If you are not one of the 11% of US households who have already invested in a mesh WiFi system, you may want to consider purchasing a WiFi 6E mesh system to improve internet coverage within your home.
The best WiFi 6E mesh systems offer coverage of at least 6,000 sq. ft, support a minimum of 100 client devices and offer speeds of 2.5 Gbps.
WiFi 6E builds upon WiFi 6 by offering a 6 GHz frequency band which provides extra bandwidth which in turn reduces congestion and interference, while also increasing internet speeds and coverage.
However, WiFi 6E mesh systems are not backward compatible, which means that the client devices accessing the network need to be WiFi 6E compatible.
Mesh systems are most needed for larger properties of at least 2,000 sq. ft, as they are designed to boost coverage and eliminate dead zones.
Single router setups, especially those equipped with WiFi 6E, should be sufficient for smaller properties.
The TP-Link Deco XE75 is our top choice for the best WiFi 6E mesh system as it is equipped with the latest 6 GHz frequency band that eliminates signal interference from all legacy devices. Additionally, this new band acts as a dedicated backhaul that offers stable connections between nodes. You can connect WiFi 6E devices to the 6 GHz network using the WiFi network mode.
The Netgear RBKE962 is another powerful WiFi 6E mesh system that provides a coverage of up to 6000 sq. ft. including back and front yards and can achieve speeds of up to 10.8 Gbps. The dedicated backhaul WiFi between the router and satellites and exclusive quad-band technology ensure reliable connections to up to 200 devices at the same time.
Equipped with WiFi 6E technology, the Tenda Nova MX21 is a budget-friendly mesh system that gives you a coverage of up to 7300 sq. ft. and eliminates dead spots in your home by providing faster and more stable speeds. The MX21 is powered by MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology to deliver high-speed connections to over 200 devices and a lag-free online experience.
We’ve tested 15 different WiFi 6E-compatible mesh systems and identified the top six systems to be reviewed in this article.
Best WiFi 6E Mesh System (2024)
- Best Overall: TP-Link Deco XE75
- Runner-Up: Netgear Orbi RBKE962
- Budget Friendly: Tenda Nova MX21
- For Gaming: ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12
- Best For Smart Homes: Amazon eero Pro 6E
- Maximum Coverage: Linksys Velop MX6203
Understanding the design, specifications, and performance of a WiFi 6E mesh system is important in finding the right device for your internet requirements.
Here are the 6 best WiFi 6E mesh systems that you can choose from. To help you decide which product to get, each review includes user recommendations, the pros, and cons of the mesh system.
1. TP-Link Deco XE75 (Editor’s Choice)
Design
The WiFi 6E technology enables the TP-Link Deco XE75 to deliver an improved performance in the efficiency and capacity of your network.
It removes dead spots and buffering in your network by providing a coverage of up to 7200 sq. ft.
The three bands deliver a total internet speed of up to 5400 Mbps (574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz, and 2402 Mbps on 6 GHz) and provide smooth connection simultaneously to 200 devices.
Performance
The TP-Link Deco XE75 is equipped with the latest 6 GHz frequency band that eliminates signal interference from all legacy devices.
Additionally, this new band acts as a dedicated backhaul that offers stable connections between nodes. You can connect WiFi 6E devices to the 6 GHz network using the WiFi network mode.
The Deco XE75 allows you to move around your home while using your devices without interruption in the connection.
Since it is a smart AI-driven mesh WiFi, the Deco XE75 learns the user’s behaviors, environment, and client quality to enhance the performance of your network.
The Deco app provides clear visual guidance that you can use to set up and manage Deco XE75 easily. Alexa’s simple voice commands help you to control your network and turn on or off the Guest network.
To ensure that your network and devices are protected from internet attacks and threats, the Deco XE75 comes with security features such as Home Network Scanner, QoS, Parental Controls, Reports, and HomeShield Pro.
Who It’s For
The TP-Link Deco XE75 is ideal for users looking for a high-performance mesh system that delivers extensive coverage and top performance.
Specs
- Speed: 5400 Mbps
- Range: 7200 sq. ft.
- Bands: Tri-Band
- Wireless Protocol: 11n, 802.11ax, 802.11b, 802.11ac, 802.11g
- Number of Supported Devices: 200
- Ports: 6
Pros
- Extensive coverage.
- Easy to set up and manage.
- Excellent data throughput.
- Removes buffering and dead spots.
- Decent security features and parental controls.
Cons
- Problems after a service outage.
2. Netgear RBKE962 (Runner-Up)
Design
The Netgear RBKE962 is a powerful WiFi 6E mesh system that provides a coverage of up to 6000 sq. ft. including back and front yards and can achieve speeds of up to 10.8 Gbps.
The dedicated backhaul WiFi between the router and satellites and exclusive quad-band technology ensure reliable connections to up to 200 devices at the same time.
Performance
The Netgear RBKE962 features a 10 Gig internet port that provides the fastest downloading speeds that you can use for your current and future internet plans.
This allows you to connect to the latest fiber or cable internet service up to 10 Gbps.
The ethernet ports can be used as a wired backhaul or for higher-speed connections to wired devices.
The WiFi 6E technology brings a new 6 GHz frequency band that delivers dedicated high speeds to the latest WiFi 6E compatible phones, laptops, and tablets.
You can create separate networks for guests, smart home (IoT), and WiFi 6E devices to optimize overall network traffic for more performance.
The patented antenna design delivers high-performance WiFi and improves WiFi coverage throughout your home.
The Orbi app helps you to set up RBKE962 through three simple steps. We tested this out and it was so simple to use. First, download the app and follow the instructions given.
Then connect your router to the power source and modem and finally, put the satellite in another location and power it.
The NETGEAR Armor software (has a 30-day free trial) provides added privacy with VPN and real-time protection to your connected devices (Echo, TV, camera, phone, PC, etc.) and network from hackers.
Who It’s For
The Netgear RBKE962 is suitable for individuals looking for the most powerful WiFi 6E system that delivers unprecedented performance and coverage across your whole home.
Specs
- Speed: 8 Gbps
- Range: 6000 sq. ft.
- Bands: Quad-Band
- Wireless Protocol: 11ax
- Number of Supported Devices: 200
- Ports: 4 Ethernet on router, 4 Ethernet on satellite, 1 Internet on router
Pros
- Easy to set up.
- Has superior coverage.
- Faster wired and wireless connections.
- Can be used for faster internet plans.
- Connects more devices.
Cons
- Netgear only offers 90 days of technical support.
3. Tenda Nova MX21 (Budget Friendly)
Design
Equipped with WiFi 6E technology, the Tenda Nova MX21 gives you a coverage of up to 7300 sq. ft. and eliminates dead spots in your home by providing faster and more stable speeds.
The MX21 is powered by MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology to deliver high-speed connections to over 200 devices and a lag-free online experience.
Performance
The new 6 GHz frequency band enables the Tenda Nova MX21 to significantly reduce network congestion and signal interference so that you can have a wireless network with the fastest transmission and lowest-ever latency.
With the MX21, you can enjoy a seamless experience as all the units combine their functions to create a mesh network.
You can assign different names for 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and 2.4 GHz bands and select a frequency band that you can use to offer you the fastest speeds for your devices based on their internet requirements.
This means that your devices will connect to the strongest AP node as you can walk around your home.
The MX21 can be set up easily using the Tenda app or web portal. Also, you can monitor and manage your mesh network using the browser or app. You can add an additional node to your existing Nova networks by pressing the Mesh button.
You can schedule access to the internet for your kids and control the status of your network using the built-in parental controls.
The monthly reports help you to better understand your network. While you can also use your phone to monitor the real-time progress of your online devices.
The troubleshooting function helps to resolve the common network issues that may arise. To understand your network better, you can run a bandwidth test.
Additionally, you can use your smartphone to set up a guest network, online period time, and speed limit.
Who It’s For
If you are looking for an affordable WiFi 6E mesh system that can deliver seamless roaming with strong signals and wider coverage, the Tenda Nova MX21 is for you.
Specs
- Speed: Up to 5700 Mbps
- Range: 7300 sq. ft.
- Bands: Tri-Band
- Wireless Protocol: 11ax
- Number of Supported Devices: 200
- Ports: 3 per unit
Pros
- Easy to set up and manage.
- Wider coverage.
- Seamless roaming throughout your home.
- Strong signals and lower latency.
- Stable and faster connections.
Cons
- The Guest Network feature has issues on smartphone devices.
4. ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 (For Gaming)
Design
The WiFi 6E standard enables the ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 to deliver fast internet speeds of up to 11000 Mbps.
Additionally, the WiFi 6E technology removes dead spots, maximizes the performance of busy networks, and increases the capacity of data transfer to multiple devices at the same time.
The WiFi 6E devices use the new 6 GHz band for better performance and faster connections without being interrupted by older devices.
Performance
The ASUS RangeBoost Plus is equipped with the next-gen chipset and quadcore CPU to enhance the signal range and coverage which enables you to connect all your devices to the network.
The ASUS AiMesh technology helps you to connect any AiMesh-compatible router and add extra nodes so that you can improve your coverage and access new features.
The 6 GHz band comes with no DFS delays as it does not overlap with civilian radar systems like the 5 GHz band which leads to faster connections. Also, the 6 GHz band can be used as a more stable backhaul connection.
The ethernet ports enable you to connect your wired devices and enjoy fast gigabit speeds.
You can either select a wired ethernet for backhaul connection between nodes or set your router to automatic mode to select a better connection depending on your environment.
The ASUS Router app enables you to set up the ET12 easily and quickly.
Who It’s For
The ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 is a mesh system suitable for users who are looking for stable connections and faster speeds for their gaming devices.
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: 200+ devices
- Ports: 7
Pros
- Stable backhaul connection.
- Less interference and low latency.
- Better range and coverage.
- Easy setup and management.
- Removes dead spots.
Cons
- Not budget friendly.
5. Amazon Eero Pro 6E (Best For Smart Homes)
Design
The Amazon Eero Pro 6E can achieve wireless speeds of up to 1.6 Gbps and wired speeds of up to 1 Gbps. The Ethernet port allows you to connect your wired devices and enjoy faster gigabit speeds and top performance.
The tri-band technology enables the Eero Pro 6E to deliver coverage of up to 6000 sq. ft. and connect 100 plus devices simultaneously.
Additionally, the tri-band improves the performance of your WiFi by leveraging any extra bandwidth.
Performance
The Amazon Eero Pro 6E delivers ultra-fast speeds for devices with WiFi 6E technology and gives you access to the new 6 GHz frequency band.
This means that your entire network will have less latency even for devices not supported by WiFi 6E technology.
You can connect devices using the previous WiFi technology to the Eero Pro 6E as it has backward compatibility.
This mesh system enables you to have smooth and reliable streaming and gaming in your entire home.
The Eero TrueMesh technology eliminates dead spots and signal drop-offs by intelligently sending traffic to your devices.
You can download the Eero app and follow the steps provided to set up the Eero Pro 6E within minutes.
Also, you can use the app to control and manage your mesh network when you are away from home using your phone.
You can pair the Eero Pro 6E with Alexa and use it to monitor and control Thread and Zigbee devices. To enhance connections with thread-enabled devices, the Eero Pro 6E can be used as a border router.
Who It’s For
If you have a smart home with several devices that use the internet simultaneously, the Amazon Eero Pro 6E is the mesh system for you as it offers more stable and faster speeds without interruption or lag.
Specs
- Speed: 3 Gbps
- Range: 6000 sq. ft.
- Bands: Tri-Band
- Wireless Protocol: 11ax
- Number of Supported Devices: 100
- Ports: 2
Pros
- Easy to use and set up.
- Can be paired with Alexa.
- Faster speeds and more bandwidth.
- Reduced network drop-offs.
- Eliminates dead spots.
- Wider coverage and more device capacity.
Cons
- Difficult to use Windows to manage the network.
6. Linksys Velop MX6203 (Maximum Coverage)
Design
The Linksys Velop MX6203 is a streaming superhighway that provides new access to 160 MHz channels dedicated to the newest and fastest devices as well as gigabit speeds of up to 5.4 Gbps.
The Velop Pro 6E allows you to enjoy wirelike stability throughout your home and end WiFi dead zones.
This system can cover 4+ bedroom houses with fast WiFi for smooth gaming and 8K streaming.
Performance
The Linksys Velop MX6203 is equipped with Cognitive Mesh technology that intelligently improves the performance of your network based on real-time data for a superior, seamless WiFi experience.
It manages signal and channel selection and identifies and resolves congestion problems.
Additionally, the Cognitive Mesh technology enables you to set up the nodes in under 10 minutes, regularly monitors your network for a better experience, and creates custom networks for gaming, streaming, and video conferencing.
The Velop MX6203 is easy to set up using the Linksys app. Just download the app, name your WiFi network, and let the app guide you.
The Linksys app gives you access to the parental controls which helps to block certain websites and create device schedules.
Also, you can use the app to prioritize streaming devices which prevents buffering and creates a separate password-protected WiFi for guests.
This functionality was straightforward to implement and provides easy protection of your network. The WPA3 encryption and auto-firmware updates also keep your network up-to-date and secure.
Who It’s For
If you are looking for a WiFi 6E mesh system that provides maximum coverage and faster speeds, the Linksys Velop MX6203 is the option for you.
Specs
- Speed: 4 Gbps
- Range: 9000 sq. ft.
- Bands: Tri-Band
- Wireless Protocol: 11ax
- Number of Supported Devices: 200+
- Ports: 2
Pros
- Good security features.
- Smooth and faster connections.
- Eliminates dead zones.
- Easy to set up.
- Better performance.
Cons
- Issues with the LEDs.
Factors To Consider When Looking For The Best WiFi 6E Mesh Router
WiFi Speed
One of the primary reasons for investing in a WiFi 6E mesh system is to achieve ultra-fast internet speeds.
Below we outline some key differences between the standards of WiFi 6, WiFi 6E, and the latest WiFi 7, so you can understand how they vary in terms of WiFi speed.
WiFi 6 (802.11ax) was launched in 2019 and is adopted across the globe, with the estimated value of the market for WiFi 6 products at USD 20 million.
WiFi 6 standard mesh systems can handle gigabit internet plans, with top speeds of 1.2 Gbps and a maximum theoretical throughput of 9.6 Gbps.
WiFi 6E goes beyond the capability of WiFi 6 by creating a ‘fast lane’ through the addition of the 6 GHz frequency band, handling speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps.
The 6 GHz frequency band provides more than twice the bandwidth offered by the 5 GHz band, which in turn reduces congestion and interference on the network, enabling optimal performance.
Unlike WiFi 6, WiFi 6E systems are not backward compatible with earlier standards, therefore you will need to ensure your client devices are compatible with WiFi 6E.
WiFi 7 (802.11be) mesh WiFi systems are the latest to be released and offer incredibly fast internet speeds of up to 10 Gbps and throughput of 46 Gbps.
The ultra-fast speeds are enabled by doubling the bandwidth channels to 320 MHz which in turn reduces network congestion.
Currently, there are not many WiFi 7 client devices available, but WiFi 7 routers and mesh systems are backward compatible with WiFi 5 and WiFi 6.
WiFi Coverage
Mesh systems offer seamless internet access throughout the home, with users required to log in to the network once.
If you’re looking to invest in a mesh WiFi system, one of your main considerations will be the coverage offered by the system.
Most mesh WiFi systems will provide coverage between 2,000 to 5,500 sq. ft, however, WiFi 6E mesh systems offer a minimum coverage of 6,000 sq. ft.
Mesh systems are generally most worthwhile in larger properties of at least 2,000 sq. ft, where there are issues with WiFi dead zones. The coverage of a mesh system can be boosted by purchasing an additional node.
When reviewing the coverage offered by a mesh WiFi system, you should note that the figures presented are theoretical, in that they do not consider the nuances of your home.
For example, if your home is located in a rural area with a weak internet signal, or if you have thick walls or objects that interfere with the internet connection, the coverage will ultimately be impacted.
Do note that the mesh WiFi system coverage is most impacted by the frequency band. For WiFi 6E mesh systems, the coverage from the 6 GHz band will be the weakest, while the coverage from the 2.4 GHz band is the strongest.
Number Of Supported Devices
Given the nature of modern households where most individuals have multiple client devices, reviewing the number of supported devices is crucial to ensure the mesh system will handle the needs of your household.
WiFi 6E mesh systems should offer a minimum of 100 supported devices, but some systems can handle more than 200 devices.
These figures are also theoretical in that they do not consider the type of internet user.
For example, a system offering 100 supported devices is not assuming 100 simultaneous streaming connections, but rather a range of different internet connections.
To work out the optimal number of supported devices needed by your household, total the number of client devices you currently have and add a 20% premium to reach the optimal figure.
Mesh Systems vs WiFi Routers
The debate as to whether you need a mesh WiFi system or a traditional WiFi router setup is dependent on your circumstances and household internet patterns.
Given mesh WiFi systems are a significant investment, we recommend mesh WiFi systems are most worth the investment for properties that are a minimum of 2,000 sq. ft with many simultaneous internet users and devices.
Also, if you haven’t had a mesh system before, the setup requires a bit more thought than a single router, as you will need to set the router, sync the nodes, and strategically place the nodes in optimal locations in the property.
Assuming you have a quality router, a traditional WiFi router setup where there is one device, connected to a modem, or a single modem-router combo unit, will suffice for the majority of households residing in smaller-sized properties.
This is especially true for WiFi 6E routers, which are designed with the latest technology features such as MU-MIMO, Beamforming, and OFDMA, which reduce congestion, increase speed, and improve signal precision.
The network of a single WiFi router can also be extended using a WiFi extender, which is a fraction of the cost of a mesh system.
FAQs
Does a Mesh WiFi System Replace A Router?
Mesh systems will require you to replace your existing router with the mesh router which then connects to additional nodes (satellites) which are located across the property.
If you are generally happy with your existing router but want to extend the coverage, you may consider opting for a WiFi extender rather than a mesh WiFi system.
How Much Faster Is WiFi 6E vs WiFi 6?
Although both WiFi 6E and WiFi 6 can handle gigabit internet plans, WiFi 6E can theoretically handle speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps, while WiFi 6 tops at 1.2 Gbps.
This means that the speed capability of WiFi 6E is approximately double that of WiFi 6.
This difference in speed is enabled through the 6 GHz band included with WiFi 6E which provides additional bandwidth.
Do Mesh WiFi Systems Have Ethernet Ports?
Mesh systems do have ethernet ports to enable wired connections. Some mesh WiFi systems will have ethernet ports on the router device only, while others will have ports on the router and nodes.
If your household needs multiple wired connections, look at products where ethernet ports are available across mesh units.
Does Mesh WiFi Reduce Or Increase Speed?
Mesh systems do not reduce or increase speed but rather maintain the existing network speed and boost it to every corner of the home.
Increasing internet speeds needs either a review of your internet plan from the ISP or an investment in a router that is capable of maximizing the speed on your plan.
Final Words
Hopefully, you can now decide which WiFi 6E mesh system to buy for your internet needs.
If it is difficult to make the decision, our editor’s choice for the best WiFi 6E mesh system is the TP-Link Deco XE75.
It is equipped with the latest 6 GHz frequency band that eliminates signal interference from all legacy devices.
Additionally, this new band acts as a dedicated backhaul that offers stable connections between nodes. You can connect WiFi 6E devices to the 6 GHz network using the WiFi network mode.
Refer to the buying for more information on the factors to consider when buying a WiFi 6E mesh system.
