Finding the best mesh wi-fi systems starts with deciding whether you even need one. Instead of relying on a conventional wi-fi router and access points or range extenders, an alternative solution is to opt for a mesh networking system.
Mesh systems usually use the main router with a wired connection to a broadband modem, plus two or more wireless nodes that can be placed in different rooms or locations. Read on to know more.
Best Mesh Wi-fi Systems
Even if you’re dealing with a multi-story home or signal-dampening brick walls, a mesh system can do what a standalone router can’t, pushing strong Wi-Fi connections to every part of your home.
Most mesh systems are aimed at home users and marketed as easily-configured solutions for “whole-home Wi-Fi,” but some are particularly suitable for business users. These can include features such as multiple Ethernet ports or the ability to create several networks with different passwords.
How to Choose the Best Mesh Router?
To find the best mesh Wi-Fi system, you need to consider the following:
You need to consider the speed.
You also need to consider the coverage. There are plenty of obstacles and signal disruptions that can make it difficult to get strong Wi-Fi coverage in every part of your home. The usual steps to make your Wi-Fi faster may not work.
Ports: Though wireless connectivity is the main thing you want from a mesh Wi-Fi kit; you’ll also want to think about wired connections.
Price: For many shoppers, though, it all comes down to value — which extender provides the most for the lowest cost.
Asus AiMesh AX6100 Wi-Fi System (RT-AX92U)
Features:
Wi-Fi – tri-band Wi-Fi 6
Speed – 1Gbps
Ports – RJ45 for Wan, 4 RJ45 for LAN, 2 USB
CPU – 1.8GHz, dual-core
Range – 5,500sq. ft
Pros:
- Tri-band Wi-Fi 6
- Excellent wireless speeds
- 2 Pack
This is one of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems overall. AiMesh technology allows you to establish an even stronger Wi-Fi system with 802.11ax technology as a wireless backhaul to transmit data between two RT-AX92U, ensuring the most stable Wi-Fi for connected devices.
It is commercial-grade network security for family – AiProtection Pro protects all the connected devices on your home network and advanced parental controls allow you to manage the family’s internet usage.
NETGEAR Orbi Pro WiFi 6 Mini Mesh System (SXK30)
Brand: NETGEAR
Control method: Touch
Voltage: 240 volts
Pros:
- Great coverage and wireless speeds
- Plenty of Ethernet ports
- Supports up to 40 simultaneous devices
The tri-band Orbi Pro offers remarkable Wi-Fi 6 performance and is well-suited for organizations that need to manage multiple networks with different groups of users. It’s pretty expensive, though, so Netgear recently introduced the more affordable dual-band Orbi Pro Wi-Fi 6 Mini for small businesses and remote workers.
The Orbi Pro Mini is still relatively expensive for a dual-band system, but like other Orbi Pro models, the Mini stands out with additional features that cater specifically to business users. The key feature here is the ability to create four separate networks, each with its own password, which allows you to provide different levels of network access for admin and IT staff, and guests who may be visiting your office or other public venues.
Eero Mesh Wi-Fi System
- Wi-Fi Space: 802.11ac/Dual Band
- Number of Antennas: 4/NO
- Size: 3.9 x 3.9 x 2.4 inches
With Eero and an Alexa device (not included), you can easily manage WiFi access for devices and individuals in the home, taking focus away from screens and back to what’s important.
If you want a simple Wi-Fi solution that won’t leave dead spots in your home, the 2019 Eero mesh router is one of the best bargains in mesh networking today. The Eero three-pack of mesh devices is affordable, and each unit is easy to hide away, thanks to its compact design.
With Eero and an Alexa device (not included), you can easily manage WiFi access for devices and individuals in the home, taking focus away from screens and back to what’s important.
Google Nest WiFi – AC2200 – Mesh WiFi System
Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth
Brand: Google
Control Method: Voice
Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
Wireless Communication Standard: Bluetooth
These Nest Wi-Fi devices work together to blanket your whole home in fast reliable Wi-Fi and eliminate buffering in every room with coverage up to 4400 square feet.[1]. The original Google Wi-Fi product has since been discontinued, but its successor emerged at the end of 2019 as part of the Google-owned Nest range of smart home devices.
The Wi-Fi point also includes a speaker and microphone that support the voice-controlled Google Assistant. The two-piece system should be able to cover homes of up to 4,400 square feet (353 square meters), Google says, and you can purchase additional Wi-Fi points for $149 if required, each of which can cover an additional 1,600 square feet (149 square meters).
TP-Link Smart Hub & Whole Home WiFi Mesh System
- Connectivity Technology: Wireless
- Brand: TP-Link
- Control Method: Voice
With the ability to offer a whole-home Wi-Fi connection while controlling all sorts of smart home devices, TP-Link’s Deco M9 Plus Smart Home Mesh Wi-Fi System (sold in a three-pack) can almost do it all.
Built-in smart hub – Connects your ZigBee, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi smart home products, saving you the cost and space of extra hubs and controlling them all from the intuitive app. Operating temperature -10 to 40 degrees Celsius
Mesh Wi-Fi System
A mesh Wi-Fi system acts similarly to Wi-Fi extenders: there is a main unit that connects to your modem and one or more satellite units that provide more consistent signals throughout your home.
The difference between a mesh network and range extenders is that a mesh system is all part of the same network, so you don’t have to worry about needing to switch networks as you move around your house.
How Many Mesh Devices Do I Need?
Two is considerable. The 2 pieces of mesh Wi-Fi system should be able to cover homes or offices up to 4,000 – 5,000 square feet (check the manufacturer’s specifications to see what they recommend).
Buildings or outdoor venues larger than 5,000 square feet may need another satellite device.
