Best Wifi Mesh Routers - Recommended By Experts

We have honed your search with some of our best mesh router solutions because there is a wide variety available. Finding the model that works best for your home setting is made easier by the fact that our recommendations range in price, speeds, and features. In addition, there are some reviews that you probably are searching for: best wifi 6 routers, best portable wifi routers, best wifi routers…

1. Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12

Important Specifications 

• Brand: ASUS

• Series: ET12 (B-2-PK)

• Frequency Band Class: Tri-Band

• Wireless Type: 802.11n, 802.11ax, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11ac

• Frequency: 6 GHz

• Included Components: RJ-45 Cable, Power Adapter, Two ZenWiFi Pro ET12, Warranty Card, Quick Start Guide

Product's highlights

Larger homes and workplaces require a mesh network with much greater strength, like the Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12. Although most users may find this Wi-Fi 6E mesh system to be a bit overkill, there are still many who will benefit from the amount of performance and range it offers - notably those who have large spaces and demanding network requirements to cover.

With it, you get a maximum speed of 11Gbps and a range of 6,000 square feet (if you get the router and a node set). It also performs well in practice. Our workplace broadband service's maximum speeds were delivered by the first ET12 throughout our testing of the two-pack set, and the second unit allowed us to sustain those speeds even in the difficult-to-reach places. Support for the new Wi-Fi 6E standard is also advantageous, particularly if you have a flashy new toy that uses it.

Pros

• Exceptional Wi-Fi performance

• Wonderful for larger homes and offices

Cons

• Expensive

• More than most users need

2. Netgear Nighthawk MK83

Important Specifications 

• Brand: NETGEAR

• Model Name: MK83-100NAS

• Frequency Band Class: Tri-Band

• Wireless Communication Standard: 802.11ax

• Compatible Devices: Gaming Console, Smart Television, IPhone

• Included Components: One (1) Tri-band Mesh WiFi 6 Router (MR80), Two (2) Tri-band Mesh WiFi 6 Satellite (MS80), One (1) 2m Ethernet cable, Three (3) 12V/2.5A power adapters, Quick start guideOne (1) Tri-band Mesh WiFi 6 Router (MR80), Two (2) Tri-band Mesh WiFi 6 Satellite (MS80), One (1) 2m Ethernet cable, Three (3) 12V/2.5…

Product's highlights

Even though there is room for improvement, the Nighthawk MK83 still provides good connectivity for two- to three-bedroom houses. The Nighthawk app is surprisingly underwhelming and requires additional subscriptions for more essential capabilities. With its three-piece kit, it can cover a space of 6,750 square feet, and Wi-Fi 6 is available for more effectively sending data to many devices at once.

During testing, the slower 2.4GHz band—which often has a weaker connection—managed a consistent 80Mbps on the Ookla speed test in our back office while increasing Steam download speeds from 4.9MB/s to 6.4MB/s. Even better, the 5.0GHz band delivered 12.5MB/s for Steam downloads while cruising at 100Mbps on the Ookla speed test. If you have some extra cash, this is exactly what you need for a multi-room, multi-device smart home.

Pros

• Excellent 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz performance

• Covers up to 6,750 square feet

Cons

• The Nighthawk app is quite simple.

3. Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8)

Important Specifications 

• Brand: ASUS

• Model Name: XT8 (W-1-PK)

• Frequency Band Class: Tri-Band

• Wireless Communication Standard: 802.11n, 802.11ax, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac

• Frequency: 160 MHz

• Included Components: ZenWiFi AX 1PK White

Product's highlights

With the ZenWiFi AX (XT8), Asus has been able to bring Wi-Fi 6 to mesh routers, another cutting-edge piece of networking equipment. The Asus ZenWifi AX delivers blazing fast speeds and plenty of setup versatility, including the option to set up one or two networks utilizing the 2.4 and 5GHz bands, despite being one of the more expensive alternatives available and restricting you to two mesh routers.

During our tests, it was able to fully utilize our 50 Mbps Internet connection, at one point even pushing it to 60 Mbps. Additionally, it maintained download speeds of 7.3MB/s even on the slower 2.4GHz band in a location in our facility that has previously experienced connectivity problems.

It's not quite as simple to set up. However, if you're looking for the best mesh Wi-Fi systems, this is a terrific option thanks to outstanding security features as well.

Pros

• Outstanding Wi-Fi performance

• Adequate security measures

Cons

• Maximum of two routers

4. Netgear Orbi Pro WiFi 6

Important Specifications 

• Brand: NETGEAR

• Model Name: SXK50-100NAS

• Frequency Band Class: Tri-Band

• Wireless Communication Standard: 802.11ax

• Compatible Devices: Laptop, Gaming Console, IPhone

• Included Components: Two (2) 12V/2.5A power adapters, One (1) Orbi Pro WiFi 6 AX5400 Satellite (SXS50), One (1) 2m Ethernet cable, One (1) Orbi Pro WiFi 6 AX5400 Router (SXR50), Installation guideTwo (2) 12V/2.5A power adapters, One (1) Orbi Pro WiFi 6 AX5400 Satellite (SXS50), One (1) 2m Ethernet cable, One (1) Orbi Pro WiFi 6 A…

Product's highlights

Large corporations and sprawling mansions have demanding network coverage requirements that can only be met by the greatest mesh Wi-Fi systems, which is why routers like the Netgear Orbi Pro WiFi 6 are available. Even in its most basic setup, this is a potent piece of equipment, providing excellent Wi-Fi connection over a remarkable amount of space.

We tested using a WiFi 6 enabled client and were able to use speeds of more than 800 Mbps close to the router. The performance remained excellent even with older clientele standing 50 feet or more away.

You've found it if you're looking for the strongest mesh Wi-Fi system. But it also has a hefty price tag that most families shouldn't pay. Unless you reside in a massive mansion or a castle, it would be excessive. Only invest if it makes technical sense.

Pros

• Simple to deploy

• Backhaul at 6Gbps

Cons

• Hardly unnoticeable

5. Google Nest Wifi

Important Specifications 

• Brand: Google

• Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi

• Control Method: App

• Controller Type: Google Assistant, Nest

Product's highlights

Google Nest Wifi takes the remarkable yet straightforward design and performance of Google Wifi and combines it with the practicality of a smart speaker to boost the ante in the mesh Wi-Fi system. What you have here is a two-in-one gadget in an even more svelte and alluring package.

You will appreciate the absolute genius of this addition to Google's WiFi line, especially if you are a smart home enthusiast. Additionally, performance is quite good, effortlessly consuming downloads and video streaming over our 100Mbps bandwidth during our tests. It's simple to set up as well, making it perfect for people new to mesh Wi-Fi systems.

Additionally, this one is also available in Mist and Sand colors if you're sick of white. The original Google Wifi is still the greatest mesh Wi-Fi router available today. This one merely gives it a little extra zip.

Pros

• Outstanding design

• Includes smart speaker(s)

• Even more basic controls

Cons

• No significant performance gains

• It is ineffective to replace current mesh

1. Does mesh WiFi take the place of my current router?

No. It's advisable to consider mesh networks as a Wi-Fi replacement for your current router. All of your phones, computers, tablets, and Wi-Fi smart home devices can connect to a new Wi-Fi network that is created when one of the mesh Wi-Fi kit's devices is connected to an available network port on your router.

The second mesh device (and third, if applicable) are then placed somewhere in your home, usually on a different floor.

Your entire home is covered by a single, fast, robust Wi-Fi network that is created by all of the connected devices.

2. What additional advantages do mesh Wi-Fi systems provide?

They are often managed using an app. However, it may also be used to keep track of which devices are linked to which hub. In some cases, this is primarily there to assist you with installing the system in the first place.

Some programs allow you to "pause" the Wi-Fi network, but the better ones allow you to turn off Wi-Fi on specific devices so you can, for instance, stop your kids from watching additional YouTube videos.

In order to prevent children from spending too much time in front of screens, other features include parental controls or scheduling so Wi-Fi is only accessible at specific times or to specific devices.

3. Anything else to be on the lookout for?

Yes. Your mesh Wi-Fi kit should ideally be configured in bridge mode. Since the majority of them support this mode, wired and wireless devices can connect to your mesh Wi-Fi network and communicate with each other.

Additionally, it lessens the likelihood of experiencing issues when running your own game server or playing online.

If you don't use bridge mode, you could find that you can't perform things like print to a wireless printer from a PC connected to your existing router.

Should you then get a mesh Wi-Fi router? Mesh Wi-Fi is sometimes regarded as superior to a standard router, but ultimately it depends on what you want your Wi-Fi devices to do. If you have a large home, mesh Wi-Fi might be a better option than a standard router because it can provide more stable Wi-Fi coverage over a larger area.