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If your household’s internet is struggling to penetrate thick walls, one of the best solutions you can try is to install a mesh WiFi system, which is designed to enable internet access to every corner of the home.
The best mesh WiFi for thick walls should have at least two frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), include the WiFi 6 standard which can handle up to 1 Gbps internet speed, cover a minimum of 2000 sq ft, and connect a minimum of 25 devices at the same time.
Mesh systems offer the best solution to extending coverage through thick walls as the router and nodes sync to create a unified network with limited impact on bandwidth.
WiFi extenders meanwhile use up to 50% of the total network bandwidth per device, which may not improve coverage through thick walls.
Our top choice for the best mesh WiFi for thick walls is the TP-Link Deco X55 Pro. This is because it is a WiFi 6 mesh system that eliminates poor WiFi in your home for good and it can deliver maximum speeds of 3000 Mbps for seamless high-performance WiFi. It provides coverage of up to 6500 sq. ft. and eliminates buffering and dead zones. It is strong enough to allow more than 150 devices to connect to it at the same time and have reliable connections.
Another great option is the Netgear MK63S as it can achieve internet speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps to ensure that you enjoy smooth HD streaming, uninterrupted video games, improved gaming, and no delays when loading content on smartphones, computers, and tablets. Also, it supports WiFi 6 technology which has more capacity than WiFi 5.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, the Tenda NOVA MW6 is for you. It provides a faster WiFi experience throughout your home with strong WiFi signals and the fastest WiFi speeds of up to 1200 Mbps. The NOVA MW6 is an ideal solution that replaces traditional routers and WiFi extenders as it has a coverage of up to 6000 sq. ft. and eliminates dead zones.
We’ve tested 19 mesh systems in a few large properties with thick walls and have narrowed down the choice to the top seven products available in 2024 which we review below.
Best Mesh WiFi For Thick Walls (2024)
- Best Overall: TP-Link Deco X55 Pro
- Runner-Up: Netgear Nighthawk MK63S
- Budget Friendly: Tenda NOVA Mesh WiFi MW6
- Best For Gaming: ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12
- Best For Multiple Devices: Linksys MX8502
- For Streaming: Netgear Orbi RBK653
- Best For Smart Homes: Amazon Eero 6+
Understanding the design, specifications, and performance of a mesh WiFi that can penetrate thick walls will enable you to select the right one for your needs.
That is why we have reviewed the seven best products that you can choose from.
Also included in the reviews are the pros, cons, and the ideal user recommendation.
1. TP-Link Deco X55 Pro (Editor’s Choice)
Design
The TP-Link Deco X55 Pro is a WiFi 6 mesh system that eliminates poor WiFi in your home for good and it can deliver maximum speeds of 3000 Mbps for seamless high-performance WiFi.
The Deco X66 Pro provides coverage of up to 6500 sq. ft. and eliminates buffering and dead zones.
It is strong enough to allow more than 150 devices to connect to it at the same time and have reliable connections. This makes it better than the standard WiFi boosters and range extenders.
Performance
The TP-Link Deco X55 Pro supports multi-gig device connectivity and superior wired ethernet backhaul.
Each Deco X55 Pro comes with two ports that enable you to connect devices such as computers and streaming players so that they can have fast connectivity.
This is an AI-driven mesh system as it can intelligently learn your network environment to provide suitable conditions that are unique to your home and devices.
The premium security service by TP-Link ensures that your home network is safe with cutting-edge IoT and network protection.
The Network Security Scan helps to detect potential security threats and issues. The Quality of Service ensures that specific devices have enough data for better performance.
Parental Controls prevent your kids from accessing any inappropriate online content and keep your network safe.
During testing, we also tried the reports feature which neatly provides insights and statistics so that you can manage your network better.
The Deco app helps to set up the X55 Pro in minutes. Download the app, follow the steps provided on the screen, and the app will do the rest and get your WiFi working in no time.
You can pair the Deco X55 Pro with Alexa and use simple voice commands to control the network.
Who It’s For
The TP-Link Deco app is recommended for individuals who are subscribed to internet plans above 1 Gigabit and looking for a mesh system that comes with high-performing features.
Specs
- Speed: 3000 Mbps
- Range: Up to 6500 sq. ft
- Bands: Dual-Band
- Wireless Protocol: 11n, 802.11ax, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac
- Number of Supported Devices: 150
- Ports: 2 per pack (6 in total)
Pros
- Reliable and strong WiFi.
- Better performance.
- Great security features.
- Works with Alexa.
- Easy to install and manage.
Cons
- Slow connection to gaming consoles.
2. Netgear Nighthawk MK63S (Runner-Up)
Design
The Netgear MK63S can achieve internet speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps to ensure that you enjoy smooth HD streaming, uninterrupted video games, improved gaming, and no delays when loading content on smartphones, computers, and tablets.
MK63S supports WiFi 6 technology which has more capacity than WiFi 5. This enables the router to provide coverage of up to 4500 sq. ft. and connect to 25 plus devices simultaneously.
Performance
The Netgear MK63S features MU-MIMO technology that allows you to connect several devices to the network simultaneously, while beamforming technology helps to focus the signal strength on devices that require more data.
The NETGEAR Armor provides automatic protection to your devices and the entire network while the Smart Parental Controls ensures that your kids access safe online content and are protected from harmful and inappropriate content. Both have a 30-day free trial.
You can set up the MK63S quickly using the Nighthawk app. Additionally, you can use the app to manage your network’s settings and access features like internet speed tests, remote access to the network, and internet pausing.
The one ethernet port on the satellite and the two ethernet ports on the router enable you to create wired connections to devices such as computers, gaming consoles, streaming players, and smart TVs.
You can buy an extra MS60 satellite if you want to expand coverage by 1500 sq. ft.
Who It’s For
The Netgear MK63S is a high-performing router suitable for individuals who are looking for a mesh system with advanced security features, and reliable, consistent connections.
Specs
- Speed: 8 Gbps
- Range: Up to 4500 sq. ft.
- Bands: Dual-Band
- Wireless Protocol: 11ax
- Number of Supported Devices: 25 plus
- Ports: 2 on Router and 1 on Satellite
Pros
- Faster wired connections using the ethernet ports.
- Easy to install and manage.
- Strong and reliable WiFi signals.
- Wider coverage.
- Great advanced features.
Cons
- Problems when switching access points.
3. Tenda NOVA Mesh WiFi MW6 (Budget Friendly)
Design
Tenda NOVA MW6 provides you with a faster WiFi experience throughout your home with strong WiFi signals and the fastest WiFi speeds of up to 1200 Mbps.
The NOVA MW6 is an ideal solution that replaces traditional routers and WiFi extenders as it has a coverage of up to 6000 sq. ft. and eliminates dead zones.
Performance
All the Tenda NOVA MW6 units work together to provide a seamless online experience with one network name and password.
This allows all your devices to connect automatically to the strongest AP node when movement around the house is involved.
Supported by Beamforming and MU-MIMO technologies, the MW6 brings a lag-free experience and high-speed WiFi network to up to 90 devices at the same time.
We tested the network with five simultaneous HD streams at different points in the home and were very impressed with the clear, uninterrupted performance on each device.
The WPA-PSK enables you to encrypt your WiFi password which protects your connected devices and network from hacker attacks.
You can use the guest network in an isolated network zone to welcome your friends and visitors and to guard your smart home access and privacy.
Set up, manage, and monitor the MW6 quickly and easily using the Tenda WiFi app. You can add a new node to your current Nova network using three simple steps.
The built-in parental controls allow you to schedule internet access for your children, monitor the network status, and check the real-time progress of the connected devices.
The MW6 can be paired with Alexa.
Who It’s For
The Tenda Nova MW6 is suitable for individuals who are looking for a budget-friendly mesh system that delivers faster speeds to several devices at the same time.
Specs
- Speed: 1200 Mbps
- Range: 6000 sq. ft
- Bands: Dual-Band
- Wireless Protocol: 11ac
- Number of Supported Devices: 90
- Ports: 2 per unit (6 in total)
Pros
- Higher capacity.
- Easy set-up and management.
- Good security features.
- Works with Amazon Alexa.
Cons
- Require rebooting after a power loss.
4. ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 (Best For Gaming)
Design
The ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 comes with WiFi 6E technology and supports the newly available 6 GHz band which can only be used by devices with WiFi 6E.
This means that the older devices cannot interfere with the WiFi’s performance, providing you with more reliable and faster connections for WiFi 6 devices.
This is a 12-stream device that can achieve speeds of up to 11000 Mbps.
This increases its capacity for sending and receiving data to a high number of devices at the same time, minimizing dead zones, and increasing the performance of the busiest networks in your home.
Performance
The 5 GHz band overlaps with certain civilian radar systems which can lead to delayed connections if they are detected by DFS (Dynamic Frequency Frequency).
The 6 GHz band does not overlap with these radar systems, so devices have quicker connections as there are no DFS delays.
Our testing revealed however that the 6 GHz band has weaker coverage and struggles to penetrate through walls compared to the other bands.
The ASUS RangeBoost Plus is the most powerful and latest version that enhances coverage and signal range for all your devices as it uses a quadcore CPU and next-gen WiFi chipset.
With ASUS AiMesh, you can easily add extra nodes for new features or improved coverage by simply connecting to any router that is compatible with AiMesh.
The 2.5G WAN port and 2.5G LAN port allow you to enjoy full 2.5 Gbps speeds from your ISP on your compatible wired devices.
The new 6GHz band can be used as a stable backhaul connection. Additionally, you can choose the wired ethernet for the backhaul connection between nodes.
Another option is to let the ZenWiFi Pro ET12 select the best connection type depending on your environment by putting it on automatic mode.
The ASUS Router App allows you to set up and manage the ZenWiFi Pro ET12 effortlessly.
Who It’s For
The ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 is recommended for individuals looking for a gaming WiFi mesh system that provides strong and stable connections.
Specs
- Speed: 11000 Mbps
- Range: 6000 sq. ft
- Bands: Tri-Band
- Wireless Protocol: 11n, 802.11ax, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g
- Number of Supported Devices
- Ports: 7
Pros
- Effortless setup and management.
- Stable backhaul connection.
- Better signal range and coverage.
- Reduces dead zones.
- Less interference and low latency.
Cons
- Not necessary for an average household.
5. Linksys MX8502 (Best For Multiple Devices)
Design
The Linksys MX8502 is the biggest upgrade to WiFi in a decade as it comes with the low-latency, ultra-fast 6 GHz band to your entire home.
You can connect directly or use it as a backhaul between nodes for seamless video conferencing, remote learning, working from home, and even the latest VR and AR.
With advanced security, easy setup, and parental controls, the MX8502 is an essential upgrade if your home needs the highest-speed and most reliable WiFi.
Performance
The Linksys MX8502 has the highest device capacity ever because of the 6 GHz band which allows it to handle traffic from smart homes that are busy with data-intensive devices throughout the day.
WiFi 6 technology, combined with Velop Intelligent Mech technology, provides gigabit WiFi speeds to every corner of your business or home.
An advanced Qualcomm chipset provides an excellent WiFi 6E experience by delivering blazing-fast performance and wire-like stability.
The Linksys app makes setting up and controlling the MX8502 easy and simple. Once the router is up and running, you can use the app to prioritize or view the devices that use most WiFi and access and monitor your network from anywhere.
The smart security system ensures that you have an up-to-date, secure, and safe home network. The security features include Velop, separate guest access, parental controls, and automatic firmware updates.
The 5 Gigabit WAN port delivers speeds of up to 5 Gbps to your entire home so that you can connect your streaming devices, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and the latest AR and VR.
Who It’s For
The Linksys MX8502 is recommended for individuals who have several devices throughout their large home that need strong signals and stable connections.
Specs
- Speed: 8400 Mbps
- Range: Up to 6000 sq. ft.
- Bands: Tri-Band
- Wireless Protocol: 11ax
- Number of Supported Devices: 130
- Ports: 1 5G LAN, 4 Gig-E LAN, 1 USB
Pros
- Clearer signals with the 6 GHz band.
- Multi-gig internet port.
- Excellent wireless coverage.
- Easy to install and manage.
- Solid throughput performance.
- Great device-handling ability.
Cons
- Not all devices are compatible with WiFi 6E.
6. Netgear Orbi RBK653 (For Streaming)
Design
The Netgear Orbi RBK653 offers coverage for up to 6000 sq. ft and supports connections for up to 40 devices.
You can buy an additional satellite if you want to extend your WiFi coverage by 1750 sq. ft.
The RBK653 is powered by a quad-core processor and has six internal antennas that act as signal amplifiers.
This mesh system features WiFi 6 technology and can deliver maximum speeds of 3000 Mbps for uninterrupted HD video gaming, streaming, and web conferencing.
Performance
The Netgear Orbi RBK653 replaces your WiFi router, and you can connect it to your current cable modem.
The two Gigabit ports on each satellite and three Gigabit ports on the router enable you to plug in devices such as computers, streaming players, game consoles, and more.
The Orbi app helps you to easily set up and manage your RBK653. The first step is to download the app and follow the steps provided. Secondly, plug in your Orbi router to the power outlet and your modem.
Finally, put the Orbi satellites in another part of your home and connect them to the power source.
NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls builds trust, encourages responsibility, and promotes healthy internet habits with your children.
NETGEAR Armor provides an automatic shield of security on all the devices connected to your network.
Who It’s For
If you are looking for a mesh system that is ideal for streaming online content, the Netgear RBK653 is the best option as it delivers smooth and stable WiFi speeds.
Specs
- Speed: Up to 3000 Mbps
- Range: Up to 6000 sq. ft
- Bands: Tri-Band
- Wireless Protocol: 11n, 802.11ax, 802.11a, 802.11ac
- Number of Supported Devices: 40
- Ports: 7
Pros
- Easy to set up.
- Good security features.
- Can handle lots of devices.
- Wider coverage.
- Stable connections.
Cons
- The app does not report when the satellite is connected.
7. Amazon Eero 6+ (Best For Smart Homes)
Design
The Amazon Eero 6+ is the most affordable mesh system that can support WiFi speeds of up to one gigabit. It is backward-compatible with Eero devices with the previous WiFi generation.
The WiFi 6 technology gives the Eero 6+ a bandwidth boost. This mesh system has an extra bandwidth on the 160 MHz radio channel for faster connectivity so that your whole family can video chat, stream, and work, all at the same time.
Performance
The Amazon Eero 6+ provides you with reliable connectivity so that you can confidently work from home and avoid dropped video calls as well as keep your smart home running, even when you are traveling.
The Eero TrueMesh technology routes traffic to minimize dead spots and drop-offs. The Eero app provides you with easy steps for setting up the Eero 6+ and enables you to manage your network from anywhere.
The Eero 6+ gets better over time as it receives automatic updates that help keep your network secure and safe from online threats and hacks.
There is a separate subscription that gives you access to additional network management and online security features.
You can pair this device with Alexa and create a smart home hub by connecting compatible Zigbee and Thread devices.
Who It’s For
If you are looking for a basic mesh system that can deliver reliable and smooth connections, the Amazon Eero6+ is for you.
Specs
- Speed: 3000 Mbps
- Range: 4500 sq. ft.
- Bands: Dual-Band
- Wireless Protocol: 11ax
- Number of Supported Devices: 75+
- Ports: 2
Pros
- Automatic updates for better security.
- Easy to set up.
- Less dead spots and drop-offs.
- Allows for simultaneous streaming.
Cons
- Need monthly subscriptions to get more features.
Factors To Consider When Looking For The Best Mesh WiFi For Penetrating Thick Walls
WiFi Speed
If you’re looking to purchase a mesh WiFi system, WiFi speed needs to be one of your main considerations.
One of the key technological features that affects speed is the WiFi standard, which is also commonly referred to as the WiFi protocol.
Mesh setups that are available in 2024 come in three available standards, WiFi 5, WiFi 6, and WiFi 6e. In late 2024, a fourth standard, WiFi 7 will be available.
WiFi 5 (802.11ac) was first released in 2014 and is widely used in the US, given the standard is now universally compatible with internet devices.
The standard operates best on internet plans of 500 Gbps and below and operates with a dual-band setup of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Although the standard is less technologically advanced, it works well in a mesh WiFi system.
Launched in 2019, WiFi 6 (802.11ax) offers speed increases of up to 40% compared to WiFi 5. WiFi 6 routers are best equipped to handle internet plans up to 1 Gbps and contain advanced security features such as WPA3.
WiFi 6 routers fetch a premium price and compatibility can be an issue, as not all laptops, phones, or TVs are WiFi 6 compatible.
Compared to WiFi 6, WiFi 6e enables faster internet speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps and features an additional 6 GHz band which offers less interference.
However, the 6 GHz band is not frequently used so compatibility with your internet devices may be an issue, likewise the coverage of WiFi 6e is often poor, so will struggle to break through thick walls.
Towards the end of 2024, WiFI 7 is expected to be released. This standard will trump previous standards in terms of performance capability, offering faster speeds (4 times faster than WiFi 6e), reduced latency, and better network stability.
However, only the latest internet devices will be compatible, so accessing the WiFi 7 benefits may be an issue.
WiFi Coverage & Range
Too often, households invest in a high-speed internet plan but are disappointed with the coverage performance.
Luckily, a mesh WiFi system is the perfect choice if you need to penetrate through thick walls in your home.
Mesh WiFi systems are typically needed in larger households. The majority of mesh systems offer reliable coverage in a range between 2000 and 5500 sq ft, and we recommend you invest in a system that offers 2000 sq ft coverage as a minimum.
Do note, however, that the coverage advertised on a mesh WiFi product is dependent on several factors that are specific to each household.
For example, the thickness of the walls in your home, the placement of the router and satellites, and also the location of your home in proximity to the ISP network, will all impact coverage.
We recommend trialing a few different setups with your mesh system to see which one offers the best coverage.
Number Of Connected Devices
Another key consideration when reviewing different mesh WiFi systems is the number of connected devices the setup can handle at any one time and how that relates to your household’s needs.
Nowadays most individuals own a couple of internet-using devices such as a TV, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, and there is a strong chance that many devices will be connected to the mesh system at the same time.
A good rule to follow is to first identify the number of devices within your household and then look for mesh WiFi systems that offer 10% to 20% higher than that figure.
Mesh systems typically offer a minimum of 25 connected devices but some products offer hundreds. Be aware though that the figures presented are theoretical in that they don’t account for user behavior.
A mesh system offering 25 connected devices will not handle 25 8k video streams, for example.
Advanced Features
When reviewing different mesh products, look out for advanced technological features such as MU-MIMO, OFDMA, Quality of Service, Beamforming, and WPA3.
Setups with these technologies offer faster speeds, less congestion, better precision, and privacy.
Below, we briefly explain each of these advanced features.
MU-MIMO is a great addition to mesh systems because the technology enables multiple devices to communicate with each other, which reduces device signal waiting time and consequently improves internet connection speed and quality.
The OFDMA feature reduces network congestion by increasing the level of subcarriers within a frequency, ensuring more data can travel smoothly to internet devices.
Quality of Service (QoS) allows households to prioritize specific connections over others to improve the internet connection on those devices.
An example of when this may be enacted is when a member of the household is gaming online, while others are doing low-consumption activities.
The QoS could be enabled to prioritize the gamer’s connection, compared to the others.
Beamforming technology is designed to improve internet connectivity by increasing the precision of the router antennas. Beamforming improves the signal focus and can reduce the level of interference.
WPA3 (WiFi Protected Access 3) is the third version of a security standard created by the WiFi Alliance. It is the most advanced and secure yet, offering individualized data encryption for any connected device.
FAQs
Which Is Better At Penetrating Thick Walls, A Mesh WiFi System Or A WiFi Extender?
WiFi signals do generally struggle to carry through thick walls made of non-porous materials, but mesh systems are the best approach to extending the network in large homes compared to WiFi extenders.
This is because mesh systems generate a unified network by syncing the satellites with the main router.
WiFi extenders use up existing bandwidth and will be less potent in carrying the signal through thick walls.
How To Choose The Best Mesh WiFi System For Concrete Walls?
The best mesh WiFi system for concrete walls is a setup that delivers on speed, coverage, and number of connected devices, while also being manageable in terms of cost.
You should look for mesh setups that include the WiFi 6 standard, can deliver coverage of at least 2000 sq ft, and can connect a minimum of 25 devices.
Systems with these features will enable your whole household to enjoy super-fast internet throughout the home.
Does Mesh WiFi Replace A Router?
Mesh WiFi systems are designed to replace your existing router. Mesh purchase packages typically include a router device and at least one additional satellite device.
Installing the mesh system will require you to disconnect your existing router and install the mesh router and satellites.
If you want to keep your router, many modern routers are compatible with a mesh system. However, you won’t experience all the benefits that the mesh system has to offer.
Is WiFi 6 Better At Penetrating Walls Than WiFi 5?
WiFi 6 offers advanced performance features in terms of WiFi speed and security compared to WiFi 5, but when it comes to the penetrating walls, the main factor to consider is less about the WiFi standard but rather the frequency band.
The 5 GHz frequency band offers significantly faster internet speeds but its coverage, and ability to penetrate thick walls are limited.
The 2.4 GHz band although offering slower internet speeds, has better coverage and is more likely to carry through thick walls.
The 2.4 GHz band on a WiFi 6 router is faster compared to WiFi 5, due to an increase in the number of streams to 12, compared to 8 for WiFi 5.
How Many Mesh Nodes Can I Install?
Although in theory there is no limit to the number of mesh nodes you can install in a single setup, a 2000 sq ft household requires a maximum of two nodes, while larger households should have a maximum of five nodes.
Having too many nodes can begin to cause performance issues because each device consumes network bandwidth.
Final Words
This guide has reviewed the top-performing mesh systems that can penetrate thick walls. From the list, you can choose which one is suitable for your internet needs and make your purchase.
However, if you are still undecided, our recommendation for the best mesh WiFi system is the TP-Link Deco X55 Pro.
This is because it is a WiFi 6 mesh system that eliminates poor WiFi in your home for good and it can deliver maximum speeds of 3000 Mbps for seamless high-performance WiFi.
It provides coverage of up to 6500 sq. ft. and eliminates buffering and dead zones. It is strong enough to allow more than 150 devices to connect to it at the same time and have reliable connections.
Refer to the buying guide for more information that will assist you in the decision-making process.
