Mesh routers are designed to provide strong, reliable WiFi coverage throughout a large area. Traditional routers often struggle to cover every corner of a home or office with a strong signal, which ends up creating dead zones in some areas. Well, mesh routers solve this problem by using multiple extenders that work together to create a single, solid network.
These days, you can find mesh routers in the market that come with the latest WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E technology. On top of that, most of the routers you’ll come across will be either dual-band or tri-band – there are even some quad-band mesh routers, but these come with a hefty price tag.
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For great coverage, mesh routers are paired with extenders. When combined with these extenders, some routers offer a range of up to 6,000 sqft or more. Depending on how big your house or office is, you can keep throwing in extenders until every dead zone is eliminated. If you want to explore more options with great range, check out our top picks for the best routers for WiFi range.
With so many options to choose from, it can get difficult for you to choose the right one. To help you out, we’ve done the homework and have selected a few options we think are the best mesh routers. We selected these routers on the basis of their performance, features, and the value for money they offer.
So, without wasting another second, let’s dive into the list of the best mesh routers available today.
Products at a glance
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BEST MESH ROUTER
NETGEAR Orbi RBK752
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
- Max speed: 2 Gbp
- LAN port: 3x 1 Gbps
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BEST MESH ROUTER FOR GAMING
Asus ROG Rapture GT6 Dual Pack
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 5.9 GHz
- Max speed: 10,000 Mbps
- LAN ports: 3 x 1 Gbps, 1 x 2.5 Gbps per unit
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BEST TRI-BAND MESH ROUTER
TP-Link Deco XE75
- Standard: WiFi 6E
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
- Max speed: 2402 Mbps
- LAN ports: N/A
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Best Netgear mesh router
Netgear Nighthawk MK62
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
- Max speed: 1 Gbps
- LAN ports: 1 x 1 Gbps
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Amazon Eero Pro 6
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4GHz, 5GHz
- Max speed: 4200Mbps
- LAN ports: 2 x 1 Gbps
How we picked
We’ve used our expertise to find and select the best mesh routers currently available in the market. These routers have been selected on the basis of their performance, range, and other notable features that make them stand out from the rest. We’re also constantly exploring the market for new routers, so make sure to check back here soon for an updated list.
Our top picks
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
- Max speed: 2 Gbp
- LAN port: 3x 1 Gbps
- Come with WiFi 6, and supports speeds of up to 4.2 Gbps
- Coverage of up to 5,000 sqft
- Can connect with up to 40 devices simultaneously
- Extenders can be expensive
- Overkill if used in a small home or office
- No multi-gig port
If you’re looking for a WiFi 6 mesh router that ticks all the boxes of a great router, we’d recommend the Netgear Orbi RBK752. Netgear is known for creating some of the best routers, and the RBK752 does not disappoint when it comes to performance.
To begin with, the version we selected comes with one router and one satellite extender. Each offers a range of 2,500 sqft, so you can expect them to provide a combined coverage of up to 5,000 sqft. This is enough for a large house or office. Of course, if you want to further increase its range, you can just get another satellite extender for the router.
Other than that, the Netgear Orbi RBK752 is a tri-band router, so it comes with a 2.4GHz band and two 5GHz bands. It supports speeds of up to 4.2 Gbps, which makes it a great choice for high-speed internet connections. As far as connectivity is concerned, the main router features three Gigabit Ethernet ports and one Gigabit WAN port, while the satellite extenders come with two Gigabit Ethernet ports.
The Netgear Orbi RBK752 is also powered by a 1.5Ghz quad-core processor, which is paired with 1GB of RAM. This should be enough to help it perform smoothly under load. The router is also capable of connecting with up to 40 devices at the same time. Setting up the router is also pretty straightforward, as it can be done within minutes using the Orbi app, which also lets you manage your WiFi settings from anywhere. If you have kids at home, you can use parental control features to restrict certain websites and monitor the internet usage of your children to promote healthy internet habits.
Overall, the Netgear Orbi RBK752 is one of the best mesh routers in the market. Its range, ability to connect with multiple devices, easy setup, and multiple connectivity options make it worth every single penny, and we think it is one of the best WiFi 6 routers.
What users say
As you would expect from our top mesh router, users on Amazon have highly praised the speed and coverage of the Netgear Orbi RBK752. One user comments that the “blazing-fast Tri-Band technology ensures seamless streaming and gaming, even in the farthest corners of my home”, while another commends its “exceptional coverage, speed, and user-friendly features” that has led it to “become an integral part of my everyday life”. However, there are mixed opinions about the helpfulness of Netgear’s tech support team, which is something to bear in mind.
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 5.9 GHz
- Max speed: 10,000 Mbps
- LAN ports: 3 x 1 Gbps, 1 x 2.5 Gbps per unit
- Great for gaming, and comes with the 5.9GHz band as well as a multi-gig port
- Supports speeds up to 10,000 Mbps – enough for gaming and more
- Coverage of up to 5,800 sqft
- Definitely at the top end of the price spectrum
- Investment is worth it only if you’re using it for gaming
The Asus ROG Rapture GT6 is all that you need for gaming. It comes packed with dedicated gaming features that are rare to find in mesh routers, and we think it deserves to be one of the best Asus routers.
Just like our top pick, the GT6 is also a tri-band router with support for an additional band. However, this one supports UNII 4, meaning it comes with an additional 5.9GHz band instead of a regular 5GHz band. As it is meant for high-speed internet plans, the router supports speeds of up to 10,000 Mbps.
The version we selected comes with the primary router and an extender. With the two working together, you can expect them to provide a coverage of up to 5,800 sqft. On top of that, the GT6 features nine powerful internal antennas and the Asus RangeBoost Plus technology, so you can expect it to throw singles to every corner of a large house or office.
As far as connectivity is concerned, the router comes with a 2.5G multi-gig WAN port, which should deliver a smooth, stable wired connection. Other than that, there are three Gigabit LAN ports and one USB 3.2 Gen 1 port. You also don’t have to worry about the router overheating under load, as there are grills on the top and bottom of the router with align with the heatsink to keep everything cool.
For gamers, the router features triple-level game acceleration, which comes with gaming device and port prioritization, game packet prioritization, and game server acceleration. All of these will help prevent jitter, reduce lag, and lower the ping. The GT6 also does not disappoint when it comes to security, as it comes with AiProtection Pro, which protects your devices from online threats and gives you access to advanced parental controls.
Overall, the Asus ROG Rapture GT6 is the best mesh router for gaming. It has also been designed while keeping the ‘gamer look’ in mind, so it can add to the overall aesthetics of your theme.
What users say
It has to be said that the Asus ROG Rapture GT6 is certainly an eye-catching router, and reviews on Amazon have been very admiring of its appearance. One user comments on how it’s “got that cool gamer aesthetic with RGB lighting and all”, going on to say “Who doesn’t love a router that adds a touch of style to your gaming setup?”. Of course, the gamer aesthetic isn’t for everyone’s tastes, and there is a review which describes the router as looking “horrendous”.
- Standard: WiFi 6E
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
- Max speed: 2402 Mbps
- LAN ports: N/A
- WiFi 6E technology means it can use the new 6GHz band
- Comes with three ports per unit
- Can connect with up to 200 devices – more than enough for a small business
- Some users have complained about the functionality of the app
- Might be overkill if you’re not going to make the most of its features
If you’re looking for the best tri-band mesh router, we’d recommend the TP-Link Deco XE75, which we think deserves to be one of the best TP-Link routers.
For starters, the Deco XE75 features WiFi 6E, which is an extension of the faster WiFi 6 technology. On top of that, it comes with three WiFi bands – 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and the all-new 6GHz band. Thanks to these, the router supports speeds of up to 5,400 Mbps, so it isn’t meant to be used with low-speed internet plans.
The Deco EX75 is a great choice for large offices, as while it offers a great range of up to 5,500 sqft, it can also connect with up to 200 devices simultaneously. This makes it on par with some of the best routers for multiple devices. However, it may be overkill if you’re planning to use it inside a small house or office with only a few devices.
Other than that, for a smooth wired experience, you can find three Gigabit Ethernet ports at the back of each unit. You can also connect it with Alexa to control your network with simple voice commands, thanks to which you can enjoy a hands-free experience. Setting up the router is also pretty simple, and it can be done within minutes using the Deco app.
The Deco XE75 also comes with additional features. For instance, we have the Home Network Scanner, which detects potential threats and security issues. There’s also Quality of Service, which can help you prioritize the bandwidth to a specific connection. If you have kids at home, you’ll benefit greatly from the parental control features, which let you restrict certain websites and promote healthy internet habits. For more features like DDoS Attack Prevention and IoT Device Protection, you can subscribe to HomeShield Pro.
Overall, the TP-Link Deco XE75 is a great choice for those looking for a tri-band mesh router.
What users say
The TP-Link Deco XE75 is another router that takes a bit of a non-traditional approach to design, and yet again this has been highly praised in its Amazon reviews. This is picked up on by one user, who comments that the “design of the hubs is aesthetically pleasing and should compliment most interior decor quite nicely”. However, it doesn’t just please visually, it’s fast too – “the pods more than TRIPLED my speed on the same existing ISP network”.
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
- Max speed: 1 Gbps
- LAN ports: 1 x 1 Gbps
- Ideal for home user, with a 3,000 sqft range
- Easy plug and go experience
- Supports speeds of up to 1,800 Mbps
- Large homes may require an additional extender
- App has a basic user interface
For use in the home, you don’t need anything fancy that can connect with up to 100 devices or come with features that are suitable for large organizations or offices. Instead, you need something that can provide a decent range and enough connectivity options. For this, we recommend the Netgear NightHawk MK62 home mesh system, a dual-band router that supports speeds of up to 1,800 Mbps. This router is worth every single penny, and it is one of the best Netgear Nighthawk routers.
To begin with, the version we selected comes with a router and one satellite extender, and they offer a combined range of 3,000 sqft. So, you can expect it to keep the signals strong everywhere inside a three-bedroom house or apartment. For a bigger house, you can get another extender, which will increase the total range by 1,500 sqft. On top of that, it can connect with up to 25 devices at the same time, which will be more than enough for most users.
For connectivity, the router itself features one Gigabit Ethernet LAN port and one Gigabit Ethernet WAN port. However, the satellite extenders only come with a single Gigabit Ethernet port. These can help you connect your PC or console with the router using an Ethernet cable to enjoy a seamless wired experience.
The router also comes with Netgear Armor, which protects your family’s devices from online threats. While it is part of a paid subscription service, you can try it for 30 days for free to see if it suits your needs. Other than that, you can also monitor the internet activity of your children and restrict certain websites using parental controls. On top of that, the router can be set up using the Nighthawk app, which also lets you manage your network from anywhere.
Overall, the Netgear NightHawk MK62 is the best home mesh router. Its supported speeds, connectivity options, and coverage make it a great choice for small to medium-sized homes. For large homes, you’ll need to throw in another extender.
What users say
In its Amazon reviews, the Netgear NightHawk MK62 has been commended as a great ‘plug and go’ solution to upgrading your WiFi. For example, users have commented about how they’re “very happy with the easy setup”, and another went as far to say “I’m not an I.T. person but I was really impressed at how easy the install of this system was for me do”. It’s worth noting that in order to do this installation, you do need to download the Netgear app, which can be seen as a drawback by some people.
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4GHz, 5GHz
- Max speed: 4200Mbps
- LAN ports: 2 x 1 Gbps
- WAN: Same as LAN
- CPU: 1.4 GHz quad-core processor
- Memory: 1024MB RAM, 4GB flash storage
- USB: N/A
- Dimensions: 139 x 139 x 52.6 mm (5.5 x 5.5 x 2.1 inch)
- Weight:
- 1.6GHz quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, and 4GB of storage
- Can connect with up to 75 devices
- Eero app is approachable and easy to use
- Can get expensive to start adding additional units
- Some reviews question if they offer good value for money
If you’re looking for the best gigabit mesh router, we’d recommend the Amazon Eero Pro 6, which comes with great features that make it a solid choice for both homes and offices.
To begin with, the Eero Pro 6 is a WiFi 6 tri-band router that supports speeds up to a gigabit. When it comes to coverage, it has a range of up to 3,500 sqft, which can be further increased by adding another extender. On top of that, it can connect with up to 75 devices simultaneously. As it comes packed with a 1.6GHz quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, and 4GB of storage, it should perform smoothly under load.
For wired connections, you can use two Gigabit ports that can be found on the back of the router. Other than these, there’s only a USB-C power port. For a hands-free experience, you can connect the Eero Pro 6 with Alexa and control your router using simple commands. Setting up and managing the router is also pretty simple, as everything can be done using the Eero app.
Overall, the Amazon Eero Pro 6 is a great choice for those looking for a gigabit router. While the app lets you access features like WiFi Scheduling, Smart Home Hub, and Multi-Admin, you can get Eero Plus to access advanced features like VPN support, parental controls, advanced security, and more.
What users say
If you’re after a reliable mesh router, it seems that the Amazon Eero Pro 6 might tick some of the boxes for you. Users on Amazon have praised the Eero for “delivering exceptional value and reliability”, with others commenting that “the tech and app are insanely robust and polished”. Of course, this reliability comes with a price, and if you have a large home to connect it’s worth noting that costs can spike when you start adding extra units.
How to pick the best mesh router
As the market is filled with mesh routers, it can get tricky to choose the right one. You don’t want to end up getting a router that looks good on the outside but is upsetting when it comes to performance. To help you out, we’ve listed down a few points to keep in mind while searching for the best mesh router.
Coverage area
If you’re getting a mesh router for a small house or office, you’ll be fine with one that offers a range of up to 2,500 sqft. But for large homes or offices, especially the ones with multiple floors, make sure to go with a router that comes with at least two or three extenders and offers a range of up to 6,000 sqft.
Speed and performance
Make sure to opt for a dual or tri-band router that comes with the latest WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E technology. On top of that, make sure that the router can connect with multiple devices at the same time and can be paired with a high-speed internet connection. If you’re looking for routers with the latest WiFi standard, check out some of the best WiFi 6E routers.
Dedicated app
Some mesh routers come with a dedicated app, using which you can easily set up the router within minutes. These apps also let you manage your network from anywhere, so make sure to opt for the one that comes with a dedicated application.
Additional features
Look for mesh routers that come with several additional features, like VP support and usage reports. If you have kids at home, opt for a router with parental controls, as this feature lets you block certain websites and monitor the internet usage of your children to promote healthy internet habits. In case you want to explore options with this feature, check out our top picks for the best parental control routers.
Connectivity
If you’re planning to connect your devices using an ethernet cable, make sure the router you’re getting comes with Gigabit Ethernet ports or something better. On top of that, their extenders should also feature at least one Ethernet port, so keep this in mind while selecting a router.
Is a mesh router better than a normal router?
It all depends on the space you need WiFi in. If you live in a small apartment, then a mesh system may be unnecessary. However, if you want your wifi to reach far and wide across an office/restaurant then a mesh network may be necessary.
Can a mesh network router work with any router?
No – mesh routers and their individual access points can only be linked to the same mesh system. Some stand-alone routers have mesh capabilities – however, this is fairly rare.