Enhanced Coverage & Speed: An In-Depth Look at the Top 5 Mesh Routers for 2023

Let's take a look at what's on the market in 2023 at what Mesh Routers are out there that will kill dead spots dead! 

If you've had enough of flaky WiFi then we don't blame you. 

Not getting WiFi in the garden or by the pool, it’s going in and out or a weak signal in certain rooms is frustrating. 

But, there's no need to call the internet company JUST YET!

Mesh Routers are taking the market by storm and we can only look forward to even higher spec in 2024 as WiFi 6E gets fully integrated. 

These very smart kits can cover huge areas of your home and turn weak signals into seamless areas for streaming, Netflix, gaming and a whole host of different devices that powerline extenders and traditional wireless repeaters out of the water!

What Type of Mesh Wi-Fi Router Should I Buy?

The basic principle that mesh systems work on is using a 'backhaul' solution just like a private radio channel to communicate with each other. 

So your main wireless network experiences less contention and deliver a much higher-quality output. 

It does this by supporting multiple nodes, and you can move around the home and outdoors to place them where they deliver seamless connectivity around the space. 

You can arrange them in a daisy-chain configuration, so they don't work on all having to be directly connected to the router. 

So by spreading them around, you get the result you are looking for. 

Will a Mesh System Work with My Router?

The top-range mesh systems are manufactured and configured to replace them. 

If you find you are using a combined modem and router, most of them have a modem mode you can switch to then the mesh system will take over control of router duties. 

Also, you will find a bridge mode on many of them, so it can be connected through an Ethernet cable to your existing router. 

NOTE - This isn't usually the default setting for installation, so you may need a second opinion before installing it this way.

How Many Nodes Will I Get or Need?

Most of the top manufacturers aim for minimum coverage of 400m² using only two to three nodes. 

Coverage can vary though depending on your home. If you find yourself with a lot of stuff in the house and dense thick walls, these can always pose a few issues, but as with everything else in the tech world - you get what you pay for!

Most of the top sellers provide larger coverage than 400m² with only 2 nodes. 

So, it's a case of moving around the house and outside until you find the perfect spots.

Aesthetics

This has not been lost on the manufacturers, who know you have to go and place these around the home. So the design has greatly improved in 2023 and many quite a sleek addition to people's homes. 

Is a Mesh Network Easy to Install?

Nearly all of them today come with a mobile installation app, covering both iPhone and Android and it takes you through the setup nice and easy. 

After installation, the smartphone app is perfect to monitor the system and ensure everything is functioning. 

Some provide a web portal but may not have all the settings. 

NOTE - We mentioned above about the mesh system acting as the router, however, it may not be as versatile as your router for reconfigurability.

So that's the basics on mesh routers now before we set out, many of you who read this may have been on many blogs and review sites, but most commonly this year you will find NETGEAR, they stole a march on the other firms with mesh routing. However, with all tech; others will catch up. 

Therefore we are featuring two Netgear options in this blog.

So, let's take a look at the top 5 that have been leaving the shelves at a rapid pace during 2023…

Netgear Orbi RBK852 AX6000 Tri-Band WiFi 6 Mesh Router + Satellite System

What a fine place to start with an outstanding setup.

Covering up to 460m2, with lightning-fast WiFi speed that can reach 6Gbps covering 100 or more devices!

Award-Winning, Unrivalled Mesh Setup

Using Tri-band tech gives you an unmatched WiFi experience. 

Why Netgear is where it is:

Using a third dedicated connection via the router and satellites, you'll receive unwavering speed through all your property, even overcoming the dreaded 'Black spots' most people find. 

You can even be on the move with this setup and not experience issues.

WiFi for Smart Homes

Orbi has taken down a number of awards, this is due to pairing the award-winning mesh with WiFi 6, therefore, taking a Smarthome to the next-gen. 

NETGEAR Armor Cybersecurity

It is all well and good just thinking about fast and reliable internet but security today plays a huge part in people's decision-making processes.

NETGEAR Armour protects both the data and just as importantly, the network from threats, both in the home and outside. 

Using just one subscription can cover multiple devices, from the obvious laptops and phones but also security cameras and more. 

Easy Installation using the ORBI App

Setup is very quick and easy with the app, it can be done in a matter of minutes.

Run an internet speed test, connect the devices and use the App to manage everything including any service subscription from the phone you set it up with. 

TP-Link Deco X50-PoE With AX3000 Complete Home Mesh Inc. WiFi 6 System and PoE (3-pack) 

Tp-Link will always be in any Top 5 list when it comes to routers.

Multiple Install Options - You can put these wherever you want! 

The X-50 can cover many different homes or offices with their adaptive accessories.  

With these you have many options to ensure optimal performance by being able to fix it to walls, ceilings, table tops, and whatever gets the best reception, it's covered!

Covers Everything at SPEED

Now covering WiFi 6 tech, this has been specifically designed to give you a big boost in overall capacity, which boils down to speed and coverage. 

The AX3000 Packs a Punch

Armed with the latest spec 1024-QAM now boasts speeds of up to 3.0Gbps so it will have no issue handling anything bandwidth-taxing like 8K video or gaming while watching Netflix, browsing and streaming at the same time in the house. 

100 percent perfect for big families in big homes using multiple devices without experiencing lag, or a spread-out busy office(s).

The MULTI-GIG POE PORT - 2.5Gbps 

More muscle!

The X50 really packs a punch with its 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Port. Giving you top-drawer multi-gigabit power helps support the need for speedy and reliable internet. 

This device will help you break through the bottleneck which is 1.0G and establish your device's peak performance. 

Alternatively, you can use the 2.5 GbE port and not even have to consider WiFi and get blazing results wired-in!

POE Simplifies your Network Deployment

The X50-PoE has been manufactured using only one Ethernet cable both both data/power transmissions. With is also supporting a DC inlet where you get the adapter included giving you flexibility for installation.  

ASUS ZENWiFi XT8 AX6600 with WiFi 6 Tri-Band Complete-Home Mesh Routers 

ZENWiFi - It's New and Superb!

ZenWiFi AX (XT8) an outstanding creation by ASUS

Stable wireless networking combined with a mesh networking system put them right in the race not just this year but definitely for 2024. 

So we have a combo of an elegant design alongside lighting fast internet speeds and super easy configuration. 

With WiFi 6 tech, using tri-band technology with an optimised antenna you are looking at optimal mesh WiFi when you are considering both speed and stability. 

The updated technology in AIMesh means setup has never been easier. However, don't be fooled, you are still then getting in-depth advanced tools for network configuration to your requirements. 

With a sleek and elegant design and colours it can fit in will all kinds of interior design from old fashioned to contemporary. 

Entire Home and Office Coverage

Tri-Band - Giving you high Speed and Stable Internet

The ZenWiFi's two ASUS AX6600 WiFi 6 routers will give you coverage of over 500m2. Which as a median is about six rooms. 

As we mentioned earlier with tri-band you are using 'backhaul' technology which gives you super speeds over a secure but most importantly steady connection, inside out and moving around. 

WiFi 6

Clear 8K Streaming

With 160MHz bandwidth combined with 1024-QAM that breaks the bottleneck and gives you optimum speed, you are off to a good start.

Then add 6600 Mbps of networking speed - then compare with AC3000 routers (WiFi 5) you are dealing with a kit that gives you 2.2x the speed of that!

AIMesh Technology

Flexible Management that's easy to setup

ZenWiFi AX comes complete with exclusive AiMesh technology. 

This technology has been designed to simplify not confuse and it is simple and easy to set up and install. However, there are still advanced settings to give more experienced and tech-savvy users complete control of them. 

Ubiquiti Amplifi Alien Wi-Fi 6 Wireless AX Router with Mesh Point AFI-ALN

Aliens are definitely here! Well at least in the Mesh Router form…

AmpliFi Alien Router 

Welcome to the Future 

A very powerful standard WiFi6 Mesh system that will cover any home. 

Ubiquiti have made their system with no limits on network expansions whereby when they bring out further AmpliFi Alien units you can add them. (We'll talk about that below).

Intuitive Touchscreen

A superb 2023 touchscreen that gives you superior control that is instant and on-point. Once you set the display the green LED will turn itself off automatically.

You get a 274 x 1286 screen with 227 ppi of full colour that's 4.7 inches diagonally with flexible interfaces - not bad.

AmpliFi Alien is a single Gigabit internet interface that comes with an internal power supply to give you a powerful and secure router. All Alien routers come complete with an Integrated LAN switch and not to disappoint four Gigabit Ethernet ports for good measure. 

Scalable Mesh

Wi-Fi Technology

This is what we mentioned above. 

So, Ubiquity designed this standard WiFi 6 Mesh system that delivers 4K/8K UHD online gaming and streaming to multiple devices in rooms around the property or office(s). 

You'll get zero latency between your router and either of your mesh points and using the AmpliFi Alien routers you will have zero limitations if you need to expand the network. 

Easy to install - fast speeds - no lag - Ethernet ports, Gigabit Lan port with a MeshPoint that's designated for best performance.

What more is there?!

AmpliFi App

Easy Setup, Rich Controls

This is by far one of the easiest setups on the market when we say 'a minute'  we really might not need to add an 's' that's for real!

The AmpliFi app is user-friendly but has many controls that are feature-rich. It is not just easily configurable but bespoke to you. 

You can easily control who is doing what and who is using the network, in addition, you can track your ISP and your system performance. 

NETGEAR Orbi Pro SXK80-100AUS AX6000 Tri-band Mesh Router - 2 Pack

This is not one of the most expensive setups but in a pound-4-pound list, it would be up there and very work-orientated. 

Working from home made easy

With this setup for maximum security, you are able to separate your work devices from your main network. Now, this is extremely clever and not only is it giving you the utmost security on work files but your performance is unchanged. 

So everyone is still downloading files, watching Netflix and streaming/gaming all at the same time while you're still plugging away with work...but hey look on the bright side, at least there's NO LAG!

Giving you small business control

With the Obi Pro, you are able to isolate securely your back-office network, including any vital data from both employees or guests that log in, but at the same time optimising speeds and ensuring no lag for anyone concerned. 

Very solid performance for the price

Given Orbi Pro’s unique height, weight and shape, coming with a bunch of highly powered antennas gives us stronger, longer WiFi signals with top speed throughout the premises. 

As you grow it grows

A little like the Ubiquiti Amplifi Alien, you can add to your WiFi coverage as time passes, by purchasing additional wireless satellites which according to NETGEAR could give you coverage up to an ASTONISHING 3,000 sq. ft. 

These are sold separately but at least you know your looking at getting a decent amount of time in with this one.

SUMMARY

When we do a 'Top 5' blog we are never saying who's the best because that's always relative to what you want and also what your price point is. But we really did put some Stella kits on this list for you to go and research and see if they fit the bill. Go and take a look at individual reviews online to see how other people went with testing and feedback on the devices. One thing is for sure none of these would let you down. Good luck!