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Some lack USB jacks, and others limit you to only one or two spare Ethernet ports for wired connections to media streamers, smart home bridges and other common peripherals. Some mesh routers feature no additional ports whatsoever on the satellite extenders. Performance and value are probably the first things you'll look for as you shop for a mesh router, but there are other factors worth taking into consideration as well. Mesh routers typically don't come with many unique bells and whistles, but there are some standouts. That's a useful trick that lets you make use of your home network's security capabilities when you're connecting to a public Wi-Fi network. Many router manufacturers allow you to create a mesh network by adding more routers or devices like range extenders, but check what is supported before you buy.
In the end, I average it all together to get a good, comprehensive look at how each system performs. At a retail price of $699 for a two-pack, the AX6000 version of the Netgear Orbi is too expensive to recommend outright -- but if you just want one of the fastest mesh routers money can buy, look no further. The range of a wireless router simply refers to the physical space covered by its Wi-Fi network. Range is normally calculated based on a clear line of sight, with no obstructions between the router and the wireless device. Obstacles like furniture, walls, ceilings, and even people will reduce the actual range of a router. Also remember that 2.4GHz signals travel farther, and better through solid objects, than the higher-frequency 5GHz signals.
Best Smart Router – Google WiFi, $299 (3 units) $129 (single unit)
It isn't a top performer or a value pick, but the Amplifi Alien is a great-looking Wi-Fi 6 mesh router that lets you create a VPN-style connection to your home network when you're traveling, which is a nice, unique feature. A good mesh Wi-Fi system will spread fast, reliable internet speeds throughout your entire home. But, if your budget is limited, then you can go for those brands that offer a wide range of options at much lower prices than well-known brands. While the numbers are theoretical, and you typically won’t see actual speeds that match the listed numbers, you can use them to compare one router to another. For example, two AC1700 routers from different manufacturers are in the same general speed class , while an AC3000 router is going to be a lot faster. Jeremy Laukkonen is an experienced tech journalist with a background in automotive repair.
The three run simultaneously because of the tri-band network, allowing for more flexibility when it comes to network use. But you won't have to worry about space thanks to the small body design, with each unit only measuring 4 inches x 4 inches x1 inch. When it comes to NETGEAR, the Nighthawk brand typically means a better router compared to other options. And while the R6700 is not the most powerful Nighthawk, it is still a good router in its own right for the average user. It maintains a level of simplicity routers at that price range tend to offer, but with a little bump in power.
Does mesh Wi-Fi replace your router?
That includes AiProtection Pro , which monitors your network for malicious activity, no subscription required. This router supports AiMesh, which means you can add any other AiMesh Asus router to create a mesh network and expand connectivity in your home. This dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router is a top performer, delivering speeds up to 5,400Mbps, according to the brand. It also offers lifetime free internet security and is compatible with the Asus AiMesh feature, which enables you to connect to certain Asus routers to create a whole-home Wi-Fi mesh system.
The TP-Link Archer AX50 is proof that you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to upgrade your network with Wi-Fi 6 technology. And out of all of the options available, the Orbi RBK50 is easily the most powerful. The central router works with its extension satellite to provide single network coverage, so there's no need for changing networks.
Routers to future-proof the home:
Mesh routers are good for offering consistent speeds throughout your entire home, and the best of the bunch are capable of hitting gigabit speeds. But single-point, stand-alone routers usually cost less than mesh routers with comparable specs, so they'll typically offer better top speeds for the price. All of that makes the Deco W7200 an outstanding value and the first mesh router I'd point people to if they asked for a recommendation. Just know that it's been in and out of stock this year on Walmart's website, so it might not be immediately available in your area. If it isn't, you could also consider stepping up to the TP-Link Deco XE75, a similar system that adds Wi-Fi 6E support at $300 for a two-pack.
Here are a few that are worth looking at as you search for your ideal wireless router. Pay close attention to whether these features are free or part of a subscription. Some routers will come with a complimentary subscription to a security service, and then you have to pay if you want to keep the security features. Others include basic functionality, like a built-in firewall, that you don’t have to pay any ongoing fees to use. In some cases, a monthly subscription may be worth the expense if it offers sufficiently advanced protection features, but you can usually find routers that include basic firewall and content filtering features for free. Basic routers don’t include any built-in security measures, so you have to meticulously secure each of your devices individually.
I liked the Eero Pro 6 as an upgrade pick, but the standard Eero 6 wasn't quite strong enough for me to recommend it. Best of all, with a faster AX3000 design and support for full-width, 160MHz channels , the performance is significantly improved. TP-Link’s Tether app is very accessible and makes it easy to track traffic, set up guest networks, use parental controls, and prioritize different activities. Confusingly TP-Link offers HomeShield on some routers and HomeCare on others, including this one. HomeCare includes comprehensive parental controls, a malicious-content filter, intrusion prevention, and infected-device quarantine. Simple setup, silky performance, and serious speed make this Asus router a good choice for anyone prepared to spend more for smoother Wi-Fi.
It isn't as high-powered and it isn't a tri-band system like its big brother, but it comes with three devices that all support Wi-Fi 6 for $250, which makes it interesting. There was also a new dual-band ZenWiFi system last year called the ZenWiFi XD6 -- it performed quite well in our tests, but it only costs slightly less than the XT8. Between the three of them, the XT8 is the one I'd be looking to buy first. Expect regular updates to this post as new Wi-Fi mesh routers like those make it to market.
Before joining the team, he wrote for ITProPortal while living in Korea and later for TechRadar Pro after moving back to the US. Based in Houston, Texas, when he’s not writing Anthony can be found tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home. Input is another issue, especially if you live in an area where Gigabit internet is available. With a Gigabit connection, an older router can be a bottleneck, slowing down your entire home.
Home Entertainment Whether you want to build your own home theater or just learn more about TVs, displays, projectors, and more, we've got you covered. This way, you know exactly what you are getting ahead of time rather than being surprised by an item once it arrives at your door step-which could lead to the buyer's regret. The use of this website means that you accept the confidentiality regulations and the conditions of service. Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date. This is a model for shoppers on extremely tight budgets who are nonetheless looking for peak performance from a Wi-Fi 6 model. It's also got a snappy-looking chassis that should work well with most modern decor.
We recorded higher maximum game latency, the file transfer took nearly twice as long and both our wireless benchmarks and Cloudflare connection benchmarks crawled. When we moved the routers to a central location in our 2,000-square-foot test house, the AX21 outperformed AX50 on all of our upload and download tests across both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands — a clean sweep. Its average 5GHz performance was 30% to 40% slower than the Asus RT-AX86U and its closest competition, the TP-Link Archer AX6000, but it was still an excellent showing given its much lower price. Some of the RT-AX86U’s features are confusing to use, or at least poorly described in the documentation. You can, for example, enable Adaptive QoS to prioritize your gaming devices, or enable a specific “Gear Accelerator” for gaming.
