Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own.
Best mesh routers 2023
Adding a mesh router to your home network is an easy way to seriously boost your home or office Wi-Fi performance – but which mesh router system should you buy?
{"menuItems":[{"label":"The best mesh routers for 2023, ranked","anchorName":"#the-best-mesh-routers-for-2023-ranked"},{"label":"Latest deals on routers online","anchorName":"#routerdeals"},{"label":"How did we pick this list?","anchorName":"#method"},{"label":"What you need to know about mesh routers","anchorName":"#routerguide-1"},{"label":"Frequently asked questions","anchorName":"#frequently-asked-questions"}]}
You can have a super-fast broadband plan piped into your home, only to hit a brick wall of weak Wi-Fi signals, robbing you of the very speeds you crave or leaving you with "dead zones" around your home or business where there's just no Wi-Fi coverage to be found.
It's feasible to make up some of this shortfall with simple Wi-Fi range extenders, but that typically involves splitting signals to get more range at the cost of speed.
The way to get around these kinds of problems without losing speed or coverage is to install a mesh network system.
Mesh networks use a number of "node" devices – at least 2, but most mesh systems can expand out to multiple units if you've got bigger areas to cover – creating an intelligent Wi-Fi network where each node doesn't shift just data, but also network status information to every other node.
It's like Wi-Fi, but with an AI underpinning that can dynamically optimise Wi-Fi coverage based on current conditions and needs. You don't have to be a networking genius to get it set up, and once it's installed, all you need to do is work out what you're going to do with all that extra speed and coverage.
We test mesh network systems in an identical way to provide the best comparative coverage of consumer mesh network systems in Australia, noting not only their baseline network performance but also how easy they are to set up and use.
Mesh networks are the gold standard, but that also means that they demand premium prices, so it's worth knowing if they're good value.
All choices are independently made based on our combined 60+ years of reviewing experience and are not based on commercial relationships. You can read more detail on our methodology below.
Amazon's Eero brand has long had a prime position in the mesh space, and the Eero Pro 6 is the current gold standard for what we can get locally from the massive global retailer. It's the complete package when it comes to mesh network set-up, stability and performance at all distances within our test labs, and that's why it takes the gong when it comes to mesh networks. Amazon also improved on prior models by adding dual Ethernet to all nodes, so you can easily create a fast and stable mixed wired and wireless network to cover all your bases.
The catch here is primarily one of price because Amazon charges a serious premium for the Eero Pro 6. Then again, it's Amazon, and sales are relatively frequent occurrences for its own-brand technology. If you are the network tinkering type, then you may find some of the Eero Pro 6's interface limitations annoying, but for everyday users, this is a very solid choice.
D-Link's COVR-X1873 runs neck and neck with the Eero Pro 6 mesh in most of our network tests, and even faster in some situations, so why isn't it our top pick? It's a highly flexible system too, with 4 Ethernet ports sitting on each node allowing for a lot of configuration trickery if you're so inclined.
There's actually a newer Google Nest Wi-Fi system that the search giant sells with Wi-Fi 6E baked in, but that model drops one of the best features in our view from the regular system. That's the fact that each Google Nest Wi-Fi node is also a Google Assistant smart speaker, so while you're making the most of your home or office broadband connection, you can also use Google Assistant for smart-home activities or do simple voice searches.
Like most Nest products, there's also a strong focus on ease of use and set-up, with everything set up through the Google Home app. If you want a no-fuss, easy-to-set-up mesh system, the Google Nest Wi-Fi is the system to buy.
Netgear's Orbi Wi-Fi 6 AX6000 managed the best throughput scores we've ever seen for a simple 2-node mesh system in our test environment. Typically, 2 node systems in this configuration struggle a lot, and what the AX6000 could manage was impressive… for a price. It's typically priced at a point where other systems will offer you triple nodes, and that's a problem. We also found its set-up routine a little more work than we'd like, and the larger nodes don't half stand out, which might be a problem if you'd rather have a more subtle, less tech-gadget look in your home or office.
The Orbi Wi-Fi 5 AX6000 is a good system, and it is possible to buy it with more nodes – but again, that will up the price.
Netgear has faster and newer mesh systems to sell, but those all attract the typical price premium you'll find for most mesh networking gear.
This is the sole reason we'd suggest you buy the Orbi RBK13; while it's not the fastest system, and it entirely eschews Ethernet connectivity for a pure Wi-Fi play, it does so at a price point that will make your credit card cry a whole lot less.
That makes the Orbi RBK13 best suited for those on a budget with only moderate networking needs; if you're trying to push the Wi-Fi in your home or office further, you may need to consider upping your budget to a stronger mesh solution.
Enjoy huge discounts on selected Echo Smart Speakers, Ring security cameras, eero wi-fi routers and more. Valid for a limited time only. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
Next, we weigh up all aspects of installation. Most consumers buy mesh router systems to easily enhance their home Wi-Fi, so when we consider installation and set-up issues, we're comparing how simple it is to make that first installation. This extends out into how simple it is to add or remove nodes if your network situation changes.
Simplicity is great for a stress-free life, but we also balance that against how easy it is to configure more advanced network features if desired by an end user. Some interfaces deliberately block complex network concepts, while others make them simpler to understand.
We then test the performance including range, stability, voice integration and ability to handle "dead zones". All of our mesh network tests are conducted in the same suburban Sydney home; this allows us to test them in a real-world environment, but also to ensure that each system is under identical conditions.
The reasons for poor Wi-Fi signal and throughput issues can be complex and unique to a given location, so your experience may vary. However, by keeping our test environment standard, we can at least measure the likely differences between each system.
For our tests, each system is set up and used for at least a week to allow the mesh system to set itself up, apply any updates and watch for any hiccups in performance. We then test the performance of both signal and data throughput, measuring RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) from 3 fixed locations throughout our test home and also data throughput (ping, download and upload) using Finder's Broadband Speed Test.
Price is also a consideration in the final score for any mesh router system, and while this can vary by retailer and time, it's an important metric for measuring the value of a system. We use the regular retail price (or price as suggested by the manufacturer at the time of testing) to come up with our evaluations in that case.
We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. But Finder may receive compensation when you click links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners.
What you need to know about mesh routers
Mesh network systems work via connecting your home internet connection – typically NBN, but you could connect up any broadband solution that terminates in a standard Ethernet plug to a mesh system if you wished to do so – to a system of interconnected nodes that become your home or office's new Wi-Fi network.
While there have been a number of technology solutions to poor Wi-Fi range in the market to date – devices like Wi-Fi extenders or HomePlug style systems – they try to boost the output of your home modem-router rather than acting as their own network entirely.
The big advantage that mesh systems have is that they can combine the antenna throughput of multiple nodes – think of it as having multiple radios chattering to each other throughout your premises – with intelligent network monitoring between each node.
For some systems, this involves a primary "internet" node and then satellite nodes that you place where needed, but most systems do work on a fallback provisioning basis, so even if you do have 1 node knocked out or struggling with heavy use, the others can pick up the slack and communicate to balance the network.
Here's what we considered when choosing the best mesh network systems, and what you should use as a buying guide:
Cost: Mesh networking isn't cheap by consumer networking standards, and it's important to make sure that you're getting good value for money. If you live in a smaller apartment, mesh might be overkill, but if you've got a larger space to blanket in Wi-Fi, or have known Wi-Fi dead zones, there's little that can touch it – for a price. Bear in mind that "cheaper" mesh Wi-Fi systems might be old stock that retailers are trying to shift, which means that they might not support the newest Wi-Fi standards and, as a result, could be markedly slower.
Speed: This is quite a primary consideration because that's why you buy a mesh system in the first place. All mesh systems we've reviewed have been tested in the same location to ensure consistency not only in node placement but also in interference factors, so we could properly and comprehensively stress test each system and assess how well it can really push data around its own network. One feature to look for here is whether each system provides access to dual 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz networks or presents a single network to your devices. It's also worth checking if your mesh system of choice supports its own back-channel for communication between nodes or relies on the open traffic networks for balancing. Systems that can talk quietly among themselves typically manage network loads more efficiently.
Extra features: Mesh networking isn't new, and we're seeing a range of extra features bolted onto mesh gear, such as integration with voice assistants, extra Ethernet ports to provide compatibility with tethered devices and included software packages for firewall or internet filtering purposes. Some mesh systems work on the premise of being very easy to configure, but the flip side there is that compared to a traditional router they may lack some features favoured by the more technically savvy, such as network prioritisation, or easy access to features, such as port forwarding. There's also a new standard, EasyMesh, that promises interoperability between mesh systems sold by different manufacturers, although to date, actual take-up has been fairly slow.
Frequently asked questions
In most cases, the answer is yes, you should be able to. At worst, you could set up a mesh network system as its own Wi-Fi network, simply using your modem-router as a direct router.
If you're on an FTTP, FTTC or HFC connection, you shouldn't even need your ISP's modem-router at all, as most mesh networking gear can talk directly to the NBN box in your home or office, although it's worth checking with your ISP beforehand.
If you're on an FTTN connection, you'll still need a modem of some sort between your mesh network gear and the wider internet.
Some ISPs will offer limited support for connecting up mesh networking systems but may ask that you revert to your supplied modem-router if there are wider connectivity issues, so it's worth keeping it stored safely nearby if you do encounter problems.
Strictly speaking no… but sort of yes, maybe.
The raw speed of your NBN connection will be determined by the speed plan you're on, and then the actual network conditions at the time of connection, including both physical line quality and the service being provided by your specific ISP. No mesh system is going to turbo-charge that, so you can't buy a mesh kit to turn an NBN 50 service into an NBN 250 service. That isn't going to happen.
However, if you're using Wi-Fi predominantly as your connection method, where mesh networking equipment can produce an apparent speed boost is by more efficiently sharing around the connection you have throughout your home. If you think about it like a road, it's the equivalent of switching from a small congested road where speeds aren't optimal to having a freeway of data flowing through your house. The speed limit is still going to be 100kph, but it's much easier to get up to full speed on the freeway.
Yes, there's no technical reason why any device with any Wi-Fi variant shouldn't work smoothly with a mesh networking system. However, bear in mind that for much older Wi-Fi-capable devices, you may still be speed or coverage limited by the technology within the Wi-Fi antennas in your gadgets.
This is why you might see better coverage on a newer smartphone with Wi-Fi 6 support than on an older gaming console that might only support an older, slower standard.
Wi-Fi is Wi-Fi and everything just works together under one standard, right?
It's not quite that simple when it comes to mesh networking equipment, and you can't always grab a mesh router from one maker and match it up with a mesh node from another. To date, the vast majority of mesh networking systems sold have been effectively closed networks, meaning that if you do need to add another node to your network, you need to buy one of the same brand.
There is an open standard for mesh networks to talk to each other called EasyMesh. Any EasyMesh-certified mesh router or node should be able to talk to and be added to any EasyMesh network regardless of the underlying brand. There are a number of brands that have signed up to EasyMesh, including most of Telstra's own-brand routers and extenders, D-Link, TP-Link and others. You can find a full list of the currently certified EasyMesh systems here.
A multi-award winning journalist, Alex has written about consumer technology for over 20 years. He has written and edited for virtually every Australian tech publication including Gizmodo, CNET, PC Magazine, Kotaku and more. He has also been the Editor of Gizmodo Australia, PC Mag Australia, CNET.com.au and the Tech and Telco section at Finder. Alex has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New England and a serious passion for retro gaming.
D-Link's latest mesh Wi-Fi router promises fast speeds and easy set-up, but delivers massively inconsistent performance and set-up routines that might just drive you over the edge.
Netgear's Orbi Wi-Fi 6 promises incredible speeds and absolutely delivers on those promises, over and above what you're likely to get in a home broadband connection.
D-Link’s COVR-X1873 provides superb mesh networking coverage for even the trickiest home or office spots, although it might be overkill for some users.
Despite impressive technical specifications for the price, Netgear's Wi-Fi 6 capable Nighthawk Mesh router falls well short of expectations in real world use.
How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Important information about this website
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We are committed to our readers and stands by our editorial principles
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labeling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
We make money by featuring products on our site. Compensation received from the providers featured on our site can influence which products we write about as well as where and how products appear on our page, but the order or placement of these products does not influence our assessment or opinions of them, nor is it an endorsement or recommendation for them.
Products marked as 'Top Pick', 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.
Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money.
When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.
Please note that the information published on our site should not be construed as personal advice and does not consider your personal needs and circumstances. While our site will provide you with factual information and general advice to help you make better decisions, it isn't a substitute for professional advice. You should consider whether the products or services featured on our site are appropriate for your needs. If you're unsure about anything, seek professional advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan and read any disclosure documents (such as any Target Market Determination (TMD) and/or Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)) issued by the provider before making a decision.
Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan, we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria.
Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.
Amazon
15
500+
5
