Best Mesh Routers for Thick Walls
Products at a Glance
The best mesh routers for thick walls are devices from which you can expect excellent whole-home coverage, across multiple rooms and floors.
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.
Best Mesh Routers for Thick Walls
- Wifi 6
- Sleek design
- Expensive
The ASUS ZenWiFi XD6 is an incredible mesh system router, with WiFi 6 capabilities, perfectly suited to thick-walled houses. Wifi coverage is great on the ASUS ZenWiFi XD6 due to six antennas dedicated to each of its six streams. Capable of operating on both 2.4 GHz and 5GHz, this router system can easily handle multiple devices at the same time.
The ASUS ZenWiFi XD6 is integrated with AirProtection Pro antivirus by Trendmicro. This scans websites for harmful viruses that could potentially harm your devices. AirProtection Pro also allows users to access robust parental control feats that let parents limit the number of hours specific devices can access per day, and restrict access to certain websites. The ASUS ZenWiFi XD6 is our top pick of best mesh systems for thick walls due to the seamless connectivity it can provide across large homes.
- Great interface
- Sleek design
- Expensive
The Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi 6E is an incredibly impressive mesh router system currently on the market. Its mesh system is capable of creating four individual networks – across 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 mobile 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 sits high on our list of best mesh routers for thick walls.
- WiFi 6E
- Discreet
- Expensive
The Linksys Atlas Max 6E is an incredibly powerful Wifi 6E router with an incredibly impressive range. The Atlas Max 6E can reach far since it’s a Wifi system composed of three modules. With a subtle and inoffensive design, the Linksys Atlas Max 6E can be placed discretely at 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 and free security system like many other router models in this price range.
Things to consider when buying the best mesh routers for thick walls
Price
Mesh networks are modular, meaning they consist of several units. The extra hardware can often be very 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.
Design
Mesh Wifi involves having several point of access. Having several bulky routers around your house may not be ideal. A basic, minimal design that can blend into furniture easily may therefore be more desirable when searching for far-reaching mesh Wifi networks.
How do I choose a router for my home?
When choosing a router for your home you must consider several different 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 and thicker walls, you may consider investing in a mesh system to better distribute the signal.
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. However, some stand-alone routers have mesh capabilities – although this is fairly rare.
Is a mesh router better than a normal router?
It all depends on the space you need to fill with WiFi. 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.
Our Verdict
The ASUS ZenWiFi XD6 tops our list of the best mesh routers for thick walls. With Wifi 6 technology and a sleek design, the ASUS ZenWiFi XD6 is a great mesh system.