Amazon Eero Max 7 mesh Wi-Fi system tech specs: Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6, (upcoming Wi-Fi 7) | Speed: Wired up to 9.4Gbps and wireless up to 4.3Gbps | Ports: Two 10 GbE ports | Support for 160MHz client devices | Built-in smart hub | 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands

Amazon's Eero Max 7 mesh Wi-Fi system is a router, repeater, and range extender in one. With up to a 10 gigabit Ethernet connection, the Eero Max 7 was built with speed in mind. According to ZDNET's Artie Beaty, this type of speed lets you download a 4K movie in just 10 seconds or a 50GB video game in less than a minute. 

The mesh system utilizes the 240MHz channel for additional connectivity alongside the standard 2.4GHz and 5GHz band channels. Expect up to 2,500 square feet of coverage to supply a dependable signal across your existing internet connection.

This mesh router is our top pick as an excellent all-rounder with decent coverage. We will have to see how it performs with the upcoming Wi-Fi 7 standard, though. Customers note its excellent speed and easy setup, although some consider this router too expensive.

You can pick up a single Eero Max 7 for $600, with discounts applied when you purchase more than one unit. The company will also give you six months of the Eero Plus security subscription for free.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Game acceleration
  • Two-pack
  • Cooling system
Cons
  • Expensive
More Details

ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 tech specs: Wi-Fi: Tri-band Wi-Fi 6 | Speed: 10Gbps+ | Ports: WAN, LAN | CPU: 1.7 - 2.2GHz quad-core | Range: 5,800 square feet

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 is a stylish mesh system with features exclusively designed for gamers, but all of the bonuses can contribute to a future-proof, stable, and speedy connection. The tri-band, Wi-Fi 6 router is powerful and can cover up to 5,800 square feet at 700Mbps. 

In addition, it has a cooling system on the top and bottom, with heatsinks and vents to help dissipate heat. If you purchase this mesh system, you are entitled to a free lifetime subscription to AiProtection by Trend Micro and ASUS Instant Guard security software. 

Gamers will be most interested in Triple-Level Game Acceleration. This feature optimizes gaming traffic from devices to servers, reducing game lag risk. Customers say the GT6 provides excellent coverage for large homes and has great signal -- although if you come across snags, troubleshooting can be problematic.

You can pick up a two-pack of the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 at Amazon with a $50 discount, reducing the cost to $430.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Excellent wireless range
  • Three-pack
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Users report annoyance with power cable length
More Details

TP-Link Deco AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 mesh system tech specs: Wi-Fi: Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 | Speed: 2×2/HE160 2402Mbps plus 2×2 574Mbps | Ports: 10/100/1000Mbps | AI-assisted mesh | Range: 6,500 square feet 

The TP-Link Deco X55 is an impressive mesh system suitable for larger homes or small offices. Available in a three-pack for a sale price of $170, this mesh system tops our list for its combination of features and affordability. 

Also: Mesh routers vs. Wi-Fi routers: What's best for your home office?

This mesh system covers up to 6,500 square feet and includes three Gigabit ports per unit, providing robust performance and coverage across the entire network. While only dual-band, the system utilizes the 5GHz frequency and can manage up to 150 connected devices.

TP-Link Deco X55 uses AI mesh. The router will analyze your home environment and will adjust bandwidth use and connectivity based on features such as weak coverage spots, obstacles, and usage. Customers say blind spot coverage is a solid advantage of this system, although it is not optimal for outside coverage.

While Amazon has an original list price of $280 and, therefore, a discount of $110, it should be noted that in 2023, both B&H and Amazon's original list price was $230. Therefore, B&H's current list price and discount ($230 and $50) are the most accurate. Amazon is cheaper by $10 ($170 and $180, respectively) at the time of writing.  

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Blazing fast speeds
  • Fantastic coverage
Cons
  • Expensive
More Details

Netgear Orbi RBKE963 tech specsWi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E, 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz bands | Speed: 10Gbps+ | Ports: WAN, LAN, Ethernet | CPU: 2.2GHz quad-core | Range: up to 9,000 square feet (21,000 sq. ft with extra nodes)

The Netgear Orbi RBKE963 is a Gigabit Wi-Fi system based on mesh technologies that are best suited for homes that need a lot of coverage. You can harness the network to support up to 200 devices, making dead zones a thing of the past.

Furthermore, the router system included parental app controls and a back channel "express lane" which boosts speeds between the central hub and satellites. You can purchase packs including routers and additional satellites to increase coverage beyond 9,000 square feet.

Also: How to set up a VPN on your router

This pack includes a central hub and two satellites. Customer reviews indicate that the Netgear Orbi RBKE963 is incredibly fast and easy to setup, but the high price point is not exactly popular.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Wi-Fi 6
  • Stylish
Cons
  • Lack of satellite ports
More Details

Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro tech specsWi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E, 2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz, 6.0 GHz bands | Speed: 5.4 Gbps+ | Range: up to 2,200 square feet | Guest mode

The Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro has an improved capacity for speed and coverage compared to older Nest models. This bundle of three satellites is undoubtedly worth your consideration if you need blanket coverage for an average-sized home. 

This mesh network is centered around a Wi-Fi 6E router capable of handling traffic on 2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz, and 6.0 GHz bands. Furthermore, the router is easily set up within the Google ecosystem and mobile app, and you can choose to create a guest network for visitors. 

You can purchase single units directly from Google for $200. Alternatively, Best Buy is offering a pack containing three mesh routers for $320 (save $80). Customers report that setup can be difficult, but it is an excellent upgrade from older Google mesh setups.

What is the best Wi-Fi mesh system?

Our top pick for the best mesh Wi-Fi system of 2024 is the Amazon Eero Max 7 mesh Wi-Fi system. The speed, coverage, and signal strength are excellent, and Amazon says the router will support the upcoming Wi-Fi 7 standard.

However, if you're not sure, there are other options to consider, as listed below.

Mesh Wi-Fi system

Price

Range

Wi-Fi generation

Amazon Eero Max 7 mesh Wi-Fi system

$600

4,500 square feet

Wi-Fi 6/7

ASUS ROG Rapture GT6

$430

5,800 square feet

Wi-Fi 6

TP-Link Deco X55

$230

6,500 square feet

Wi-Fi 6

Netgear Orbi RBKE963

$1300

9,000+ square feet

Wi-Fi 6

Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro

$200

2,200 square feet

Wi-Fi 6

Which is the right mesh Wi-Fi system for you?

The size of your home or office building is the key factor in choosing a mesh system. The good news is that even less expensive mesh systems that still use older Wi-Fi 5 networking protocols are fast enough to cope with Zoom calls, music, video, and gaming.

However, more expensive Wi-Fi 6 systems can offer increased speed and are more efficient at streaming data to multiple connected devices simultaneously. Therefore, Wi-Fi 6 systems provide greater speed and are the best option for homes or offices with lots of computers, mobile devices, and IoT devices that are in daily use.

Choose this mesh Wi-Fi system...

If you need...

Amazon Eero Max 7 mesh Wi-Fi system

A top-speed tri-band mesh system, future-proof for years to come. With modern Wi-Fi technologies, you can download a 50GB video game in less than a minute or a 4K movie in seconds.

ASUS ROG Rapture GT6

A mesh system with excellent home coverage, security, and features for gamers. The tri-band, Wi-Fi 6 router is powerful and can cover up to 5,800 square feet. Game acceleration, lifetime security, and hardware cooling is included.

TP-Link Deco X55

A fast and well-rounded dual-band Wi-Fi 6 mesh system for an excellent price. As an upgrade from your ISP-issued router, it's a great choice for brilliant coverage, an easy setup, and reliable connections for multiple devices.

Netgear Orbi RBKE963

A modern Wi-Fi system offering Gigabit speeds. While expensive, this option is best if you want a mesh network capable of high speeds and extreme coverage.

Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro

A reasonably-priced mesh Wi-Fi system with tri-band features. This router will provide stable, consistent, and speedy coverage for your home.

Factors to consider when choosing a mesh router

While you are deciding what new mesh Wi-Fi router you want to purchase, you should keep the following factors in mind:

  • Speed & stability: While you are making your choice, consider the speed you want. If you don't intend to stream or play high-performance games, you might not need the best potential bandwidth on offer -- and you should also consider your ISP plan and any speed limits on your connection. 
  • Coverage: What coverage do you need? Depending on your space and whether or not you want to expand coverage into a garden, for example, will influence your purchase decision. 
  • Price points and expansion: The starting price of a mesh system might not be all you end up paying. Keep in mind that you might need to purchase extenders and satellite nodes to expand coverage over time -- and these accessories can add up. 
  • Other features: You should also consider whether or not you want additional features beyond a stable internet connection and mesh support. You might, for example, want a VPN or inbuilt security features. 

How did we choose these mesh Wi-Fi systems?

There are several key areas to focus on, starting with affordable systems providing greater range and reliability than a single, conventional Wi-Fi router

It is also important to consider high-end mesh systems -- primarily using the new Wi-Fi 6 standard (802.11ax) -- that provide greater performance than older Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) routers. As well as being suitable for homes and offices, these high-end systems also offer greater range and reliability for buildings such as warehouses and public venues such as restaurants and hotels.

Ultimately, we based our choices on the following features:

  • Internet connectivity: Naturally, this has to be one of the top considerations. With so many of us working from home and reliant on the internet -- not to mention using online services for controlling home devices and entertainment -- we ensured that the products selected would provide the level of connectivity we now all need.
  • Speed and capacity: Mesh systems were designed to solve the problems of weak coverage in large areas and bottlenecks caused by too many devices attempting to connect to one access point. Considering they are usually more expensive than traditional Wi-Fi routers, our recommendations needed to have good coverage and multiple device support.
  • Additional features: Many manufacturers now implement additional controls and service support to entice consumers, including parental controls, virtual private network (VPN) support, separate network creation, guest modes, and more. 
  • Budget: Not every home needs a blazingly fast, future-proof mesh system able to handle hundreds of connected devices. Sometimes, affordability is key. We have included a selection of mesh devices suitable for different budgets. 

What is a mesh Wi-Fi system?

A mesh Wi-Fi system acts similarly to Wi-Fi extenders. There is a main unit that connects to your modem and one or more satellite units that provide more consistent signals throughout your home. 

The difference between a mesh network and range extenders is that a mesh system is all part of the same network, so you don't have to worry about needing to switch networks as you move around your house. 

Does a mesh Wi-Fi system replace my router?

A mesh system does, in a way, replace your router. But think of it as more like upgrading to a new model than being able to get rid of it altogether. 

Any mesh Wi-Fi system you buy will have a base router that connects to your modem and acts like your old router, sending signals out through your home. That signal is then picked up and rebroadcasted by the satellite routers, creating a larger signal range as well as stronger signals for streaming and gaming. 

How many mesh devices or nodes do I need?

A two-piece mesh should be able to cover homes or offices up to 3,000 to 5,000 square feet (check the manufacturer's specifications to see what they recommend). Buildings or outdoor venues larger than 5,000 square feet may need another satellite device.

Why should you buy a mesh system?

A single, standalone router is generally adequate for smaller offices, or single-story homes with one or two bedrooms. But if you have rooms on other floors, or thick walls that can block your Wi-Fi signal, then you may experience "dead zones" that have weak Wi-Fi. A mesh system uses several devices -- usually a main router and one or more satellite nodes -- in different locations to extend the Wi-Fi signal beyond the range of a single router.

Most mesh systems are aimed at home users and marketed as easily configured solutions for "whole-home Wi-Fi," but some are particularly suitable for business users. These systems may include features such as multiple Ethernet ports or the ability to create several networks with different passwords. 

What about range extenders?

If you just have one or two rooms where the Wi-Fi is weak, then a low-cost "range extender" may be able to boost the Wi-Fi signal just in those rooms, with prices starting as low as $20. However, multi-device mesh Wi-Fi systems are designed to provide a more extensive Wi-Fi network that covers your entire home or office.

Why are mesh routers expensive?

Mesh routers can be an expensive investment as you will need to purchase satellite coverage extenders as well as a central router hub. If you need to expand your coverage further, you will need to buy additional nodes, which may cost hundreds of dollars each. Furthermore, post-pandemic, we've observed an increase in price for technical components including chipsets.

Are there alternative mesh Wi-Fi systems to consider?

The best options, as listed above, are based on pricing, purpose, and compatibility with other devices. However, if you would like more choices that are on sale, here are some others to consider:

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