ConsFirst / Mesh Wi-Fi systems
Mesh Wi-Fi systems: the downsides, first
Mesh Wi-Fi fixes dead zones, but owners' biggest frustrations are dropped connections and features locked behind subscriptions. Here are the most popular systems in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared19 sources readUpdated October 2026
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Good to know before buying in 2026On March 23, 2026, the FCC added foreign-made consumer routers to its Covered List, which blocks authorization of new models. Routers already on sale and in your home are not affected. In April 2026, Netgear and eero received conditional approvals that let them keep launching new models through October 2027.
All 8 mesh wi-fi systems, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
TP-Link
$$$Wi-Fi 7Score 4.2/5
14%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (1,291 ratings). The listing pools 1-, 2- and 3-packs and also lists Wi-Fi 6E and outdoor variants, so not every rating is for the BE63.It's Wirecutter's upgrade pick and a PCMag Editors' Choice. It's tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with all-2.5GbE ports, the fastest results among Wirecutter's picks, and free basic parental controls and security. The catches: the app is less simple than eero's, advanced HomeShield features cost extra, and Amazon owners split on reliability, with some reporting random disconnects.
Top complaints
- Random disconnections for some ownersMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says reliability and connectivity are mixed: some owners have no issues while others see random disconnections. Value for money is also divided.
- Pricey, with paid add-onsVery common
PCMag lists 'pricey' and 'some HomeShield features require a subscription' as cons. Advanced parental controls are $2.99/month, Security+ is $4.99/month, and Total Security is $5.99/month.
- No 10-gig portOccasional
Wirecutter notes that pricier systems such as the Orbi 970 and Deco BE95 have faster 10GbE ports, though it says most people don't need them yet.
What owners love
- Fastest of Wirecutter's picks
Wirecutter measured over 975 Mbps unobstructed and called it significantly faster than the eero 7. PCMag's 2,288 Mbps close-range score beat the Orbi 770, eero Max 7 and Deco BE85 routers.
- Lots of multi-gig ports plus USB
Wirecutter notes all five Ethernet ports on each unit are 2.5GbE. PCMag adds a USB port on each node.
- Free basic parental controls and security
PCMag says HomeShield includes free age-based filters, site blocking, a bedtime setting and basic network security scans.
Skip it if…- You have 5-10 gig internet (no 10GbE port)
- You want the simplest possible app
- You don't want TP-Link's add-on subscriptions
Good for- Gigabit to 2-gig internet plans
- Homes with lots of wired gear (five 2.5GbE ports per unit)
- Wi-Fi 7 laptops and phones that can use 6 GHz
Scores (tap for why)
- Speed5.0
Why 5.0?
Fastest of Wirecutter's picks. PCMag measured 2,288 Mbps close and 780 Mbps at 30 ft. Tom's Guide cites 1.821 Gbps at 15 ft. - Coverage4.5
Why 4.5?
A strong signal to all corners of a larger-than-average home (Wirecutter) and superb signal strength (PCMag). Amazon owners report coverage of homes up to 5,000 sq ft. - Setup & app4.0
Why 4.0?
The units come pre-paired and are easy to install (Wirecutter, PCMag). Wirecutter says the Deco app is less simple than eero's and that parental controls need a separate KidShield app. - Features without subscription4.0
Why 4.0?
Free basic HomeShield parental controls and security, a USB port per node and 2.5GbE ports throughout. Advanced controls and security are paid. - Reliability3.5
Why 3.5?
It stayed responsive on Wirecutter's congested network, but Amazon owners report random disconnections and 14% of ratings are 1-2 stars.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Upgrade pick for gigabit or faster internet. It's significantly faster than the eero 7 and has more Ethernet ports; its only flaw is lacking the 10GbE ports most people don't need yet.
- PCMag: 4.0 Excellent, Editors' Choice, and Best Budget Wi-Fi 7 Mesh in its picks: superb throughput and signal strength, but pricey, and some HomeShield features need a subscription.
#2
Netgear
$$$Wi-Fi 7Score 4.2/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
The performance champ: Wirecutter found it fastest or second-fastest on every test, and Tom's Guide names it best for range. But it costs roughly $900-$1,300 for three units, security software is a paid Armor add-on, there's no USB, and Wirecutter notes a short one-year warranty.
Top complaints
- Very expensiveVery common
Wirecutter calls it too expensive even for upgrade-pick status at about $900. PCMag lists it at $1,299.99 for a three-pack and calls it pricey next to its Editors' Choice. Tom's Guide lists 'premium price' as its con.
- Security and parental controls cost extraVery common
PCMag says Armor costs $99.99 a year ($149.99 for Armor Plus) and some parental and security features need a subscription. Tom's Guide says to budget extra for Armor.
- Short warranty and support, no USBMentioned often
Wirecutter notes a short one-year warranty, and Tom's Guide says only 90 days of technical support are included. PCMag lists the lack of USB ports.
What owners love
- Passes every performance test
Wirecutter says it was fastest or second-fastest on all its speed and congestion tests and even outperformed the pricier Orbi 970.
- Best long-range speeds
Tom's Guide measured over 600 Mbps at both 50 and 75 feet and 102.6 Mbps at 90 feet. PCMag found a strong signal throughout its test home.
- 10GbE plus four 2.5GbE ports
PCMag and Tom's Guide highlight the 10 Gbps WAN input and multiple multi-gig LAN ports. The units come pre-paired.
Skip it if…- You're on a budget
- You want free security or parental controls
- You want a long warranty or support period
Good for- Very large homes
- 5- to 10-gig internet plans (10GbE WAN)
- Buyers who want top speed at long range
Scores (tap for why)
- Speed5.0
Why 5.0?
Fastest or second-fastest on all of Wirecutter's tests. Tom's Guide measured 1.82 Gbps at 15 ft, and PCMag 822 Mbps at 30 ft. - Coverage5.0
Why 5.0?
Tom's Guide's best-for-range pick (628.6 Mbps at 75 ft). PCMag tested 9,000 sq ft of rated coverage with a strong signal. - Setup & app4.0
Why 4.0?
The router and satellites come pre-paired for easier setup (Tom's Guide). There is little other setup evidence. - Features without subscription3.0
Why 3.0?
10GbE WAN and four 2.5GbE LAN ports, but security and some parental controls need a paid Armor plan, and there's no USB. - Reliability4.0
Why 4.0?
'Very reliable' (Tom's Guide) and no complaints in Wirecutter's tests, but only a one-year warranty and 90 days of support.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Recommended for deep pockets and 5-10 gig plans. It passed every performance test, but at $900 it is too expensive for upgrade-pick status and has a short one-year warranty.
- PCMag: 4.0 Excellent and Best Premium Wi-Fi 7 Mesh. It's speedy with a strong signal, but pricey, subscription-gated security and parental controls, and no USB.
- Tom's Guide: Best for range (updated 2026-09-07): very reliable and feature-packed, but premium-priced, and Armor costs extra.
#3
TP-Link
$$Wi-Fi 7Score 3.8/5
10%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (808 ratings). The listing pools 1- to 3-packs and also offers an older Wi-Fi 5 AC1900 Deco variant.Both Wirecutter and Tom's Guide name it the budget pick. It costs about $200 for three units, yet beat pricier kits on Wirecutter's congestion test, and Tom's Guide measured the best long-range speeds in its group. It's dual-band (no 6 GHz) with only two ports per unit, and some Amazon owners report units dying within months.
Top complaints
- Dual-band only, few portsVery common
Tom's Guide lists the lack of 6 GHz and only two 2.5 Gbps ports per device as its cons. Wirecutter says you'll need an Ethernet switch for more wired devices.
- Some units fail; connections can be mixedMentioned often
Amazon's review summary reports mixed connectivity and reliability, with some units stopping working after three months. Some owners also find it overpriced.
- Less simple than eeroOccasional
Wirecutter says the Deco app is easy, but parental controls require a separate KidShield app, and eero offers simpler fixes for ISP outages and adding nodes.
What owners love
- Beats pricier kits on a busy network
Wirecutter says it outperformed mesh networks costing hundreds more, including the Netgear Orbi 373, on its web-browsing congestion test.
- Strong long-range speeds
Tom's Guide measured 1.449 Gbps at 15 ft and 150.1 Mbps at 90 ft, the best 90-ft result among its six picks. Amazon owners report about 850 Mbps right away.
- Quick setup, small units
The units are pre-paired and set themselves up after you name the network (Wirecutter). Tom's Guide says they're small and easy to hide.
Skip it if…- You want 6 GHz Wi-Fi 7 speeds
- You need more than two wired devices per unit without a switch
- You want parental controls inside the main app
Good for- Large homes on a budget
- Internet plans up to about 1 Gbps
- People who want small, easy-to-hide units
Scores (tap for why)
- Speed3.5
Why 3.5?
1.449 Gbps at 15 ft (Tom's Guide), behind tri-band kits like the BE63 (1.821 Gbps), with no 6 GHz band. - Coverage4.5
Why 4.5?
Best 75-ft and 90-ft results among Tom's Guide's picks except the Orbi 870 at 75 ft. Steady coverage of Wirecutter's 3,000-plus sq ft home. - Setup & app4.5
Why 4.5?
Pre-paired, quick and simple (Wirecutter, Tom's Guide). Amazon owners also find setup easy. - Features without subscription3.0
Why 3.0?
The app controls Tapo, Kasa, Philips Hue and Matter devices (Tom's Guide), but parental controls need the separate KidShield app. There are two ports per unit and no USB. - Reliability3.5
Why 3.5?
Rock-steady on Wirecutter's busy network, but Amazon owners report mixed reliability and some units dying after three months.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Budget pick: steady coverage of a 3,000-plus sq ft home for about $100 less than the eero 7. The flaws are only two ports per node and a less simple experience than eero.
- Tom's Guide: Best budget mesh (updated 2026-09-07), with an excellent price-performance balance. It lacks 6 GHz and has only two 2.5 Gbps ports.
#4
eero (Amazon)
$$$Wi-Fi 7Score 3.8/5
13%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The listing (1,519 ratings) pools the 1- to 4-packs and the eero Plus bundle options.PCMag's top Wi-Fi 7 mesh pick and Tom's Guide's pick for simplicity: tri-band with 6 GHz, very fast up close and at mid-range, and as easy as other eeros. You still pay extra for parental controls and security. There are only two Ethernet ports per unit, and Tom's Guide measured just 20.8 Mbps at 90 feet.
Top complaints
- Key software is behind a paywallVery common
PCMag lists the extra cost of the parental control and network security software as a con. Its review says parental controls need an eero Plus subscription.
- Few ports and a higher priceVery common
Tom's Guide says it has only two Ethernet ports (both 5 Gbps) and costs slightly more than the competition. PCMag notes it has no USB. Wirecutter calls it too expensive to replace its upgrade pick. On Amazon, some owners don't think it's worth the extra cost.
- Unstable for some ownersMentioned often
Amazon's review summary calls connectivity mixed, with some owners reporting stable connections and others unreliable performance.
What owners love
- Top-tier throughput
PCMag measured 2,850 Mbps close to the router and led its group at 30 feet (860 Mbps). Tom's Guide measured 1.905 Gbps at 15 feet and 994 Mbps at 50 feet.
- Very simple setup and auto-updates
Tom's Guide says even a networking novice will have no trouble, and updates install automatically. Amazon owners report setup in under 10 minutes.
- Smart-home radios built in
PCMag says it supports Thread, works as a Matter controller and has a Zigbee radio.
Skip it if…- You need several wired devices at each node
- You don't want a subscription for parental controls
- Your home has very long runs between rooms
Good for- Multi-gig (2-5 Gbps) internet plans
- Owners who want speed without any tinkering
- Amazon/Alexa smart homes
Scores (tap for why)
- Speed4.5
Why 4.5?
Among the fastest in PCMag's group (2,850 Mbps close, 860 Mbps at 30 ft). Tom's Guide measured 1.905 Gbps at 15 ft. - Coverage3.5
Why 3.5?
Excellent mid-range (994 Mbps at 50 ft), but only 20.8 Mbps at 90 ft, the lowest in Tom's Guide's group. - Setup & app5.0
Why 5.0?
Tom's Guide's pick for simplicity, and PCMag says it is easy to install. - Features without subscription2.5
Why 2.5?
Parental controls and security need eero Plus, and there's no USB. It does have 5GbE ports and Thread, Matter and Zigbee built in. - Reliability3.5
Why 3.5?
Amazon connectivity feedback is mixed, and 13% of Amazon ratings are 1-2 stars. There is no long-term expert data.
What experts say
- PCMag: Best Wi-Fi 7 mesh system (4.0, Excellent; list updated 2026-09-21). The cons are paid parental controls and security, and no USB ports.
- Tom's Guide: Best for simplicity (updated 2026-09-07). The cons are only two Ethernet ports and a slightly higher price than rivals.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Did particularly well in testing and is worth considering for 3-5 gig internet, but it's too expensive to replace the Deco BE63 upgrade pick.
#5
eero (Amazon)
$$Wi-Fi 7Score 3.7/5
10%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The listing (2,202 ratings) pools the 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-packs and the with/without eero Plus bundles.Wirecutter's top pick: a 5-to-20-minute setup and lag-free Wi-Fi on a busy network for a low Wi-Fi 7 price. But it has no 6 GHz band, its app offers very few settings, and parental controls and malware protection need a paid eero Plus subscription. PCMag rates it only 3/5 (Average).
Top complaints
- Parental controls and security cost extraVery common
Wirecutter says the eero Plus subscription ($100-120 a year) is required for parental controls and anti-malware, which Asus includes free. PCMag lists the paywalled parental control and network security software as a con and says it holds the system back.
- No 6 GHz band, few ports, few settingsVery common
Both Wirecutter and PCMag point out that it is dual-band Wi-Fi 7 with no 6 GHz radio, and PCMag adds that it lacks 320MHz channels and USB ports. Wirecutter notes only one spare 2.5-gig port on the base unit, cloud-only administration, and an app with very few adjustable settings.
- Some owners see dropped connectionsMentioned often
Amazon's review summary calls connectivity and signal strength mixed: some owners report excellent connections while others see dropped connections or a poor signal. Value for money is also mixed.
What owners love
- Very easy setup
Wirecutter says setup takes 5-20 minutes and the app is simple enough for a novice. Amazon owners say setup takes about 15 minutes.
- Handles a busy network
In Wirecutter's congestion tests it kept 4K streams, downloads and browsing lag-free, outperforming systems costing two or three times as much.
- Smart-home hub built in
Supports HomeKit, Matter, Thread and Zigbee, plus Alexa (Wirecutter, PCMag). All eero generations mix and match.
Skip it if…- You want free parental controls or security tools
- You like to tweak channels, bands or separate network names
- You already own Wi-Fi 7 laptops and want 6 GHz speed
Good for- People who want the easiest possible setup and remote management
- Internet plans up to about 1-2 Gbps
- Alexa, Matter, Thread and Zigbee smart homes
Scores (tap for why)
- Speed3.5
Why 3.5?
Wirecutter: 806 Mbps close to the base and 56-560 Mbps elsewhere, slower than the Deco BE63. PCMag: 1,101 Mbps close and 586 Mbps at 30 feet, behind TP-Link's Deco Wi-Fi 7 kits. - Coverage4.0
Why 4.0?
Lag-free Wi-Fi throughout Wirecutter's 3,000-plus sq ft, three-story test home. Amazon owners call the coverage excellent, but some find the signal poor. - Setup & app5.0
Why 5.0?
Setup takes 5-20 minutes, and Wirecutter calls its app even simpler than the Deco's. The trade-off is that the app exposes very few settings. - Features without subscription2.0
Why 2.0?
Parental controls and malware protection need eero Plus. Wirecutter says Asus includes them free. There is no USB and only one spare 2.5GbE port on the base unit. - Reliability4.0
Why 4.0?
Wirecutter reports good-to-excellent long-term experiences with eero and frequent automatic updates. Amazon owners are mixed on connectivity.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick (updated 2026-05-13): steady Wi-Fi on a busy network and much easier to set up than complex systems. The flaws are few ports, the pricey optional subscription, no 6 GHz and cloud-only admin.
- PCMag: 3.0/5 (Average): reasonably priced and doubles as a smart-home hub with respectable throughput, but the paywalled features and missing 6 GHz band hold it back.
#6
ASUS
$$$Wi-Fi 6Score 3.9/5
22%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The listing (3,410 ratings) pools 1- and 2-packs and a Wi-Fi 6E tri-band variant.PCMag's best Wi-Fi 6 mesh (4.5/5), with fast tri-band performance and free lifetime parental controls and security. It's an older design, though. Amazon owners report nodes failing after about a year and frequent disconnects, and about 1 in 5 Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars.
Top complaints
- Nodes failing and disconnectsVery common
Amazon's review summary calls reliability concerning, with multiple reports of nodes failing after one year and frequent disconnections. Low-star Walmart reviews describe a router failing after about four months and smart devices dropping offline.
- Weak support experiencesMentioned often
Several 1-star Walmart reviews complain about repeated support calls, warranty-repair hassles and a product that never worked properly.
- Pricey, older tech, some settings only on the webMentioned often
PCMag lists 'pricey' and 'some advanced settings require web console' as cons. Wirecutter says the Deco BE63 surpassed it with more 2.5GbE ports, a smaller size and Wi-Fi 7.
What owners love
- Free lifetime security and parental controls
PCMag says it includes a lifetime AiProtection Pro subscription (Trend Micro), unlike Orbi and Velop systems. Wirecutter also notes Asus includes these for free.
- Fast and wide-reaching
PCMag reports speedy throughput and coverage up to 5,500 sq ft. Amazon owners praise its speed and coverage, including outdoor areas.
- App plus full web console
PCMag says it is easy to install with a user-friendly app, and the web console unlocks advanced settings. It also has a multi-gig port and USB.
Skip it if…- You want Wi-Fi 7 or 6 GHz
- You need dependable support if a node fails
- You want the simplest app-only experience
Good for- People who want free parental controls and security
- Tinkerers who want a full web console
- Gigabit plans on a Wi-Fi 6 budget
Scores (tap for why)
- Speed4.0
Why 4.0?
PCMag measured excellent throughput, and Amazon owners report 1.3-1.4 Gbps. It is Wi-Fi 6 only, with no 6 GHz. - Coverage4.0
Why 4.0?
Up to 5,500 sq ft (PCMag), and Amazon owners praise the coverage. One Walmart reviewer says it was terrible in a 10,000 sq ft home until hardwired. - Setup & app4.0
Why 4.0?
Easy to install with a user-friendly app, but some settings live only in the web console (PCMag). - Features without subscription5.0
Why 5.0?
Free lifetime parental controls and network security, USB, a multi-gig port and deep settings. - Reliability2.5
Why 2.5?
Amazon reports nodes failing after about a year and frequent disconnects, with 22% of ratings at 1-2 stars. Walmart reviews describe failures and poor support.
What experts say
- PCMag: Best Wi-Fi 6 mesh (4.5 Outstanding). The cons are the price and some advanced settings that need the web console.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Former upgrade pick, still an excellent choice for gigabit internet, but surpassed by the Deco BE63.
#7
eero (Amazon)
$$Wi-Fi 6Score 3.4/5
10%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The listing (10,575 ratings) pools 1- to 4-router packs, an add-on extender and eero Plus bundles.PCMag's best budget Wi-Fi 6 mesh and a huge Amazon seller (over 10,000 ratings), with eero's easy setup and a built-in Zigbee hub. It tops out at gigabit plans with gigabit-only ports, extras need a subscription, and Wirecutter says the eero 7 is faster at a similar price.
Top complaints
- Network drops for some ownersMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says connectivity is mixed, with some owners reporting rock-solid connections and others network drops. Some call it a horrible product and say it doesn't match the price.
- Some features need a subscriptionVery common
PCMag lists 'some features require a subscription' as a con. Wirecutter says eero Plus ($100-120 a year) is needed for parental controls and anti-malware.
- Gigabit ceiling and no USBMentioned often
PCMag notes each node has two gigabit LAN ports and no USB. Wirecutter says the eero 7 is faster at a comparable price.
What owners love
- Easy setup and management
PCMag says it is easy to install and manage. Amazon owners find setup easy.
- Good coverage for the price
PCMag reports fast throughput and strong signals in homes up to 4,500 sq ft. An Amazon owner reports covering 4,000 sq ft with no dead spots.
- Doubles as a smart-home hub
PCMag says it controls Zigbee devices and works with Alexa. A Wirecutter writer used one for a 'strong, solid' connection to a back room.
Skip it if…- You have or plan multi-gig internet
- You want free parental controls
- The eero 7 costs about the same where you shop
Good for- Internet plans up to about 1 Gbps
- First-time mesh buyers who want easy setup
- Alexa and Zigbee smart homes
Scores (tap for why)
- Speed3.0
Why 3.0?
Fast for Wi-Fi 6 with 160MHz channels (PCMag), but it's limited to gigabit ports, and the eero 7 is faster (Wirecutter). - Coverage3.5
Why 3.5?
Strong signals in homes up to 4,500 sq ft (PCMag), and Amazon owners praise the coverage. - Setup & app5.0
Why 5.0?
Easy to install and manage (PCMag), and Amazon owners agree. - Features without subscription2.0
Why 2.0?
Parental controls and security need a subscription, with no USB and only gigabit ports. A Zigbee hub and Alexa support are included. - Reliability3.5
Why 3.5?
A Wirecutter staffer reports a solid connection, but Amazon owners are mixed, with some reporting network drops.
What experts say
- PCMag: Best budget Wi-Fi 6 mesh (4.0 Excellent): $239.99 for two or $299.99 for three. The cons are the price, no USB and subscription features.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Was worth considering for 500 Mbps to 1 gig plans, but the eero 7 covers those speeds, is faster and costs about the same.
#8
Google
$$Wi-Fi 6EScore 3.0/5
20%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The listing (2,496 ratings) pools the 1-, 2- and 3-packs.It's easy to set up, includes free parental controls and adds 6 GHz Wi-Fi 6E. But PCMag rates it only 3.5/5 (Good) for limited settings and no multi-gig or USB ports. Wirecutter ranked it behind eero, and about 1 in 5 Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars, citing dropouts and hardware failures.
Top complaints
- Unreliable connections and failuresVery common
Amazon's review summary says some owners report it stops working and constant connectivity issues, and judges it not worth the investment. Low-star Walmart reviews describe needing constant resets, units running hot, and repeated hardware failure.
- Locked-down settingsMentioned often
PCMag lists limited settings and no separate 6 GHz network name as cons. A 1-star Walmart review complains that advanced settings are all locked down, so you can't fix finicky roaming between nodes.
- No multi-gig/USB ports, no anti-malwareMentioned often
PCMag lists the lack of USB or multi-gig LAN ports, the missing anti-malware software and the price as cons.
What owners love
- Easy setup
Wirecutter and PCMag say it is easy to set up, and Amazon owners agree. It's managed in the Google Home app.
- Free parental controls and smart-home support
PCMag lists built-in parental controls and Thread and Matter support as pros.
- Solid performance
PCMag measured 909 Mbps close to the router and 372 Mbps at 30 feet, matching or edging the rivals it was tested against.
Skip it if…- You want advanced settings or a separate 6 GHz network
- You have multi-gig internet or need wired ports
- You can't tolerate occasional resets
Good for- Google Home and Nest households
- People who want free basic parental controls
- Plans under 1 Gbps
Scores (tap for why)
- Speed3.0
Why 3.0?
909 Mbps close and 372 Mbps at 30 ft in PCMag's (older) test group. Amazon owners are mixed on speed. - Coverage3.0
Why 3.0?
Google rates a three-pack for 6,600 sq ft (per PCMag), but Amazon owners are mixed, and some find the range and signal inadequate. - Setup & app3.5
Why 3.5?
Easy to install (PCMag, Wirecutter), but it requires the Google Home app and account and has limited settings. Some Walmart owners couldn't get it set up at all. - Features without subscription3.0
Why 3.0?
Free built-in parental controls, Thread and Matter, but no anti-malware, USB, multi-gig ports or separate 6 GHz network. - Reliability2.5
Why 2.5?
Owners report units that stop working, resets and hardware failures, and 20% of Amazon ratings are 1-2 stars.
What experts say
- PCMag: 3.5 Good: Wi-Fi 6E, easy to install, solid performance and built-in parental controls, but expensive, with limited settings and no multi-gig or USB ports.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed: easy to set up, but it finished behind the eero 6 and eero Pro 6E.