Enough with those ugly antennas on your old router!
Mesh Wi-Fi network systems deliver sleeker looks, easier setup and management, and better security over commonly used routers. They can also help you eliminate spots with weak Wi-Fi signal in larger and multilevel homes by giving you the option to connect multiple units. Once you get one, you'll never experience dead zones again!
The eero Home Wi-Fi is the best mesh networking system for most buyers out there. It offers a cool design, consistent performance, incredibly easy setup, and Amazon Alexa support. The product's mobile app is also one of the most intuitive to use in this category.
The eero Home Wi-Fi setup has stylish and compact units that can easily blend in with just about any interior. The standard offering includes a main unit and a beacon, which can cover a one- or two-bedroom home with high-quality wireless coverage. You can expand the network by adding more main units or beacons to match your needs.
Installing the eero beacons is as easy as plugging them directly into a power outlet. Each beacon has a built-in nightlight, which is a surprisingly handy and cool feature — you can dim it or turn it off via the eero mobile app.
Key hardware specs of the eero Home include simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi support, as well as 2 x 2 MIMO for even higher wireless network speeds. Each main unit has a duo of gigabit Ethernet ports. The beacons don't have Ethernet ports, so you need to be mindful if you plan to connect multiple devices via a cable.
You can access even more eero Home features for an annual fee of $99. They include enhanced network protection, access to a password manager and VPN service, as well as antivirus software.
Google's own Wi-Fi mesh network system is affordably priced, yet incredibly capable. Stylish (its looks are inspired by the Guggenheim Museum in New York City) and easy to set up (all you need is to download an app and follow the instructions), the device supports simultaneous dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) Wi-Fi for enhanced network speeds.
A handy feature for parents is the ability to pause the Wi-Fi connectivity on devices connected to your network. The router also supports the IFTTT home automation standard, which helps keep your apps and devices connected.
A single Google Wi-Fi unit is sufficient to cover the needs of a home that's up to 1,500 square feet. A three-pack can cover up to 4,500 square feet of space with high-quality Wi-Fi. Every device has a duo of Ethernet ports, as well as a USB-C connector for power delivery.
Each Linksys Velop node packs tri-band Wi-Fi technology, which includes a single 2.4 GHz frequency and two 5 GHz ones. Multiuser MIMO is also part of the specs, as is support of Amazon Alexa voice commands. Each node has two Ethernet ports.
Setting up the Velop Wi-Fi system requires a simple app for iOS and Android. It allows you to adjust the settings of your router, monitor your network, set parental controls, and test its speed.
Overall, the Linksys Velop is widely considered one of the best mesh Wi-Fi options. It's slightly pricier than some of its competitors, but it's well worth it if you're looking for the ultimate in performance. Linksys also backs its product with a sweet 3-year warranty that's the best in its class.
The Netgear Orbi is one of the highest-rated mesh Wi-Fi systems you can buy. The setup consists of a router coupled with an add-on satellite for extended coverage. A complete system can cover up to 5,000 square feet. You can add more units to expand the coverage if necessary.
Each Netgear Orbi router features six high-performance antennas for superior coverage, as well as MU-MIMO and tri-band Wi-Fi support. The performance of the system is one of the best in its class.
What sets the Netgear Orbi apart from its competitors is the number of wired Ethernet ports the system offers. The main unit and the satellite have four wired ports each, so you can connect a vast number of devices directly to the system.
You can control the setup and the settings of the Netgear Orbi not only from a smartphone app, but also from your web browser. Parental controls and Amazon Alexa support are also available.
One thing to note is the sheer size of the router and satellites — they're considerably larger than some of their competitors. However, we think the system's overall performance and connectivity options make up for the extra bulk.
The AmpliFi HD mesh Wi-Fi system consists of a cube-shaped main router and plug-and-play mesh points, which require a power outlet. The router has a built-in touchscreen that can display essential network performance data, or simply act as a cool digital clock.
Setting up the AmpliFi HD requires a smartphone app, which allows you to monitor all activity on your network, tweak the settings of the Wi-Fi system and update it, and set parental controls on network-connected devices of your choosing.
A complete AmpliFi HD system can cover an area of up to 20,000 square feet — that's significantly more than any of its competitors. For smaller homes and apartments, a sole router should be more than sufficient.
Key specs of the AmpliFi HD router include dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 ac and 3 x 3 MIMO support, a quartet of Ethernet connectors, and a USB port. Lack of ports in the mesh points is something to consider when you shop for a full AmpliFi system. For the time being, it also lacks smart home integration.
The TP-Link Deco M5 system offers attractive pricing for a three-pack, as well as a 2-year warranty. The system can cover a maximum area of 4,500 square feet. You can connect up to 10 units in case you need to cover more space, too.
As far as network capabilities go, each TP-Link Deco M5 device offers support for MU-MIMO and dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity via a quartet of built-in antennas. An extensive set of security and privacy controls are also among the device's key features. TP-Link has created a mobile app to set up and control all the features of the Wi-Fi system.
Compared to its pricier rivals, the TP-Link Deco M5 isn't capable of reaching the same maximum network speeds. This Wi-Fi system is recommended for internet plans with speeds up to 500 Mbps — if you're looking for more speed, look elsewhere.
The D-Link COVR mesh Wi-Fi system has swappable color plates, so you can match it with your home decor. The COVR also offers a 3-year warranty, which is impressive for this price point. A D-Link COVR three-pack is enough for a home up to 5,000 square feet in size.
Each COVR unit has a trio of internal antennas and two wired Ethernet ports. Other key settings include support for dual-band AC1200 MU-MIMO connectivity. Like all mesh Wi-Fi systems, setting up the D-Link COVR is as easy as installing a mobile app.
In terms of sheer capability, the D-Link offering lags behind the pricier options by Linksys and Netgear. However, the COVR has a more affordable price and a smaller footprint.