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Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems and Routers 2024

Our pick: Which mesh system is best?

The TP-Link Deco X50-PoE is our top pick of the mesh systems and routers we tested. It’s the only one we have that supports multi-gig internet, which is ideal if you have a 1Gbps internet plan or faster. The system has good speeds, too, plus it can extend Wi-Fi into areas that don’t have a power outlet.

How we test routers

We vigorously test routers to see how well they stack up against the competition in speed and range. We also evaluate the setup process and dig into the web and mobile apps to see if they’re easy or difficult to use. Check out our methodology section for more information.

The 5 best mesh systems

Compare mesh system speeds and prices

ModelMax throughputTested speed @ 40 ft.Price*Order online
Best overallTP-Link Deco X50-PoE3,000Mbps366Mbps$299.99§View on Amazon
Best for budgetsTP-Link Deco X553,000Mbps339Mbps$138.99View on Amazon
Best for speedGryphon AX4,300Mbps469Mbps$479.00View on Amazon
Best for VPNNETGEAR Orbi RBK7524,200Mbps378Mbps$329.97View on Amazon
Best for large homes
Amazon Eero Pro 64,200Mbps332Mbps$179.99View on Amazon

What should you look for in a mesh system?

Look for a system with a dedicated backhaul—a private road each unit uses to pass data between them without slowing down your connection. Some systems have three bands and intelligently transmit backhaul data between them. Other systems use Ethernet.

Keep an eye on the configuration too. Some mesh systems contain all routers, while others have a router and at least one satellite (or node). The all-router setups are generally more expensive than the router-satellite sets but generally have more wired connections and a higher device capacity.

Do you have the best internet plan to go with your mesh system?

If not, be sure to enter your zip code below to see what options are available to you.

Best overall—TP-Link Deco X50-PoE

Best overall

Top view showing Deco logo on the X50-PoE
Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com

Great for multi-gig internet and sub-2Gbps wireless speeds

Score:

3.9

out of 5

The Deco X50-PoE is ideal for internet plans of 1Gbps and faster. It’s also great to have if you need to extend Wi-Fi into areas without a power outlet.
   Pros    Cons
  • Supports multi-gig internet
  • Supports PoE
  • Needs extra hardware for PoESold only as a 3-piece system

Price: $299.99 (3-pack)*

 

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Read Our Full Review

Expand for product details and ratings

Category Score* Summary
Performance 4 Has great speeds when we test using an 80 MHz-wide channel.
Features 3 Offers some free basic user profile controls.
Design 4 Supports multi-gig internet and PoE connections.
Setup 4 Gets your network up and running quickly.
Ease of use 4 Provides a better experience after the major Deco app update.

*out of 5 points

 

What we like about it: The Deco X50-PoE did exceptionally well when we tested its speeds using an 80 MHz channel width. If local interference isn’t a significant issue, you may see more speed from a 160 MHz channel width and the multi-gig internet port. The only other good callout is the Power over Ethernet (PoE) networking feature, which we expand on in our FAQ.

What we wish it did better: You can change the channel width (80 MHz or 160 MHz), but you can’t change channels. Your speeds are at the mercy of the router’s choice of channels and the surrounding interference.

Why do we recommend it? We like the Deco X50-PoE for its multi-gig internet support and great Wi-Fi 6 speeds. The Power over Ethernet feature is useful when mounting this system on a ceiling or extending Wi-Fi into areas where there’s no power outlet. You also get basic parental controls, but that’s it for features.

 

Tested speeds at a glance

5 GHz max speed 2 feet 40 feet 120 feet
1,200 821 366 83

* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using a Wi-Fi 6 client and an 80 MHz channel.

 

Wi-Fi specs Wired specs
  • Standard: Wi-Fi 6
  • Max throughput: 3,000Mbps
  • Antennas: 8
  • Streams: 4
  • Bands: 2
  • WAN/LAN port (2.5Gbps): 1
  • WAN/LAN ports (1Gbps): 1
  • Max internet speed supported: ~2,370Mbps

Best for budgets—TP-Link Deco X55

Best for budgets

TP-Link Deco X55
Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com

An affordable upgrade from Wi-Fi 5

Score:

3.8

out of 5

The Deco X55’s best quality is its price when we compare it to other systems we’ve tested. It’s a good upgrade from a Wi-Fi 5 system, but don’t expect much else.
   Pros    Cons
  • Affordable price
  • Decent Wi-Fi 6 speeds
  • No third Wi-Fi band
  • No VPN support

Price: $138.99 (2-pack)*

 

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Read Our Full Review

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Category Score* Summary
Performance 4 Has decent speeds for the money based on our tests.
Features 3 Supports TP-Link IoT and Philips Hue devices.
Design 4 Includes three gigabit Ethernet ports per unit for a wired backhaul and your wired devices.
Setup 3 Guides you through a lengthy but painless setup process.
Ease of use 4 Offers better network management after the major Deco app update.

*out of 5 points

 

What we like about it: The Deco X55 is a cost-effective upgrade from a Wi-Fi 5 system, like Google Nest Wifi. The speeds are decent based on our tests, and the three Ethernet ports are good to have if you prefer wired over wireless connections.

What we wish it did better: The X55 needs a third Wi-Fi band to keep the node-to-node chatter (backhaul) separate from your connection, so you get better speeds. It’d be great to have if you can’t use Ethernet for the backhaul.

Why do we recommend it? The Deco X55 is affordable if you need to upgrade from Wi-Fi 5. Like most other systems, it’s not loaded with features, but you get some free basic user profile controls to manage your kids’ devices. The speeds are decent, too, although we’ve seen better on other test systems.

 

Tested speeds at a glance

5 GHz max speed 2 feet 40 feet 120 feet
1,200 739 339 Not tested

* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using a Wi-Fi 6 client and an 80 MHz channel.

 

Wi-Fi specs Wired specs
  • Standard: Wi-Fi 6
  • Max throughput: 3,000Mbps
  • Antennas: 2 (per node)
  • Streams: 4
  • Bands: 2
  • WAN/LAN ports: 3
  • Max internet speed supported: ~940Mbps

Best for speed—Gryphon AX

Best for speed

Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com

A great mesh networking solution for parents

Score:

4

out of 5

The Gryphon AX has the best speeds in our tests even though it doesn’t support multi-gig internet. It also has a few cool features under the hood that makes it stand out against the competition.
   Pros    Cons
  • IoT device isolation
  • Free basic parental controls
  • No multi-gig support
  • No 160 MHz channels

Price: $479.00 (2-pack)*

 

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Read Our Full Review

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Category Score* Summary
Performance 4 Outperforms other mesh routers we’ve tested to date.
Features 4 Includes some free parental controls and IoT management.
Design 4 Has three bands geared for mesh networking.
Setup 4 Leads you through a quick and easy process.
Ease of use 4 Categorizes everything neatly in the mobile app.

* out of 5 points.

 

What we like about it: Based on our tests, the Gryphon AX has great speeds and a decent range for a system that doesn’t support multi-gig connections. But we’re more sold on the features it brings to your home network, like free parental controls and IoT device isolation. (See our FAQ for more info.)

What we wish it did better: Although we list this system as the best in speed, it doesn’t support multi-gig internet or 160 MHz channels, so don’t expect real-world gig wireless speeds.

Why do we recommend it? Sure, the Gryphon AX is pricey, but there’s much to love here. Its biggest selling point is the free basic parental controls—which are a little more robust than what we’ve seen on other systems—and IoT device isolation. It has great Wi-Fi 6 speeds for a system that doesn’t support multi-gig internet.

 

Tested speeds at a glance

5 GHz max speed 2 feet 40 feet 120 feet
1,200 855 469 146

* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using a Wi-Fi 6 client and an 80 MHz channel.

 

Wi-Fi specs Wired specs
  • Standard: Wi-Fi 6E
  • Max throughput: 4,300Mbps
  • Antennas: 6
  • Streams: 8
  • Bands: 3
  • WAN ports: 1
  • LAN ports: 1
  • Max internet speed supported: ~940Mbps

Best for VPN—NETGEAR Orbi RBK752

Best for VPN

Front shot of NETGEAR Orbi RBK752 system
Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com

A barebones mesh system sold at a decent price

Score:

3.6

out of 5

NETGEAR’s Orbi RBK752 has decent Wi-Fi 6 speeds and two notable standouts you may want to consider. Parents unwilling to pay a subscription may want to look elsewhere, however.
   Pros    Cons
  • 2Gbps internet support
  • Built-in VPN server
  • No real free parental controlsLocked band steering

Price: $329.97 (2-pack)*

 

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Read Our Full Review

Expand for product details and ratings

Category Score* Summary
Performance 4 Tests well against other mesh networking systems we have in stock.
Features 2 Locks parental controls and security features behind two subscriptions.
Design 4 Supports 2Gbps internet via link aggregation.
Setup 4 Leads novice users through an easy step-by-step configuration.
Ease of use 3 Presents a better mobile app experience than the web browser one.

*out of 5 points

 

What we like about it: Based on our testing, the Orbi RBK752 has good Wi-Fi 6 speeds for the money. It also has a few callouts, like multi-gig internet support through link aggregation (see our FAQ) and a built-in VPN server.

What we wish it did better: The Orbi RBK752 needs more free parental controls beyond pausing and unpausing a profile, like age-specific filters you can apply to each user.

Why do we recommend it? The Orbi RBK752 system has decent speeds and range for the money, but don’t expect real-world sub-2Gbps wireless speeds on a single device. It’s good to have for 2Gbps plans and slower, plus it includes a VPN server so you can surf anonymously while you’re off the home network.

 

Tested speeds at a glance

5 GHz max speed 2 feet 40 feet 120 feet
1,200 839 378 115

* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using a Wi-Fi 6 client and an 80 MHz channel.

 

Wi-Fi specs Wired specs
  • Standard: Wi-Fi 6
  • Max throughput: 4,200Mbps
  • Antennas: 6 each
  • Streams: 8
  • Bands: 3
    • Router WAN ports: 1
    • Router LAN ports: 3
    • Satellite LAN ports: 2
    • Max internet speed supported: ~1,880Mbps (via link aggregation)

Best for large homes—Amazon Eero Pro 6

Best for large homes

Front view of Eero Pro 6 router
Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com

A decent system for whole-home coverage

Score:

3.9

out of 5

Amazon’s Eero Pro 6 has decent Wi-Fi 6 speeds, but it doesn’t have a lot of standout features. The Zigbee hub may be great to have in homes loaded with IoT gadgets.
   Pros    Cons
  • Decent Wi-Fi 6 speeds
  • Built-in Zigbee smart hub
  • No multi-gig internet support
  • High price

Price: $179.99 (2-pack)*

 

View on Amazon

Read Our Full Review

Expand for product details and ratings

Category Score* Summary
Performance 4 Provides good speeds as you move from router to router.
Features 3 Includes free basic parental controls and a Zigbee hub.
Design 4 Packs a third Wi-Fi band used to optimize network traffic.
Setup 4 Leads you through a painless, step-by-step installation.
Ease of use 4 Relies on the Eero app offering easy network management.

*out of 5 points

 

What we like about it: The Eero Pro 6 has decent speeds based on our tests, but don’t expect anything over 1Gbps. Its only good callout is the built-in Zigbee hub for controlling all your compatible IoT devices from one central interface.

What we wish it did better: At this price, this system could use one or two extra features, like a built-in VPN server or an integrated smart speaker.

Why do we recommend it? We’ve always liked Eero’s sleek design, and the Eero Pro 6 is no different. Each unit can sit inconspicuously, unlike most standalone routers. The speeds are decent based on our tests, and the Zigbee hub is helpful if you have compatible IoT devices.

 

Tested speeds at a glance

5 GHz max speed 2 feet 40 feet 120 feet
1,200 802 332 Not tested

* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using a Wi-Fi 6 client and an 80 MHz channel.

 

Wi-Fi specs Wired specs
  • Standard: Wi-Fi 6
  • Max throughput: 4,2000Mbps
  • Antennas: 5
  • Streams: 8
  • Bands: 3
  • WAN/LAN Gigabit ports: 2
  • Max internet speed supported: ~940Mbps

Mesh system specs and features

Here’s the thing: you can’t expect much from a mesh networking system. Their overall design generally limits their capabilities, and they’re almost always used as platforms to sell parental control and security services. Nonetheless, here are a few things to consider when you shop for a new system.

Configuration

Some systems ship with multiple compact routers. Other systems ship with one compact router and even smaller satellite units. You generally get better Wi-Fi coverage, multi-device support, and additional wired connectivity with an all-router kit, but they are rather pricey compared to the router-satellite kits. Consider what you need for your wired and wireless devices before investing.

Wi-Fi 6

Get a system with Wi-Fi 6 or newer. The spec has better speeds than Wi-Fi 5, better multi-device support, and better data management. If speed is what you need, consider a system with Wi-Fi 6E, which provides more attainable real-world sub-2Gbps wireless speeds via the new 6 GHz connection.

Multi-gig internet

We like to harp on this spec because it’s essential to know if you subscribe to a 1,000Mbps (1Gbps) internet connection or faster. Systems with gigabit Ethernet are limited to around 940Mbps in real-world wired speed, so you lose some connection speed if you have Spectrum Internet Gig, for example. Systems with WAN link aggregation or a dedicated multi-gig WAN port are ideal.

Our verdict

Out of the handful of mesh systems we’ve tested thus far, we like the TP-Link Deco X50-PoE system the best for the speeds we recorded in testing, its dedicated multi-gig internet port, and its Power over Ethernet compatibility. If you own a business, you should seriously consider this system.

The Gryphon AX is a close runner-up. We get it: It’s an expensive investment if you purchase more than one router and you need a subscription to get the most out of it. But it had better speeds in our testing, despite lacking a multi-gig port, and far better free parental controls than any other mesh system we’ve reviewed to date.

Methodology

We test router speed by setting up each router in an office and connecting it to a local test server. Then, we transmit test data between our wireless devices and the server, taking numerous measurements to account for fluctuations in Wi-Fi speeds.

The first tests occur close to the router, without obstructions—so the Wi-Fi is as strong and fast as it’s gonna get. We repeat the process straight out at 10, 20, and 30 feet, with only a glass door obstructing our view of the router. The same glass door and an exterior door blocks our path when we test outside at 40 and 50 feet.

We also run tests in a hallway to the left of the TV room and office—where there’s a glass door, three walls, and an air handler unit blocking our view of the router. The dining room, another testing point, sits to the right of the kitchen, TV room, and office—two walls and a glass door block the path in this test.

To test video streaming, we connect a fast storage device to the router and stream a 4K video to six wireless devices simultaneously—two phones, three tablets, and a laptop—connected to the same wireless band.

Client devices used in testing

iPhone 12 Pro MaxGoogle Pixel 3
Wi-Fi specificationWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 5
Stream configuration2 x 22 x 2
Max channel width80 MHz80 MHz
Max 5 GHz speed (AX)1,200Mbps
Max 5 GHz speed (AC)866Mbps866Mbps
Max 2.4 GHz speed (AX)195Mbps
Max 2.4 GHz speed (N)144Mbps144Mbps

Router benchmarks

Here are the average 5 GHz speeds recorded for each mesh system. Wi-Fi speeds fluctuate significantly, so these numbers reflect at least three tests taken at each 10-foot interval.

TP-Link Deco X50-PoE

iPhone 12 Pro MaxGoogle Pixel 3
2 feet821618
10 feet719561
20 feet657497
30 feet593405
40 feet (porch)366258
120 feet (across street)836

TP-Link Deco X55

iPhone 12 Pro MaxGoogle Pixel 3
2 feet739611
10 feet680573
20 feet613509
30 feet565443
40 feet (porch)339262
120 feet (across street)Not testedNot tested

Gryphon AX

iPhone 12 Pro MaxGoogle Pixel 3
2 feet855684
10 feet789607
20 feet695588
30 feet584442
40 feet (porch)469255
120 feet (across street)14685

NETGEAR Orbi RBK752

iPhone 12 Pro MaxGoogle Pixel 3
2 feet839620
10 feet798591
20 feet664533
30 feet598396
40 feet (porch)378249
120 feet (across street)11536

Amazon Eero Pro 6

iPhone 12 Pro MaxGoogle Pixel 3
2 feet802675
10 feet739641
20 feet690584
30 feet674536
40 feet (porch)332242
120 feet (across street)Not testedNot tested

Other routers we tested

We tested a handful of mesh kits to determine which ones are best for whole-home coverage and features. Here are other tested systems we do and don’t recommend.

Other mesh systems we don’t recommend

ModelSummaryPrice*Order online
Google WifiUses the older Wi-Fi 5 spec with slower speeds than the Wi-Fi 6 system, so we can’t recommend it.$109.21View on Amazon

FAQ about mesh systems and routers

Don’t some standalone routers support mesh?

Yes, some standalone routers support mesh networking. ASUS routers with AiMesh technology can create a mesh network with other compatible ASUS routers. TP-Link routers with OneMesh can create a mesh network with compatible range extenders and powerline adapters.

Do mesh systems have a good range?

Mesh system routers and satellites are designed differently than traditional routers. They broadcast Wi-Fi evenly in a sphere, whereas standalone routers with external antennas broadcast Wi-Fi in an elongated oval (or donut). That said, mesh networking kits aim to deliver Wi-Fi around corners and upstairs (or downstairs). Standalone routers blast Wi-Fi through walls and into the neighbor’s house.

Is an all-router system better than a router-satellite one?

The type of system you should get depends on what you need. Systems with all routers have units with identical specifications—they have the same number of bands, streams, and ports. Satellite units typically have lower specifications than router units, so you may not get the performance you need. Google Wifi is a good example of a router-satellite system: the router unit has a max throughput of 2,200Mbps versus 1,200Mbps with the satellite unit.

Do I have to purchase an entire system upfront?

No, you don’t need to buy a two- or three-piece system upfront if you don’t have the money. All mesh networking systems have at least one router unit you can purchase as a one-pack. Add more routers or satellites later on when you can afford them.

Model Sold as a 1-pack?
TP-Link Deco X55 Router
Gryphon AX Router
Amazon Eero Pro 6 Router
NETGEAR Orbi RBK752 Satellite only
TP-Link Deco X60-PoE No

What is Power over Ethernet, and why would I need it?

Power over Ethernet is a technology enabling wired network devices to transmit power over Ethernet. It’s best used for network setups that don’t have access to power outlets in some areas.

For example, with the TP-Link Deco X50-PoE, you can mount each unit on the ceiling and run Ethernet cables across the attic floor. The drawback is you need a Power over Ethernet switch to deliver power to each device. This feature isn’t for everyone but could be handy if you want to extend Wi-Fi into an enclosed porch.

What is IoT isolation?

We generally create a guest network for guest devices to use because we don’t want to share the primary network’s login info. With the Gryphon AX, you can enable network isolation to keep guest devices from mingling with those connected to the primary network.

With that in mind, you can create a similar third dedicated network for Internet of Things (IoT) devices like smart door locks and thermostats. They’re the most vulnerable devices in your home, so placing them on a separate virtual network and enabling network isolation keeps potential hackers off your primary network.

What is link aggregation?

Link aggregation is a technology that combines at least two wired Ethernet connections to create a single link. For example, you can pair a router’s gigabit Ethernet internet port (WAN) with a gigabit Ethernet network port (LAN) to create a 2Gbps connection to a modem, gateway, or ONT that also supports link aggregation.

Are mesh systems better than standalone routers?

Most mesh systems are more limited in features and capabilities than standard Wi-Fi routers. Here are a few facts about mesh systems to keep in mind while you’re deciding what’s best for you.

Mesh networking systems:

  • Require a cloud account to use
  • Require a subscription for security and premium parental controls
  • Offer some free, basic user profile controls
  • Rarely include media sharing and printer sharing
  • Rarely provide a web interface
  • Rarely have gaming tools, if ever
  • Usually limit the Ethernet ports to three maximum
  • Broadcast a shorter range than standard routers with external antennas

Disclaimer

Author -

Kevin Parrish has more than a decade of experience working as a writer, editor, and product tester. He began writing about computer hardware and soon branched out to other devices and services such as networking equipment, phones and tablets, game consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom’s Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others. At HighSpeedInternet.com, he focuses on network equipment testing and review.

Editor - Cara Haynes

Cara Haynes has been editing and writing in the digital space for seven years, and she's edited all things internet for HighSpeedInternet.com for five years. She graduated with a BA in English and a minor in editing from Brigham Young University. When she's not editing, she makes tech accessible through her freelance writing for brands like Pluralsight. She believes no one should feel lost in internet land and that a good internet connection significantly extends your life span.

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