If you’re looking for a simple solution to connect every smartphone, tablet or PC in your home or small business to the internet, a mesh router is your answer. Mesh routers consist of multiple devices that work together to create a strong connection across a larger space. Mesh router systems can also help to eliminate dead spots in or around a property. These routers are available in many different ranges and speeds. To help you choose the best router system for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a mesh router system consist of?
A mesh network consists of several devices that work together to carry an internet connection throughout an area. These devices are called ‘Wi-Fi access points’ and allow smartphones, tablets, PCs, TVs and more to connect directly to these points. Mesh router systems are typically easy to set up anywhere in a home or business.
How different is a mesh router compared to a regular router?
Mesh routers typically create stronger connections across larger spaces compared to stand-alone routers. They are specifically designed for bigger homes or businesses where more mobile devices or PCs require stable connections.
Buying Guide
Choosing a mesh router can be tricky if you don’t exactly know what to look out for. To help you, we’ve listed a few key aspects to keep in mind while shopping around.
- Range: This depends on the area you want to cover in or around your home or business. Some of the best mesh router systems offer coverage of 3,000 square feet or more.
- Speed: Most good mesh router systems offer speeds of up to 200 Mbps, with the maximum speeds going all the way up to 1,300Mbps. The speed you require depends on what you and your household or staff use the internet for. If you do lots of downloads and uploads, you may require faster speeds.
- Ethernet Ports: Ethernet offers much faster connections for devices like gaming consoles and smart TVs that require more bandwidth. If you use these types of devices, you want to choose a mesh router system featuring several ethernet ports.
Meshforce Mesh WiFi System
Best Coverage
This mesh system covers up to 6000 square feet
Create a super-powerful wireless network for your entire home with this dual-band, gigabyte internet system. You can connect up to 60 devices for everyone in your household to enjoy seamless, fast internet connections.
Pros:
- Allows for remote management through the My Mesh mobile app
- Features an option to create isolated guest Wi-Fi zones
Cons:
- Internet speeds may not be consistent at times
Amazon mesh wifi router
Best Security
Automatically updates its security settings to keep you protected
This mesh router works with all internet providers and easily connects with your existing modem to extend your WiFi range by an additional 1500 square feet. Its TrueMesh technology directs traffic in the system to avoid congestion, so you always have stable, fast internet on all your devices.
Pros:
- Allows you to easily add more eero hardware to extend the coverage
- Has a small and elegant design
Cons:
- Some older 2.4G devices may not connect to the router
TP-Link Home Mesh WiFi System
Best Basic Setup
Quickly and easily create a single network with one password
This basic but stable Wi-Fi mesh system lets you extend your network up to 5,500 square feet to enjoy coverage through your entire home. The unique adaptive routing technology directs speed to high-consuming devices to stop congestion in the network.
Pros:
- Features two Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections
- Can be used as a standalone router or in a system
Cons:
- Access point mode does not support some routers
NETGEAR Mesh WiFi System
Best Speeds
Can handle up to 2.2 Gbps speed
Extend your home network up to 6000 square feet with this pack that includes a router and two satellites. The Tri-Band Wi-Fi system delivers stable and fast internet throughout your house with zero dead zones if placed correctly.
Pros:
- Works with any Internet Service Provider up to 200 Mbps
- Features Ethernet ports on the router and satellites
Cons:
- Thick walls in older houses may block signals
Google Mesh WiFi System
Best Control
Use the Google Home App to easily control the entire network
This mesh system sets up within minutes via the Google Home App and lets you restrict adult content, control screen time and pause Wi-Fi to specific devices on your mesh network whenever you want.
Pros:
- Covers up to 4500 square feet
- Compatible with all Google Wi-Fi points
Cons:
- Power cords on the routers are quite short
