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Having a strong WiFi signal for your entire home or office doesn't have to be frustrating. We bought and tested 8 of the most reliable WiFi mesh systems on the market and carefully measured their performance in real-world scenarios to determine which ones are truly the best for providing long-range WiFi without extra hassle.
We developed a testing and evaluation plan that enables us to recommend the right WiFi mesh system for you, no matter what your unique needs and budget may look like.
After thoroughly monitoring range, signal strength, and ease of setup, our test results revealed that the eero 6+ is the best WiFi mesh system for most people, as its nodes provide a strong signal at an incredible distance.
The TP-Link Deco BE23 BE3600 is a great budget system, and its compatibility with WiFi 7 technology means you can get lightning-fast speeds when you're close to the router.
Editors Note: We updated this WiFi Mesh System review with a brand new test plan and eight new products on January 13th, 2026.
WiFi Version: WiFi 6 | Maximum Connected Devices: 75+
PROS
Incredible range
Simple to set up and use
Very stable performance
CONS
Parental controls require paid subscription
In-app advertisements
The eero 6+ is the best overall WiFi mesh system because it provides strong throughput to almost everywhere you go in a building, even if the property is very large. With optimally placed nodes, it can put out a usable signal to a total distance of 130 feet from the router. This is largely due to the reliability of WiFi 6 technology — while it may be older than the eero 7, years of firmware updates have turned this system into a reliable powerhouse. The signal remains strong even at maximum distance, with our tester explaining, “I was able to successfully stream two 4K videos on the iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and scroll out of the buffer zone and have it still play within moments.”
Our testing includes a thorough documentation of the setup process, and while the eero 6+ is very easy to set up, it also highlights some flaws. The app is relatively barebones, and it doesn't even include parental control features without an additional subscription. Despite being lacking in advanced functionality, you'll certainly notice some in-app advertisements to fill the space. Even so, this system is a great choice if you want something that just works. “I would recommend it for simplicity and an easy setup,” our tester commented.
If you have a home with larger square footage and want some of the highest internet speeds a mesh system has to offer, the eero 6+ is a great option. Credit: GearLab Staff
WiFi Version: WiFi 7 | Maximum Supported Devices: 150+
PROS
Quick and easy setup
Free parental control options
Configurable device priority
CONS
Low node throughput
Hit-or-miss connection between mesh nodes
The TP-Link Deco BE23 BE3600 is the go-to mesh system if you want to set up wide-reaching WiFi without any hardship. It has a price tag you won't agonize over, and setting it up is so easy that you'll be done in 10 minutes. Scan the included QR code, create a network name and password, and you're practically done. “I didn't even have to do anything,” our tester said in shock. If you want to take the extra time to set up parental controls or device priorities, you can do that without the need to pay any extra subscription fees.
In terms of performance, we were able to get a consistent 1,000+ Mbps download speed as long as we were within 10 feet of the router. While still pretty decent for the average home, the node speed leaves a lot to be desired compared to others we tested. At just 35 feet from the connected node, the throughput fell to nearly 100 Mbps. At 60 feet, it feels almost unusable compared to the longer-range eero 6+ system. Couple that with spotty communication between nodes, and you have a mesh system that “could prove troublesome for live video calls and gaming,” according to our tester. If all you need is an extra 20-30 feet of strong signal, though, the BE3600 system is perfectly suitable for the job.
If you just want a plug and play system that will offer decent internet speed and stability, the TP-Link Deco BE23 is a good, affordable option compared to most. Credit: Matt Lighthart
WiFi Version: WiFi 7 | Maximum Supported Devices: 120+
PROS
Easy setup
Simple management and everyday use
Impressive data speed
CONS
Need a subscription to access parental controls
The eero 7 is a perfect example of what a mesh system can do when it's designed to take full advantage of WiFi 7 technology. Its maximum throughput is extremely impressive, with our tester measuring download speeds of 1,200+ Mbps within 10 feet of the router. Like other eero devices, it's also very easy to set up, and it makes everyday network management simple. “I like that they give tips on where to set up the router,” our tester commented. If you just want a set-it-and-forget-it system that gives fast speeds without extra hassle, this is an excellent choice.
It's worth noting, though, that the eero 7 does not have as much range or throughput at the node compared to its predecessor. The eero 6+ node was capable of a stronger signal at 35 feet and beyond, with a maximum range of 130 feet. In our testing, the eero 7 only reached as far as 110 feet. Still, our in-house expert considers this to be one of his “top picks if I'm within 10 feet of the router.”
WiFi Version: WiFi 6 | Maximum Supported Devices: ~250
PROS
Advanced beamforming (directed signal)
4x4 Multiple-Input Multiple-Output communication
Plenty of LAN ports
CONS
More complex setup
Conspicuous appearance
The Asus ROG Rapture GT6 is a piece of hardware that looks and performs the way a gamer-focused device should. Its connection speed is good, but what it really prioritizes is stability. All of its technology, from beamforming to 4x4 MIMO, is there to minimize lag and missed inputs while you're battling or raiding in an online game. Our tester described it as “practically lossless and smooth,” and a big reason for that is its extra 5GHz channel used solely for backhaul performance.
While the Rapture GT6 is impressive, the fact is that most people don't actually need the packet-perfect stability that it provides. For the average person, a marginally better performance is not worth the price of this system nor its overly conspicuous “gamer tech” aesthetic. It also has a more complex setup process, taking us about twice as long to get running compared to the TP-Link Deco BE23 BE3600 and other straightforward mesh systems. If you're part of a big gaming family or frequently host LAN parties, then this WiFi mesh system is undoubtedly made for you.
Our standardized testing methods helped us evaluate whether or not this gamer-focused system actually provides the speed and ease-of-use that most people want from a router. Credit: GearLab Staff
WiFi Version: WiFi 6 | Maximum Supported Devices: 150+
PROS
Fast and easy setup
Quick connection speed
CONS
Inconsistent node stability
Less powerful router
The TP-Link Deco X55 AX3000 is notable for being a super budget-friendly WiFi mesh system. It's perfectly capable of extending a usable signal to a total distance of 90 feet while still running you less than the cost of many standalone routers. Like other TP-Link devices, one of the AX3000's biggest selling points is its incredibly easy setup process. “Honestly, the longest part of the TP-Link systems is setting up a fresh account and downloading the app,” our tester explained. It only took us 10 minutes to set up this system, but if you've used a TP-Link device in the past and already have an account, you can get it up and running in half the time. We were particularly impressed with the backhaul performance of the AX3000, considering its low price tag — it outperformed its sister system, the TP-Link Deco BE23 BE3600, and proved to be capable of stable and near-lossless data transmission.
While this system's nodes were great at receiving data from the router, they had stability issues when transmitting data between nodes. We experienced a moderate amount of inconsistency, with our tester reporting that “I didn't experience any issues when playing a long video, but this could prove more troublesome in real-time scenarios like gaming or video calls.” The router's maximum throughput left something to be desired, too. At best, we saw download speeds of 700+ Mbps when we were within 10 feet of the router, but this fell off to just 50 Mbps at 60 feet away. In the face of such an appealing price tag, though, these downsides almost feel like nitpicks, especially if you're just looking for something practical to use in a large home or building.
The affordability of the TP-Link Deco X55 AX3000, coupled with its plug-and-play simplicity makes it a great introduction to WiFi mesh systems. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Product Comparison Table
Why Trust GearLab
At GearLab, we are obsessed with cool tech and optimizing efficiency. We brought that passion to the table when developing a plan for testing WiFi mesh systems. Our goal was to answer every question we might have when shopping for a router ourselves: How fast is the connection speed? How far can the signal reach? Is it a pain to set up and manage? We at GearLab have tapped into years of hardware analysis expertise to address those questions and many more through our objective evaluation process.
To rank each WiFi mesh system against each other, we tested each one based on five rating metrics:
Node Speed (40% of overall score weighting)
Range (30% weighting)
Router Speed (20% weighting)
Ease of Setup (10% weighting)
Jitter and Latency (0% weighting)
Our testing team is helmed by Austin Palmer, a Senior Review Analyst at GearLab and a meticulous tech junkie who has a sixth sense for hardware performance. In 10 years, Austin has tested well over 1,000 consumer products from computer gadgets to smart devices and everything in between. When testing WiFi mesh systems, Austin takes every factor into account to ensure we accurately measure signal performance in a way that's relevant to real-world use in the home or office.
Reviewer Jonathan Sayers is a full-time writer and self-proclaimed digital nomad. For him, WiFi is not always a “set-it-and-forget-it” kind of thing — he ensures a strong and secure connection wherever he goes. His personal philosophy is that there is a direct relationship between WiFi quality and one's quality of life in the modern day.
We didn't just jot down specs and numbers for our testing procedure. We used our personal experience to develop a plan that fully evaluates how each WiFi mesh system will perform during everyday use in a typical home or workplace setting.
Analysis and Test Results
The main appeal of a WiFi mesh system is its extension nodes that you can connect to even if you are far away from the main router. That's why we prioritized node signal strength and overall range when we rated these systems against one another. Of course, the system still has a router at its core, so we also evaluated router performance and ease of setup to ensure that our testing accounted for every aspect of each product.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
The TP-Link Deco BE23 BE3600 is our recommendation if you just want a mesh system that can extend usable WiFi over a large home or property at a good price.
While it doesn't have the absolute best connection and speed, the TP-Link Deco BE23 BE3600 has pretty good range and WiFi stability for the price. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The TP-Link Deco X55 AX3000 is even more affordable and budget-friendly, but keep in mind that it's an older WiFi 6 model that is slightly slower and less consistent. The eero 6+ is our favorite WiFi mesh system overall, and we're willing to advocate for paying a marginally higher price for a more reliable and versatile system.
The TP-Link Deco X55 AX3000 doesn't excel enough to win any awards, but its decent router speed, easy setup, and low price tag make it a compelling budget-friendly option. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Node Speed
Our node speed tests evaluate how much throughput (download/upload speed) you can get while connected to the mesh system via an extension node. Considering that the entire purpose of a WiFi mesh system is to boost your signal range using these nodes, we consider node performance to be the most important factor when weighing our purchase options. Please keep in mind that the system cannot exceed the internet speed you receive from your internet service provider. We tested node speed by monitoring connection throughput with the iPerf3 software at various distances from the node.
A node is a device within a network. Mesh systems can come with multiple nodes (2-4+) that support the range, stability, and speed of the WiFi in your home or office. But, the larger the square footage, the more nodes you will likely need, depending on which mesh system you buy.
The best overall performer in terms of node speed was the eero 6+. We tested each mesh system at 10 feet from the node, unobstructed, and at 10, 35, and 60 feet with obstructions. Though, we think most people are likely connected to their routers or nodes from about 35 feet away in their homes or offices, so we weighed the performance at this distance most heavily.
The eero 6+ was impressively able to maintain a throughput of 300+ Mbps at 35 feet, which none of the other systems we tested could match.
Node Throughput
Product
10' Unobstructed
10' Obstructed
35' Obstructed
60' Obst
TP-Link Deco BE63
704
588
242
80
eero 6+
485
452
346
196
Netgear Orbi RBE772
505
465
207
64
Google Nest Pro 6E
417
466
293
54
Asus Rapture GT6
316
308
249
194
eero 7
390
339
226
29
TP-Link Deco BE23
313
264
128
14
TP-Link Deco X55
296
223
66
20
The chart above displays how many megabits per second made it through at varying distances.
The above chart shows the average node throughput of each WiFi mesh system at our tested distances. It's worth considering how far you expect to be from the node when you set up the system in your own home. For example, if you plan to stay within 10 feet of the node, the TP-Link Deco BE63 may be a better option.
Backhaul Performance
Jitter
Packet Loss
Throughput
Asus Rapture GT6
0.09 ms
0.01 %
935 Mbps
eero 6+
0.03 ms
0.00 %
884 Mbps
eero 7
0.05 ms
0.41 %
808 Mbps
Google Nest Pro 6E
0.01 ms
0.13 %
653 Mbps
Netgear Orbi RBE772
0.04 ms
1.19 %
1,243 Mbps
TP-Link Deco BE23
0.08 ms
1.67 %
367 Mbps
TP-Link Deco BE63
0.03 ms
1.67 %
2,143 Mbps
TP-Link Deco X55
0.12 ms
0.01 %
561 Mbps
Backhaul is the term for the communication link between nodes in a WiFi mesh system. The above chart shows each system's backhaul performance in terms of jitter (variation in delay times), packet loss (failed data transmissions resulting in lag), and maximum throughput speed.
The Asus ROG Rapture GT6 has an impressive backhaul, meaning it will give you a very stable and consistent node connection because it has a dedicated backhaul that is more focused and directional than other systems which helps to eliminate packet loss.
Node Stability for 30 Minutes
Total # of Dropouts
Max Time <100 Mbps
30 Min Avg: Under 100 Mbps
Asus Rapture GT6
4
4 sec
0.2 %
eero 6+
2
3 sec
0.2 %
eero 7
22
4 sec
0.2 %
Google Nest Pro 6E
0
0 sec
0.0 %
Netgear Orbi RBE772
9
7 sec
0.4 %
TP-Link Deco BE23
14
10 sec
0.6 %
TP-Link Deco BE63
2
13 sec
0.7 %
TP-Link Deco X55
6
18 sec
1.0 %
To further test node stability, we recorded the total number of dropouts, the number of times the connection dipped between 100 Mbps, and the percentage of time the connection remained under 100 Mbps over the course of 30 minutes. During our testing, the Google Nest Pro 6E demonstrated perfect node stability, but it's worth mentioning that we experienced extensive problems with this system until we connected a Google phone.
Excellent node performance ultimately translates to a seamless online experience. Credit: Matt Lighthart
When you choose a WiFi mesh system with highly-rated node performance, you're more likely to have an enjoyable time browsing, watching, or playing online. You'll experience less buffering, delays, or missed inputs while connected to the node. You can just set it and forget it, then enjoy stable WiFi from anywhere in your home without extra hassle in the future.
Router vs Node
Product
Router at 60'
Node 60' from Router
Router at 100'
Node 100' from Router + 2 more walls
eero 6+
216
346
82
196
TP-Link Deco BE63
259
242
18
80
Asus Rapture GT6
107
249
3
194
Google Nest Pro 6E
155
293
0
54
eero 7
168
226
21
29
Netgear Orbi RBE772
26
207
0
64
TP-Link Deco BE23
29
128
8
14
TP-Link Deco X55
54
66
33
20
The chart above compares the connection speed (throughput) you can expect from the router vs. the node at various distances. Keep in mind that these results can vary in your own home based on the internet speed you receive from your ISP, as well as your home's unique layout. Room size, wall thickness, and many other factors can affect how signals travel through a building, so a little trial-and-error in node placement can go a long way. Ultimately, being close to the router will produce the best results, but it becomes preferable to connect to an extension node by the time you're 60 feet from the router.
Without strong node throughput, video calls will experience quality loss, audio issues, or even dropouts. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Range
Before buying a WiFi mesh system, it's important to know how far its signal will reach. These systems come with one or more extension nodes that help the signal reach further distances. That's why mesh systems are so useful for larger houses, sprawling office buildings, or hosting outdoor parties. We tested the range of each system by placing the extension node in an optimal location in a large home, then recording the signal strength at further and further distances until we finally found its dead zone.
The eero 6+ has the most impressive range out of all WiFi mesh systems we tested. We managed to get a usable signal at a total distance of 130 ft. from the main router. Keep in mind, though, that every building is different. Each wall, floor, and object that a signal must pass through will diminish the strength of the signal by the time it reaches your device. However, some modern “smart” routers boast the ability to intelligently map the most optimal signal path through a building.
These heatmaps serve as a side-by-side comparison of the signal strength of the eero 6+ and eero 7 (cool colors indicate a weaker signal, and warm colors indicate a strong signal).
The above heatmaps compare the signal ranges of a strong and weaker performer in our mesh system range testing, conducted in a large two-story home. In our testing, we placed the main router in the loft above the southeast bedroom. The extension node was placed in the kitchen toward the north end of the house. The most stable systems, like the Asus ROG Rapture GT6, were able to extend a “warm” signal throughout the whole home, both floors included.
We put in the footwork to complete our range testing. By measuring connection strength from every room and hallway, we were able to map out exactly how the WiFi signal acts as it reaches across the full range of a home. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Router Speed
We test router speed by recording connection throughput at 10 ft. from the router unobstructed, 10 ft. with obstructions, 35 ft., and 60 ft. It's similar to how we tested node speed, but for this metric, we wanted to make sure to get a reading directly from the router itself. While most people will purchase a mesh system for the sake of boosting signal range via extension nodes, it's important to understand that connection speed will almost always be higher when you're close to the router and connected directly to it. Once again, please keep in mind that your router cannot exceed the internet speed you receive from your internet service provider.
Router Throughput
Product
10' Unobstructed
10' Obstructed
35' Obstructed
60'
TP-Link Deco BE63
1443
1437
773
259
eero 7
1243
1297
577
168
eero 6+
945
936
770
216
Google Nest Pro 6E
812
806
675
155
TP-Link Deco BE23
1057
912
381
29
Asus Rapture GT6
877
761
415
107
Netgear Orbi RBE772
1029
733
141
26
TP-Link Deco X55
748
763
299
54
The above chart shows the throughput we measured from each router at various distances. We got the most router throughput from the TP-Link Deco BE63, eero 6+ and 7, Google Nest Pro, and TP-Link Deco BE23, all of which are capable of exceeding gigabit download speeds. Unsurprisingly, many are WiFi 7 devices using the latest and fastest technology. However, some of these high-throughput routers end up losing a lot of signal strength at their extension nodes, like the Deco BE23 for example. On the other hand, something like the Asus ROG Rapture GT6 that looks middle-of-the-road at the router is actually capable of maintaining a very impressive signal through its nodes.
If you're doing something that requires maximum connection speed, such as gaming or livestreaming, it's best to stay close to the main router. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Some of the most demanding online tasks include competitive/cooperative gaming, livestreaming, video calls, and remote desktop access work. For stable performance, these tasks require fast connection speeds and reliable stability. You can do all of this from the node at great distances with as little as 25 Mbps download speed, but for the things that matter to you most, do it within 10 ft. of the router if possible.
We prefer to handle video calls close to the router, especially for business meetings. A strong signal helps maintain maximum video and audio quality, which facilitates professionalism. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Setup
For our product reviews at GearLab, we put the nitty-gritty details at the forefront so you can have as much information as possible to help with your purchasing decisions. At the same time, though, we totally understand that most people just want a device that's gonna give them good WiFi with as little hassle as possible. We kept this in mind for our ease-of-setup testing. We timed how long it took our tester to get everything up and running from the moment he opened the box. We also took notes on extra features you can choose to configure during setup — as well as any customization that might be missing.
In our experience, the WiFi mesh systems designed by eero and TP-Link are by far the easiest to set up and manage. Their products only took 10-15 minutes maximum to set up. While they offer very little in the way of advanced security or any other cutting-edge features, the simplicity makes these brands very appealing to someone who values convenience.
Modern routers make setup straightforward by including a QR code that takes you straight to the companion app. From there, just follow the instructions to complete the setup. If you want to configure security, parental controls, device priority, or any other settings, those are usually easy to find in the app as well.
The Asus is highly adjustable through the app and even comes with a gaming mode. Credit: Natalie Kafader
While the Asus took slightly longer to set up than other systems at 25 minutes, we enjoyed the app which allowed us to easily control the settings and has great, easy-to-use parental controls.
Jitter and Latency
Jitter and latency are measured in ping and packet loss. These metrics provide a general idea of how consistent and reliable a router's signal will be. We tested each WiFi mesh system for jitter and latency by monitoring its performance via the iPerf3 software. Even with a meticulous and standardized testing process, though, the results varied wildly based on external factors. In the end, we didn't factor our jitter and latency results when calculating the final scores for our product reviews.
Average Ping and Jitter
Router Ping
Node Ping
Router Jitter
Node Jitter
Asus Rapture GT6
4 ms
10 ms
0.7 ms
0.6 ms
eero 6+
4 ms
7 ms
0.9 ms
0.4 ms
eero 7
4 ms
8 ms
1.0 ms
1.0 ms
Google Nest Pro 6E
5 ms
19 ms
0.5 ms
0.7 ms
Netgear Orbi RBE772
5 ms
20 ms
0.6 ms
0.2 ms
TP-Link Deco BE23
4 ms
8 ms
1.1 ms
0.8 ms
TP-Link Deco BE63
4 ms
22 ms
1.0 ms
1.3 ms
TP-Link Deco X55
3 ms
8 ms
1.2 ms
0.9 ms
If you're still curious about what our testing showed, however, we can confidently say that the Asus ROG Rapture GT6 had the best jitter and latency results out of the bunch. It demonstrates stellar consistency, truly making it a perfect mesh system for online gaming. The TP-Link Deco BE63 Tri-Band BE10000 and TP-Link Deco X55 AX3000 had inconsistent results by comparison, making them questionable for latency-sensitive tasks.
Your WiFi mesh system will be the foundation of your home or workplace network, so we want to make sure you find the one that will perform best for your use case.
How to Choose a WiFi Mesh System
With so many complex options available, it can be very difficult to actually choose the right router or mesh system for you. Even if you know what to look for, how can you tell if one is better than another?
The first step in narrowing down your options is to consider how much network speed, or throughput, you're getting from your internet service provider. The average consumer internet speed in the United States is below 300 Mbps. If you're getting 300 Mbps from your ISP, for example, then a WiFi 7 system that supports 1,200+ Mbps, like the eero 7, is probably overkill.
Having super fast internet speeds, and a router that can support them is great for high-quality video calls and other demanding online tasks. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Next, consider how much area your network needs to cover and how many devices might be connected. If you have a large property or a multi-story home, or if you're operating a business in which many employees utilize multiple work devices, then you might need something like the TP-Link Deco BE23 BE3600 that can reach 110 feet and support more than 150 devices.
If your workplace is full of desktop PCs, laptops, smartphones, tablets, and various smart devices, make sure your WiFi system can handle them all. Credit: Matt Lighthart
What about advanced features? If you don't care about the nitty-gritty and just want to set up something quickly, TP-Link and eero are both brands that deliver a straightforward experience with plug-and-play simplicity. For all the latest in parental control features, advanced security, controllable quality-of-service, beamforming, and more, consider the Asus ROG Rapture GT6.
Asus is one of the brands that prides itself on being feature-rich, with multiple LAN ports and an on-device display where you can adjust certain configurations. Credit: Natalie Kafader
WiFi mesh systems are optimized to provide a better internet signal to your home or workplace. They consist of multiple parts: A router that acts as the main source of the signal, and one or more extension nodes that serve as additional access points. The inclusion of these extension nodes creates a broader “mesh” of WiFi, so it's perfect for when you need to extend a signal across more square feet or multiple stories.
We want to help everyone have great home WiFi so they can enjoy casual video calls, high-quality work meetings, and all manner of other online activities. Credit: Matt Lighthart
If you're in the market for a WiFi mesh system, it's most likely for one or more of the following reasons:
Improved internet speed: Maybe you already own a router and are looking for an upgrade. Or perhaps you're setting up WiFi in your home or office for the first time, and you want the fastest option.
Enhanced Coverage: If you have a large home, a multi-story building, or a sprawling business space, then a standalone router might not have the range to extend a strong signal across the entire property. A mesh system uses multiple access points, called “nodes,” to create a larger unified network that covers a larger area.
Connect more devices: While you might not have encountered this in your everyday life, there is a limit to how many devices you can connect to a single router. WiFi mesh systems can support much larger numbers, with some of the products we tested able to handle more than 120 devices simultaneously. This is especially appealing if you're planning to adopt more smart home technology in the future.
Before you spend extra money on a mesh system, it's worth taking extra steps to make sure you actually need it. If you already have a great router, try moving it to a more central location in your home to see if its signal will reach all the important locations.
Getting creative with router placement can make all the difference, whether you're using a standalone unit or an entire mesh system. Credit: Natalie Kafader
What to Look For in a WiFi Mesh System
The first thing to look for is the right connection speed, or “throughput.” Be aware of how much download and upload speed you're getting from your internet service provider, and make sure the WiFi mesh system you purchase can support it. For example, if you have gigabit internet speeds, you might want a product like the eero 7 or TP-Link Deco BE63 Tri-Band BE10000 that can handle those speeds at the router.
The connection speed your device receives will decrease the further you get from the router, even if you're very close to a mesh system's extension node. If super-high speed is a priority for you all across your coverage area, consider a system like the eero 6+ that maintains a very fast and reliable signal even at the node.
The eero 6+ can support lightning-fast video streaming, even when the node is distant from the router. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Maximum distance is another factor to look at, because it determines the total coverage area your WiFi mesh system will extend to. If you want to make sure you get usable WiFi even in the most distant corners of your building, it's worth taking the time to measure the distance from your ideal router location to all the spots you want to serve. The eero 6+ is a particularly impressive system in this regard. When using an extension node to boost the signal range, we were able to get a usable signal at a total distance of 130 feet from the router.
If possible, connect the nodes to the router via a wired connection for even better performance. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Ease of setup and simplified controls are also important to consider. That's why we appreciate systems like the TP-Link Deco BE23 BE3600 and eero 7. They can be set up in as little as 10 minutes, with the companion app handling most of the work, but you can configure extra settings or subscribe to advanced features if you want to get granular about how you manage your network.
Many routers, including TP-Link products, have a scannable QR code on the device itself. Scan the code, follow the simple instructions, and you're done setting up within 10 minutes. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Enhanced Coverage
The whole point of a WiFi mesh system is to expand your router's coverage area, but how exactly does it work? The router sends a signal to satellite nodes placed throughout your building, which act as extenders. This is similar to how it sends a signal to any other device, but it can be very efficient thanks to a special type of communication link known as “backhaul.” A mesh system with excellent backhaul communication, such as the Asus ROG Rapture GT6, is usually capable of very impressive connections even when you're connected to the node from a greater distance.
The Asus ROG line of routers is gamer-focused, and our testing showed that it definitely provides a reliable enough signal for online gaming across its entire coverage area. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Seamless Roaming
If you're always on the move, there's even more to appreciate about a WiFi mesh system. Look for models that support seamless roaming, “roaming assistant,” or “802.11k/v client steering.” When you're connected with a smartphone or tablet that's compatible with this feature, it will dynamically switch which node it's connected to in order to achieve the optimal connection. This is ideal in a workplace where you might frequently move from station to station, or even if you're moving between a home office and the living room within your own house. Models compatible with this type of feature include the Google Nest WiFi Pro 6E and TP-Link Deco BE23 BE3600.
TP-Link is a brand that reliably supports seamless roaming, which can make it very satisfying to find the ideal node placement throughout your home. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Easy Setup and Management
Many mesh systems are designed for user-friendly setup and management, often with mobile apps for controlling network settings and monitoring performance. However, some mesh systems lack advanced security features or lock them behind additional subscriptions, which can understandably be a deal-breaker. Even basic parental control configurations are becoming less common. The TP-Link Deco series of systems all have a reliably simple setup with many of the basic features packed-in to get your network up and running smoothly.
It's no exaggeration to say that, with certain mesh systems, you're already halfway done with setup when you plug the router in. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Scalability
All of the mesh systems we tested are very scalable, allowing you to add more nodes to expand your coverage area as needed. They are adaptable to your changing needs and unique home/office layouts. This also makes these systems very functional as smart home hubs, providing dynamic ways to connect and manage various smart devices. Mesh system manufacturers often let you purchase individual units, making it easy to add as many as you want to your home system. However, it is often recommended to include no more than five or six total units — any more, and you risk backhaul congestion, latency issues, and constant signal interference.
We tested all of our mesh systems using two units, but you can definitely build a mesh comprised of three, four, even five or six total units. Credit: Matt Lighthart
What if You Already Have a Functional Router?
An entire WiFi mesh system, complete with multiple nodes, can easily cost a couple of hundred dollars or more. This is definitely a significant investment, especially if you already have a router that's doing a decent job of providing WiFi to most of your home. So, do you really need to replace your router outright if you want whole-home coverage? The answer is, probably not!
WiFi Extenders vs Mesh Systems
WiFi extenders, also known as repeaters, are devices that pick up the WiFi signal from your router and “rebroadcast” it to boost overall signal range. It's a less comprehensive solution because a mesh system's nodes act as additional access points, allowing for a faster, more stable connection at farther distances from the router. Even so, a repeater is a great fix if you just have specific dead zones that you want to reach.
The biggest downside is that repeaters typically broadcast their signal under a different network name (SSID), meaning you might have to switch which network your device is connected to based on where you are in the building. If this sounds like a massive inconvenience, then a mesh system may be worth the money for its more seamless network coverage.
WiFi extenders are small, unassuming, and convenient, but usually not as powerful a solution as a full-fledged mesh system. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Extension Nodes
Depending on the manufacturer and model of your router, it might be compatible with extension nodes. Even if you bought the router as a standalone product, there is a possibility that you can evolve it into a mesh system by simply purchasing additional units from the same brand and product series. Asus and eero, for example, make it easy to use their companion apps to manually add nodes or automatically detect nearby devices.
The Asus app is one of the most functional, making it easy to add extra nodes to your network. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Conclusion
Our goal at GearLab is to unravel the complexity of comparing products side-by-side so you can have plain answers when you're deciding what to buy. When it comes to WiFi mesh systems, we know that it can be difficult to grasp the granular specs and design elements that make wireless networks function the way they do. You want to be confident that you're getting something that works well, or something that perfectly suits your exact needs. That's why we buy the products ourselves and test them extensively. We evaluated WiFi mesh systems based on their node speed, range, router performance, ease of setup, and their jitter and latency. Our final ratings and awards reflect the advice we'd give to a good friend, and by extension, the advice we want to give to you.
A WiFi mesh system includes multiple nodes, one of which serves as the main router while the others act as “extenders” to boost the signal range. It's a comprehensive system, but one that's usually only necessary for larger homes, office buildings, or facilitating outdoor parties. If you just need a typical standalone router, check out our list of the best WiFi routers. If you already have a great router and just need a signal boost, we reviewed WiFi extenders too!
