Once an exotic new innovation only the most tech-savvy early adopters bothered with, mesh routers have firmly entered the mainstream. In 2023, a versatile mesh Wi-Fi system belongs on any connected household’s shopping list.
But exactly what defines one of these futuristic-looking contraptions? And why might you want a mesh router over the regular wireless gateways internet providers hand out? Let’s break things down while showcasing this year’s top models to simplify your buying decision.
What Makes Mesh Routers Different
On the outside, mesh routers resemble the familiar black boxes that bring Wi-Fi into millions of homes already. Inside though lies bleeding-edge wireless radios, advanced antennas, and powerful CPUs unseen in typical budget routers.
These cutting-edge components link multiple compact router “nodes” placed throughout your abode. Together they form a cohesive blanket of Wi-Fi covering areas a single router struggles to reach.
Gone are the days of bedrooms or basements forever trapped in wireless dead zones! And as you add more smart gadgets, additional mesh nodes further boost speeds and capacity too.
While costing 3-4x over basic routers, mesh systems deliver essential future-proofed connectivity for the rapidly growing smart home ecosystem. One stands ready to supercharge your Wi-Fi experience today while keeping pace tomorrow.
Now let’s examine prime mesh router options available in 2023 by usage needs and budget.
Best Mesh Router Overall: Asus ZenWiFi AXE11000
Well-rounded performance, reliable security protocols and robust device support cement the Asus ZenWiFi AXE11000 as 2023’s premiere mesh router overall.
Key Specs:
- Quad-core 2.0GHz CPU
- 1024-QAM modulation
- OFDMA/MU-MIMO support – efficient traffic coordination
- AiProtection Pro – Trend MicroTM security
- Compatible with ASUS AiMesh expandability
By packing in a high-powered quad-core processor, Asus designed the ZenWiFi for juggling data transmissions across over 100 devices simultaneously. That grunt supports the latest Wi-Fi 6E enhancements like OFDMA/MU-MIMO for avoiding congestion at peak usage too.
1.8GBps speeds satisfy bandwidth-heavy applications like 8K video streaming, VR gaming and large file downloads. Built-in security from Trend Micro safeguards against malware and intrusions as your network scales up.
For those wanting rock-solid wireless foundations ready for tomorrow’s innovations, the polished AXE11000 belongs on your shortlist.
Best Budget Mesh Router: TP-Link Deco X60
Shopping for mesh Wi-Fi on a budget? The TP-Link Deco X60 keeps pricing in check without sacrificing modern essentials like Wi-Fi 6 and ample throughput.
Key Specs:
- Broadcom quad-core 1.5GHz CPU
- 2×2 & 4×4 MU-MIMO support – avoids congestion
- 1.8Gbps combined speeds
- 3 available ethernet ports per module
- Wi-Fi 6 protocol connectivity
By utilizing a quad-core Broadcom chipset similar to pricier models, the Deco X60 punches above its weight managing multiple connections. 1.8Gbps total throughput leaves breathing room even for bandwidth hogs.
The flexible architecture Links Deco units into a cohesive mesh. This expands coverage up to 5800 sq ft while keeping signals strong in the trickiest corners that stymie standard routers. Even better – optional malware filtering from Trend Micro is available.
For thrifty households needing an affordable way to eliminate dead spots and modernize Wi-Fi, the Deco X60 impresses.
Best Gaming Mesh Router: Netgear Orbi 860 Series
Locate the online shootout winners packing Netgear’s Orbi 860 for low-latency victories. Its beefy quad-core 3.2GHz processor and dedicated gaming bandwidth optimize connections for competitive play.
Key Specs:
- Qualcomm IPQ8078 quad-core 3.2GHz CPU
- Custom gaming bandwidth optimization
- Quad-band Wi-Fi 6E support
- Over 4.8Gbps combined speeds
- Harman Kardon speaker integration
Dedicating one of its four wireless bands solely to gaming traffic ensures minimized latency for Fortnite sessions and Call of Duty tournaments. Lag spikes get eliminated so can’t blame flaky Wi-Fi on losing!
Blazing Wi-Fi 6E speeds beyond 4.8Gbps keep 4K streams smooth too so housemates won‘t grumble. Harmon Kardon speakers built into each satellite pump out rich audio anywhere desired as well.
With specialized gaming tweaks and lavish performance, Netgear’s Orbi 860 lets you frag without excuses.
Most Expandable Mesh Router: Eero Pro 6E
Eero staked its reputation on exceptional mesh networking flexibility. The Eero Pro 6E system embodies that expandability spirit further with tri-band Wi-Fi 6E to boot.
Key Specs:
- Latest Wi-Fi 6E standard support
- Added high-speed 6GHz band
- Each node covers 2,000 sq ft
- Over 2.3Gbps combined throughput
- Zigbee smart home connectivity hub
While one Eero Pro 6E node blankets up to 2000 sq ft alone, additional units extend reach even further. The self-configuring TrueMeshTM software automatically incorporates new nodes into the network.
This permits easily filling out coverage down the line by just plugging in more Eero routers. Their compact design blends into any room’s décor too – critical for versatile placement.
With phenomenal range potential and built-in smart home versatility, watch your network possibilities expand endlessly with Eero Pro hardware.
Most Powerful Mesh Router: ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12
The ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 sports bleeding-edge Wi-Fi 6E technology producing wireless speeds rivaling enterprise-grade commercial routers.
Key Specs:
- Latest Wi-Fi 6E standard
- Quad-band connectivity
- 5.4Gbps combined throughput
- Each node has 2.5GbE WAN port
- Qualcomm Networking Pro 1210 platform
By integrating Qualcomm’s beefiest networking focused chipset packing a quad-core 2.2 GHz processor, the ET12 juggles over 140 simultaneous connections without sweat. All while nearly matching the throughput of wired networks!
Each node further includes an incredible 2.5Gbps WAN port for tapping upgraded multi-gigabit fiber connections many ISPs now offer. This leaves excess bandwidth for tomorrow‘s innovations.
For power users needing no-compromise Wi-Fi to support 50+ devices, 8K video streams, VR applications and beyond – the ET12 satiates.
Best Mesh Router for Smart Homes: Amazon Eero Pro 6
Smart home builders flocking to Amazon’s ecosystem will feel right at home with the Eero Pro 6’s native Zigbee integration and Alexa voice assistant access.
Key Specs:
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 support
- Integrated Zigbee smart home hub
- Alexa built-in for voice controls
- Over 1Gbps combined speeds
- Each node has two ethernet ports
Both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz band radios push speedy gigabit throughput suitable for 4K streaming. The Eero Pro 6 really differentiates itself though with Zigbee radio baked inside.
This allows directly connecting smart sensors, lights, switches and other supported devices wirelessly instead of needing seperate hubs cluttering shelves. Control them all via Alexa then using just your voice!
For homes committing fully into Amazon’s environments, the amazing Alexa integration warrants making Eero your mesh router of choice.
How To Choose The Right Mesh Router
Even with our curated list highlighting the best mesh routers for common scenarios, additional factors impact what model works ideally for your household. Let’s explore them:
Wi-Fi Standards Supported
The Wi-Fi generation indicates the wireless protocols and technologies supported. Both dictate maximum speeds and device connectivity capabilities.
For future-proofing look for Wi-Fi 6 and the newest Wi-Fi 6E standard in 2023. They unlock faster multi-Gbps speeds and advanced efficiency enhancements. Some budgets models utilize Wi-Fi 5 to keep costs lower though.
Wireless Frequency Bands
Home Wi-Fi utilizes both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz frequency bands – or radios broadcasting at those wavelengths. Most routers support both simultaneously.
2.4Ghz travels farther and penetrates walls better. But 5Ghz delivers faster throughput to nearby devices, ideal for media streaming. Mesh routers utilize both to optimize signal reach and speed.
Wi-Fi 6E models additionally tap into the wide open 6Ghz band for another dedicated high-speed pipeline unaffected by legacy device interference.
Node Expandability
Mesh networks get formed adhoc by wiring up multiple router nodes to blanket larger areas seamlessly.
Some models limit expandability requiring using the same model nodes. Others flexibly work with alternate access points supporting the same standards.
If unsure of needed coverage, choose hardware supporting simple plug-and-play expansion later by mixing node types.
Wired Ports Per Node
Even in our wireless world, many devices still require directly plugging into routers for optimal connectivity.
Prioritize mesh routers with at least three ethernet ports per node to wire devices like smart TVs, game consoles and network attached storage without needing a separate switch.
Security Protocols
With everything from smartphones to refrigerators connecting these days, routers serve as critical guardians safeguarding your devices and data streams.
Mesh models packing extra security like anti-malware scanning, intrusion protection, enforced encryption and robust parental controls to limit kids’ access provide essential layered defenses.
What It‘s Like Using Mesh Wi-Fi
Wondering how upgrading from your existing router to a cutting-edge mesh system might transform daily device usage across your household? Here‘s what to expect:
Speedy, Congestion-Free Video Streaming
- Multiple family members can simultaneously stream or video chat in 4K without buffering thanks to extra bandwidth
- Advanced Wi-Fi 6/6E coordination avoids congestion during peak usage times
Zero Dead Zones Across All Rooms
- Consistent full-strength signals from multiple access points placed throughout home
- No more wireless frustration moving room to room or out on the patio
Simple Expandability
- Optional nodes plug right into existing mesh network and configure themselves automatically
- Extend Wi-Fi out to the garage or back house without running ethernet cables
Effortless Smart Home Integration
- Control lights, thermostats, cameras and appliances via the router itself rather than individual apps
- Use voice assistants to manage devices without touching anything
For tech-forward households, mesh routers provide the bedrock for realizing all the next-gen wireless innovations coming down the pipeline soon.
FAQs About Mesh Routers
Q: What exactly is a mesh router?
A: Mesh routers utilize a set of multiple wireless access points simultaneously broadcasting the same Wi-Fi network. This provides wider coverage than a single router while allowing seamless roaming between access points.
Q: Why might I want a mesh router over a standard wireless router?
A: Reasons to upgrade to mesh include needing expanded Wi-Fi coverage spanning more rooms, increased bandwidth and speeds to support additional devices, future-proofing for coming wireless standards, and enabling integration of Wi-Fi connected smart home devices.
Q: How many nodes do I need for mesh to work?
A: You can begin with a single node in smaller spaces. But for meshing multiple nodes wirelessly, a minimum of two is required. More nodes installed in larger homes provide optimal coverage.
Q: What‘s the difference between Wi-Fi generations like 5, 6 and 6E?
A: New Wi-Fi generations introduce support for faster top speeds, increased number of simultaneously connected devices, and advanced efficiency boosting technologies while maintaining backwards compatibility with earlier devices.
Q: Will a Wi-Fi 6 mesh router work with my older Wi-Fi 5 phone?
A: Yes! The benefit of newer standards is that they maintain compatibility with older devices, just potentially not hitting the very peak speeds possible. But they will connect and function normally.
