Club Benefits
Upgrading to one of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems will transform your home network into a connectivity powerhouse. Like many (including myself), it can be a struggle to get a strong Wi-Fi signal if your house is filled with dead zones, no matter what you do. With a mesh router? You can say goodbye to dead zones and actually start using my Wi-Fi without any issues.
To determine which mesh Wi-Fi systems are really the best, we put them through extensive real-world testing in an actual home. From running speed tests and network benchmarks at multiple distances to seeing how well they move data through objects and walls, every mesh Wi-Fi system we review is put through rigorous testing.
Looking for an easy Wi-Fi win for your space? That would be the Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro, but that's not the only system we recommend. Whether you want to cover your whole home with a strong Wi-Fi signal on a budget or you’re looking to push the speeds of your internet connection to the limit with the latest wireless tech, these are the best mesh Wi-Fi systems you can buy right now based on our testing and reviews.
The best mesh Wi-Fi systems you can buy today
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The best mesh Wi-Fi system overall
The Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro immediately grabbed my attention as it uses a rectangular design instead of a cylindrical one, but it’s the blazing-fast speeds that really set this mesh Wi-Fi system apart from the competition.
It has a clean, all-white look on the front and you’ll find all of its ports and its air vents for cooling with a "7" for Wi-Fi 7 etched into them around back. At 8.4 x 6.9 x 2.8 inches, the mesh router is on the large side, though.
Asus has packed the ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro with useful features like completely free built-in security software and the ability to use your phone’s hotspot as a backup when your internet goes down.
It also has a ton of multi-gig ports to take full advantage of faster internet plans. When our reviewer Brian Nadel put this mesh Wi-Fi system to the test, that’s when it really shined by reaching a max download speed of 2.62 gigabits per second (Gbps) at close range (15 feet) thanks to its unique quad-band design.
It provided a solid 100-foot range, but what impressed me the most was that even at 50 feet, the ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro was still blazing fast, hitting speeds of 1.5 Gbps.
The Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro is certainly on the expensive side at over $1,000 for a two-pack. However, if you have multi-gig internet and want to put Wi-Fi 7’s speeds to the test while future-proofing your home network, it’s an easy mesh Wi-Fi system to recommend.
- Read our full Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro review
The best budget mesh Wi-Fi system
The TP-Link Deco BE23 shows that high-speed, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity in a mesh system doesn't have to cost you a premium. For as low as $180, you can get a set of three powerful mesh networking devices that offer up far-reaching connectivity with some absolutely amazing speeds.
Each of the BE23 units comes in a neat, discreet design that can be placed anywhere while hiding in plain sight, and you can set up a connection for the whole house easily with TP-Link’s Deco app. Plus, any of the units can be used as a host router. Once you're set up, you can take control of your connectivity and devices via the app, like integrating and controlling Tapo, Kasa, Philips Hue and Matter home automation devices.
Speed is the star of the show, especially for this mesh system's affordable price. In our testing, we saw highs of 1.449 Gbps at 15 feet, and still 150.1 Mbps as far away as 90 feet. Those numbers beat many routers we've tested, even though it understandably falls behind the likes of a tri-band system (like the TP-Link Deco BE63 with 1.821 Gbps at 15 feet away). With a maximum range of 115 feet for each unit, this mesh system will take you far (quite literally, connectivity-wise). Now that's excellent balance between price and performance.
What you won't get here are more advanced features, like the 6GHz band (just 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz here) and super-wide 320 MHz data channel, while there's only a pair of 2.5 Gbps networking ports without a USB port, which makes wired connections limited.
For an affordable way to keep your whole home connected with fantastic internet speeds, the price is right with the TP-Link Deco BE23. It may not be the fastest, or the most advanced, but for value, it's hard to go wrong with this mesh setup.
- Read our full TP-Link Deco BE23 review
The best mesh Wi-Fi system for range
The Netgear Orbi 870 is a powerful mesh Wi-Fi system that really excels at medium and long range, where it even outperformed its larger and more expensive older sibling. At 10.6 x 5.8 x 4.4 inches, this mesh kit is in the middle of Netgear’s Orbi lineup in both size and speed.
Despite its more premium price, I really like the new, more cylindrical design with a cleaner overall look of the Orbi 870 and the rest of the company’s Wi-Fi 7-powered mesh kits. While you’ll often see it in white at online retailers, you can actually get an all-black version too, but only on Netgear’s site.
The Orbi 870 is a very reliable and feature-packed mesh Wi-Fi system that’s ideal for futureproofing your home network thanks to its slew of multi-gig ports, including a 10 Gbps input. In his testing, Brian saw speeds of 1.83 Gbps at close range (15 feet).
However, it was the Orbi 870’s mid- and long-range performance that impressed him the most. For instance, at 50 and 75 feet, this mesh Wi-Fi system had download speeds of over 600 Mbps, beating both the entry-level Orbi 770 and even the Orbi 970 at the top of Netgear’s mesh lineup.
Even at a distance of 90 feet away from Brian’s test laptop, it was at just over 100 Mbps, while the Orbi 970 and even TP-Link’s Deco BE85 were under 50 Mbps. At $1,000 for a two-pack, the Orbi 870 is certainly an investment, just like with the rest of the devices in Netgear’s Orbi line.
However, if you have a large home you want to fill with a strong Wi-Fi signal and a top-tier multi-gig internet plan, it could definitely be worth it. Just keep in mind that you will need to set aside some extra cash if you want to secure your home network with it using Netgear’s Armor security package or want extended technical support, as only 90 days are included.
- Read our full Netgear Orbi 870 review
The best mesh Wi-Fi system for gaming
The Acer Predator Connect T7 is a mesh Wi-Fi system with a heavy focus on gamers. However, unlike my previous mesh router pick for gaming, the Asus ROG Rapture GT6, it’s a Wi-Fi 7-powered device with a much more subtle look.
Instead of RGB and lots of logos, the Predator Connect T7 features a taller, rectangular design in white or black and at first glance, it looks quite similar to an Xbox Series X. There’s a splash of RGB lighting on the top, but this mesh kit has a sleeker and more restrained look that I think definitely works in its favor.
Just like with the best gaming routers, the Predator Connect T7 has a low-latency design that uses Intel’s Killer Prioritization engine for peak gaming performance. It also comes with free built-in security software and makes full use of all of Wi-Fi 7’s best features.
During testing, Brian saw download speeds of 1.9 Gbps at close range (15 feet) with good mid-range performance. While the Predator Connect T7 has a multi-gig input port, its wired Ethernet ports are limited to gigabit speeds, so plugging in one of the best gaming laptops won’t give you a significant speed boost over connecting via Wi-Fi.
The Acer Predator Connect T7 is one of the few mesh Wi-Fi systems specifically designed for gamers and if you want a mesh router that looks as slick as your gaming PC, it’s a big step up over the Asus ROG Rapture GT7.
However, it is on the expensive side at $330 per device and unlike with other mesh kits, you won’t see any discounts at all when buying a multi-pack. Still, if you want gaming-level network performance with the added benefits of mesh and want something less flashy, the Predator Connect T7 is an excellent mesh Wi-Fi system and the only one for gamers with Wi-Fi 7 support so far.
- Read our full Acer Predator Connect T7 review
The best mesh Wi-Fi system for simplicity
The Eero Pro 7 is a smaller and sleeker mesh Wi-Fi system that’s incredibly simple to set up and use. Unlike Eero’s past mesh kits, which had a puck-shaped design, this one has a rounded rectangular shape and at 7.1 x 5.8 x 2.6 inches, you won’t have any trouble finding a place for it and its satellites around your home.
After testing the larger, more powerful Eero Max 7 myself, I really like the Pro 7’s more compact design and the fact that it's significantly cheaper, too. The biggest selling point of the Pro 7 and Eero’s other mesh Wi-Fi systems is that even a home networking novice will have no trouble at all getting them up and running.
Setup and configuration are handled entirely through the very user-friendly Eero app and besides how it looks, I really like the way that updates are downloaded and installed automatically, so your mesh Wi-Fi system is always running the latest software.
In his testing, Brian saw download speeds of 1.9 Gbps at close distances (15 feet), but the Pro 7 was equally impressive at mid-range distances with speeds just under a gigabit.
The Eero Pro 7 does cost a bit more than the competition, but nowhere close to what you’d pay for an Orbi mesh kit. As an Amazon company, Eero works great with your Alexa-powered and other smart home devices and you can even use an Echo Dot as a mesh extender to add some extra range to your home network.
If you want a fast and capable Wi-Fi 7-powered mesh system that’s simple to set up and just works, the Eero Pro 7 is very easy to recommend, especially since it's a lot cheaper than the Max 7. The one downside is that you’re limited to just two Ethernet ports, but they are of the faster 5 Gbps variety, which is great if you have a multi-gig internet plan.
- Read our full Eero Pro 7 review
Best mesh Wi-Fi system for fiber
The TP-Link Deco BE85 is a top-of-the-line mesh Wi-Fi system that was actually the first mesh router with Wi-Fi 7 support. It builds on the cylindrical design of the Deco XE75 with a more refined and polished look, but it packs in a ton of multi-gig and even a USB port.
As someone who upgraded to fiber internet, I love how it has its own SFP+ port, which lets you plug your fiber line directly in at the back instead of into a separate ONT box first. Even if you’re still using one of the best cable modems, though, the Deco BE85 is a powerful mesh Wi-Fi system that won’t disappoint when it comes to performance.
One thing that’s really convenient about this mesh kit and TP-Link’s other Deco devices is that they’re all identical out of the box and you can use any of them as your main router. The company’s Deco app also makes setup and configuration very easy, and in my experience, it’s on par with Eero’s app in terms of usability.
During testing, Brian saw download speeds of 1.73 Gbps at a close distance (15 feet) and good mid-range speeds, too. While this might seem a bit low for a premium mesh Wi-Fi system, Brian was one of the first people to get and review the Deco BE85. It's possible this has improved with firmware updates since its launch.
The Deco BE85 has come down in price since it launched, but at $1,299 for a three-pack, it’s still expensive, even though this model does go on sale quite frequently. However, if you have a fast, multi-gig fiber internet plan and want top-notch Wi-Fi 7 performance, this mesh router is the only one I’ve seen yet with an SFP+ port around back.
If you don’t have fiber internet, though, the less expensive TP-Link Deco BE63 is a good choice. Regardless of which device you choose, it’s worth noting that just like with Eero, all TP-Link Deco devices are compatible with one another, so you could always mix and match or upgrade to a more powerful model later on if you need to.
- Read our full TP-Link Deco BE85 review
Best mesh Wi-Fi system test results
| Header Cell - Column 0 | 15 feet | 50 feet | 75 feet | 90 feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro | 2.620 Gbps | 1.532 Gbps | 567.8 Mbps | 46.7 Mbps |
TP-Link Deco BE23 | 1.449 Gbps | 953.7 Mbps | 350.4 Mbps | 150.1 Mbps |
Netgear Orbi 870 | 1.820 Gbps | 627.4 Mbps | 628.6 Mbps | 102.6 Mbps |
Acer Predator Connect T7 | 1.914 Gbps | 476.0 Mbps | 231.5 Mbps | 121.0 Mbps |
Eero Pro 7 | 1.905 Gbps | 994.4 Mbps | 234.7 Mbps | 20.8 Mbps |
TP-Link Deco BE85 | 1.736 Gbps | 790.4 Mbps | 179.2 Mbps | 42.6 Mbps |
Meet our testers
As someone who's been working from home for the past eight years, Anthony Spadafora has tried everything from Wi-Fi extenders to powerline adapters to get the most out of his home network, before finally upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system. Along the way, he's tested out loads of different routers and network configurations. Based on what he's learned, Anthony tries to highlight the critical role Wi-Fi routers play in our day-to-day lives and how a mesh network can help solve the most common connectivity issues like Wi-Fi dead spots.
With experience in testing, using and evaluating wireless data from before Wi-Fi was even a word, Brian Nadel has tried out and reviewed every major router available in his home networking lab. A LAN nerd, his philosophy is to use the router the way you would, testing networking gear for ease of setup, performance, security and above all for value. The result is peace of mind when it comes to choosing the right router.
How we test the best mesh Wi-Fi systems
We test every mesh Wi-Fi system to measure performance and range, using Keysight IxChariot. Testing is done in a multi-story home with brick walls. When we test standard routers, we look at performance at a distance to provide real-world information about coverage and speeds. In addition to lab testing, we evaluate the ease-of-setup and features of each device, too.
We measure performance at a 15-foot distance without obstructions, so that we can gauge the maximum amount of data that a router can move. Higher throughput will serve you better in data-heavy uses, like streaming video, gaming, or connecting multiple users at once.
Range measures the furthest usable distance for a particular router. Longer ranges are better for larger homes, where rooms are spread out at a distance. We measure how much data a router can move at 15, 50, 75 and 100 feet, as well as the maximum coverage area of a mesh Wi-Fi system.
We also test how well each mesh Wi-Fi system transmits and receives signals through drywall, brick, concrete and even metal walls; and how each handles coverage in a two- or three-story home. They also go through additional testing to see how well each system does when sending a signal through the main router and through the included satellites.
Frequently asked questions
How many satellites do I actually need?
Mesh Wi-Fi systems are usually available in two-packs or three-packs, but deciding which one to get depends on the size of your home. If you live in a small or medium house, then a two-pack will usually do the trick. For large homes with more than three bedrooms or multiple stories, a three-pack is the better choice, as this will ensure that your Wi-Fi signal reaches every corner and even upstairs.
The great thing about mesh Wi-Fi systems, though, is that you can always start small and work up to something bigger. For instance, if you buy a two-pack and find that you’re still dealing with Wi-Fi dead zones in certain parts of your home, you can always add another satellite later to improve your coverage.
Where is the best place to put a satellite?
If you’re upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system to get rid of dead zones, then you want to put your satellite or satellites halfway between your main router and the dead spot. This way, it will be able to get a signal from your main router and broadcast it into the dead zone to give you Wi-Fi in places where you couldn’t get a strong signal before.
Just like with a standard Wi-Fi router, the same recommendations on where to put your satellites still apply. Don’t put a satellite next to metal objects, large appliances (especially microwaves), mirrors or large bodies of water (like a fish tank). Instead, you want to have your satellites up high, like on a shelf or table, and out in the open.
Is a mesh system better than a Wi-Fi extender?
Absolutely. Plug-in Wi-Fi extenders aren’t nearly as advanced or as powerful as the satellites in a mesh Wi-Fi system. The other big problem with Wi-Fi extenders is that most of them create a separate network you have to manually switch to each time you want to use them. For instance, let’s say you put a Wi-Fi extender in your bedroom. Whenever you want to get online in that particular room, you’ll have to switch from your main Wi-Fi network to the extender, which gets annoying really fast.
On the other hand, with a mesh Wi-Fi system, the satellites are all part of your main network and no switching is required. As you move from one side of your house to the other, your mesh system automatically hands off your connection to whatever satellite you’re closest to, which ensures you have a strong signal and a good connection wherever you are in your home.
Do I still need a modem if I buy a mesh Wi-Fi system?
Yes, you do. Unlike your mesh Wi-Fi system, which helps spread your Wi-Fi connection throughout your home, your modem is what allows your internet connection to come into your house in the first place. Without a modem, your mesh system won’t have a connection to the internet at all.
The one case where you don’t need a modem is with fiber internet. Instead of using a modem to convert data from a cable line, fiber internet uses a device called an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) to convert the connection from the fiber optic line running into your home into Ethernet. That way, you can plug an Ethernet cable from your ONT device into your mesh Wi-Fi system.
How to choose the best mesh Wi-Fi system for you
Coverage: If you have a larger home with 3,000 square feet or more, a regular router just won’t cut it. The same is true for multi-story homes and oddly laid out houses, which don’t necessarily match the range pattern of coverage most standalone routers deliver.
Even if your home looks like it may be well-served by a traditional Wi-Fi router, there are plenty of obstacles and signal disruptions that can make it difficult to get strong wireless coverage in every part of your home. In this case, the usual steps to make your Wi-Fi faster may not work.
The basic guideline is this: If your router leaves you with Wi-Fi dead zones in your home or even out in your yard, you’re likely better off with a mesh Wi-Fi system instead.
Speed: Picking the right mesh Wi-Fi system is the same as with any other networking device. Our reviews examine the design, range and throughput performance, setup process and which settings you can adjust. We also look at each device’s built-in security features and parental controls. We even look at whether a mesh extension is easy to add to your home décor or whether it’s something you’ll want to tuck away out of sight.
All of our reviews dig into these aspects of a product while also highlighting any unique features worth considering in your decision-making, like whether other devices from the same product line are interoperable (like Amazon's Eero and TP-Link's Deco devices) or if you can use your phone's mobile hotspot as a backup when your internet goes down.
Ports: Though improved wireless connectivity is the main thing you want from a mesh Wi-Fi system, you’ll also want to think about wired connections.
Ethernet offers faster connectivity for devices like computers, game consoles and smart TVs that use more bandwidth and USB ports are useful for attaching older printers or storage to your network.
However, not every mesh system has several physical ports, so make sure you get a system that will meet your needs. Keep in mind, you can always use an Ethernet switch to easily add more ports to your mesh router.
Price: For many shoppers, it all comes down to value — which mesh Wi-Fi system provides the most bang for your buck. So we also consider what you really get for your money, considering which features are worthwhile and how any given product compares with other devices from competing manufacturers.
Mesh routers range in price from $80 to $400 or more. As mesh systems use multiple devices, you can generally buy a complete mesh Wi-Fi system as a two or three-unit package at a discount. However, you can also buy individual satellite units to extend a mesh network further. Individual units often sell for $100 to $200, though specialized units that offer additional functionality may cost more.
The products on this list are our top picks as they are the best mesh Wi-Fi systems you can buy right now. Whether it’s a question of performance, value or features, we call out the products that deliver the best value and explain why they might be the perfect fit for your home.
Check out all of our home networking coverage:
Best Wi-Fi 7 routers | Best Wi-Fi 6 routers | Best gaming routers | Best Wi-Fi extenders | Best powerline extenders | Best cable modems
