Because of TP-Link’s budget grid offering, additional features are basic. There are no extra security features and parental controls are limited, but they include basic features like filters and time limits. QoS only includes device priority and is a Wi-Fi 5 system so it does not support WPA3 security. But you can split the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands and create a guest network. Finally, the Deco app is a bit slow and basic but deliberately simple. Anyone who likes to tinker or test the speeds their ISP offers will be disappointed.
If you can stretch your budget for the regularly discounted Deco X20, I think you should, as you’ll get Wi-Fi 6, enhanced security, and slightly better performance. For busy homes with a lot of people online at the same time, or connections over 500 Mbps, you should go for something more powerful. But if money is tight, this is your best option.
Google Nest Wifi Pro (3 pack)
Best for simplicity
The grid system is not much simpler than this one. You don’t even need to install an app to use Google’s Nest Wifi Pro (7/10, WIRED recommends) because you can add it via Google Home. These shiny pill-shaped routers come in one, two, or three packages. There are four colors, and they’re small enough to sit discreetly on a shelf. Each router has two 1-gigabit ports.
The setup process is super simple, as you scan the QR code and monitor the response to the location for a strong signal. The backbone uses the 6GHz band and you have to keep your router and nodes relatively close together as it has limited range. Each router is said to cover up to 2,200 square feet and can connect up to 100 devices. The coverage and performance are stable and consistent, and the testing process is completely free of hiccups and stutters. However, the Nest Wifi Pro stands in the middle of the table with raw speeds in the short, medium, and long ranges.
The Wi-Fi section in the Google Home app is straightforward. Scant options include guest network support, parental controls (SafeSearch, scheduled downtime, adult website blocking), and prioritization for specific devices. But this is mainly a grid system for people who don’t want to have to configure anything. The Nest Wifi Pro also has Thread and Bluetooth LE built in, and will support Matter soon, so, like the Eero, it’s a good choice for those with smart home devices.
Unfortunately it’s not backwards compatible with older Nest routers, and the Nest Wifi Pro doesn’t have any special security software. With gigabit ports, this system is not suitable for anyone with a faster internet connection. But for those pulling down to 1 Gbps or less, this is a simple, reliable mesh system that you can set up and forget about.
Netgear Orbi AX4200 RBK753 (Package 3)
Best for big houses
The massive Netgear Orbi lineup has a strong reputation, but the company’s many similar models make it difficult to choose the right model for you. The AX4200 RBK753 mesh system (I swear they’re just crushing keyboards at this point) that I tested sits somewhere in the middle of the range and proves to be suitable for a large home. The setup process was surprisingly complicated, taking over an hour and several reboots to complete as the app kept popping up on the loading screen. The router and the buttons are big, but I like the curved design. I also appreciate turning the LED off when everything is working and showing different colors to flag problems; every router should work this way. There are three gigabit Ethernet ports on the main router and two on each node.
Once up and running, the coverage, speed, and stability have proven to be worth the wait, and each node can deliver similar speeds as the main router. The speed lags far behind the Asus XT8, with some limitations at longer distances for each device. But with two nodes, this system provides extended coverage. Simple mobile app that allows you to pause completely or by device or internet profile, see which devices are connected, test speed, analyze Wi-Fi (see connection strength as you move) around), set up the guest network and some other features. more things. It is very good at identifying devices, making it easier to divide them into profiles. You must access the web interface for advanced features.
