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The top picks for 2021

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4 years ago

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A small amount of latency that may not even be detectable when browsing the internet can be detrimental during gameplay, so we’ve lined up a selection of the most reliable and fastest WiFi mesh routers for gamers.

Best for features

NETGEAR Orbi

This may be a bit expensive for the normal internet user, but for a home that relies heavily on connection, it’s faster and more reliable than others.

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By Team Commerce

As a gamer, you know how crucial it is to have a reliable internet connection. The most important factor when it comes to gaming is avoiding latency. A small amount of latency that may not even be detectable when browsing the internet, and isn’t a big deal when streaming a video, can be detrimental during gameplay. That’s why gamers want the most reliable and fastest WiFi mesh available. 

What is a mesh WiFi system?

WiFi mesh will deliver reliable WiFi throughout your entire home, eliminating dead spots and allowing for speed on multiple devices without slowing your gaming system. It works using a main router and satellite nodes which are placed strategically around your living space to reduce spotty service. 

The nodes, which use the same SSID and password as the main router (unlike range extenders), help to cover areas in the home that the main router doesn’t reach, like the basement or the far reaches of the house. The best systems are easily expandable by adding more nodes as needed. 

What to look for in a mesh WiFi system

The best mesh WiFi systems have (or have the ability to expand to) multiple nodes and feature security software to keep your browsing, devices, and gaming safe. Most importantly, the ideal mesh will deliver spotless connectivity wherever needed.

The most important things to keep in mind while researching which mesh WiFi system to buy are the size of your living space, connection speed and reliability, and price point. WiFi mesh systems can reach beyond £500, or they can fall below £50. But of course, as with many things, you get what you pay for.

What are the best mesh WiFi systems?

We’re so glad you asked. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to. We have checked out everything on offer from the biggest and best brands, and lined up a selection of the most reliable and fastest WiFi mesh routers for gamers. 

These are the best mesh WiFi routers for gamers in 2021.


Unmatched speed • Easy setup

Expensive • Some users have had issues getting help from tech support

If you’re looking for unparalleled performance and the best connection available, this is the system for you.

NETGEAR Orbi

This may be a bit expensive for the normal internet user, but for a home that relies heavily on connection, it’s faster and more reliable than others.

While this isn’t a straight forward gaming router, it’s one of the best mesh WiFi systems out there, and it can certainly support heavy gaming as well. It’s got some of the fastest speeds clocked on WiFi mesh, topping out at nearly 900Mbps at close range () and remains at 666Mbps at a distance of 75 feet. 
The system is more expensive than a lot of other WiFi mesh networks. A two-pack, consisting of a router and one satellite, will cost close to £700. It may be a bit overkill for just normal internet use, but for gamers and heavy internet users, this is the best of the best.
This is a great purchase for gamers who want an amazing connection for the whole household. 

Unbeatable low latency • One of the newest on the market

Will not support MERLIN firmware • May go through many updates

This is one of the best gaming WiFi mesh routers on the market.

Asus RT-AX86U

Latency won’t be something you’ll worry about with this router.

If you’re looking to purchase a mesh WiFi router for gaming, it’s probably smart to go with something that supports the new WiFi 6.
The Asus RT-AC86U was long a favourite router for gamers, far outpacing more expensive models, and the company has only stepped it up a notch with this WiFi 6-supporting edition. 
Device polarisation and open NAT port forwarding make this router great for gaming, but new WiFi 6 features like 1024-QAM and OFDMA mean that this system is also well equipped to handle your entire home, lending it a faster and more reliable network.  
And of course, most importantly, latency remains lower than most competitors 

Sleek style • Lag-free gameplay • Prioritises devices for high-speed gaming

Lacking in parental control settings • Only three ethernet ports • No malware protection

This is a truly superior gaming WiFi mesh option, and all its effort goes to lag-free game time, while leaving the rest of the home connected.

Razer Sila

The Razer Sila works for the gamer as well as for the whole household.

With a sleek look, this system can be optimised solely for gaming, or for the entire household. It works to prioritise devices and apps for high-speed gaming and streaming. When used as a mesh network, it’ll reach up to 9,000 square feet, but you’ll have to purchase two more nodes for that. 
It provides a lot of gamer-friendly settings, including a gaming mode that will be sure to pump bandwidth to your gaming device when you most desire, without leaving other connected devices high and dry. The multi-channel ZeroWait DFS Technology makes for reliable, lag-free performance, and self-optimising network and swarm intelligence ensure a congestion-free connection.
For all it has in gaming specs, it lacks when it comes to parental controls and malware protection, so if these are important to you, this may not be the system you’re looking for.  

Sleek style • Two nodes for expansive mesh coverage • Low-latency mode

Not a standout in speed • Some users have complained that the USB port does not work

With an unobtrusive profile, this is great for those who prioritise the style of their tech.

Ubiquiti AmpliFi Gamer’s Edition

This isn’t the fastest or most reliable gaming mesh router on the market, but it is cool looking, and its low-latency mode helps with gaming.

While many mesh networks come with one node that you can easily expand on, this one comes with two, and will cover about 10,000 square feet. That makes this system great for the whole household.
Another great thing about this system is that it has a great design. It isn’t too large, and it’s sleek-looking, so you won’t mind its presence wherever you put it. It features a touchscreen and an easy-to-use app.
The system also offers a low-latency mode, which helps to tweak the connection while gaming in order to avoid competing with other devices. 

Works for the whole household • Four LAN ports and two USB ports per box • Expandable

Requires configuration • Works best as a standalone router

This was one of the first true gaming mesh networks on the market, and better models have been released since.

ASUS RT-AX92U AX6100

This will do a mediocre job — many users say it works better as a standalone router than as a mesh system — but it’s still worth a look.

This system delivers low-latency, reliable internet for gaming, while continuing to allow the rest of the home to browse, stream video, and to use all devices without lag. 
The system comes with two units, but it’s expandable for larger living spaces as well. Each box has four LAN ports, two USB ports, and four foldable antennas. It also provides commercial-grade security for all your connected devices, as well as advanced parental controls so you’ll be able to manage your family’s screen time.
AiProtection Pro keeps all the connected devices on your home network safe and advanced parental controls allow you to manage the family’s internet usage, all available via the device’s app.  

Full control of kids’ online time with parental controls • Great security for all your devices • Covers up to 15,000 square feet

This is a good system for families with kids, but may not be fast enough for the avid adult gamer.

Amped Wireless ALLY Plus

This is a reliable (and cheap) home system with great parental controls, but may not be fast enough for serious gamers.

If online safety is an important aspect you’re looking for in a WiFi mesh network, Wireless ALLY Plus by Amped is a great option. 
It features parental controls as well as reports and alerts, all to keep you informed as to what your kids are up to online. It’s great for parents who want to keep tabs on their gaming kids.
The parental controls will allow you to manage what your kids see online by enabling you to block specific content and apps on the ALLY app. You can set online schedules for each child and pause WiFi during times you want to forbid screen time, like during homework hours or bedtime. You’ll receive alerts when your kids visit flagged sites, and you can even block unknown devices that attempt to connect to your network.
Other than airtight parental controls, this system comes with a router and node, and will cover up to 15,000 square feet in reliable WiFi that won’t lag.  

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