One of my friends recently moved to a large 5,500 Sq Ft three-story house with a garden and backyard. Since it is a very big house, many spots had zero wireless coverage. He tried to use WiFi extenders, but they didn’t work well.
When he reached out to me, I suggested him to get a mesh WiFi system. But he didn’t want to spend money on experiments and wanted me to help him figure out the right setup. So, I spent around 46 hours testing around 12 different mesh systems, and after all my tests, here are the 7 best options to consider in 2024:
- Best WiFi 6E Mesh: TP-Link Deco XE75
- Best Long Range Mesh: Orbi RBK753S
- Best For Thick Walls: ASUS ZenWiFi XD6
- Best Under $300: Linksys MX8000
- Best Value: Amazon Eero 6+
- Best WiFi 5 Mesh: TP-Link Deco M5
- Best Budget Option: Tenda Nova MW6
While doing the tests, I tried to ensure that the models I suggested didn’t just provide WiFi coverage but also offered consistency, better signal quality, security, performance, seamless connectivity, and other routing features.
Does your house measure between 2,000-3,000 Sq Ft? In this case, traditional wireless routers suitable for large homes can also work.
7 Best Mesh WiFi Systems for Large Homes in 2024
I tried to ensure that the models I suggested didn’t just provide long range but also offered consistency, better signal quality, security, performance, seamless connectivity, and essential routing features. I start with the premium options and gradually lend you budget options.
1. Best WiFi 6E Mesh: TP-Link Deco XE75
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 574 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 2402 Mbps
- 6GHz Speeds: 2402 Mbps
- WiFi Range: Up to 7,200 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 200
- Chipset: 1.7GHz Quad-Core CPU
- RAM & Flash Memory: N/A
- App Support: Yes
TP-Link Deco XE75 features the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard, so you can download Gigabit files and apps/games in seconds. Plus, there is a new 6GHz band than makes it an upgrade over the Deco X60. So expect minimal interference and congestion. So despite pricing in a premium range, it’s one of the best-selling mesh systems.
Why is it suited for Large Homes?
TP-Link has included 4 internal high-gain antennas that form a signal-boosting array to cover more directions and large areas. Although the company claims that the system can cover areas up to 7,200 Sq Ft, in my test, I was only able to get the coverage range of 5,900 Sq Ft max.
One good thing is, that a Deco system is compatible with any other Deco device. So, you can use this system in the main areas and for extended coverage in places like gardens, and backyards, you can get a cheaper Deco device and pair it with this system and it’ll work smoothly.
Besides that, its roaming capability is its standout feature. With an AI-driven algorithm and 802.11k/v/r fast roaming technology, there won’t be any instances when you miss the connection.
When testing on my mobile, I didn’t notice any drops or freezes, even when I was walking around the home. The mesh technology automatically switches to the best network possible across different areas on my property.
Speeds & Performance
I paired the mesh system with a Cox Gigablast plan, only to receive a download speed of 940 Mbps and an upload speed of 37 Mbps for the additional backhaul band. While download speeds on the other two bands were clocked at 650 Mbps and 200 Mbps, respectively. In the garage, the speeds dropped slightly (by 50-70 Mbps), but that’s the best you can get from any model.
The mesh system further includes technologies like OFDMA and 2×2 MU-MIMO, giving it plenty of brownie points. I connected 123 devices at once and didn’t witness any lags or latencies. So, the device can handle concurrent high-bandwidth tasks like 4K video streaming, gaming, or downloading large files, irrespective of where you are in your apartment.
Ease of Setup & Control
The TP-Link Deco app comes with a step-by-step video to guide you through the setup process. I wasn’t at home when this device arrived, and my non-tech-savvy father got it done without much effort. Besides that, this user-friendly app has many features that let you take control of the device and get the best possible experience.
Security Features
In terms of security, there’s something for everyone. You can opt for its premium and advanced HomeShield security software to secure your network and devices from unwanted threats like viruses, ransomware, or malware, along with advanced parental controls. Or there’s also a free version available with basic features like QoS, weekly reports, and others.
Conclusion
Overall, XE75 is one of the best WiFi systems for large homes. The Wi-Fi 6E support and an additional 6GHz band take its performance to a whole new level. But the only downside of this device is its premium price. Nevertheless, if budget isn’t an issue, hands down, it’s one of the best investments you’ll ever make.
For a more closer look, read my detailed review of the Deco XE75.
Pros
- The latest WiFi 6E standard
- Fast & consistent speeds
- Enhanced security features
- Easy to setup & control
- Fast roaming
Cons
- Expensive
- Advanced security with a Pro subscription
2. Best Long Range Mesh WiFi: Netgear Orbi RBK753S
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 600 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 1200 + 2400 Mbps
- WiFi Range: Up to 7,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Supported Devices: 40
- Chipset: 1.4GHz Quad-Core
- RAM & Flash Memory: 1GB + 512MB
- App Support: Yes
After using Netgear Orbi RBK753S, I can say that it definitely fulfilled my expectations. With an additional 5GHz band, more antennas, and greater coverage, it’s a significant upgrade over its older model, Orbi RBK752 AX4200.
Why is it suited for Large Homes?
With 6 high-performance antennas, RBK753S had no problem sending strong signals to every corner of the 5,500 Sq Ft area. I also had no problems connecting with my smart bulb in my garden, thanks to high-powered amplifiers encased in each antenna.
A 7-person household with 3 Xbox series consoles, 2 PS5, security cameras, smart home gadgets, and a bunch of phones was connected to the mesh network. And the device performed extremely well with no potential slowdowns or hiccups. But compared to Deco XE75 I reviewed above, this one can take only 40 devices at best.
Speeds & Performance
The mesh system excelled in terms of speed and performance. With Wi-Fi 6 and tri-band WiFi, the device support speeds up to 4.2 Gbps. But unavailability of such high-speed plans, I paired the device with an Xfinity Gigabit plan. And the maximum speeds of high-frequency 5GHz bands stood at 945 Mbps in download and 40 Mbps in upload.
Such high speeds make the RBK753S a suitable mesh WiFi for gaming and other network-intensive tasks in residential and commercial settings. The experience was smooth when playing high-end online games, streaming UHD Netflix videos, or performing other tasks.
Ease of Setup & Control
With the Orbi app, you can set up the device within a few minutes. And you can use the same app to control your mesh network, set up limits, view users, and more.
Security Features
Orbi RBK753S uses two features to protect your entire household. Netgear Armor by Bitdefender utilizes VPN to protect the incoming and outgoing data on the network. Apart from that, it creates a firewall to prevent the entry of unwanted threats like viruses, ransomware, and malware. There’s a complementary 1-year subscription on offer.
Besides that, smart parental controls are also included within the subscription. Using it, you can keep your child from accessing potentially harmful and age-inappropriate websites and even pause your Wi-Fi anytime you want.
Conclusion
All in all, Orbi RBK753S is a great mesh system for a large house with thick walls. Besides being excellent in speed and performance, it comes with a powerful security suite. However, compared to my previous recommendation, it has a 5GHz additional band instead of a 6GHz band, and it also supports fewer connections so the device is ranked in the second position.
For more specific details, do read my detailed review of the Orbi RBK753S.
Pros
- Greater coverage
- Optimal speeds
- Dedicated wireless backhaul
- Easy setup and installation
- 1-year Netgear Armor security
Cons
- Can handle a maximum of 40 devices
3. Best Dual-Band Mesh Router: ASUS ZenWiFi XD6
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 574 Mbps
- 5GHZ Speeds: 4804 Mbps
- WiFi Range: Up to 5,400 Sq Ft
- Number of Supported Devices: 50
- Chipset: 1.5GHz Tri-Core
- RAM: 512MB
- Flash Memory: 256MB
- App Support: Yes
Last year, Asus became a top-selling brand on the market with its Asus XD4, but this year, they have taken a leap with its upgrade in Asus ZenWiFi XD6. Despite featuring dual-band WiFi, it offers near top-of-the-line speeds with powerful radios, more antennas, and Wi-Fi 6 support.
Why is it suited for Large Homes?
XD6 integrates a powerful AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 radio capable of delivering fast wireless speed throughout the large apartment. Plus, 6 beamforming internal antennas further boost the capability of the mesh system to spread strong signals over a large area, i.e., up to 4,500-5,500 Sq Ft.
With more than 35 devices connected at once, there were no visible lags or latencies, even if I moved further into the garden or garage. My client’s brother and his friends are doing some of their engineering projects in the garage connecting with the mesh system, and they claim to run simulations much faster.
Further, the device uses 802.11k/v to make intelligent roaming for your devices. In simple words, the device automatically switches to a faster network when you’re moving. So, you have access to a faster network every time.
Speeds & Performance
In terms of speeds, pairing with the Xfinity Gigabit plan, the speeds on respective bands clocked up to 750 Mbps and 200 Mbps. Considering its coverage, the maximum speed for the top-tier brand in the garage was nearly 400-500 Mbps. The device further includes QoS and MU-MIMO to deliver a consistent maximum throughput of 1-2 Gbps, provided you have a suitable plan.
To test its performance, I connected it with 2 Xbox gaming consoles and 3 PS5s simultaneously, and we played a few online matches on Fortnite and Valorant at 120 fps. We played for nearly six hours, counting at least 30 matches, and lost 25 of them, but that’s because we lacked appropriate skills; the network was smooth throughout the gaming session.
Ease of Setup & Control
The ZenWiFi XD6 can be operated and managed using an easy-to-use ASUS mobile router app. You can easily navigate through the connected networks and devices, add or remove any as needed, and configure the mesh system.
Security Features
Besides, Asus has integrated many security features to keep your household and devices safe. The TendaMicro powered AiProtection Pro Antivirus prevents your devices from accessing a malware-infected device, scans itself automatically, and sends a warning message when the security system is low.
Furthermore, it includes an advanced parental control feature that offers features like usage time limitation and web content filtering.
Conclusion
ZenWiFi XD6 is a value-for-money mesh Wi-Fi that delivers faster speeds and constant throughput as long as you’re connected. Plus, an advanced security system keeps your devices and network safe. However, it’s placed down the list with lesser bands and a tad outdated Wi-Fi support.
For more details, read my dedicated review of the Asus ZenWiFi XD6.
Pros
- Fast speeds
- 6 internal antennas
- Long wireless coverage
- Highly customizable
- Advanced security features
Cons
- Dual-band
- No 802.11r fast roaming
4. Best Under $300: Linksys MX8000
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 600 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 1200 + 1200 Mbps
- WiFi Range: Up to 5,400 Sq Ft
- Number of Supported Devices: 80+
- Chipset: 1.4GHz Quad-Core
- RAM & Flash Memory: 512MB + 512MB
- App Support: Yes
The MX8000 from Linksys comes with Wi-Fi 6 and tri-band support to deliver strong wireless connectivity to every corner of your large building. It comes at an affordable price compared to my previous recommendations, despite encasing similar technologies. And compared to its older version, it packs better Wi-Fi tech, a powerful processor, and better performance.
Why is it suited for Large Homes?
Along with 6 high-gain antennas, the unit bolsters an Intelligent mesh technology to enhance its overall signal strength to an area up to 5,000 Sq Ft. Thanks to these, there’s high-speed internet in every nook of the building, and the devices won’t need to wait for long to receive signals.
The signal strength was up to the mark even in my garage and garden. In my test, 65+ devices could be connected at once to perform tasks like 4K streaming, gaming, and others without any slowdown or inconsistencies.
Speeds & Performance
With tri-band Wi-Fi 6 support and OFDMA technology, the maximum anticipated speed of this device stands at 2 Gbps. So I paired it with Xfinity’s highest plan and the additional 5GHz band works wonders in this case with respect to the maximum speed it delivers.
Measuring the speeds on the Linksys app, the value for each band stands at 750 Mbps, 600 Mbps, and 150 Mbps, respectively. Also, the OFDMA technology eliminates all potential network congestion to deliver a lag-free user experience. This makes it an ideal mesh WiFi for Xfinity.
Ease of Setup & Control
Apart from measuring speeds, you can use this Linksys app to configure your mesh system with a few taps followed by instructions. Besides, it’s super-easy to use, it shows all your connected devices and network plus lets you block any unknown devices.
Security Features
In terms of security features, there isn’t much on offer. It entails basic features like password encryption and monthly scans. Aside from that, its parental controls aren’t much advanced and won’t let you block any websites, but you can pause your Wi-Fi anytime. So, you might need to install separate antivirus software on your device to remain fully secured.
Conclusion
Linksys 8000 is one of the best mesh routers for large homes that offers decent speeds and coverage and ensures there aren’t any inconsistencies or lags. It’s also one of the few mesh systems with multiple ethernet ports. However, inadequate security measures have pushed this product down the list.
Pros
- Impressive WiFi 6 performance
- Large coverage
- Faster connectivity
- Easy-to-use app
Cons
- Limited security features
5. Best Value For Money: Amazon Eero 6+
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 574 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 2401 Mbps
- WiFi Range: Up to 3,000 Sq Ft
- Number of Supported Devices: 75+
- Chipset: 1GHz Dual-Core
- RAM & Flash Memory: 512MB + 4GB
- App Support: Yes
Eero 6+ gets almost nothing wrong with the right hardware combination for people who want the best whole home WiFi system that provides a simple and reliable experience. Regardless of the fact that it supports dual-band Wi-Fi 6, it sends signals in dense housing areas, penetrates walls, and provides a consistent and faster connection.
Why is it suited for Large Homes?
To dissipate strong signals to every corner of a big house, a WiFi system must entail powerful antennas. With 2×2 2.4GHz and 2×2 5GHz internal beamforming antennas, Eero 6+ offers maximum coverage of 1500 Sq Ft on each unit. Besides, its Truemesh technology combines with the antennas to work wonders in this respect and leaves no network dead zones in your workspace or home.
Speeds & Performance
Pairing with Xfinity’s Gigabit, the maximum speeds for 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands clocked at 350 Mbps and 100 Mbps. The speeds vary from device to device, which is normal considering phones have less sophisticated Wi-Fi antennas than larger devices like laptops. But what’s not normal is that I experienced a few hiccups and inconsistencies.
However, the user experience with this mesh system wasn’t much disappointing. Considering the speeds it delivers, I can perform tasks like HD streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing on 30 devices at once. The inconsistencies weren’t much of an issue except for decreasing the frame rates while gaming and video quality while streaming.
App & Security Features
Consider the possibility of controlling your networking devices with a simple voice command. This has been made possible with this device. With an Alexa-powered Eero app, you can set up your mesh system, monitor the connected devices, and block any websites by just giving the right command.
Now, in terms of security, Eero 6+ doesn’t offer much for free apart from some basic features like VPN-passthrough and WPA3. However, there’s a subscription-based two-fold security system, Euro Secure and Secure+, which creates a strong firewall and prohibits the entry of any unknown threats and keeps your home devices secured.
Conclusion
Despite compatibility with inferior plans, Amazon’s Eero 6+ is among the most versatile and dependable devices. You can easily perform some heavy tasks on your connected devices despite minor hiccups. And its premium security is far more advanced and keeps your home network safe and secured.
If you want to know more specific details, give my Eero 6 Plus review a read.
Pros
- Steady network performance
- Voice controls
- Secured network
- Easy installation
Cons
- Not fast enough
- Few Ethernet ports
6. Best WiFi 5 Mesh System: TP-Link Deco M5
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 400 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 867 Mbps
- WiFi Range: Up to 5,500 Sq Ft
- Number of Devices Supported: 100+
- Chipset: 717MHz Quad-Core Qualcomm
- RAM & Flash Memory: N/A
- App Support: Yes
Deco M5 was TP-Links’ first addition to its range of mesh systems to join some of the well-established models like Google WiFi, Linksys Velop, and Netgear Orbi. Despite being a premier model, this device has much to offer, including easy installation, intuitive QoS option, robust parental controls, and virus and malware protection.
Why is it suited for Large Homes?
My new apartment has a weird layout, and the rooms at the end were very difficult to receive a stable connection if the router was placed in the bedroom. I swapped my older model with the TP-Link Deco M5 and immediately experienced a massive improvement.
The 3-pack unit contains two mesh nodes that link wirelessly to the main unit to blanket your entire house with a strong and reliable network connection. The default combination of router and nodes could cover an area of up to 3,700 Sq Ft and support up to 67 devices.
However, purchasing a few more units would work wonders if you require greater Wi-Fi coverage. The beauty of this mesh Wi-Fi is how user-friendly it is to use. With just a single Wi-Fi name across the network, you can walk across your house without dropping the connection.
Speeds & Performance
I tested the unit in several locations to determine the actual speed outputs. Its performance receives an immediate boost when connected to the 5GHz band at every corner of the place, and with its fast roaming feature, my iPhone stays connected even if I walk around.
At 30 feet apart from the mesh system, my phone clocked speeds up to 300 Mbps with FiOS 500. Conversely, in my garden, the speeds reached up to 150 Mbps, which was decent enough to stream 4K devices on four devices at once.
App & Security Features
The Deco app is one of the major strengths of this mesh Wi-Fi. It comes with a Speedtest feature to help you determine the actual speeds, and its home screen displays the number of devices connected. Besides, this simple-to-use app also lets you add or remove any device if required.
Deco M5 also includes a built-in HomeCare Antivirus powered by TendaMicro, which is designed to block virus-infected apps and malware-inflicted websites. You can also use its parental control feature to block explicit or inappropriate websites and schedule online time for your kids.
Conclusion
The price and ease of use of this TP-Link Deco M5 are two standout features. Individually, it may not have piqued my interest, but when combined, they make a fantastic pairing, only to be let down by a slightly lower throughput. It is why this mesh system is at the bottom of the list.
You may also read my dedicated review of the Deco M5 mesh.
Pros
- Decent coverage
- Budget-friendly
- Reliable security features
- Reliable and fast Wi-Fi
Cons
- Weaker throughput
7. Best Budget Mesh Router: Tenda Nova MW6
- Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- 2.4GHz Speeds: 300 Mbps
- 5GHz Speeds: 867 Mbps
- WiFi Range: Up to 6,000 Sq Ft
- Number of Supported Devices: 90
- Chipset: 1GHz Processor
- RAM & Flash Memory: 128MB + 16MB
- App Support: Yes
Are you looking for an upgrade over your conventional router but don’t have much budget to spare? Tena Nova MW6 might just be the one you need. While this isn’t the best mesh WiFi for a large home, it combines many reliable technologies that go well with most entry-level ISP plans.
Why is it suited for Large Homes?
Despite being a budget-friendly option, it doesn’t disappoint in terms of its coverage. Its two internal beamforming antennas send the signals in a straight line rather than dissipating them in every direction over 4,000 Sq Ft. Besides, the inclusion of 2.0 MU-MIMO allows the device to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, thereby consistent throughput.
Thereby, you can connect 20 devices at once and perform several tasks like 4K streaming, gaming, video conferencing, and attending online classes. Any further device might interfere with its bandwidth, thereby slower speeds and connectivity.
Speeds & Performance
This mesh system’s speed is fairly modest compared to my previous recommendations, but it’s hardly a surprise, given its price point. My tests suggest that Nova should be suitable for people who simply stream music and video or browse the web. With my mobile devices in the same room as the router, I recorded speeds up to 250 Mbps with FiOS 300.
However, the real challenge was attaining decent speeds on my office desktop computer kept far away from the mesh system. The second mesh point setup delivered a little erratic connection with major fluctuations, but the speeds still settled down at 100 Mbps which was better than my outdated router.
App & Security Features
Tenda does a great job by making its mesh system easy to set up and use. Using the Tenda app, you can configure the device by inputting the imprinted username and password, and viola, you’re ready to browse the web.
Besides its basic WPA2-PSK encryption system, there’s a parental control system that lets you monitor your kids’ online activities and the number of hours they’re online and pause the Wi-Fi anytime. However, the feature doesn’t extend to blocking websites.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tenda MW6 is a good mesh WiFi for a large house at a pocket-friendly price. It offers more speed, coverage, and value than your conventional router. However, you might not be able to perform network-intensive activities like online gaming, 4K streaming, and video conferencing due to the limited speed and features.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Decent coverage
- Easy to set up
- Secured network
Cons
- Network fluctuations
- Limited parental controls
Frequently Asked Questions
Mesh Wi-Fi kits are ideal if you need to cover your 3,000 Sq Ft house with a decent network connection. It is conducive if there’re dead zones due to obstructions like thick walls, interventions, and heavily trafficked rooms.
TP-Link Deco XE75 should be the best mesh WiFi for large buildings. With new and advanced technologies like Wi-Fi 6E, MU-MIMO, OFDMA and an additional 6GHz band, it offers maximum coverage of 7,200 Sq Ft with speeds ranging up to 940 Mbps.
Mesh systems are the best way to get better WiFi coverage in a large house. Apart from coverage, it offers faster speed and constant throughput across 20+ devices at once.
Mesh systems are typically more expensive than your traditional router due to its features. But if you have a large house with multiple devices to connect and several network dead zones, mesh systems are definitely worth investing in.
Mesh systems work on nodes, you can add as many nodes as you want to. So be it 10,000-20,000 Sq Ft, you can experience optimal connectivity. However, for spaces large than that, you can experience wireless backhaul, but you can connect these mesh systems via LAN and can face no backhaul.
Verdict
That’s all there is to say about whole home WiFi systems. I hope this review-based guide helps you make an informed decision. However, if you are still stuck, here are some suggestions:
- If you’re in pursuit of the best home mesh network, TP-Link XE75 is my top pick. It’s an expensive model but is worth an investment, courtesy of Wi-Fi 6E and the new 6GHz band.
- Now, if you don’t want to spend huge on a mesh system yet need one that’s reliable and works great in your big house, ASUS ZenWiFi XD6 should work exceedingly well.
- Lastly, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly mesh router for a large house that’s easy to set up and performs fairly well, go for Tenda MW6. It’s the cheapest option out there.
With that, I’d like to conclude this article. Hope you get a mesh system that works best for your large home!
