The mobile app is simple, but it often takes a few seconds to load. Settings are also limited; there’s no mixed mode for WPA2 and WPA3 security like on the TP-Link above, you can’t split the frequency band, and there’s no option to prioritize traffic for specific activities or devices. It’s also an expensive system, with a subscription required at the top if you want parental controls and extra security (though you can’t demand It).
That said, the Orbi AX4200 provides fast, reliable Wi-Fi over a great distance, and I didn’t experience any connection issues or dropouts during testing. For faster performance, you might also consider Netgear Orbi RBK863 (7/10, WIRED Review), or do your best with Netgear Orbi RBKE963.
Support for Wi-Fi 6E, which operates on the 6 GHz band, is growing more popular, and with the arrival of Wi-Fi 7, 6E routers and mesh systems like this one are dropping in price. A 2-pack of this tri-band mesh system is relatively affordable. These cylindrical routers feature the Deco family’s vase-like design, blending into rooms. Setup was quick and easy, and the main router automatically detected the second router when I powered it on. Each port has three gigabit ports. (Sadly, there are no multi-gig or USB ports.)
Performance was consistently good throughout my house, with some of the fastest speeds I recorded near routers, but range was relatively limited. My top pick, the XT8, outperforms the XE75 in most situations. By default, the 6 GHz band is reserved for wireless backhaul, but you can open it up for devices. I went with my Pixel 6 Pro, and after multiple close-range speed tests (up to 8 feet away), I typically got download speeds about 50 Mbps faster than the 5 GHz band, but this decreases sharply with distance. The range of 6 GHz is significantly shorter and from just one room away, the signal strength is noticeably weaker than that of 5 GHz. If you use 6 GHz for wireless backhaul, you cannot place the routers too far away or with too many obstacles, otherwise you will have dead zones.
Disappointingly, HomeShield’s free tier only offers limited security, and Security+ costs $5/month or $36/year for web protection and intrusion prevention with notifications and reporting, while Total Security costs $70/year and adds device antivirus, VPN service, and anti-intrusion software. password manager. Advanced parental controls require a second subscription that costs $3 a month or $18 a year for time limits, downtime scheduling, rewards, app time limits , secure search, insights and reporting. Quality of Service allows you to prioritize specific devices and set bandwidth limits. There is also a mixed mode security option for WPA2 and WPA3. You can also split the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands and 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 recognize 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 decent way to test out 6E technology. If you’re willing to spend a little extra, the Deco XE200 ($800 for 2 packs), listed in the other routers we tested below, is a great performer and one of the best Wi-Fi 6E mesh systems you can get. Suggested retail price is high, but keep an eye out for discounts.
If you’re an early adopter looking to experience the joys of Wi-Fi 7 and don’t mind paying for the privilege, the TP-Link Deco BE85 (10/7, WIRED Review) may be on your radar. There are very few Wi-Fi 7 devices available today. BE85 is fully backward compatible with previous Wi-Fi versions, but only devices that support Wi-Fi 7, such as OnePlus 11 5Gcan take full advantage of this system.
TP-Link has stuck with the signature vase-shaped design of its Deco line, but these are the largest mesh routers it has released yet, and each has a stylized 7 on the front, not to forget that this is a Wi-Fi 7 system. Each router has four auto-sensing Ethernet WAN/LAN ports, two 10Gbps ports (one is a combo SFP), two 2.5Gbps ports, and one USB 3.0 port. Setup is quick and easy with the Deco app on your phone.
