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WiFi dead zones and slow connections are downright annoying, if not devastating for those who work from home. If you have a large home or home that is oddly shaped, you probably know this fact all too well. This is true for commercial property owners too.
To combat WiFi dead zones, you can purchase a mesh router system instead of a traditional one. Mesh routers extend the network much like a WiFi repeater, but it does so at the same power and speed of your traditional system.
To help you find the best mesh router for your home, we analyzed 17 products over 45 hours. We also considered 987 customer reviews to find the best products today.
From our research, we found that the TP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh WiFi System is the best overall option because it is fast, efficient, and fairly priced. This is not the only great mesh router in Canada, though.
To find out more about our best overall mesh router and more, keep reading. We also offer a convenient buying guide at the end of this article to help you learn which specs to look for in a mesh router. Let’s dive right in.
Our Top Pick Mesh Router in 2023
The TP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh WiFi System is our best overall pick because it offers great power, easy setup, and affordability. Even though some people claim that it does not offer the best WiFi available, it still is a high performing pick that will satisfy most user’s needs.
Pros
- Affordable
- Covers large square footage
- Seamless roaming
- Fast speed for many devices
Cons
- Some complaints about WiFi power
- No dedicated antenna
- Unclear how to renew antivirus system
Our selection of the best models available right now:
-
- TP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh WiFi System
- NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System
- Amazon eero Mesh WiFi System
- Google WiFi Mesh WiFi System
- NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System
- Meshforce M3 Mesh WiFi System
- Amazon eero Pro Mesh WiFi System
- TP-Link AX1800 Whole Home Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Wi-Fi System
Mesh Router Comparative Table
Image | Product | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Top Pick
|
TP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh WiFi system
|
8.8
|
See price on AmazonSee price on Best Buy |
Upgrade Pick
|
NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System
|
8.6
|
See price on AmazonSee price on Best Buy |
Alexa Compatible
|
Amazon eero Mesh WiFi System
|
8.8
|
See price on AmazonSee price on Walmart |
Google Compatible
|
Google WiFi – AC1200 – Mesh WiFi System
|
9.2
|
See price on AmazonSee price on Home Depot |
Our Pick for The Best Mesh Router
Presentation of the TP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh WiFi System Review
The Best Overall
TP-Link
Our top pick for the best mesh router is the TP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh WiFi System. This system is great for those who want to extend their WiFi reach without breaking the bank. It is also great for many home sizes, making it suitable for just about every user.
TP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh WiFi System Video Review
What We Think of the TP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh WiFi System
Whether you are looking for a killer mesh router, easy setup, or affordable price, the TP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh WiFi System has it all. For this reason, we named it our best overall mesh router for 2021.
The first thing we really love about this mesh router is that it comes in three sizes: a 1 pack, 2 pack, and 3 pack. This allows you to find a mesh system that matches your home size perfectly. The 3 pack can cover up to 5,500 square feet. All the while, it can keep over 100 devices connected.
On top of being able to connect to a lot of devices, it even comes with adaptive routing technology. This technology allows for the system to automatically select the fastest path for each device. This creates an incredibly flexible placement experience.
I purchased this a year ago and it fixed all WiFi issues I was experiencing. This year I even bought a set for my parents so that they can enjoy it too.
Justin
Additionally, the TP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh WiFi System comes with easy setup. All you need to do is download the TP-Link app. After you plug in your system, the app will give you the instructions you need to get your system up and running.
You can protect your home network easily against intruders, viruses, and malware. It comes with parental controls so that you can block inappropriate content or restrict time usage for your children. All the while, this system is highly affordable.
Even though we, as well as most other users, love this mesh system, a few people were not as impressed. More than one user noted that WiFi did not meet their expectations and performed poorly. Still, the majority of users enjoyed the TP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh WiFi System’s speed and power, some even going as far as to say they bought a set for their family members too.
TP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh WiFi System Specifications
- Brand: TP-Link
- Series: Deco M5 (3-pack)
- Speed: AC1300 (Dual-Band)
- Ethernet Ports: 6x Gigabit
- WiFi Coverage: 5,500 sq. ft.
- Connected Devices: 100+
- Color: White
TP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh WiFi System Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Affordable
- Covers large square footage
- Seamless roaming
- Fast speed for many devices
Cons
- Some complaints about WiFi power
- No dedicated antenna
- Unclear how to renew antivirus system
Our Final Opinion About the TP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh WiFi System
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
The TP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh WiFi System is our best overall pick because it offers great power, easy setup, and affordability. Even though some people claim that it does not offer the best WiFi available, it still is a high performing pick that will satisfy most user’s needs.
Our Upgrade Pick for a Mesh Router
Presentation of the NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System Review
The High Performance Pick
NETGEAR
If you have a couple of extra dollars to splurge on a high performance mesh system, we recommend selecting the NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System. Although this option is expensive, it is the high performance pick, complete with tri-band frequency, easy setup, and more, making more than worth the price for some.
NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System Video Review
What We Think of the NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System
Although the NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System certainly is not for those on a budget, it is a great option if you are looking for a high performance system. With a sleek design and superior specs, this system is our upgrade pick.
The most impressive feature of the system is its tri-band backhaul. This frees up the two other bands, allowing it to offer maximum speed to up to 60 devices. With the ability to cover 5,000 square feet with this tri-band technology, this system really does beat dead zones completely.
In case all of this sounds like a foreign language, all of these specs lead to five times faster speeds and 300% more device capacity. This allows it to have a GBPS streaming speed of 6 and handle 12 simultaneous streams.
This is an amazing product! We needed to upgrade our system because of our device amount and traffic. A lot of routers was not a great choice, so we went with the mesh style instead. This is flawless. If you are looking for full coverage with great speed, this is the best choice.
Romaine
In addition to the superior specs, it is super easy to setup and manage. You simply connect it to the existing cable modem. From there, it begins to set up and you can customize it within minutes using the Orbi app. This provides control over the WiFi settings, network level, testing, history, and more.
Obviously, with an upgraded pick, the biggest downfall of this option is its price. Many people did note that you get what you pay for, which is superior WiFi, but it simply is outside of most people’s budget.
Although the vast majority of users were in love with the NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System, a few were not as impressed. Out of the critiques, there were not any consistent drawbacks. For example, one person noted that installation was difficult, but no one else said the same. In fact, most people said the opposite.
Because this option offers such great WiFi capabilities, it really is our top pick for a luxury and upgraded system. Expect to pay a couple extra bucks for it, but it is worth it.
NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System Specifications
- Brand: NETGEAR
- Series: RBK852-100CNS
- Speed: AX6000 (Tri-Band)
- Ethernet Ports: 5x Gigabit
- WiFi Coverage: 5,000 sq. ft.
- Connected Devices: 60
- Color: White
NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Tri-band power
- 300% more device capacity
- Covers an additional 2,500 sq. ft. with extended coverage
- Orbi App capability
Cons
Cons
- Expensive
Our Final Opinion About the NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System
Quality 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
So long as you are willing to spend some extra money on the NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System, this mesh system will provide superior coverage with its tri-band technology and impressive specs, which is why it is our high performance pick.
Our Alexa Compatible Pick for a Mesh Router
Presentation of the Amazon eero Mesh WiFi System Review
The Best For Alexa Pairing
Amazon
If you want a mesh system that connects with your Alexa device, the Amazon eero Mesh WiFi System is the way to go. It is sleek, easy to use, and easily connects with your Alexa device, all while offering better Internet connection throughout your home.
Amazon eero Mesh WiFi System Video Review
What We Think of the Amazon eero Mesh WiFi System
The Amazon eero Mesh WiFi System offers whole home coverage and the convenience to pair with another Alexa device. All the while, it is moderately priced, allowing it to fit most people’s budget.
Starting with the specs of the system, this three pack can cover up to 5,000 square feet. How it works is that it connects to your existing modem so that it can bring the Internet you already have throughout your entire home. It is a dual brand device that is best for Internet speeds up to 350 M BPS.
As for setup, the process is really easy. You download the eero app that allows you to walk through the entire setup. This app also lets you manage the network from any location. The entire system even automatically updates for optimal safety and efficiency.
I have tested over 6 different mesh WiFi system brands. This is a keeper. It has good strong WiFi throughout the house that is 450 square feet with over 40 devices. Love.
Gadgetct
One of the greatest features of the Amazon eero Mesh WiFi System is that it includes eero TrueMesh technology, which allows the device to intelligently root the traffic so as to avoid any buffering, congestion, or drop offs.
As a whole, users were generally pretty pleased with this device, but many noted that it is nothing special. They said that because of its affordable price, however, the lack of unique or excellent features was OK.
One thing that was critiqued a lot was that it does not come with good customer support in the case that something should go wrong. Multiple users actually use the word “useless” to describe the customer support with this system.
Aside from the issues with customer support, the Amazon eero Mesh WiFi System is a pretty decent mesh router with Alexa capability.
Amazon eero Mesh WiFi System Specifications
- Brand: Amazon
- Series: eero Mesh
- Speed: 3050 MBPS
- Ethernet Ports: 6x Gigabit
- WiFi Coverage: 5,000 sq. ft.
- Color: White
Amazon eero Mesh WiFi System Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Alexa device compatible
- TrueMesh technology
- Easy setup
- Affordable
Cons
- Decent but not outstanding
- Poor customer support
Our Final Opinion About the Amazon eero Mesh WiFi System
Quality 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
The Amazon eero Mesh WiFi System is the best mesh system with Alexa capabilities. It is affordable, efficient, and fast acting, making it a great option for those who need a workable mesh system that can be controlled by voice.
Our Google Compatible Pick for a Mesh Router
Presentation of the Google WiFi Mesh WiFi System Review
The Best For Google Pairing
Google
If you do not have an Alexa but love your Google system, you can hook up to it using the Google WiFi Mesh WiFi System. This option is scalable, efficient, and easy to control. Plus, you can connect it to your Google system.
Google WiFi Mesh WiFi System Video Review
What We Think of the Google WiFi Mesh WiFi System
The Google WiFi Mesh WiFi System is our best pick for Google pairing because it pairs beautifully, all while offering maximum efficiency at a relatively affordable price. The 3 pack has the ability to cover 4,500 square feet, which is big enough for most homes.
Much like the Alexa pick, this system comes with intelligent technology that allows the WiFi to remain fast, helping you to stream with speed. Even when multiple devices are streaming, the system updates so that it can stay fast.
Setting up the Google WiFi Mesh WiFi System is really easy. Using the Google Home app, you create your network and get the system up and running within minutes. Using this app, you can also set parental controls, such as screen time, adult content, and more. You can even prioritize devices or set up a guest network.
My last router kept dropping my connection during class. This one fixed the problem. No more dropped classes! I recommend it!
Kathleen T.
Something that is unique about the system is that it is sustainably designed. 49% of the 2020 model is made from recycled plastic parts. This is an added bonus that most people love.
When looking at the reviews for this system, the majority gave it five stars and were impressed. However, multiple users had the opposite experience. Many of these users claimed that the speed and connection was very poor, making it essentially useless.
Despite some of the bitter views, the vast majority are positive from every perspective. Almost everyone increase that the Google WiFi Mesh WiFi System works fast and efficiently.
Google WiFi Mesh WiFi System Specifications
- Brand: Google
- Series: GJ2CQ
- Speed:11AC
- WiFi Coverage: 4,500 sq. ft.
- Color: White
Google WiFi Mesh WiFi System Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Features intelligent technology for optimal speeds
- Comes with parental controls
- Google connectivity
- Made from 49% recycled materials
Cons
- Some users experienced poor connectivity and speeds
Our Final Opinion About the Google WiFi Mesh WiFi System
Quality 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.3 Design 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
The Google WiFi Mesh WiFi System is the top hit if you want a mesh system that connects with Google devices. As a whole, it works shockingly well all while connecting to Google devices and not costing you a fortune.
Alternative Products to Consider
Presentation of the NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System Review
The Large Home Pick
NETGEAR
If you have a really large home or space, you need a mesh router that might be more powerful than the other options we have listed so far. This NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System is by far the best system if you need to cover a large area. Plus, it does not cost you a fortune either.
NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System Video Review
What We Think of The NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System
The NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System is our large home pick because it can cover up to 6,000 square feet and 20 devices. Although this is not a lot of devices, it sure is a lot of square footage that most other devices can’t reach. You can even extend that coverage by 2,000 square feet with the use of additional satellites.
The specs for the system are relatively impressive too. It comes with one Gigabit Ethernet port and 2.2 GBPS for streaming HD videos, Internet searching, gaming, and more. To ensure that your system works quickly, it comes with a tri-band backhaul.
This is very easy to set up. The speed is great when using the 5GHz band. I have no issues with poor connection or dropouts.
Corey H.
Like a couple of the other great mesh systems on this list, the NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System also comes with parental controls. This will allow you to view Internet history, pause Internet access to individual devices, and more, though you will need to pay a low fee each month.
The main reason why we did not make this our best pick is because it can only support up to 20 devices. Although this will be plenty for a household of one or two, this may be an issue for large households or business owners looking to add an option for their customers.
The one critique that also was mentioned by multiple users is that the customer service is very poor. This can be an issue if you run into problems with your system and need it fixed. Overall, you will not find another mesh system that can extend the coverage as far as this one, making it the best choice for large properties.
NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System Specifications
- Brand: NETGEAR
- Series: RBK23-100CNS
- Speed: AC220 (Tri-Band)
- WiFi Coverage: 6,000 sq. ft.
- Connected Devices: 20
- Color: White
NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Widest coverage
- Outstanding parental controls
- Easy to setup
Cons
- Does not support many devices
- Poor customer service
Our Final Opinion About the NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Price4.5 out of 5.0 stars
For those who are looking for a mesh system that can extend the WiFi coverage over a large area, the NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System is the choice for you. It has one of the widest ranges, all while being highly efficient and coming with convenient features.
Presentation of the Meshforce M3 Mesh WiFi System Review
The Best Budget Pick
Meshforce
If you are on a really tight budget, the Meshforce M3 Mesh WiFi System is a great option that will not break the bank. It offers impressive coverage and device compatibility all at an affordable price.
Meshforce M3 Mesh WiFi System Video Review
What We Think of the Meshforce M3 Mesh WiFi System
In terms of price and value, the Meshforce M3 Mesh WiFi System is tough to beat. Just looking at price alone, the system is much more affordable than the other options. Its continued support and quality also makes it a great value pick, allowing you to truly get your money’s worth for this product.
The M3 system supports up to 60 devices and can cover a range of about 4,000 square feet. Equipped with the flexible AC1200 dual-band, it will be able to seamlessly connect all your WiFi, eliminating dead spots in your home.
The Meshforce M3 Mesh WiFi System comes with a really convenient app, much like many of the other options on this list. This app will allow you to set up your entire system in under 15 minutes. Once setup is complete, you can continue to control your system with the app. The app allows you to connect to individual devices, create guest zones, set parental controls, and more.
This is great. No more of my family members have to complain about the WiFi. I live in a bungalow and the modem is on the main floor. Before, we could get WiFi if we were sitting close to the modem, but it was weak in the basement and elsewhere. With this system, I have 60 MBPS at the furthest point of my home. This is a great improvement! I love how I can block unwanted users.
Ian
Immediately, the biggest drawback about this product is that it offers notably less coverage than all the other options on this list. With that being said, it still will be efficient for most homes, but those with larger properties may want to consider something else.
Additionally, several users noted that it is a very basic mesh router. Given that it is our budget pick, it makes sense for this to be one of the more basic options. Nevertheless, it might not be the choice for you if you want an upgraded pick.
All around, the Meshforce M3 Mesh WiFi System is worth the money. For those on a budget, this system will extend your coverage without costing you an arm or a leg.
Meshforce M3 Mesh WiFi System Specifications
- Brand: Meshforce
- Series: Deco M5 (3-pack)
- Speed: AC1200 (Dual-Band)
- WiFi Coverage: 4,000 sq. ft.
- Connected Devices: 60
- Color: White
Meshforce M3 Mesh WiFi System Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Can support a decent amount of devices at once
Cons
- Basic mesh router
- Short range
Our Final Opinion About the Meshforce M3 Mesh WiFi System
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Those looking for a budget pick should look at the Meshforce M3 Mesh WiFi System first. This system is incredibly affordable, but it still offers incredible connection and extension much like many of the other picks on this list.
Presentation of the Amazon eero Pro Mesh WiFi System Review
The Alexa Compatible Alternative
Amazon
Because Alexa connectivity is all the rage right now, we figured we should put an Alexa compatible alternative for those who want an upgraded pick that is also Alexa compatible. The Amazon eero Pro Mesh WiFi System is the best choice for this because it offers enhanced features and capabilities, all while being Alexa compatible.
Amazon eero Pro Mesh WiFi System Video Review
What We Think of the Amazon eero Pro Mesh WiFi System
Finally, the last mesh router we are going to look at in detail is the Amazon eero Pro Mesh WiFi System. Much like our top Alexa compatible pick, this one is compatible with Alexa. This one is different in how it offers enhanced features and capabilities, which causes it to be more expensive as well.
The system itself is designed to replace, extend, or boost a traditional router in a 5+ bedroom home. Each eeros add 1,750 square feet of coverage, which results in 5,250 square feet coverage using all three. It even comes with tri-band power, allowing the connection to be faster and more reliable than normal dual-band options. In fact, this option works twice as fast as the original eero.
In addition to having superior connection and specs, the Amazon eero Pro Mesh WiFi System is also really easy to set up. You simply download the companion mobile app, which walks you through the setup process. It should take you mere minutes to get the system up and running.
I have had no issues. I wanted a quality router to work in my home. This is perfect. It is pricey, but it is worth that. It allows you to move seamlessly throughout the home without disconnecting. I do not understand the monthly fee and it is pricey, but it is great, and I recommend it.
TG
Even though this is a great choice, we listed it as the alternative for a reason. Most notably, this is a pretty expensive mesh router. You would expect the system to offer much more impressive features for the dollar it is asking. Many users noted that even though it works well, it is too expensive for what it provides.
Another notable drawback is that it does not come with full parental controls. Almost every other router on this list, including those half of the price, included this feature. Given this option’s price, you would expect this of the router.
Still, the Amazon eero Pro Mesh WiFi System is a great choice if you want a router with tri-band technology that also connects to Alexa. It will work quickly and efficiently, but it is asking a bit too much for what it offers.
Amazon eero Pro Mesh WiFi System Specifications
- Brand: Amazon
- Series: eero Pro
- Speed: AC1300 (Dual-Band)
- WiFi Coverage: 5,250 sq. ft.
- Color: White
Amazon eero Pro Mesh WiFi System Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Alexa connectivity
- Large reach and coverage
- Tri-band technology
Cons
Cons
- Expensive
- Subpar for its price
- Does not offer complete parental control
Our Final Opinion About the Amazon eero Pro Mesh WiFi System
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price4.2 out of 5.0 stars
If you are looking for a tri-band mesh router with Alexa connectivity, the Amazon eero Pro Mesh WiFi System is a great choice. With that being said, it is much more expensive than many of the other options on this list, and it is not worth the price for most. You might want to go with something else unless you are really sold on this option.
Presentation of the TP-Link AX1800 Whole Home Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Wi-Fi System 2-Pack Review
The Strong Signal Alternative
If you want to eliminate dead zones and weak signals for good, we recommend the TP-Link AX1800 Whole Home Wi-Fi 6 mesh Wi-Fi system 2-pack since it uses advanced Wi-Fi technology and offers a large coverage area for a strong signal in every room of the home.
TP-Link AX1800 Whole Home Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Wi-Fi System 2-Pack Video Review
What We Think of the TP-Link AX1800 Whole Home Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Wi-Fi System 2-Pack
The TP-Link AX1800 whole home Wi-Fi 6 mesh Wi-Fi system comes in a two-pack for a total coverage area of up to 4000 sq. ft.
This unit works together to deliver seamless coverage over large areas and across multiple floors for a reliable, strong signal with great speeds everywhere you need it in your home.
The dual band Wi-Fi system will automatically switch connected devices to the best performing band for optimal performance every second. You won’t experience buffering or connection delays with this Deco X2 system.
This system can connect to up to 150 devices at once, so it is also a good choice for commercial uses like business locations and offices.
“Compared to the 35Mbps speeds I was getting before, the 170Mbps I get in my top floor office thanks to this router is excellent. I have one set up in the basement and one on the main floor. I’m getting top speeds on the 3rd floor in every room. I did purchase the wall mount too which I’ve found to be very helpful. My cameras, phone, laptop, TV, Google Nest, and spouses’ devices all keep top speeds when we’re all connected together.” Justin W
Parents can set up parental controls to restrict their kid’s access as well. this router comes with a lifetime subscription to TP-Link HomeCare for powerful antivirus protection and advanced QoS.
The router can operate in temperatures ranging from 0 to 40 degrees Celsius, so it can be setup in an outdoor location for Wi-Fi access in a backyard as long as it is protected from the elements.
TP-Link AX1800 Whole Home Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Wi-Fi System 2-Pack Specifications
- Brand: TP-Link
- Series: Deco X20
- Speed: 1200Mbps
- Ethernet Ports: 4
- Wi-Fi Coverage: 4000 sq. ft.
- Connected Devices: 150 devices
- Colour: White
TP-Link AX1800 Whole Home Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Wi-Fi System 2-Pack Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Connects to up to 150 devices
- Covers 4000 sq. ft. to eliminate dead zones
- Operates between 0 and 40 degrees Celsius
- Parental controls for peace of mind
Cons
Cons
- Not all devices are Wi-Fi 6 compatible
- Cannot disable remote management
Our Final Opinion About the TP-Link AX1800 Whole Home Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Wi-Fi System 2-Pack
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Price4.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Overall, the performance, ease of setup, and overall quality of the TP-Link mesh Wi-Fi system meets all of our standards. The Wi-Fi 6 system delivers exceptional speeds with the latest Wi-Fi technology that makes it a great choice for multiple floors, large homes, and many devices.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks. The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying a Mesh Router
How is a mesh router system different from a traditional system?
Traditional router systems offer a singular access point for the connection. Mesh systems, on the other hand, do not have a centralized access point. The mesh networks are created from several nodes that offer web connectivity, in comparison to traditional routers that connect to a single gateway to the Internet.
It may be helpful to think of a mesh router as being the equivalent of having three to five different routers inside your home. The difference is that they all share in on a single WiFi network.
Who should get a mesh router?
Mesh routers are ideal for people who have large or oddly shaped houses. Because multiple parts are able to extend the WiFi connection, these mesh routers can eliminate WiFi dead zones, whether they are caused by a large size or unusual shaped home. A mesh router is also a great option for people who need to reboot the system constantly.
What are the benefits of buying a mesh router?
The biggest benefit of buying a mesh router is that it eliminates WiFi dead zones. This allows streamlined connections. Additionally, they offer easy network management and tight security.
What are the drawbacks of buying a mesh router?
Even though there are a lot of benefits of mesh routers, there are some drawbacks as well. Most notably, it is expensive, and many smaller homes will find the extra power offered with mesh routers completely unnecessary for their home. It also comes with more equipment.
Do I still need Ethernet?
Ethernet offers the fastest and most stable WiFi connection. For this reason, you should still use Ethernet for optimal WiFi connection, even when using a mesh router. Mesh routers will come with Ethernet ports to make connecting to your existing service easy and seamless.
How to Properly Choose Your Mesh Router
Choosing a mesh router can be difficult because most people do not really understand the specs and features of the device in the first place. So that you can better select the best mesh router for your home, we are going to look at the most important factors to look at before choosing a mesh router.
Mesh Speed
The most important factor to consider is speed. If you need a mesh router for an office space that requires many people hooking up to the connection, you likely want a model that comes at the highest speeds. For those needing high speeds, anything over 30 MB/sec will be best.
Most homes, on the other hand, do not necessarily need that sort of speed. It will make the mesh router more expensive than you should actually pay. With a 15 MB/sec option, you will be able to surf the Internet all while streaming 24K videos in HDR.
Radio Bands
Today, WiFi supports two radio bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Each of these bands are divided into channels. 5 GHz offers more bandwidth than the 2.4 GHz counterpart. Although it offers better performance, the 2.4 GHz radio band has greater distance. Plus, 2.4 GHz penetrates obstructions better.
Some mesh systems will be dual-band. Although this sounds fancy, you only can use about half of the bandwidth provided. The tri-band design, however, offers faster connection, but it will cost more money at the same time.
Usability
Aside from the more technical specs, you need to think about usability as well. Usability is what will allow you to actually understand the device, use it as necessary, and fix it should an issue arise.
Today, the best mesh systems come with a smartphone app that comes with a more convenient set up and management. Although smartphone apps are convenient, many of the options are not intuitive, making web portals an even better option. It is best to find a router with both.
Another important feature related to usability is voice command integration. Many of the best mesh systems today allow you to integrate with Alexa or Google Assistant. This is a really usable feature that you might want to consider.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of mesh routers allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.