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ASUS

ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8): the downsides first

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#6 of 8
$$$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 disconnects

    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.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say), Walmart reviews (lowest rated)
  • Weak support experiences

    Several 1-star Walmart reviews complain about repeated support calls, warranty-repair hassles and a product that never worked properly.

    Source: Walmart reviews (lowest rated)
  • Pricey, older tech, some settings only on the web

    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.

    Source: PCMag best mesh picks, Wirecutter

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.

    Source: PCMag review, Wirecutter
  • 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.

    Source: PCMag best mesh picks, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • 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.

    Source: PCMag review
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)

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.
Check price on AmazonWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked mesh wi-fi systems whose biggest complaint is something else.

#1 in mesh wi-fi systemsTP-Link Deco 7 Pro (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.

Its catch: random disconnections for some owners#2 in mesh wi-fi systemsNetgear Orbi 870 Series

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.

Its catch: very expensive#3 in mesh wi-fi systemsTP-Link Deco 7 (BE23)

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.

Its catch: dual-band only, few ports

See all 8 mesh wi-fi systems ranked →