Best mesh Wi-Fi routers 2021: the best wireless mesh routers for large homes

Date:
Wed, 18 Aug 2021 12:52:59 +0000

Description:
From Netgear Orbi to Google Wifi, these are the best Wi-Fi mesh routers you can buy today.

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Whats amazing about the best mesh Wi-Fi routers is theyll expand your network to cover every corner of your home or office the way your current router
never could. Instead of a single unit, these routers are made of multiple units that can be spaced throughout the area of coverage, which allows them
to deliver a robust and continuous connection throughout your home or office.

The best mesh Wi-Fi routers, therefore, can take care of all your network problems, whether its because your current router cant cover your entire
area, youre having issues staying connected, or your network is just overwhelmed by too many devices. While it is possible to upgrade your
internet with a better wireless router or a Wi-Fi extender , one of these
mesh routers is a simpler and more efficient option.

No matter if you have a large or overcrowded network, the best mesh Wi-Fi routers are a stellar way of giving you an uninterrupted and robust upgrade. Here are our top picks. We found the best Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market right now For the best Wi-Fi extenders , check out our top picks Best mesh Wi-Fi routers at a glance Google Nest Wifi Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) Netgear Orbi Pro WiFi 6 Linksys Velop WiFi 6 AX4200 Netgear Orbi WiFi 6 Netgear Nighthawk MK83 Netgear Orbi AC1200 TP-Link Deco M5 Ubiquiti Amplifi HD Linksys Velop The Google Nest Wifi kicks things up a notch. (Image credit: Google) 1. Google Nest Wifi

Google Wifi and Home together at long last Speed: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4 GHz/5 GHz simultaneous dual-band | Connectivity: Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports | Features: Advanced security chip, Nest Wifi point with Google Assistant, privacy control Excellent design Smart speaker(s) included Even simpler controls No major performance gains Not worth replacing existing mesh

Whats better than the best mesh router? Well, a mesh router with a smart speaker, thats what. Especially if youre a smart home fiend, you will appreciate the pure genius of this upgrade in Googles Wifi line. The Google Nest Wifi kicks things up a notch, taking Google Wifis incredible yet simple design and performance then merges it with the convenience of a smart speaker so youve got a two-in-one device in an even sleeker and more attractive package. And, if youre tired of the color white, this one also comes in Mist and Sand colors. As far as the best mesh Wi-Fi routers go, the original
Google Wifi is still the one to beat. This one just gives it that extra
oomph.

Read the full review: Google Nest Wifi (Image credit: Asus) 2. Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8)

Wi-Fi 6 meets mesh routers Speed: 802.11ax 4804Mbps down | Connectivity: 2.5 Gigabit Wan, 3 x Gigabit LAN, Gigabit Wan, USB 3.1 | Included mesh nodes: 2 | Features: MU-MIMO, Traffic Analyzer, Adaptive QoS, AiProtection Pro Great Wi-Fi performance Good security features Expensive Limited to two routers

With the Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8), Asus has managed to introduce Wi-Fi 6 to that other cutting-edge tech in connectivity; mesh routers. While it is among the more expensive options out there and limits you to two mesh routers, the Asus ZenWifi AX offers blazing fast speeds as well as plenty of flexibility in its setup such as the option to set up one or two networks using the 2.4 and
5GHz bands. With excellent security features to boot, this is a fantastic choice if youre looking at the best mesh Wi-Fi systems.

Read the full review: Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) (Image credit: Netgear) 3. Netgear Orbi Pro WiFi 6

Superb Wi-Fi performance Speed: 802.11b/g/n/ax 2.4GHz 2,400Mbps, 802.11a/n/ac/ax 5GHz 2,400Mbps, 802.11a/n/ac/ax 5GHz 1,200Mbps |
Connectivity: 1 x Gigabit or 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet WAN or LAN port, 2 x
Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, Link Aggregation Mode4 optional; 2 x Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports | Included mesh nodes: up to 4 | Features: Insight App, 4 SSID wireless networks, up to 4X more devices than with WiFi 5 Easy to deploy 6Gbps backhaul Expensive Hardly inconspicuous

Sprawling mansions and big companies have demanding network coverage needs that only the best mesh Wi-Fi systems can meet, which is why such routers as the Netgear Orbi Pro WiFi 6 exist. This is a powerful piece of kit, even at its most basic configuration, delivering superb Wi-Fi connection over a remarkably large area. If you want the most powerful mesh Wi-Fi, youve found it. However, it also comes at a lofty price that most households shouldnt spend. Invest, but only if it makes technical sense.

Read the full review: Netgear Orbi Pro WiFi 6 (Image credit: Linksys) 4. Linksys Velop WiFi 6 AX4200

Smart design and speedy performance Speed: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax 2.4 GHz/5 GHz
| Connectivity: 3 x Gigabit LAN, 1 x Gigabit WAN, 1 x USB 3.0 | Features: 4x4 MU-MIMO, Next-Gen OFDMA Technology, Tri-Band Dynamic Backhaul Impressive
Wi-Fi 6 performance 4x Ethernet and 1x USB ports Defaults to single, merged network

The Linksys Velop WiFi 6 AX4200 is proof that Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems can be affordable and accessible, giving big households on a budget an excellent option that still delivers admirable performance and ease of use. If you want to improve your home networks speed and connectivity, this state of the art mesh system is an ideal solution. Thats especially if youre ready to future-proof your network with Wi-Fi 6 technology. Those who arent as
computer savvy will also appreciate that easy-to-use Linksys app.

Read the full review: Linksys Velop WiFi 6 AX4200 (Image credit: Netgear) 5. Netgear Orbi WiFi 6

Netgear brings Wi-Fi 6 to its Orbi mesh range Speed: WiFi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) tri-band with 1x 2.4GHz (1200Mbps), 2x 5GHz (2400Mbps) | Connectivity:
2.5Gbps WAN, 4x Gigabit Ethernet; satellite - 4x Gigabit Ethernet | Features: Beamforming implicit and explicit for 2.4GHz/5GHz bands Excellent Wi-Fi range and speed Simple set-up, and easy-to-use app Seriously expensive Little support for Wi-Fi 6 right now

If youre ready to jump on the Wi-Fi 6 bandwagon, the Orbi WiFi 6 is your best bet when it comes to getting the best mesh Wi-Fi systems. Its not by any
means a casual purchase, with its steep price tag, but if youre looking to upgrade to a faster and more reliable router to cover a massive space like your countryside mansion, perhaps, or your crowded smart home then this ones absolutely worth the money. Plus, its easy and straightforward to setup, making it great for people who dont have too much experience with Wi-Fi networks.

Read the full review: Netgear Orbi WiFi 6 (Image credit: Netgear) 6. Netgear Nighthawk MK83

Fast, reliable Wi-Fi 6 mesh system Speed: Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax), tri-band 2.4GHz + 5GHz + 5GHz | Connectivity: 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports (1WAN + 3LAN)
on router, 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports satellite | Features: Bitdefender VPN Strong performance on 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands Covers areas up to 6,750 sq.ft Nighthawk app is pretty basic

Although there are opportunities for improvement here that Nighthawk app is disappointingly sparse and demands additional subscriptions for extra vital features the Nighthawk MK83 still delivers excellent connectivity for two-
to three-bedroom homes. Its capable of covering 6,750 sq.ft with its three-piece kit and offers Wi-Fi 6 for more efficiently transmitting data to lots of devices all at the same time. This is just what you need for a multi-room, multi-device smart household, especially if you have some cash to spare.

Read the full review: Netgear Nighthawk MK83 The tri-band Orbi Whole Home AC1200 offers solid performance at a reasonable price. (Image credit:
Netgear) 7. Netgear Orbi Whole Home Mesh WiFi System

Fast, affordable, tri-band mesh Wi-Fi Speed: IEEE 802.11ac dual-band with 1x 2.4GHz (400Mbps), 1x 5GHz (866Mbps) | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet | Features: Beamforming implicit and explicit for 2.4GHz/5GHz bands Affordable dual-band mesh Wi-Fi system Good performance Free parental controls are limited Only one Ethernet port for wired connections

The tri-band Orbi Whole Home AC1200 offers solid performance at a reasonable price, and will be a good choice for most small and medium-size homes that need to improve their Wi-Fi coverage. Its simple to set-up and use for newcomers, although Netgears decision to use Disneys subscription-based
Circle service for parental controls is discouraging, considering that rival routers and mesh systems have often provided better parental controls for free. The lack of Ethernet ports for wired connections as well as more advanced features in the Orbi app might turn off experienced users as well.
8. TP-Link Deco M5

The affordable Wi-Fi Mesh option Speed: 802.11ac 5GHz down: 76.69 Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit ports per Deco M5 unit, 1 x USB Type-C port, Bluetooth 4.2 | Included mesh nodes: 1-3 | Features: Quad-core CPU, MU-MIMO ready, Router-based antivirus, Alexa compatibility Incredible value Easy to configure Slower than compeition

If youre looking for a way to spread Wi-Fi throughout your home without
having to spend a lot of dough, then look into the TP-Link Deco M5. Its not
as speedy as some of the other best mesh Wi-Fi routers on this list, but if youre not too concerned about getting the maximum theoretical throughput, which you probably wont be able to take full advantage of anyway, this shouldnt be too much of an issue. Setup, similar to the other devices here,
is a breeze, even if youre not tech-savvy. The TP-Link Deco M5 is among the best wireless mesh routers for those who dont want to get too technical.

Read the full review: TP-Link Deco M5 9. Ubiquiti Amplifi HD

Style backed by power Speed: 802.11AC 5GHz down: 74.1Mbps | Connectivity: 1 x Gigabit WAN, 4 x Gigabit LAN | Mesh nodes: 1 x router, 2 x nodes | Features: Modular network coverage, modern design, LCD touchscreen Modern aesthetic Extremely powerful Expensive

If you love Apples design philosophy, enjoy having attractive gadgets set up around your home and have more than enough extra money sitting around, then the Ubiquiti Amplifi HD is the perfect mesh router for you. Youll find a lot to love with this device, especially if you live in a large house and can
take advantage of the full power that this mesh Wi-Fi setup provides, as its capable of a very large amount of throughput. You might find that the value diminishes quite a bit when you live in a smaller space however, since there are more affordable alternatives on hand for small to medium homes. The Ubiquiti Amplifi HD may be pricey, but youre paying for a piece of tech that both exudes style and a ton of substance. Thats more than enough to justify the price tag, making this a great addition to the best wireless mesh routers list.

Read the full review: Ubiquiti Amplifi HD 10. Linksys Velop

Paying for simplicity Speed: 802.11ac 5GHz down: 117.46Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports per unit (1 WAN and 1 LAN port each) | Included mesh nodes: 1-3 | Features: Guided setup, Modular, Easy parental controls,
Auto-fix Simple r Simple setup Expensive

While its expensive and not quite as powerful as the other Wi-Fi mesh routers on this list, theres something to be said about the simplicity that the Linksys Velop offers. It might come with a heftier price than the
competition, but the Velop will appeal to people who need to create a Wi-Fi network and want to avoid setting it up. More tech-savvy users will most likely look elsewhere why spend money when you can do the work yourself for free? However, for most users, the Linksys Velop is among the best wireless mesh routers because of the convenience it offers from the start. Its also completely modular, so you only have to pick up as many nodes as you actually need one node will cover up to 2,000 square feet.

Read the full review: Linksys Velop These are the best routers of 2021 Discover the best antivirus



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