Top 5 Mesh WiFi Systems Tested: Coverage Performance in Real Homes

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Let’s be honest. Nothing is more frustrating than your WiFi dying right when you’re about to win a game or during an important video call. If you’re constantly running around your house looking for that one spot with decent signal, you need a mesh WiFi system.

Think of mesh systems like a team of routers working together instead of one router trying to do everything alone. They spread WiFi evenly across your entire home, so you get the same strong signal in your bedroom as you do in the kitchen.

We tested dozens of mesh systems in actual homes with real families using them. Here’s what actually works.

Best Mesh WiFi Systems for Different Needs

Eero Pro 7 is our top choice for most people. It covers up to 6,000 square feet, sets up in about 10 minutes, and just works without any fuss. The app is super simple to use. You get WiFi 7, which means it’s ready for whatever devices you buy in the next few years. The downside? Parental controls cost extra at $10 per month.

TP-Link Deco BE63 gives you amazing value. For $270, you get a two-pack with WiFi 7 and really fast ports. It’s perfect if you have gigabit internet and don’t want to spend a fortune. Setup is easy, and performance is excellent across all our tests.

Asus ZenWiFi XT8 is still the WiFi 6 king. Sure, it’s not the newest technology, but it’s fast, reliable, and comes with free security software and parental controls for life. No monthly fees. That alone makes it worth considering, especially at its current price of around $330.

Netgear Orbi 770 is for people who want the absolute best. This thing is seriously fast and covers up to 8,000 square feet without breaking a sweat. At $550, it’s expensive. But if you have a big house and super fast internet, this is the one to get.

Eero 6+ is perfect for budget shoppers. At $300 for three units, it covers most average homes (up to 4,500 square feet) with solid WiFi 6 speeds. It’s great if your internet is 500 Mbps or slower.

WiFi 7 vs WiFi 6: What You Actually Need

Here’s the truth. Most people don’t need WiFi 7 yet. Your current devices probably don’t even support it. But WiFi 7 systems are getting cheaper, and they’ll last you longer before needing an upgrade.

WiFi 6 systems work great right now and cost less. If you’re on a budget, they’re totally fine. The Asus XT8 and Eero 6+ both use WiFi 6 and perform excellently in real-world use.

Setting Up Your Mesh System

Every system we tested was surprisingly easy to set up. You download an app, plug in the main router, and follow the instructions. Most took 10 to 20 minutes from box to working WiFi.

The apps tell you where to place each additional unit for best coverage. You don’t need to be tech-savvy. If you can use a smartphone, you can set these up.

What About Speed?

All five systems handled multiple 4K video streams, online gaming, and video calls without issues. The Netgear Orbi 770 was the fastest overall, but honestly, the difference in daily use between it and the Eero Pro 7 was barely noticeable.

The budget options (Eero 6+ and Deco BE63) were plenty fast for homes with internet speeds under 1 Gbps. Unless you’re downloading massive files constantly, you won’t feel limited.

Our Recommendation

Buy the Eero Pro 7 if you want the best overall experience. It’s fast, simple, and will last for years. Go with the TP-Link Deco BE63 if you want WiFi 7 on a budget. Pick the Eero 6+ if you need to save money but still want reliable coverage.

Skip the Netgear Orbi 770 unless you have a large home and really fast internet. The Asus XT8 is great if free parental controls matter to you.

Mesh WiFi Systems Comparison

All prices are manufacturer’s suggested retail. Watch for sales, especially during Prime Day or Black Friday. All systems work with older WiFi devices.