// WIRED US/UK — MOBILE & WEB
Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems (2026): Netgear, Asus, Amazon, and More
Most of us are stuck placing our router in a less-than-optimal spot, depending on where the internet connection comes into our home. Mesh routers promise to extend Wi-Fi coverage by enabling you to place a second or third node wherever you need, and they appear as a unified Wi-Fi network. Your devices will automatically connect to the nearest option for the best speeds.
Whether you want to fix dead zones, stop the buffering in the back bedroom, or get decent Wi-Fi in the backyard, a mesh Wi-Fi system could be the answer. The Netgear Orbi 770 Series is my top pick for most people, but I have many alternatives to suit different homes and internet connections.
Note: The FCC's foreign-made router ban announced in March may stop any company that doesn't secure an exemption (Conditional Approval) from selling new mesh systems in the US, however, existing systems can continue to be sold (everything listed here). They can also be updated with new firmware, at least until January 1, 2029. So far, Netgear and Eero are the only consumer mesh manufacturers to have secured a Conditional Approval.
Before you dive deeper into my lineup, it’s a good idea to consider whether a mesh system is right for you. My guide on how to choose a router will help you answer that question and determine the features you need. If you don't want to switch to a new Wi-Fi mesh system, I also have advice on upgrading your existing Wi-Fi, the best Wi-Fi extenders, and ways to secure and protect your home network.
Updated June 2026: I added the Eero Pro 7 and TP-Link Deco BE63, refreshed impressions for other recommendations, added clarifications on the US government’s foreign router ban, slimmed down the other routers I've tested section, and removed some older devices.
If you're excited to upgrade to Wi-Fi 7, the Netgear Orbi 770 Series may be the best way to do so. While most new phones and laptops already support the standard, router prices are only just becoming more affordable. The Orbi 770 is backward compatible with older devices, but you will need a Wi-Fi 7 device, like an iPhone 16 or iPhone 17, to take full advantage of the benefits.
These towering routers aren’t quite as big as the far more expensive Orbi 970 Series, but they have a similar design and are relatively large. The main router has four 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports, while the satellites make do with two 2.5 Gbps ports apiece. There’s no USB. Setup is quick and easy using the Orbi app on your phone.
It is a tri-band system, and by default, there is one network name (SSID) for the 2.4-GHz, 5-GHz, and 6-GHz bands, and it supports multi-link operation (MLO). MLO is a new Wi-Fi 7 feature that allows devices to connect on multiple bands simultaneously. While a single SSID simplifies things, MLO can cause problems for legacy devices because Wi-Fi 7 has more stringent security requirements (WPA2 or higher). Something like an iPhone 5 won’t be able to connect, though you could potentially use a guest or IoT network.
Wi-Fi 7 also enables wider channels (up to 320 MHz from the current high of 160 MHz) and a handful of other improvements. You can expect consistently fast Wi-Fi and excellent coverage from this system (Netgear optimistically suggests up to 8,000 square feet for a three-pack). I found it fast and stable, and it had no issues covering my home. While it is slower than some other systems I tested, you are unlikely to notice the difference in everyday use unless you are constantly transferring large files. It offers more than enough bandwidth for streaming and gaming. There's potential for stable, low-latency, multi-gigabit speeds if you have Wi-Fi 7 devices connected to the main router, but I occasionally encountered a touch of lag with the satellites. If you can run Ethernet cables for wired backhaul, you can eliminate that.
The Orbi app is straightforward and shows connected clients, enables you to check your internet speed, and has a few other settings. You get 30-day trials of Netgear’