In March 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a ban on the sale of new foreign-made routers in the United States. This regulatory shift will impact nearly all Wi-Fi routers currently available on the US market, as most meet the FCC's criteria for "foreign-made." Although many recommended routers have previously passed FCC approval, there is a looming concern that after March 1, 2027, these devices might no longer receive essential software and firmware updates. Given this uncertainty, experts advise consumers to delay purchasing new routers until further clarification is provided on which manufacturers will be affected by the ban.
Against this backdrop, CNET continues to provide thorough and unbiased reviews of Wi-Fi routers and mesh systems, guiding consumers through the evolving landscape of home networking technology. Their reviews assess products on a 1-to-10 scale based on pricing, quality, features, and real-world performance.
### What is a Mesh Router and Why Consider One?
A mesh router system consists of multiple Wi-Fi devices working together to blanket a home in wireless internet coverage. Unlike a single router, mesh networks use two or three identical devices strategically placed throughout a house to extend and strengthen the Wi-Fi signal, ensuring seamless coverage even in larger or multi-story homes. When connected, these devices share the same network, allowing devices to automatically latch onto the strongest signal as users move throughout their home.
Mesh routers are especially effective in overcoming common Wi-Fi obstacles such as walls and floors, which can significantly weaken a traditional router's signal over distance. For many homes, two mesh routers are sufficient to provide robust coverage, though larger homes with multiple levels might benefit from three units to maintain high speeds everywhere.
### Recent Advances and Trends in Mesh Routers
Wi-Fi 7 technology has become the industry's focus in 2025 and 2026, promising faster speeds and improved network efficiency compared to previous standards. Early Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems debuted at prices exceeding $1,000 for a two-pack, but prices have since dropped considerably. Today, it is possible to find capable Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems for closer to $300, making them more accessible to a broader range of consumers.
However, buyers should exercise caution, as not all routers marketed as Wi-Fi 7 provide full tri-band support, which includes the ultra-wide 6GHz frequency band-the hallmark feature of Wi-Fi 7. Some "dual-band" Wi-Fi 7 routers only operate on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, similar to Wi-Fi 6 routers, and thus may not deliver the full performance benefits.
### Top Mesh Router Picks and Their Features
#### Netgear Orbi 870
Touted as the best overall mesh router system, the Netgear Orbi 870 offers strong performance and excellent long-distance coverage. In CNET's tests, it ranked among the top five Wi-Fi 7 routers for throughput, jitter, and packet loss, and performed well when paired with its satellite router. This tri-band system includes access to the 6GHz band, a crucial feature for future-proofing home networks.
Priced at around $700 for a two-pack, the Orbi 870 is not inexpensive but stands out as one of the few tri-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh routers at this price point. Each unit covers approximately 3,000 square feet, and two devices comfortably covered CNET's extensive 15,000-square-foot lab with only a few dead zones in the 6GHz band.
**Who should consider the Orbi 870?** If you have a high-speed internet plan exceeding 1,000 Mbps and a larger home where coverage is critical, investing in this mesh system can maximize your connection. It offers reliable, high-performance Wi-Fi throughout expansive spaces.
**Who might skip it?** For smaller homes or users without demanding coverage needs, a standalone router or a more affordable mesh system might suffice. The TP-Link Archer BE550, for example, is recommended for small to mid-sized homes with strong coverage at a lower price, though it lacks access to the 6GHz band.
#### Netgear Orbi 970
For those seeking elite performance, the Netgear Orbi 970 earned a CNET Lab Award for being the fastest mesh system tested. In addition to the standard 2.4, 5, and 6GHz bands, this router adds a second 5GHz backhaul channel allowing satellites to communicate directly, improving network efficiency.
While slightly behind the fastest standalone router tested-the Netgear Nighthawk RS700S-in raw throughput, the Orbi 970 excelled in jitter and latency, making it ideal for applications demanding stable, low-latency connections.
**Who is this for?** Network enthusiasts with multi-gigabit internet plans and large homes will benefit most. The Orbi 970 is a premium system priced at over $1,000 for a two-pack, justifiable for users who need top-tier performance and can take advantage of its advanced features.
**Who should avoid it?** Most users do not require such an expensive router unless they have very fast internet plans and many connected devices. For average households, the internet connection speed will more likely be the bottleneck rather than the router.
#### Eero 7
For budget-conscious shoppers, the Eero 7 stands out as a strong Wi-Fi 7 mesh system under $300. It delivered average throughput rates of 1277 Mbps on the 5GHz band, outperforming CNET's overall best Wi-Fi router, the TP-Link Archer BE550. While it lacks 6GHz band support, the Eero 7 includes Multi-Link Operation, enabling devices to connect over multiple frequency bands simultaneously.
**Who is the Eero 7 best for?** This system suits users who do not yet have Wi-Fi 7-enabled devices that support the 6GHz band. Its excellent jitter and packet loss scores also make it attractive to gamers seeking stable connections without investing in more expensive hardware.
**Who might want to upgrade?** Users with newer devices supporting Wi-Fi 7 and 6GHz bands should consider spending a bit more on routers like the Orbi 870 to access the full benefits of Wi-Fi 7.
### How CNET Tests Routers
In March 2026, CNET completely overhauled its router testing methods to provide more accurate and consistent results. Unlike earlier tests that relied on speed measurements from a few locations with internet service variability, the current process isolates the router's raw performance by removing the internet provider from the equation.
Testing now involves:
- **Data throughput tests:** Using servers to measure the volume of data transmitted from router to device without internet interference, across 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands (when available). - **Signal strength measurements:** Assessing Wi-Fi signal strength at 61 marked locations within a 12,500-square-foot lab filled with typical home obstacles and electronic interference. - **Performance metrics:** Evaluating speed, reliability, jitter (variability in latency), and packet loss to reflect real-world conditions more accurately. - **Distance tests:** Measuring throughput at 7 feet, 25 feet, and 50 feet from the router to simulate different areas within a home.
This rigorous approach ensures that consumers receive reliable data on how routers perform in typical household environments.
### Other Noteworthy Mesh Router Systems
- **Arris Surfboard Max AX6600:** A Wi-Fi 6 system with fast speeds for newer devices but inconsistent performance with older ones. Its design and Ethernet port placement may be inconvenient. - **Asus ZenWifi Series:** Includes the dual-band XD6 and more powerful tri-band XT8, which offers multi-gig Ethernet ports but at moderate prices.
- **Eero Series:** The Eero 6 and Pro 6E offer good performance, with the Pro 6E catering to gigabit internet users. The Eero Max 7 supports Wi-Fi 7 but is pricier than comparable systems. - **Linksys Velop MX2000:** A budget-friendly Wi-Fi 6 mesh system at around $150 for a two-pack, but not the fastest choice.
- **Nest Wifi Pro:** Integrates smart home features and Thread support but lacks backward compatibility and offers moderate speeds at a higher price point. - **TP-Link Deco Series:** Includes models like the X4300 Pro and X55 Pro that offer strong Wi-Fi 6 speeds, multi-gig ports, and good value for the price. - **TP-Link XE75:** An affordable Wi-Fi 6E mesh system suitable for those upgrading cautiously.
### Choosing the Right Router
When shopping, performance and value are paramount, but buyers should also consider:
- **Features:** Some routers, like the Amplifi Alien, offer unique controls such as touchscreens and VPN-style connections for remote access. - **Security:** Prioritize routers supporting the latest WPA3 encryption to safeguard against hacking attempts. - **Ease of setup:** Most modern routers come with companion apps that simplify installation and network management. - **Privacy:** Router apps often collect user data for marketing purposes; privacy-conscious users should review app policies carefully. - **Home size and layout:** Mesh routers are ideal for medium to large homes or spaces with many physical obstacles. Smaller homes may not require such extensive setups. - **Longevity:** Routers typically last five years or more, but ongoing firmware updates are crucial for security and performance. Lack of updates signals the time to upgrade.
### How Mesh Systems Compare to Traditional Routers and Extenders
Mesh systems provide consistent Wi-Fi coverage over larger areas by distributing the signal across multiple devices, eliminating dead zones. Unlike Wi-Fi extenders, which rebroadcast a single router's signal and require manual switching between networks, mesh routers offer seamless transitions between nodes on the same network.
While mesh routers tend to cost more and may have fewer Ethernet ports than standalone routers, their ability to maintain consistent speeds throughout a home makes them a practical choice for many users.
### VPN Support
Most routers allow for VPN setup directly on the device, securing all connected devices on the home network. An exception is Eero, which does not currently support network-wide VPN functionality.
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In summary, the FCC's new ban on foreign-made routers introduces uncertainty for consumers, particularly regarding future updates and support. Meanwhile, the market for Wi-Fi routers, especially mesh systems utilizing Wi-Fi 7 technology, is evolving rapidly. CNET's rigorous testing and expert reviews highlight the best options across price points, helping users navigate choices based on their internet needs, home size, and budget. Whether prioritizing top-tier performance, budget considerations, or advanced features, today's mesh routers offer a range of solutions to enhance home Wi-Fi coverage and reliability.