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ZDNET's key takeaways
Routers are cheaper, faster, and easier to set up.
Mesh systems fix dead zones with wider coverage.
Choose based on budget, home size, and connection needs.
With the adoption of remote and hybrid working, having a reliable internet connection at home is imperative -- not just for one device, but for several. If you have a family, maybe even dozens. So what's better, one single access point, or a mesh network spread about the home?
The answer depends on how your home and office are set up and what kind of connection you need. Wi-Fi routers are so good these days that a single access point is often the most straightforward solution. But if you have a larger home or your office is located far away from your router, a mesh network could be a game-changer, boosting the signal no matter where you are.
Also: The best VPN routers of 2025
If you're not sure of the difference, that's okay, too. Let's examine both types of connections and consider their pros and cons to determine which one is best for you.
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