Is your home plagued by frustrating Wi-Fi dead zones or weak spots? Are you constantly dropping connections or lagging while streaming or gaming online? If so, a mesh Wi-Fi system could be the answer to your prayers. Mesh networks use multiple satellites (aka nodes) that work together to blanket your entire home in a strong, consistent Wi-Fi signal.
Compared to wireless range extenders, mesh systems offer a more comprehensive and powerful solution. They provide seamless roaming, broader coverage, and stronger signals; while also offering easy scalability and centralised management. They’re also a tad more expensive, but for those that have the budget, it’s a worthy investment for the best Wi-Fi connection.
With so many options on the market, choosing the perfect mesh system can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we'll help to narrow down the selection and share some of our top performers in 2024. Let's start with understanding your needs so you can make an informed decision when choosing your mesh system.
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Understanding Your Needs
Before we dive into specific models, it pays to have an understanding your home's Wi-Fi needs and some key considerations to keep in mind. This will help you narrow your search down and find the best Mesh Wi-Fi System for your home.
- Square Footage: Mesh systems are designed for all types of homes, but some excel in large sprawling homes, while others are perfect for cozy apartments. Knowing your square footage will help narrow your search and understand what type of coverage you need.
- Building Materials: In addition to size, consider the materials your home is constructed with. Thick walls (brick, stone, concrete) and floors (concrete) can weaken Wi-Fi signals. Homes built with these materials may benefit from more satellites, features like beamforming technology, or a higher Wi-Fi standard.
- Number of Devices: Do you have a smart home filled with gadgets, or is it a more traditional setup? Mesh systems can handle a multitude of devices, but some cater to homes with heavy internet usage. In these instances, factors like Wi-Fi standard, number of bands, and backhaul technology become especially important.
- Number of Wi-Fi Bands: Mesh systems come in dual-band and tri-band configurations. Dual-band offers a 2.4 GHz band for wider range and a 5 GHz band for faster speeds. Tri-band adds another 5 GHz band (or on Wi-Fi 6 systems and higher, a 6Hz band) for increased capacity and reduced congestion, ideal for homes with many devices or bandwidth-heavy activities.
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi standards are constantly evolving. Wi-Fi 7 is the latest standard to hit the market in 2024, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and significant capacity increases. However, until Wi-Fi 7 gains wider support, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E will satisfy the needs of most users. That being said, if you want to future-proof your system, a Wi-Fi 7 router could be the go.
- Other Considerations: Mesh systems range in price depending on features and coverage area, so of course, budget is a key factor. There are also additional features you may want to keep an eye out for, such as parental controls, guest Wi-Fi networks, Quality of Service (QoS) for prioritising bandwidth, and security features like WPA3 encryption.
So, keep these factors in mind as we dive into our top recommendations. This should help you choose the best mesh Wi-Fi system to meet your home’s networking needs.
Best Overall
TP-Link Deco X55 AX3000
Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi Bands: Dual | Speeds: Up to 3.0 Gbps | Coverage: 6,500 sq ft (3-pack) | Ethernet Ports: 3
Let’s kick things off with our overall top pick - the TP-Link Deco X55 AX3000 Mesh System. Now, this isn't necessarily the highest-spec top-of-the-line system, but it offers a perfect balance of everything. This versatile system offers great performance at an equally great price point, making it ideal for a variety of households. A 3-pack configuration will blanket up to 6,500 square feet in strong Wi-Fi 6 signal, meaning you can stream, game, and browse effortlessly throughout your entire home, even if you have thick walls or floors (though you may want to consider adding extra units for larger homes or dense layouts).
Deco X55 boasts Wi-Fi 6 speeds of up to 3000Mbps, meaning you can juggle multiple devices and bandwidth-heavy activities without experiencing lag. OFDMA and MU-MIMA technology also allows you to connect over 150 devices. Additionally, features like AI-driven mesh optimises connections and TP-Link HomeShield offers comprehensive security, positioning Deco X55 as a strong contender for families and professionals alike. For those looking for a user-friendly system, the Deco app ensures a hassle-free setup process. A hot choice that balances everything, including performance, reliability, affordability, and ease of use!
Best Value
D-Link Eagle Pro AI M32 AX3200
Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi Bands: Dual | Speeds: Up to 3.2 Gbps | Ethernet Ports: 3 | Coverage: 8,000 sq ft (3-pack)
Striking the perfect balance between affordability and performance, the D-Link EAGLE PRO AI M32 AX3200 Mesh System takes our top spot for best value. This system delivers strong Wi-Fi 6 performance for a competitive price. A 3-pack configuration blankets up to 8,000 square feet with a reliable signal, making it ideal for homes of all sizes. What we love about the EAGLE PRO AI M32, is that although it’s on the affordable side, it still tackles common Wi-Fi woes effectively, with features like AI-mesh optimisation for smooth connections and D-Link's parental controls for additional peace of mind. If you're looking for a no-frills system that delivers on core functionalities without breaking the bank, the D-Link EAGLE PRO AI M32 is an option that offers great value!
ASUS ZenWiFi XD4S AX1800
Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi Bands: Dual | Speeds: Up to 1.8 Gbps | Coverage: 4,800 sq ft (3-pack)
If you’re tight on budget, an option worth checking out is the ASUS ZenWiFi XD4S AX1800 Mesh System. This is another wallet-friendly option that caters to those seeking a reliable network upgrade without breaking the bank. While it's not the top performer on raw speed, it delivers up to AX1800 or 1800 mbps - that’s up to 1.4x faster than WiFi 5 routers! A 3-pack configuration offers coverage for up to 4,800 square feet – perfect for medium-sized homes or those with moderate internet usage. This ASUS system boasts user-friendly features like flexible network naming and AiProtection for comprehensive network security. The ZenWiFi XD4S is a solid choice for value-conscious households that are in need of reliable internet connectivity for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and casual gaming.
Best for Gamers
TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro AXE5400
Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi Bands: Triple | Speeds: Up to 5.4 Gbps | Ethernet Ports: 3 | Coverage: 7,500 sq ft (3-pack)
If you’re a gamer, average isn’t going to cut it! For ultra-low latency and seamless online gaming, you need the backing of a system like the TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro AXE5400 Mesh System. This feature-packed system reigns supreme for gamers seeking the ultimate competitive edge. It boasts Wi-Fi 6E technology, unlocking access to a wider range of uncongested channels for maximising speed and stability. With blazing-fast tri-band speeds of up to AXE5400 or up to 5400 Mbps, you can forget about lag and stuttering during intense online matches.
The Deco XE75 Pro goes beyond raw speed. It prioritises gaming traffic with features like dedicated gaming modes and Game Accelerator, ensuring your online battles receive top billing over other network activities. Additionally, the system offers expansive coverage of up to 7,500 square feet (with a 3-pack configuration), making it a great choice for larger homes where eliminating Wi-Fi dead zones is crucial. While the price point reflects its premium features, for serious gamers seeking a top-tier Wi-Fi mesh solution, the Deco XE75 Pro is a worthy investment.
ASUS ZenWiFi XT8 AX6600
Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi Bands: Triple | Speeds: Up to 6.6 Gbps | Coverage: Up to 5,500 sq ft (2-pack) | Ethernet Ports: 4
Another great choice for gamers is the ASUS ZenWiFi XT8 AX6600 Mesh System. This powerhouse boasts the Wi-Fi 6 standard, delivering blazing-fast speeds that keep your online gaming smooth and responsive. This feature-packed system reigns supreme for gamers seeking the ultimate competitive edge. With a total bandwidth of up to 6600 Mbps, the ZenWiFi AX (XT8) can efficiently handle even the most data-hungry activities. It also features tri-band technology, which helps to minimise congestion, especially crucial in homes with a lot of Wi-Fi devices.
Plus, the option for wired backhaul ensures a rock-solid connection between mesh nodes, eliminating any potential for wireless backhaul slowdowns during intense gaming sessions. The ZenWiFi AX (XT8) also boasts features like Quality of Service (QoS), allowing you to prioritise gaming traffic for lag-free performance. So, assemble your team, fire up your favorite games, and experience the winning advantage of the Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8).
Best for Large Homes
TP-Link Deco BE85 BE22000
Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | Wi-Fi Bands: Triple | Speeds: Up to 22.0 Gbps | Ethernet Ports: 5 | Coverage: 10,800 sq ft (3-pack)
Do you have a large property or sprawling mansion that’s in need of strong and steady Wi-Fi? The TP-Link Deco BE85 BE22000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System is up to the challenge. This powerhouse system features the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, delivering unmatched speed (up to 22000 Mbps), capacity, and range for large homes. With tri-band speeds reaching up to BE22000 (exact speeds will depend on your internet plan), you’ll have ample bandwidth to support even the most demanding activities simultaneously. Coverage with a 3-pack configuration tops an impressive 10,800 square feet, providing a robust signal that reaches every nook and cranny of your large home. Of course, a cutting-edge system like this demands a premium price, but if your abode demands the absolute best in home Wi-Fi, this is the future-proof investment you need. Keep in mind, Wi-Fi 7 is a new standard, compatible devices are currently limited but this is expected to change over the next few years.
NETGEAR Orbi RBKE963 AXE11000
Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi Bands: Quad | Speeds: Up to 11.0 Gbps | Coverage: Up to 9,000 sq ft (3-pack) | Ethernet Ports: 4
If Wi-Fi 7 is overkill for your needs, the NETGEAR Orbi RBKE963 AXE11000 Mesh System is another system to check out. This feature-packed champion boasts the Wi-Fi 6E standard, featuring a high-speed 6GHz band that cuts through congestion and delivers unparalleled speeds of up to 10.8Gbps. The RBKE963 also utilises a revolutionary quad-band technology with a dedicated backhaul band. This translates to ultra-reliable connections between mesh nodes, ensuring your Wi-Fi signal remains strong and uninterrupted, no matter the distance.
This system offers coverage of up to 9000 square feet (with a 3-pack configuration) and supports up to 200 devices! Additionally, it comes equipped with multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports on each unit, allowing you to connect wired devices directly for an extra performance boost. If your home boasts square footage that rivals a castle and your Wi-Fi struggles to keep up, the NETGEAR Orbi RBKE963 is made to conquer those stubborn dead zones and blanket your entire domain in a powerful and reliable Wi-Fi signal.
If you're tired of battling buffering, dropped connections, and frustrating Wi-Fi dead zones, a mesh Wi-Fi system could be the answer. Mesh systems offer a powerful and user-friendly solution for blanketing your entire home in a strong, consistent Wi-Fi signal. Whether you have a small apartment or a sprawling mansion, there's a mesh system on the market to meet your needs and budget. For more networking solutions, head over to our Networking department.
