Looking to upgrade your home or office network with the latest technology? If so, you're in luck because in this article, we will explore the top 13 best mesh routers for 2023. Mesh routers have become increasingly popular due to their ability to provide seamless Wi-Fi coverage throughout large spaces, eliminating dead zones and ensuring a consistently strong signal. Whether you need a reliable internet connection for gaming, smart home devices, or simply browsing the web, our expert recommendations will help you make an informed decision. So, let's dive in and find the perfect mesh router to meet your needs in 2023!
Overall Score: 8/10
The TP-Link Deco AX3000 WiFi 6 Mesh System is a next-gen Wi-Fi 6 mesh system that covers up to 6500 square feet with seamless high-performance Wi-Fi. It eliminates dead zones and buffering, making it better than traditional Wi-Fi boosters and range extenders. With a capacity to connect up to 150 devices, this mesh system provides strong and reliable Wi-Fi throughout your home. The Deco X55 also comes with 3 gigabit Ethernet ports per unit, supporting wired Ethernet backhaul for better speeds. Its AI-driven mesh system intelligently adapts to your network environment to provide an ideal Wi-Fi experience unique to your home.
Key Features
- Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Wi-Fi for reliable connectivity
- Covers up to 6500 square feet with high-performance Wi-Fi
- Connects up to 150 devices
- 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports per unit
- Supports wired Ethernet backhaul
- Intelligently learns the network environment for optimal Wi-Fi
Specifications
- Color: White and Black
- Dimension: 4.33Lx4.33Wx4.49H
- Size: 3 count (Pack of 1)
Pros
- Seamless high-performance Wi-Fi coverage
- Connects up to 150 devices
- Gigabit Ethernet ports for better speeds
- AI-driven mesh system for optimal Wi-Fi
Cons
- Subscription service required for additional features
- Ethernet limited to 1Gbps
The TP-Link Deco AX3000 WiFi 6 Mesh System is a reliable and high-performance solution to eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones and buffering in your home. With its seamless coverage of up to 6500 square feet and the capability to connect up to 150 devices, it offers a robust and reliable Wi-Fi experience. The AI-driven mesh system intelligently adapts to your network environment, providing optimal Wi-Fi unique to your home. The addition of gigabit Ethernet ports and support for wired Ethernet backhaul ensures better speeds. While the subscription service may be a downside for some, the overall performance and features make the Deco X55 a solid choice for improving your Wi-Fi connectivity.
Overall Score: 8/10
The TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi System (Deco S4) is a powerful WiFi solution that provides excellent coverage for your entire home. With Deco Mesh technology, this system offers faster WiFi speeds and a strong signal in all directions. It eliminates dead zones and can cover homes up to 5,500 square feet. The Deco S4 allows seamless roaming throughout the house with a single network name and password, making it incredibly convenient. It supports up to 100 devices and offers advanced parental controls to keep your children safe online. The setup is easy with the Deco app, and it works with all internet service providers. With 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports per unit, it provides wired Ethernet backhaul for better speeds. Overall, the TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi System (Deco S4) is a reliable and efficient solution for superior WiFi coverage.
Key Features
- Deco Mesh technology for better Wi Fi experience
- Up to 5,500 square feet coverage with no dead zones
- Seamless roaming with a single network name and password
- Fast AC1200 speeds for up to 100 devices
- Robust parental controls for online safety
- Easy setup with Deco app and works with Alexa
- 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports per unit with support for wired Ethernet backhaul
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimension: 3.57Lx3.57Wx6.39H
- Size: 3 count (pack of 1)
Pros
- Excellent coverage and signal strength
- Fast and stable Wi Fi speeds
- Seamless roaming throughout the house
- Advanced parental controls for online safety
- Easy setup with the Deco app
Cons
- Inconsistent signal switching for some devices
- Issues with setup instructions and advanced settings
The TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi System (Deco S4) is a reliable solution for superior WiFi coverage in your home. It offers excellent coverage, fast speeds, and seamless roaming. The advanced parental controls provide additional security for your family. However, there have been some issues reported with signal switching for certain devices and confusion with the setup instructions. Overall, it is a cost-effective option that provides great value for the price. If you’re looking to upgrade your WiFi system and eliminate dead zones, the TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi System (Deco S4) is definitely worth considering.
Overall Score: 8/10
The TP-Link Deco WiFi 6 Mesh System is a powerful and efficient whole home mesh system that provides seamless, high-performance Wi-Fi coverage. With its Wi-Fi 6 technology, it eliminates weak Wi-Fi signals and dead zones for good. It can cover up to 5800 square feet, making it ideal for large homes. The system is capable of connecting up to 150 devices, ensuring strong and reliable Wi-Fi for all your smart devices. The Deco app allows for easy setup and management, and it even works with Alexa for voice control. It also offers total security with its lifetime subscription to TP-Link HomeCare, which includes antivirus protection and parental controls. With its sleek design and impressive performance, the TP-Link Deco WiFi 6 Mesh System is a top-notch solution for improving your home network.
Key Features
- Wi-Fi 6 technology with AX1800 speed
- Covers up to 5800 square feet
- Connects up to 150 devices
- Easy setup and management with the Deco app
- Parental controls and antivirus protection
- Supports wired Ethernet backhaul
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimensions: 14.70Lx5.00Wx11.00H
- Size: 3 count (Pack of 1)
Pros
- Powerful Wi-Fi coverage
- Easy setup and management
- Supports wired Ethernet backhaul
- Total security with antivirus protection
- Connects up to 150 devices
Cons
- Occasional outages
- Restrictive software for advanced customization
- Design flaws in mounting brackets
The TP-Link Deco WiFi 6 Mesh System is a reliable and efficient solution for improving and optimizing your home network. With its excellent coverage, easy setup, robust performance, and comprehensive features, it surpasses expectations. It provides fast and stable internet speeds, eliminates dead zones, and enables seamless connectivity for up to 150 devices. The Deco app offers convenient management and customization options, including parental controls and antivirus protection. Although it may occasionally experience outages and its software may be restrictive for advanced users, these issues are outweighed by its overall performance and value. Whether you have a large home or struggle with Wi-Fi connectivity issues, the TP-Link Deco WiFi 6 Mesh System is a worthwhile investment.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
Upgrade your home Wi-Fi with the TP-Link Deco M5, a whole home mesh WiFi system that provides seamless coverage up to 5,500 square feet. With the TP-Link Deco app, setting up your network is easy and you can enjoy a single network name and password throughout your house. The Deco M5 offers better coverage than traditional routers, thanks to its mesh network technology. It also includes features like Adaptive routing technology for faster speeds and TP-Link HomeCare for enhanced network security. With 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports on each Deco M5 unit, you can connect wired devices for even better speeds. Compatible with all major internet service providers, the TP-Link Deco M5 is a reliable and affordable solution to improve your home WiFi.
Key Features
- Provides whole home Wi Fi coverage up to 5,500 square feet
- Seamless roaming with a single network name and password
- Adaptive routing technology for faster speeds
- TP-Link Home Care for enhanced network security
- Easy setup with the TP-Link Deco app
- 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports on each unit
- Compatible with all major internet service providers
Specifications
- Color: 3 Pack
- Dimension: 4.72Lx4.72Wx1.34H
- Size: 3-pack
Pros
- Wide coverage eliminates dead zones
- Easy setup and management with the app
- Secure network with TP-Link Home Care
- Multiple Ethernet ports for wired connections
Cons
- Limited configuration options for advanced users
The TP-Link Deco M5 is a reliable and affordable whole home WiFi system that offers excellent coverage and seamless roaming. The setup is easy with the accompanying app and the network can be managed effortlessly. With TP-Link HomeCare, you can ensure the security of your network and connected devices. The Deco M5’s adaptive routing technology provides fast and stable WiFi speeds. Although it may lack some advanced configuration options, it is a great choice for most households. Whether you have a large home or multiple devices to connect, the TP-Link Deco M5 can meet your needs and improve your WiFi experience.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The NETGEAR Nighthawk Advanced Whole Home Mesh WiFi 6 System provides seamless connectivity and high-speed internet for your home. With coverage up to 4,500 sq. ft. and support for 25+ devices, it ensures uninterrupted streaming, gaming, and web conferencing. The system replaces your existing WiFi router and is compatible with any internet service provider up to 1Gbps. It is easy to set up and manage through the Nighthawk App, allowing you to customize WiFi settings, test internet speed, and monitor data usage. The system also includes NETGEAR Armor for increased security and NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls for promoting healthy internet habits. With its sleek design and reliable performance, the NETGEAR Nighthawk Advanced Whole Home Mesh WiFi 6 System is a great choice for enhancing your home network.
Key Features
- Coverage up to 4,500 sq. ft. and 25+ devices
- Fast AX1800 Gigabit speed with Wi Fi 6 technology
- Compatible with any internet service provider up to 1Gbps
- Easy setup with the Nighthawk App
- NETGEAR Armor for increased security
- NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls
- Expandable coverage with additional satellites
- Backed by a 1-year limited hardware warranty
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 11.10Lx7.90Wx6.50H
Pros
- Fast and reliable Wi Fi coverage
- Good value for the features offered
- Easy to set up and manage
- Includes security and parental control features
Cons
- Some difficulty in initial setup for a few users
- Limited network control compared to higher-end options
The NETGEAR Nighthawk Advanced Whole Home Mesh WiFi 6 System is a powerful and convenient solution for upgrading your home network. With its wide coverage, fast speeds, and advanced features like NETGEAR Armor and Smart Parental Controls, it offers excellent value for the price. The system is easy to set up and manage through the Nighthawk App, making it accessible for all users. While there may be some initial setup challenges for a few users, overall, the system delivers reliable and efficient performance. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or working from home, the NETGEAR Nighthawk Advanced Whole Home Mesh WiFi 6 System provides a seamless and secure internet experience.
Overall Score: 8/10
The NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Mesh WiFi System is a powerful router replacement that provides whole home mesh Wi-Fi coverage of up to 4,500 square feet. It works with all internet providers and offers fast wireless speed of up to 1.2 Gbps. With easy set up and manage capabilities, you can have Wi-Fi up and running in minutes. The system also includes NETGEAR Armor, which protects your family's Wi-Fi with automatic security, as well as NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls for healthy internet habits. The Orbi Whole Home Mesh WiFi System is a reliable and convenient solution for eliminating dead zones and ensuring seamless connectivity throughout your home.
Key Features
- Whole home mesh Wi-Fi coverage of up to 4,500 square feet
- Works with all internet providers
- Fast wireless speed of up to 1.2 Gbps
- Easy set up and manage with the Orbi app
- NETGEAR Armor for automatic security
- NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls for healthy internet habits
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimension: 8.02Lx5.50Wx5.15H
Pros
- Wide coverage area
- Compatible with all internet providers
- Fast wireless speed
- Easy set up and management
- Automatic security and parental controls
Cons
- Firmware update process can be difficult
- Incompatibility with certain devices
- Pricey compared to other options
The NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Mesh WiFi System is a reliable and convenient solution for eliminating dead zones and ensuring seamless connectivity throughout your home. With its wide coverage area, fast wireless speed, and easy setup and management, it offers a great user experience. The added features of NETGEAR Armor and Smart Parental Controls enhance the security and control you have over your internet usage. However, the firmware update process can be challenging and some users have reported compatibility issues with certain devices. Overall, if you’re looking to improve your home Wi-Fi coverage, the Orbi Whole Home Mesh WiFi System is a solid choice.
Overall Score: 8.4/10
The Mesh WiFi System for Whole-Home is a 3-pack mesh router that provides seamless WiFi coverage of up to 5,500 square feet. It eliminates WiFi blind spots in your home, allowing you to enjoy a strong and stable internet connection in every room. With support for up to 100+ devices, this mesh wifi system is more stable and wider than WiFi amplifiers. The easy setup process allows you to quickly start using the Mesh WiFi Router. You can also use the simple web interface to have precise control over your network, including device prioritization and parental controls. Despite its large size, this mesh system offers excellent signal strength and fast speeds. Overall, it is a great budget option for improving your home WiFi coverage.
Key Features
- 5,500 square feet Coverage with no blind spots
- Seamless switch between channels with single-SSID Wi Fi
- Supports up to 100+ devices for stable connectivity
- Easy setup process for quick installation
- Precise control with a simple web interface
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimension: 4.13Lx3.94Wx6.57H
Pros
- Seamless Wi Fi coverage in every room
- Supports a wide range of devices
- Easy to set up and control
- Excellent signal strength and fast speeds
Cons
- Large size of the nodes
- Outdated security protocol for some Apple devices
The Mesh WiFi System for Whole-Home is a reliable and affordable solution for improving your home WiFi coverage. With its seamless mesh network, you can enjoy a strong and stable internet connection in every corner of your house. The easy setup process and precise control options make it user-friendly, while the support for up to 100+ devices ensures smooth connectivity for all your devices. Although the nodes are a bit large in size, the performance and signal strength of this mesh system are impressive. The outdated security protocol for Apple devices may be a drawback for some users, but overall, this mesh WiFi system offers excellent value for its price. If you’re looking to eliminate WiFi blind spots and enhance your home network, the Mesh WiFi System for Whole-Home is a reliable choice.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Amazon eero mesh WiFi system is a router replacement that provides whole-home coverage of fast, reliable WiFi. With up to 4,500 sq. ft. of coverage, it is designed to eliminate WiFi dead spots and drop-offs. The system works with Alexa, allowing you to easily manage WiFi access for different network profiles. It is compatible with most major internet service providers and can be set up in minutes using the eero app. The system also receives automatic updates to ensure network security. With eero's TrueMesh technology, traffic is intelligently routed to reduce drop-offs and dead spots. The system can be easily expanded as needed and offers a convenient solution for improving WiFi performance throughout your home.
Key Features
- Whole-home coverage of up to 4,500 sq. ft.
- Works with Alexa for easy management of Wi Fi access
- Compatible with most major internet service providers
- Quick and easy setup using the eero app
- Automatic updates for network security
- True Mesh technology reduces drop-offs and dead spots
- Expandable system with cross-compatible hardware
Specifications
- N/A
Pros
- Provides whole-home coverage of fast, reliable Wi Fi
- Easy management of Wi Fi access with Alexa integration
- Compatible with most major internet service providers
- Quick and easy setup process
- Automatic updates ensure network security
- True Mesh technology reduces drop-offs and dead spots
- Expandable system to adjust to changing needs
Cons
- Requires being plugged into the modem for optimal performance
- Lacks advanced features like channel customization
- Dependency on the eero app for setup and troubleshooting
The Amazon eero mesh WiFi system is an excellent solution for improving WiFi coverage and performance throughout your home. With its whole-home coverage and easy setup process, it eliminates WiFi dead spots and ensures a reliable connection. The integration with Alexa allows for convenient management of WiFi access. However, it is important to note that the system requires being plugged into the modem and lacks advanced features like channel customization. Despite these drawbacks, the eero mesh WiFi system provides a reliable and expandable solution for optimizing your home network.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Reyee WiFi 6 Router is a powerful and high-performance mesh WiFi system that provides an unprecedented wireless experience. With Wi-Fi 6 technology, it offers a dual-band signal with impressive transfer rates, reducing buffering and latency for a smoother browsing experience. The router includes eight omnidirectional antennas and high-power FEM amplifiers, providing better signal coverage of up to 3000 square feet. It can connect up to 110 devices simultaneously, making it perfect for a smart home setup. The Reyee Mesh feature allows for seamless roaming and easy extension of Wi-Fi signals using additional routers. Overall, it is a reliable and efficient Wi-Fi solution for ensuring strong connectivity throughout your home.
Key Features
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 signal for faster transfer rates
- Eight omnidirectional antennas with high-power FEM amplifiers
- Coverage of up to 3000 square feet
- Connect up to 110 devices simultaneously
- Seamless roaming with Reyee Mesh feature
Specifications
Pros
- Fast and stable performance
- Wide coverage area
- Supports a large number of devices
- Easy to extend Wi-Fi signals with Reyee Mesh
Cons
- Difficult setup process for non-tech-savvy users
- App interface needs improvement
- Pushy customer service experience for some users
The Reyee WiFi 6 Router is a reliable and high-performance mesh Wi-Fi system that offers impressive transfer rates and wide coverage. It is capable of connecting multiple devices simultaneously and provides seamless roaming with the Reyee Mesh feature. While the setup process may be challenging for non-tech-savvy users and the app interface needs improvement, the overall performance and stability of this router make it a great choice for a smart home setup. With its strong signal and reliable connectivity, the Reyee WiFi 6 Router ensures that you can enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted browsing experience throughout your entire home.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The NETGEAR Nighthawk Advanced Whole Home Mesh WiFi 6 System (MK72) is a powerful router with a satellite extender that provides coverage up to 3,000 sq. ft. and supports 35+ devices. With its fast AX3000 Gigabit speed and WiFi 6 technology, you can enjoy uninterrupted streaming, gaming, and web conferencing. The router connects to your existing cable modem and replaces your WiFi router, compatible with any internet service provider up to 1Gbps. It sets up easily with the Nighthawk App and offers features like WiFi settings management, internet speed testing, and data usage monitoring. The system also includes NETGEAR Armor for enhanced security. Expand coverage with additional Nighthawk Whole Home Mesh WiFi 6 Add-on satellites. Overall, this system is a reliable and high-performing solution for whole home WiFi coverage.
Key Features
- Coverage up to 3,000 sq. ft. and 35+ devices
- Fast AX3000 Gigabit speed with Wi Fi 6 technology
- Connects to existing cable modem, compatible with any internet service provider
- 2 (1+1) Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports in router and satellite
- Easy setup with the Nighthawk App
- NETGEAR Armor for enhanced security
- Expand coverage with additional Nighthawk Whole Home Mesh Wi Fi 6 Add-ons
Specifications
Pros
- Wide coverage area and supports multiple devices
- Fast and uninterrupted streaming, gaming, and web conferencing
- Compatible with any internet service provider
- Easy setup and management with the Nighthawk App
- Enhanced security with NETGEAR Armor
- Option to expand coverage with additional satellites
Cons
- Some customers experienced connectivity issues
- Customer support may have language barriers
The NETGEAR Nighthawk Advanced Whole Home Mesh WiFi 6 System (MK72) is a reliable and high-performing solution for whole home WiFi coverage. It offers wide coverage, fast speeds, and easy setup and management through the Nighthawk App. With the included NETGEAR Armor, your WiFi network is protected with enhanced security. Although there have been some customer reports of connectivity issues, overall, this system provides a seamless and uninterrupted internet experience for streaming, gaming, and web conferencing. The option to expand coverage with additional satellites ensures that you can tailor the system to your specific needs. If you’re in need of a robust and dependable WiFi solution for your home, the NETGEAR Nighthawk Advanced Whole Home Mesh WiFi 6 System is a great choice.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Mesh WiFi Router is a dual-band AC1200 whole home mesh WiFi system with touchlink function. The system includes 1 WiFi router and 1 WiFi extender, offering coverage of up to 4,500 sq. ft. It is an affordable alternative to more expensive mesh WiFi routers, providing a great value for the price. With its easy-to-use interface and simple setup process, this mesh system is highly recommended by users. It automatically connects to the main router node without any additional action, making it convenient for users. The compact and lightweight design adds to its appeal. Overall, this mesh WiFi router is a reliable and cost-effective choice for improving WiFi signal in your home.
Key Features
- Mesh Wi Fi router with touchlink function
- Dual-band AC1200
- Covers up to 4,500 sq. ft
- Includes 1 Wi Fi router & 1 Wi Fi extender
Specifications
- N/A
Pros
- Affordable alternative to more expensive mesh Wi Fi routers
- Easy-to-use interface and simple setup process
- Automatically connects to the main router node
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons
- User interface/settings could be more streamlined
The Mesh WiFi Router is a reliable and cost-effective solution to improve WiFi signal in your home. With its affordable price, easy setup, and great coverage, this dual-band AC1200 mesh system provides excellent value for the price. Users have praised its performance and connectivity, making it an ideal choice for small to medium-sized homes. While the user interface could be more streamlined, the overall functionality and convenience of this mesh router make it a highly recommended option.
Overall Score: 9/10
The TP-Link Deco AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Mesh System is a powerful mesh system that provides seamless WiFi coverage up to 7,200 sq.ft. It replaces your traditional WiFi router and extender, eliminating dead zones and buffering. The system features the brand-new 6 GHz band, which offers the latest frequency of WiFi and eliminates interference from older devices. With true tri-band speed and the ability to connect up to 200 devices, this system ensures fast and reliable WiFi for your entire home. The AI-driven mesh technology automatically learns your network environment and optimizes your connection. The Deco app makes setup and management easy, and it even works with Alexa for simple voice commands. With TP-Link HomeShield, you also get premium security services to keep your network and IoT devices safe. Overall, the TP-Link Deco AXE5400 is a game-changer in WiFi technology, delivering high-performance connectivity and comprehensive coverage.
Key Features
- Wi Fi 6E Tri-Band Mesh Wi Fi
- Brand-New 6 GHz Band
- True Tri-Band Speed
- Unlock the Full Potential of Wi Fi 6
- AI-Driven Mesh
- Easy Setup and Management
- TP-Link Home Shield
- Works with all internet service providers
Specifications
- Color: Black and White
- Dimension: 4.13Lx4.13Wx6.65H
Pros
- Seamless Wi Fi coverage up to 7,200 sq.ft.
- Eliminates dead zones and buffering
- Fast and reliable Wi Fi for up to 200 devices
- AI-driven mesh technology for optimized connections
- Easy setup and management with the Deco app
- Works with Alexa for voice commands
- Premium security services with TP-Link Home Shield
- Compatible with all internet service providers
Cons
- Limited advanced settings through web browser
- Some devices may require manual network switching
The TP-Link Deco AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Mesh System is a game-changing solution for anyone looking to upgrade their WiFi coverage and eliminate dead zones. With its powerful tri-band technology, seamless mesh connectivity, and AI-driven optimization, this system delivers fast and reliable WiFi for your entire home. The easy setup and management through the Deco app make it user-friendly, and the compatibility with all internet service providers is a great advantage. The TP-Link HomeShield provides advanced security features to keep your network and IoT devices safe. While there may be some limitations in terms of advanced settings, overall, the Deco AXE5400 is a top-notch WiFi system that will revolutionize your home network.
Overall Score: 8.7/10
The TP-Link Deco AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Mesh Router is a powerful and efficient WiFi solution. With its tri-band technology, it provides fast and stable internet speeds for up to 200 devices. The router features a 2.5 Gbps port and 2 Gigabit ports, allowing for high-speed wired connections. Its brand-new 6 GHz band eliminates interference from legacy devices, ensuring a seamless WiFi experience. The router also supports WiFi 6, unlocking its full potential and offering upgraded performance in network efficiency and capacity. With a coverage of up to 2900 sq. ft., this mesh router is ideal for larger homes. It is easy to install and comes with a user-friendly app. Overall, the TP-Link Deco AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Mesh Router provides excellent performance and reliability.
Key Features
- Wi Fi 6E Tri-Band Mesh Wi Fi Router
- 2.5G WAN Port
- 2 Gigabit LAN Ports
- Covers up to 2900 Sq.Ft
- AI-Driven Mesh
- New 6GHz Band
Specifications
- Color: Black and White
- Dimension: 4.13Lx4.13Wx6.65H
Pros
- Fast and stable internet speeds
- Tri-band technology for optimized performance
- Supports Wi Fi 6 for enhanced network efficiency
- Easy installation and user-friendly app
- Wide coverage for larger homes
Cons
- Large power brick design
- App may not be as feature-rich as competitors
The TP-Link Deco AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Mesh Router is a top-notch solution for those seeking fast and reliable internet speeds. With its tri-band technology and support for WiFi 6, it delivers outstanding performance and network capacity. The router’s 6 GHz band eliminates interference, ensuring a seamless WiFi experience. Its wide coverage makes it suitable for larger homes, and the easy installation process makes it user-friendly. While the power brick design may pose some inconvenience, and the app may lack certain features compared to competitors, the overall performance and reliability of this mesh router are exceptional. Whether you’re a casual internet user or a power user with multiple devices, the TP-Link Deco AXE5400 is a solid choice to provide you with a seamless and efficient WiFi network.
Buyer's Guide: Mesh Router
Whether you're dealing with Wi-Fi dead zones or struggling to maintain a stable internet connection throughout your home, a mesh router can be the solution to your connectivity woes. With their ability to extend the range and strength of your Wi-Fi signal, mesh routers have become increasingly popular. But not all mesh routers are created equal. In this buyer's guide, we'll explore everything you need to know to make an informed decision when purchasing a mesh router.
Key Considerations
When choosing a mesh router, it's important to keep the following factors in mind:
- Network Size: Consider the size of your home and the area you need to cover. Mesh routers consist of a main router and satellite nodes that extend the coverage. For larger homes, you may need additional satellite nodes to ensure a strong and reliable signal throughout.
- Wi-Fi Performance: Look for mesh routers that support the latest Wi-Fi standards, such as 802.11ac or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). These standards offer faster speeds and improved performance, especially in congested environments.
- Backhaul Channel: Check if the mesh router offers a dedicated backhaul channel. This channel is used to communicate between the main router and satellite nodes, ensuring optimal speed and performance. A dedicated backhaul channel is preferable as it doesn't compete with your regular Wi-Fi traffic.
- Number of Ethernet Ports: Consider the number of devices you plan to connect via Ethernet. Evaluate how many Ethernet ports are available on both the main router and satellite nodes to meet your connectivity needs.
- Parental Controls: If you have children or want to manage internet access, look for a mesh router that offers robust parental controls. These controls allow you to set internet usage limits, filter content, and create profiles for different family members.
- Smart Home Compatibility: Check if the mesh router integrates well with your existing smart home devices. Some routers offer compatibility with popular smart home systems, making it easier to control and manage your connected devices.
Important Features
Here are some key features to consider when purchasing a mesh router:
- Dual-Band vs. Tri-Band: Mesh routers can either operate on dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) or tri-band (two 5GHz and one 2.4GHz) frequencies. Tri-band routers generally offer better performance and less congestion, especially in busy environments.
- Quality of Service (QoS): Look for routers that offer QoS features, allowing you to prioritize certain types of internet traffic for a smoother online experience. This feature is particularly useful if you perform activities that require low latency, such as online gaming or video conferencing.
- Seamless Roaming: Ensure the mesh router supports seamless roaming. This means your devices can seamlessly switch between the main router and satellite nodes without experiencing any interruptions or dropped connections.
- Mobile App and User Interface: A user-friendly mobile app and interface can make configuration and management much easier. Look for mesh routers that offer intuitive mobile apps with features like network monitoring, device prioritization, and parental controls.
- Security: Prioritize routers that offer robust security features, such as encryption, firewall protection, and automatic firmware updates. Additionally, some mesh routers come with built-in antivirus and malware protection, providing an extra layer of security.
Frequently Asked Questions about 13 Best Mesh Router for 2023
Yes, in most cases, you can connect a mesh router to your existing modem. Simply connect the main router to the modem using an Ethernet cable, then follow the setup instructions provided by the manufacturer.
The number of satellite nodes required depends on the size and layout of your home. As a general rule, for small to medium-sized homes (up to approximately 2,000 square feet), one satellite node is usually sufficient. Larger homes may require additional satellite nodes to ensure complete coverage.
It’s generally recommended to stick with a single brand when setting up a mesh network. Mixing and matching routers from different brands may lead to compatibility issues and could result in subpar performance.
Yes, most mesh routers are designed to be expandable. If you find that your current setup isn’t providing adequate coverage, you can add more satellite nodes to extend the range of your mesh network.
While a mesh router can improve Wi-Fi coverage and signal strength, it doesn’t directly increase your internet speed. The speed you experience will still be limited by the speed provided by your internet service provider (ISP).
In most cases, it’s best to connect devices directly to the main router for optimal performance. However, some mesh routers do offer Ethernet ports on the satellite nodes, allowing you to connect wired devices in areas with limited Wi-Fi coverage.
Mesh routers with QoS features can help prioritize gaming traffic, reducing latency for a smoother gaming experience. Look for routers that offer low-latency modes or gaming-specific features to enhance your online gaming performance.
Mesh routers are designed to handle multiple connected devices simultaneously. However, the performance may vary depending on the specific model and the demands of the connected devices. Look for mesh routers with high maximum device capacities for larger households with many smart devices.
No, setting up a mesh network doesn’t require you to replace your existing Wi-Fi network. You can simply extend your current network by adding a mesh router system to improve coverage and performance.
Yes, you can definitely use a mesh router in smaller living spaces such as apartments or condos. However, depending on the size and layout of your space, you may need fewer satellite nodes to ensure complete coverage. Consider the specific needs of your living space before making a purchase.
