Upgrade your home network—and eliminate dead zones.
So, you've decided that mesh networking is right for your home. As such, you're going to want to pick the right mesh networking kit, rather than a traditional router setup. While there are plenty of kits on the market to choose from, it's not an easy decision, especially since these things get pricey fast. That said, these four options stand out to me as among the best of the bunch.
If you're looking to give mesh networking a try but don't want to spend as much on a system, then the Vilo Mesh Wi-Fi System is a good place to start. It lists for around $115.99 on Amazon, though it can often be found for much cheaper during flash sales. This particular option gets you three devices, a main router and two satellites, and is one of the best budget options around.
These devices support up to 4,500 square feet of space when using all three, and come with three separate gigabit ethernet ports if you want to keep things wired and as fast as possible. There are also built-in parental controls, in case you need to control how much time your family spends on the internet.
The Vilo Mesh Wi-Fi System is available now for $115.99 on Amazon.
Built to make the most of Wi-Fi 6, Amazon's Eero 6+ is a great option for mesh network users who need an expandable system. These devices can get quite expensive if you're using multiple of them, but their ability to connect to Alexa allows you to take advantage of Amazon's built-in Smart Home Hub. And because they easily connect to other Eero devices, you can expand your setup however you see fit.
You won't be able to set up a true mesh network with a single Eero, but Amazon often runs deals on these devices. Plus, the more Eeros you buy, the less expensive each subsequent device is, at least on Amazon. Because the Eero 6+ supports Wi-Fi 6, it also provides an additional boost for wifi connections thanks to a 160 MHz radio channel. They're also easy to set up, and each device supports up to 1,500 square feet.
Purchase the Eero 6+ from Amazon for $139.99.
ASUS is one of my personal favorite brands when it comes to tech, and the company continues to deliver with the ROG RAPTURE GT6, which is a mesh networking system designed specifically with gamers in mind. It comes with two different devices, and supports up to 5,800 square feet of coverage, so it's perfect for larger homes, too.
One thing that makes the ROG Rapture GT6 stand out above other mesh networking systems, at least for gaming, is the triple-level game acceleration, which is meant to help you get the most out of your online connection when playing video games. There's also the included free lifetime internet security, and the built-in gaming-centric settings. The main downside, however, is the price: This is the most expensive option on this list.
You can purchase the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 2-Pack on Amazon for $429.99.
Finally, I'm going to recommend another ASUS device. This Tri-band mesh networking system is a two-pack, and it typically runs for $399.99. That higher price tag gets you Wi-Fi 6 support, as well as OFDMA and MUMIMO tech, which ASUS says should provide more stable and faster transmissions.
This system is rated for up to 6,600 Mbps, and comes with a simple three-step setup. The included "lifetime" internet security could also a plus, and anyone looking to buy a mesh networking system should seriously consider this option. Although expensive, this pair is currently on sale, which is another plus.
Buy the ASUS ZenWiFi AX XT8 2-Pack on Amazon right now for $299.99.
