We are now doing this major WiFi mesh test for the fourth year in a row. Four years ago, it was a niche alternative to the traditional router. We have now reached the point that if you are looking for just good WiFi, you really can't get around mesh. We took 23 different WiFi systems through the test and looked for the best options for you.
We have quite a few new systems this year. There are also systems that use the latest generation of WiFi 6 (802.11ax). But the primary approach of this test remains unchanged: you just want good WiFi in the house with as little hassle as possible. All the WiFi mesh systems in this test do just that: using a number of different units (also called nodes, satellites or access points) in convenient places in your home, you have good coverage and good speeds everywhere. Of course without pulling cables; one of the biggest objections to a traditional access point setup.
One caveat, however, remains unchanged after four years of mesh: no matter how good Wi-Fi mesh systems have become, there's still nothing like cabling if your home allows it. If you have cabling at home, you can still consider a mesh solution and use that cabling (partly) as a foundation. Then look at systems that have the property 'wired backhaul possible' in the table.
We even tested a total of 28 systems for this article, but 5 of these systems are officially no longer for sale. Sometimes you can still find them on sale, the complete table including these five extra mesh systems can be found here.
Test method
Our Wi-Fi 5 setup is an exact copy from previous years. We test near the router, put a second access point on the floor above and the possible third point on the top floor. Sets of three are also tested as sets of two: the attic-1-hop test thus simulates the performance on the top (second) floor without placing an access point there as well. Note: in an ideal situation you do not use the third satellite to place one long chain, but to amplify the signal from the router in a different direction.
For WiFi 6 we use the same setup, but for this we use a newer WiFi6 client, which allows faster speeds. The performance between the WiFi5 and WiFi6 models cannot therefore be compared one-to-one. In this test, we first discuss the models with WiFi 5, and only then the options and the advantages and disadvantages of the products with WiFi 6.
Class difference
We split mesh systems into different categories: dual band and triband solutions. The latter is characterized by an additional built-in wireless radio, which is specifically intended for communication between the satellites. Dual-band solutions, recognizable in the table by the absence of a backhaul stream or the AC1200, AC1300 or AC1750 class, mainly serve to increase the range of your network, but have a limited capacity. If several intensive users use the different dual-band access points at the same time, this is asking for problems. This means that they are primarily intended as affordable solutions for households with few (simultaneous) users.
For example, if the four of you want to work simultaneously in different places in the house, look at a system with a so-called dedicated backhaul. The extra capacity between the different points prevents one active downloader in the living room from frustrating the 4K Netflix stream or Fortnite enthusiast in the attic.
Although our test results have been established after extensive testing and frequent re-testing, it remains only a single situation. Wireless performance remains highly situation dependent. It is therefore quite possible that the performance in our premises is different from another test; an inevitable evil. Even our carefully weighted test cannot guarantee that a product will work well in your environment; only a physical cable really guarantees security.
D-Link Covr
Just like in previous years, D-Link is participating in the AC1200/AC1300 and AC2200 class with its Covr-1203 and 2202. We immediately see one new trend that we also see with practically every other manufacturer: almost all Wi-Fi systems have increased in price (due to the Corona crisis, among other things).
D-Link has its affairs well organized. The installation is very easy, both the app and web interface are fine and the turrets are elegantly designed and measured. The performance is not exceptional, but is well in its class and the range and reliability have not been a problem over the years.
Just like last year, especially in view of the slightly higher price, they still fall between two stools for profit. They are slightly more expensive than some alternatives that are also slightly faster. In this test we really primarily assess the performance and the price-performance ratio. It is one to keep an eye on, with the right price this would be a great choice.
D-Link Covr-2202
Price€ 249 (for 2 nodes)
Website
www.d-link.com 8 Score 80
- Pros
- The easiest installation
- Neat performance and range
- Negatives
- Competition slightly faster at the same price point
D-Link Covr-C1203
Price€ 179 (for 3 nodes)
Website
www.d-link.com 8 Score 80
- Pros
- The easiest installation
- Neat performance and range
- Charming compact design
- Negatives
- Competition slightly faster and cheaper
TP-Link Deco
TP-Link was a mesh builder from the very beginning and we see that today in a wide range and a well-developed user experience. The installation is good, the app works well and offers all the usual functionality: from guest network to parental control options. Performance is very good across the board.
Because TP-Link is also very cheap, we crowned them the winners in previous years in the entry-level and middle class, titles that they manage to keep this year. Especially the dirt-cheap dual-band Deco M4 is doing well. As long as you are satisfied with a solution that offers a lot of range and smooth speeds, without the higher capacity for a busy family, there is really no better choice.
The Deco M9 Plus remains the choice in the triband middle class where there is capacity for many active users. Last year Netgear was slightly cheaper with the Orbi RBK23, now those two ruffs are neck-and-neck in terms of price and user experience. However, TP-Link is a bit faster on average and also gives you a Zigbee network to connect some smart home devices. Anyway, considering all the alternatives, the M9 Plus is one of the best mesh systems money can buy.
TP-Link Deco M4
Price€149 (for 3 nodes)
Website
//nl.tp-link.com 9 Score 90
- Pros
- Best value for money in its class
- Good coverage and performance
- User friendly
- Negatives
- Limited capacity
TP-Link Deco M5
Price€ 194 (for 3 nodes)
Website
//nl.tp-link.com 8 Score 80
- Pros
- Price
- Good coverage and performance
- User friendly
- Negatives
- Limited capacity
TP-Link Deco M9 Plus
Price€ 299,- (for 3 nodes)
Website
//nl.tp-link.com 10 Score 100
- Pros
- Good coverage, capacity and performance
- User friendly
- Zigbee and bluetooth
- Negatives
- No
Linksys Velop
Linksys was also early in the mesh market, and has made great strides over the years in terms of user experience. It was sad in the beginning, but is more than fine today. The Linksys devices have sufficient functions, they are not inferior to a sturdy router. And the performance of the triband variant is in order. We don't need to talk about the dual-band version, it is not fast enough and far too expensive to compete.
Last year we wrote that Linksys lacks a really clear advantage, and that is also the case this year. That's a shame, because the Velop tri-band doesn't do bad in any way, but it also doesn't convince enough in any way to make it a winner. Should Linksys crawl the triband variant well below the price of the Deco M9 Plus or RBK23, then it is certainly an interesting option. Even if you prefer a black housing by the way, because those two competitors don't offer that and Linksys does.
Linksys Velop Dual Band
Price€ 249 (for 3 nodes)
Website
www.linksys.com 5 Score 50
- Pros
- Feature set OK
- Negatives
- Range
- Speed
Linksys Velop Tri Band
Price€ 299,- (for 3 nodes)
Website
www.linksys.com 8 Score 80
- Pros
- Good performances
- Good feature set
- Negatives
- Too expensive
Netgear Orbic
The Netgear Orbi RBK50 (or RBK53 for the three-piece kit) has been our test winner for the past three years. A compliment, because being at the top for three years rarely succeeds. This year it is time to hand in that title. Nevertheless, Orbi remains one of the better mesh solutions on the market. Installation is simple and the backhaul is so powerful that you can place the satellite practically anywhere without having to worry about performance. The network is fast and has a lot of capacity for many active users and as an 'oldie' it can now be found for very competitive prices. Since the new test winners are not crazy much faster, the Netgear is still one to keep an eye on.
The Orbi RBK23 also remains a good alternative in the mid-range, and a formidable competitor to the slightly faster Deco M9 Plus. Again, the user experience is good, as are the performance, range and capacity.
However, we are less pleased with the youngest Orbi descendant. The new RBK13 Mini looks nice, but offers less functionality and unimpressive test results given the price. For now, Netgear is doing especially well in the middle and top class. For the time being, the entry-level segment is better left to the competitors.
As a business user you can still consider the Orbi Pro SRK60. The performance is roughly equivalent to the RBK50, but the SRK60 has an extra SSD for internal use and optional wall and ceiling installation. This is at a very hefty extra cost. From a business point of view, we would purchase a wired access point system, but if that is really not an option, then there is something to be said for it.
Orbi RBK50
Price€ 349 (for 2 nodes)
Website
www.netgear.nl 9 Score 90
- Pros
- User friendly
- Excellent performance
- Excellent range
- Negatives
- High price
- Physically very large
Orbi RBK23
Price€ 229,- (for 3 nodes)
Website
www.netgear.nl 9 Score 90
- Pros
- User friendly
- Excellent performance and range
- Competitive pricing
- Negatives
- Deco M9 Plus is slightly faster
Orbi RBK13
Price€169 (for 3 nodes)
Website
www.netgear.nl 6 Score 60
- Pros
- User friendly
- Reasonable performance
- Negatives
- Opportunities
- Performance
Ubiquiti AmpliFi
Years ago, the slightly older AmpliFi HD already made a big impression with its packaging, product presentation and app experience that was meticulously maintained. Unfortunately, this dual-band solution cost more than many a tri-band alternative back then, and it currently costs even more than the AC3000 class devices. No matter how beautiful and sophisticated it may be, you can't compete that way. The younger Ubiquiti AmpliFi Instant suffered a similar fate last year simply by being way too pricey for an AC1200/1300 solution compared to the Deco M4.
In the meantime, however, the AmpliFi Instant has fallen sharply in price. Not yet at the level of the budget fighter, but to the point that there is really something to be said for the ultra compact design, good performance, a handy display and an enormously extensive app. There is also no other mesh system that you install as quickly as this one. Ubiquiti has now become an interesting player if you prefer a slightly more luxurious alternative than the price fighters.
Ubiquiti AmpliFi HD
Price€ 349 (for 3 nodes)
Website
www.amplifi.com 6 Score 60
- Pros
- User-friendly and informative app
- Very good router
- Display on router nice and handy
- Negatives
- Mesh reach and capacity lag behind
- Unreasonable pricing
Ubiquiti AmpliFi Instant
Price€ 159 (for 2 nodes)
Website
www.amplifi.com 8 Score 80
- Pros
- Lightning fast installation
- User-friendly and informative app
- Display on router nice and handy
- Negatives
- Slightly high price
Google Nest Wi-Fi
The first generation of Google WiFi did not really appeal to us. It was a nice product, but Google charged the top prize for a dual-band system and it wasn't really competitive.
However, the new Google Nest WiFi is a completely different story and a real maverick in this test. For example, each access point is also a Google Assistant and a – incidentally quite nice – speaker. Yes, each access point plays music synchronously if you want to. The connections are also striking, but negative: the satellites simply do not have LAN ports for fixed systems. A huge breaking point if you want to connect something wired or use an Ethernet backhaul.
As a dual-band system, Google does not have the capacity for a very active family, but if we look at the performance, it does very well with one device. This makes it difficult to objectively assign a score, but makes its target group very clear: a single or young family, looking for high speed and good reach. And with a clear preference for a hip design, a bit of music and a super sleek application over many connections or an extensive web interface.
Google Nest Wi-Fi
Price€ 259,- (for 2 nodes)
Website
//store.google.com 8 Score 80
- Pros
- Excellent speeds
- Excellent app experience
- Also a speaker
- Negatives
- No lan ports on satellite
- No dedicated backhaul
- No web interface
Synology MR2200ac
Synology is also an outsider, but an interesting one. This nas manufacturer often does something with WiFi, but does not have the production numbers to really compete with the TP-Links and Netgears of this world. In terms of performance, this company is doing well, but the price-performance ratio is skewed.
Synology therefore has to look for its own added value, but unlike some competitors, Synology does that just fine. For example, you go through many more steps and options during the installation, and the management here does not revolve around a beautifully designed app, but about an extremely extensive web interface that you can expand with extra functionality – comparable to the NAS systems. There are even third-party apps to download to go even further. We are very pleased with the fact that we were able to create extensive reports per user about the use of our children with user profiles and different devices. Profiles that also match the profiles on the Synology NAS.
Since Synology does not make packages and sells the MR2200ac per piece, it is not a competitor for anyone who is looking for 'just good WiFi'. But for owners of a Synology NAS and for people who are looking for a lot of tweaking options, it is a simply good product.
Synology MR2200ac
Price€127 (per node)
Website
www.synology.com 9 Score 90
- Pros
- Very extensive options
- Good performances
- Negatives
- Price
- For experienced users
AVM FRITZ!Mesh Set (7590+2400)
AVM opts for a solution that actually sits between a router and a mesh system: a router to which you can connect separate mesh satellites. Current Fritz!Box owners, XS4ALL customers for example, can simply buy mesh extensions for their router. Nowadays, AVM also sells ready-made packages with a Fritz!Box 7590 and Fritz!Repeater 2400 Mesh tip in one box.
This gives you a fairly pricey combination, which does not immediately impress on paper. For example, a dedicated backhaul is missing. You do buy a very luxurious router with all the bells and whistles, and above all reliability. These routers are also frequently used for business DSL connections for that reason.
This position makes it difficult to make a good comparison with mesh solutions, because AVM's target group is actually those users for whom a typical mesh solution is just a bit too simple. AVM's target group is that user who is looking for the complete router functionality and then especially has a wish to strengthen the WiFi towards one or two weak spots in the house. When you consider that, it's good to know that the combination works well and that the mesh performance is good. But in the absence of dedicated backhaul, we would not advise putting many active users on the satellites.
AVM FRITZ!Mesh Set
Price€ 269,- (for 3 nodes)
Website
//nl.avm.de 8 Score 80
- Pros
- Good performances
- Extreme feature set of the router
- Doubles as dsl modem
- Negatives
- dual band
- Price
- Mainly intended as a good router
ASUS ZenWiFi and Lyra
Four times is a charm for ASUS. His first Lyra mesh system failed to impress and the subsequent Lyra Trio didn't turn out to be a good response to TP-Link and Netgear either. The AX6100 seemed to be just that, because it was the first mesh product that (partly) used WiFi 6, but in practice it just turned out to be unable to compete with the best WiFi 5 options. Wifi 6 is only used on one of the three radios with that system. All three are still for sale, none of these three are really interesting.
Meanwhile, it is hit for ASUS with the ZenWiFi AC. Remarkably, this is only the second mesh system in the AC3000 class, in other words with a 4x4 dedicated backhaul for both performance and capacity. We can be very brief about the ZenWiFi AC: it trumps the Orbi RBK50 in terms of performance and combines that with almost complete router capabilities. You can keep it simple via the app on your phone, but if you want you have an extremely extensive web interface at your disposal. With all imaginable options of VPN, parental controls and the possibility to set up three different guest networks. The price is hefty, but then you have both the best performing and the most extensive mesh system on the market.
Asus ZenWiFi ACv (Best Tested)
Price€ 349 (for 2 nodes)
Website
www.asus.nl 10 Score 100
- Pros
- Top performance
- Excellent and extreme feature set
- Negatives
- Not cheap
Wi-Fi 6
All the solutions discussed so far concern wifi5 products, but now wifi 6 is here. On a technical level, WiFi 6 is extremely interesting. This allows higher speeds and better performance when you have many devices in one network. In practice, the added value is limited for the time being. Recent high-end phones and laptops have a WiFi6 chip, but the majority of the hardware does not. And even more difficult: mesh products with Wi-Fi 6 are both limited in availability and extremely expensive. As a result, we do not think it is appropriate to declare a set with WiFi 6 as the test winner. We will discuss as many as three mesh sets.
Whether you want to bet on WiFi 6, you will have to consider yourself: what do you expect from your network? Are you not going to settle for just good WiFi in the short term, but do you want ultimate WiFi? And above all: are you willing to pay that hefty extra price for that?
Our advice, as with most hardware, is: if you need something today, buy something that fits your situation now. For most users, that will be a good set with WiFi 5. If you are not in a hurry with a new WiFi solution, our advice is to just wait. Chances are, by the time you really need it, there's just something better out there for less.
Note: Mesh sets with WiFi 6 naturally also support older WiFi devices. However, you only benefit from the extra investment once you have a number of devices with WiFi 6 in your hands.
TP-Link Deco X60
Strikingly, the first three mesh systems with Wi-Fi 6 on the market are extremely different. The cheapest is the remarkably small TP-Link Deco X60. With a WiFi6 laptop, we immediately see added value: considerably higher speeds. Do you have two WiFi6 laptops? Then we see the speeds of the X60 far exceed the gigabit.
However, the budget position of this TP-Link becomes clear as soon as we connect to the satellites: there is no dedicated backhaul on it. As a result, it naturally loses out there against the much more expensive ASUS and Netgear alternatives, but also against the ZenWiFi with WiFi 5. This puts this TP-Link product in a difficult position, despite the fact that the installation and app are well organized. .
However, if you have wired part of your house, it is possible to use that cabling as a backhaul. Then you will benefit from WiFi 6, without huge costs. In that case, the X60 is ideal.
TP-Link Deco X60
Price€ 399 (for 3 nodes)
Website
www.tp-link.com 8 Score 80
- Pros
- Good user experience
- Wi-Fi 6
- High Speeds via Wired Backhaul
- Negatives
- Moderate speeds over wireless backhaul
ASUS ZenWifi AX
Like the ZenWiFi AC, the ZenWiFi AX just does a really good job. It has, just like its WiFi5 brother, a lot of possibilities. And it offers speeds that practically perform a gigabit LAN port. We see speeds that are even higher via satellite than many WiFi5 devices achieve directly on the router. These are the kind of results you would consider paying more for.
However, the extra cost is very extreme: 500 euros for the kit with two satellites, where we saw earlier that you can find WiFi5 kits with three satellites for less than 300 euros. And the real network geek will be disappointed with the absence of multigigabit LAN ports despite the presence of a 2.5Gbit WAN port. This way you are still limited to one gigabit in your internal network.
We fear that it is too much for practically every consumer, but then just not extreme enough for the real network fanatic.
ASUS ZenWifi AX
Price€ 495,- (for 2 nodes)
Website
www.asus.nl 9 Score 90
- Pros
- Excellent performance
- Wi-Fi 6
- Extremely extensive options
- Negatives
- Price
- No multi-gigabit LAN
Netgear Orbi RBK852
If you think that the even more expensive Orbi RBK852 does the finishing touches, then we have to disappoint you. Netgear goes a little further than ASUS: the Orbi has even more antennas, capacity and speed. But here too we see a product that on the one hand is far too extreme for most users and on the other hand lacks those few extra options that a real network enthusiast would like to see in order to invest real money: LAN ports that offer faster speeds than can handle a gigabit. Make no mistake: the RKB852 can easily handle this with multiple devices at the same time.
You can (unlike with the ASUS) with lan teaming a nas with two lan ports to raise to two gigabits. Nevertheless, the lack of multigigabit, certainly for the near future, is an unnecessary limitation that we find difficult to swallow for a price of almost 800 euros for two satellites.
The Orbi RBK852 is extremely fast, well thought out and hugely impressive so far, but it can hardly defend its current price. Either it should drop, or Netgear should provide at least 2.5Gbit/s ports.
Netgear Orbi RBK852
Price€699.00 (for 2 nodes)
Website
www.netgear.com 9 Score 90
- Pros
- Ultimate Performance
- Extensive options
- Good user experience
- Wi-Fi 6
- Negatives
- Bizarre Pricing
- No multi-gigabit LAN
Conclusion
Looking at the results in WiFi 6, we can clearly see where the future lies. But for the time being, these are pricey options, with some significant concessions. That makes them difficult to defend. Especially when we repeat our goal of just good WiFi. Don't you need something right away? Then simply wait a little longer, because WiFi6 mesh will become absolutely mainstream within the next year or so.
Are you looking for a solid solution, then look at the systems with WiFi 5. Do you want something affordable? Then the TP-Link Deco M4 is unbeaten for the second year in a row: low price, good performance and good user experience. If you want more capacity for multiple users, then TP-Link once again stands out with the Deco M9 Plus. Good performance and also perfectly capable of providing an active family with WiFi. In short, twice an editorial tip for TP-Link.
Do you care more about an extremely slick app and some music in your house? Then the Google Nest WiFi is definitely worth considering. It misses the backhaul, but still performs well and also manages to offer some nice music. Also an editorial tip for this outsider.
The award for the best mesh system at the moment goes to the ASUS ZenWiFi AC. This system not only offers top speeds, but also one of the most extremely comprehensive router options on the market. However, don't underestimate the winner of the past three years: the Netgear Orbi RBK50 is still an excellent option and at times cheaper than ASUS.
As the owner of WiFi6 clients, do you prefer WiFi 6? Then pick up the TP-Link X60 when you can put the satellites on a wired backhaul. The X60 offers good performance for a reasonable price, but the lack of dedicated backhaul does not make it a pure mesh solution. Alternatively, consider the ZenWiFi AC, which performs better as a mesh solution. The Orbi RBK852 is admittedly slightly better, but then you have to think very lightly about 800 euros for an improvement of your WiFi network.
Two, or three?
A tricky question is whether you want to buy a set of two or three devices. The answer becomes a bit easier when you consider that you prefer to use an extra satellite to amplify in a different direction from your router, not to create an endless chain of satellites. With every step you lose capacity and stability. If you use one satellite to increase the range of the upper floors, and another to reach the garden towards the rear of the house, a pack of three is sensible. In an apartment or loft where you normally simply want more range in one direction, two pieces are usually sufficient.
