Editor's note: We think you should be aware that TP-Link routers are under investigation by the US government over security concerns and could be banned in the US this year, according to multiple news reports. The TP-Link Deco W7200 was previously named our best overall choice. While our evaluation of the hardware hasn't changed, out of extreme caution for our readers, we decided to pause it as our top recommendation until we learn more. Read CNET's reporting for more information.
What is the best mesh Wi-Fi system overall?
The best mesh router overall is the Eero 6 Plus. It's a two-piece mesh system that checks a lot of boxes: support for Wi-Fi 6, fast performance and a price tag of $300. Those specs translate to real-world results: The Eero 6 Plus produced fast, consistent speeds and range in our testing.
We've still got lots of routers and mesh systems we'd like to try out, the majority of which use Wi-Fi 6 technology. In 2024, we also saw plenty of new systems that support Wi-Fi 7, which promises to make even better use of that 6GHz band for smoother, faster connections. A few of those systems, including the Netgear Orbi 970 series and the Eero Max 7, are already available for purchase (more on those a little further down the post).
Shop around and you'll find mesh routers from Eero, Netgear Orbi, Linksys, Nest and others that support Wi-Fi 6E, which means they can also accessnewly unlocked mass of fresh bandwidth in the 6GHz band.
Expect regular updates to this post as new Wi-Fi mesh routers like those make it to market. For now, here are our picks for the top-tested systems you should be considering first if you're shopping for the best mesh Wi-Fi system options available now.
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Best mesh routers
CNET Eero 6 Plus Best overall Eero was an early pioneer of the mesh networking approach, and in 2019, it got scooped up by Amazon. Then, in 2020, we got two new versions of the Eero mesh router: the Eero 6 and Eero Pro 6, both of which add support for Wi-Fi 6. I liked the Eero Pro 6 as an upgrade pick, but the standard Eero 6 wasn't quite strong enough for me to recommend it. Flash forward to the release of the Eero 6 Plus. With a list price of $300 for a three-pack, it offers the same strong pitch as the Eero 6, a relatively affordable and easy-to-use three-piece Wi-Fi 6 mesh setup, complete with a built-in Zigbee radio for connecting things like lights and locks with your network. Best of all, with a faster AX3000 design (up from AX1800 with the Eero 6) and support for full-width, 160MHz channels (up from 80MHz), the performance is significantly improved. In my at-home tests, the Eero 6 Plus returned average download speeds that were in the top 10 of the 30 or so mesh routers I've reviewed here, and none of the systems that outperformed it offer as good a value. Its upload speeds were strong as well, and it works great with previous-gen, Wi-Fi 5 client devices, too; that's important because gadgets like those still comprise the majority of Wi-Fi devices in our homes. With three mesh devices for $300 and a range of up to 4,500 square feet, it's an excellent pick for large homes, where that additional extender will come in handy. ...Read more $300 at Amazon $298 at Walmart Product details Wi-Fi Standard Wi-Fi 6 Speed Rating AX3000 Range Up to 1,500 sq. ft. Wireless Networking Security WPA2, WPA3 Bands Dual-Band (2.4 and 5GHz) Show more details
Ry Crist/CNET TP-Link Deco W7200 Best budget mesh system For a mesh router upgrade that really feels like an upgrade, you'll want to look for these things: Wi-Fi 6 support and a tri-band design with the usual 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. You'll also want a second 5GHz band that the system can use as a dedicated backhaul connection for wireless transmissions between the main router and the satellites. The problem is that tri-band Wi-Fi 6 mesh routers like that are typically expensive. Not too long ago, I commended Asus and Eero for bringing the cost of a two-piece system like that down to around $400. Now, TP-Link is doing even better and selling the Deco W7200 mesh router, a tri-band Wi-Fi 6 system that costs $143 for a two-pack. That's an excellent value, and the even better part is that it performs like a champ, with fast, stable speeds and decent range. In addition, the setup process is about as easy as it gets, with satellite extenders that automatically join the mesh as soon as you plug them in. All of that makes the Deco W7200 an outstanding value and one of the first mesh routers I'd point people to if they asked for a recommendation. Just know that it's been in and out of stock this year on Walmart's website, so it might not be immediately available in your area. If it isn't, you could also consider the TP-Link Deco XE75, a similar system that adds Wi-Fi 6E support for $170 for a two-pack. The TP-Link Deco X90, a Wi-Fi 6 mesh system, outperformed the W7200 in my tests and adds in a multi-gig Ethernet jack for high-speed internet plans. It typically sells for $250 for a two-pack, but you can currently find it on sale for $220. ...Read more $179 at Amazon $143 at Walmart $250 at Best Buy Product details Wi-Fi Standard Wi-Fi 6 Speed Rating AX3600 Range Up to 5,500 sq. ft. (two devices) Wireless Networking Security WPA2, WPA3 Bands Tri-Band (2.4 and two 5GHz) Show more details
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