Mesh WiFi systems have become common in most homes and small offices. The advantages of using a mesh systems greatly outweighs using standalone Access points broadcasting the same wireless network. Mesh system are more efficient when it comes to the frequency utilization, channel utilization, interference and many other advantages. Setting up of these systems is usually very easy, as is adding additional nodes to the system. We are going to look at the five best mesh WiFi systems available on the market and also give recommendations on when it is ideal to use which system.
Eero Pro 6E – Best Mesh WiFi for Performance
1-Pack, get it on amazon.com
2-Pack, get it on amazon.com
3-Pack, get it on amazon.com
The Eero Pro 6E is a Wi-Fi 6E mesh system, it is known for its excellent range and easy setup. It offers decent tri-band performance and covers large homes effectively. Setting it up via the eero app is easy, and supports smart home devices through Zigbee. Additionally, the Eero Pro 6E is great for large homes that need fast connections across devices. However, some features , for example, parental control, requires subscription.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6E: Supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, allowing for faster speeds and reduced congestion on the 6 GHz band.
- Easy Setup: The eero app makes network setup simple, allowing even non-tech users to configure the system quickly.
- Expandable Coverage: The system is scalable, letting users add more units to expand coverage as needed.
- Smart Home Integration: Built-in Zigbee hub for smart home devices, plus compatibility with Thread and Matter, providing versatility in managing smart home equipment.
Cons
- Subscription for Features: Parental controls and historical data require an additional subscription, which may be frustrating for some users.
- Price: While the 2-pack offers good value, the full 3-pack at $400 can be expensive compared to alternatives
TP-Link Deco XE75 – For Large homes
1-Pack, get it on amazon.com (renewed)
2-Pack, get it on amazon.com (renewed)
3-Pack, get it on amazon.com
Offering excellent value, the TP-Link Deco XE75 is another tri-band Wi-Fi 6E system that covers up to 7,200 square feet. Additionally, it provides strong and reliable coverage, making it a great choice for larger homes. However, it is not as customizable as some competitors as the Eero Pro 6E. But, its ease of use and solid performance make it a top pick
Pros
- Tri-band with Wi-Fi 6E: Great performance across 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands, ensuring reduced interference and fast speeds.
- Excellent Value: At around $300 for a 3-pack, this is one of the most budget-friendly tri-band Wi-Fi 6E mesh systems, covering up to 7,200 square feet.
- Simple Setup: The app is intuitive and guides users through the setup process without hassle.
Cons
- Limited App Customization: While the app is easy to use, some advanced settings are missing. Advanced users will find it lacking in many features.
- Shorter Power Cable: A minor but notable inconvenience is the short power cable. This limits flexibility in node placement.
Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro – Best Mesh WiFi for Smart Homes
1-Pack get it on amazon.com
2-Pack get it on amazon.com
3-Pack get it on amazon.com
4-Pack get it on amazon.com
Google’s Nest Wi-Fi Pro is a well-rounded Wi-Fi 6E system with user-friendly features, especially for those within Google’s ecosystem. It supports Matter and Thread for smart home devices and covers up to 6,600 square feet. Just like the TP-Link Deco, the Google Nest also lacks the customization of other systems. However, it is ideal for novice users.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6E: Offers good tri-band performance with support for the 6 GHz band, ideal for streaming and handling multiple devices.
- User-Friendly Setup: Designed for ease of use, making it a great option for those who want a simple, set-it-and-forget-it system.
- Smart Home Compatibility: Supports Google Assistant, Matter, and Thread, making it an ideal choice for Google smart home users.
- Multiple Color Options: Comes in different colors, allowing it to blend seamlessly with home decor.
Cons
- Limited Customization: The system isn’t as customizable as some competitors, this may frustrate advanced users.
- Missing Features: The Nest Wi-Fi Pro lacks some features like smart speakers, which were present in the original Nest Wi-Fi.
Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E – Best Mesh WiFi for heavy use
2-Pack, get it on amazon.com
3-Pack, get it on amazon.com
see the add-on satellite at amazon.com
The Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E is a premium mesh Wi-Fi system, offering exceptional speed and coverage for large homes or heavy users. It offers ultra-fast network speeds and can handle up to 200 devices simultaneously. It’s best for very large homes (it can cover up to 9,000 square feet) and demanding setups. With that said, the Orbi WiFi 6E comes at a high price that makes up for its premium design.
Pros
- Outstanding Performance: Wi-Fi 6E provides ultra-fast speeds (up to 10.8 Gbps) and supports up to 200 devices. This makes it ideal for large homes or environments with numerous connected devices.
- Huge Coverage Area: It covers up to 9,000 square feet with a 3-pack, one of the largest areas among mesh systems.
- High-End Features: Includes multi-gig ports, 6 GHz band, and Netgear Armor security features, making it a comprehensive and high-performance solution.
Cons
- High price: Starting at over $1,000, this is one of the most expensive mesh systems on the market, making it less accessible for average users.
- Overkill for Smaller Homes: Its capabilities far exceed the needs of most households, making it a poor value for those with smaller homes.
TP-Link Deco M5 – Budget Mesh Wifi
1-Pack, get it on amazon.com
2-Pack, get it on amazon.com
3-Pack, get it on amazon.com
The TP-Link Deco M5 is a great option for budget-conscious users who need reliable Wi-Fi coverage without breaking the bank. It is a Wi-Fi 5 router that offers good coverage at a lower price although it is slower than other high-end systems. Because of this, it is ideal for users who prioritize coverage over network speed. Smaller or mid-sized homes will find the M5 to be a good fit for them.
Pros
- Affordable: One of the most budget-friendly mesh Wi-Fi systems, providing good value for money.
- Solid Coverage: While not the fastest, it offers decent coverage and performance, making it suitable for small to mid-sized homes.
- Easy Setup: As with other TP-Link products, the Deco M5 is easy to configure, even for non-tech-savvy users.
- Security Features: Includes built-in antivirus protection and parental controls, offering a bit more value for its price point.
Cons
- Slower Speeds: It doesn’t offer the same speed as high-end systems, particularly when compared to Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E routers.
- Limited Future-Proofing: Being a Wi-Fi 5 system, it might not be the best choice for users looking for top-tier performance or future-proofing.
Conclusion
Each of these Mesh systems has its unique strengths that stands out and appeal to different users and use cases in terms of budget, the size of the area to be covered, and the technical requirements for setting up and operating the system. Here are our recommendations for each of the systems and their ideal uses.
- Best for performance and flexibility: Eero Pro 6E.
- Best value for large homes: TP-Link Deco XE75.
- Best for novice users and smart homes: Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro.
- Best for large spaces and heavy users: Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E.
- Best budget option: TP-Link Deco M5.
You can also check our ultimate guide to the Top 10 best laptops of 2024 by clicking here.
Add a Comment