The farther you are from your router, the weaker your Wi-Fi signal. With barriers like walls and flooring, your signal can slow to a trickle in the remote reaches of your house. When this happens, you have two options: add a Wi-Fi extension to your current network or upgrade to a new mesh router. A mesh Wi-Fi system is made up of two or three routers positioned throughout your home that work together to evenly distribute your Wi-Fi signal to each room.
For most homes, the best mesh router is the TP-Link Deco W7200, a two-piece mesh system that costs $200 and delivers outstanding performance. It boasts a tri-band design and supports Wi-Fi 6, two features that typically result in a significantly more expensive configuration.
We still have a number of routers and mesh systems to test out, most of them employ Wi-Fi 6 technology, which promises greater performance and quicker speeds. Shop around and you’ll find mesh routers like Eero, Netgear Orbi, Linksys, Nest, and others that support Wi-Fi 6E, which means they can also take advantage of a recently unlocked mass of new bandwidth in the 6GHz band.
In 2024, we may expect to see a lot of new systems that support Wi-Fi 7, which promises to make even better use of the 6GHz spectrum for smoother, quicker connections. Several of those systems, including the Netgear Orbi 970 series and the Eero Max 7, are already available for purchase.
What to Look for When Buying a Mesh Wi-Fi System
The issue with Wi-Fi dead zones and sluggish connections at home and work is real. The Wi-Fi mesh system is an excellent solution, consisting of Wi-Fi nodes that may be scattered around your house or office building. These nodes increase internet coverage by interacting with the central router, which links to your internet modem.
Though excellent, Wi-Fi mesh networks are somewhat sophisticated, and extensive research is required before investing in one. Before making a purchase, examine the traits you should seek for in a Wi-Fi mesh system to ensure you get the one that’s right for you.
1. Coverage Area
The coverage area of a Wi-Fi mesh system might vary between 2,000 and 5,000 square feet, depending on the model. So, the first order of business is to determine which area you want to cover. Remember that while high-end mesh systems have amazing coverage regions, physical impediments and concurrent device usage might degrade performance.
The coverage area is also determined by the number of nodes, their quality, and their installation location. Look for a mesh Wi-Fi system that offers consistent speeds and coverage across all nodes—buyer ratings are the best way to determine this.
2. Scalability
As your wireless network grows, you’ll need more nodes. It is critical to choose a system that can support the amount of nodes needed to cover your home (or workplace, etc.) while allowing for easy expansion.
Consider compatibility with other third-party nodes. This allows you to combine and match nodes from various brands. Check to see if the system supports this functionality; not all of them will. Some systems offer extra nodes out of the box, while others may require you to purchase them individually. Keep these additional fees in mind, as you may end up spending more than you intended.
3. Ease of Use and Installation
Mesh Wi-Fi systems aim to simplify, not complicate, your network configuration. So, before making a purchase, examine how easy or complicated the installation process is.
You should look for an easy-to-use interface that allows you to configure your network. While you’re at it, search for companion mobile apps that make the setup process easier and allow you to monitor network status and usage from your smartphone.
Adding new nodes to your existing system should be simple, however mixing and matching nodes from different brands can lead to inconsistency. Always check for reviews that include these things to avoid future headaches.
4. Wi-Fi Standards and Speed
While the primary goal of mesh Wi-Fi systems is to increase coverage area, Wi-Fi standards and speeds are equally crucial. Before purchasing any home network device, you should become familiar with the various Wi-Fi standards. Most recent computers will support Wi-Fi 6/6E, however, older versions will be limited to Wi-Fi 5.
Wi-Fi 5 offers a theoretical maximum speed of 3.5 Gbps. Wi-Fi 6 has a potential maximum speed of up to 9.6 Gbps. Of course, real-world speeds will be much lower. The primary advantage of Wi-Fi 6 is higher reliability with many devices, lower latency, and increased efficiency.
If your operation requires transmitting or downloading huge files, Wi-Fi 6 is the superior option. However, before you buy anything, check with your ISP to guarantee that your current connection will support the newer standard.
5. Dual-Band vs. Tri-Band
Continuing on the issue of speed and stability, it is critical to grasp the distinctions between Wi-Fi bands. Dual-band systems operate in two frequency bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The former is usually more stable and suitable for connecting several devices, but 5GHz Wi-Fi is usually speedier.
Similarly, Tri-Band Wi-Fi provides access to three separate channels. This includes one 2.4GHz and two 5GHz bands. The benefits include higher bandwidth and reduced network congestion across all of your devices.
However, tri-band mesh systems can be pricey, so make sure you can use all of that bandwidth if you decide to go that route. Aside from that, it’s safe to assume that most users will be happy with a dual-band Wi-Fi configuration.
6. Security Features
When purchasing a mesh Wi-Fi system, always choose for the most recent security standard, WPA3. It’s preferable to avoid network devices that don’t support it, as it’s standard in most modern mesh Wi-Fi networks.
If you have children and want to manage the content they access, search for a system with strong parental controls. These tools enable you to impose limits on specific websites, prohibit specific content categories, or restrict internet access during specific hours.
You should also seek for a system with a strong firewall and intrusion detection capabilities. These characteristics can detect and prevent actions like illegal access and virus assaults. Regular firmware updates are equally critical for addressing security concerns.
7. Ethernet and USB Ports
While most mesh Wi-Fi systems are entirely wireless, it is occasionally preferable to have a cable connection. Gaming consoles, NAS servers, and workstations benefit from quicker and more robust Ethernet connections.
Many mesh systems contain many Ethernet ports on the main hub, but only one or two on the additional nodes. This will vary from model to model, so make sure the system you’re considering has enough ports for your requirements.
Some systems additionally have USB connections, which allow you to update the firmware or connect external storage and printing equipment.
8. Price and Value
Mesh Wi-Fi networks are typically more expensive than standalone routers. This is mostly because they are made up of several interconnected nodes, which increases the cost. However, if you know what you’re searching for, you may quickly find a dependable system that won’t break the budget.
Read Also: The Pros and Cons of Wi-fi 6 and Wi-fi 6E
Instead of falling for marketing tactics, look for features you actually need. While a Gigabit connection sounds appealing, there’s no point in purchasing a high-speed Wi-Fi setup if your internet plan does not allow such speeds.
Some systems additionally include dedicated “gaming features,” such as enhanced low-latency modes. Unfortunately, this is often just a gimmick. Prioritize characteristics that are important to you, look for a system that is within your budget, and make your purchase appropriately.
A good mesh Wi-Fi system allows you to provide an uninterrupted Wi-Fi service that covers the whole area of your property. It’s fantastic that these systems are now more affordable than ever, making them available to a larger audience. When it comes time to make a purchase, make sure to evaluate all of the points listed above.
Before you do so, there is one more item to think about. While Wi-Fi is now the preferred method for connecting to the internet, Ethernet remains faster and more dependable. This is especially critical for gamers who want a fast and reliable internet connection when playing online.
When do you Need a Mesh Wi-Fi System?
Why does mesh Wi-Fi matter? Working from home, gaming online, video chatting, and streaming shows and movies are all great reasons to have a fast, reliable Wi-Fi signal throughout your home.
With several devices around your home, a mesh router functions as a team of routers, relaying wireless data back to the modem more effectively than a typical router. They’re especially useful in large or multistory homes where your Wi-Fi network needs to cover a lot of ground — and pass through walls — but they can also help enhance range speeds in small- or medium-sized homes.
And in 2024, there are lots of new, next-gen options on the market, so it’s a good time to make the switch.
Some of the most consistent mesh router performance we’ve observed in our tests comes from Eero systems, which popularized mesh networking before being acquired by Amazon in 2019, as well as the most recent configurations from the TP-Link Deco, Asus ZenWiFi, Netgear Orbi, and Google Nest product lines.
Mesh systems used to cost up to $500, but now these manufacturers provide multipoint mesh router systems, which include the core router and additional satellite extenders, for less than $200. Though we advocate setting a higher bar, you can purchase basic, entry-level mesh systems for as little as $40 per device that can offer a robust Wi-Fi signal throughout your entire house.
How Many Wi-Fi Mesh Nodes Do You Need?
Mesh router platforms are often available in multi-packs, but how many individual mesh nodes are required for your home? Here’s what you should think about while buying. When it comes to planning your mesh network, we won’t start with a broad recommendation based on your home’s square footage.
Instead, we’ll begin by outlining various aspects, aside from square footage, that have a significant impact on how many mesh nodes you may require to give enough coverage and a pleasant experience.
Undoubtedly, square footage is a crucial consideration. However, not all square footage provides identical Wi-Fi coverage. A vast single-story 4,000 square-foot ranch-style home, for example, has a much larger footprint than an equivalent 4,000 square-foot colonial home with a boxy two-story layout.
In terms of Wi-Fi signal propagation, broadcasting a signal over a smaller ground floor and straight up into the rooms above is significantly easier than broadcasting a signal the entire length of a bigger single-story home.
Radio waves radiated from your Wi-Fi router, whether mesh or standard, are a sort of energy that is absorbed to varying degrees by the materials in your home.
Some materials, such as drywall, are nearly transparent to Wi-Fi radio waves. Others, such as lathe-plaster walls with wire mesh backing, cause more disruption. On the other extreme, if your home is made of poured concrete reinforced with rebar, it’s essentially a Wi-Fi signal tomb.
Consider the contents of the house as well as the materials used for the floors and walls. Your home could be made of wood and drywall, but if it’s built around a central utility room filled with massive metal gadgets, a water heater, and other Wi-Fi-absorbing items, your Wi-Fi coverage will suffer.
It is useful to consider the problem in terms of distance between mesh nodes (and between mesh nodes and end users) rather than square footage while designing your home.
A 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal may travel around 150 feet through a typical structure, while a 5 GHz signal can travel 50 feet. In both circumstances, the signal’s power decreases as it travels further (and encounters more obstacles).
Consider where you want a strong Wi-Fi connection in your home. Don’t forget about the yard–if you want to play on your phone in your backyard gazebo or stream music to your workshop in a separate garage, you’ll need to account for the distance.
If a company says their 3-node mesh system covers 6,000 square feet, it’s probably wise to plan on it covering 3,000 square feet. Naturally, the construction of your home and how well you place your mesh nodes also plays a role.
With that in mind, here are our conservative coverage recommendations based on square footage alone—factor in the previous section to tailor the recommendations for your home.
| Square Footage | Recommended Mesh Configuration |
|---|---|
| 1000 Square Feet or Less | 1 mesh router |
| 1000 to 2500 Square Feet | 1 mesh router + 1 mesh node |
| 2500 to 3500 Square Feet | 1 mesh router + 2 mesh nodes |
| 3500 to 4500 Square feet | 1 mesh router + 3 mesh nodes |
| 4500 Square Feet and Above | 1 mesh router + 4 or more mesh nodes |
There are a few things worth noting about our recommendations. First, you might find it curious that we recommend single mesh router for spaces under a thousand square feet.
You may, of course, buy a two-pack and utilize it (especially if you want to cover your entire backyard), but there are lots of reasons to use a single mesh router without actually constructing a mesh network.
We also capped our recommendations at 4,500 square feet. When you read the tiny print, most consumer mesh makers advocate using no more than 4-5 nodes for the best experience.
At some point, it becomes inefficient to cover the space with a strictly wireless mesh system, and you should consider either employing a wired backhaul for your mesh system or transitioning to a more robust access-point-based solution, such as Ubiquiti.
