Mesh WiFi systems have become increasingly popular among gamers who simply want a zero lag and latency-free gaming experience.
Mesh systems enable zero-lag gaming experiences by providing multiple WiFi access points which provide users with consistent internet access in every corner of the home, even on a busy household network.
The best mesh WiFi systems for gaming operate on the WiFi 6 standard, cover a minimum of 2,500 sq ft, connect to a minimum of 50 devices, and include a powerful multi-core processor and multiple gigabit ports for gamers to establish wired connections.
Mesh systems also need to include the Quality of Service (QoS) feature to ensure gaming connections can be prioritized and receive more bandwidth.
Our top choice for the best mesh WiFi for gaming is the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 as it is equipped with WiFi 6 technology, three bands, high-performance backhaul, and dedicated 160 MHz channels that enable this device to achieve speeds of up to 10,000 Mbps. The nine internal antennas and ASUS RangeBoost Plus technology enable the GT6 to provide a coverage of up to 5800 sq. ft.
Our second option is the TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro. It is a WiFi 6E Tri-Band Mesh WiFi that provides next-gen seamless WiFi, a coverage of up to 7200 sq. ft. as well as eliminating buffering and dead spots. The three frequency bands work together to deliver high internet speeds of up to 5400 sq. ft which allows you to connect 200 devices.
Our budget-friendly option is the Tenda Nova AX3000. It is a dual-band mesh system that is powered by WiFi 6 technology and supports speeds of up to 2976 Mbps, which is a 66% improvement on the previous model. The high-performance 1.7GHz Quad-core processor delivers a more responsive, ultra-low latency, and more stable network.
It makes sense to purchase a mesh WiFi system if you reside in a property of 2,500 sq ft and above, and also if you have many internet users or devices who are competing for bandwidth.
We’ve tested over 20 mesh WiFi systems and compared the gaming performance in scenarios where other users are connected to the network.
We’ve narrowed down the choice to the top 7 products, which we have reviewed in this article.
Best Mesh WiFi For Gaming (2024)
- Best Overall: ASUS ROG Rapture GT6
- Runner-Up: TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro
- Budget Friendly: Tenda Nova MX12
- Best Mesh WiFi 7 System: Netgear Orbi 970
- High Performance: ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12
- Advanced Security: Netgear Nighthawk MK63S
- Best For Smart Homes: Amazon eero Pro 6E
You must understand the performance, specifications, and design of the different gaming mesh systems so that you can buy the right device for your needs.
Below are the reviews of the 7 best mesh WiFi systems for gaming that you can select from. The reviews include the advantages, disadvantages, and target users.
1. ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 (Editor’s Choice)
Design
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 is equipped with WiFi 6 technology, three bands, high-performance backhaul, and dedicated 160 MHz channels that enable this device to achieve speeds of up to 10,000 Mbps.
The nine internal antennas and ASUS RangeBoost Plus technology enable the GT6 to provide a coverage of up to 5800 sq. ft.
For faster-wired connectivity, this mesh system features a 2.5 Gbps WAN port and LAN aggregation.
The side vents use a classic slash pattern while the grills at the top and bottom of this device are aligned perfectly with the heat sink to provide the best convective effects and heat dissipation.
Performance
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 has an additional Smart Antenna that provides better backhaul performance by detecting the best signal depending on location and direction.
For seamless video conferencing and gaming throughout your home, the nodes provide strong connections. In our testing, we achieved a lag-free gaming connection in every room of a 2,500 sq ft property.
The 5.9 GHz band brings a third and clear 160 MHz channel that does not have radar system interference so that the power of WiFi 6 technology is fully unleashed.
The internal antennas eliminate dead spots by preventing signal drops and inconsistent speeds.
The enhanced security features such as the WPA3 security protocol, AiProtection Pro, and advanced parental controls protect your network and devices.
Additionally, the latest Safe Browsing feature removes undesirable content from the search engine results to ensure you have a safe browsing experience.
When using public WiFi, you are assured of having secure connections because of the ASUS Instant Guard.
Who It’s For
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 is ideal for individuals who want a high-performing mesh system that has great gaming features and provides wider coverage and strong signals.
Specs
- Speed: 10000 Mbps
- Range: 5800 sq. ft.
- Wireless Protocol: 11ac, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11ax
- Number of Supported Devices: 120+
- Ports: 4 Ethernet, 1 USB
- RAM: 512MB
- Chipset: Three-core Broadcom BCM6753 chip
- Flash Memory: 256MB
Pros
- Faster ethernet connections.
- Great gaming features.
- Has built-in security software.
- Better mesh performance.
Cons
- Doesn’t support WiFi 7
2. TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro (Runner-Up)
Design
The TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro is a WiFi 6E Tri-Band Mesh WiFi that provides next-gen seamless WiFi and a coverage of up to 7200 sq. ft. as well as eliminating buffering and dead spots.
The three frequency bands work together to deliver high internet speeds of up to 5400 sq. ft which allows you to connect 200 devices.
The speeds are distributed as 2402 Mbps for the 6 GHz band, 2402 Mbps for the 5 GHz band, and 574 Mbps for the 2.4 GHz band.
Performance
The TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro is equipped with a 2.5 Gbps port and 2 Gig ports on each unit to enable you to connect your smart TVs, PCs, or gaming consoles and enjoy multi-gig fast wired connections and speed.
Experience the latest 6 GHz frequency brand which removes interference from all legacy devices and can be used as a powerful dedicated backhaul for stable connections between nodes.
Switching to WiFi Network mode enables you to connect your devices that are compatible with WiFi 6E to the 6 GHz frequency band.
Deco XE75 is an AI-driven mesh that provides smart WiFi with no interruption as you move around your home. It automatically learns your user behaviors, client quality, and network environment.
In terms of connection prioritization, the QoS ensures that gaming connections can operate on more bandwidth and achieve faster connections.
The Deco app enables you to quickly set up the Deco XE75 by following the visual guidance provided. You can use the app to monitor your network even when you are away from home.
You can pair the Deco XE75 with Alexa and use simple voice commands to turn on or off the guest WiFi.
Home Network Scanner informs you of potential security threats and issues. Parental controls block inappropriate content and control the time you spend online to keep your family safe.
Reports help you understand your network better by providing you with the full insights and statistics of your WiFi.
You can get more great features such as DDoS Attack Prevention, IoT Device Protection, and Time Reward by subscribing to HomeShield Pro.
Who It’s For
The TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro is recommended for users who are looking for a mesh router that has a user-friendly app, solid performance, and anti-malware protection.
Specs
- Speed: 5400 Mbps
- Range: 7200 sq. ft.
- Wireless Protocol: 11n, 802.11ax, 802.11b, 802.11ac, 802.11g
- Number of Supported Devices: Up to 200
- Ports: 9
- RAM: 512MB
- Chipset: 7 GHz Quad-Core processor
Pros
- Easy to install.
- Has WiFi 6E support.
- Great security features.
- Multi-gig WAN.
- Better performance and excellent throughput.
- Great WiFi range.
Cons
- No USB ports.
- Need a subscription for some HomeShield features.
3. Tenda Nova AX3000 (Budget Friendly)
Design
The Tenda Nova AX3000 is a dual-band mesh system that is powered by WiFi 6 technology and supports speeds of up to 2976 Mbps, which is a 66% improvement on the previous model.
The high-performance 1.7 GHz Quad-core processor delivers a more responsive, ultra-low latency, and more stable network.
The AX3000 allows you to enjoy the best signal throughout your home as it has a coverage of up to 5000 sq. ft. and delivers more stable and faster WiFi while eliminating dead zones.
Performance
You can enjoy a seamless online experience with the Tenda Nova AX3000 mesh WiFi as it allows you to set different SSIDs for 5GHz (2402 Mbps) and 2.4GHz (574 Mbps) bands.
You can get the fastest speeds for different devices according to their needs by selecting the frequency band to use.
The OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies allow over 160 devices to have access to high-speed and lag-free WiFi at the same time.
The WPA3 security protocol enables you to protect your connected devices and network from hackers and internet attacks by encrypting your WiFi password.
You can create a guest network in an isolated network zone for your friends and visitors and protect your smart home access and privacy.
The Tenda WiFi app or Web GUI enables you to set up, monitor, and manage the Tenda Nova AX3000 quickly and easily. You can add a new node to your current Nova networks by pushing the Mesh button.
You can control your network remotely using your smartphone. The built-in parental controls enable you to monitor the network status and schedule when your children access the internet.
You can also see the real-time progress of online devices on your phone.
Who It’s For
The Tenda Nova AX3000 is recommended for first-time networkers who are looking for a low-price mesh router that is easy to set up and provides wider coverage.
Specs
- Speed: 2976 Mbps
- Range: 5000 sq. ft.
- Wireless Protocol: 11ax
- Number of Supported Devices: 160
- Ports: 6
- RAM: 256MB
- Chipset: 7 GHz Quad-Core
Pros
- Affordable pricing.
- Easy to use and manage.
- Stable throughput.
- Great range.
- Secure WiFi network.
Cons
- Does not have a multi-gig port.
4. Netgear Orbi 970 (Best Mesh WiFi 7 System)
Design
With WiFi 7, the Netgear Orbi 970 delivers speeds of up to 27 Gbps for better performance and unparalleled coverage throughout your home from the basement to the rooftop and front door to the back.
WiFi 7 technology is fully backward compatible with older WiFi devices and provides 2.4 times faster speeds compared to WiFi 6.
The Orbi 970 ensures that your family can enjoy 8K streaming, gaming, downloading, video conferencing, VR, and more at the same time.
Performance
The Netgear Orbi 970 features the patented Quad-Band and enhanced dedicated backhaul to create a superhighway between the satellites and the router for consistent 10G WiFi throughout your home.
The multi-link operation allows your devices to connect to the network with greater reliability and even higher speeds.
The preamble puncturing allows for stronger WiFi connections by blocking interference.
The enhancements in WiFi 7 technology deliver real-time immersive AR/VR activities and responsive gaming. The high-performance antennas deliver exceptional coverage to every corner of your home and enable you to connect up to 200 devices.
The Orbi app enables you to set up the Orbi 970 easily and manage your network from anywhere.
Each additional RBE970 satellite enables you to expand your coverage by 3300 sq. ft.
Whether using fiber or a multi-gig cable, with the 10 GB internet port you can get the fastest speeds available today and in the future.
The ethernet ports unlock unbeatable reliability and speed for wired connections for devices like media storage, and gaming consoles, and a 10 Gbps wired backhaul option.
With a one-year subscription, the NETGEAR Armor gives your devices an automatic shield of protection so that your family stays safe online.
Who It’s For
The Netgear Orbi 970 is ideal for individuals looking for a mesh WiFi that comes with WiFi 7 technology for exceptionally faster speeds, extensive coverage, and better throughput.
Specs
- Speed: 27 Gbps
- Range: 10,000 sq. ft.
- Wireless Protocol: 11be
- Number of Supported Devices: 200
- Ports: 6 on router, 3 on satellite
- RAM: 2GB
- Chipset: Quad-core 2GHz processor
- Flash Memory: 4GB
Pros
- High performance and better throughput.
- A good number of ethernet ports.
- Latest WiFi 7 technology.
- Wider and expandable WiFi coverage.
- Significantly lower latency.
Cons
- Does not have a USB port.
5. ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 (High Performance)
Design
The ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 features WiFi 6E technology, enabling it to provide faster speeds of up to 11000 Mbps.
Additionally, this technology increases the capacity for sending and receiving data to several devices simultaneously, increases the performance of busy networks, and eliminates dead spots.
The new 6 GHz band is only used by WiFi 6E devices so that they can have faster, more reliable connections and better performance without the interruption of older devices.
Performance
The ASUS RangeBoost Plus is the latest and most powerful version as it uses the next-gen WiFi chipset and quadcore CPU, improving the signal coverage and range so that all your devices can connect to the network.
You can add extra nodes using the ASUS AiMesh technology to get access to new features and improve your coverage. Just connect to any AiMesh-compatible router.
The 6 GHz band leads to quicker connections as it does not overlap with certain civilian radar systems and does not have DFS delays. Additionally, you can use the 6GHz band as a stable backhaul connection.
You can enjoy 2.5 Gbps speeds on your wired devices by using the LAN and WAN ports.
You have the option of choosing the wired ethernet for the backhaul connection between nodes or putting your router in automatic mode so that it can choose the best type of connection based on your environment.
We tested the ZenWiFi Pro ET12 setup using the ASUS router app and found it to be remarkably easy. Through the app, you can also monitor device performance and manage router settings.
Who It’s For
If you are looking for a high-performing mesh WiFi that delivers faster speeds and stable connections, the ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 is for you.
Specs
- Speed: 11000 Mbps
- Range: 6000 sq. ft.
- Wireless Protocol: 11n, 802.11ax, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g
- Number of Supported Devices: Multiple
- Ports: 7
- RAM: 1GB
- Chipset: Broadcom WiFi Chipset
- Flash Memory: 256MB
Pros
- Eliminates dead spots.
- Better coverage and range.
- Low latency and less interference.
- Stable backhaul connection.
- The setup and management are effortless.
Cons
- Overkill for occasional gamers.
6. Netgear Nighthawk MK63S (Advanced Security)
Design
The Netgear Nighthawk MK63S allows you to enjoy improved gaming, uninterrupted video games, smooth HD streaming, and loading content on devices without delays because of the high speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps.
MK63S is equipped with WiFi 6 technology to provide more capacity compared to WiFi 5, so that you can connect 25 plus devices and have a coverage of up to 4500 sq. ft.
Performance
The MU-MIMO technology allows the Netgear MK63S to connect to multiple devices at the same time.
If you have specific devices in your network that need more data, the QoS feature allows you to prioritize those connections and assign them more bandwidth.
NETGEAR Armor ensures that your network and devices are protected from internet attacks and Smart Parental Controls protects your kids from harmful online content and makes sure that they are accessing safe content online.
Both Smart Parental Controls and NETGEAR Armor have a 30-day free trial.
The Nighthawk app enables you to set up the MK63S as well as manage the network’s settings, access your network remotely, run internet speed tests, and pause the internet.
The router has two ethernet ports while the satellite has one ethernet port. These ports let you establish wired connections to devices like smart TVs, streaming players, gaming consoles, and computers, which is ideal for gamers.
If you want to extend your coverage by about 1500 sq. ft, you can purchase an additional MS60 satellite.
Who It’s For
If you are looking for a mesh WiFi router that is equipped with advanced security features for your network and devices and offers consistent, reliable connections, the Netgear MK63S is for you.
Specs
- Speed: 8 Gbps
- Range: Up to 4500 sq. ft.
- Wireless Protocol: 11ax
- Number of Supported Devices: 25 plus
- Ports: 2 on router, 1 on satellite
- RAM: 256MB
- Chipset: N/A
- Flash Memory: 128MB
Pros
- Comes with advanced security features.
- Extensive coverage.
- Reliable and strong WiFi signals.
- Easy to set up and manage.
- Ethernet ports give you faster-wired connections.
Cons
- Issues when changing access points.
7. Amazon Eero Pro 6E (Best For Smart Homes)
Design
The Amazon Eero Pro 6E delivers fast internet speeds and gives you access to the new 6 GHz band when WiFi 6E client devices are connected, leading to lower latency throughout your network, even for devices without WiFi 6E technology.
Also, this device is backward compatible with Eero devices supported by the previous generation.
The Eero Pro 6E supports blazing-fast and reliable streaming and gaming across your entire smart home network.
Performance
The Amazon Eero Pro 6E achieves speeds of up to 2.3 Gbps including wireless speeds of up to 1.6 Gbps and wired speeds of up to a gigabit.
You can enhance speeds on gigabit internet plans when you use the 2.5 GB Ethernet port, which is backward compatible.
The Eero Pro 6E provides access to 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and the new 6 GHz band to support 100+ connected devices and provides coverage of up to 6,000 sq. ft.
The Eero TrueMesh technology intelligently directs traffic to minimize dead zones and drop-offs.
The Tri-Band setup reduces signal interference more than a dual-band setup, which allows you to maximize WiFi speed and coverage when using the Eero Pro 6E.
The Eero app provides you with the steps for setting up the Eero Pro 6E and enables you to monitor and manage your network even when you are away from home.
You can use the Eero Pro 6E as a smart home hub so that you can control Zigbee and Thread devices using Alexa. Also, you can facilitate connections with thread-enabled devices by using it as a border router.
Who It’s For
If you need a mesh WiFi that can provide stable and faster speeds for your smart home, the Amazon Eero Pro 6E is the option for you.
Specs
- Speed: 3 Gbps
- Range: 6000 sq. ft.
- Wireless Protocol: 11ax
- Number of Supported Devices: 100
- Ports: 2
- RAM: 1024MB
- Chipset: 1 GHz dual-core processor
- Flash Memory: 4GB
Pros
- Works with Alexa.
- Easy to set up and use.
- Faster speeds and more bandwidth.
- Reduced dead spots and drop-offs.
- Wider coverage and connects more devices.
Cons
- No Windows option available for managing it.
Factors To Consider When Looking For The Best Mesh WiFi System For Gaming
WiFi Speed & Coverage
One of the main features impacting speed and coverage is the WiFi standard (also known as WiFi protocol).
This refers to a set of standards through which routers, satellites, and devices communicate.
The three available standards for mesh WiFi systems are WiFi 5, WiFi 6, and WiFi 6E. WiFi 7 mesh systems such as the Netgear Orbi 970 are now available to purchase, but there are very few client devices available that you can use to utilize the WiFi 7 standard.
WiFi 5 (802.11ac) is universally compatible with internet-using devices given that it has been available since 2014. WiFi 5 mesh systems work best on internet plans of 500 Gbps and below.
WiFi 6 (802.11ax) offers advanced performance features, faster speeds, and better coverage compared to WiFi 5.
WiFi 6 mesh systems operate well on gigabit internet plans and through WPA3 have advanced security to protect your network.
WiFi 6 systems are also backward compatible with previous standards, but to gain access to the advanced features, you will need devices that are WiFi 6 compatible.
WiFi 6E is an extension of WiFi 6 but includes a 6 GHz frequency band to enable WiFi speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps and also reduce network congestion and latency which is ideal for intense online gaming sessions.
WiFi 7 (802.11be) routers are now available but very few client devices can operate on the standard.
In terms of gaming, WiFi 7 is expected to offer a four-fold increase in WiFi speed compared to WiFi 6E. These higher speeds are enabled by 320 MHz wide channel widths in the 6 GHz frequency band, which increase throughput and capacity.
In terms of coverage, mesh systems generally offer between 2,500 to 7,500 sq ft. For the investment in mesh to be worthwhile, we advise it is deployed in a home with a minimum of 2,000 sq ft.
Also, note that coverage is variable based on the frequency band used. The 2.4 GHz band offers the best coverage but the lowest speeds, while the 6 GHz band on WiFi 6E systems offers the weakest coverage but fastest speeds.
Features
The best mesh WiFi systems for gaming offer advanced features that enable zero lag and reliable internet speeds. We explain these features below.
QoS (Quality of Service) is an important feature for gamers as it allows users to prioritize certain connections to ensure sufficient bandwidth is allocated to a given task.
In a household with multiple simultaneous connections, QoS can be enacted to prioritize a gaming connection to allow it to run without lag.
MU-MIMO also supports multi-device connectivity by ensuring devices can quickly communicate with the router and gain signal access efficiently without any interference.
OFDMA is ideal for gamers as it reduces bottlenecks in the network when high-consumption activities are running. It does this by increasing the amount of data carriers within a frequency.
Beamforming technology improves the precision of the signal achieved by the router antennas and minimizes the level of interference. Improved network signal increases the quality and reliability of internet connection at home.
In terms of ports, mesh WiFi systems for gaming should offer multiple 1 Gbps ports and ideally a 2.5 Gbps port, to ensure gamers can have access to wired connections which improves internet speeds and reduces lag.
Number Of Connected Devices
Modern households have many devices connected to the internet at the same time. You therefore need to invest in a mesh WiFi system that can handle a large volume of simultaneous connections without affecting performance.
Mesh WiFi systems typically offer a minimum of 25 connected devices, with some systems claiming over 100 simultaneous connections.
We suggest you add 10% to 20% on top of the total number of devices you have at home, to give you a recommended figure for the number of connected devices you need from your mesh system.
A good point to note though is that the number of connected devices does not consider the type of connections.
For example, a mesh system offering 25 connected devices does not mean 25 simultaneous gaming connections, but rather a range of connections that are mainly low-consumption.
WiFi Mesh Systems vs Gaming Routers
WiFi mesh systems ensure you can maintain your existing internet speed throughout the home, through the connection of a router to multiple nodes.
The router and nodes sync to create a unified network, meaning that users do not have to separately login to different internet connections.
Also, the devices work in tandem to hand off connections to ensure users are always connected to the strongest WiFi access point based on their location within the home.
A gaming router resembles a traditional router setup in that it is a single device that is connected to a modem and then creates the local WiFi network.
However, certain routers are tailored for gamers by having gamer-centric settings and optimizations to maximize gaming performance.
These features include having many 1 GB or 2.5 GB ports, Game Accelerator settings to reduce the network latency, and a Game Protector dashboard to allow parental controls and network monitoring.
FAQs
Are Mesh WiFi Systems Good For Gaming?
Due to the multiple WiFi access points, mesh WiFi systems have increased in popularity with gamers due to their ability to offer no lag and minimal latency when gaming.
This setup often performs better than a traditional router setup where the bandwidth of one device is being used by an entire household, which creates a crowded network and a lagged gaming performance.
What Features Should A Gaming Mesh WiFi System Have?
To ensure reliable gaming performance, a gaming mesh WiFi system should have advanced features such as QoS which enables connection prioritization, MU-MIMO which supports efficient multi-device connectivity, OFDMA which reduces network congestion and Beamforming which improves signal strength.
Also, to allow wired gaming connections, there should be multiple gigabit ports available in the mesh setup.
Is WiFi 7 Mesh System Good For Gaming?
Although WiFi 7 routers are now available, there are very few WiFi 7 client devices available that can utilize WiFi 7 benefits.
However, when available WiFi 7 offers gamers a superior gaming experience through features such as the High Band Simultaneous Multi-Link, while also providing incredible coverage.
The HBS Multi-Link feature enables high throughput and minimal lag by shifting latency-critical applications to the higher frequency bands, which in turn reduces traffic on the 2.4 GHz band.
These advanced features will maximize performance for XR/AR gaming experiences.
What Brands Make The Best Mesh WiFi Systems For Gaming?
As seen in our product reviews, the top brands to look out for when identifying a mesh WiFi system for gaming include ASUS, TP-Link, Netgear, and Amazon Eero.
While other brands are also available, from our product testing, these brands offered the best performance.
Do You Lose Speed With Mesh WiFi?
Mesh systems are designed to maintain existing WiFi speeds and increase the coverage of that speed to every corner of the home.
Mesh systems are therefore the best means of extending your network, especially for those on high-speed internet plans.
Final Words
Hopefully, this guide has provided you with the information that you need to decide which mesh WiFi to buy for your gaming needs.
But, if you are having issues deciding, our recommendation for the best mesh router for gaming is the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 as it is equipped with WiFi 6 technology, three frequency bands, high-performance backhaul, and dedicated 160 MHz channels that enable this device to achieve speeds of up to 10,000 Mbps.
The nine internal antennas and ASUS RangeBoost Plus technology enable the GT6 to provide a coverage of up to 5800 sq. ft.
The buying guide explains in detail the factors that you need to consider when buying a gaming WiFi router.
