© New Africa / Shutterstock.com
While mesh routers have been around in the tech world for several years, they have only recently become popular enough to be considered a standard household device. They offer all of the benefits of traditional routers but with more versatility and added functionality, making them more than worthy of being included in your next router shopping expedition.
There are many router brands, models, and speeds to choose from, and you might want to go for one that offers the best performance, but may not be the best for your budget. The following are some of the top mesh routers available today that will make your life easier by delivering great internet speed in a very affordable way.
In this guide, we’ll look at what each offers and why they’re well worth your hard-earned money.
- Best Mesh Router Overall: Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8)
- Best Budget Option: TP-Link Deco S4
- Best Expandable Mesh Router: Eero 6+
- Best Mesh Router for Large Homes: Linksys Velop AX4200
- Best Mesh Router for Speed: Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E
- Best-Looking Mesh Router: Google Nest Wi-Fi
Best Mesh Router Overall: Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8)
- Banish WiFi Dead Zone—Tri-band mesh WiFi system with unique antenna placement delivers strong WiFi to every corner of your home, providing total wireless speed of 6600Mbps.
- Next-Gen Wi-Fi 6 Technology— With OFDMA and MU-MIMO, ZenWiFi AX enables more efficient, stable, and faster transmission even when multiple devices are transmitting data at the same time.
- Hassle Free Control – 3 steps setup and easy management with ASUS Router App
- Always Up-to-date Protection— The lifetime free network security powered by Trend Micro makes sure your privacy on connected devices is protected.
- AiMesh Supported– Mix and match ZenWiFi with AiMesh-compatible routers to form powerful and flexible whole-home WiFi system
If you want a mesh network with the best overall performance, the Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) is your best bet. This router offers excellent coverage and amazing speeds throughout your home. It’s also very easy to set up, with a simple interface and intuitive features.
The router also comes with an app that allows you to control the device from anywhere in the world using your smartphone or tablet. The ZenWiFi AX system includes two ASUS AX6600 Wi-Fi 6 routers that, when combined, can provide coverage for up to 5500 square feet, or roughly six rooms.
Whether in the living room or outside in the garden, you’ll benefit from a super-fast, dependable, and secure Wi-Fi connection thanks to their extensive coverage, tri-band design, and adjustable back-haul technology. The interface on this router is easy-to-navigate and intuitive.
There are buttons on the front panel where you can change settings quickly and easily without having to open up any menus or panels on the screen itself. The app even allows users to create their custom profiles for different devices or networks, so they don’t have to worry about running into problems later down the line when connecting multiple devices simultaneously.
It also has excellent security features built in, so your devices are protected from hackers, malware, and viruses. The Asus ZenWifi AX (XT8) also comes with parental controls, so you can monitor what your kids are doing on their devices from anywhere in the house.
Check out Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) on Amazon.
Best Budget Option: TP-Link Deco S4
- Add Deco S4(1-pack) to you existing TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi system to expand your coverage. All TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi can work together.
- A New Way to WiFi: Deco Mesh technology gives you a better WiFi experience in all directions with faster WiFi speeds and strong WiFi signal to cover your whole home.
- Better Coverage than traditional WiFi routers: When paired with one or more Deco units, they will work seamlessly to create a WiFi mesh network that can cover homes up to 2,000 sq. ft. Say good bye to...
- Seamless and Stable WiFi Mesh: Rather than wifi range extender that needs multiple network names and passwords, Deco S4 allows you to enjoy seamless roaming throughout the house, with a single network...
- Deco Mesh Technology: When paired with one or more Deco units, they work together to form a unified network with a single network name. Devices automatically switch between Decos as you move through...
The TP-Link Deco S4 is an affordable mesh router that offers great performance for its price. It comes with 6 Gigabit Ethernet ports (2 in each pack). This means connecting up to 6 devices simultaneously — such as a desktop computer, a smart TV, and a game console — to the network.
The Deco S4 has an excellent Wi-Fi signal range that covers two rooms without any problems. This means that you won’t have to move your router around if you want coverage throughout the whole house; all you have to do is point the antennae in different directions.
The Deco S4 has no issues with range or speed (it maxes out at 2.4GHz), so it’s great if you’re looking for something basic but still want some advanced features like automatic updates, parental controls, or guest access controls.
Check out TP-Link Deco S4 on Amazon.
Best Expandable Mesh Router: Eero 6+
- Phenomenal Wifi speeds minus the premium price tag
- Fast, reliable Gigabit Internet speeds
- Routes traffic to eliminate dead spots,drop-offs
- Setup your router in minutes
- Expert customers support via phone or email
Eero is one of the most popular mesh routers on the market today. It’s got a lot to offer and is one of the best expandable routers. Eero 6+ from Amazon is more than a fashionable three-part Wi-Fi mesh network setup.
In homes up to 4,500 square feet, it does give quick wireless throughput and strong signal broadcasts, but it also has additional capabilities. It serves as a center for home automation, managing Zigbee gadgets like cameras, smart plugs, and thermostats. Typically, it also supports Alexa voice commands and routines.
Eero is a mesh system that can be expanded anytime with new Eero routers. The best part about this system is that it’s easy to set up and configure, so you won’t have to spend hours reading through manuals or waiting for tech support.
For the price, this is an excellent option for those who want a reliable, secure system that won’t break the bank. It’s backward-compatible with previous generations of Eeros, so you can rest assured that your device will work with any Eero system in your home.
Check out Eero 6+ on Amazon.
Best Mesh Router for Large Homes: Linksys Velop AX4200
- POWERFUL WIFI 6 MESH COVERAGE: Designed to deliver gigabit WiFi speeds up to 4.2 Gbps (AX4200) to cover every corner of your home, including backyard and outdoor smart home devices.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES THAN EVER BEFORE: Covers up to 2,700 sq, ft. and supports up to 40plus devices. WiFi 6 sends and receives multiple streams of data simultaneously, providing up to 3.5x more WiFi...
- POWERED BY INTELLIGENT MESH TECHNOLOGY: Eliminates dead zones, interference, and dynamically maximizes speed. Faster WiFi performance for lag-free online gaming and HD streaming to any device.
- EASY SETUP AND CONTROL: Sets up in minutes with the Linksys App and be able to manage from afar. Lets you access your network from anywhere, and allows you to view or prioritize which connected...
- SMART SECURITY: With automatic firmware updates, parental controls, and separate guest access, Velop provides a safe, secure and up-to-date home network.
The Linksys Velop AX4200 is a comprehensive mesh router that combines smart home and wireless networking. It can create a wireless network in your home but also provides extra security with built-in password protection.
The Linksys Velop has one WAN port and three Gigabit LAN ports, allowing you to connect up to four devices simultaneously. You can also use it as an access point to provide Internet access for multiple devices throughout your home.
This router is ideal for homes with large families or businesses with multiple employees who need access to the Internet from multiple locations throughout the building. The Linksys Velop AX4200 is one of the best mesh routers today, thanks to its amazing features and user-friendly design. It’s perfect for those looking for something that will provide them with all their networking needs while still being easy enough for anyone in their family or household to use.
This inexpensive mesh system offers straightforward configuration tools and a generous three-year guarantee, with decent throughput and considerable range — the three-pack can fill 8,000 square feet and is readily expanded with additional units. It also offers USB connectivity, a minor convenience that some users will appreciate.
Check out Linksys Velop AX4200 on Amazon.
Best Mesh Router for Speed: Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E
- The industry's first Quad-band mesh WiFi 6E satellite
- Expands WiFi coverage by 3,000 sq. ft. with each satellite with a push of a button to leverage your WiFi investment for years to come
- Compatible with RBRE960 Router and RBKE962 and RBKE963 Orbi WiFi 6E Systems
- Ultrafast AXE11000 WiFi 6E speed powers up to 10.8Gbps of uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencing
- WiFi 6E opens up a new 6GHz band, delivering dedicated top speeds to the latest WiFi 6E-ready laptops, phones, & tablets
If you’re looking for the best mesh router for speed, the Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E is your best bet. It is an incredible mesh Wi-Fi system that can cover a home up to 9,000 square feet. This device is connected with an Ethernet cable to your Internet modem or router, providing high-speed connectivity for multiple devices.
The Orbi also has four Gigabit Ethernet ports that allow you to connect other wired devices like gaming consoles or laptops. Moreover, its satellite module has been designed to integrate with other Orbi components without any issues seamlessly.
This feature allows you to place multiple satellites in different locations throughout your home or office. You won’t have to worry about signal loss due to the distance between them or interference from other sources, such as microwave ovens and baby monitors.
The Orbi offers very strong signal strength and coverage area in one unit, allowing you to expand your Wi-Fi network without worrying about dead spots scattered throughout your home or office space. The Netgear Smart Parental Controls feature gives you control over all connected devices’ Internet usage so that kids only have access to age-appropriate content or apps. And if they don’t want that content or app, they won’t have access.
Check out Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E on Amazon.
Best-Looking Mesh Router: Google Nest Wi-Fi
- Maximum Range : 2200 Sq Ft
- This product includes one router unit.
- Nest Wifi is a scalable and flexible Wi-Fi system. These Nest Wifi devices work together to blanket your whole home in fast reliable Wi-Fi and eliminate buffering in every room with coverage up to...
- The Wi-Fi router plugs into your internet provider's modem to create your Wi-Fi network. For more coverage add Nest Wifi routers or points to your system.
- Nest Wifi routers are strong enough to handle up to 200 connected devices and fast enough to stream multiple 4K videos at a time.[2] Compatible with Google Wifi; Ethernet ports included on each...
Google Nest Wi-Fi is the most attractive mesh router on the market. The sleek, white device has a small size, making it easy to fit into any home. It also has a clean design that blends nicely with modern furniture and décor styles. The router plugs into your modem, so there’s no need for an Ethernet cord or wires running around your home.
It also has many features that make it easier to use than most routers. Google Nest Wi-Fi works with Google Wi-Fi, making it easy to set up and control; you can walk from room to room on a video call while maintaining an uninterrupted signal across the house.
It automatically updates itself to get new features and helps your network stay safe and sound. There are many configurable options within the app, so you can customize how your connection looks and works.
Nest Wi-Fi routers are fast enough to stream multiple 4K videos at a time and strong enough to handle up to 200 connected devices. With Nest Wi-Fi, you can intelligently work behind the scenes to ensure your Wi-Fi remains fast, even if you’re streaming video on multiple devices.
Check out Google Nest Wi-Fi on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Mesh Routers: Step by Step
Mesh routers are one of the best ways to get faster internet speeds in your home. These routers, also known as mesh routers, have a lot of different types of technology installed inside them that can boost your internet speed and make it much more reliable.
But which mesh router is right for you? Here’s what you need to consider before picking out a new mesh router:
- Coverage,
- Price,
- Speed,
- Ports.
Now let’s explore each in more detail.
Coverage
The first thing you should think about is whether or not your router will cover your entire home network. If you have a single router and it’s not in the range of every device on your network, then this will not be an issue. However, if you want to ensure that all devices can connect, the router must have enough range to reach all corners of your house.
You want to ensure that your router has good coverage so that you can still access your wireless network no matter where you are in the house or yard. You also want to ensure that your router is compatible with all of the devices in your home or office — if you have a lot of different gadgets and devices, chances are that you’ll need a router with more range than one just one device can handle.
Price
Mesh routers vary greatly in price depending on what features they offer and what brand name they have. Most mesh routers cost between $120 and $400. Still, some even cost more than $500 if they include advanced features like GPS tracking or video surveillance capabilities, which require powerful hardware components inside the router itself (such as cameras).
Some more expensive models also come with additional security features such as biometric authentication or smart locks built directly into their hardware so that users do not need passwords or PIN codes before accessing certain parts of their network.
Speed
A mesh router is an all-in-one device that combines a wireless access point with a Wi-Fi router, allowing you to quickly set up a speedy wireless connection in your home or office. As such, your first consideration should be how fast it can handle the number of devices that you have connected to it.
If you have a lot of devices streaming video content at once, for instance, you’ll want a router that can keep up with all of them without slowing down or getting bogged down by interference from other devices on your network.
It’s important to find a router that has enough power to handle any project you have in mind. If you’re looking for something more specialized, there are other options available. Some routers offer wireless range extenders that can help increase the range of your wireless network by using one or more external antennas on your router.
Ports
The ports on a mesh router will determine how many devices can connect to it at once. You may not have that many devices in your home, but if you do, you will want to ensure that your mesh router supports as many devices as possible. The best mesh routers also have at least four Gigabit Ethernet ports, which means they can handle multiple devices simultaneously and keep up with streaming HD video without buffering.
Most routers have an Ethernet port for each room in your home, but some devices have more. If you’re using your router to stream movies and TV shows from Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, you may need to connect additional devices like a game console or Blu-ray player.
The number of ports on a router is important because it determines how many devices you can group together and still reach the Internet. The more ports on your router, the more devices it can support simultaneously.
What To Know Before Buying a Mesh Router
Buying a mesh router is a great way to improve the performance of your wireless network. It can also help you get rid of dead spots, increase Internet speed, and make your home more secure. But knowing what to look for when buying a mesh router can be confusing — and it’s not always easy to compare products side-by-side. Here are some things you should know before buying.
First, how many ports does your router have? You’ll need a router with multiple ports if you plan to have more than two devices plugged into it. Second, do you want wireless connectivity? If so, check whether or not the router supports it and which protocols it uses.
Third, is an app available for your smartphone that allows you to control your router remotely? This feature can be helpful if you’re away from home and want to ensure everything stays connected without physically being present in front of the device itself.
Lastly, consider the price. The cost varies depending on how many ports and antennas you want on your router. Most routers have an Ethernet port, and some have an extra USB port so that you can connect to another device, such as a printer or external hard drive.
You should also consider how much space they take up in your house since some routers are small enough to sit on top of your desk, while others take up a lot of room because they are tall and thin with many connectors attached to them.
Using a Mesh Router: What It’s Like
Mesh routers are great for homes and offices because they allow you to create a more robust network than a standard Wi-Fi router setup. You can use your phone or tablet to access the Internet from anywhere in your home or office (as long as there’s a connection), allowing you to play music throughout the house with one remote control. You can also use voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home on any device connected to your network (provided they have enough bandwidth).
