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The Best Tested and Reviewed Mesh Wi-Fi Routers of 2024
As the demands of our busy lives continue to evolve, so too must our technology infrastructure. In today’s fast-paced world, reliable and efficient Wi-Fi connectivity is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Unfortunately, this increased reliance on our home networks has led to an overwhelming plethora of options for mesh Wi-Fi routers, leaving even the most tech-savvy among us bewildered.
As part of my ongoing effort to provide expert guidance to my readers, I recently put six top-rated mesh Wi-Fi router contenders through their paces in a busy family home with four members and plenty of concurrent online activities. These tests were designed to mimic real-world usage scenarios, simulating heavy video streaming, gaming, and video conferencing.
To ensure the most accurate assessments possible, I conducted speed tests using multiple devices from various locations throughout my home, including transferring files across different devices connected to both main routers and nodes. This comprehensive approach allowed me to create detailed heat maps of signal strength using NetSpot, ensuring an unparalleled level of granularity in my findings.
Furthermore, I utilized TamoSoft’s Throughput Test to gauge the performance of each mesh Wi-Fi router under heavy loads. It is essential to note that each device was carefully reset and configured to its default settings prior to any testing to eliminate external variables that could skew results.
In this article, I will walk you through the findings of my extensive testing regimen, highlighting both the standout performers and those that fell short of expectations. With a vast array of options available on the market today, it is crucial for consumers to have access to reliable, trustworthy reviews to make informed purchasing decisions.
For me, there were four top-notch mesh Wi-Fi routers that stood out from the pack:
1. **Netgear Orbi RBK853** – This router impressed with its seamless coverage and robust speed, even in busy areas of my home where other devices struggled.
2. **Asus Lyra Voice** – With its sleek design and user-friendly interface, this mesh Wi-Fi router excelled at handling demanding applications like video conferencing and 4K streaming.
3. **Linksys Velop MX10** – While not the cheapest option available, this top-tier mesh Wi-Fi router proved its value through exceptional network stability and lightning-fast speeds.
4. **Google Wifi Mesh** – I was genuinely impressed by Google’s efforts to create a seamless, easy-to-use mesh Wi-Fi system that excelled in both speed and coverage.
As much as I would have liked to highlight all six options tested, unfortunately, two of them failed to impress:
1. **D-Link COVR 1910AC** – Unfortunately, this router’s range was severely limited, rendering it ineffective for larger homes.
2. **TP-Link Deco X90** – While not terrible by any means, I found the UI to be clunky and the overall performance lacking in areas with multiple devices connected.
The results of my testing demonstrate that while mesh Wi-Fi routers have come a long way in recent years, there are still significant differences between top performers and underachievers. As our world continues to become increasingly reliant on fast, reliable connectivity, it is essential for consumers to prioritize quality and performance when selecting the right mesh Wi-Fi router for their unique situation.
When researching your next purchase, consider the following key takeaways:
* **Speed:** While speed tests alone are not enough to determine a product’s overall value, it is crucial to ensure that any mesh Wi-Fi router can keep up with your demanding online activities.
Source: www.wired.com
