We test a lot of routers at CNET HQ — with slots and more — so we’re constantly updating our list of the top systems on the market. I’ll note any new slot systems we test here as we go along, along with a quick summary of my takeaways. Please note that this list includes a few systems tested in my home rather than our most recent test setup.
Arris Surfboard Max AX6600: A high-powered Wi-Fi 6 system with a straight, cylindrical design, the Surfboard Max was able to deliver faster speeds than other Wi-Fi 6 devices in my testing, but performance was not up to par with previous Wi-Fi 5 devices. I also didn’t like the Ethernet jacks on the bottom of the device, which force you to bend your cables too far to connect to the router.
Asus ZenWifi XD6: The middle child from the Asus family of Wi-Fi 6 mesh routers, the ZenWifi XD6 is a dual-band mesh system. It won’t give you the tri-band build of the ZenWifi XT8, and you won’t get a multi-gig Ethernet jack for that system. Still, the system performed as well as any dual-band mesh router I tested when I first reviewed it, so it’s not a bad choice. Available for around $140, it’s a reasonable price for a high-performance system.
Asus ZenWifi XT8: One of the most powerful ZenWifi systems, the tri-band XT8 performed well in our speed tests and was among the first mesh routers to include multi-gig Ethernet WAN ports on each device. Available in two packs for $330the former CNET Innovation Award winner is a reasonable alternative, but it’s not as good a value as the Netgear Orbi 870 or Eero 7.
Eero 6: Amazon’s first Wi-Fi 6 mesh router, the Eero 6 hit the market in 2020, but it didn’t blow us away during our testing. The Eero systems that followed it fared better in my speed tests and offered the same smart home benefits, like built-in Zigbee and Thread radios.
The Eero Pro 6E is a great choice for gigabit networks, but many homes would be better off upgrading to the Eero 7.
Eero Pro 6E: The Eero Pro 6E did a great job in our speed tests, finishing tops in almost every category while delivering noticeable speeds for Wi-Fi 6E devices that can connect on the 6GHz band. The Eero 7 is a better value for most homes, but if you’re a Wi-Fi 6E power user with gigabit speeds at home, then upgrading to the Eero Pro 6E should be strongly considered.
Eero Max 7: It’s Eero’s newest, largest and most expensive Amazon plan, and it adds support for Wi-Fi 7, a new Wi-Fi standard that promises to build on Wi-Fi 6E to enter the 6GHz band. In our speed tests, the Max 7 managed to hit blazing speeds, but at over $1,000 for a two-pack, you’re better off spending less on the Orbi 870.
Linksys Velop MX2000: Available in two packs for $150the Linksys Velop MX2000, also known as the Velop Atlas 6, is decent as basic Wi-Fi 6 routers go, but you’ll get better value and faster speeds if you shop around.
Nest Wifi Pro: The Nest Wifi Pro mesh router reworks the original Nest Wifi pitch by ditching the built-in smart speakers for Google Assistant and adding access to the 6GHz band with Wi-Fi 6E support. With a built-in Thread radio and robust smart home controls via the Google Home app, it’s a great choice for smart home enthusiasts, and it was as stable a performer as I’ve seen in my speed tests. However, those speeds were a bit lacking, and the system also lacked compatibility with previous Nest Wifi and Google Wifi platforms. In $400 for the third packageless expensive for middle-of-the-road performance.
Netgear Orbi AX6000: Originally released as the Netgear Orbi 850 series, and recently updated to the 860 Series, both generations of Netgear’s flagship AX6000 mesh router offer solid performance, but I wasn’t impressed with the system’s speed on a gigabit network, where my systems have managed to exceed the lowest cost. Still, this is one of the most consistent mesh routers I’ve tested, with reliable speeds from test to test. If that kind of stable performance is what you’re looking for, then it’s at the top of your list.
TP-Link Deco X4300 Pro: The Deco X4300 Pro is an impressive system that features some of the best Wi-Fi 6 speeds we’ve seen, as well as multi-gig Ethernet jacks on each device. The Deco W7200 still seems like a better value for most homes, but if you’re looking for a step up from that system, put the X4300 Pro on your radar.
TP-Link Deco X55 Pro: The X55 Pro won an award from CNET Labs for the fastest Wi-Fi 6 router, and it’s worth considering as a mesh system, too. It shares many similarities with the Eero 6 Plus — Wi-Fi 6 support, long range, gigabit Ethernet jacks — and at $170, the X55 Pro is a solid value for a three-piece mesh system.
TP-Link XE75: TP-Link’s first Wi-Fi 6E router, the XE75 did a decent job in our initial tests, although the system’s average upload speed was lower than I expected. Clear value selection and currently available in two packs for $150so check it out if you’re curious about Wi-Fi 6E but afraid to spend too much. I will update this page once we retest it in our lab, so stay tuned for that.
TP-Link Deco X90: With a multi-gig WAN port and faster speeds, the Deco X90 is a mid-range upgrade to the Deco W7200, and it’s affordable. $259 for two packs. It worked well in my testing, but not enough to recommend it over the Eero 7