7 Best Mesh Wifi System India 2021 Reviews & Buying Guide

If you have any dead spot in a specific area of your home where you get either low or no wireless connectivity, it’s time for you to install a mesh Wi-Fi system.

These systems are great for use in large houses with brick or concrete walls.

The mesh system comes with a Wi-Fi router along with one or more satellite nodes that you can spread around your home. This will provide coverage to your entire home.

To buy the correct mesh Wi-Fi system for your home, check for the factors mentioned below.

Coverage:

Coverage is the most important factor that you should consider while choosing a mesh network for your home. Most of the mesh systems are designed to cover around 4,000-6,000 square feet. You can buy one according to the size of your house or office.

Attainable Speed:

The majority of the mesh Wi-Fi systems offer a maximum speed of 1000 Mbps to 2000 Mbps. If you need Wi-Fi just to connect to the internet, buying a system with 1,200 Mbps speed should be good enough.

Number of Devices Connected:

If you are planning to buy the Wi-Fi system for your home, most users are ok with routers that can be connected to 4 or 5 devices. However, if you are buying it for office, you should look for an option that allows you to connect at least 100 or more devices.

Some other important factors that are also helpful to decide the effectiveness of the mesh Wi-Fi system are security, parent control, ports and connectivity, and dual-band vs. tri-band. To understand more about these factors, you can go through the “Buying Guide” at the end of the article.

To help you buy the best mesh Wi-Fi system for your home so that you enjoy seamless internet connectivity, we have shortlisted some of the best systems available in India. Let’s have a look at them.

Top Home Mesh WiFi systems

List of the Best Home Mesh WiFi systems in India:

1. Google Wifi System

Debuting on our list is the Google Home WiFi System. This router replacement can provide a whole home coverage and leaves no dead zone tolerated. 

The Google WiFi system can cover a total area of 4,500 Square Feet with each individual module covering an area of 1,500 feet. For more coverage, you can get additional devices to be connected as nodes as well.

Google’s Network Assist Technology maintains a steady connection by bouncing between the nearest possible node for the fastest connection. 

Easy to set up, the system comes with a simple application that can help you easily set up the network. You can look at all the connected devices, prioritize between devices and also set up parental controls on certain devices too. This lets you block certain websites, app restrictions and much more. 

Google’s WiFi network comes with 2 Expandable Mesh WiFi ports and 2 GB speed Ethernet ports for every single WAN and LAN units. Google provides a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty on the product from the date of purchase. 

Things we liked about the router:

• Small and compact design 
• 4,500 square feet coverage (for 3 nodes with each node having a 1,500 square feet coverage)
• Network assist technology for drop-free and seamless connection speeds
• 2 Expandable Mesh ports
• 2GB Speed ethernet ports
• Easy setup and control with the Google WiFi App
• 1-year warranty 

Things we didn’t like about it

• Range
• Could have had added features given the price range and Google umbrella

Buy Now From Amazon

2. TP-Link Deco M4 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System

Second on our list is the TP-Link Deco. TP-Link is a reputed name when it comes to WiFi routers and needs no introduction as it is one of the most picked brands of routers.

Deco uses a unit based system to provide a completely seamless whole-home WiFi internet coverage. It makes use of the advanced Deco Mesh Technology were in the individual units work to form a certain single network. As you move about from one place to another, the nodes will directly connect you to the network thus not letting you drop any signal.

This network will let devices link up and the run-up to an area of about 5,500 square feet. If the coverage is not enough, you can always add up more devices and thus increase the coverage area. The total high speed of connection for the about 1167 MPBS that is a total of 1 GBPS. 

Easy to set up, you can easily download the Deco App for setting up and walking through the device’s functionality. You can even set up parental controls that will limit online time and be able to block certain inappropriate sites as well. TP Link’s Deco can connect up to a total of 100 devices including laptops, mobiles and more. 

Multifunctional in nature, the Deco can act as both an access point or a range extender along with being a router. Deco allows for multi usages and prioritizes between devices along with being able to set up guest networks etc.,

Compatible with Alexa, you can control the Deco M4 using voice commands as well. The device comes with 3 years of manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase.

Things we liked about the router:

• 3 Node devices can cover a maximum of 5,500 square feet
• Can be extended further by adding more nodes.
• Max speed attainable is 1167 MBPS
• Can connect to a total fo 100 devices
• Has Alexa for voice commands
• Can set up guest network and prioritize devices
• Easy set up with the Deco app
• Parental controls
• 3 years manufacturer’s warranty

Things we didn’t like about it

• Minor buggy experience while setting up multiple connections

Buy Now From Amazon

3. Netgear Orbi RBK50 Tri-Band Mesh WiFi System

Similar to TP-Link, Netgear also has a reputed name when it comes to WiFi router technology. The Netgear Orbi RBK50 Tri-Band is Netgear’s top of the shelf Mesh WiFi network system.

With its coverage area capacity of about 5,000 Square Feet, the router is high performance. You can forget about buying individual boosters or extenders per se. 

The kit includes a WAN device and 3 LAN Gigabit Ethernet ports with a dedicated backhaul of 4 X 4 (Which can boost up speeds up to a massive 1.7 GBPS) 

With its innovative Tri-Band, the WiFi router aids in the maximisation of the internet speed from your ISP. It also comes with the NetGear armour, a best in class data theft protection and antivirus for all the connected computers and smartphones

Easy to set up, you can download the Orbi app or use any web browser for setting up the WiFi network. No need for creating any accounts. The app further lets you create guest profiles and set up parental controls as well. 

Compatible with Amazon Echo and Alexa, you can control the network using your vocal commands as well. The device comes with 3 years manufacturer’s replacement warranty from the date of purchase.

Things we liked about the router:

• 5,000 Square feet coverage
• 1.7 GBPS max attainable speed
• Tri-Band network for maximum speed
• Orbi app for easy setup 
• Can set up parental controls and guest network as well
• Comes with NetGear Armour which can protect against virus and data theft
• Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Echo

Things we didn’t like about it

• Nothing, in particular, to mention

Buy Now From Amazon

4. Tenda Nova MW3 Whole Home WiFi Mesh Router System

Next on our list is the Tenda Nova MW3, a whole home WiFi Mesh Router System that has very affordable pricing compared to all of the products listed above. 

With a coverage area of 4,000 square feet, the MW3 has a maximum attainable speed of 1167 MBPS that is, 1 GBPS. For an individual unit, the MW3 can cover anywhere between 1000 to 1500 square feet. 

This can be increased by adding on more devices as nodes to the network. With 2 ethernet ports per node, the router has ample protection as well. Ethernet cable included.

It is compatible with AT & T, Spectrum., Verizon and a bunch of other internet service providers as well. The router’s MU-MIMO technology allows for about more than 50 devices to be connected at the same time without any buffer. 

By downloading the Tenda Wi-Fi app, set up the network easily and fast. The app also lets you create guest profiles, set up network security and do much more. It also lets you place internet restrictions, block questionable websites and schedule internet access within the home as well. 

The Tenda Nova MW3 WiFi router comes with 3 years of manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase. 

Things we liked about the router:

• Affordable and budget-friendly pricing 
• Can cover a total area of 3,500 square feet with each individual node covering about 1,500 square feet 
• Has a maximum attainable speed of 1 GBPS
• 50+ Devices can be connected to the nodes
• Tenda WiFi app for easy setup
• App also lets you set up parental controls, add security and provide guest profiles etc.,
• 3 years of manufacturer’s warranty

Things we didn’t like about it

• Could have had a bit higher coverage range 

Buy Now From Amazon

5. Linksys WiFi Intelligent Mesh System

Linksys WHW0103 Velop is an intelligent dual-band whole-home WiFi Mesh System and is available in two variants. The AC3900 is fit for about 4,500 square feet whereas the AC2200 has a 6,000 square feet coverage. 

Either way, the wifi network can cover up to more than 5 Bedrooms of a multi-storied building including the patio. The WiFi router is ideal for any internet service provider and compatible with most of the modems and routers. 

The intelligent mesh technology smartly calculates the distance and finds the nearest node to connect and thus gives you a seamless internet connection at all times. The routers too are clean and compact in design. 

With the Linksys App, you can easily and quickly set up the device and start using it. The app also gives you parental control access, auto-fix a problematic node and do much more. 

The Linksys mesh wifi is also compatible with Alexa voice support as well. The device also comes with 3 years of limited manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase. 

Things we liked about the router:

• Available in 4,500 Square Feet and 6,000 Square Feet 
• Future Proof mesh technology
• Quick set up Linksys App with a guest network, parental controls, auto-fix and much more settings
• Supports Alexa voice control as well
• 3 years limited manufacturer’s warranty

Things we didn’t like about it:

• Needs to improve customer support

Buy Now From Amazon

6. Mercusys Home Mesh Wi-Fi System

One of the most affordable and compact looking Mesh WiFi systems, The Mercusys is a Whole Home Mesh WiFi System with a comparatively low Speed and coverage. 

The 2 Pack Halo S3 covers a range of 2,200 Square Feet that is about 200 meter square. This makes the router great for a small 2 or 4 bedroom house rather than large buildings. At its top speed, the Mercusys can boost the signal up to a maximum of 300 MBPS speed.

Even in this space, the device has a capacity of connecting with over 40 devices in a single go without causing any lag of connection. All of the devices are intelligently connected to the Halo network and cause no lag or signal drops.

Using the Halo web page, you can monitor the internet usage, set parental controls and protect your privacy and do much more. Even setting up the router is simple and easy to do. It also comes with a 3 years manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase.

Things we liked about this router

• Simple and most affordable router
• Easy set up
• Web page with internet usage monitoring, parental control, guest access etc.,
• 40 Devices connectivity
• 3 Years manufacturer’s warranty

Things we didn’t like about it

• Has a meagre 2,200 square feet coverage
• Only max speed of 300 MBPS

Buy Now From Amazon

7. iBall WebWork 1200M Smart AC Whole Home Wi-Fi Mesh Router

iBall’s WebWork Mesh router is one of the most affordable mesh WiFi router in the entire list. The Router iBWRD12EM comes with a 1200 MBPS max attainable speed and has a decent coverage per unit.

Individually, the routers can provide 1000 Square feet coverage and you can always buy more routers for nodes and add on them to form a bigger and larger network. 

You can easily toggle between the Mesh mode and Router mode in a single tap. With the router’s MU-MIMO technology, you can be sure of receiving adequate WiFi signal to all the devices at all times. 

This is so because when you move a device from one place to another, the MU-MIMO tech will jump the signal to the nearest node to make sure that the signal is not interrupted.

By installing the iBall i-connect App, you can easily install the router, nodes and also remotely manage the entire network. This even gives you parental controls, guest profile creation and much more.

i-Ball provides a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty on the router from the date of purchase.

Things we liked about the router:

• Very affordable and cost-effective
• 1000 square feet coverage per node/router
• Easy to install and use with the i-Ball i-Connect app
• Parental controls, guest profile creation and much more
• 1 Year manufacturer’s warranty

Things we didn’t like about it

• Reliability issues

Buy Now From Amazon

What is a Mesh Wi-Fi System?

A mesh Wi-Fi system helps in extending the Wi-Fi to every corner of your house. These networks also help in passing the information around most of the Wi-Fi blocking materials like metal doors or masonry walls.

It consists of the main router that connects directly to the modem along with a series of satellite nodes or modules that are placed in different corners of your house.

These nodes pass the information (email, chats, browsing data, or streaming music) between the active internet connection (your cable modem) and your devices (phones, laptops, and other smart devices).

They are a part of a single wireless network and share the same SSID and password. Unlike range extenders, that communicate with the main router using radio bands (2.4GHz or 5GHz), most of the Wi-Fi system satellites make use of mesh technology to communicate with the route and each other.

Every node in the system acts as a hop point for the other nodes connected to the system. This helps all the nodes to provide a strong Wi-Fi signal as if they are talking to each other rather than relying on one-on-one communication with the main router.

If the power cord of any of the nodes gets unplugged accidentally, the other nodes can come to the rescue and reroute, provided there are other working nodes in the range of the router and the devices.

Features and Factors to Consider in a Mesh Wi-Fi System or Router

Some of the most important factors that you should consider before buying a Wi-Fi router for your home are as follows:

1. Coverage:

Coverage is the first thing that you should check for before buying a router for your house. While different routers offer different coverage lengths, you should preferably buy the one that offers the highest coverage length in the price range that you are looking for.

Most of the mesh systems are designed to provide coverage of around 4,000 – 6,000 square feet.

If you are buying a router for your home, the coverage area of 1,500-3,000 square feet should be enough. For office or work setup, you should buy a router that offers coverage area of minimum 3,000 square feet or even higher.

2. Attainable Speed:

After coverage, the next factor that plays a key role is the speed offered by the router. These Wi-Fi routers are usually judged on the basis of how fast it works. Most routers offer a speed of 512 Mbps or high. However, mesh routers should provide even higher speeds.

The reason behind this is they not only cover a wide space but also many devices are dependent on this speed. Thus, the minimum speed that a Wi-Fi mesh system for your home should be around 1 GBPS.

The speed of the internet connection is solely dependent on the ISP i.e. Internet Service Provider. If the speed offered by the ISP is around 20 or 30 Mbps, you cannot expect the router to offer a speed of 1 or 2 Gbps. The maximum attainable speed of a Wi-Fi router gives you an estimate of the maximum speed that the router can reach.

3. Dual-band vs. Tri-band:

A dual-band mesh kit provides communication with the devices on two sets of radio frequencies or bands – 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

The tri-band kit features an extra 5 GHz band that helps with the communication between router and satellites/nodes (also known as a dedicated wireless backhaul) or extra devices.

When compared, the tri-band mesh system helps in connecting more number of devices without compromising with the speed.

The bands are broken into separate channels so that more devices and networks can communicate with each other in the same area without any sort of interference.

Even though the 2.4 GHz band is a bit slow, it is compatible with more number of devices and can reach longer distances even through the walls. The 5 GHz band, on the other side, provides a shorter range but it is very fast.

If the number of 5 GHz devices (like phones or online gaming) is more at your home, you should better go with a tri-band mesh Wi-Fi system.

4. Number of Devices Connected:

While at home, you might connect only a few devices to the Wi-Fi router but that’s not the case while you are installing the router for office purposes. Thus, for office use, you might have to look for a router that can let you connect an extra number of devices.

It is always suggested to buy a router that can connect to around 100 devices without compromising with the speed. The higher the number of devices, the better it is.

5. Number of Nodes in Total:

Apart from the number of devices that you can connect to the router, one more important thing that you must check for is how many nodes do you get with the router.

They come along with the system, but, if required, you can order more too. The minimum number of nodes that you would need is 2 or 3, depending on the size of your house. If your house is pretty big, you might need some extra devices to create a larger and stronger network.

6. Ports & Connectivity:

When compared to the traditional routers, the mesh Wi-Fi system’s base station and nodes look simple and feature a modern design. They do not contain loads of external antennas along with arrays of ports that you generally notice on a router.

Every mesh router features at least one Ethernet port. Some models may have up to four ports too. If you wish to connect multiple devices to the router like gaming console, computer, or printer to the base station, look for a Wi-Fi system that has at least four or more Gigabit Ethernet ports. If you have bought a router with a single port and if you wish to connect your gaming console or PC, you will have to buy an additional network switch.

Apart from the base station, you might also notice some ports available on the mesh Wi-Fi system nodes. While a few nodes offer none, you will find at least one Ethernet port in most of the nodes. Some nodes even have up to four ports.

If you have multiple desktops or printers spread across your home, you should buy a mesh system where the nodes have Ethernet ports.

Smart Features:

Most of the mesh Wi-Fi systems support a smart home integration system. Some systems even support more than one smart home integration system. Alexa is supported by most of the manufacturers like Netgear, Eero, Linksys, etc.

If you already have a few smart devices at your home or if you use an Alexa or Google Home ecosystem, you should buy the mesh Wi-Fi system accordingly. Buy one that supports Alexa so that it is easier to operate.

1. Parental Controls:

There should be some control over the internet and the services that are being used at home, especially if there are kids. This is why; parental controls have become a mandatory feature in all the modern routers.

Parental control lets you have control over the kind of websites that are being accessed. You can block the ones that you feel are not safe to be used. It even allows you to create a custom profile, especially for guests wherein you can control the usage limit and the timings.

2. Security:

Since these systems are considered as high-end devices, they come with some robust security options. There is usually a dedicated app that lets you manage the network.

Some mesh Wi-Fi systems can even scan for viruses or other malware at the router level, block unwanted ads, and certain sites for specific devices at the router level.

One of the most important things that you should check here is whether the parental and security controls provided by the mesh system that you want require a monthly subscription or not.

Almost all the basic security options are free. For advanced protection and parental controls, you might have to request them separately and opt for monthly subscriptions.

3. MU-MIMO:

MU-MIMO stands for Multiple User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output.

MIMO means that every band has separate data streams that can work simultaneously between the router and the devices.

Before the implication of MU-MIMO, the band would communicate with only one device at a time, irrespective of the number of streams that the band has.

MU-MIMO allows the router to split the streams between multiple devices. This is possible only if the router and devices that are connected to it also support MU-MIMO.

4. Warranty:

The final and yet another important factor that you check for is the warranty of the router. Most of these Wi-Fi systems come with a warranty period of 3 years. But that’s not the case always.

Where normal brands offer a warranty of 2-3 years, Google offers a warranty period of 1 year for the router. However, if you are buying it from a trusted brand, even a 1-year warranty is more than enough.

Other Features:

1. Band Steering:

Different brands call this feature differently. The routers automatically move the devices between different bands whenever there is a change in the position within its range. Thus, if your phone is connected to the Wi-Fi and if you are sitting in a room nearest to the router, while making a video call the network will be assigned automatically to the 5 GHz band offering the highest speed.

If during the call, you are moving to some other part of the house, the router will steer the connection automatically to the 2.4 GHz band where you will get a steady connection even from a distance.

2. Dedicated Backhaul:

A wireless backhaul means a wireless band that serves communication between the router and the nodes.

Having a dedicated wireless backhaul is an extra yet useful feature. The systems with this feature get the data to the destination very quickly as well as efficiently. Some mesh networks use Ethernet wires as a backhaul. It works very fast.

3. Wi-Fi Speed Ratings:

While marketing the 802.11ac routers (along with 802.11 ac Wi-Fi client adapters), most of the sellers combine the throughput numbers for the router’s networks.

A dual-band router that can deliver 400 Mbps speed on 2.4 GHz frequency band and 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz frequency band is usually mentioned as an AC1300 router (after rounding up 1,267 i.e. 400 + 867).

However, you might never experience a throughput of 1,300 Mbps as it not even possible to bond the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks together. The classifications provide a point of comparison though.

4. AP Steering:

A Mesh Wi-Fi system router that supports AP steering directs the wireless clients automatically to connect the access point (AP) that is offering the strongest connection back to the router (an internet) at that time.

5. Beam Forming:

Any router broadcasts its signal in all directions. But, with beamforming, the router can focus the signal in a specific direction where the devices are trying to form a connection. This helps in providing a better range.

6. Guest Network:

It is a virtual network that allows you to give access to the internet to your guests. It blocks access to the computers, NAS boxes, and other network clients though.

7. Quality of Service (QoS):

The QoS defines the router’s ability to recognize different types of data packets that ate traveling over the network. It then assigns these packets according to the priority (higher or lower).

Because online video streaming services or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) does not tolerate any interruptions, you might want to give it a higher priority than data downloading. Waiting for a file to download anyway sounds better than watching a video that keeps on buffering. This is how you can prioritize the activities.

How to Set-up a Mesh Wi-Fi System?

Even if you are good with tech and gadgets, setting up and maintaining the traditional wireless home network can be a bit difficult. But, the modern Wi-Fi systems are very easy to set up. You can do it by yourself even if you are not tech-savvy.

The mesh system comes with a user-friendly app that assists you with the installation process.

The app guides you where should you place every node so that you get the maximum coverage. It also chooses the best Wi-Fi channel along with the radio band in order to provide a seamless performance. This helps in maintaining a strong wireless connection throughout your house.

These Wi-Fi mesh systems are easy to expand too as there is no limit to the number of nodes that you want to add. You can manage the entire system using your phone. The app even allows you to disable internet access to a specific set of devices without any complications.

Mesh Network vs. Range Extender: Which one is Better?

If the router at your home is not sufficient enough to provide an internet connection to the entire house, there are two devices that can help you in this situation: Mesh Network and Range Extender.

If you already have a network in place at your home, using a range extender can help in duplicating the signal, extending the area of the network.

A mesh network, on the other hand, provides separate devices like a router that can be placed in each corner of the house so that you get a good internet connection.

The difference between both the devices are:

• With the range extender, you can simply attach it to the existing network at your home and extend the range. The approach is good when the house is not very big.
• Mesh networks are perfect for larger homes. It consists of separate hubs that are placed around the house. Each hub communicates with each other to provide Wi-Fi.
• When compared to the mesh networks, range extenders are less expensive. Plus, you can use the same router that you already have at your home.
• Mesh Wi-Fi systems are pretty expensive and you can’t use the existing router.
• The range extenders are not very easy to configure and set up. Also, you might not get seamless internet connectivity.
• The mesh network is easy to set up and offers easy central management. Each hub acts as a separate router and provides a strong internet connection rather than repeating the signal.

Even though mesh Wi-Fi systems are a bit costly, they provide the best internet service to the users. If you don’t have any budget constraints, you can prefer mesh Wi-Fi systems over the range extenders.

Wrapping It Up:

The TP-Link Deco M4 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System has seamless performance and has the ability to cover a maximum of 5,500 square feet. It has a max speed of 1167 MBPS and can connect a total of 100 Devices in a single go without any lag. 

Multifunctional, the device is also compatible with Alexa and has 3 years of manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase making it one of the best Whole Mesh WiFi routers to buy for Home. While those were our picks, we would want to know about your picks and choices? If you want us to add or remove something from the list or if you have any questions, feel free to write to us in the comments section below.