Best Wi-Fi Mesh systems to improve WiFi coverage at home

What is a Wi-Fi Mesh

A Wi-Fi Mesh system is a set of two or more devices, one of which acts as the main router, and the rest as “nodes” that extend the wireless coverage. We could say that it is a main WiFi router, and one or more “intelligent” repeaters that are perfectly integrated thanks to the firmware of the devices. Wi-Fi Mesh systems allow us to enjoy the best user experience of the wireless network in our home, since they have two very important characteristics:

• Roaming WiFi : WiFi Mesh have the 802.11k/v standards and sometimes also the 802.11r standard. This means that wireless clients will be able to go from the main router to any of the nodes in a completely transparent way, without cutting the wireless connection. If we are connected to the main router with our smartphone and we are in a video call or VoIP call, and we move towards the node that acts as a repeater, then it will automatically connect to this Mesh node, and we will not notice a cut in the wireless signal .
• Band Steering : WiFi Mesh have Smart Connect functionality. This feature allows the two frequency bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz) to be unified in the same SSID, in this way, clients will connect to a WiFi wireless network and the WiFi Mesh system itself will be in charge of placing us in a frequency band or in other. Our recommendation is that you always disable this function if the firmware allows it, in this way, you can choose the frequency band to connect to, always choosing the 5GHz one, which will be the one that provides you with the best wireless performance.

The good thing about WiFi Mesh systems is that in the firmware of the equipment we will be able to see the rest of the extender nodes that we have connected, and we will be able to check the coverage that it receives from the main router and even how they are interconnected. In some models the connection is made via WiFi with a star topology (all connected to the main router), in other cases a cascade topology can be used (one node connected to another, and this other to the main router), for Lastly, there can also be a hybrid configuration, everything will depend on the coverage received by the nodes and the synchronization speed.

Other features available in this type of equipment are:

• Automatic firmware updates to all network nodes, including the router.
• Any change in the main router is reflected in the extender nodes, automatically and without having to do additional configuration.
• The interconnection between the nodes can be done through Wi-Fi at 2.4GHz, at 5GHz, at 6GHz (if it supports the new Wi-Fi 6E standard) and also through an Ethernet network cable.

This last feature is very important today, all the WiFi Mesh systems that we are going to recommend support interconnection via cable between the different nodes. Next, we are going to explain why this functionality is so important.

 

Frequently asked questions

Today there are many models, depending on the model, we will have some characteristics or others, although in general they are all quite similar. Next, we explain the most frequent doubts that users have when they are going to buy one of these devices.

 

Better simultaneous triple band or dual band?

There are models that are simultaneous triple band and other models are simultaneous dual band. If we have three frequency bands (2.4GHz, 5GHz and a second frequency band at 5GHz or 6GHz), we will be able to interconnect the different nodes through a radio specifically dedicated to the connection between the nodes, something very important since we will have clients connected to this frequency band. The strengths of having a dedicated frequency band for interconnection are:

• Better real performance when we connect a computer via cable to the nodes, because the traffic between the nodes is in a dedicated band.
• Better real performance when we connect a wireless device to the nodes, because the traffic between nodes will not go through that same band, causing us to lose around half of the real bandwidth.
• Lower connection latency and lower jitter.

The only negative point of triple band models is the price, and that is that they are usually somewhat more expensive than dual band models. If you are going to connect many wireless and wired clients to the Mesh network, then our recommendation is that you buy simultaneous tri-band models, it is worth it because we will have a free “lane” for the nodes to exchange the generated traffic.

 

Is it necessary that the frequency bands can be separated?

There are two ways to configure a Mesh network, the first one is to separate the frequency bands by SSID. If we have a device with dual band, we can have two different SSIDs, to know at all times what frequency band we are connecting to, this is highly recommended to always connect to the 5GHz or 6GHz band, which are much faster than the band 2.4GHz. By separating the frequency bands, we will be able to perfectly differentiate which frequency band to use in the wireless network.

There are models that do not allow “separating” the frequency bands, this feature is also known as Smart Connect. If they do not allow us to separate the bands, the system will take care of placing us in the frequency band that is best at a certain moment, unfortunately, we have verified on many occasions that this does not usually work very well, because when it is going to change bands it is It may also do an AP Steering (pass from one node to another), so we could have a cut in the connection.

 

Can the nodes be connected by cable?

In new homes from 2011 in Spain, it is mandatory that all rooms in the house (except bathrooms) have an RJ-45 network socket on the wall. These Ethernet network sockets are wired with Cat 6 UTP network cable according to the regulations, in addition, the RJ-45 connectors as well as the rosettes will be Cat 6 as well. Thanks to this, we will be able to use speeds of up to 2.5G Multigigabit to transfer data through the Ethernet network cable.

Wi-Fi Mesh systems, as explained above, have a main router and one or more extenders (also called nodes). These nodes communicate with the main router via WiFi, but many devices allow interconnection through Ethernet, with the aim of having a backbone network running at a speed of 1Gbps, which guarantees high Wi-Fi transfer rates when we we connect to the Mesh nodes of the network. Although there are Wi-Fi Mesh systems that are simultaneous triple band, where a 5GHz frequency band is used exclusively for interconnection, generally these devices are quite expensive, so if you have the possibility of interconnecting them by cable, it is best to buy one that is dual band and save a lot of money.

Whenever possible, we recommend connecting the nodes with the main router via cable, in this way, we will not only achieve the best wired performance when connecting to the nodes, but also the best WiFi performance. You will notice that we will get a higher real speed, we will not have any packet loss, less connection latency and a jitter close to zero. Everything will work much better because the backbone network will work via cable, also, if your house has several floors, this type of interconnection is the best you can choose to avoid speed problems.

The strengths of using Ethernet backhaul are as follows:

• Greater speed of connection by WiFi if you connect to the node.
• Higher wired speed if you connect to the node it will work at real 1Gbps.
• Better stability of the entire network, with lower latency and near-zero jitter.
• Less saturation of the WiFi network, allowing more devices to be connected simultaneously.

However, not everything is perfect with this mode of connection, you should take into account the following:

• Our house must be previously wired, or wire it ourselves.
• Almost all WiFi Mesh supports this feature, but not all, so you should look at their technical specifications in detail.

As you can see, it is clear that the Ethernet interconnection is a very favorable point and that we must take into account. On some occasions, a specific device that did not support Ethernet interconnection, with a firmware update, the manufacturer adds this function, so you must also take into account the firmware version of the device. In the list that you will see below, we are going to indicate whether or not it supports cable interconnection.

 

Wi-Fi Mesh with Wi-Fi 6E using the 6GHz

In recent months, manufacturers such as ASUS and NETGEAR have launched their solutions with the Wi-Fi 6E standard, a new standard that inherits all the improvements of the previous Wi-Fi 6, but adds compatibility with the new 6GHz band. Thanks to this new 6GHz band, we will be able to enjoy exceptional speed and coverage, since we will not have any type of interference. Next, you can see the models with Wi-Fi 6E that we recommend in this article.

 

ASUS Zen WiFi Pro ET12 AXE11000

This Wi-Fi Mesh system is the most advanced that currently exists, since it has the new Wi-Fi 6E standard. In this way, not only will we have simultaneous triple band, but it also incorporates compatibility for the new network operating at 6GHz, ideal for achieving the maximum possible performance. Next, we explain the key features of this new model:

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous tri-band with AX11000-class Wi-Fi 6E (1148Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, 4804Mbps on the 5GHz band, and 4804Mbps on the new 6GHz band). It has MU-MIMO and OFDMA, it also has 160MHz of channel width in the 5GHz and 6GHz bands.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : yes, but optionally allows clients to connect normally.
• Ethernet : 1 2.5G Multigigabit port for the Internet WAN, 1 2.5G Multigigabit port for the LAN, and 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports for the LAN.
• Ethernet interconnection : yes
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : yes
• USB : does not have.
• Firmware : Asuswrt has a large number of advanced configuration options, we have all the usual features and services.

This high-performance equipment exceeds €850, but we must bear in mind that this is the best you can buy today, and that is that the new 6GHz band will provide you with very good coverage and also real speed.

If you want to have the best WiFi Mesh system, this model is the one you are looking for. However, if you do not yet have WiFi cards compatible with the 6GHz band, you may be interested in the following model, which is exactly the same, but has two 5GHz bands.

 

NETGEAR Orbi RBKE963 AXE11000

This is NETGEAR’s most technologically advanced device, since it has the new Wi-Fi 6E standard, so we will have great wireless performance. This model has four frequency bands to provide exceptional performance. Next, we explain the key features of this new model:

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous Quad-Band with AX11000-class Wi-Fi 6E (1148Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, 2402Mbps on the 5GHz-1 band, 2402Mbps on the 5GHz-2 band, and 4804Mbps on the new 6GHz band) . It has MU-MIMO and OFDMA, it also has 160MHz of channel width in the 6GHz band.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : yes, but optionally allows clients to connect normally.
• Ethernet : 1 10G Multigigabit port for the Internet WAN, 1 2.5G Multigigabit port for the LAN, and 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports for the LAN. The satellite has 1 2.5G Multigigabit port and 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
• Ethernet interconnection : yes
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : yes
• USB : does not have.
• Firmware : It has a very advanced firmware.

This high-performance equipment is priced at €1,700 for the 3-node pack, a really high price, but it is the best that NETGEAR has right now. The four frequency bands and the 6GHz will provide us with exceptional performance.

If you want to have the best of NETGEAR you will have to pay an amount of €1,700 for three nodes, you must take into account the 10G Multigigabit port and also the four frequency bands.

 

Wi-Fi Mesh with Wi-Fi 6 recommended

If you are going to buy a Wi-Fi Mesh system, our recommendation is that you do it with the new Wi-Fi 6 standard, since the operation of these devices is clearly better than Wi-Fi 5, in addition, you will have a little more speed real if you use Wi-Fi 6 clients. Here’s a list of the best you’ll get compared to the previous Wi-Fi 5 standard:

• More speed : this new standard will provide us with up to 40% more performance than the previous standard. In the event that you buy one with support for 160MHz of channel width, you will be able to achieve more than 1.3Gbps of real speed via WiFi.
• More coverage : this new standard is going to provide us with extra coverage in our home, in addition, it makes use of technologies to avoid interference with neighboring routers, as long as they also support BSS Coloring.
• MU-MIMO in all bands : MU-MIMO technology is now present in all frequency bands, not only in 5GHz, in addition, MU-MIMO can be bidirectional for even greater optimization of the wireless network.
• OFDMA : this function allows the channel to be divided into several sub-channels, with the aim of optimizing the WiFi network as much as possible when we have hundreds of wireless clients transmitting little data.
• Lower energy consumption : this standard incorporates TWT (Target Wake Time) technology to save battery life in WiFi clients, ideal for smartphones, tablets and laptops.

Now that you have known the advantages of Wi-Fi 6, we are going to make a complete list of the best Wi-Fi Mesh models that you can buy, along with their main features.

 

ASUS Zen WiFi Pro XT12 AX11000

This Wi-Fi Mesh system is one of the most advanced along with the ET12, and it is going to provide us with truly impressive wireless and wired performance. This model has simultaneous triple band, so we will have a great performance and we will be able to connect dozens of wireless devices without having problems. Next, we explain the characteristics of this new model:

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous tri-band with AX11000-class Wi-Fi 6 (1148Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, 4804Mbps on each of the two 5GHz bands). It has MU-MIMO and OFDMA, it also has 160MHz of channel width in the 5GHz and 6GHz bands.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : yes, but optionally allows clients to connect normally.
• Ethernet : 1 2.5G Multigigabit port for the Internet WAN, 1 2.5G Multigigabit port for the LAN, and 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports for the LAN.
• Ethernet interconnection : yes
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : yes
• USB : does not have.
• Firmware : You have Asuswrt with the same advanced configuration options as always.

This high-performance equipment exceeds €800, we must bear in mind that we are facing the top of the range of the manufacturer ASUS (along with the ET12 that has Wi-Fi 6).

If you want to have the best WiFi Mesh system but without reaching the Wi-Fi 6E standard, this model is the one you are looking for, because it is a top-of-the-range device both at the WiFi and wired levels.

 

ASUS ZenWiFi AX XT8 AX6600

This model came out several years ago and has been the top of the range of the brand until the launch of the XT12 and ET12 that we have recommended before. This model is not as high-end as the previous ones, but it will provide you with exceptional performance. In fact, we believe that this model is the best you can buy in terms of value for money, in addition, it incorporates a USB 3.0 port and is also simultaneous triple band to allow very fast Wi-Fi interconnection. Next, we explain the characteristics of this new model:

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous tri-band with AX6600-class Wi-Fi 6 (574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, 1201Mbps on the first 5GHz band, and 4804Mbps on the second 5GHz band). It has MU-MIMO and OFDMA, it also has 160MHz of channel width in the second 5GHz band.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : yes, but optionally allows clients to connect normally.
• Ethernet : 1 2.5G Multigigabit port for WAN/LAN and 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports for LAN.
• Ethernet interconnection : yes
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : yes
• USB : yes, USB 3.0.
• Firmware : You have Asuswrt with the same advanced configuration options as always.

This model is highly recommended if you want a high-end WiFi Mesh system, without having to spend more than €800 on the XT12 or ET12 models, which are clearly better. In a normal domestic environment, this equipment will work perfectly for you since it will provide you with very high performance both via cable and via WiFi.

As you can see, this model is clearly cheaper than the previous ones, we have it available in both black and white.

 

ASUS ZenWiFi AX XD6 AX5400

This model has similar characteristics to the XT8, on some occasions it will be worth buying the XT8 and on other occasions the XD6 model. If you have all the rooms wired in your house, or you can interconnect the nodes via cable, then our recommendation is that you buy this XD6 model because it has a faster 5GHz band by supporting 160MHz. If you have to do the interconnection via WiFi, then we recommend buying the previous XT8 model. Next, we explain the characteristics of this model:

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous dual-band with AX5400-class Wi-Fi 6 (574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 4804Mbps on the 5GHz band). It has MU-MIMO and OFDMA, it also has 160MHz of channel width in the 5GHz band.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : no.
• Ethernet : 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for Internet WAN and 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports for LAN.
• Ethernet interconnection : yes
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : yes
• USB : No.
• Firmware : You have Asuswrt with the same advanced configuration options as always.

This model is highly recommended if you want a high-end WiFi Mesh system with a 160MHz channel width, ideal for achieving high transfer rates with wireless clients that support it. As we have explained before, this model is ideal if you are going to interconnect the nodes via cable, otherwise, it is better that you buy the XT8 model for its dedicated frequency band.

As you can see, this model has a cheaper price than the XT8, the main difference is that we do not have a dedicated frequency band.

 

NETGEAR Orbi RBK852 AX6000

NETGEAR is one of the manufacturers that provides the highest quality and most experience in WiFi Mesh systems. It was one of the first to launch NETGEAR Orbi, the manufacturer’s range of Mesh WiFi products, and remains one of the best in this regard.

This NETGEAR Orbi RBK852 model is the top of the manufacturer’s range with the new Wi-Fi 6 standard, it is made up of the RBR850 router and the RBS850 extender or satellite, both have the same wireless characteristics but at the wiring level they are different. This equipment is made up of a main router and a satellite, in the case of the RBK853 we will have an additional satellite (a router + 2 satellites). Next, we explain the characteristics of this model:

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous tri-band with AX6000-class Wi-Fi 6 (1201Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 2402Mbps on each of the two 5GHz bands). It has MU-MIMO and OFDMA.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : yes
• Ethernet : 1 2.5G Multigigabit port for Internet WAN and 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports for LAN. The satellite has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports for LAN.
• Ethernet interconnection : yes
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : yes
• USB : No.
• Firmware : it has a firmware with advanced configuration options.

This equipment is one of the most recommended that we have today, although its price is clearly higher than similar ASUS models, if for some reason you do not like the Asuswrt or ASUS firmware, this equipment is the best alternative you can buy. Its price is about 800 euros, a high price but we must bear in mind that we have high-end hardware.

As you can see, these high-end devices are quite expensive, however, the operation of these devices and additional services such as parental control work really well.

 

NETGEAR Orbi RBK752 AX4200

This NETGEAR Orbi RBK752 model also belongs to the high-end Wi-Fi Mesh systems with Wi-Fi 6. This kit is made up of the RBR750 router and the RBS750 extender or satellite, both have the same wireless features but at the wiring level They are different. This model is made up of a main router and a satellite, in the case of the RBK753 we will have an additional satellite. Next, we explain the characteristics of this model:

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous tri-band with AX4200-class Wi-Fi 6 (574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, 1201Mbps on the first 5GHz band, and 2402Mbps on the second 5GHz band). It has MU-MIMO and OFDMA.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : yes
• Ethernet : 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for Internet WAN and 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports for LAN. The satellite has 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports for LAN.
• Ethernet interconnection : yes
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : yes
• USB : No.
• Firmware : it has a firmware with advanced configuration options.

This equipment is also highly recommended, it has a good value for money and we will achieve high transfer rates via WiFi and also via network cable in the satellites. Its price is about 400 euros, a high price but in accordance with its technical specifications.

As you can see, these high-end devices are quite expensive, however, the operation of these devices and additional services such as parental control work really well.

 

ASUS ZenWiFi AX Mini XD4 AX1800

If you don’t want to spend more than €300 on a WiFi Mesh system, then this ASUS XD4 model is what you’re looking for, since it’s worth approximately €250 (pack of 3) and around €180 for the pack of 2 nodes. This model is mid-range, and the lowest range of ASUS in terms of the Wi-Fi 6 range that the manufacturer has. This model is also highly recommended in environments where you can wire the router and the Mesh node, that is, whenever you can use the Ethernet interconnection to enjoy the best possible wireless and wired performance. This model is sold in both a 2-node and a 3-node pack. Next, we explain the characteristics of this model:

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous dual-band with AX1800-class Wi-Fi 6 (574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1201Mbps on the 5GHz band). It has MU-MIMO and OFDMA.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : no.
• Ethernet : 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for Internet WAN and 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for LAN.
• Ethernet interconnection : yes
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : yes
• USB : No.
• Firmware : Has Asuswrt.

This model is highly recommended if you can’t spend more money and buy the XD6 or XT8, if you can wire it to use the Ethernet interconnect you will get very good wireless performance, otherwise you won’t be able to exceed 400Mbps over WiFi from the node .

You must bear in mind that all ASUS WiFi Meshes are interoperable with each other, that is, you can buy an ASUS gaming router and then these WiFi meshes to expand the coverage of the router you have purchased. The same happens if you mix WiFi Mesh models, thanks to ASUS AiMesh we will have a really good integration and compatibility.

 

D-Link COVR-X1862 AX1800

This WiFi Mesh system is one of the cheapest and with great performance. If you don’t want to spend too much money and want to get good performance, this is the model you should buy. This equipment belongs to the mid-range of mesh WiFi, D-Link will soon launch a superior model that is of the AX3200 class. This equipment is highly recommended in environments where we can wire the router and Mesh nodes, to use the Ethernet backhaul and enjoy the best possible performance. This model is sold in both a 2-node and a 3-node pack. Next, we explain the characteristics of this model:

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous dual-band with AX1800-class Wi-Fi 6 (574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1201Mbps on the 5GHz band). It has MU-MIMO and OFDMA.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : no.
• Ethernet : 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for Internet WAN and 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for LAN.
• Ethernet interconnection : yes
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : no.
• USB : No.
• Firmware : it has a firmware that is very easy to configure.

This model is highly recommended if you want the best at the lowest possible price, and we can find this model for around €120 for the pack of 2 nodes, a real bargain. In the case of needing more than 3 nodes, you will be able to buy two COVR-X1862 and synchronize them with each other without any problem.

This WiFi Mesh system is compatible with equipment that is exactly the same, we cannot mix between brands or mix between different models of D-Link WiFi Mesh. In the case of the D-Link EAGLE PRO AI range, we can mix between routers, WiFi repeaters and WiFi mesh systems.

 

NETGEAR Orbi RBK352 AX1800

If you don’t want to spend more than €300 on a NETGEAR WiFi Mesh system, you can buy this model for around €200 for the 2-node kit and around €250 for the kit that includes a total of 3 nodes (router + 2 satellites) . This equipment is one of the best value for money from the manufacturer NETGEAR, so its purchase is highly recommended. This model is mid-range and highly recommended in environments with Internet connections of up to 600Mbps maximum, to make the most of this Ethernet interconnection speed. This model is sold in both a 2-node and a 3-node pack. Next, we explain the characteristics of this model:

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous dual-band with AX1800-class Wi-Fi 6 (574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1201Mbps on the 5GHz band). It has MU-MIMO and OFDMA.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : no.
• Ethernet : 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for Internet WAN and 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports for LAN. The satellite has two Gigabit Ethernet ports for the LAN.
• Ethernet interconnection : yes
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : yes
• USB : No.
• Firmware : it has a very configurable firmware.

If you do not want to spend as much money as the previous ones with simultaneous triple band, this equipment is ideal for you, because it has a really good value for money. You can buy it in its 2-node version or in the 3-node version:

As you can see, the price of these devices is quite good, in addition, at the level of technical specifications it is also very interesting for domestic environments where we do not need a lot of WiFi speed.

 

Wi-Fi Mesh with the Wi-Fi 5 standard

WiFi Mesh systems with the Wi-Fi 5 standard are still present today due to their low price, however, our recommendation is that you directly buy low-cost Wi-Fi 6 models such as the D-Link EAGLE PRO AI M15 or the like. The reason is that the WiFi 6 standard represents a fairly large leap forward, and that is that we will achieve greater wireless coverage in our home and also more real speed, so we must take it into account. If you want to buy models with Wi-Fi 5, then we are going to recommend some of the most notable ones below.

 

ASUS ZenWiFi AC CT8

This CT8 model is the top of the range from ASUS with the Wi-Fi 5 standard, a model that is available in a pack of 2 and that incorporates simultaneous triple band with Wi-Fi AC3000. This model is recommended whenever you cannot buy a model with Wi-Fi 6 like the XT8, however, the latter is worth buying. Next, we explain the characteristics of this model:

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous dual-band with AC3000-class Wi-Fi 5 (400Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, 867Mbps on the 5GHz-1 band, and up to 1,733Mbps on the 5GHz-2 band). It has MU-MIMO in the 5GHz bands.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : yes.
• Ethernet : 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for Internet WAN and 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports for LAN.
• Ethernet interconnection : yes
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : yes
• USB : yes.
• Firmware : Asuswrt has all the advanced configuration options.

This model is highly recommended if you can’t buy the WiFi 6 models, however we think it’s worth buying the XD6 or XT8 models which are similarly priced depending on the different offers.

As you can see, the price of this model is similar to the equivalents with the Wi-Fi 6 standard, so you should buy directly the models with the latest wireless standard.

 

NETGEAR Orbi RBK50

This WiFi mesh system was one of the first that we tested in this article, obtaining a truly spectacular performance. Right now we can buy this equipment for around 250 euros, a very interesting price compared to the NETGEAR models with the Wi-Fi 6 standard, which are clearly more expensive. Next, we explain the characteristics of this model:

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous dual-band with AC3000-class Wi-Fi 5 (400Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, 867Mbps on the 5GHz-1 band, and up to 1,733Mbps on the 5GHz-2 band). It has MU-MIMO in the 5GHz bands.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : yes.
• Ethernet : 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for Internet WAN and 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports for LAN. The satellite has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
• Ethernet interconnection : yes.
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : yes.
• USB : No.
• Firmware : NETGEAR is available with advanced configuration options.

This model is highly recommended if you cannot buy the manufacturer’s models with the new standard, as this model is still highly recommended because it will provide you with exceptional performance.

Thanks to its competitive price, this equipment becomes highly recommended. In case you want to have Amazon Alexa integrated, there is the Orbi Voice model that acts as a satellite of the RBR50 router, you can buy it here.

This equipment is priced at €150 more expensive than the normal RBK50 model, and only for having Alexa integrated. It may be worth buying Alexa separately and not integrating it with NETGEAR.

 

NETGEAR Orbi RBK23

This WiFi mesh system is one of the most recommended, it is somewhat cheaper than the previous RBK50, logically it is somewhat lower range, but it is still a very good option if you want to set up a high-performance WiFi Mesh network. Next, we explain the characteristics of this model:

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous dual-band with AC2200-class Wi-Fi 5 (400Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, 867Mbps on the 5GHz-1 band, and up to 867Mbps on the 5GHz-2 band). It has MU-MIMO in the 5GHz bands.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : yes.
• Ethernet : 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for Internet WAN and 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for LAN. The satellite has 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
• Ethernet interconnection : yes.
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : yes.
• USB : No.
• Firmware : NETGEAR is available with advanced configuration options.

Taking into account that it is around 30 euros cheaper than the RBK50, we think that you should directly buy the superior model and not this one. However, the 3-node version is quite competitively priced and there we will find a big price difference between the RBK53 and the RBK23.

Thanks to its competitive price, this equipment becomes highly recommended, although you should consider buying the RBK50 if you only need two nodes, because the interconnection network is twice as fast and we have more Gigabit Ethernet ports.

 

D-Link COVR-C1203

If you don’t want to leave too much money when buying a Wi-Fi Mesh system with 2 or 3 nodes, this D-Link device will perfectly meet your needs, and that is that we will be able to buy the 3-node version for only 250 euros. If you don’t need high wireless performance or a dedicated backbone frequency band, this model is for you. Next, we explain the characteristics of this model:

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous dual-band with AC1200-class Wi-Fi 5 (300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 867Mbps on the 5GHz band). It has MU-MIMO in 5GHz.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : no.
• Ethernet : 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for Internet WAN and 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for LAN. The satellite has 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
• Ethernet interconnection : yes.
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : yes.
• USB : No.
• Firmware : It has a very intuitive D-Link firmware with various services.

Taking into account that it is worth about 250 euros for a total of 3 nodes and that it supports Ethernet interconnection, this model is ideal for houses where we have everything wired.

The 2-node version is worth around €180, so our advice is to buy the 3-node pack and thus you will have a more homogeneous network at home.

 

Cheap mesh equipment with Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6

If you want to buy a cheap Wi-Fi Mesh system, manufacturers such as D-Link, ASUS and others also have low-cost solutions, although logically we will have less real performance than other higher-end models. If you are interested in not having WiFi coverage and speed problems at home, and you do not want to spend too much money, our recommendation is that you give any of these models that we are going to recommend a try.

 

D-Link EAGLE PRO AI M15 AX1500

The new EAGLE PRO AI family from the manufacturer D-Link is characterized by its versatility, and it is that we will be able to interconnect both routers, WiFi repeaters as well as WiFi Mesh systems, and all this managed centrally from the equipment that acts as the main router. This model belongs to the mid-range of WiFi Mesh, but soon we will have an AX3200 class model available from this family as well. This model is sold in both a 2-node and a 3-node pack. Next, we explain the characteristics of this model:

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous dual-band with AX1500-class Wi-Fi 6 (287Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1201Mbps on the 5GHz band). It has MU-MIMO and OFDMA.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : no.
• Ethernet : 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for Internet WAN and 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for LAN.
• Ethernet interconnection : yes
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : no.
• USB : No.
• Firmware : it has a firmware that is very easy to configure.

This model is highly recommended if in the future you intend to expand the wireless network with more D-Link EAGLE PRO AI devices, or if you are interested in having very advanced parental control to limit the browsing of the devices that we want.

This model is compatible with WiFi routers and repeaters from the same EAGLE PRO AI family, and also with future equipment that is launched from the same family. If you want to buy the best WiFi Mesh low-cost, this is the model you should buy

 

D-Link COVR-1103/1102 AC1200

This WiFi mesh system is available in a version with 2 and 3 nodes, it is the best low-cost WiFi Mesh with the Wi-FI 5 standard that you can buy, and it works really well. This model belongs to the mid-range and has a really spectacular price considering its technical specifications.

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous dual-band with AC1200-class Wi-Fi 5 (300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 867Mbps on the 5GHz band). It has MU-MIMO.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : no.
• Ethernet : 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for Internet WAN and 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for LAN.
• Ethernet interconnection : yes
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : yes.
• USB : No.
• Firmware : it has a firmware that is very easy to configure.

This model is highly recommended for a domestic environment where we have an Internet connection of up to 300Mbps, since we can make the most of our fiber connection without problems, either via WiFi or cable. Next, you can buy the pack of 2 nodes (COVR-1102) and also the pack of 3 nodes (COVR-1103):

This model is compatible with the Mesh of the same model, if you need to connect more than 3 nodes in your house, you can buy two packs of 2 nodes and configure them with each other that will work perfectly, without problem.

 

ASUS ZenWiFi CD6 AC1200

This WiFi mesh system is the cheapest from the ASUS manufacturer, it is available in a 2 and 3 node version, it is a very interesting solution for users who do not want to spend too much money, and its performance is really good. This model belongs to the mid-range and has a really spectacular price considering its technical specifications.

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous dual-band with AC1200-class Wi-Fi 5 (300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 867Mbps on the 5GHz band). It has MU-MIMO.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : no.
• Ethernet : 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for Internet WAN and 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for LAN.
• Ethernet interconnection : yes
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : yes.
• USB : No.
• Firmware : It has a very advanced Asuswrt firmware with dozens of configuration options.

This model is highly recommended for a domestic environment where we have an Internet connection of up to 300Mbps, if you have more speed, then our recommendation is that you buy the superior models, either from this brand or any other that we have recommended.

This model is compatible with ASUS AiMesh, so we will be able to mix them with routers and other WiFi Mesh without any problem. If you do not want to spend too much money on these teams, this alternative is quite interesting.

 

Tenda NOVA MW6

Tenda has very cheap WiFi Mesh from the NOVA range and with remarkable performance, one aspect that you should take into account is that we do not have too many advanced configuration options, so you should take this into account before buying it. However, for a home user where we do not need extensive options, it can be used without any problem. Next, you can see the main characteristics of this model:

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous dual-band with AC1200-class Wi-Fi 5 (300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 867Mbps on the 5GHz band). It has MU-MIMO.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : no.
• Ethernet : 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for Internet WAN or LAN, and 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for LAN.
• Ethernet interconnection : yes
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : no.
• USB : No.
• Firmware : it has a basic firmware with management through an app.

If you want to improve Wi-Fi coverage at home and have good speed, this model can work for you as long as you don’t need many firmware options, and everything is managed through the manufacturer’s free app. We have it available in both 2-node and 3-node versions.

We also have other similar models available from the Tenda NOVA range, below you can see their characteristics.

 

Tende NOVA MW5S

If you want to buy a very cheap and easy to configure WiFi Mesh system, with the same characteristics as the previous ones, the manufacturer Tenda with its NOVA range will also provide you with a very good user experience, although you should bear in mind that it is not as complete as the previous models at the firmware level, so you must take it into account. Next, you can see the main characteristics of this model:

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous dual-band with AC1200-class Wi-Fi 5 (300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 867Mbps on the 5GHz band). It has MU-MIMO.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : no.
• Ethernet : 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for Internet WAN or LAN, and 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for LAN.
• Ethernet interconnection : yes
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : no.
• USB : No.
• Firmware : it has a basic firmware with management via app.

This model is ideal for users who want to improve WiFi coverage at home and also have a good speed, but do not need many configuration options, since these models are managed solely and exclusively through an application. We have it available in both 2-node and 3-node versions.

Something interesting is that we can mix different Tenda NOVA models and they will work with each other without problems, they are interoperable.

 

NETGEAR Orbi RBK12

This NETGEAR device is clearly more expensive than the previous ones, which is why we have left it for last, but it works very well. We also have it available in a 2 and 3 node kit, depending on how many nodes we need. Next, you can see the main characteristics of this model:

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous dual-band with AC1200-class Wi-Fi 5 (300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 867Mbps on the 5GHz band). It has MU-MIMO.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : no.
• Ethernet : 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for Internet WAN or LAN, and 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for LAN. Satellites do not have Ethernet ports
• Ethernet interconnection : no.
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : no.
• USB : No.
• Firmware : It has an advanced firmware like any NETGEAR.

Something you should keep in mind is that the computers that act as satellites do not have Ethernet ports. If you are interested in this model, you can buy it from here:

This model is ideal for small houses where we do not need to connect equipment via cable to the satellites, otherwise it is better that you buy other equipment.

 

Wi-Fi Mesh systems of routers and repeaters

There are several manufacturers that have a fairly extensive Mesh network ecosystem that goes beyond the typical Wi-Fi Mesh systems. This means that we will be able to interconnect routers, WiFi repeaters and also PLCs with Wi-Fi to have a high-performance mesh network centralized from the main router. A very important detail is that manufacturers allow us to “mix” these teams to provide us with the best possible versatility.

 

AVM FRITZ!Mesh

AVM is the best manufacturer when we want to form a Mesh network with several routers, WiFi repeaters and Wi-Fi PLCs. All AVM equipment has the FRITZ! OS operating system, one of the most advanced firmwares that we can find for domestic environments, and we are going to have a large number of advanced configuration options, with the aim of providing maximum flexibility to the users.

AVM has FRITZ!Mesh technology in all its equipment, this means that we will be able to configure a complete Mesh network with FRITZ!Box routers, FRITZ!Repeater repeaters and also PLC devices with the FRITZ!Powerline. This mesh network from the German manufacturer has the following characteristics:

• WiFi roaming with 802.11k/v standards, we will be able to move from one node to another in a completely transparent way.
• Band-steering : we have the possibility of unifying the two or three WiFi frequency bands in a single SSID, in this way, the Mesh system itself will place us in one frequency band or another, depending on which frequency band is better in a certain moment.
• We have the possibility of separating the frequency bands into several SSIDs, in order to know at all times which frequency band to connect to.

Thanks to AVM Mesh, we will have a complete high-performance WiFi Mesh network created with different devices. All models of Wi-Fi routers and repeaters with firmware version FRITZ!OS 7 or higher fully support FRITZ!Mesh. Next, you can see a network diagram with a main router and two WiFi repeaters with Mesh:

Taking into account that all its models of FRITZ! are compatible with Mesh, we are going to recommend their three flagship routers with the Wi-Fi 6 standard, and also their two Wi-Fi repeaters that have this standard, to obtain the best possible performance.

 

AVM FRITZ!Box 7590 AX

This AVM router is the top of the range of the brand, it is a really versatile router and it is the successor of the popular FRITZ! Box 7590 model that gave us such good results at the time. This new router has renewed, more powerful hardware and the Wi-Fi 6 standard. Below, you can see the main features of this router:

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous dual-band with AX3600-class Wi-Fi 6 (1148Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 2402Mbps on the 5GHz band). It has MU-MIMO and OFDMA.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : no.
• Ethernet : 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for Internet WAN and 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports for LAN.
• Ethernet interconnection : yes
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : yes.
• USB – Yes, two USB 3.0 ports.
• Firmware : FRITZ!OS firmware with very advanced configuration options.

If you want to have one of the best routers at home and have the best possible speed, this model will serve you perfectly, in addition, the FRITZ! OS operating system is really complete.

We must remember that any model of AVM is compatible with FRITZ!Mesh, so you could buy any model and configure them later.

 

AVM FRITZ!Box 7530AX

This AVM router is the little brother of the previous one, it is also a really versatile router and it is the successor to the popular FRITZ!Box 7530 that we have previously tested. This new equipment incorporates renewed hardware that is more powerful, in addition, it has the Wi-Fi 6 standard. Below, you can see the main characteristics of this router:

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous dual-band with AX2400-class Wi-Fi 6 (574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1801Mbps on the 5GHz band). It has MU-MIMO and OFDMA.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : no.
• Ethernet : 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports for the LAN, although the LAN1 port can be configured as Internet WAN.
• Ethernet interconnection : yes
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : yes.
• USB – Yes, a USB 3.0 port.
• Firmware : FRITZ!OS firmware with very advanced configuration options.

This model is highly recommended for domestic environments where we have connections of up to 600Mbps of fiber, it will provide you with truly spectacular performance, in addition, we will have the possibility of forming a high-performance Mesh network with the FRITZ!Repeater repeaters.

As you can see, the price of €150 is not too high if we take into account its technical specifications.

 

AVM FRITZ!Box 4060

This AVM router is oriented to be placed together with the operator’s router in bridge mode, and take advantage of the power of its WiFi since it is simultaneous triple band with Wi-Fi 6, so we will have great wireless performance in any circumstance.

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous tri-band with AX6000-class Wi-Fi 6 (1148Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, 2402Mbps on the 5GHz-1 band, and 2402Mbps on the 5GHz-2 band). It has MU-MIMO and OFDMA.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : yes, as long as the repeater is triple band.
• Ethernet : 1 2.5G Multigigabit port for Internet WAN which can also function as LAN and 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports for LAN.
• Ethernet interconnection : yes
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : yes.
• USB – Yes, a USB 3.0 port.
• Firmware : FRITZ!OS firmware with very advanced configuration options.

This model is highly recommended for domestic environments where we cannot replace our operator’s router, in this way, we can take advantage of the WiFi 6 network and also the Mesh network if we buy a repeater and even another model exactly the same.

As you can see, this model is really interesting, especially for fiber users.

 

AVM FRITZ!Repeater 6000

This repeater is the most technologically advanced from the AVM manufacturer, it is simultaneous triple band with Wwi-Fi 6 and will provide us with truly spectacular performance. This model is the ideal companion to the FRITZ!Box 4060 and also to the FRITZ!Box 7590 AX router that we talked about earlier.

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous tri-band with AX6000-class Wi-Fi 6 (1148Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, 2402Mbps on the 5GHz-1 band, and 2402Mbps on the 5GHz-2 band). It has MU-MIMO and OFDMA.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : yes, as long as the router is triple band.
• Ethernet : 1 2.5G Multigigabit port and 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for the LAN.
• Ethernet interconnection : yes
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : yes.
• USB : No.
• Firmware : FRITZ!OS firmware with very advanced configuration options.

This model is the most recommended if you want to have the best WiFi 6 repeater that you can buy today. Although it is compatible with any router, we will get the most out of it when we use a FRITZ!Box because we will have WiFi roaming, band-steering and centralized management.

As you can see, this model is really interesting to achieve transfer rates close to and even higher than real 1Gbps.

 

AVM FRITZ!Repeater 1200AX

This repeater is a really interesting alternative to the previous one, but much cheaper. This unit has a plug-in-the-wall design, and is very small but has high-end internal hardware, in order to achieve high speeds wirelessly as well as wired.

• Wi-Fi – Simultaneous dual-band with AX3000-class Wi-Fi 6 (574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, 2402Mbps on the 5GHz band). It has MU-MIMO and OFDMA.
• Dedicated frequency band for interconnection : no.
• Ethernet : 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for the LAN.
• Ethernet interconnection : yes
• Allows you to disable Smart Connect : yes.
• USB : No.
• Firmware : FRITZ!OS firmware with very advanced configuration options.

If you can’t afford to buy the older FRITZ!Repeater 6000 model, this unit is worth half as much and will also give you some really spectacular performance, making it the best alternative.

This model is the most recommended if you want to have great wireless performance but do not want to spend too much money.

 

ASUS Ai Mesh

The manufacturer ASUS was the first to launch a technology such as AiMesh that allows different routers to be interconnected with each other to form a complete WiFi Mesh network. If we buy any ASUS router and any WiFi Mesh system, we will be able to interconnect them easily and quickly with AiMesh. This ASUS technology allows us to have WiFi roaming with 802.11k/v standards and we will also have band-steering, of course, all management is done centrally from the computer that acts as the main router.

Right now all ASUS models have AiMesh 2.0 in the firmware, so we are going to have a large number of management and administration options for the Mesh network itself, allowing us to make the following configurations:

• Enable and disable the different frequency bands.
• Force AiMesh nodes to connect with other AiMesh nodes.
• Optimize the network completely automatically, making all the nodes talk to each other to form the Mesh network with great performance.
• Force the priority of the connection (Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Wi-Fi 6GHz or cable), and we can do this for each of the nodes, that is, we have great versatility.

All this is in the main menu of AiMesh and we can configure it in a really simple way.

Of course, we can also connect the nodes, restart them and even remove them from the mesh network. Other options are to block WiFi roaming to certain wireless clients, ideal so that they are not “jumping” between two nodes that we have too close. ASUS has one of the most advanced Mesh networks, and the vast majority of routers in the RT range are compatible with this technology, including models compatible with Asuswrt-Merlin firmware, there is no problem having a router with this third-party firmware and then have other nodes with the official firmware, it will work perfectly.

 

D-Link EAGLE PRO AI

The manufacturer D-Link has recently launched a new family of routers, WiFi repeaters and WiFi Mesh systems, the name is EAGLE PRO AI, and it will allow us to create a complete WiFi Mesh network “mixing” these devices. Until now, only certain models of D-Link routers and repeaters were compatible to form a mesh network with WiFi roaming and band-steering. With this new family, the manufacturer marks a before and after because now all its equipment is compatible to form a mesh network, with management from the equipment that acts as the main router.

The manufacturer D-Link right now has a total of 3 compatible devices, although they will soon launch new higher-end models that will allow us to achieve high Wi-Fi and cable transfer rates. The three models are as follows:

• D-Link R15 – This router is simultaneous dual-band Wi-Fi 6 AX1500 (up to 247Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 1201Mbps on the 5GHz band). It has one Gigabit Ethernet port for the Internet WAN and four Gigabit Ethernet ports for the LAN. Its price is around €60, a very competitive price considering its characteristics.

• D-Link M15 : This WiFI Mesh system is made up of 2 or 3 nodes, which are exactly the same. These devices have simultaneous dual-band Wi-Fi 6 AX1500 (up to 247Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 1201Mbps on the 5GHz band). It has one Gigabit Ethernet port for the Internet WAN and another Gigabit Ethernet port for the LAN. Its price is around €160 for the pack of 3 nodes.

• D-Link E15 : This compatible WiFi repeater with the rest of the equipment has simultaneous dual band with Wi-Fi 6 AX1500 (up to 247Mbps in the 2.4GHz band and up to 1201Mbps in the 5GHz band). It has a Gigabit Ethernet port for the LAN. Its price is around €55.

As you can see, D-Link is going to allow us to have great versatility, since we can first buy the router and then extend the wireless coverage by buying the WiFi wall repeater or the WiFi Mesh system. This manufacturer is focusing on the low-cost segment with really interesting equipment suitable for all audiences.

So far we have arrived with all our recommendations for buying WiFi Mesh systems, we hope that this classification will help you decide which WiFi Mesh system is the one that best suits your needs.