Best Routers for Mesh Networks
The best routers for mesh networks are groups of devices from which you can expect excellent whole-home coverage. A mesh network is a group of individual devices that join together to become part of a larger network – providing multiple sources of connectivity in your home/office. Most routers with mesh systems are in the higher price ranges, however, we’ve listed some more affordable options too.
Products at a Glance
How we picked the best routers for mesh networks
When writing this list, we paid particularly close attention to mesh routers with straightforward configurations and inoffensive designs. Since many of the routers on this list are particularly expensive, we’ve decided to include some more affordable options too.
Best Routers for Mesh Networks
- Unmatched mesh system
- Sleek design
- Great interface
- Very expensive
The Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi 6E is arguably the most impressive mesh router system currently on the market. Its mesh system is capable of creating four individual networks – 2.4 GHz, 5-GHz and 6 GHz, which are distributed by a dozen high-power antennas in each unit. Its range is even further optimized by the latest Wifi 6 technology – including beamforming and MU-MIMO, making it an incredibly powerful and efficient long-range router.
Netgear provides users with an incredibly user-friendly interface that makes it very easy to manage the mesh system. This can be controlled over on the web interface, or the app. Whilst the Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi 6E is arguably the most impressive and advanced router on the market in regard to its range, it comes at an incredibly high price and is definitely unaffordable for most. Regardless it tops our list of the best routers for mesh networks.
- Solid range
- Discreet design
- Expensive
The Linksys Atlas Max 6E is an incredibly powerful Wifi 6 router with an impressive range. The Atlas Max 6E can reach far as it’s a Wifi system composed of three pieces. With a subtle and inoffensive design, the Linksys Atlas Max 6E can be placed discretely in different points around your house.
The Linksys Atlas Max 6E also features the latest Wifi 6 compatible technology – including the 4×4 MUMIMO technology and beam-forming capabilities. This router also provides users with solid configuration features with a straightforward and easy-to-use interface over on the Linksys app. The Linksys web interface allows users to fine-tune their preferences even further. Although the Linksys Atlas Max 6E scores very highly in regard to range as a mesh system, it lacks a robust security system like many other router models in this price range.
- Affordable
- Discreet
As a mesh system router with great range, but at a far more entry-level price – the Google Nest provides users with an affordable alternative to the far more powerful and expensive Linksys and Netgear models. The strengths of Google’s Nest router lie in its simplicity and usability. An incredibly discreet and inoffensive design makes the Google Nest a perfect mesh router for home use. It will arguably look more appropriate in your kitchen, or next to a vase, than in the corner of your office.
The Amazon eero mesh Wifi 5 is amazon’s answer to whole-home coverage at a very affordable price. Eero’s TrueMesh technology actively reroutes internet traffic between your connected devices and the point of access – ensuring the best possible connection at any given time. Coverage is therefore not an issue, and the modular nature of the system ensures that further coverage can be reached by adding extra units.
Setting up the Amazon eero mesh Wifi 5 is incredibly simple and done over on the app. Users may pair their phones with the eero over Bluetooth. The main page on the app lets users know how many devices are connected, in which rooms, and at what frequencies (2.4GHz or 5GHz). Furthermore, the app allows parents to create profiles for individual devices and place individual restrictions – such as blocking certain pages and enforcing pauses. All in all, the Amazon eero mesh Wifi 5 is a great, affordable mesh system packed with loads of features.
- OneMesh
- Expensive to add modules
The TP-Link Archer AX90 AX6600 is particularly strong in terms of throughput on the 5GHz band – and can deliver wide-ranging and strong signals. TP-Link offers the option of creating a OneMesh network with other compatible TP-Link routers, providing the possibility of creating a powerful mesh network. However, this does not come as part of the TP-Link Archer AX90 AX6600 package and would require even more investment on an already expensive router.
The TP-Link Archer AX90 AX6600 comes packed with other high-performance features such as solid network security tools, tri-band Wifi 6 technology, and I/O ports.
This router is equipped with 8 non-removable antennas ensuring maximum range, for a standalone router. As a Wifi 6 compatible device, this router supports all the latest Wifi 6 technologies. This includes WPA3 encryption, OFDMA, 4×4 MU-MIMO streaming, and beamforming.
The TP-Link Archer AX90 AX6600 is a great router and deserves a place on our list of the best mesh systems in 2023.
Things to consider when buying the best routers for mesh networks
Design
Mesh Wifi involves having several source points. Having several bulky routers around your house may not be ideal. A basic, minimal design may therefore be more desirable when searching for far-reaching mesh Wifi networks.
Price
Since mesh networks are modular – and consist of several units, hence extra hardware – they can often be expensive. Whilst there are more affordable mesh options out there, it’s important to note that wider signal coverage results in a more expensive network setup.
What is the average range for Wifi?
Usually, a stand alone wifi router has 150ft of range indoors. However this can be multiplied depending on how many points your mesh network consists of.
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.
How do I choose a router for my home?
When choosing a router for your home you must consider several factors. First of all, consider the price range you can afford to buy within. Secondly, ensure your router is compatible with your ISP. Once these two important factors have been established, assess how large your home is and make sure your router can provide adequate coverage. For those of you with larger homes, you may consider investing in a mesh system to better distribute the signal.
Our Verdict
The Netgear Orbi 960 Series is a phenomenal mesh router. With all the latest Wifi 6 capabilities, and an incredibly sleek and inoffensive design, the Netgear Orbi 960 is currently unmatched in the mesh router market.