Whether it’s the rise of remote work or an increase in streaming videos, we’re asking more and more of our home Wi-Fi every day. Because of this increase, we’re finding that more and more dead spots exist in our homes.

© iStock.com/Ekaterina Chizhevskaya

No matter your home size, Wi-Fi dead zones can happen, and defeating them becomes a mission for all of us. And, if it isn’t a Wi-Fi dead zone, it might be poor speeds that you want to improve so you can ditch the buffering once and for all. Regardless of the reason, mesh Wi-Fi systems are here to help. 

Upgrading to one of these systems is a surefire way to get faster speeds and improved coverage, all without worrying about a difficult installation. The best part is that you can find a great system without having to skip a mortgage payment. Keep reading for a look at the best mesh Wi-Fi systems you can buy today and improve your home internet almost instantly. 

Best Overall: ASUS ZenWiFi XT8

To get the very best in-home internet coverage, look to the ASUS ZenWiFi XT8 tri-band mesh Wi-Fi system.

  • Maximum Range : 5500 Sq FtBanish WiFi Dead Zone—Tri-band mesh WiFi system with unique antenna placement delivers strong WiFi to every corner of your home providing total wireless speed of 6600MbpsNext-Gen Wi-Fi 6 Technology— With OFDMA and MU-MIMO ZenWiFi AX enables more efficient stable and faster transmission even when multiple devices are transmitting data at the same timeHassle Free Control – 3 steps setup and easy management with ASUS Router AppAlways Up-to-date Protection— The lifetime free network security powered by Trend Micro makes sure your privacy on connected devices is protected

This two-piece system offers strong coverage for homes up to 5,500 square feet, which should be plenty for most readers. Should you ever find yourself needing even more square footage covered, ASUS’ AiMesh platform ensures you can add additional satellites to the parent router. Even one more satellite unit will add an extra 2,000 square feet of coverage. 

Coverage aside, the ASUS is a fantastic choice for many people because it’s wonderfully easy to install. Thanks to the ASUS mobile app, which is about as user-friendly as a mesh system app can get, you can be up and running, in your home, in less than 15 minutes. 

As a Tri-Band system, Wi-Fi dead zones are a thing of the past and you’ll be able to deliver a total wireless speed of up to 6,600 Mbps. That’s on top of the Wi-Fi 6-enabled hardware which ensures you are future-proofed as newer smartphones, tablets, and televisions all introduce Wi-Fi 6 within their own hardware. 

For the price, the TP-Link Deco Mesh Wi-Fi system is an absolute steal.

Not only do you get antivirus protection built-in plus parental controls, but with the three-pack system, you can cover up to 5,800 square feet of space. That’s an outstanding amount of space to cover and eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones without paying a premium. The dual-band network covers both 2.4GHz and 5Ghz which can be combined or split, depending on your coverage needs. 

Add in Wi-Fi 6 and you are getting one of the least expensive mesh systems available with this future-proofed technology. This means the Deco mesh hard can support up to 150 devices connected at a single time. 

Best for Gaming: NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band MK83

When it comes to speed, and reliability, (and did we say speed?), the NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band MK83 is among the best names in the router space.

  • Coverage up to 6,750 sq. ft. and 40+ devicesFast AX3600 Gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencingConnects to your existing cable modem and replaces your WiFi router. Compatible with any internet service provider up to 1Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, and DSLPlug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and more with 7 (3+2+2) Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports in the router and satellitesSets up in minutes with the Nighthawk App; easily manage WiFi settings, test internet speed, and monitor data usage

The NETGEAR Nighthawk MK83 whole home mesh system is the best option for gamers looking for a rock-solid Wi-Fi connection. Between Wi-Fi 6 technology and tri-band support for up to 40 devices, speeds can hit upwards of 1 Gbps. That’s more than enough speed for cloud gaming, Twitch streaming, and downloading the latest console releases. 

The three-system unit covers up to 6,750 square feet of space with additional satellite add-ons adding another 2,250 square feet of support each time. No matter how many units you are using, setup takes just minutes with the Nighthawk app, and with the app itself, users can test their internet speeds to ensure each satellite unit is perfectly placed. 

For gamers looking for the most reliable connection, plug your console directly into one of the Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports on the router or one of its satellite units. There are seven total ports so there’s plenty of room for multiple consoles. 

Best with Wi-Fi 6E: Linksys Atlas Max 6E

If you’re looking for a mesh system that is as future-proofed as you can get, the Linksys Atlas Max 6E is the way to go.

  • First Wi-Fi 6E system with mesh built-in6 GHz band found on Wi-Fi 6E routers offers interference-free signal and ultra-fast speedsExtreme speeds and limitless connectivity throughout your homeCoverage up to 6,000 sq. ft., 130+ devices per node, and speed up to 8.4 GbpsEnough bandwidth to run video conferencing, working and learning from home, and AR/VR devices simultaneously

Thankfully, this (very) expensive system offers plenty to like for the price. First and foremost is coverage around a home for up to 6,000 square feet and 130 plus devices simultaneously. When it comes to speed, the Atlas is no slouch, offering a combined speed of up to 8.4 Gbps across the tri-band system. 

Responsible for all of this coverage and speed are 12 antennas within each of the Atlas hardware, all of which are powered by a 2.2Ghz quad-core processor so you know there’s plenty of power here. Plus, you can plug devices directly into each unit thanks to a single 5-Gigabit LAN port and four Gigabit Ethernet ports for hardware connections. Throw in a USB 3.0 port for USB storage devices and it’s easy to start understanding why Linksys commands for a premium price. 

  • EERO’S FIRST Wi-Fi 6E SYSTEM - eero Pro 6E supports fast speeds and access to the new 6 GHz band when using Wi-Fi 6E devices, resulting in lower latency across your network, even for non Wi-Fi 6E…EERO’S FASTEST SYSTEM YET - Supports network speeds up to 2.3 Gbps — including wired speeds of up to a gigabit and wireless speeds of up to 1.6 Gbps. Enables gigabit+ internet plans when using the…MORE WIFI FOR MORE DEVICES - Network coverage up to 6,000 sq ft and support for 100+ connected devices.EXPERIENCE THE EERO TRUEMESH DIFFERENCE - eero’s patented TrueMesh technology intelligently routes traffic to reduce drop-offs and dead spots.SET UP IN MINUTES - The eero app guides you through setup and allows you to manage your network from anywhere.

A two-unit pack is strong enough to cover 4,000 square feet, while adding a third satellite unit increases coverage to 6,000 total square feet.  

With all of that coverage, you want speed, and the eero delivers network speeds up to 1.6 Gbps through a wireless connection, and 1 Gbps through the ethernet port. Speed means the eero can handle up to 100+ connected devices at a single time. Plus, eero’s “TrueMesh” technology, ensures that any connected device automatically receives a stronger signal when using an app or service that demands faster download speeds. 

What really helps the eero stand out is its ability to connect and control compatible Thread and Zigbee smart home devices with Alexa. The eero router unit acts as the central hub for your entire smart home through Alexa, so it’s essentially two devices for the price of one. 

Best Speeds: ASUS ZenWiFi Pro AXE 11000

When you need speed and lots of it, your first call should be to the ASUS ZenWiFi Pro AXE 11000.

  • Next-gen WiFi Standard – 12 streams WiFi 6E tri-band mesh system boosts speeds up to 11000Mbps. Support IFTTTNew 6GHz Frequency Band – 7 extra 160MHz channels for higher performance, lower latency, and less interferenceDual 2.5G WAN LAN Ports – 2.5Gbps connection for ultrafast transmissionExpanded Coverage – The exclusive ASUS RangeBoost Plus improves signal range and overall coverageCommercial-grade Network Security – Lifetime free ASUS AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro, with WPA3 to protect your home

There’s no question this mesh Wi-Fi system is almost too fast for many users, but with speeds possible up to 11,000 Mbps, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything faster. These speeds are possible thanks to the inclusion of the Wi-Fi 6E standard, which ensures the fastest possible connection available to consumers today. 

Across tri-band channels and over 6,000 total square feet of courage, ASUS excels at providing expanded coverage and strong signal. RangeBoost Plus technology does exactly what it sounds like by locating and stomping out dead zones in your home. Should you ever want to go wired instead of wireless, just plug directly into the dual 2.5 Gbps LAN ports and you’ll be streaming movies in no time with buffering a thing of the past. 

For the price, and you’re definitely paying a premium for these speeds, ASUS throws in a lifetime subscription to its Trend Micro-powered AiProtection Pro home internet protection service. 

Best Coverage: NETGEAR Orbi RBK853

Like the ASUS above, the NETGEAR Orbi RBK853 comes with a premium price but, for what you get, it’s the best solution for large homes.

  • Coverage up to 7,500 sq. ft. and for up to 100 devices. Extend coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft. with each additional satellite (sold separately)Ultrafast AX6000 gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencingCompatible with any internet service provider up to 2.5Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber and DSL. Connects to your existing cable modem, and replaces your WiFi routerSets up in minutes with the Orbi App; easily manage WiFi settings, test internet speed, and monitor data usagePlug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and more with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports on the router and each satellite

With three units, one router, and two satellite units, the Orbi can blanket coverage across 7,500 square feet. That’s about as much coverage as you’re going to get out of commercially available mesh systems out of the box. Of course, you can always add an additional satellite unit and extend coverage by another 2,500 square feet. 

Thankfully, all of this coverage will have plenty of speed to work with, thanks to Wi-Fi 6 and gigabit speed up to 2.5 Gbps for gaming, streaming, and web surfing. Four Gigabit Ethernet ports make it easy to plug directly into the Orbi system for a rock-solid connection. 

Setting up the Orbi is as wonderful as the speed and you’ll be online in just a few minutes thanks to the user-friendly Orbi app. The app can also be used to test your internet speed and monitor all incoming and outgoing web traffic. A popular choice across the web, if you can set aside the Orbi’s price tag, you’re going to have the best mesh Wi-Fi network on the block. 

How to Choose the Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems

When it comes to choosing a mesh Wi-Fi system, never mind the best of them, you should consider a few factors before making your purchase, like:

  • CoverageSpeedCost

Let’s dive into them below.

Coverage

Coverage is arguably the most important aspect of a mesh Wi-Fi system as you’ll want enough coverage for your entire home and then some.

If you live in a 1,500-square-foot home, you’ll want to purchase a mesh system that can cover at least 2,000 square feet and give yourself plenty of flexibility for knocking out dead zones. It’s also a good idea to have a little more coverage than you might think when you factor in construction and other obstacles that can lead to signal degradation. 

Speed

Like coverage, speed is another top reason to pick up a mesh Wi-Fi system. If your ISP allows for a max speed of 1 Gbps on the download, you’ll want to make sure you’re accounting for at least those speeds and the potential for a future speed increase.

Consider a mesh Wi-Fi unit that achieves at least 2.5 Gbps on the download side so you have room to grow. The faster the speeds, the more likely a mesh unit is to maintain those speeds with multiple devices. 

Cost

A good mesh Wi-Fi system doesn’t need to cost a fortune, but the price you pay can influence what you get. The more you pay, the more likely you are to get faster speeds, increased coverage, and additional benefits like a lifetime subscription to antivirus programs.

However, there’s no “best” price, there’s only the right price for you. That might mean $200 just as easily as it could mean $600 so let factors like speed and coverage dictate what the right price is for your mesh Wi-Fi network. 

Using Mesh Wi-Fi Systems: What It’s Like

The best mesh Wi-Fi systems are a great combination of price, coverage, and speed. That they are super easy to set up is just icing on the cake for anyone looking to knock down metaphorical obstacles in their home so they can download PowerPoints or jump on Xbox Game Pass with ease.

Speaking of gaming, the NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band MK83 has been known to dramatically reduce those painful cloud gaming loading times. 

Final Thoughts

In a space where competition is fierce, the ASUS ZenWiFi XT8 mesh Wi-Fi system stands out from the crowd. It’s the perfect blend of in-home coverage, price, and speed, and offers plenty of features to boot. There are extra ports for ethernet connectivity and it offers additional benefits for anyone in the home who wants a reliable connection for gaming.