Top 6 Best Mesh Routers Of 2024

The majority of mesh routers live up to their promise of consistent Wi-Fi coverage throughout your house, so it’s not surprise that their popularity is rising. A mesh system connects the main router with one or more nodes that seem as a single Wi-Fi network, as opposed to using a single router to cover the entire house with Wi-Fi connectivity. For the fastest speeds, your devices will automatically connect to the closest alternative.

Since most of us don’t know where our home’s internet connection comes from, we are forced to put our router in a less-than-ideal location. You can increase the area covered by Wi-Fi by adding a second or third node. Whether you’re looking to eliminate a dead spot, boost the signal in the bedroom in the back, or a mesh system might be the solution if you want excellent Wi-Fi in your backyard.

It’s a good idea to think about whether a mesh system is right for you before diving into our lineup. You can determine what characteristics you require and the answer to that question by using our router selection guide. We also offer tips on how to improve your current Wi-Fi and, as always, how to secure it and safeguard your home network if you’d rather not go with a new one.

QUICK LIST

Last update on 2024-08-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

6 Best Mesh Routers Of 2024

1.Asus ZenWiFi XT8

Last update on 2024-08-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

With its fast performance, great range, and abundance of extra features, the Asus ZenWiFi XT8 takes the top rank. (Even though it’s a mouthful.) I tested the 2-pack, and it was quite easy to set up using the mobile app—it just takes a few minutes, however you have to move the node after keeping it close by. With one 2.4 GHz band and two 5 GHz bands (one allocated for wireless backhaul), this is a tri-band Wi-Fi 6 system. These units, which come in black or white, are somewhat huge. However, they are discrete, have a sophisticated appearance, and have side vents to help release heat. Each router has a USB 3.1 connector, 2.5 gigabit WAN port, and three extremely large gigabit Ethernet connectionsport.

The XT8 was consistently among the fastest systems I tested, whether at short, medium, or long range, and speeds never decreased. It’s great to have Trend Micro’s AiProtection Pro included, as it offers parental controls and anti-malware protection. Unlike most competitors, AiProtection Pro doesn’t require a subscription. Just keep in mind that utilizing AiProtection entails giving Trend Micro access to your data, so you may want to review its privacy statement. The parental controls are useful, too. You may plan bedtimes, create and reuse profiles, filter content by age group, and keep track of activity. You may set bandwidth limits for individual devices and give priority to tasks like gaming, streaming, and remote work with the Quality of Service (QoS) option.

The web interface is significantly more detailed, while the mobile app offers an abundance of options. Splitting up a band or establishing a guest network is simple. Additionally, I discovered that most devices were appropriately recognized by the app (occasionally, it can be challenging to identify devices based only on the hardware names that router programs provide). Moreover, AiMesh is supported, so expanding your Wi-Fi network with other Asus routers is simple. You can be sure that even from the node you placed close to the backyard, you will be able to access your internet at full speed thanks to the blazingly fast dedicated backhaul channel.

The main warning with this mesh is that you may need to make some adjustments to get it to function properly in your house. Select one of the systems below if you can’t stand making mistakes with settings or if a failed firmware update is your idea of hell. It took several tries to get my XT8 node to accept firmware updates at first. I also had to do a factory reset since my Sonos speakers kept disappearing. All in all, my experience with the XT8 has been seamless. The breadth of features will impress power users, but it’s straightforward enough for almost anyone to use with a little perseverance and research.

I have tested the Asus ZenWiFi XT9, a somewhat improved version of this mesh.It appears identical but offers a few upgrades beneath the hood. Firstly, the 5-GHz band you can connect to offers 160-MHz channel width (theoretically double the XT8’s bandwidth), the processor is slightly more powerful, and there’s support for link aggregation. On the downside, just like with the XT8, I had some teething troubles with the XT9 that required a firmware upgrade and some tweaks to the settings. On the whole, it’s slightly better than the XT8, so if you see it at a similar price (currently, it’s only $30 more), I would go for the XT9 instead.

2.TP-Link Deco X20

Last update on 2024-08-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

For the typical family home, this reasonably priced Wi-Fi 6 mesh offers good coverage and performance along with optional parental controls and antivirus protection. I tested the X20 3-pack, and I found that setting them all up was quite simple. The three routers have a cylinder-shaped design that looks good and makes them rather tiny. This system uses two bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Every router has two gigabit Ethernet ports.

While not as good as the Asus XT8, coverage and speeds are still better than the Eero 6 (below). The guest network setup is simple and the software is easy to use. This was first made available with the free HomeCare program, but it is now a HomeShield system. TP-Link has also updated its HomeShield and parental control subscriptions. You get basic network security (router scan, guest network, QoS) and parental controls (create profiles, pause internet, block, and filter) included for free, but everything else requires a subscription.

You can designate priority devices or prioritize activities like gaming and streaming with the Quality of Service function. Crucially, you may divide the 5-GHz and 2.4-GHz bands so that they seem as two distinct Wi-Fi networks. This is useful because some smart home appliances can only function on the older band. Similar to this, WPA2 and WPA3 security have a mixed mode. Certain routers compel you to select between the two, which might cause problems, and certain devices are incompatible with the more recent WPA3 standard. This option makes sure that every device on your list is on the same standard.

Because of the simple and lackluster web experience, I greatly enjoyed utilizing the user-friendly app. The options are still restricted, and it updates a little slowly. It failed to identify numerous devices and listed obscure hardware manufacturer names, making it tough to figure out which devices to add to my kid’s profiles.

It wasn’t the speediest performer, but this system is fast and dependable enough for the average home. If you have a connection that’s 500 Mbps or better, it might be worth upgrading to the Deco X60.

3.Eero 6 Mesh System

Last update on 2024-08-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

One of the simplest mesh systems to set up, the Eero 6 from Amazon provides a good amount of coverage and reliable connectivity. This sophisticated system comes in three identical router configurations or, for a little less money, as a main router plus two smaller nodes. Even though the Eeros’ small size prevents any ports from being visible, they look great on a table or shelf. (On the routers, there are only two gigabit ports; none are present on the nodes.)

Despite being one of the slower systems I tested, especially when it came to longer distances, the basic Eero 6’s speeds were comparable to those of the main router. It demonstrated proficiency in sharing constrained bandwidth, and there were no drops. The smartphone application is simple to use, providing you an overview of connected devices with the option to pause the internet and set up a guest network. I was also able to create profiles, group devices, set schedules, and fix bedtimes.

Amazon owns Eero, and their routers have Alexa capability built in. If you enable the Eero ability on your Echo device, you can use voice commands to halt the internet, which comes in useful when your child refuses to put down the computer and eat dinner. You may immediately connect some smart lighting, smart locks, and other ZigBee devices to the Eero 6 router, which supports Matter and Thread and functions as a ZigBee smart-home hub similarly to Echo devices.

Two more strategies contribute to the appeal of Eero 6 systems. A Wi-Fi extension can be used with an Echo (4th Gen), Echo Dot (4th or 5th Gen), or Echo Dot with clock (4th or 5th Gen) smart speaker offering an extra 1,000 square feet of coverage at speeds up to 100 Mbps for up to 10 devices. Eero also recently added an Internet Backup option, so you can add multiple backup networks (Wi-Fi or hot spot) to keep you online if your main wired network goes down.

Anyone who dislikes configuring settings will find Eero’s simplicity appealing, but it comes at a price. There are no Quality of Service capabilities available for setting activity priorities, and band separation is not possible. The rather poor transfer speeds of the entry-level Eero system I tested were the last drawback; however, this did not affect the higher-end systems.

There are currently four Eero systems available that are worth taking into account and provide a very comparable experience. The first two are 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz dual-band systems. Those who have access to 500 Mbps or faster internet can use the standard Eero 6. The Eero 6+ is the system to use if your home is smaller than 4,500 square feet and you have a speedier connection—up to 1 Gbps to pick. Folks with larger properties or above-average demands (lots of devices and people simultaneously using the internet) should consider the Eero Pro 6E (7/10, WIRED recommends), a tri-band system that supports the 2.4-GHz, 5-GHz, and 6-GHz bands. The Eero Pro 6 has been discontinued.

Its top-of-the-line Wi-Fi 7 option, the Eero Max 7 (7/10, WIRED Review), has four Ethernet ports, two rated at 10 Gbps and two at 2.5 Gbps. However, most people will find this option overkill at this time. Our Eero buying guide delves deeper into the differences. But regardless of the model you select, keep an eye out for regular sales. Because all Eero systems are interoperable, growing your network is simple.

4.Asus ZenWiFi XD5

Last update on 2024-08-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

For more constrained demands or budgets, the ZenWifi XD5 is a good substitute for our top choice because it is small and reasonably priced. It’s refreshing that using and setting up this system doesn’t require creating an account. All three units have the ability to be wall-mounted and come with two gigabit Ethernet ports. Parental controls and basic security (AiProtection Classic) are free of charge, and you may mix and match various Asus routers because AiMesh is supported.

During my tests, performance was dependable and seamless, with some remarkably quick results considering the price. A thirty-GB game took me less than eight minutes to download. Despite being a dual-band system, the 5-GHz band can accommodate 160-MHz channels. Asus claims that a three-pack can mask to 5,000 square feet, but speeds drop off as you move away from a router. To squeeze the best performance from the XD5, or any mesh system, connect the main router and nodes with Ethernet for wired backhaul.

With the help of the simple Asus mobile app, you can create a guest network, split bands, schedule downtime, and use parental controls to limit content on your children’s devices. Through the online interface, you can access additional features including basic QoS and VPN support. It has been easy sailing for my parents, who have been utilizing this technique for more than a year. This trustworthy solution is an excellent deal for those without a subscription who have slower connections than 1 Gbps.

5.Google Nest Wifi Pro

Last update on 2024-08-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

There aren’t many simpler mesh systems than this one. If you use Google Assistant-enabled smart home devices, you may already have Google Home installed, so you don’t even need to install an app to use Google’s Nest Wifi Pro (7/10, WIRED recommends). One, two, or three of these sleek, pill-shaped routers are available in bundles. The four hues are sufficiently small to be placed discreetly on a shelf. This Wi-Fi 6E system is tri-band (2.4-GHz, 5-GHz, and 6-GHz), with two 1-gigabit ports on each router.

Setting up is quite easy: just scan QR codes and pay attention to positioning suggestions for a strong signal. The 6-GHz frequency is used for the backhaul, so you need to maintain your router and nodes relatively close together because it has limited range. Each router is supposed to cover up to 2,200 square feet and can connect up to 100 devices. Coverage and performance were solid and consistent, and testing was refreshingly free from glitches and buffering. But the Nest Wifi Pro came mid-table in raw speed at short, mid, and long range.

The Google Home app’s Wi-Fi section is basic. Parental controls (Safe Search, planned downtime, adult website banning), guest network support, and device prioritizing are examples of scannable features. However, the main purpose of this mesh system is to satisfy users who prefer not to have to configure anything. Nest Wifi Pro is a good option for people with smart home gadgets, much like the Eero, because it features built-in Thread and Bluetooth LE and supports Matter.

Unfortunately, the Nest Wifi Pro lacks any additional security software and is not backwards compatible with previous Nest router models. This system is not suitable for anyone with a faster internet connection because it has gigabit ports. However, for users downloading at 1 Gbps or less, this is a dependable, simple solution mesh system that you can set and forget.

6.Netgear Orbi AX4200 RBK753

Although the massive Netgear Orbi line has a great reputation, picking the best model for you can be challenging due to the company’s many identical models. The mesh system I tested, the AX4200 RBK753 (I promise, they’re just playing around with the keyboard at this point), is in the center of the range and works well for a large house. The software kept getting stuck on a loading screen during the setup, which took more than an hour and multiple restarts to finish. Despite the size of the router and nodes, I appreciate the curved design. I really like how the LED light changes colors to indicate problems and turns off when everything is functioning well; all routers ought to be like this. Three gigabit Ethernet ports are available on the main router and two on each node.

But once operational, each node was able to provide speeds that were comparable to those of the primary router, and the coverage, speeds, and reliability proved to be worth the wait. The Asus XT8 outperformed the speeds in certain situations, although individual units had some restrictions when traveling beyond. However, this method provides wide coverage with two nodes. The straightforward mobile app lets you do a lot of things like set up a guest network, see what devices are connected, check speed, analyze Wi-Fi (see the strength of the connection as you walk around), and halt the internet completely, by device, or by profile. Its exceptional recognition skills make it easy to categorize devices into profiles. To use the advanced features, you have to visit the online interface.

The security program Netgear Armor powered by Bitdefender costs a year and requires a membership. This includes the ability to install Bitdefender on compatible devices to thwart future breaches and checking your network for potential vulnerabilities. Sadly, I found that using Netgear Armor slightly slowed down web browsing. Additionally, when new devices connect to the network, an automated scan and a message on your phone are triggered, which quickly grows tiresome. You can make profiles and halt the internet with the free parental controls, but you’ll need to pay a year for Smart Parental Controls to establish restrictions, monitor website and app usage, apply age-appropriate filters, set bedtimes, and more. These services are simple to set up and offer a 30-day free trial, however you need to pay up afterward, and it’s a lot of extra cash on top of the purchase price.

Although the mobile app is simple to use, loading times can be a few seconds. Limitations also exist in the settings; unlike the TP-Link mentioned above, there is no mixed mode for WPA2 and WPA3 security, no ability to separate bands, and no way to prioritize traffic for particular devices or activities. In addition to being expensive, this system requires a membership in order to access parental controls and additional security, both of which are unnecessary.

All things considered, I tested the Orbi AX4200 and had not a single connectivity problem or dropout. It does provide fast and dependable Wi-Fi across a considerable distance. You may also think about the Netgear Orbi RBK863 (7/10, WIRED Review) for even speedier performance, or go all out with the Netgear Orbi RBKE963.

Other Mesh Systems We Have Tested

Mesh systems are becoming more and more common, so your options are plentiful. While some of these mesh systems are best avoided, others may still be worth looking into for certain people despite just missing out on a spot above.

When do you need a mesh Wi-Fi system?

Why is mesh Wi-Fi important? Many activities such as working from home, playing online games, video chatting, and streaming TV episodes and movies require a strong, fast Wi-Fi signal throughout your house.

A mesh router works better than a typical router at relaying your wireless traffic back to the modem when you have several devices dispersed across your home. It functions like a team of routers. They can assist increase range and speed in small- to medium-sized homes, but they perform best in large or multistory homes where your Wi-Fi network must cover a lot of territory and pass through walls. Additionally, a ton of new, next-generation alternatives will be available in 2024, so it’s a good time to make the switch.

Here’s how we speed test mesh routers

Large claims regarding top speeds are made by router makers, many of which can be deceptive or at the very least unclear when you’re looking to buy one. For this reason, we conduct our own, unbiased speed testing in a real-world setting on each router we evaluate. I’ve been working from home for the most of the last several years, so my house has served as the test environment. However, starting in 2024, CNET is attempting to move those testing to our test facility, where we will have better control over environmental factors.

For home networking tests, we’ve specifically set up a 1,300-square-foot, five-room test facility with incoming gigabit internet rates (940 Mbps downloads, 880 Mbps uploads). It isn’t as large as the multi-story, multi-bedroom homes where mesh routers perform best However, there is still enough room to distinguish amongst the best mesh systems available.

In order to get there, we first installed each mesh system in the identical places across the setup, and we then began testing the Wi-Fi speeds in each of the five rooms. This covers testing on a range of client devices, including Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E devices, in the morning, afternoon, and evening. In half of my testing, I connect in the room closest to the router and work my way out; in the other half, I connect at the furthest distance from the router and work my way in. Ultimately, I take the average of everything to obtain a good, comprehensive look at how each system performs.

What Is a Wi-Fi Mesh System?

Mesh systems, sometimes referred to as mesh Wi-Fi routers, are made to provide wifi coverage throughout your house. They are also marketed under well-known brand names like TP-Link Deco and Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro. These systems, which consist of multiple networking components, can be considered hybrid systems. A number of satellite modules, or nodes, are installed throughout your home, and a main router is directly connected to your modem. They all belong to the same wireless network and use the same password and SSID. The majority of Wi-Fi system satellites employ mesh technology to interact with the router and with one another, in contrast to range extenders, which normally connect to the router via the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, or 6GHz radio bands.

A typical wireless home network might be difficult to set up and manage even if you’re tech-savvy. Wi-Fi mesh systems, on the other hand, are geared toward users with little or no technical knowledge and can be installed in minutes. They typically come with a user-friendly mobile app that walks you through the installation process with easy-to-follow illustrated instructions. The app tells you where to place each node for maximum coverage and chooses the best Wi-Fi channel and radio band for optimal throughput performance, so you can maintain a strong wireless connection as you move about the house.