TP-Link Deco 7 Pro (BE63): the downsides first

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.

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.

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.