Best Mesh Wi-Fi System (Reviews & Buying Guide)

If you are living in a large house, chances are you would probably find Wi-fi-dead areas. The thing holds true even if you live in one with an unusual layout. This is where mesh-router technologies come handy. Mesh routers are the latest trendy additives to your home Wi-Fi networks. Previously used in areas like military bases and companies where safe networks are important- the need for a stable, secure network gave rise to the popularity of Mesh Routers.

The key issue with conventional routers is that they have limited signal range. Nowadays, there are options for home WLAN with a mesh connection. The network remains isolated- unlinked with the internet. The mesh router system is suitable for you if your house area exceeds 3000 square feet. Experts also recommend buildings with an unusual design, with two or more stories and/or inner brick walls.

Large buildings needing multiple-floor Internet access often have restricted or non-existent coverage areas (also known as Dead Zones)- especially when the central system uses a regular single-point router.

Over the last few years, a number of renowned manufacturers have started providing mesh router solutions. Some of the top names include Netgear, Linksys, Samsung, Google, Ubiquiti, Or, are you thinking whether a mesh router is what you should go for? Here’s an overview of the latest Wi-Fi home upgrade network systems. We help you to find the most appropriate mesh router system based on your needs. Read this review and find out what’s the best mesh Wi-Fi system for you.

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Quick picks

Best Mesh Wi-Fi routers Review

Here are some of the best mesh Wi-Fi routers that you can get your hands on today.

#1 – Google Nest Wi-Fi – The best mesh Wi-Fi system

If you want the most powerful mesh Wi-Fi router system, the obvious option is Google Nest Wi-Fi. The Nest offers top-notch performance, is easy to configure and can provide Wi-Fi coverage ranging from a small home to a large property.

The Nest Wi-Fi has one thing that makes it stand out from the rest. Each extension is fitted with an inbuilt Google Home smart speaker. The tiny units enable you to monitor both your router and other connected devices with voice commands- including smart lights, smart TV.

You can even add up your old smart speakers to the mesh.

The Nest operates on an 802.11ac/dual-band system with 4 non-detachable Antennas. It has two Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports. The Nest can provide peak throughput speeds up to 653.2 MB/S, and small in size.

Pros

• Stellar performance
• Built-in Google Assistant
• Easy setup
• Standalone distance coverage of 2200 Square feet
• Options to add several extensions to increase area coverage

Cons

• Not effective at very long ranges.
• Limited options of configuration.

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#2 – Netgear Orbi RBK 50 – A Versatile Choice with probably the best Distance Coverage

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The Orbi by Netgear scores high in all the categories, from high performance, easy installation to adaptability in both small and large homes. A pioneer among the leading mesh Wi-Fi system companies, it is a reliable choice for many.

The Orbi RBK 50 model is one of the quickest routers of all time, even without the mesh extensions. Connect it with an Orbi expansion, and the machine covers a 5,000 square foot home comfortably. Its functioning excels throughout the walls and up and down levels of an entire apartment.

The Orbi provides high-performance and versatility. With add-on accessories that are undoubtedly superb speakers for Alexa, plug-and-play, external weatherproof units, excellent protection, and parental controls– it is of little surprise that many people enjoy Orbi by Netgear..

The Netgear Orbi is an 802.11ac/Tri-Band system with 6 non-detachable antennas. It has four 1Gbps LAN ports and a USB 2.0 port. The peak throughput is 552.1Mbps with Size: 8.9 x 6.7 x 3.1 inches

Pros

• Amazing performance
• Provisions for both app and browser setup        
• Alexa compatible with Voice Control options
• A good 5,000 Square feet coverage

Cons

• Large cumbersome design.
• No USB 3.0
• Expensive

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#3 – Samsung SmartThings Wi-Fi- Best Budget-Friendly mesh system

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With easy-to-miss disk-shaped devices, the SmartThings Wi-Fi marks Samsung’s foray into whole-home Wi-Fi. Samsung’s SmartThings Wi-Fi system is the best mesh Wi-Fi system we reviewed, available in a three package.

True to the product name, Samsung has smartly decided to provide a slew of features other than mere affordability. Operate every smart device- from connected thermostats, light switches and more. The SmartThings Mesh Router allows you to set up a truly digital home- in addition to its low cost and easy-to-use design.

This is one of the best mesh wireless Internet access options for everyone involved in home automation. This system allows you to configure pre-programmed control sequences for your connected home appliances such as timers for intelligent lights and powerful shades of windows and dedicated integration into smart home products by Samsung.

Samsung’s SmartThings Wi-Fi is a cost-effective way to satisfy demanding users with nearly every Wi-Fi home.

The SmartThings Wi-Fi operates on the Wireless Standard 802.11ac/ Dual-Band system. It has 5 non-detachable antennas. It also has two Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports with a peak throughput of 539.9 Mbps.

Pros

• Excellent performance
• Creates a smart home hub
• Can use many small extensions
• The 3-pack system can cover homes of up to 4,500 Square feet

Cons

• Requires two apps 
• Short-range

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#4 – Linksys Velop – Whole-Home Mesh Wi-Fi Coverage

(Tri-Band Home Mesh WiFi System for Whole-Home WiFi Mesh Network)

If you are looking for a great Wi-Fi coverage that reaches every corner of your home then check out this Linksys Velop mesh router. Powered by a 2.2 GHz processor, it’s an ideal choice if you are looking for a router in high-density areas, like your office.

Linksys Velop is a tall rectangle mesh router with vent pots and status light. The ports include a WAN port, four LAN ports, a power input, and a USB 3.0 port. This mesh router ensures you receive Wi-Fi signals with full strength to all the zones.

The intelligent mesh technology makes sure you have a fast and reliable performance. Create a single and seamless Wi-Fi network with one name and password.

This tri-band home mesh WI-FI system has three nodes. You can place them in three different rooms, which is going to fetch you a good 2,000 square feet Wi-Fi coverage. Statistically, it performs four times better than an AC router supporting dual bands – 2.4 GHz and 5GHz.

Pros

• Premium design
• Great range and extendibility
• Full-fledged companion app
• 100% full speed Wi-Fi all over the home
• Mobile Linksys app available to control home Wi-Fi from anywhere
• Well-guided to setup easily
• Guest access and parental controls available

Cons

• Performance would have been justified more for its price
• Limited LAN ports on each unit

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#5 – Netgear Orbi RBK40 – Style and Power 

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The Netgear Orbi RBK40 is the smaller and updated version of Netgear Orbi and gives all those who want to create an in-house Orbi mesh network a cheaper option.

You will be sacrificing a few features of the more expensive Orbi, such as USB ports for printers or storage connectivity. The performance is a bit sluggish, and it gives less coverage, but the smaller, smarter, Orbi RBK40 still scores high in terms of mesh router performance.

It works with all of Netgear’s Orbi products, from Orbi extensions to Alexa-capable Orbi Voices indoor and outdoor. And should you forget to take care of your whole House, you can add a Netgear Orbi plug-in extension to cover dead spots using the Orbi RBK40’s two units’ 4,000-square-foot coverage area.

This Netgear Orbi runs on the wireless an 802.11ac/Tri-Band system with 4 number of non-detachable antennas. It has four 1 Gbps ethernet LAN ports. The peak speed throughput is 549.93 Mbps.

Pros

• All-around super Performer.
• Easy Installation.
• Customizable via a browser interface

Cons

• Bare-bones app.
• Bulky in shape and design.

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#6 – Gryphon Advance Security & Parental Control Mesh Wi-Fi Router – Best mesh router in terms of security

The Gryphon secure mesh router blends outstanding efficiency with beautiful design and is loaded with a range of improved security measures to protect the personal data and its digital identity. Are you wondering why you should pay more for the Gryphon? For one, you get everything from parental control, intrusion detection, and ESET malware defense and VPN services. It’s a unique design that is sculpturally inspired and solid security.

In a single program, it also provides setup, malware security, and parental control for easy setup and management. But the Gryphon mesh system has its limitations, while the features and data speeds are excellent. The mesh network can hold a maximum of six units: compared to the 10 or more supported by rival mesh router manufacturers.

The Gryphon Mesh Router runs on the 802.11ac/Tri-Band system with 6 antennas- all of them being non-removable. Get access to 1 WAN port and four 1Gbps LAN ports with speeds as high as 607.8 Mbps.

Pros

• Superior performance
• Includes high-security features-including software
• Triband design with 6 non-detachable antenna, 1 WAN Port and 4 Gigabit Ethernet LAN Ports
• 3,000 Square Feet

Cons

• Is bulky
• Does not have USB port
• This is expensive compared to the other options

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The Best Mesh Wi-Fi System Buying Guide

You have to ask yourself first, why do you need a mesh network system? A regular router isn’t going to cut it if you have a home area of 3,000 square feet or larger. The same applies to multi story apartments or houses. Even other houses also are not void of dead zones. Your home network may appear to be “alive and kicking”. However, it is often difficult to achieve strong Wi-Fi coverage in every corner of your home – a reason you may want to invest in a mesh Wi-Fi system.

Mesh routers are the most technologically advanced commercially available gadgets on home Wi-Fi systems. Nowadays, it is very easy to set up a mesh networking system to optimize your home Wi-Fi. A full mesh network is usually bought as a kit of two or three modules- as the mesh consists of a large number of components. Single satellite devices may also be purchased to expand the mesh network to a larger area. Individual units typically sell between $100 and $200, with some of them costing much more than the others.

Some residential mesh-router kits have good safety support along with ease of administration. With the above-mentioned ease of network management, keeping your router devices safe is not a difficult task. Many mesh router devices check and install firmware updates automatically.

Screening known malicious websites makes Luma a step further in providing security. Multiple floors and walls that block wireless signals are not covered by the traditional routers. In addition, the simple remote management that mesh routers offer via their mobile apps is an enormous plus if you’re interested in smart-home functions.

On the other hand, you probably can pass mesh routers if you live in a small house or apartment with Wi-Fi only every so often. A range extender would work just as well as a long-range router to patch dead areas.

> ALSO SEE: Best Wireless Routers for Large House

Conclusion

By now, you may think that picking the right wireless mesh router system is much like buying any other Wi-Fi devices, and yes, you are right. Our reviews look at the performance, configuration, and settings of design, scope, and throughput. Security and parental controls are what we are looking at.

We’ve even examined whether it’s easy to include a mesh extension in your home decor or whether you want it to hide out from view. Each of our reviews will discuss certain facets of a system and illustrate some functionality you might like to include, such as the need for voice communication or how a mesh approach interacts with other smart devices at home. However, it comes down to value for many shoppers — the extender is the lowest cost. We also consider the value of the functionality and results you actually get for your money and how each product is measured by other manufacturers.

We’ll mention our top choices. We’ll send you the goods that make your buck the best knock and describe why your home could be the right option when it comes to efficiency, value, or characteristics. Your criteria and expectations can differ greatly in the above opinions. Decide for yourself the option and order the cheapest.

Choose the Google Nest if you want to explore the best features of the WIFI Mesh Router Network- complete with Alexa speakers and excellent support of voice control key commands. In case you find the Nest overpriced, Go for the Netgear Orbi or the Samsung SmartThings Wi-FI if you prefer value for money. Opt for the Gryphon if your value excellent security features over the others.

Related Topics

• Best Wireless Routers for Large House
• Best Wi-Fi Router Extenders for Blazing Fast Internet
• Best WiFi Adapter for Gaming
• Best Ethernet Cable for Gaming
• Best PCI-E Wireless Card for Desktop Computers

Sources:

• 10 Best WiFi 6 Routers 2020 Best 802.11ax Router
• Why am I not getting my full internet speed?
• TP-Link, What is Mesh WiFi?
• Linksys, What Is Whole Home Wifi and Mesh WiFi?
• Netgear, Explore Our Orbi WiFi Systems
• EERO, The WiFi every home deserves.
• Linksys Launches Affordable Max-Stream AX1800 Mesh WiFi 6 Router