Many people are still unaware of the potential of mesh WiFi networks to deliver fast speeds and improve internet connections for homes and businesses. Mesh wireless networks can transform the way we do business and enjoy leisure time, but before rushing into a mesh WiFi network purchase, make sure to research important factors such as reliability, performance, price, range of coverage, and ease of installation.
Here are the top Wi-Fi mesh systems on the market today:
- NETGEAR Orbi 970
- TP-Link Deco XE75
- NETGEAR Orbi 963
- eero 6
- Google Nest WiFi
- ASUS ZenWiFi
- Linksys Velop
1. NETGEAR Orbi 970
The NETGEAR Orbi 970 is the real deal, including patented quad-band technology, enhanced dedicated backhaul, and the latest WiFi 7 system. WiFi 7 delivers faster speeds, lower latency, increased capacity, and superior performance. The NETGEAR Orbi 970 combines a dedicated 5 GHz band with a shared 6 GHz band, resulting in the potential for 10 Gig wireless communication between the router and satellites. Available in two-pack and three-pack satellite configurations.
The Orbi 970 is future-proofed for the devices of tomorrow, with a 10 Gig internet port, 10 Gig Ethernet port, and four 2.5 multi-Gig Ethernet ports. This system is ideal for improving the experience of 4K/8K videos, augmented reality, virtual reality, gaming, design, animation, and more. The Orbi 970 Series Mesh System is our top pick for 2024, covering up to 10,000 square feet and supporting up to 200 devices simultaneously, making it perfect for large homes.
2. TP-Link Deco XE75
Before WiFi 7 there was, and still is, WiFi 6E, a transformative WiFi standard that dramatically improves internet performance. The TP-Link Deco XE75 is next-gen seamless WiFi that can cover up to 7,200 sq. ft. Wireless dead zones and buffering are a thing of the past. WiFi 6E also includes the 6 GHz band and powerful backhaul for a streamlined service. TP-Link Deco XE75 works with any internet service provider (ISP) and modem.
This tri-band powerhouse can unleash blazing-fast internet speeds of up to 5,400 Mbps for up to 200 devices. The entire home mesh satellite system can be united under one password so you can move from room to room around the home with seamless connectivity. We appreciated the easy step-by-step setup and backward compatibility with previous WiFi generations.
3. NETGEAR Orbi 963
As the world’s most popular and progressive WiFi company, NETGEAR deserves another product on this list of favorites. The NETGEAR Orbi 963 is acknowledged as being the most powerful whole-home WiFi 6E system, with coverage up to 9.000 sq. ft., including upstairs, downstairs, and even outdoors. The secret is the exclusive quad-band technology that delivers top speeds for laptops, tablets, phones, and smart home devices.
The feature-rich NETGEAR Orbi 963 has a patented antenna design for a 20% improvement of high-performance WiFi across the entire home. NETGEAR also prioritizes security with NETGEAR Armor software that provides a shield of security and real-time VPN encryption protection for all your connected devices. Set up in minutes using the Orbi app on your smartphone. Highly recommended.
4. eero 6
The eero 6 TrueMesh technology ensures the entire mesh router system connects seamlessly using the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The eero 6 connection always stays strong, even when there is heavy-use gaming or video traffic simultaneously in other rooms of the house. With potential speeds of up to 500 Mbps and bandwidth for more than 75 connected devices, the eero 6 is a smart choice for most homes.
Features of the eero 6 include a built-in Zigbee smart home hub for easy device connection with Alexa. This easy-to-use hub is a very convenient and energy-efficient way to control lights, locks, roller doors, security systems, and smart home appliances. This eero system covers up to 4,500 sq. ft. For even more advanced features and performance, check out the eero Pro 6E which supports up to 100 devices and covers up to 6,000 sq. ft.
5. Google Nest WiFi
Another very popular and attractive WiFi 6E mesh system, Google Nest WiFi offers impressive wireless throughput and download speeds plus the option of LAN port, USB port, and WAN port connections. Google WiFi naturally synchronizes with Google Assistant and Google Home guest networks - perfect for work and play. I appreciated the uncongested WiFi 6E fast lane for all connected devices.
The Google thread mesh network is scalable, ensuring you get the whole-home mesh coverage you are looking for without dead spots and without the need for an additional WiFi extender. We enjoyed consistently strong signals when using Google Nest WiFi, even during peak internet use times. Check out Google Nest WiFi Pro for even more inspiration.
6. ASUS ZenWiFi
Another strong performer, ASUS ZenWiFi is among the best WiFi routers on the market today. This product reliably connects to the fastest available mesh satellite node every time. Your devices will automatically connect to the optimum band to guarantee the best possible WiFi performance. You can extend your home WiFi 6 mesh system at any time by adding additional AiMesh routers.
The entire system is easily set up in minutes using your Apple iPhone or Android smartphone and the ASUS Router mobile app. ASUS ZenWiFi has best buy potential for gamers, streamers, and bloggers looking for fast speeds and a reliable WiFi signal.
7. Linksys Velop
The Linksys Velop WiFi 6 Whole Home Mesh System can deliver next-level streaming and gaming to more than 40 devices on your network. With easy setup, advanced security, and parental controls, Linksys Velop could be the home wireless connection system you are looking for. Key features of this attractive product include a 1.4 GHz quad-core processor, MU-MIMO, tri-band performance, automatic firmware updates, and Intelligent Mesh technology.
Wireless connection and gigabit ethernet port speed tests prove that the Linksys Velop mesh WiFi router deserves its place on this list of favorites.
What to look for in a WiFi mesh system?
All the 2024 WiFi systems mentioned here are highly recommended, but each product has different specs. It’s worth exploring the potential of Dual-band, tri-band, and quad-band systems that function on the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. You should also investigate the potential of WiFi 5, WiFi 6, WiFi 6E, and WiFi 7. The system you choose should provide complete WiFi coverage for every corner of your home.
Extend single router potential with Mesh WiFi
The wireless signal from a single router can only extend so far, especially when there are walls and other hard objects in the way of the signal. A progressive tri-band WiFi or quad-band whole-home WiFi mesh system extends the signal by relaying it through a series of satellite nodes. Enjoy high-performance Gbps speeds, WPA3 security, and complete oversight of your entire home network using your smartphone. WiFi mesh is the future of WiFi.
