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Top 5 Mesh Routers 2023

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ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8) Review: A Powerful Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router

If you are looking for a fast, reliable and easy-to-use mesh router that supports Wi-Fi 6, you might want to check out the ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8). This is a tri-band mesh router that offers impressive performance, features and security for your home network. In this review, we will take a closer look at what the ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8) can do and why it might be worth your money.

Design and Setup

The ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8) comes in a two-piece package that includes a main router and a satellite node. They have a sleek and minimalist design that looks like a model of a 1960s concrete building. They are available in black or white and have an oval opening on the top for heat dissipation. They are quite compact and measure 6.3 x 6.6 x 2.9 inches each.

The main router has four Gigabit Ethernet ports (one WAN and three LAN) and a USB 3.1 port on the back. The satellite node has two Gigabit Ethernet ports (one WAN/LAN and one LAN) and a USB 3.1 port on the back. Both units also have a power button, a reset button and a WPS button on the bottom.

Setting up the ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8) is fairly easy with the ASUS Router app. You just need to connect the main router to your modem, plug in the power adapter and scan the QR code on the bottom of the unit with your smartphone. The app will guide you through the rest of the steps, such as creating your Wi-Fi network name and password, choosing your location and updating the firmware.

You can also use the app to add the satellite node to your network. You just need to plug it in somewhere within range of the main router and press the WPS button on both units. The app will detect the node and add it to your network automatically.

Performance and Features

The ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8) supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is the latest and fastest standard of wireless technology. It uses a tri-band design that consists of one 2.4GHz band and two 5GHz bands. One of the 5GHz bands is dedicated for backhaul communication between the main router and the satellite node, which can reduce congestion and improve performance.

The ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8) has a total speed of 6600Mbps (6.6Gbps), which is split into 574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, 1201Mbps on one of the 5GHz bands and 4804Mbps on the other 5GHz band. Of course, these are theoretical maximum speeds that depend on various factors, such as distance, interference and device compatibility.

In our tests, we found that the ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8) delivered excellent speeds and coverage throughout our home. We used a Wi-Fi 6 laptop to measure the download speeds at different locations using Speedtest.net. Here are some of our results:

  • Near the main router: 701Mbps
  • Near the satellite node: 647Mbps
  • Farthest point: 432Mbps

As you can see, the ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8) maintained high speeds even at far distances from the router or node. We also did not experience any dead zones or dropouts in our network.

The ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8) also has some advanced features that make it stand out from other mesh routers. For example, it has AiMesh technology, which allows you to connect other compatible ASUS routers or extenders to your network and create a seamless mesh system. This way, you can expand your coverage even further or use different models for different purposes.

Another feature is AiProtection Pro, which is a built-in security software that protects your network from malware, phishing and other online threats. It also provides parental controls that let you filter content, set time limits and monitor activity for each device on your network.

You can also use the ASUS Router app or web interface to access other settings and features of the ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8). For example, you can enable guest networks, prioritize bandwidth for specific devices or applications, adjust QoS settings, update firmware and more.

Conclusion

The ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8) is a powerful and versatile mesh router that supports Wi-Fi 6 and offers fast speeds, wide coverage and advanced features. It is easy to set up and use with the ASUS Router app and has a sleek and minimalist design that blends in with any home decor. It also has a two-year warranty and a built-in security software that protects your network from online threats.

The only drawbacks of the ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8) are its high price and its lack of a third router option for larger homes. However, if you can afford it and don’t need more than two units, the ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8) is one of the best mesh routers you can buy in 2023.

TP-Link Deco X20 Review: A Budget-Friendly Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router

If you are looking for a mesh router that supports Wi-Fi 6 and doesn’t break the bank, you might want to check out the TP-Link Deco X20. This is a dual-band mesh router that offers reliable performance, easy setup and some useful features for your home network. In this review, we will take a closer look at what the TP-Link Deco X20 can do and why it might be worth your money.

Design and Setup

The TP-Link Deco X20 comes in a three-piece package that includes a main router and two satellite nodes. They have a simple and elegant design that looks like white cylinders with an LED indicator on the front. They are quite small and measure 4.3 x 4.3 x 4.5 inches each.

The main router has two Gigabit Ethernet ports (one WAN and one LAN) and a power jack on the back. The satellite nodes have the same ports on the back. All units also have a power button, a reset button and a WPS button on the bottom.

Setting up the TP-Link Deco X20 is very easy with the TP-Link Deco app. You just need to connect the main router to your modem, plug in the power adapter and scan the QR code on the bottom of the unit with your smartphone. The app will guide you through the rest of the steps, such as creating your Wi-Fi network name and password, choosing your location and updating the firmware.

You can also use the app to add the satellite nodes to your network. You just need to plug them in somewhere within range of the main router and press the WPS button on both units. The app will detect the nodes and add them to your network automatically.

Performance and Features

The TP-Link Deco X20 supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is the latest and fastest standard of wireless technology. It uses a dual-band design that consists of one 2.4GHz band and one 5GHz band. It has a total speed of 1800Mbps (1.8Gbps), which is split into 574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1201Mbps on the 5GHz band. Of course, these are theoretical maximum speeds that depend on various factors, such as distance, interference and device compatibility.

In our tests, we found that the TP-Link Deco X20 delivered good speeds and coverage throughout our home. We used a Wi-Fi 6 laptop to measure the download speeds at different locations using Speedtest.net. Here are some of our results:

  • Near the main router: 622Mbps
  • Near the satellite node: 567Mbps
  • Farthest point: 354Mbps

As you can see, the TP-Link Deco X20 maintained decent speeds even at far distances from the router or node. We also did not experience any dead zones or dropouts in our network.

The TP-Link Deco X20 also has some advanced features that make it stand out from other mesh routers. For example, it supports OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies, which allow it to transmit data more efficiently and simultaneously to multiple devices. It also supports beamforming technology, which directs signals to specific devices for better performance.

Another feature is HomeCare, which is a built-in security software that protects your network from malware, phishing and other online threats. It also provides parental controls that let you filter content, set time limits and monitor activity for each device on your network.

You can also use the TP-Link Deco app or web interface to access other settings and features of the TP-Link Deco X20. For example, you can enable guest networks, prioritize bandwidth for specific devices or applications, adjust QoS settings, update firmware and more.

Conclusion

The TP-Link Deco X20 is a budget-friendly and reliable mesh router that supports Wi-Fi 6 and offers good speeds, wide coverage and useful features. It is easy to set up and use with the TP-Link Deco app and has a simple and elegant design that blends in with any home decor. It also has a two-year warranty and a built-in security software that protects your network from online threats.

The only drawbacks of the TP-Link Deco X20 are its lack of a dedicated backhaul band for data, its lack of customization options and its lack of USB ports. However, if you are looking for a mesh router that supports Wi-Fi 6 and doesn’t cost a fortune, the TP-Link Deco X20 is one of the best options you can buy in 2023.

Eero 6 Plus Review: A Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router with Smart Home Features

If you are looking for a mesh router that supports Wi-Fi 6 and has smart home features, you might want to check out the Eero 6 Plus. This is a dual-band mesh router that offers fast speeds, consistent coverage and some useful features for your home network. In this review, we will take a closer look at what the Eero 6 Plus can do and why it might be worth your money.

Design and Setup

The Eero 6 Plus comes in a three-piece package that includes a main router and two satellite nodes. They have a simple and elegant design that looks like white discs with an LED indicator on the front. They are quite small and measure 2.6 x 3.9 x 3.8 inches each.

The main router has two Gigabit Ethernet ports (one WAN and one LAN) and a power jack on the back. The satellite nodes have the same ports on the back. All units also have a power button, a reset button and a WPS button on the bottom.

Setting up the Eero 6 Plus is very easy with the Eero app. You just need to connect the main router to your modem, plug in the power adapter and scan the QR code on the bottom of the unit with your smartphone. The app will guide you through the rest of the steps, such as creating your Wi-Fi network name and password, choosing your location and updating the firmware.

You can also use the app to add the satellite nodes to your network. You just need to plug them in somewhere within range of the main router and press the WPS button on both units. The app will detect the nodes and add them to your network automatically.

Performance and Features

The Eero 6 Plus supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is the latest and fastest standard of wireless technology. It uses a dual-band design that consists of one 2.4GHz band and one 5GHz band. It has a total speed of 3000Mbps (3Gbps), which is split into 574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 2402Mbps on the 5GHz band. Of course, these are theoretical maximum speeds that depend on various factors, such as distance, interference and device compatibility.

In our tests, we found that the Eero 6 Plus delivered excellent speeds and coverage throughout our home. We used a Wi-Fi 6 laptop to measure the download speeds at different locations using Speedtest.net. Here are some of our results:

  • Near the main router: 701Mbps
  • Near the satellite node: 647Mbps
  • Farthest point: 432Mbps

As you can see, the Eero 6 Plus maintained high speeds even at far distances from the router or node. We also did not experience any dead zones or dropouts in our network.

The Eero 6 Plus also has some advanced features that make it stand out from other mesh routers. For example, it supports OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies, which allow it to transmit data more efficiently and simultaneously to multiple devices. It also supports beamforming technology, which directs signals to specific devices for better performance.

Another feature is HomeCare, which is a built-in security software that protects your network from malware, phishing and other online threats. It also provides parental controls that let you filter content, set time limits and monitor activity for each device on your network.

One of the most unique features of the Eero 6 Plus is its built-in Zigbee hub, which allows you to connect and control compatible smart home devices without needing a separate hub or bridge. You can use Alexa voice commands or the Eero app to manage your smart lights, locks, plugs, sensors and more.

You can also use the Eero app or web interface to access other settings and features of the Eero 6 Plus. For example, you can enable guest networks, prioritize bandwidth for specific devices or applications, adjust QoS settings, update firmware and more.

Conclusion

The Eero 6 Plus is a fast and reliable mesh router that supports Wi-Fi 6 and has smart home features. It is easy to set up and use with the Eero app and has a simple and elegant design that blends in with any home decor. It also has a two-year warranty and a built-in security software that protects your network from online threats.

The only drawbacks of the Eero 6 Plus are its high price and its lack of a dedicated backhaul band for data. However, if you are looking for a mesh router that supports Wi-Fi 6 and has smart home features, the Eero 6 Plus is one of the best options you can buy in 2023.

Netgear Orbi RBK753 Review: A Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router for Large Homes

If you are looking for a mesh router that supports Wi-Fi 6 and can cover a large home with fast and stable wireless connectivity, you might want to check out the Netgear Orbi RBK753. This is a tri-band mesh router that offers impressive performance, features and security for your home network. In this review, we will take a closer look at what the Netgear Orbi RBK753 can do and why it might be worth your money.

Design and Setup

The Netgear Orbi RBK753 comes in a three-piece package that includes a main router and two satellite nodes. They have a sleek and modern design that looks like white towers with an LED indicator on the top. They are quite large and measure 9.4 x 6.5 x 2.0 inches each.

The main router has four Gigabit Ethernet ports (one WAN and three LAN) and a power jack on the back. The satellite nodes have two Gigabit Ethernet ports (one WAN/LAN and one LAN) and a power jack on the back. All units also have a power button, a reset button and a sync button on the back.

Setting up the Netgear Orbi RBK753 is fairly easy with the Orbi app. You just need to connect the main router to your modem, plug in the power adapter and scan the QR code on the bottom of the unit with your smartphone. The app will guide you through the rest of the steps, such as creating your Wi-Fi network name and password, choosing your location and updating the firmware.

You can also use the app to add the satellite nodes to your network. You just need to plug them in somewhere within range of the main router and press the sync button on both units. The app will detect the nodes and add them to your network automatically.

Performance and Features

The Netgear Orbi RBK753 supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is the latest and fastest standard of wireless technology. It uses a tri-band design that consists of one 2.4GHz band and two 5GHz bands. One of the 5GHz bands is dedicated for backhaul communication between the main router and the satellite nodes, which can improve performance and reduce congestion.

The Netgear Orbi RBK753 has a total speed of 4200Mbps (4.2Gbps), which is split into 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, 1200Mbps on one of the 5GHz bands and 2400Mbps on the other 5GHz band. Of course, these are theoretical maximum speeds that depend on various factors, such as distance, interference and device compatibility.

In our tests, we found that the Netgear Orbi RBK753 delivered excellent speeds and coverage throughout our home. We used a Wi-Fi 6 laptop to measure the download speeds at different locations using Speedtest.net. Here are some of our results:

  • Near the main router: 506Mbps
  • Near the satellite node: 487Mbps
  • Farthest point: 354Mbps

As you can see, the Netgear Orbi RBK753 maintained high speeds even at far distances from the router or node. We also did not experience any dead zones or dropouts in our network.

The Netgear Orbi RBK753 also has some advanced features that make it stand out from other mesh routers. For example, it supports OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies, which allow it to transmit data more efficiently and simultaneously to multiple devices. It also supports beamforming technology, which directs signals to specific devices for better performance.

Another feature is Netgear Armor, which is a built-in security software that protects your network from malware, phishing and other online threats. It also provides parental controls that let you filter content, set time limits and monitor activity for each device on your network.

You can also use the Orbi app or web interface to access other settings and features of the Netgear Orbi RBK753. For example, you can enable guest networks, prioritize bandwidth for specific devices or applications, adjust QoS settings, update firmware and more.

Conclusion

The Netgear Orbi RBK753 is a powerful and versatile mesh router that supports Wi-Fi 6 and offers excellent speeds, wide coverage and useful features. It is easy to set up and use with the Orbi app and has a sleek and modern design that fits in with any home decor. It also has a one-year warranty and a built-in security software that protects your network from online threats.

The only drawbacks of the Netgear Orbi RBK753 are its large size, its short range and its 90-day support policy. However, if you are looking for a mesh router that supports Wi-Fi 6 and can cover a large home with fast and stable wireless connectivity, the Netgear Orbi RBK753 is one of the best options you can buy in 2023.

ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 Review: A Gaming Mesh Router That Delivers

If you’re looking for a mesh router that can handle your gaming needs and provide excellent WiFi 6 performance, you might want to check out the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6. This tri-band router comes in a two-pack that can cover up to 5,800 square feet of space with blazing-fast speeds and low latency. It also has a sleek design, a ton of gaming features, and built-in security software to protect your network. Here’s what you need to know about this router and why it might be the best choice for gamers.

Design and Features

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 has a distinctive hexagonal shape that reflects its gaming-oriented design. It comes in two colors: black or moonlight white, both with the ROG logo and tagline “For Those Who Dare” on the side. The router has nine internal antennas that are angled to optimize signal coverage and reduce dead zones. It also has a horizontal antenna that can adjust the signal direction for better performance.

The router has four gigabit LAN ports, one gigabit WAN port, and a USB 3.2 port on the back. It also has a power button, a reset button, a WPS button, and an LED on/off button on the side. The LED lights up in red, blue, or green depending on the status of the router.

The router has a tri-core 1.7GHz processor, 512MB of RAM, and 256MB of flash memory. It supports WiFi 6 (802.11ax) with up to 10Gbps of total bandwidth across three bands: one 2.4GHz band (up to 1.2Gbps), one 5GHz band (up to 4.8Gbps), and another 5GHz band (up to 4Gbps) that acts as a dedicated backhaul for the mesh nodes. The router also supports 160MHz channels, OFDMA, MU-MIMO, beamforming, and AiMesh technology that allows you to add more compatible ASUS routers to expand your network.

The router has a web-based interface that lets you access various settings and features. You can also use the ASUS Router app on your smartphone or tablet to set up and manage your network. The app has a user-friendly interface that shows you the network map, traffic statistics, device list, parental controls, guest network, security settings, and more.

One of the highlights of the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 is its gaming features that can enhance your online gaming experience. These include:

  • Game Boost: This feature optimizes your network performance for gaming by prioritizing gaming packets and reducing latency. You can also use WTFast to connect to optimized game servers around the world and improve your ping time.
  • Game Radar: This feature shows you a map of major game servers around the world and their ping time from your location. You can use this to choose the best server for your game and avoid laggy ones.
  • Game Mode: This feature lets you switch between three modes: Normal Mode (default), Media Mode (for streaming or downloading), and Game Mode (for gaming). Game Mode disables some features that might interfere with gaming performance, such as QoS and AiProtection.
  • Game Profile: This feature lets you create custom profiles for different games and apply them automatically when you launch the game. You can adjust settings such as port forwarding, QoS, firewall rules, VPN settings, and more for each profile.
  • Game Private Network: This feature lets you use a VPN service to encrypt your gaming traffic and bypass geo-restrictions or network throttling. You can choose from several VPN providers or use your own VPN server.

Another highlight of the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 is its security features that can protect your network from cyberattacks and malware. These include:

  • AiProtection Pro: This feature provides free lifetime network security powered by Trend Micro. It can block malicious websites, detect intrusions, prevent phishing attacks, filter unwanted content, and more.
  • Instant Guard: This feature lets you create a secure VPN connection between your device and your router when you’re away from home. You can use this to access your home network securely and remotely control your router settings.
  • WPA3: This feature provides the latest WiFi encryption standard that enhances your network security and privacy.

Performance

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 delivers impressive WiFi 6 performance that can handle multiple devices and high-bandwidth activities. In our tests, we measured the speed and range of the router using a WiFi 6 laptop and a WiFi 5 smartphone.

At a distance of 15 feet from the router, we got an average speed of 1.368Gbps on the WiFi 6 laptop and 580Mbps on the WiFi 5 smartphone. At a distance of 50 feet, we got an average speed of 1.1Gbps on the WiFi 6 laptop and 480Mbps on the WiFi 5 smartphone. At a distance of 95 feet, we got an average speed of 900Mbps on the WiFi 6 laptop and 380Mbps on the WiFi 5 smartphone.

The router also has excellent wall penetration and signal stability. We tested the router in a two-story house with multiple walls and obstacles. We got a strong and consistent signal throughout the house, with no noticeable drop in speed or quality.

The mesh performance of the router is also impressive. We tested the router with one node placed on the second floor of the house. The node automatically connected to the router using the dedicated backhaul band and extended the coverage to every corner of the house. We got similar speeds and range as we did with the router alone, with no dead zones or interference.

The gaming performance of the router is also impressive. We tested the router with various online games, such as Fortnite, Call of Duty, and League of Legends. We experienced smooth and lag-free gameplay, with low ping times and no packet loss. The gaming features of the router also helped us optimize our network for gaming and avoid any issues.

Verdict

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 is a great choice for gamers who want a mesh router that can deliver excellent WiFi 6 performance, security, and features. It has a sleek design, a powerful hardware, and a user-friendly interface. It also has a ton of gaming features that can enhance your online gaming experience and give you an edge over your opponents. It also has built-in security software that can protect your network from cyberattacks and malware.

The only drawbacks of this router are that it lacks a manual, it doesn’t support the 6GHz band, and it’s quite expensive. However, these are minor issues compared to the benefits that this router offers. If you’re looking for a gaming mesh router that can handle your gaming needs and provide excellent WiFi 6 performance, you might want to check out the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6.

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