If you’re a gamer, you may also want to pass on a mesh Wi-Fi router because, as good as a mesh system is, it will never match the speeds one of the best gaming routers is capable of. If you live in a large home, you may want to consider mesh Wi-Fi in place of a regular router because it can better cover a large area with an unwavering Wi-Fi signal.Ĭonversely, if you live in a small home or apartment where one traditional router does the job well, you might not need to switch. So, should you buy a mesh Wi-Fi router? In some cases, mesh Wi-Fi is considered better than a traditional router, but it really comes down to what you need your Wi-Fi devices to accomplish. Is mesh Wi-Fi better than a traditional router? We then take everything we’ve learned and measure all that against its price tag to see if it’s a great value to consumers. Naturally, we also test it against our everyday network usage to give you a glimpse on its real-world performance.
We check its range and strength of coverage as well as perform the Ookla speed test and our file download test, jotting down any information we collect. We also check its ports and any extra features it might have – like the ability to create a guest network and set up family controls – as well as ease of initial setup and use. We take a look at its design, of course, because if you’re going to have several routers spread around your space, they should blend in with your home or office aesthetics. Much like with any peripheral or device we test, we check everything from its design and features to its performance. We test every mesh Wi-Fi router that lands on our desk before we can recommend it to you. However, you will find more affordable options if you know where to look. Remember that many of the best mesh Wi-Fi routers tend to be expensive. Other features like security protocols and parental controls are important as well, and gaming-focused extra if there are gamers in the family.
Based on that, you need to take a look at the mesh Wi-Fi system's range and performance.Īlso take a look at the design, setup process, and ease-of-use for when you need to adjust settings during use. When choosing the best mesh Wi-Fi router for you, there are a few important considerations starting with the size of your coverage area and the speed you require depending on your daily average needs and the amount of devices that regularly use your network.
Read our full Devolo Magic 2 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh review How to choose the best mesh Wi-Fi router for you And, if you require an even more solid and faster connection, two Ethernet ports per device are on hand. Its Wi-Fi speeds are relatively modest, but it’s more than enough for what most general users and households need. It had no trouble cruising along at 110Mbps and delivering a rock-steady 12.5MB/s for Steam downloads. Of course, if you’ve got a large house or building with a number of rooms to cover, that mesh technology via plug-in adapters also ensures that there aren’t any dead zones or weak areas. This mesh Powerline system allows you to enjoy robust and uninterrupted connectivity throughout your space even when you're dealing with an older space that regular mesh Wi-Fi routers cannot handle. The Magic 2 WiFi 6 Mesh absolutely smashes through thick walls and massive obstructions by using Powerline technology to break through those obstacles. We've also included the best router deals available since most mesh systems are still pretty expensive. Take a look at our top picks below with the Google Nest Wifi still at the top and some of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers included. We've tested a lot of routers over the years, putting them through their paces so we can make excellent recommendations to you. Although a strong case can be made for the best Wi-Fi extenders, these cannot perform as efficiently and seamlessly as mesh routers. So, whether you've got a large space, a spotty connection, or a lot of devices overwhelming your network, an excellent mesh system might be the ideal solution. That's because they don't just help you get rid of dead or weak spots they also ensure that every part of that home or office gets a strong, consistent signal. Upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system, therefore, makes a lot of sense. These days, even the best routers may no longer be enough as we shift towards busy multi-device networks being the new normal, even in regular households.