Is there anything more frustrating than unreliable internet? If you’re someone who works from home, likes to scroll during your Netflix and Chill time, or simply has a lot of housemates all eating up the internet at the same time, then a WiFi mesh system is for you. Read on to discover what that is, why you need it, and which options will work best for your needs.
What is a WiFi mesh system?
Designed to blanket your entire home in uninterrupted connectivity, WiFi mesh is a wireless internet system comprising a main router as well as several nodes strategically placed throughout the household to reduce spotty service. Read more…
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BEST OVERALL
Google Nest WiFi
This is great for basic browsing, but may not have enough oomph for gamers.
- Coverage area: 4,400 square feet
$299 from Amazon
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BEST PERFORMANCE
NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh WiFi
For a home that relies heavily on connection, it’s faster and more reliable than others.
- Coverage area: 5,000 square feet
$699.99 from Best Buy
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BEST WALLET-FRIENDLY OPTION
TP-Link Deco M5
This is a good, wallet-friendly system for normal or light internet use, but won’t support heavy usage or gaming.
- Coverage area: 3,800 square feet
$138.90 from Amazon
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BEST 3-PACK
Amazon Eero Mesh WiFi System
The best thing about this mesh network is that it’s a three-pack, so you’ll be able to extend your network to where you need it.
- Coverage area: 5,000 square feet
$249 from Amazon
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BEST FOR LARGE HOMES
Ubiquiti AmpliFi Dual-Band Mesh WiFi System
Not many people need mesh to extend up to 10,000 feet, but this powerful system will have your internet running from the tippity top of your home to the very bottom.
- Coverage area: 10,000 square feet
$349.99 from Best Buy
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BEST SECURITY FEATURES
Asus Zen WiFi
Great for gaming and those in need of fast, spotless internet.
- Coverage area: 5,500 square feet
$750 from Amazon
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SIMPLEST OPTION
Linksys Velop
It might be best to start with one node, and then expand as needed.
- Coverage area: 2,000 square feet (per node)
$174.99 from Amazon
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BEST LOW PROFILE OPTION
D-Link Covr
Looking for a sleek, cool system that won’t break the bank? Covr will work for your home.
- Coverage area: 5,000 square feet
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BEST FOR HOME AUTOMATION
Samsung Smart Things WiFi Mesh
You’ll need to buy nodes separately, but this system is expandable to up to 32 nodes.
- Coverage area: 1,500 square feet (but expands easily)
$118 from Amazon
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BEST WIFI 6 SYSTEM ON A BUDGET
NETGEAR Nighthawk Whole Home WiFi 6 System
This will bring WiFi 6 to your home for less money than other systems, but you may not see the top speeds WiFi 6 is capable of.
- Coverage area: 3,000 square feet
$229.99 from Amazon
