At large, a Mesh WiFi system includes the main router that connects directly to your modem and a series of satellite modules or nodes that are spread across the home to cover large areas. Since that increases the device count, the system incorporates all the different nodes as part of a single network, which share the same SSID Service Set Identifier) and password, to offer ease of use. An ideal use-case scenario for Mesh WiFi system would be when, say, you have a pretty large house with a lot of rooms (full of doors, windows, and obstacles) and you want the same speed and connectivity throughout the space. This is where a Mesh WiFi system offers the best solution. By installing multiple nodes in different parts of the house, dead spots can be eliminated to instate proper speed and connectivity at every corner. So, if you are looking for a solution to curb your bad WiFi issues, a Mesh WiFi system is the way to go. And in case you decide to buy one for yourself, here is a list (in no particular order) for some of the best Mesh WiFi systems you can buy in 2020.
1. Netgear Orbi (RBK50)
Unlike most mesh WiFi systems, the Netgear Orbi system offers two large towers: a router unit and a satellite unit. Both units look identical (not interchangeable) and come in a cylindrical-shaped white casing. When connected, they promise to cover up to 5,000 sq. ft of the area, while maintaining uniform connectivity and speed. If you are on a tighter budget, you can also consider the Netgear Orbi RBK20. In our tests, the RBK20 worked great in a 3-BHK apartment with just one satellite.
Specs
Connectivity: Tri-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (802.11b/g/n at 2.4GHz, 802.11a/n/ac at 5GHz) Memory: 512MB RAM Storage: 4GB flash Features: Implicit and Explicit for 2.4 & 5GHz bands Beamforming, MU-MIMO capabilities Ports: 4 x 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports (1 WAN + 3 LAN for Router, 4 LAN for Satellite), 1 x USB 2.0 port
Pros
Easy setup Good coverage
Cons
Expensive Big footprint
Buy Netgear Orbi (RBK50)
2. TP-Link Deco M5
The Deco M5 from TP-Link is another good option that claims to offer value for money, similar to Google WiFi. It has a small footprint, with a minimal, low-profile design language that blends in any corner of the house. The coverage offered is pretty impressive, and the device manages to offer good throughput across the house. Overall, it manages to provide value for money with its performance. If you are on a tighter budget, you can also consider TP-Link Deco M4. While not being as big a name as Netgear or Google, TP-Link has made a name for itself when it comes to networking accessories, and the Deco M5 can be considered as a feather in its cap.
Specs
Connectivity: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Wireless 400 Mbps on 2.4 GHz + 867 Mbps on 5 GHz Processor: Quad-core CPU Memory: 512MB RAM Ports: 2 x Gigabit ports per Deco M5 unit, 1 x USB Type-C port
Pros
Easy setup Good coverage Value for money
Cons
Lacks control
Buy TP-Link Deco M5
3. Google WiFi
If you are looking for a simpler and manageable solution for your home, the Google WiFi promises to do just that. It has a very minimal design and offers a pretty straightforward setup process, as simple as setting up a router. For its price, it manages to check all the boxes, while still providing the best level of security, compared to most other solutions. Sadly, it’s not yet officially launched in India and hence much higher pricing as compared to the US.
Specs
Connectivity: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, AC1200 2×2 Wave 2 Wi-Fi (expandable mesh; dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz Processor: Quad-core ARM CPU Memory: 512MB RAM Storage: 4GB flash Features: Implicit and Explicit for 2.4 & 5GHz bands Beamforming Ports: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports (1 WAN, 1 LAN)
Pros
Easy setup Value for money Convenient design
Cons
Less hardware control
Buy Google WiFi
4. Linksys Velop
The Linksys Velop offers tall, tower-shaped devices that come with a curved base design, a plastic clip for cable management, and small holes on the body for heat dissipation. It manages to maintain uniform connectivity up to a specific distance, after which, even with the addition of extra nodes, there is not a significant improvement in the signal strength. And eventually, that causes the network to incur speed issues.
Specs
Connectivity: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, AC2200 2×2 Wi-Fi (expandable mesh; dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz) Processor: 716MHz ARM Cortex Memory: 512MB RAM Storage: 4GB flash Features: MU-MIMO, Beamforming Ports: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports (1 WAN, 1 LAN)
Pros
Easy setup
Cons
Bulky design Expensive Weak connectivity
Buy Linksys Velop
5. Ubiquiti AmpliFi HD
The Amplifi HD from Ubiquiti is the company’s most powerful mesh system that offers better performance and range even for bigger spaces. It relies on six high-density, long-range antennas, which suggest to cover up to 20,000 square feet and provide a throughput speed of up to 5.25Gbps. Setting up the router is as simple as connecting it to a socket and computer and downloading the companion app. After this, the app automatically recognizes the router and offers you options to quickly set it up. In terms of performance, you can expect to find faster and consistent speeds with the router over a long-range without incurring a lot of signal drops.
Specs
Connectivity: IEEE 802.11a/g/n/ac Features: Remote log-in, touch display, customizable app control Ports: 4 x Gigabit ports, 1 x WAN port, 1 x USB port
Pros
Simple and clean design Strong signal range Touch display for quick interactions
Cons
Expensive No parental controls Antenna design can be slightly obtrusive
Buy Ubiquiti AmpliFi HD
