Mesh Wi-Fi systems may sound complicated, but they're really easy to install and they will instantly solve your Wi-Fi woes. No more weak signals or dead zones, and they don't have to cost a lot either.
Although they're called routers - which they are - they typically work alongside your existing router, and it's a good idea to turn off its Wi-Fi so it doesn't interfere with the new system.
Here we’ve reviewed and ranked all the latest systems for all budgets.
1. TP-Link Deco P9
- $229.99
It's easy to set up, has a well-designed and feature-packed app and offers great performance, so it’s tough to fault TP-Link’s Deco P9 mesh Wi-Fi system. While it was originally available in a set of three offering up to 6000 square foot of coverage, TP-Link has since launched a two-unit set ideal for smaller homes.
Unlike most other Mesh systems, the Deco P9 uses hybrid connectivity: a combination of mesh Wi-Fi and powerline networking which helps to provide a reliable connection even through thick walls.
If you want a no-fuss mesh Wi-Fi system that works well, the Deco P9 system won’t disappoint.
Read our full TP-Link Deco P9 review
2. Amazon Eero 6
- From $129
We were impressed with the original Eero system, but Amazon has launched a Wi-Fi 6 version - hence the 6 in the name. It's a dual-band kit, and if you want better performance there's the Eero 6 Pro which is a tri-band system (not yet available in the UK, though).
The Eero 6 now has a Zigbee hub built in, which could be handy if you have Philips Hue or other Zigbee-based smart home devices.
Note that the satellites in the kit aren't identical to the main router: they don't have any Ethernet ports, unlike the original Eero, which could be a deal-breaker if you need to connect a PC or any other device that doesn't have Wi-Fi.
Assuming that's not a problem, the Eero 6 is just as impressive as the original, with a great app and easy setup. Of course, performance is also excellent, though you'll need devices with Wi-Fi 6 to get the best speeds from the system.
The original Wi-Fi 5-based Eero system is still on sale and is cheaper, and a good alternative if you don't need Wi-Fi 6 yet - or Zigbee.
Read our full Amazon Eero 6 review
3. Linksys Velop Dual Band
- $199 each; $499 for three-pack
Although the app could be a bit slicker (like the Eero app), we really have no complaints about the Linksys Velop kit. Especially now that you can buy it for significantly less than what it cost when it originally launched.
Via the app you can manage the network, enable guest Wi-Fi and create basic access rules to limit internet time for specific devices.
This dual-band system provides a reliable wireless network with decent speeds that should satisfy most families. And each of the units has two Gigabit Ethernet ports for connecting devices that don't have Wi-Fi.
Importantly, it's far more affordable than the pricey tri-band version of the Velop.
Read our full Linksys Velop Dual Band review
4. Netgear Nighthawk Mesh WiFi 6 System
- $229.99 (2-pack), $279.99 (3-pack)
Until Amazon launched the Eero 6, the Nighthawk Mesh WiFi 6 System was the cheapest Wi-Fi 6 mesh kit we'd seen.
It's simple to set up and use, and its reach can be expanded by adding more satellites (just like the Eero).
Also like the Eero 6, this is a dual-band system that lacks the additional 5GHz third band for communication, so isn't as fast as Netgear's tri-band Orbi system. Some users will find the lack of Ethernet ports limiting, but at least there is one on each satellite, unlike the Eero 6.
Overall, the Nighthawk Mesh WiFi 6 System is an effective way to pipe Wi-Fi 6 around your home.
Read our full Netgear Nighthawk Mesh WiFi 6 System review
5. Tenda Nova MW3
- US$89.99 (2-pack); US$129.99 (3-pack)
The MW3 is the cheapest mesh networking system we've reviewed. It has dropped in price since it was launched, making it a very tempting option for those on a tight budget.
As you'd expect, it can't match the performance of more expensive rivals, but it still does a great job of delivering a strong Wi-Fi connection and eliminating dead zones around your home. Obviously, it doesn't support Wi-Fi 6, but instead Wi-Fi 5, which is still perfectly good for streaming video, playing games and other internet activities.
That makes it a terrific bargain if you just need to provide a good internet connection around an average-size home, rather than have the ultimate Wi-Fi speeds.
Read our full Tenda Nova MW3 review
6. TP-Link Deco M5
- $129 each; $299 for three-pack
We can’t fault the Deco M5's performance and ease of use, and the coverage is also impressive considering the price. You also get an antivirus subscription bundled which is a bonus.
The app offers parental controls, though not the most granular control, and also lets you create a guest Wi-Fi network.
If you’re looking for a mesh networking kit that's not too expensive and which can provide a fast, reliable Wi-Fi signal throughout your home, then the Deco will really earn its keep.
7. Google Nest WiFi
- US $169 for Router | $269 for Router & Point | $149 for additional Point
The latest version of Google's mesh Wi-Fi system has evolved quite considerably. The main unit (and additional 'points') are also smart speakers with the Google Assistant, so this mesh system will save you if you were planning to buy one or more Google Nest speakers, along with using fewer mains outlets and you have fewer devices littered around your home.
If there's a disappointment it's that the kit doesn't support the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, but Nest WiFi is plenty fast enough for the average home and will improve signal around even smaller house vs a regular router.
Of course, you also get great Google software which makes the whole process simple and easy to use. Not only it is a breeze to get set up, but the features are accessible and helpful including a guest network, priority devices and parental controls. You can even pause the network with your voice via the Google Assistant.
8. Amazon Eero
- $199 (3-pack)
The original Eero system is simple, elegant and works well. It's also easy to set up and monitor using the companion app.
Wireless speeds are respectable, though if you want something a little faster, then a tri-band Eero Pro system might be just the ticket.
Gamers, home office workers or anyone with a lot of devices that work better with a wired connection will find the two Ethernet ports per Eero very useful (and you can add more with an inexpensive Ethernet hub). Plus, most people will be happy with the wide-ranging wireless coverage the system delivers.
Read our full Amazon Eero Mesh Wi-Fi review
9. Devolo Mesh WiFi 2 review
- From £199.99
The Devolo Mesh Wi-Fi 2 kit offers the best of both worlds in terms of home networking. Devolo calls it a 'tri-band' system because it uses powerline - the latest G.hn standard - to communicated between adapters. That means you can plug in adapters much further apart than Wi-Fi would allow, so it's ideal for larger homes or those with particularly thick walls or constructions that block Wi-Fi signals.
Unlike the previous Magic 2 kit, each adapter in the Mesh Wi-Fi 2 kit is identical, and all have Wi-Fi.
But they are essentially the same as the Magic 2 units, and you can use individual Magic 2 adapters to expand the system if you need more than three Wi-Fi hotspots.
You don't even lose a mains socket as each device has a pass-through socket as well as two Ethernet ports for connecting PC s or other devices without Wi-Fi.
Despite not offering Wi-Fi 6, this kit will cost a similar amount to those that do. We're not the biggest fans of the app, either, as it isn't particularly nice to use and doesn't offer all that many features. However, if you're after a mesh system for a larger home, this one really delivers.
Read our full Devolo Mesh WiFi 2 review
10. Tenda Nova MW5
- $110
Even though it's better specified than the MW3, the MW5 is still very affordable. It isn't the last word in speed or coverage, but it isn't meant to be: it's designed for smaller homes and people with smaller budgets.
And it succeeds in its goal admirably, and is the ideal upgrade if you're getting by with the Wi-Fi from your ISP-supplied router.
What's The Best Mesh Wi-Fi Network You Can Buy?
Put simply, a mesh network is two or more Wi-Fi routers which work together to provide much wider Wi-Fi coverage than a single router can. This gives you a single Wi-Fi network even though in the background your devices will disconnect from one router and connect to a closer one as you move around.
Some kits have just two units and can’t be expanded, while others can be bought in one, two or three-packs and provide extra coverage.
Does It Replace My Existing Router?
No. It’s best to think of mesh system as a replacement for your existing router’s Wi-Fi. You attach one of the devices from a mesh Wi-Fi kit to a spare network port on your router and it creates a new Wi-Fi network to which all your phones, computers, tablets and Wi-Fi smart home gadgets connect.
You then place the second (and third if relevant) mesh device somewhere else in your house, typically on another floor.
The devices all talk to each other and create a single Wi-Fi network that’s both strong and fast across your entire home.
The only reason you may find you still don't get whole-home coverage is if a) you have an extremely large home or b) your home has very thick stone, brick or concrete walls. Our reviews are based on a typical three- to four bedroom UK home.
If you suspect that a Wi-Fi mesh system won't work in your home due to its construction, note that our number-one choice - the TP-Link Deco P9 - uses powerline networking as well as Wi-Fi, so the units can talk to each other using your home's electrical wiring, meaning thick stone walls aren't an issue.
Devolo's Magic 2 Wi-Fi (and newer Mesh 2 Wi-Fi) works in a similar way, connecting its Wi-Fi hotspots using powerline networking.
Don't confuse these with traditional powerline adapters with built-in Wi-Fi.
Are Powerline Adapters A Cheaper Alternative, Though?
Yes. If you just need to get a Wi-Fi signal in one room that your current router can’t reach, you might be able to save money by buying the type of Wi-Fi-enabled powerline kit that we've just mentioned.
Check out our roundup of the best powerline adapters for more, but bear in mind that not all powerline kits include Wi-Fi, so cheaper kits will only connect gadgets that have an Ethernet port.
What Other Benefits Do Mesh Wi-Fi Systems Offer?
They’re usually controlled via an app. In some cases this exists mainly just to help you install the system in the first place, but it can also be used to monitor which devices are connected to which hub.
Some apps also let you ‘pause’ the Wi-Fi network but the best let you stop Wi-Fi on certain devices, so you could prevent your kids watching more YouTube videos, for example.
Others include parental controls or scheduling so Wi-Fi is only available at certain times or to certain devices.
Anything Else To Watch Out For?
Yes. Some mesh systems (but not all) prevent Wi-Fi devices from talking to other gadgets that are connected to your main router’s wired network ports. That's because they don't support Bridge mode.
For example, you might find you can’t print from your PC as your printer is connected to the Wi-Fi network but your PC is connected via a network cable to your old router.
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