The mobile app is simple, but it often takes a few seconds to load. Settings are also limited; there’s no mixed mode for WPA2 and WPA3 security like on the TP-Link mentioned above, you can’t split bands, and there’s no option to prioritize traffic for specific activities or devices. This is also an expensive system that requires an additional subscription if you want the parental controls and extra security (though you don’t have to). need he).
All that said, the Orbi AX4200 offers fast, reliable Wi-Fi over a long distance, and I didn’t experience any connectivity issues or dropouts while testing it. For faster performance, you might also consider the Netgear Orbi RBK863 (7/10, WIRED review), or go all out with the Netgear Orbi RBKE963.
Support for Wi-Fi 6E, which operates on the 6GHz band, is becoming more common, and with the arrival of Wi-Fi 7, 6E routers and mesh systems like this one are coming down in price. A two-pack of this tri-band mesh system is relatively affordable. These cylindrical routers have the Deco family’s vase-like design and blend into rooms. Setup is quick and easy, and the main router automatically detected the second one when I turned it on. Each has three gigabit ports (sadly, there are no multigigabit or USB ports).
Performance was consistently good throughout my home, with some of the fastest speeds I’ve recorded near routers, but range is relatively limited. My top pick, the XT8, outperformed the XE75 in most scenarios. By default, the 6GHz band is reserved for wireless streaming, but you can open it up for devices. I paired with my Pixel 6 Pro, and after several close-range speed tests (up to 8 feet away), I generally got download speeds around 50Mbps faster than on the 5GHz band, but this dropped off dramatically with distance. The 6GHz range is significantly shorter, and just one room over, the signal strength was visibly weaker than 5GHz. If you’re using the 6GHz band for wireless streaming, you can’t have your routers too far apart or with too many obstacles or you’ll have dead zones.
Unfortunately, HomeShield’s free tier offers only limited security, and Security+ costs $5 per month or $36 per year for web and intrusion protection with notifications and reporting, while Total Security costs $70 per year and adds device antivirus, VPN service, and a password manager. Advanced Parental Controls requires a second subscription that costs $3 per month or $18 per year for time limits, downtime scheduling, rewards, app time limits, safe search, insights, and reporting. Quality of Service lets you prioritize specific devices and set bandwidth allowances. There’s also a mixed-mode security option for WPA2 and WPA3. You can also split the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands and create guest networks.
The Deco app and web interface are functional with limited options and prove a bit tricky to navigate. The app failed to identify many of the devices on my network. I was also disappointed by the lack of an option to run a speed test on the router to see what my ISP is offering. Ultimately, the inclusion of that 6GHz band won’t make a difference to many people, but it’s an affordable way to test the 6E waters. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, the Deco XE200 ($800 for a pack of 2), which is included in other routers we’ve tested below, is an excellent performer and one of the best Wi-Fi 6E mesh systems you can get. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is high, but you should keep an eye out for price drops.
If you’re an early adopter who’s desperate to sample the delights of Wi-Fi 7 and don’t mind paying for the privilege, the TP-Link Deco BE85 (7/10, WIRED review) is likely on your radar. There are few Wi-Fi 7 devices available today. The BE85 is fully backwards compatible with older versions of Wi-Fi, but only devices that support Wi-Fi 7, like the OnePlus 11 5G, can take full advantage of it.
TP-Link has stuck to the vase-shaped design that characterises its Deco range, but these are by far the largest mesh routers it’s ever released, and each one has a stylised 7 on the front, so you don’t forget this is a Wi-Fi 7 system. Each router features four auto-sensing WAN/LAN Ethernet ports, two 10Gbps ports (one is a SFP combo), two 2.5Gbps ports, and a USB 3.0 port. Setup is quick and easy with the Deco app on your phone.
