Best mesh Wi-Fi routers 2024

Are you in search of the best mesh routers to enhance your home Wi-Fi in Australia? You've landed in the perfect spot. 

In this blog post, we'll delve into an in-depth review of six top-rated mesh routers available today. These routers are designed to optimise the performance of your home Wi-Fi plans, ensuring a seamless and reliable connection throughout your home.

Get ready as we explore the features and benefits of each option, helping you make an informed decision for your home network needs. 

What is a mesh Wi-Fi router?

Unlike a traditional router that operates as a single device, a mesh Wi-Fi system comprises a central router paired with multiple mesh extenders, often referred to as nodes or points. 

These nodes work together to automatically broaden your Wi-Fi coverage over a larger area. Mesh nodes are available at various price points, making it possible to find high-quality options to fit any budget. 

If you're planning to subscribe to one of the top NBN 1000 plans for ultra-fast internet, investing in a Wi-Fi 6 or even Wi-Fi 7 router could be highly beneficial.

6 best mesh Wi-Fi routers for 2024

Choosing the right mesh Wi-Fi system to improve your internet quality and connection reliability can be tough with so many options available. 

What kind of coverage can you expect? How many nodes will be necessary? Is a wired system a good idea? 

To simplify your decision, we've listed the best mesh Wi-Fi routers and systems in Australia. Here are our top recommendations to help you find the perfect setup for your home.

Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8)

Pros:

• Excellent Wi-Fi performance
• Strong security features

Cons:

• Pricey
• Limited to two routers

The Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) combines Wi-Fi 6 technology with the convenience of mesh routers. Although it's one of the more expensive options and only includes two routers, it delivers impressive speeds and offers flexible setup options, such as configuring one or two networks using the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.

In our tests, it maximised our 50Mbps Internet connection, even reaching up to 60Mbps at times. It maintained steady download speeds of 7.3MB/s on the 2.4GHz band in areas with previously poor connectivity.

While the setup process isn't the simplest, the robust security features make the Asus ZenWiFi AX a top contender for the best mesh Wi-Fi systems.

TP-Link Deco M5

Pros:

• Exceptional value
• Simple setup

Cons:

• Slower speeds compared to competitors

If you want to extend Wi-Fi throughout your home without breaking the bank, consider the TP-Link Deco M5. While it may not be as fast as some of the top mesh Wi-Fi systems available, it prioritises coverage over maximum throughput. Despite this, our tests showed a notable improvement in throughput.

If you don't need the highest theoretical speeds, which many users don't fully utilise, this won't be a significant drawback. The setup process is straightforward, even for those who aren't tech-savvy. 

The TP-Link Deco M5 is ideal for users seeking a user-friendly mesh Wi-Fi system. Being one of the more affordable options, it is perfect for budget-conscious households.

Google Nest Wi-Fi

Pros:

• Stylish design
• Integrated smart speaker
• User-friendly controls

Cons:

• Not a significant upgrade for existing mesh users
• Minimal performance improvements

Google Nest Wi-Fi enhances the mesh Wi-Fi experience by building on the sleek design and solid performance of Google Wi-Fi and adding the functionality of a smart speaker. This results in a versatile two-in-one device with an even more attractive design.

For smart home enthusiasts, this upgrade is a stroke of genius. The performance is top-notch, handling downloads and video streaming effortlessly on a 100Mbps connection during our tests. The setup process is straightforward, making it perfect for those new to mesh Wi-Fi systems.

If you're bored of the standard white, the Nest Wi-Fi also comes in Mist and Sand colours. While the original Google Wi-Fi remains a strong contender, this upgraded version adds a bit more flair and functionality.

Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi 6E (RBKE963)

Pros:

• Wi-Fi 6E with speeds up to 10.8Gbps
• Supports up to 200 devices

Cons:

• Very expensive

The Netgear Orbi Quad-Band WiFi 6E comes with a hefty price tag, but it offers extensive coverage for up to 9,000 square feet. Ideal for large spaces, this system excels in handling crowded networks, supporting up to 200 devices simultaneously. 

With Wi-Fi 6E technology, you gain access to an ultra-fast 6.0GHz frequency band.

Placing one of the Orbi satellites in our back office, which typically struggles with poor Wi-Fi, immediately provided us with maximum speeds, maintaining 100Mbps on the Ookla test and 12.5MB/s seamlessly. The setup process is straightforward, thanks to the user-friendly Orbi app.

Amazon Eero 6+

Pros:

• Affordable price
• 3.0Gbps Wi-Fi 6 speeds
• Discreet design

Cons:

• Dual-band only
• Parental controls need a subscription

Amazon's Eero 6+ continues the brand's tradition of delivering budget-friendly and dependable routers. This model offers an excellent balance of cost and performance, providing fast and reliable coverage suitable for larger homes.

Despite maintaining dual-band Wi-Fi 6, the Eero 6+ nearly doubles the speed of its predecessor, boasting a top speed of 3.0Gbps. During our tests, it performed exceptionally well, consistently reaching the maximum speeds supported by our office broadband on both Ookla and Steam.

This router also includes additional Ethernet ports, supports the latest smart home technologies, and is compatible with Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0 and the new low-power wireless technology, Thread.

However, parental controls require a paid subscription, and the Eero app offers limited functionality. Despite these drawbacks, the Eero 6+ provides excellent value for its price.

Linksys Velop Wi-Fi 6 AX4200

Pros:

• Strong Wi-Fi 6 performance
• Includes 4 Ethernet ports and 1 USB port

Cons:

• Defaults to a single, combined network

The Linksys Velop WiFi 6 AX4200 demonstrates that Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems can be both affordable and accessible. It offers a great solution for large households looking for high performance and ease of use without breaking the bank.

For those seeking to boost their home network's speed and connectivity, this advanced mesh system is an excellent choice. With Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, it also ensures that your home network is ready for the future. During our tests, it smoothly transferred the Wi-Fi signal to a second node placed in a difficult-to-reach area, maintaining consistent speeds throughout.

Users who are not tech-savvy will appreciate the user-friendly Linksys app. It provides clear instructions on everything from connecting to your existing broadband router to optimal placement of additional nodes for the best Wi-Fi coverage.

How to choose the right mesh Wi-Fi router for your home

When selecting the ideal mesh Wi-Fi system, consider several key factors. First, assess the size of the area you need to cover and the speed required based on your average daily usage and the number of devices connecting to your network. Check the system’s range and performance to ensure it meets these needs.

Next, evaluate the design, setup process, and user-friendliness for adjusting settings. Security features, parental controls, and gaming enhancements are also important considerations, especially if your household includes gamers.

Price is a significant factor as well. While top-tier mesh Wi-Fi systems can be pricey, there are more budget-friendly options available if you know where to search.

Contact Compare Broadband

If you want to talk through the best home Wi-Fi plan for your needs, call our team today. We’re happy to walk you through your options and help you to choose the best mesh Wi-Fi router for you.