The mobile app is simple, but often takes a few seconds to load. The settings are also limited. There is no mixed mode for WPA2 and WPA3 security like the TP-Link above, no band splitting, and no option to prioritize traffic for specific activities or devices. It is also an expensive system, requiring an additional subscription if you want parental controls and additional security features. necessary that).
Having said all that, the Orbi AX4200 delivers fast, reliable Wi-Fi over long distances, and we didn’t have a single connection issue or outage during our testing. For faster performance, also consider the following: Netgear Orbi RBK863 (7/10, WIRED review) Or go all out. Netgear Orbi RBKE963.
Support for Wi-Fi 6E, which operates in the 6GHz band, is becoming more common, and with the arrival of Wi-Fi 7, prices for 6E routers and mesh systems like this one are dropping. This two-pack of tri-band mesh systems is relatively inexpensive. The cylindrical router boasts a vase-like Deco family design that will blend in with your room. Setup is quick and easy, and the primary router automatically detects the second router when you power it up. Each has three gigabit ports (sadly, there are no multi-gigabit ports or USB ports).
Performance was consistently good throughout the house, with the fastest speeds near the router, but range was relatively limited. The XT8, which I highly recommend, outperformed the XE75 in most scenarios. By default, the 6 GHz band is reserved for wireless backhaul, but can be opened for devices. I signed up with a Pixel 6 Pro, and after several speed tests at close range (up to 8 feet away), I generally got download speeds about 50Mbps faster than the 5GHz band, but this drops off dramatically with distance. The range of 6GHz is quite short and the signal strength was noticeably weaker than 5GHz even from just one room away. If you use 6GHz for wireless backhaul, blind spots can occur if you place your router too far away or have too many obstacles.
Disappointingly, HomeShield’s free tier offers only limited security, while Security+ costs $5 per month or $36 per year for web and intrusion prevention with alerts and reports, while Total Security costs $70 per year and adds antivirus, VPN service, and a password manager for your devices. Advanced Parental Controls requires a second subscription for $3 per month or $18 per year for time limits, downtime scheduling, rewards, app time limits, safe browsing, insights, and reports. Quality of Service lets you prioritize specific devices and set bandwidth allowances. There’s also a mixed-mode security option for WPA2 and WPA3. You can also split the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands to create a guest network.
The Deco app and web interface work with limited options and feel a bit clunky to navigate. The app didn’t identify many devices on my network. I was also disappointed that there was no option to run a speed test on the router to see what my ISP was offering. Ultimately, the inclusion of the 6GHz band won’t make a difference for many people, but it’s a cheap way to get your feet wet with 6E. If you’re willing to spend a little more, the Deco XE200 ($800 for 2 packs) is listed among the other routers we tested below and is a great performer, making it one of the best Wi-Fi 6E mesh systems you can get. The MSRP is high, but watch out for the price drop.
If you’re an early adopter eager to get your hands on the Wi-Fi 7 joy and don’t mind paying for the privilege, the TP-Link Deco BE85 (7/10, WIRED review) is likely on your radar. There are very few Wi-Fi 7 devices available today. While the BE85 is fully backwards compatible with previous Wi-Fi versions, only devices that support Wi-Fi 7, like the OnePlus 11 5G, will be able to take full advantage of the system.
TP-Link has stuck with the vase-like design that marks its Deco range, but these are the largest mesh routers it has released to date, and each one features a stylized 7 on the front. Don’t forget this is Wi-Fi 7. system. Each router boasts four auto-sensing WAN/LAN Ethernet ports, two 10Gbps ports (one an SFP combo), two 2.5Gbps ports, and a USB 3.0 port. Setup is quick and easy using the Deco app on your phone.
