The best mesh Wi-Fi systems in 2024: top picks for home and business use

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REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID
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REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID

If your home suffers from Wi-Fi dead zones and you’re having trouble establishing a reliable whole-house connection, shopping for the best Mesh Wi-Fi system could have a transformative effect on your network coverage. Composed of a main router and strategically placed satellite nodes, they’re an efficient way to turn those dead zones into hot spots. 

There are plenty of mesh systems to choose from and different homes will likely require different solutions, but for our money, you can’t go wrong with the Google Nest Wi-Fi system. It tops our list thanks to its excellent performance coupled with the convenience of a quality smart speaker, and is comfortably one of the best Wi-Fi routers on the market.  

However, don’t despair if you’re shopping with a smaller budget, as you can still find plenty of decent mesh systems to choose from, such as the TP-Link Deco M5. This budget-friendly mesh system focuses on delivering reliable coverage throughout the home rather than high-throughput, but for everyday web browsing and media streaming it's a steal for the money. 

Our extensive experience with Wi-Fi routers and mesh systems will help you to choose the best solution for your space. We’ve done the legwork for you, testing the very best mesh systems out there, including the best secure routers and the best Wi-Fi 6 routers, so you can make an informed decision for upgrading your online experience. 

The quick list

The best mesh Wi-Fi systems are increasing in popularity, and there more options than ever. Since we regularly testing and reviewing Wi-Fi routers, we gathered all the best ones we've found, putting a list for every need and budget. Before hitting buy, make sure to tap "Read more below" to find out more about the option you're considering.

The best mesh Wi-Fi systems 2024

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The best mesh Wi-Fi system overall

Google Nest Wifi

(Image credit: Future)
Still the best mesh Wi-Fi system overall

Specifications

Speed: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4 GHz/5 GHz simultaneous dual-band
Connectivity: Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports
Features: Advanced security chip, Nest Wifi point with Google Assistant, privacy control

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent design
+
Smart speaker(s) included
+
Even simpler controls

Reasons to avoid

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No major performance gains
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Not worth replacing existing mesh

Google Nest Wifi kicks things up a notch in the mesh Wi-Fi system, taking Google Wifi’s incredible yet simple design and performance then merges it with the convenience of a smart speaker. What you’ve got here is a two-in-one device in an even sleeker and more attractive package. 

Especially if you’re a smart home fiend, you will appreciate the pure genius of this upgrade in Google’s Wifi line. Performance is excellent as well, chewing through downloads and streaming video over our 100Mbps service during our tests. Set up is a breeze as well, which makes it ideal for mesh Wi-Fi system newbies.

And, if you’re tired of the color white, this one also comes in Mist and Sand colors. As far as the best mesh Wi-Fi routers go, the original Google Wifi is still the one to beat. This one just gives it that extra oomph.

Read our full Google Nest Wifi review

The best budget mesh Wi-Fi system

best mesh Wi-Fi system TP-Link Deco M5 on a wooden desk

(Image credit: Future)
The best budget mesh Wi-Fi system

Specifications

Speed: 802.11ac 5GHz down: 76.69 Mbps
Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit ports per Deco M5 unit, 1 x USB Type-C port, Bluetooth 4.2
Included mesh nodes: 1-3
Features: Quad-core CPU, MU-MIMO ready, Router-based antivirus, Alexa compatibility

Reasons to buy

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Incredible value 
+
Easy to configure

Reasons to avoid

-
Slower than compeition

If you’re looking for a way to spread Wi-Fi throughout your home without having to spend a lot of dough, then look into the TP-Link Deco M5. It’s not as speedy as some of the other best mesh Wi-Fi system on this list. This system is focused more on coverage than high-throughput. However, it did improve our throughput significantly during testing.

Plus, if you’re not too concerned about getting the maximum theoretical throughput, which you probably won’t be able to take full advantage of anyway, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Setup, similar to the other devices here, is a breeze, even if you’re not tech-savvy. The TP-Link Deco M5 is among the best wireless mesh routers for those who don’t want to get too technical. And, as it is much cheaper than the rest of the options here, it's also the best mesh Wi-Fi system for budget-minded households.

Read our full TP-Link Deco M5 review

The best mesh Wi-Fi system with 6E

best mesh Wi-Fi system Netgear Orbi Quad-Band WiFi 6E on a wooden table

(Image credit: Future)
A premium mesh Wi-Fi system with 6E performance

Specifications

Speed: 6.0GHz (2.4GHz + 2x 5GHz) quad-band WiFi 6E
Connectivity: 1x 10Gbps Multi-Gigbit Ethernet WAN port, 1x 2.5Gbps Multi-Gigabit Ethernet LAN port, 3x 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports
Features: NETGEAR Armor, Standards-based WiFi Security, WPA3 support

Reasons to buy

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Wi-Fi 6E with 10.8Gbps speeds
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Supports up to 200 devices

Reasons to avoid

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Crazy expensive

The Netgear Orbi Quad-Band WiFi 6E’s price is not for the faint of heart. But, if you need a very large space, up to 9,000 square feet, covered then this might be the mesh Wi-Fi system for you. Not only can it cover an incredibly large space but it’s more than capable of handling the most crowded of networks, supporting up to 200 connected devices at a time. And, thanks to its Wi-Fi 6E connectivity – the “E” stands for extended – you get access to an incredibly speedy 6.0Hz frequency band.

By setting one of the Orbi satellites in our back office, which suffers with poor Wi-Fi, it get us our maximum Wi-Fi speeds right off the bat, maintaining 100Mbps for the Ookla test and 12.5MB/s without fuss. Setting the whole system up is a breeze as well, thanks to the Orbi app being easy to use.

Read our full Netgear Orbi Quad-Band WiFi 6E review

The best mesh Wi-Fi system for gaming

best mesh Wi-Fi router Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) on a wooden table

(Image credit: Future)
The best mesh Wi-Fi system for gaming

Specifications

Speed: 802.11ax 4804Mbps down
Connectivity: 2.5 Gigabit Wan, 3 x Gigabit LAN, Gigabit Wan, USB 3.1
Included mesh nodes: 2
Features: MU-MIMO, Traffic Analyzer, Adaptive QoS, AiProtection Pro

Reasons to buy

+
Great Wi-Fi performance
+
Good security features

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Limited to two routers

With the Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8), Asus has managed to introduce Wi-Fi 6 to that other cutting-edge tech in connectivity; mesh routers. While it is among the more expensive options out there and limits you to two mesh routers, the Asus ZenWifi AX offers blazing fast speeds as well as plenty of flexibility in its setup – such as the option to set up one or two networks using the 2.4 and 5GHz bands. 

During our tests, it manage to push our 50Mbps Internet connection all the way, even squeezing it up to 60Mbps at one point. It also held download speeds steady at 7.3MB/s even on the slower 2.4GHz band in an area in our space with previously low connectivity issues. 

Set up isn't quite as straightforward. However, with excellent security features to boot, this is a fantastic choice if you’re looking at the best mesh Wi-Fi systems.

Read our full Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) review

The best mesh Wi-Fi system for homes

Eero 6+ on a wooden table

(Image credit: Future / Cliff Joseph)
Affordable Wi-Fi 6 for most households

Specifications

Speed: Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (2.4GHz/5.0GHz)
Connectivity: 2x Gigabit Ethernet (WAN/LAN)
Features: Support for Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0 and Thread

Reasons to buy

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Competitively priced
+
3.0Gbps Wi-Fi 6 performance
+
Limited features in the Eero app

Reasons to avoid

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Parental controls require subscription
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Dual-band only

Eero has always been excellent at releasing affordable, reliable routers, and the latest addition to its line, the Eero 6+ doesn’t fall far from the best value tree. It’s competitively-priced and an improvement over its predecessor with its fast and reliable coverage that’s good enough for larger homes. 

Despite sticking with dual-band Wi-Fi 6, it’s almost twice as fast as its predecessor with its 3.0Gbps top speed. It, of course, performs beautifully in practice, reaching the maximum speed supported by our office broadband connection on Ookla and Steam during testing. Included in the price are new features, such as some additional Ethernet ports, support for the latest smart-home technologies, and support for Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0 and the new low-power wireless technology called Thread.

Sadly, parental controls require a paid subscription and the Eero app feels a little limited in functionality. But, you’re getting a lot of value for your money here.

Read our full Eero 6+ review 

The best value mesh Wi-Fi with easy setup

best mesh Wi-Fi system Linksys Velop WiFi 6 AX4200 on a table

(Image credit: Future)
A good value mesh Wi-Fi system with an easy setup

Specifications

Speed: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax 2.4 GHz/5 GHz
Connectivity: 3 x Gigabit LAN, 1 x Gigabit WAN, 1 x USB 3.0
Features: 4x4 MU-MIMO, Next-Gen OFDMA Technology, Tri-Band Dynamic Backhaul

Reasons to buy

+
Impressive Wi-Fi 6 performance
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4x Ethernet and 1x USB ports

Reasons to avoid

-
Defaults to single, merged network

The Linksys Velop WiFi 6 AX4200 is proof that Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems can be affordable and accessible. It gives big households on a budget an excellent option that still delivers admirable performance and ease of use. 

If you want to improve your home network’s speed and connectivity, this state of the art mesh system is an ideal solution. That’s especially if you’re ready to future-proof your network with Wi-Fi 6 technology. And, during our tests, it smoothly handed the Wi-Fi signal over to the second node that we placed closer to a harder-to-reach area in our space while maintaining the same speeds seamlessly. 

Those who aren’t as computer savvy will also appreciate that easy-to-use Linksys app. It explains everything from connecting to your existing broadband router in order to use its Internet connection to where to place any additional nodes in order to get the best Wi-Fi reception.

Read our full Linksys Velop WiFi 6 AX4200 review

The best 6E mesh Wi-Fi for large spaces

Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 on a wooden desk

(Image credit: Future / Cliff Joseph)
Top-of-the-range Wi-Fi 6E mesh system for large spaces

Specifications

Speed: Tri-band Wi-Fi 6E with 2.4GHz/5.0GHz/6.0GHz
Connectivity: 1x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet (WAN), 1x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet (LAN), 2x Gigabit Ethernet LAN
Features: Quality of service (QoS), Asus AiProtection Pro

Reasons to buy

+
Top-of-the-range Wi-Fi performance
+
Great for larger homes and offices

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Overkill for most users

Larger homes and offices need a much more robust mesh system like the Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12. This Wi-Fi 6E mesh system might be a bit of an overkill for most users, but there are still many that will benefit from the level of performance and range it brings – particularly those that have massive spaces and high network demands to cover. 

With it, you're getting a top speed of 11Gbps as well as a 6,000-square-foot range (if you get the router and a node set). It delivers in practice as well. During our testing of the two-pack set, the first ET12 gave us the maximum speeds provided by our office broadband service and the second unit allowed us to maintain those speeds, even in the hard-to-reach areas. The support for the new Wi-Fi 6E standard is a plus as well – especially if you've got some new shiny toy that uses it.

Read our full Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 review

The best value mesh Wi-Fi for large homes

Asus ZenWifi XT9 product review images on a wooden desk

(Image credit: Future / Cliff Joseph)
Excellent mid-range mesh Wi-Fi system for larger homes

Specifications

Speed: Tri-band WiFi 6 (2.4GHz and 2x 5.0GHz)
Connectivity: 2.5Gb WAN, 3x Gigabit Ethernet; 1x USB 3.2
Features: Free parental controls

Reasons to buy

+
Impressive speed and range
+
Supports 2.5 Gigabit broadband 
+
Free parental controls

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Overkill for smaller homes

The Asus ZenWifi XT9 may be an expensive proposition for smaller homes and budget users, but those who have larger areas to cover and a much busier network, this tri-band Wi-Fi 6 router is a wise investment. Its impressive range and strong performance should see larger homes through their bigger demands.

The 7.8Gbps speed will meet the demands of most of the bigger households, and its 2.5Gbps Ethernet is just as future-proof. We were able to get smooth, steady speeds of 150Mbps and 19Mb/s for Ookla and Steam, even on the slower 2.4GHz band, during testing. And, that's in an area where our regular router typically struggles to deliver. 

As a bonus, it comes with free parental controls - something many of its rivals actually charge a monthly subscription for. That makes it an even great value for families with kids.

Read our full Asus ZenWifi XT9 review

The best Powerline mesh Wi-Fi system

Devolo Magic 2 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh on a wooden desk

(Image credit: Future)
The best mesh Wi-Fi system with Powerline connectivity

Specifications

Speed: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz, 5.2GHz and 5.8GHz, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz and 5GHz
Connectivity: 2x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x mains pass-through
Features: Modular network coverage, modern design, included security software, dynamic rerouting

Reasons to buy

+
Combines PowerLine and mesh Wi-Fi
+
Two Ethernet ports on each adaptor
+
Easy to set up and install

Reasons to avoid

-
Very expensive
-
Modest wi-fi performance

The Magic 2 WiFi 6 Mesh absolutely smashes through thick walls and massive obstructions by using Powerline technology to break through those obstacles. This mesh Powerline system allows you to enjoy robust and uninterrupted connectivity throughout your space even when you're dealing with an older space that regular mesh Wi-Fi routers cannot handle.

Of course, if you’ve got a large house or building with a number of rooms to cover, that mesh technology via plug-in adapters also ensures that there aren’t any dead zones or weak areas.

Performance-wise, it slays as well. It had no trouble cruising along at 110Mbps and delivering a rock-steady 12.5MB/s for Steam downloads. Its Wi-Fi speeds are relatively modest, but it’s more than enough for what most general users and households need. And, if you require an even more solid and faster connection, two Ethernet ports per device are on hand.

Read our full Devolo Magic 2 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh review

How to choose the best mesh Wi-Fi system for you

When choosing the best mesh Wi-Fi system for you, there are a few important considerations starting with the size of your coverage area and the speed you require depending on your daily average needs and the amount of devices that regularly use your network. Based on that, you need to take a look at the mesh Wi-Fi system's range and performance.

Also take a look at the design, setup process, and ease-of-use for when you need to adjust settings during use. Other features like security protocols and parental controls are important as well, and gaming-focused extra if there are gamers in the family.

Of course, the price is a major factor. Remember that many of the best mesh Wi-Fi routers tend to be expensive. However, you will find more affordable options if you know where to look.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best mesh WiFi brand?

The best mesh Wi-Fi systems include several different brands, each with its own particular strengths, and the best brand for you will depend on your specific needs. For instance, Google and Netgear provide rock-solid connectivity and are ideal for whole-home coverage or for small business use.

If gaming is your jam, brands such as Asus deliver the best mesh Wi-Fi systems, as they are specifically designed with online gaming in mind. For beefed-up security, brands like TP-Link, Netgear, and Asus all offer robust solutions to safeguard you and your data. 

Is mesh Wi-Fi better than a traditional router?

The short answer is yes if you happen to live in a larger home, as a mesh Wi-Fi system is better at covering a large area than a traditional router. 

If your home has large square footage or is built on several stories, a mesh system can help keep coverage constant and reliable across the whole space. 

However, gaming-heavy households may prefer to install one of the best gaming routers instead, as these supply speeds that most mesh Wi-Fi systems aren’t capable of delivering, and if you're in a smaller apartment or office, then a regular router should be more than enough coverage, and a mesh Wi-Fi system will not give you much benefit, if any, for the extra expense.

How we test mesh Wi-Fi system

We test every mesh Wi-Fi router that lands on our desk before we can recommend it to you. Much like with any peripheral or device we test, we check everything from its design and features to its performance. 

We take a look at its design, of course, because if you’re going to have several routers spread around your space, they should blend in with your home or office aesthetics. We also check its ports and any extra features it might have – like the ability to create a guest network and set up family controls – as well as ease of initial setup and use.

Then we move on to its performance. We check its range and strength of coverage as well as perform the Ookla speed test and our file download test, jotting down any information we collect. Naturally, we also test it against our everyday network usage to give you a glimpse on its real-world performance.

We then take everything we’ve learned and measure all that against its price tag to see if it’s a great value to consumers.

John Loeffler
Components Editor

John (He/Him) is the Components Editor here at TechRadar and he is also a programmer, gamer, activist, and Brooklyn College alum currently living in Brooklyn, NY. 


Named by the CTA as a CES 2020 Media Trailblazer for his science and technology reporting, John specializes in all areas of computer science, including industry news, hardware reviews, PC gaming, as well as general science writing and the social impact of the tech industry.


You can find him online on Threads @johnloeffler.


Currently playing: Baldur's Gate 3 (just like everyone else).

With contributions from