The best mesh Wi-Fi systems are the ultimate upgrade for your home network especially if you’re tired of dealing with Wi-Fi dead zones. These multi-piece kits can fill even the largest homes with a strong Wi-Fi signal, whether you’re out in the garage or even in the backyard.
In order to determine which mesh Wi-Fi systems are the best, we put them through extensive real-world testing in an actual home. This includes running benchmarks at multiple distances to measure their speed, range and testing how these kits work together when combined into a single network. Plus, we evaluate how well each mesh Wi-Fi system is able to move data through walls and ceilings.
Based on our extensive benchmarking, the best mesh Wi-Fi system overall is the Netgear Orbi RBE973. This mesh router comes equipped with the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard for blazing fast speeds and has all the ports you need for multi-gig internet with a range of 95 feet. If you’re on a budget but still want the big speed boost that comes with Wi-Fi 6E, the TP-Link Deco XE75 is a great pick and you also won't have to worry about upgrading anytime soon.
There are lots of other great mesh Wi-Fi systems we recommend for different use cases and homes based on our reviews, including larger, more powerful ones and more compact kits for smaller homes. These are the best mesh Wi-Fi systems you can buy right now.
The quick list
Performance:★★★★☆
Range: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★☆☆☆
This Wi-Fi 7 mesh system delivers blazing fast speeds, comes with a year of built-in security software and has all the ports you’ll need. However, all this doesn't come cheap.
Performance: ★★★★☆
Range: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★★
This Wi-Fi 6E mesh system offers great value, comes with built-in security software, has excellent range and is quite fast. However, it isn’t equipped for multi-gig internet.
Performance: ★★★★☆
Range: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
This Wi-Fi 6 mesh system comes with built-in security software, offers excellent performance and has loads of gaming features baked in. However, it only comes in a two-pack and its design won’t fit every home.
Performance: ★★★★☆
Range: ★★★★★
Value: ★★☆☆☆
This Wi-Fi 7 mesh system excels at medium to long distances, comes with plenty of high-speed ports and is really fast up close. However, it still comes at a premium and you’ll have to pay extra for security software.
Performance: ★★★★☆
Range: ★★★★★
Value: ★★★☆☆
This Wi-Fi 6E mesh system has a beautiful design, comes with built-in security software and delivers excellent performance up close. It’s only available in a two-pack though and doesn’t offer the fastest speeds possible.
Performance: ★★★★★
Range: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
This Wi-Fi 7 mesh system delivers super fast speeds, has all the ports you need and is perfect for fiber internet. It’s still quite expensive though and there’s not a lot to customize.
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Performance: ★★★☆☆
Range: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★☆
This Wi-Fi 7 mesh system is more affordable, comes with built-in security software and it has a longer three-year warranty. However, it’s not as fast as other Wi-Fi 7 routers and isn’t equipped for multi-gig internet.
Performance: ★★★☆☆
Range: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★☆
This dual-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh system gives you access to the latest wireless standard’s best features, comes with built-in security software and is very affordable. However, you don’t get access to the faster 6 GHz band and there are only two downstream Ethernet ports.
Performance: ★★★★☆
Range: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
This Wi-Fi 6E mesh system is incredibly easy to set up, has great speeds at close distances, can act as a smart home hub and you can even use an Echo Dot with it as a mesh extender. It only has two ports on the back though.
Read more below
The best mesh Wi-Fi systems you can buy today
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The best mesh Wi-Fi system overall
✅ You have a multi-gig internet plan: The Orbi RBE973 is a great choice for those with multi-gigabit internet plans as it has two 10 Gbps Ethernet ports.
✅ You have a huge house: Each Orbi RBE973 device has a range of 3,300 feet and a three-pack can cover up to 10,0 square feet.
❌ You're on a budget: The Orbi RBE973 is the most expensive Wi-Fi 7 mesh router released to date.
❌ You want free tech support: Netgear only includes 90 days of free tech support. After that, you'll have to pay
The Orbi RBE973 is the best of the best when it comes to Netgear’s mesh routers. This mesh Wi-Fi system comes at a steep cost — $16,99 for a two-pack and $2,299 for a three-pack — but for the price, you’re getting all of the extra features and functionality of Wi-Fi 7 from super fast speeds, wider data channels and multi-link operation which lets you use multiple bands (2.4 Ghz, 5 Ghz and 6 GHz) simultaneously. This is all wrapped up in a brand new design and in our opinion, the Orbi RBE973 looks a whole lot sleeker than Netgear’s previous mesh Wi-Fi systems.
Not too long ago, It used to be a big deal to get gigabit download speeds over Wi-Fi. Well with the Orbi RBE973, we managed to reach download speeds of over 2 gigabits per second (Gbps) in our testing. This was right up next to the router at 15 feet though. Speeds dropped off quickly from there as we moved further away from the router (down to 495 Mbps at 50 feet) but keep in mind, this is a mesh Wi-Fi system after all and you will have either one or two satellites to push a faster wireless signal further. Likewise, switching from the Orbi RBE973’s 6 GHz to its 5 GHz band will also help with range. Still, this mesh router had a total range of 95 feet.
Unlike many of the other mesh Wi-Fi systems on this list, the Orbi RBE973 is a quad-band instead of a tri-band device. This may not seem like that big of a deal but if your home isn’t wired for Ethernet — which it likely isn’t — this can be a game changer. The extra 5 GHz band on the Orbi RBE973 is used for backhaul communication between the main unit which serves as the router which lets you get the most bandwidth possible from this premium mesh router system.
As this is a premium mesh Wi-Fi system after all, it’s fully equipped for more expensive, multi-gig internet plans. Around back, you get a 10 Gbps WAN port to connect to your cable modem and another to connect to your wired devices which is perfect for downloading and sending large files quickly like a game on Steam or a whole season of a TV show. If you don’t plan on upgrading anytime soon and want a futureproof mesh router, the Orbi RBE973 more than fits the bill. However, if you want more than the one-year warranty and 90 days of technical support, you will have to pay Netgear for that.
Read our full Orbi RBE973 review
The best budget mesh Wi-Fi system
✅ You want Wi-Fi 6E on a budget: This is one of the best Wi-Fi 6E mesh systems you can get in a three-pack for under $500.
✅ You want built-in security software: TP-Link includes its HomeShield security software free of charge.
❌ You have multi-gig internet: This mesh router only has gigabit ports unlike the Deco XE75 Pro.
❌ You want a lot of ports: There are only three Ethernet ports and no USB ports.
If you want significantly faster download and upload speeds but aren’t quite ready to make the jump to Wi-Fi 7, the Wi-Fi 6E-powered TP-Link Deco XE75 is an excellent choice for building out a mesh network. Available in either a two-pack or a three-pack, these cylindrical mesh routers are fairly compact and dont’ stand out too much either. You also get a bit of flexibility when it comes to how you set them up since any of the units can act as your main router. When I wanted to upgrade to mesh without spending a fortune, this is the mesh Wi-Fi system I picked.
The TP-Link Deco XE75 is ideal for gigabit internet plans and around back, there are three gigabit Ethernet ports. If you have a multi-gig plan and want faster wired ports, there’s also the slightly more expensive Deco XE 75 Pro. In our testing, we were able to get over 1.2 Gbps download speeds at 15 feet and this mesh Wi-Fi system was also able to send a strong connection through walls. While this isn’t a quad-band device, you do have the option to use its 6 GHz band for wireless backhaul which is great if you don’t have a lot of newer devices with Wi-Fi 6E support.
Like other TP-Link routers, the Deco XE75 comes with the company’s HomeShield security software built-in. You can also upgrade to HomeShield Pro for additional protection from the latest online threats.
The TP-Link Deco XE75 is a strong and reliable mesh Wi-Fi kit that I’ve used for several years now without any problems or issues. If you want Wi-Fi 6E speeds and features without the extra cost of some other mesh routers, this is a great option for your home network.
Read our full TP-Link Deco XE75 review
The best mesh Wi-Fi system for gamers
✅ You want a gaming router: The Asus ROG Rapture 6 looks like a gaming router but offers the range of a mesh Wi-Fi system.
✅ You want a router that stands out: The Asus ROG Rapture 6 includes built-in RGG and looks more like a compact gaming PC than a router.
❌ You want the latest Wi-Fi tech: The Asus ROG Rapture GT6 still uses Wi-Fi 6 instead of Wi-Fi 6E or even Wi-Fi 7.
Having to choose between one of the best gaming routers and a mesh Wi-Fi system used to be tough for those who wanted the best online gaming experience but still had Wi-Fi dead spots around their home. The Asus ROG Rapture GT6 gives you the best of both worlds with a design where it won’t look out of place next to one of the best gaming PCs.
As part of Asus’ Republic of Gamers (ROG) line, the Rapture GT6 naturally comes equipped with built-in RGB lighting and comes in either black or white to match the rest of your desk setup. This mesh router has a very futuristic look overall and you will probably want to leave it on your desk instead of hidden away. The Asus ROG Rapture GT6 also has a trapezoidal shape which is quite uncommon for a mesh Wi-Fi system.
You aren’t getting the latest Wi-Fi tech here but Asus has pulled off a few tricks to get the most out of Wi-Fi 6. The ROG Rapture GT6 uses 160 MHz data channels along with beamforming to push Wi-Fi 6 to the max. Right next to the first mesh router built for gamers, we hit a max speed of 1.36 Gbps for second in our tests. Speeds dropped off a bit at 50 and 75 feet but they were still quite impressive.
It’s worth noting that the ROG Rapture GT6 is only available in a two-pack but even then, this mesh Wi-Fi system can cover 5,800 square feet with a strong Wi-Fi signal. You do get a 2.5 Gbps input port, three gigabit Ethernet ports and a USB port on the back of both units though. Through the app or your browser, you can customize the ROG Rapture GT6’s RGB lighting and dive into the Game Radar worldwide ping map and the rest of Asus’ gaming features. If you want the best gaming performance while eliminating Wi-Fi dead zones with one of the most unique designs in a mesh router we’ve seen yet, the ROG Rapture GT6 doesn’t disappoint.
Read our full Asus ROG Rapture GT6 review
The best mesh Wi-Fi system for long range
✅ You have a multi-gig internet plan: With a 10 Gbps input port and four 2.5 Gbps downstream ports, this is mesh system is very well suited for multi-gig internet.
✅ You need extra range: With a max range of 115 feet and great mid-range as well as long-range speeds, the Orbi 870 is a great choice for larger homes or properties.
❌ You're on a budget: At $1,000 for a two-pack and $1,300 for a three-pack this is a high-end Wi-Fi 7 mesh Wi-Fi system.
❌ You need a USB port: Unlike the Deco BE85, the Orbi 870 doesn’t have a USB port around back for sharing data from a flash drive or hard drive across your home network.
The Orbi 870 from Netgear is a Wi-Fi 7 powered mesh system that excels at both medium and long range performance. Positioned between the more expensive Orbi 970 and the cheaper Orbi 770, this mesh router gives you all of Wi-Fi 7’s best features in a slightly more compact form factor compared to its more expensive sibling. Still, at $1,000 for a two-pack and $1,300 for a three-pack, you are paying the Orbi tax compared to cheaper yet similarly specced offerings from TP-Link like the Deco BE63, though the Orbi 870 can reach a max theoretical throughput of 21 Gbps (versus 10 Gbps).
Just like the rest of Netgear’s Wi-Fi mesh routers, the Orbi 870 is quite tall at 10.6 inches and it has plenty of Ethernet ports but no USB port around back. Perfectly equipped for multi-gig internet, you get a 10 Gbps input port along with four 2.5 Gbps downstream ports. In our network benchmark testing, it reached speeds of 1.82 Gbps at a distance of 15 feet which puts it slightly above both the Orbi 770 and the Deco BE85. What really surprised us though was just how capable this mesh kit was at medium and long-range distances. For instance, at both 50 and 75 feet, we saw speeds of 627.4 Mbps and 628.6 Mbps respectively. Then at 90 feet away from the router, we were still able to reach 102.6 Mbps. This makes the Orbi 870 a great choice if you still want to be able to stream content or even do video calls out in your backyard.
Netgear didn’t skimp on Wi-Fi 7 features with the Orbi 870 either. Along with access to the faster 6 GHz band, you also get Multi-Link Operation support for using multiple bands at once, ultra-wide 320 MHz data channels for moving more data across your network. Setup can be done either in Netgear’s Orbi app or through your browser and from start to finish, it took us 17 minutes to get our home network up and running.
The Orbi 870 is a powerful and reliable mesh Wi-Fi system you’ll be able to use for years thanks to its multi-gig ports and excellent close, mid-range and long distance performance. You will have to pay extra for security software for your home network but with your Armor subscription, you now get VPN access too, along with antivirus protection from bitdefender. The Orbi 870 may be in the middle of Netgear’s Wi-Fi 7 mesh range but it packs in as many features and the performance you’d find on competitors’ flagship mesh systems.
Read our full Netgear Orbi 870 review.
The best mesh Wi-Fi system for large homes
✅ You want built-in security: Asus includes its powerful AiProtection Pro security software for free with this mesh router.
✅ You want something compact: At almost 10 inches tall, hiding Asus' ZenWiFi Pro ET12 units will likely be quite difficult.
❌ You have a very big home: Since the Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 doesn't come in a three-pack, it will be difficult to have a strong Wi-Fi signal throughout larger houses.
❌ You want the fastest data channels: This mesh router doesn't support 320 MHz data channels which allow for much faster speeds.
If you don’t mind sticking with Wi-Fi 6E and want a mesh Wi-Fi system with a beautiful design, the Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 could be just what you’re after. Like the ROG Rapture GT6, it’s also only available in a two-pack (but you can buy additional single units) and just comes in black.
Our pictures barely do its unique design justice and the Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 almost looks like a desktop model of a skyscraper with its chrome accents and clear top which makes it perfect for displaying on your desk or on top of a bookshelf. Another neat thing is that when viewed from above, you can see several of its 10 antennas. This clear section at the top also lights up and at night, the ZenWiFi Pro ET12 just exudes elegance.
As for performance, we saw download speeds of 1.27 Gbps at a close distance and very strong speeds of 586 Mbps at 50 feet. The ZenWiFi Pro ET12 also has a max range of 105 feet which makes it an ideal choice for larger homes even if you can only buy two units in a bundle. Asus gives you a good selection of ports with the ZenWi-Fi Pro ET12 too and you get a 2.5 Gbps input port, along with another 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port and two gigabit ones.
While you might tuck a normal router out of sight, mesh routers by their very nature need to be spread throughout your home. If you want a fast and capable mesh Wi-Fi system that’s one of the best looking devices we’ve reviewed yet, the ZenWiFi Pro ET12 could be just what you’re looking for.
Read our full Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 review
Best mesh Wi-Fi system for Wi-Fi 7
✅ You want Wi-Fi 7: If you need the latest and greatest wireless tech for slightly cheaper than the competition, this is the mesh Wi-Fi router to get.
✅ You don't want to have to upgrade later: This mesh Wi-Fi system won't need to be upgraded for years as it ships with Wi-Fi 7 and can cover 9,600 square feet.
❌ Your internet plan isn't multi-gig: Without a multi-gig internet plan, you won't be able to truly take advantage of Wi-Fi 7's faster speeds.
❌ You're on a budget: At $1,500, the Deco BE85 is cheaper than other mesh routers with Wi-Fi 7 but not by much.
If the Netgear Orbi RBE973 is out of your budget and there’s a good chance it is but you still want a powerful as well as futureproof mesh Wi-Fi system, then the TP-Link Deco BE85 is a fantastic option. In addition to being the first Wi-Fi 7-powered mesh kit, it undercuts the Orbi RBE973 by $800 with better mid-range performance and overall range.
You’re still paying a premium compared to TP-Link’s more affordable Wi-Fi 6E mesh routers like the Deco XE75 but since our review, the company has released its much cheaper Deco BE63. For the price though, you’re getting all of Wi-Fi 7’s best features like ultra-wide 320 MHz data channels, 4K QAM and Multi-Link Operation with the Deco BE85. This mesh Wi-Fi system also sports a very clean design with a seven etched on its front to remind you that you’re using the latest Wi-Fi tech.
When testing the Deco BE85, we reached download speeds of 1.73 Gbps at 15 feet which isn’t too far off the Orbi RBE973’s 2 Gbps. At 50 feet, download speeds also held strong at 790 Mbps. If you have a home filled with connected devices, you’re in luck as each Deco BE85 unit can support up to 200 of them at a time. Also, like with the Deco XE75, you can choose to use this mesh router’s 6 GHz band for wireless backhaul if your home isn’t wired for Ethernet.
TP-Link managed to pack a ton of ports into the back of the Deco BE85 including two 10 Gbps input ports, two 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports and a USB port. For those with fiber internet, one of the 10 Gbps ports can be paired with an SFP+ port too. If you want to make the most out of your multi-gig internet plan and don’t plan on upgrading your mesh network for the next few years, the Deco BE85 is a worthwhile investment.
Read our full TP-Link Deco BE85 review
The best budget mesh Wi-Fi system for Wi-Fi 7
✅ You want Wi-Fi 7 on a budget: The Velop Pro 7 is one of the first mid-range Wi-Fi 7 mesh kits which makes it more affordable than both the Orbi RBE973 and the Deco BE85.
✅ Your house isn't wired for Ethernet: This mesh kit can tap into faster 240 MHz channels for backhaul communications between the units.
❌ Your want the fastest Wi-Fi 7 performance: The Velop Pro 7 didn't set any speed records in our tests like the other Wi-Fi 7 mesh kits on this list did.
❌ You have multi-gig wired devices: With only gigabit downstream ports, you won't be able to get top speeds on your wired devices with multi-gig ports.
Alternatively, what if you want to take advantage of Wi-Fi 7’s faster speeds but don’t want to spend nearly as much as you would on the Orbi RBE973 or the Deco BE85? Well, that’s where the Linksys Velop Pro 7 comes in. You can pick up a three-pack for less than $1,000 and don’t need to spend more on a multi-gig internet plan to take full advantage of this mesh router.
Linksys trimmed the fat if you will with the Velop Pro 7 and it’s a much more compact device than the Atlas Max 6E. It also has a more modern look with rounded edges, no branding on the side and only a single LED status light at the top.
While the Velop Pro 7 packs in all of Wi-Fi 7’s main features like its more expensive counterparts, some compromises did need to be made to lower its price. For instance, you only get a 2.5 Gbps input port with four gigabit Ethernet ports for your wired devices. The Velop Pro 7 also never managed to reach over a gigabit per second in download speeds in our tests. Up close to the router at 15 feet, we reached a top speed of 916.7 Mbps, though speeds held up fairly well at 50 feet with a total range of 95 feet.
You are losing out a bit in terms of speeds and when it comes to port selection but you are getting all of the other benefits of Wi-Fi 7. Linksys also throws in free security software which uses machine learning to filter dangerous sites to soften the blow. We’re now seeing even more mid-range Wi-Fi 7 routers and mesh Wi-Fi systems, so keep your eye out for our latest reviews. Still though, the Velop Pro 7 is a big upgrade over Linksys’ previous mesh offerings and it will let you experience everything Wi-Fi 7 has to offer without nearly as much sticker shock.
Read our full Linksys Velop Pro 7 review
