Mesh WiFi is a great fit for most internet technologies connecting many Australian homes. The right mesh WiFi setup offers a compact and sleek networking solution that’s user-friendly as well as built to set up and forget. Most importantly, a mesh network effectively eliminates WiFi dead spots.
Think of mesh WiFi like a straightforward solution to whole-home wireless coverage. In the past, you might use a modem-router with a WiFi extender. Nowadays, mesh WiFi is built to simplify expanding a wireless network. Mesh WiFi units are best bought in two- or three-packs, wherein expansion is included with the initial RRP. That said, a mesh WiFi network can be created by buying compatible expansion devices (usually identical units).
| Category | Modem | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Google Nest WiFi Pro | $699 (3-pack) | View on Amazon |
| Runner-up | D-Link M60 | $649.95 (3-pack) | View on Amazon |
| Best Cheap | TP-Link HX510 | $110 (1-pack) | View on SpinTel NBN plans |
| Runner-up | D-Link M30 | $399 (3-pack) | View on Amazon |
| Best under $250 | Amazon Eero Max 7 | $1,099.99 (1-pack) | View on AGL NBN plans |
| Runner-up | Amazon Eero 6E | $949.99 (3-pack) | View on Aussie Broadband NBN plans |
Best overall mesh WiFi: Google Nest WiFi Pro
RRP from $699 (3-pack)
Slightly older tech makes for great savings on a mesh WiFi system that’s still feature-rich while being easy to use.
- Wireless: Tri-band WiFi 6E
- Max speed: 5,400Mbps
- Ports: 2x 1Gbps LAN (per unit)
View on Amazon
Sure, it’s a bit older than some of its contemporaries, but the Google Nest WiFi Pro is a mesh system worth considering. For a comparatively cheap price, snag a three-unit configuration for whole-home wireless coverage. Each Nest WiFi Pro unit has a clean anti-router design logic, too, so it won’t look like a typical tech monstrosity with two or three living in nonstandard spaces.
The Nest WiFi Pro is fast enough for all available NBN plans, including NBN 1000. In terms of futureproofing, the Nest WiFi Pro has tri-band WiFi 6E: so, long-reaching-but-slower 2.4GHz, shorter-range-but-faster 5GHz and shortest-range-but-fastest 6GHz. As you’d hope, the Nest WiFi Pro is a cinch to configure via guided setup, and it’s even easier to monitor or make tweaks via companion app.
Runner up: D-Link M60
RRP $649.95 (3-pack)
A mesh WiFi system that’s closer to a router in terms of size, look and tweaking, but it has great wireless speeds and plenty of Ethernet ports.
- Wireless: Dual-band WiFi 6
- Max speed: 6,000Mbps
- Ports: 4x 1Gbps LAN; 1x 2.5Gbps WAN (per unit)
View on Amazon
The AI features needed some work when I tested it, but even without those, the D-Link M60 is a comparatively affordable mesh WiFi system with plenty to appreciate. The pros start with dual-band WiFi 6, speedy enough for all of today’s wireless devices, and futureproofed for NBN 2000 plans care of a 2.5Gbps WAN port.
It’s a shame the LAN ports are stuck at gigabit speeds, but with four per unit, you can enjoy high-speed low-latency wired perks with Ethernet backhaul and still have ports to spare. Or you can stick to wireless mesh to minimise cables. Either way, expect dead spot-free wireless coverage around the home on the speedy 5GHz WiFi band.
Best cheap mesh WiFi: TP-Link HX510
RRP $110 (1-pack)
A WiFi mesh extender that impresses on price but scores even more kudos with a compact design, ease-of-use and great wireless coverage.
- Wireless: Dual-band WiFi 6
- Max speed: 3,000Mbps
- Ports: 3x 1Gbps LAN (per unit)
It’s impressive how well the TP-Link HX510 performs as a standalone unit, more so when it’s pitched as an extender add-on for products like the TP-Link VX230v. While there aren’t any multi-pack configurations for purchase, you could buy three individual units for cheaper than some of its individual-unit peers. Either way, you get a compact mesh WiFi unit with three gigabit Ethernet ports per unit.
On the all-important wireless front, the HX510 has dual-band WiFi 6 with up to 3,000Mbps of shared speeds. That’s fast enough for zippy local file transfers between wireless devices, and more than enough for all NBN plans up to NBN 1000. Despite the low RRP, TP-Link hasn’t cheaped out on ease-of-use, and the HX510 offers a surprisingly deep feature set.
The HX510 is available as an optional bundle add-on with the TP-Link VX230v when you buy an NBN plan from SpinTel. Here’s a list of popular SpinTel NBN plans:
|
#1
|
SpinTel
Editor's Pick
NBN Unlimited Premium 100
$65/mth
Min. cost $65
|
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#2
|
SpinTel
NBN Unlimited 250
$80/mth
Min. cost $80
|
|
#3
|
SpinTel
NBN Unlimited 1000
$90/mth
Min. cost $90
|
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#4
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SpinTel
NBN Unlimited Entry 25
$47/mth
Min. cost $47
|
Runner up: D-Link M30
RRP $399 (3-pack)
An affordable way to nab a three-pack mesh WiFi system for whole-home coverage and some beyond RRP perks.
- Wireless: Dual-band WiFi 6
- Max speed: 3,000Mbps
- Ports: 4x 1Gbps LAN (per unit)
View on Amazon
The D-Link M30 is the cheaper sibling of the M60 featured above. You get the same manta-like design, which is halfway between the router and the anti-router trend of most modern mesh WiFi systems. While not as compact as the HX510, the extra size allows each M30 unit to house four gigabit LAN ports per unit.
That’s great for homes with plenty of wired devices and/or ones after wired backhaul for even better whole-home coverage. Those who prefer WiFi, though, shouldn’t be disappointed with the dual-band WiFi 6 foundation, with up to 3,000Mbps shared wireless speeds. Unlike other mesh WiFi systems, the M30 has a choice of companion app for basic monitoring plus a web portal for more in-depth tweaking.
Best premium mesh WiFi: Amazon eero Max 7
RRP $1,099.99 (1-pack)
A feature-rich WiFi 7, multi-gigabit-capable beast whose futureproofed features are somewhat overshadowed by a steep RRP.
- Wireless: Tri-band WiFi 7
- Max speed: 4,300Mbps
- Ports: 2x 2.5Gbps LAN; 2x 10Gbps LAN (per unit)
View on Amazon
It’s not uncommon for mesh WiFi systems to cost $1,000+ for a three-unit configuration. But you’ll spend that on a single Amazon eero Max 7. What you get, though, is the makings of a futureproofed network, including tri-band WiFi 7 with combined speeds up to 4,300Mbps. On the wired front, the eero Max 7 boasts two 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports and two 10Gbps ports.
Effectively, with this as your main mesh router, your home is ready for NBN 2000 plans (and whatever comes next). Plus, the eero Max 7 is a great fit for any media server-loving home that wants faster local file transfers. If you already have an older eero unit or an Echo Dot smart speaker, you can expand your mesh network without needing to buy another eero Max 7.
The Amazon eero Max 7 can be bought as an optional plan add-on with an NBN plan from AGL or Southern Phone. Check out some of the most popular plans from AGL and Southern Phone.
|
#1
|
AGL
Home Fast nbn
$104/mth
Min. cost $104
Link not supplied
|
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#2
|
AGL
Home Superfast nbn
$114/mth
Min. cost $114
Link not supplied
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#3
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AGL
Home Basic nbn
$74/mth
Min. cost $74
Link not supplied
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#4
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AGL
Home Standard nbn
$94/mth
Min. cost $94
Link not supplied
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|
#5
|
AGL
Home Ultrafast nbn
$124/mth
Min. cost $124
Link not supplied
|
|
#1
|
Southern Phone
nbn Fast
$65/mth
Min. cost $65
Link not supplied
|
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#2
|
Southern Phone
nbn Superfast
$75/mth
Min. cost $75
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
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Southern Phone
nbn Ultrafast
$85/mth
Min. cost $85
Link not supplied
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#4
|
Southern Phone
nbn Basic
$45/mth
Min. cost $45
Link not supplied
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#5
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Southern Phone
nbn Standard
$79/mth
Min. cost $79
Link not supplied
|
Runner up: Amazon Eero 6E
RRP $949.99 (3-pack)
A mix of futureproofing and three-pack value with a discrete design, straightforward setup and some decent speed potential.
- Wireless: Tri-band WiFi 6E
- Max speed: 2,300Mbps
- Ports: 1x 1Gbps LAN; 1x 2.5Gbps LAN (per unit)
View on Amazon
For less than the price of a single eero Max 7 unit, you can buy a three-unit Amazon eero 6E mesh WiFi system. That means you can forget about WiFi 7 and 10Gbps Ethernet ports, but what you get is still futureproofed enough for everything up to NBN 2000 plans. The eero 6E has one 2.5Gbps and a single 1Gbps Ethernet port per unit, plus tri-band WiFi 6E with up to 2,3000Mbps shared speeds.
While testing, I had WiFi dead spot issues with a single unit, but that’s what a three-unit configuration is there to solve. Like with the eero Max 7, you can mix and match other eero units (or Echo Dot smart speakers) to keep expanding your network. Admittedly, that shouldn’t be necessary with a three-unit eero system in most homes. Whichever configuration you have, look forward to a fast, user-friendly setup with straightforward app-based ongoing monitoring and tweaking.
You can bundle a one, two or three-unit Amazon Eero 6E with an NBN plan from Aussie Broadband. Here are popular Aussie Broadband NBN plans from our database.
|
#1
|
Aussie Broadband
Hyper-Fast Pro nbn - Unlimited
$149/mth
Min. cost $149
Link not supplied
|
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#2
|
Aussie Broadband
Fast nbn - Unlimited
$85/mth
Min. cost $85
Link not supplied
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#3
|
Aussie Broadband
Basic Plus nbn - Unlimited
$79/mth
Min. cost $79
Link not supplied
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|
#4
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Aussie Broadband
Basic nbn - Unlimited
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Aussie Broadband
Value nbn - Unlimited
$89/mth
Min. cost $89
Link not supplied
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#6
|
Aussie Broadband
Value Plus nbn - Unlimited
$92/mth
Min. cost $92
Link not supplied
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|
#7
|
Aussie Broadband
Fast Plus nbn - Unlimited
$95/mth
Min. cost $95
Link not supplied
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|
#8
|
Aussie Broadband
Super-Fast nbn - Unlimited
$99/mth
Min. cost $99
Link not supplied
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#9
|
Aussie Broadband
Ultra-Fast nbn - Unlimited
$109/mth
Min. cost $109
Link not supplied
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#10
|
Aussie Broadband
Super-Fast Pro nbn - Unlimited
$119/mth
Min. cost $119
Link not supplied
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How we choose the best mesh WiFi routers
Here’s what we consider when choosing the best mesh WiFi routers:
- Price: The cost for a single, dual or tri-unit configuration, relative to competition and features.
- Hardware: The size and look are important but secondary to the WiFi version, wireless bands and number/speed of Ethernet ports.
- Performance: Great mesh equals set-and-forget networking that keeps pace with downloads and uploads, browsing, streaming as well as video and voice calls.
- Ease-of-use: Speedy and intuitive setup should be available alongside straightforward app-based monitoring and tinkering.
- Versatility: Easy mesh expansion is a plus, alongside user-friendly features like automated band steering and practical Quality of Service.
Every home needs some kind of modem to get online. For most, that’ll be an NBN connection box, which then connects to a router or mesh WiFi system. Those in Fibre to the Node (FTTN) and Fibre to the Building (FTTB) homes need a modem-router to get online. You can still use a mesh WiFi system in an FTTN or FTTB home, but you need to first set your modem-router to ‘bridge mode’ so it’s only operating as a modem. The mesh WiFi system takes care of the ‘router’ part for sharing the internet around your home.
What to look for in a mesh WiFi Router
Here’s what you should consider when buying a mesh WiFi system:
- Price: Keep costs under $1,000 for a good mix of value and features.
- Units: Most homes will benefit from at least a two-unit mesh WiFi configuration, but three provides extra wireless coverage.
- Expansion: Check mesh compatibility with what you want to buy. If you’re already on eero, for instance, you can expand with newer eero products.
- Hardware: Everything from size and look through to all-important WiFi version (7 is the latest) and number of Ethernet ports, plus speed.
- Handholding: Mesh is built to be user-friendly, so you want something that’s easy to set up, expand and tweak via companion app.
- Ecosystem: If you’re expanding a smart home, ensure your mesh is compatible with what you’re currently using.
Mesh WiFi Router FAQs
How much does a mesh WiFi router cost?
Mesh WiFi routers range in price from $110 for a cheap single unit or up to $4,000+ for a three-pack premium alternative. The more expensive the mesh WiFi system, generally, the faster the speeds, the more units it includes, and the more futureproofed features it has.
Do I need WiFi 7?
No, you don’t need WiFi 7 unless you’re willing to invest a lot in futureproofing the devices in your home. WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E mesh units are plenty for current (and future) internet needs. Save money by holding off on WiFi 7 until the mesh WiFi systems are cheaper.
Do mesh WiFi routers work with the NBN?
Yes, mesh WiFi routers work with the NBN, albeit most readily with technologies that use an NBN connection box/modem: Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC), Fibre to the Curb (FTTC), Fixed Wireless and Sky Muster satellite. FTTB and FTTN homes can use mesh WiFi routers but they need to first connect to a modem router set to ‘bridge mode’.
How many mesh WiFi router units do I need?
Most homes will benefit from at least two mesh WiFi router units. One is possible for smaller homes, but two or three should effectively eliminate wireless dead spots if placed correctly. Buy more than three if you want to expand even more.
What does a WiFi mesh do?
WiFi mesh is designed as a straightforward way to expand wireless coverage, replacing the old approach of a router plus a WiFi extender.
Is mesh WiFi better than a router?
The foundation of mesh WiFi is the same as a router, albeit with more straightforward expansion. If your home has wireless dead spots, multiple compatible mesh WiFi units will be better than a single router.
What are the disadvantages of mesh WiFi?
Mesh WiFi is typically more expensive than a standalone router, and it’ll likely use more power for every extra mesh unit added to your home network.
Which is better: a WiFi extender or mesh?
Mesh is better than a WiFi extender nowadays because it’s easier to expand your network and should keep everything under a single wireless address.
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