What is the maximum range of mesh Wi-Fi?

Many consider Mesh Wi-Fi systems to be better than traditional routers thanks to their wide coverage and more reliable connection speeds. That’s because they combine a main modem and router with additional nodes that you can place throughout your home to extend the reach of your network. If you’re looking for maximum coverage, it will depend on the router you buy and, of course, your home setup.

According to Netgear, mesh Wi-Fi networks typically cover between 2,000 and 10,000 square feet, with 10,000 square feet seeming to be the practical maximum. The company’s Orbi 970 was the only mesh system we could find that hit this upper limit, although the TP-Link Deco 7 Elite comes close, with a claimed 9,600 square feet. To put this amount of space into perspective, a modern home is typically considered a mansion when it measures more than 8,000 square feet, while historic mansions start at around 5,000 square feet.

Although a mesh system has higher upfront costs than traditional Wi-Fi, it may be worth it because of its improved range and speed. And, if you’re outfitting 10,000 square feet of equipment, $800 for a single router or $2,000 for a three-pack may not seem that excessive, especially when you consider that a single traditional router will likely leave most of that space unconnected.

Mesh Wi-Fi systems differ in range for the same reasons as traditional routers. Higher quality models have faster processors and use newer Wi-Fi standards that allow them to provide a stronger signal. Adding more nodes means you can cover more ground and get a stronger signal than with a traditional router and range extender.

Another key advantage of mesh Wi-Fi is that it is flexible and scalable, as expanding or improving your coverage is as simple as adding or moving nodes (at least up to the overall system capacity). There are even weatherproof nodes that can extend your connection outdoors, which is especially great if you have a patio or other outdoor space that you use frequently.

It’s important to keep in mind that your signal will get slower and slower the further away you go from the main node. As an RTINGS test demonstrates, all Wi-Fi systems lose speed with distance, and mesh nodes simply reduce this loss rather than eliminate it. This is why it is important to place your main router in a central part of your home so that other nodes are not too far away. Mesh systems are also vulnerable to the same disruptions as normal routers, so they won’t save you from outages. Node placement is also important to consider, as thick walls, certain appliances, and other large or thick objects can obstruct your signal.