Best mesh Wi-Fi systems of 2024
The best mesh Wi-Fi systems give you a strong wireless signal in every room and even out in the backyard
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 very tight budget, the Vilo VLWFO1 is a great pick for a three-piece, Wi-Fi 5 kit. For those that don't want to worry about upgrading later though, the TP-Link Deco XE75 offers exceptional value and supports Wi-Fi 6E.
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
Best overall
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.
Best budget
Performance: ★★☆☆☆
Range: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★★
This Wi-Fi 5 mesh system is extremely affordable, very compact, comes with three units and still has plenty of ports. It doesn’t offer the fastest speeds though and it uses an older wireless standard.
Best value
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.
Best for Wi-Fi 6E
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
Best for Wi-Fi 6
Performance: ★★★★☆
Range: ★★★★★
Value: ★★★☆☆
This Wi-Fi 6 mesh system has fantastic range, comes with built-in security software, delivers great speeds and lets you create a separate network for your smart devices. However, the devices are on the larger side and come at a higher cost too.
Best for thick walls
Performance: ★★★★☆
Range: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
This Wi-Fi 6E mesh system delivers great performance, pushes a signal through walls easily and comes with all the ports you need. It’s quite bulky though and doesn’t come with built-in security software.
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Best for gamers
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.
Best for Wi-Fi 7
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.
Best budget Wi-Fi 7
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.
Best for large homes
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.
The best mesh Wi-Fi systems you can buy today
Why you can trust Tom's Guide
The best mesh Wi-Fi system overall
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ 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
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want a compact mesh kit with a tower-style design
At just 2.7 x 2.7 x 5.9-inches, the Vilo VLWF01 is a very small mesh Wi-Fi system that won't take up too much space at all.
✅ You don't mind upgrading sooner rather than later
As this is a Wi-Fi 5-powered mesh system, it isn't as futureproof as a Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 mesh router. You will likely need to upgrade down the line but the Vilo offers an inexpensive way to test out a mesh Wi-Fi system before investing in a more powerful one.
❌ You have gigabit internet
A slower, Wi-Fi 5-based mesh system like this one won't be able to take full advantage of more expensive internet plans with faster speeds.
❌ You want a mesh Wi-Fi system with built-in security
While the Vilo VLWF01 comes with parental controls from Bark, it doesn't have built-in malware scanning like you'll find on more expensive mesh Wi-Fi systems.
What if you’re on a shoestring budget but want to enjoy the benefits of mesh to squash any Wi-Fi dead zones around your house? Well, the Vilo VLWF01 is what you’re after at just over $100. Typically, you should be prepared to pay around $200 for a two-piece mesh kit but here, you’re getting a three-piece one for even less. So what’s the catch? The Vilo VLWF01 is a Wi-Fi 5-powered mesh Wi-Fi system when the latest and greatest ones are using Wi-Fi 7. Still, if you’re in a pinch connectivity wise and don’t mind upgrading sooner rather than later, it will absolutely do the trick.
Besides the fact that all three units are identical and any of them can serve as the main router, we really like the compact design of the Vilo VLWF01’s 5.8-inch towers which can easily be tucked away on a bookshelf or won’t take up that much room on your desk. In terms of speeds, this mesh kid is best suited to cheaper internet plans that are under a gigabit.
When we tested the Vilo VLWF01, it reached speeds of 455.4 Mbps at a close distance of 15 feet. Their coverage also isn’t as good as more expensive mesh routers with each unit covering up to 1,500 square feet. In a small to medium-sized home though, this should be good enough as this three-pack can cover a total of 4,500 square feet. You can also buy additional Vilo unis for $40 a pop if you need to fill a larger home with Wi-Fi.
As the Vilo VLWF01 is intended for slower internet plans, don’t expect to find any multi-gig ports around back. Instead, you get three gigabit Ethernet ports at the back of each unit along with a recessed reset button for troubleshooting. While Asus and TP-Link both include free security software with their mesh routers, Vilo doesn’t. You do get parental control software from Bark though.
If you aren’t ready to upgrade to a faster internet plan or just want to try out a mesh router to see the benefits first hand in your own home, the Vilo VLWF01 is a great way to do so. Just don’t expect blazing fast speeds but you won’t have to deal with Wi-Fi dead zones around your home anymore though.
Read our full Vilo VLWF01 review
The best value mesh Wi-Fi system
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ 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 Wi-Fi 6E
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want a compact mesh router: The eero Pro 6E is quite small and easy to hide on a bookshelf or desk.
✅ You don't have a smart home hub yet: With Zigbee and Bluetooth built-in, you can use the eero Pro 6E as the center of your smart home.
❌ You need a lot of ports: The eero Pro 6E only has two Ethernet ports in total (one gigabit Ethernet port and one 2.5 gigabit Ethernet port).
❌ You're concerned about range: Each eero Pro 6E unit has a range of 85 feet whereas some other mesh routers can reach as far as 100 feet.
The Eero Pro 6E and Amazon’s other Eero mesh routers take the guesswork out of setting up and managing a mesh network. From start to finish, it took us 10 minutes to set up the three-piece mesh kit we reviewed. If you’re looking for an easy to use mesh Wi-Fi system with Wi-Fi 6E, the Eero Pro 6E is the perfect choice. However, if you want Wi-Fi 7 and have the budget, check out the Eero Max 7. Alternatively, you can pick up theWi-Fi 6-powered Eero 6+ for a lot less than the Eero Pro 6E and it has a much more compact design.
The Eero Pro 6E is the perfect middle ground between the Eero Max 7 and the Eero 6+. Design wise, it’s still on the small side but looks more like a Mac Mini and we had no trouble lying it flat on a desk or even on a bookshelf. It was quite fast in our testing too and at a close distance, we saw download speeds of 1.44 Gbps. The Eero Pro 6E is also a good choice for people with multi-gig internet or for those thinking about upgrading in the future thanks to the inclusion of a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port along with a gigabit one beside it.
Like the Google Nest Wifi Pro, the Eero Pro 6E can do more than fill a home with a strong Wi-Fi signal with each unit covering up to 2,000 square feet. It also has a built-in Zigbee radio and Matter support which lets you use this mesh Wi-Fi system to control the best smart home devices too. Speaking of smart homes, you can even use an Echo Dot as a mesh extender if there are parts of your house or even your backyard without Wi-Fi.
The Eero Pro 6E has one more trick up its sleeve but for that you need to sign up for Amazon’s Eero Plus subscription ($10 per month or $100 annually). I know the last thing you need is another subscription service but Eero Plus can be quite useful when your internet goes down as you can set up Eero Internet Backup to have your phone’s mobile hotspot keep your home network up and running. The Eero Pro 6E packs in quite a lot of features but it’s the simple and quick setup process — along with the Eero app — that really helps this mesh Wi-Fi router stand out among other Wi-Fi 6E devices.
Read our full Eero Pro 6E review
The best mesh Wi-Fi system for Wi-Fi 6
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want excellent Wi-Fi 6 performance: This mesh router uses a new antenna design to boost mid-distance speeds and add extra range.
✅ You have a lot of smart home devices: The Orbi RBK863SB allows you to create a separate network for all of your smart home devices.
❌ You're on a budget: Netgear's Orbi devices are some of the best mesh routers out there but their priced at a premium compared to the competition.
❌ You need tech support: Tech support is limited to 90 days with this mesh router but you can pay extra for two additional years of support if you want.
Back in black, the Netgear Orbi RBK863SB is a follow-up to our previous pick for the best Wi-Fi 6 router, the Netgear Orbi WiFi 6 (RBK852). While you won’t get the speed boosts or access to the extra 6 GHz band like with Wi-Fi 6E, you’re getting an upgraded Wi-Fi 6 mesh router system with improved performance at middle distances and better range thanks to how Netgear included an innovative new antenna design with this model.
Unlike the newer Wi-Fi 7-powered Orbi RBE973, this mesh Wi-Fi system features the same design that was used across all of Netgear’s previous mesh routers. It’s wider, flatter on the front and takes up a bit more space on your desk or on a bookshelf. The Orbi RBK863SB has more ports than other more compact mesh routers and around back, there are four gigabit Ethernet ports (but no USB port) as well as a 10 Gbps WAN port to connect the main unit to the wall. Another neat trick up the sleeve of the Orbi RBK863SB is how it lets you create a separate network to isolate your smart home devices, some of which may not be as secure as your laptop, phone and other devices.
Performance wise, this upgraded model is a big step up over its predecessor and right next to the router, we saw download speeds of 806 Mbps with a max range of 105 feet. Each Orbi RBK863SB unit can support up to 100 devices and by using 40 and 80 MHz data channels, you get fast but not the blazing fast speeds you’d see when using wider 160 MHz channels.
The Orbi RBK863SB may be overkill for Wi-Fi 6 but this is a mesh Wi-Fi system that can fill very large homes with a strong Wi-Fi signal since each unit covers 2,700 square feet (8,000 feet for the three-piece kit). Fortunately, our Netgear coupon codes can help knock a bit off the premium price you typically have to spend for Orbi mesh routers along with Netgear’s other networking gear.
Read our full Netgear Orbi RBK863SB review
The best mesh Wi-Fi system for thick walls
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You have thick walls: The Atlas Max 6E was able to push a strong Wi-Fi 6E signal through walls in our tests.
✅ You want a lot of ports: This mesh router has four gigabit Ethernet ports, a 2.5 gigabit WAN port and a USB port.
❌ You don't have a lot of space: At 9.6 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches, the Atlas Max 6E units are quite bulky.
❌ You're on a budget: The Atlas Max 6E still demands a high price despite being released back in 2021.
If you want a very strong Wi-Fi signal and plenty of ports but don’t mind a bit of bulk, the Linksys Atlas Max 6E is one of the fastest Wi-Fi 6E-powered mesh Wi-Fi systems we’ve tested. It’s also especially good at pushing Wi-Fi through walls which can certainly come in handy in older homes.
The Linksys Atlas Max 6E sports a rectangular design and only comes in white. At 9.6 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches, this mesh Wi-Fi system won’t be nearly as easy to hide as similar performing ones from TP-Link or Eero. However, the Linksys Atlas Max 6E’s larger size does give you a lot more ports at the back including a multi-gig one to connect to your cable modem.
Wi-Fi coverage is another area where this mesh router excels and each unit can cover up to 3,000 square feet which is even more than the Orbi RBK863SB for a total of 9,000 square feet with a three-pack. In our testing, we saw download speeds of 1.18 Gbps at close distances but even when we moved to 25 feet away from our router, speeds were still over a gigabit.
With great Wi-Fi 6E performance, four gigabit Ethernet ports, a 5 Gbps input port and even a USB port, the Linksys Atlas Max 6E is for power users willing to trade compactness for faster speeds and a slew of ports. If you have a lot of wired devices or a home with thick walls (or even an odd layout), this tradeoff could certainly be worth it.
Read our full Linksys Atlas Max 6E review
The best mesh Wi-Fi system for gamers
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ 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