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You’ll find in this post the best Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems to safely bring home.
It’s worth noting that even if you have mostly Wi-Fi 5 or legacy clients, Wi-Fi 6 is still an excellent investment in terms of coverage. Thanks to the high bandwidth backhaul link, you can place the broadcasters farther out to get more extensive coverage without losing too much speed in the process.
As the world is moving to Wi-Fi 6E, there’ll be fewer and fewer new Wi-Fi 6 mesh options. Those listed here will likely be the final best mesh systems of the standard.
A mesh is only necessary for a large home — more on that in this primer post about Wi-Fi systems in general. So those living in a medium or small home needing only a standalone router, check out this list of best Wi-Fi 6 routers instead.
Dong’s note: I first published this frequently revised post on May 13, 2020, and last updated it on July 25, 2022.
Best Wi-Fi 6 mesh Wi-Fi systems of 2022: The lists
There is now a good selection of Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems on the market, and this post includes only those I consider the best among the many I’ve tested.
You’ll see them here in the reviewed order, the latest on top — the number in front of their name is just numerical. I’ll add (or remove) the options as more systems become available. So do bookmark this page.
Scroll down to the bottom to see how their performances are stacked against one another. Or check out these direct comparisons to see how some of them pan out as competitors.
A note to fans of the Amazon eero: Neither of the new eero 6 mesh Wi-Fi systems made it to these two lists. Not even close.
Why did I make two lists instead of just one? Well, read on and find out yourself.
Best Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems of 2022: Excellent for a wired home (or one with modest Internet speeds)
These mesh systems have only a single broadcaster with one band per frequency (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.) As a result, in a wireless setup, the speed of the satellite unit’s 5 GHz band is generally only half that of the router unit due to signal loss.
However, in a wired configuration, a dual-band mesh system will give you consistent performance throughout. So, if you have run your home with network cables, this type of mesh will deliver the best bang for your buck.
A Dual-band mesh system with wired backhauls makes more sense than a Tri-band alternative. Tri-band mesh hardware is generally tuned for wireless use cases and might have issues using network cables as backhaul.
Note, though, if you have modest broadband — one that has a download speed of 150Mbps or slower — a dual-band system will work out just fine, no matter how you plan to use it.
5. TP-Link Deco X4300 Pro: A sensible Dual-band mesh for a (wired) home with Gigabit broadband.
(In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the latest member on this list — the number is only numerical, not the ranking.)
The Deco X4300 Pro replaces the Deco X60 on this list. While there’s nothing “pro” about it — this is a simple canned system with little customizability — it’s clearly an upgrade to the previous Deco.
In testing, the new system proved reliable and fast enough for Gigabit broadband, and its affordable pricing didn’t hurt.
Like all dual-band systems, the Deco X4300 Pro is best used via wired backhauling — including the Mult-Gig option with a switch. However, if you have an airy home, a good hardware arrangement can also bring about excellent throughputs.
Pros
Reliable and fast Wi-Fi performance, excellent coverage
User-friendly with pre-synced hardware, competitively priced
Wired backhaul support, can work in AP mode as a system
Cons
Requires an account with TP-Link to work
Zero Wi-Fi customization, limited network customizations, Parental Controls, and online protection require add-on subscriptions
Limited web interface, no USB port;
4. ZenWiFi XD6: The XT8’s wired alternative
If you have a wired home, the Dual-band Asus ZenWiFi XD6 is an excellent buy, especially compared to the Tri-band XT8 below.
This new mesh system has no Multi-Gig port, and that’s the only thing disappointing about it. But it’ll work out great for anyone with a sub-Gigabit Internet connection. It’s a sizable upgrade to the XD4 mentioned below.
Note: Alternatively, there are many more Dual-band options with Asus’s AiMesh. Find your best combo in this post.
Pros
Fast and reliable Wi-Fi performance
AiMesh 2.0 fully supported
Lots of network settings and useful features, including free real-time online protection for life
Presynced hardware, 160Mhz support
Cons
No Multi-Gig or Link aggregation
3. Netgear SXK30 Orbi Pro Mini: A reliable business mesh for a home
The SXK30 Orbi Pro Mini is designed for an office, but it’ll work fine with a wired home.
That’s because its local web interface resembles that of Netgear’s Nighthawk home routers. This mesh doesn’t have top-notch specs, but it sure is a viable and reliable option if you have a wired home (or office.)
Pros
Reliable Wi-Fi at comparatively affordable pricing
Lots of Wi-Fi settings, responsive web user interface
Mounting accessories included
Cons
No 160MHz bandwidth, modest specs
Slow throughput speeds on the Satellite unit
Insight trial starts without user consent
2. Netgear Nighthawk MK63: The beginning of EasyMesh
The Netgear Nighthawk MK63 is an entirely new type of Wi-Fi 6 mesh system. It’s the first on the market based on the EasyMesh initiative. As a result, you might be able to use it with supported hardware from other networking vendors in the future.
For now, it’s an excellent choice if you have a modest broadband connection or have wired your home with network cables. Similar to the case of the Asus ZenWiFi AX Mini below, you do need a switch if you want to link all of the MK63’s hardware units together using network cables.
Pros
Reliable performance, excellent coverage
Cons
Modest Wi-Fi specs, no dedicated backhaul band
and limited number of ports; switch required for wired backhaul configuration
Lacks basic Wi-Fi settings, no 160 MHz channel width
No multi-gig port, Dual-WAN or Link Aggregation
Finicky QoS, online protection, require a mobile app and is not free
1. Asus ZenWiFi AX Mini: Representing the plenty of dual-band AiMesh options
(In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the oldest member on this list — the number is only numerical, not the ranking.)
The ZenWiFi AX Mini is more than just a miniature version of the ZenWiFi AX. It’s the first purpose-built AiMesh system that includes two distinct hardware types: a router and two satellites.
Most importantly, it’s the first among its peers to feature a fully functioning Guest networking feature, something that had been amiss from the get-go in Asus’s AiMesh ecosystem.
On the downside, this little mesh system is dual-band and has modest hardware specs.
Note: Alternatively, there are many more Dual-band options with Asus’s AiMesh. Find your best combo in this post.
Pros
Guest networking works throughout the system
Useful network settings and feature
Cons
No dedicated backhaul band or 160MHz channel width support
No multi-gig port, Dual-WAN or Link Aggregation
Stripped-down, borderline useless QoS and Parental Control features
Limited number of network ports, switch needed for a complete wired backhaul setup
Non-pre-synced hardware, not wall-mountable
Best Tri-band Wi-Fi 6 mesh system of 2022: Expensive but convenient for those without wiring
These are mesh systems that include three internal Wi-Fi frequency bands within each of its hardware units. Specifically, they all have one 2.4GHz band and two 5GHz ones. In a wireless setup, one of the latter will work as a (dedicated) wireless backhaul.
The dedicated backhaul’s idea is one band takes care of the job that links the hardware units leaving the other two to work only for clients. As a result, even when it’s impossible to use network cables to connect the hardware units, you can still achieve fast throughputs.
A Tri-band system is a must for a large home or even a medium one with thick walls, and you want to get the fastest possible Wi-Fi speeds without running network cables. But in most cases, they still do best via wired backhauling.
8. Synology RT6600ax as a mesh: The genuinely pro mesh system
(In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the latest member on this list — the number is only numerical, not the ranking.)
Unlike the Deco X4300 Pro above, the Synology RT6600ax is real material for a pro mesh system. Available as a standalone router, you can get two units to form a Wi-Fi system — similar to the case of Asus AiMesh — that delivers the best feature set and excellent performance.
For the best performance, you should also use a Synology mesh set with wired backhauling, but the RT6600ax uniquely supports the 5.9GHz portion of Wi-Fi 6 and can deliver exceptionally good throughputs even with wireless backhauling.
Pros
Fast, reliable, and large Wi-Fi coverage
Advanced interface with high-quality add-on features
Highly-customizable network and Wi-Fi settings
Effective Parental Controls and online protection
Cons
Limited hardware options, no satellite-only hardware, users have little control over the satellites
No 10Gbps or 5Gbps Multi-Gig option, no hardware with two or more 2.5Gbps ports
7. ARRIS SURFboard mAX AC6600: An easy, reliable, but feature-poor canned mesh
The SURFboard mAX AX6000 is a minor improvement of the higher-tier mAX Pro that used to be part of this post — it’s more reliable right out of the box and is less expensive.
Still, it’s a spartan Tri-band mesh system that lacks even the most basic network settings. There’s no wired backhaul support, either. And you need to use a mobile app for the setup and ongoing management.
In return, it’s relatively easy to use and reliable. The performance was also quite good in my testing.
Pros
Fast Wi-Fi speeds, large coverage
Effective dedicated wireless backhaul band
Cons
Zero customization and feature
Fluctuating Wi-Fi 6 speeds
Poor Parental Control feature, terrible setup process
App and vendor account required to work
No wired backhaul, only two network ports per unit, no Multi-Gig
No local web user interface
6. Deco X5700: TP-Link’s best Wi-Fi 6 Mesh system to date
The TP-Link Deco X5700 has almost everything to be an excellent wireless mesh system. Among other things, it’s the only one in this list that supports the venerable 160MHz channel bandwidth and has a multi-gig port. It’s fast!
Though far from perfect, this new Deco is an easy recommendation for those needing a plug-and-play Wi-Fi solution that delivers performance. You’ll like the speed no matter how you plan to use it, wirelessly or via a wired backhaul.
Pros
Excellent Wi-Fi performance and coverage
Tri-band with multi-gig port and 160MHz channel width support
User-friendly, comparatively affordable
Cons
Spartan Wi-Fi customization, network settings, and features
Only one Multi-Gig port per hardware unit
App and login account required — privacy risks
HomeShield Pro requires a monthly subscription, limited web interface, impractical design
No USB or additional Gigabit network ports
5. Netgear Orbi AX4200 (RBK752): Possibly the most rounded Orbi to date
You can think of the Orbi RBK752 as the soft “replacement” of the RBK852 below. No, it’s not all better, but it sure is a lot more affordable.
In fact, if you live in a big home with a sub-Gigabit connection and are looking for a fully wireless solution, this one is an excellent canned system to get.
Keep in mind, though, that all Netgear Orbi mesh variants are made to work wirelessly. Even though you can use wired backhaul with them, one of the two 5GHz bands is permanently the dedicated backhaul band and is never available for clients to connect to.
Pros
Fast, reliable Wi-Fi with extensive coverage
Practical, well-designed mobile app
Support WAN 2Gbps Link Aggregation
Full web interface with all standard settings and features
Cons
No 160MHz channel support, limited Wi-Fi customization
Not compatible with Wi-Fi 5 Orbi hardware
Few LAN ports; No Multi-Gig, Dual-WAN, LAN Link Aggregation, or USB port
The fast 5GHz band only works as backhaul, even in a wired setup
4. Linksys MX12600: A totally well-priced mesh for a large home
Available at around $500 for a pack of three identical hardware units, the Linksys Velop MX4200 Tri-Band AX4200 Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System (model MX12600) is an excellent buy when you live in a large home and need an easy, full wireless sub-Gigabit system.
The new mesh also works great with wired backhaul, thanks to the fact it uses Linksys’s dynamic backhaul band technology — all three wireless bands are now available for clients to connect.
With reliable performance, relatively fast speeds, and, most importantly, reasonable pricing, the MX12600 has taken the place of the MX10 on this list. It’s the new best Velop to date. Get it, and chances are you won’t regret the decision.
Pros
Reliable Wi-Fi with excellent coverage
Helpful mobile app, full web interface
Fast NAS speeds when hosting external drives
Cons
No support for 160MHz channel bandwidth
Mobile app (and login account) required for initial mesh setup
Spartan Wi-Fi settings, modest feature set
No multi-gig network ports, Dual-WAN or Link Aggregation
No setting backup/restore
3. Asus ZenWiFi AX: Representing the plenty of tri-band AiMesh options
The ZenWiFi AX XT8 is Asus’s first Wi-Fi 6 system built around the company’s popular AiMesh feature.
Though not the fastest on the market, nor is it the one that gives you everything an Asus router has to offer, the XT8 has an excellent combo of performance, features, and cost.
If you’re looking for a system that can deliver your Gigabit-class internet connection (almost) in full and has a ton of useful features, including a free-for-life built-in online protection, without having a hole in your wallet afterward, the ZenWiFi AX is the one to get.
Like all AiMesh hardware, the XT8 works both with wired and wireless backhaul.
Note: Alternatively, there are many more Tri-band options with Asus’s AiMesh. Find your best combo in this post.
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Pros
Fast Wi-Fi performance and large coverage at a comparatively affordable cost
Improved and flexible AiMesh
Lots of network settings and useful features, including free real-time online protection for life
Full 4×4 dedicated backhaul band with optional wired backhaul support
Multi-Gig WAN port with Dual-WAN and WAN link aggregation
Cons
No 160MHz 4×4 support for Wi-Fi 6 clients in a dedicated wireless backhaul setup
No Multi-Gig LAN port or LAN link aggregation
Only four network ports on each hardware unit
Firmware can be buggy, especially via wired backhaul
Storage performance (when hosting an external drive) could be better
2. Netgear Orbi RBK852: The expensive Wi-Fi 6 mesh that delivers
The Orbi Wi-Fi 6 AX6000 (model RBK852) is not for everyone since it’s so expensive. But if you’re looking for a sure and easy way to blanket a large property with fast Wi-Fi that can deliver Gigabit-class Internet, it won’t disappoint.
Pros
Fast, reliablWiFiFi with large coverage
Full web interface with all common settings and features
Useful, well-designed mobile app
2.5Gbps multi-gig WAN ports
Support WAN 2Gbps Link Aggregation
Cons
No 160MHz channel support, limiteWiFiFi customization
Not compatible with Wi-Fi Orbi hardware
No multi-gig LAN port, intermittent lags
1. Ubiquiti AmpliFi Alien Mesh Kit: An Odd Pair of Wi-Fi 6 Tango
(In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the oldest member on this list. Again, the number is only numerical, not the ranking.)
The AmpliFi Alien Kit includes an Alien router and an Alien MeshPoint. The pair is permanently synced. Consequently, this kit is great for a home that needs a 2-pack system. If you need more than that, you’ll have to get another Alien router.
Despite that odd hardware configuration, the high price, and other oddities, this mesh system has enough to make almost anyone happy, no matter if they go fully wireless or wired backhaul.
Pros
Dead-easy to set up and manage
Fast performance, wired backhaul supported
Users can manage the backhaul link and virtual Wi-Fi networks
Useful VPN and ad-blocking features
Cons
MeshPoint has only one LAN port, and only works with the one router of the same Alien Kit
No dedicated backhaul band
Best Wi-Fi 6 mesh Wi-Fi systems of 2022: The performance
The charts below include the performance of the router and satellite unit of each mesh system.
You’ll note that I skipped the 2.4 GHz band on the charts because not all systems allow for separating their bands — the numbers you see on the charts are presumed to be of the 5GHz band.
If you want to know if a system allows for separating its bands and, if so, how it performs on each band, check out its in-depth review.
Also, I generally don’t test mesh systems in a wired setup since that can be redundant. Via wired backhaul, the satellite unit’s performance is usually the same as that of the router unit.
All satellite units on this chart are connected to their primary router via a wireless connection at 40 feet (12 m) away within a line of sight.
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