What is Mesh WiFi?
Think of this scenario, you’re in your bedroom streaming an episode of Stranger Things on Netflix on your iPad. You are super into it and about to get to the good stuff. You get hungry and decided to walk down to the kitchen still glued to the show. You get to the kitchen, then, BAM! – Buffering, buffering, buffering.
This can get super frustrating.
This is where Mesh WiFi system comes in. It aims to solve your internet connectivity problem by “blanketing” your home with wifi.
Mesh WiFi works through a system of connected devices called nodes. You connect a central node to your modem and then connect the other nodes to this central node.
This system provides you with a more connected home that solves the problem of weak wifi and even the dreaded buffering.
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What’s the difference between Mesh Wifi and Extenders?
This system of connected nodes may sound familiar to you. And, you are right. WiFi has always had the capability to be extended through Extenders.
So, what’s the difference between Extenders and a WiFI Mesh?
The main difference is that WiFi Mesh creates a seamless system where you can connect to only one network/SSID. This means that if you go from your bedroom to your kitchen, you will be constantly connected to your internet network.
On the other hand, when using Extenders, you create different SSIDs for your extenders and your main router. This means you need get disconnected from your current connection and connect to the extender as a different network.
For larger homes, a WiFi Mesh network would be a great solution for your wifi needs. You get reliability, better coverage, and in most cases, you get some additional security for your network.
Of course, there are disadvantages as well. The main disadvantage is that initial cost can be high. However, there are relatively inexpensive options that may work for you.
Top 5 Products
1. TP-Link Deco M5 WiFi Mesh Router
The TP-Link Deco M5 is the Mesh system that we currently use in our home. It is an excellent system that provides great coverage at an affordable price.
It provides easy set up. All you need to do is to download the Deco App, connect your base device to your router and follow the set up instructions. All in all, it took less than 20 minutes to set up all 3 Decos that came in the box.
Aside from price, the other great thing about the TP-Link Deco M5 is the free antivirus and parental control that comes free. You’re left with a feeling of safety when surfing the net.
| Coverage | 5,500 Square Feet |
| Speed | 1.3 Gbps |
| WiFi Type | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Price | $152.99 |
| How many included | 3 |
| Features | – Free TP-Link Deco App – Works with Amazon Alexa – Connect 100+ devices – TP-Link unique Adaptive routing technology for more flexible placement – Free lifetime subscription to TP-Link HomeCare featuring Next-level Antivirus – Robust Parental Controls – Easy to setup – Speedtest – Guest Network – JD Power Award- Highest in customer satisfaction for wireless routers 2017 and 2019 |
| Expandable? | Yes. The system can support up to 9 units for larger coverage. |
| Amazon Review | 4.6 out of 5 with 15k+ global ratings |
More about TP-Link Deco M5 based on customer reviews:
The good:
- There are no connectivity issues after installation
- Offers a great Product + Price Combo
- The security suite is excellent and provides parental control, content blocking, and device usage
The bad:
- The device can only be controlled by phone
- WPA 3 security level is not available
- Tech Support might not be the best
2. Netgear Orbi RBK53
Among the 5 products we review on this post, the Netgear Orbi RBK53 is the most affordable MEwh WiFi system for larger homes. Like the TP-Link Deco, this system is easy to set up and comes with a free Orbi App.
Along with a wide coverage of 5,500 square feet, the Orbi also boasts a unique Tri-band system that provides greater speed and flexibility.
| Coverage | 5,500 Square Feet |
| Speed | 1.3 Gbps |
| WiFi Type | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Price | $152.99 |
| How many included | 3 |
| Features | – Simple set up with the Orbi App – Guest Network – Parental Control – Speedtest – Tri-Band |
| Expandable? | Yes. You can add the recommended maximum number of 6 units. |
| Amazon Reviews | 4.3 out of 5 with 700+ global ratings |
Netgear Orbi
More about Netgear Orbi RBK53 based on customer reviews:
The good:
- Amazing performance
- Coverage can be beyond specs
- Fast speed across the house
The bad:
- The router interface is not intuitive
- Some users have reported connectivity issues
- Bulky design
3. Google WiFi Routers
This mesh system from a company you already trust – Google. Out of the 5 products here, this has the highest review ratings on Amazon at 4.7 stars. The ratings come from 4k+ global reviews.
The coverage for the Google system is decent at 4,500 square feet. However, you can expand this coverage by adding more units. For most larger homes, however, what comes out of the box should be enough.
| Coverage | 4,500 Square Feet |
| Speed | 1.2 Gbps |
| WiFi Type | 802.11ac |
| Price | $199.98 |
| How many included | 3 |
| Features | – Google Home App – Parental controls – Automatic security updates help your network stay safe and sound, – Wifi system to prioritize devices – Network speed test – Guest network |
| Expandable? | Yes. The system can support up to 9 units for larger coverage. |
| Amazon Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 with 4k+ global ratings |
More about Google WiFi Routers based on customer reviews:
The good:
- Set up is easy
- Excellent WiFi signal and stability
- Eliminates slow and dead spots
The bad:
- Some reports that it slowed their speed
- No blacklists or screen time control
- Does not have WPS function
4. Linksys Velop Tri-Band/Dual-Band Combo WHW0203
The Linksys Velop is another affordable alternative and it has a great rating of 4.5 stars.
Like the Netgear Orbi, this system is also Tri-band. However, only one unit from this 3 unit combo is Tri-band. The other 2 units are Dual-bands.
| Coverage | 5,000 Square Feet |
| Speed | Dual band connectivity speeds (867 + 400 Mbps) |
| WiFi Type | 802.11ac |
| Price | $179.99 |
| How many included | 3 |
| Features | – Linksys App – Intelligent Mesh Technology – Plug-in Nodes for Cordless Coverage – 1 Tri-band node with 2 Dual-band nodes |
| Expandable? | Yes. The system can support up to 9 units for larger coverage. |
| Amazon Reviews | 4.5 out of 5 with about 500 global ratings |
More about Linksys Velop Tri-Band Router WHW0203 based on customer reviews:
The good:
- Fully reliable and trustworthy system
- Possibility to have different SSIDs for 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz
- No dead zones in a 2 story house
The bad:
- Some have experienced spottiness
- Only one node is tri-band
- Firmware upgrade took long
5. Eero
The Eero system is an Amazon company. This system is the most rated among the 5 products we reviewed. On Amazon, this product has a whopping 15k+ global reviews. Even with this many reviews, it was still able to get 4.5 stars out of 5.
Because it’s an Amazon company, this product works well with any Alexa device. You also get a separate Eero app to control your mesh system.
In addition, the Eero is also Apple HomeKit compatible.
| Coverage | 5,000 Square Feet |
| Speed | 350 mbps |
| WiFi Type | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Price | $199.99 |
| How many included | 3 |
| Features | – Set up in minutes – Automatic updates keep your network safe and secure – TrueMesh technology – Easily expand your system – Eero App – Works with Alexa – Amazon WiFi simple setup – Apple HomeKit – Bluetooth LE 5.0 |
| Expandable? | Yes. The system can support up to 9 units for larger coverage. |
| Amazon Reviews | 4.5 out of 5 with 15k+ global ratings |
More about Eero based on customer reviews:
The good:
- Set up is easy
- Excellent WiFi signal and stability
- Eliminates slow and dead spots
The bad:
- Set up is easy
- Excellent WiFi signal and stability
- Eliminates slow and dead spots
