Wired reviews best mesh Wi-Fi systems for 2025
WIRED magazine has tested several mesh Wi-Fi systems in a reviewer's home to identify top performers for eliminating internet dead spots. The Netgear Orbi 770 Series emerges as the best Wi-Fi 7 mesh option, praised for its easy setup and stable performance.
In its latest guide, published with a 2025 focus but dated October 2021, WIRED evaluates mesh Wi-Fi systems designed to provide seamless coverage across homes. These devices create a unified network using multiple nodes, addressing patchy connections common in larger spaces.
The top recommendation is the Netgear Orbi 770 Series, available in two- or three-pack configurations from retailers like Amazon and Netgear. It offers easy setup, speedy and stable Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, and expansive coverage. However, security features and smart parental controls require a subscription, and it lacks a USB port.
As an alternative Wi-Fi 7 mesh, the TP-Link Deco BE67 stands out with multigig Ethernet ports, fast tri-band performance, and ease of use, though setup can be slightly glitchy and advanced security needs subscriptions. Available in three-packs at Best Buy.
For Wi-Fi 6 users, the Asus ZenWiFi XT8 provides excellent performance, generous ports, and subscription-free security and parental controls. Drawbacks include fiddly setup and occasional firmware bugs; it's sold in two-packs at Asus, B&H, and Walmart.
Other notable systems include the Amazon Eero Pro 6E, which is simple to set up and supports Thread, Matter, and Zigbee protocols for smart homes, delivering solid Wi-Fi 6E speeds but with limited ports and costly subscriptions. The budget-friendly TP-Link Deco X55 offers decent Wi-Fi 6 performance at a low price, though its wireless backhaul is limited.
For outdoor needs, the TP-Link Deco BE25 is IP65-rated with solid Wi-Fi 7 performance and two 2.5 Gbps PoE ports, but it's dual-band without 6-GHz support and requires pole mounting. WIRED emphasizes that all featured products are editorially selected, with potential affiliate links.