5 Best Mesh WiFi 6 for Gaming in 2021 (Reviews and Guide)
Here is your inside scoop for the best WiFi 6 mesh wireless systems for gamers.
If you ever wondered what the future of wireless networks would look like, you are in the right place. In this review, we’ll tickle every gamer’s fancy by breaking down the features and functions of the best WiFi 6 mesh systems designed for gaming.
WiFi 6 is the latest most robust, reliable, large capacity wireless system that offers blazing speeds and the most advanced technological features for the best gaming performance. For the longest time, the “ac/ 802.11ac” protocol was the WiFi standard, and there are numerous routers and mesh systems using this protocol.
But if you need more power, you might want to upgrade to WiFi 6. By incorporating this robust WiFi standard into mesh systems, serious gamers all around the world get to enjoy the best gaming experiences throughout your home.
So, if you find your existing, traditional-style router spotty or if there are dead zones limiting your gaming areas, an upgrade to the best mesh WiFi 6 system might be the best option for you.
Below, we review some of the best mesh WiFi 6 systems for gaming.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table for the Best Mesh WiFi 6 for Gaming
Best Mesh WiFi 6 for Gaming |
Best For |
Speed/ Features |
Price |
Netgear Orbi RBK852 WiFi 6 AX6000 |
Best Mesh WiFi 6 System |
6Gbps
Tri-band with dedicated backhaul 4 Ethernet ports |
|
Asus ZenWiFi XT8 |
Best Wireless Speeds |
6,6Gbps
No backhaul 3 Ethernet ports |
|
Linksys Velop MX10 WiFi 6 Mesh Router |
Most Extensive Coverage |
5.3Gbps
4 Ethernet ports Tri-band, no backhaul 12-Stream |
|
Asus RT-AX92U |
Ultimate Gaming Mesh WiFi 6 System |
4.8Gbps
4 Ethernet ports Tri-band |
|
Netgear Nighthawk MK62 |
Affordable Mesh System |
1.8Gbps
2 Ethernet ports Dual-band |
5 Best Mesh WiFi 6 for Gaming: Reviews
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Netgear Orbi RBK852 WiFi 6 AX6000 – Best Mesh WiFi 6 System
- Coverage up to 5,000 sq. ft. and for up to 100 devices. Extend coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft. with each...
- Ultrafast AX6000 gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and...
If you don’t mind splurging on one of the best mesh wireless systems for the love of the game, then this Netgear Orbi RBK852 might be the best WiFi 6 mesh system for you.
This two-pack mesh system is not the cheapest system you will find on the market, but you will be happy to know that its hardware (and some of the firmware) is future-proof. It boasts an elegant curvy design. And though it is fairly larger than other mesh systems, its design will fit in with your home’s modern design quite easily.
Beyond the looks, this mesh system based on WiFi 6 protocol boasts all the functional features you badly need. Obviously, there is the beaming WiFi 6 system that’s backward compatible with older WiFi standards. The blazing speeds make this a winner, but your smile will broaden when you see the other features.
The dedicated backhaul gives you a dedicated connection between the satellite nodes and the router, which means that you have a 5GHz band dedicated to run at 1.7Gbps, hence the smoothest gaming experience. This dedicated band not only increases speed, but it also promises stable connections between units, hence a more extensive/ faster coverage throughout your home.
And that is not all you get – this mesh system is powered by a powerful 2.2GHz quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, and 512MB NAND. These features show that this wireless system is a beast that will not let you down. Then you have the four Gigabit Ethernet ports for reliable wired connections.
These ports also support port aggregation up to 2.5Gbps, thanks to the future-proof 2.5 gigabit WAN port. Note that the port aggregation and the high gigabit-speed support mean that this WiFi system will work beautifully on the 5G network.
It boasts the easiest setups on the market, and the Orbi app makes it easy for you to manage the network, add devices, position nodes, select channels, etc.
Pros
- High speed at 6Gbps
- Dedicated backhaul
- Simple setup and network management
- Easy setup
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Port aggregation
- MU-MIMO and Beamforming technologies for enhanced performance
- Excellent coverage
- Advanced security systems
Cons
- Expensive
- The software is imperfect
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Asus ZenWiFi XT8 – Best Wireless Speeds
- Maximum Range : 5500 Sq Ft
- Banish WiFi Dead Zone—Tri-band mesh WiFi system with unique antenna placement delivers strong WiFi to...
Asus is a leading company in the world of wireless networking systems, and it is behind major high-performance routers on the market today. Asus is also one of the pioneers in mesh networking, and it boasts a robust mesh networking technology called AiMesh.
AiMesh is one of the features that make this mesh WiFi 6 systems a great option for gamers as it allows for use with other Asus routers seamlessly. It’s capable of high-speed wireless connections up to 6.6Gbps/ 6600Mbps.
To ensure that best gaming performance and to avoid hogging, this mesh system has a tri-band system – 2.4GHz band offers speeds of 574Mbps, while the two 5GHz bands offer speeds of 1201Mbps and 4804Mbps, respectively.
The other technologies that enhance the performance of this WiFi system include OFDMA and MU-MIMO that allow for multi-device usage optimally and simultaneously. These technologies also enhance the stability and the speed of the wireless transmissions.
The most impressive feature of this mesh system, however, has to be the max speed setup – its speeds max out at 1Gbps, and the ZenWiFi system maxes out at a speed of 2.5Gbps. These speeds mean the best gaming experience and good coverage throughout your home. It has a coverage of 5500 square feet.
Pros
- Reliable AX6600 system
- High-performance tri-band system
- AiMesh-supported
- Advanced technologies
- Robust security features
- 3 LAN Ethernet ports for use
- Unlimited expansion options
- Fast setup and management
Cons
- Issues around device switching
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Linksys Velop MX10 WiFi 6 Mesh Router – Most Extensive Coverage
- Mesh Wi-Fi router provides next-gen Wi-Fi 6 speeds and whole-home mesh coverage
- Bandwidth for 50plus wireless devices and coverage for homes up to 6000 square feet
This 2-pack WiFi 6 mesh system is the other top-rated mesh system that works great for gamers, as well as heavy streamers. It’s capable of delivering high speeds up to 5300Mbps across its tri-band network, allowing for the best gaming performance while preventing network congestion.
The only catch is that it only works with modems delivering the internet at a maximum speed of 1Gbsp. So, if you need more power and higher speeds, you might want to make use of the gigabit Ethernet ports.
These ports allow connection to your PC or gaming console and ensure the best performance overall. It features 4 of these Ethernet ports, as well as one USB 3.0 port on each unit.
Its performance is enhanced by OFDMA, which gives it a 12-stream capability while increasing the system’s efficiency in high-density networks. MU-MIMO allows for connection of a maximum of 100 devices, as well as downloads and uploads running simultaneously on eight devices
While this system looks a little bulky, the absence of external antennas allows them to maintain their nice appearance. And like other mesh systems, this system is expandable easily.
Pros
- Tri-band system
- 4 Ethernet ports for wired connections
- Max speed of 5.3Gbps
- 6,000sq/ft. coverage
- No hoarding
- Parental controls and guest access
- USB 3.0 port for faster connections
- Device prioritization
- 12-stream connectivity
- Future-proof design
Cons
- Expensive
- Lacks a multi-gig Ethernet port
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Asus RT-AX92U – Ultimate Gaming Mesh WiFi 6 System
- Connector Type : USB
- The most powerful mesh system: AiMesh technology allows you to establish an even stronger Wi-Fi system...
As one of the best and the most flexible WiFi 6 mesh systems with a tri-band setup, this Asus system is ideal for gaming, and it has excellent features to make all that possible.
For starters, its backhaul system is one of the fastest dedicated backhaul bands, boasting top-performance and high speeds of up to 4.8Gbps. And since each of these units features four gigabit Ethernet ports, you get to enjoy excellent gaming speeds from this mesh router for gaming – you can connect the gaming console, PC, TV, etc. to the ports.
While it doesn’t have a multi-gig Ethernet port, it boasts link aggregation, a feature that allows for the combination of two-gigabit ports into one, hence the delivery of 2Gbps speeds via one Ethernet cable.
AiMesh software is the other feature of this mesh WiFi 6 system. It allows for better network management, including the addition of more mesh units. Quality of Service (QoS) is the other feature in this mesh router, and it allows for the best device prioritization functions.
AX technologies incorporated into this mesh router include OFDMA for multi-stream setup and capabilities and MU-MIMO for simultaneous multi-device connectivity. Note that the WiFi systems have a larger device capacity than previous versions.
On top of all these features, you might like this mesh system a lot more because of its gaming aesthetic. It boasts excellent gaming systems too. So, in as much as mesh systems and gaming don’t always work too well, this system offers everything you need for the best performance.
Pros
- Ideal mesh system for gaming
- Tri-band system; no hogging
- 4 gigabit Ethernet ports
- Link aggregation for 2Gbps speeds
- Large coverage
- AiMesh system
Cons
- No multi-gig Ethernet port
- Expensive
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Netgear Nighthawk MK62 – Affordable Mesh System
- Coverage up to 3,000 sq. ft. and 25+ devices
- Fast AX1800 Gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web...
If the internet from your ISP peaks at 1Gbps, you know that it isn’t much you can do to boost WiFi speeds, which means that investing in this WiFi 6 mesh system with maximum speed of 1800Mbps wouldn’t be such a bad idea.
At these speeds, you still get to enjoy great gaming performance with no dead zones or inconsistencies in the internet connection. It has a coverage of 3000sq/ft., which should be enough for medium-sized homes.
It comes with one Gigabit Ethernet port on each mesh, allowing you to plug in your computer and/ or gaming console for the best multi-player streaming experiences. It also features advanced MU-MIMO and Beamforming technologies which ensure simultaneous multi-device connection rather than sequential connectivity, and targeted signals to data-hungry devices.
It boasts seamless roaming via a single SSID and password, and you also get to set up a guest WiFi network.
Pros
- WPA3 Security
- Seamless roaming
- Easy setup
- Beamforming and MU-MIMO
- 2 Ethernet ports
- 8Gbps WiFi speeds
- Larger device capacity
Cons
- Dual-band
- No backhaul
- Could use more Ethernet ports
Ultimate Guide for the Best WiFi 6 Systems for Gaming
According to a publication by Forbes, Pro video gamers for Fortnite, Minecraft, etc. pocketed at least $120 million in 2019 alone, with the highest-paid gamer earning $17million along with brand sponsorships.
The other pro gamers on the top-10 list also earned a significant amount, which only goes to show you just how lucrative online gaming can be. It is a versatile niche, with gamers now diversifying their interests into Twitch, among other platforms.
Now, if there is one thing that is common with these pro-gamer, besides the millions in their bank accounts, it’s got to be the value of the investments they’ve made. Like it or not, getting to the top for these gamers has everything to do with skill and hard work, and everything to do with investing in the best systems.
Besides using some of the most powerful computers and the best gaming consoles, all these gamers make use of the best WiFi systems. If you are a pro gamer, this is the most important considerations for you to keep in mind, which means that you need to know more about the options on the market and which systems would work best for you.
In this section, we’ll look at Mesh WiFi systems using the WiFi 6 protocol in-depth to help you make the smart choice. These are the most powerful wireless systems, which means that they cost significantly more than the traditional routers, and you don’t want to waste money on a system that will not offer the level of performance you seek.
The speed, bandwidth, controls, gaming technologies, band system, and the number of Ethernet ports present in the system are some of the primary features for you to consider.
What is a Mesh Wireless System?
The wireless mesh system refers to a wireless internet system designed to blanket every corner of your home with stable, high-speed wireless coverage. These systems work as hybrid systems, and they feature a number of reliable networking components made of the main router connecting to your modem directly and a series of nodes or satellite modules.
The nodes can be placed anywhere in your home, and they are spread out to ensure optimal connectivity.
To ensure seamless connectivity and coverage throughout your home, the nodes each serve as hop-points for the other nodes, a system that ensures that the node placed farthest from the router delivers signals as strong as what you get from the other nodes. The nodes are in constant communication with each other, and they do not rely on one-on-one communications with the router.
Unlike traditional routers, mesh systems rely on app management. With the app, you get to add nodes, change the system settings, and some of these apps will guide you on the positioning of the nodes and the main router. Thanks to the apps, the setup of mesh systems is easy, time-saving, and you don’t have to be tech-savvy.
What is WiFi 6?
WiFi 6 represents the latest wireless protocol. It’s also called 802.11ax, an evolution of the 802.11ac system.
WiFi 6 offers increases throughput speeds up to 9.6Gbps or higher, larger client capacity, reduced network congestion, and an overall improvement in your system’s performance range. It is backward compatible with previous WiFi standards, and it features advanced wireless technologies.
Features to look out for
Now that we have an idea of the mesh systems and the WiFi 6 protocol, let’s look at the features, you need to look out for when looking for a mesh WiFi 6 system for gaming.
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WiFi 6 Technologies
OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access) – this function improves the WiFi system’s overall throughput by breaking the WiFi channels for your network into sub-channels. What this means is 30 devices could use that one channel, comfortably.
Target Wake Time (TWT) – TWT reduces power consumption for your devices by setting up a system in which devices automatically their wake and sleep times. TWT boosts the battery life of mobile devices significantly.
MU–MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output) Technology – this is an intuitive function that streams data directly to multiple wireless devices/ clients simultaneously.
BandSteering – this will automatically select the least-crowded band for an excellent performance.
Beamforming – for improved bandwidth, beamforming focuses signals on specific devices/ clients for more clients to access the best speeds and performance.
Backhaul –most tri-band mesh wireless systems have a backhaul function. This is the side of the mesh network carrying data packets back to the router to the internet. This dedicated network is ideal for gamers because it gives you best-level access for the fastest internet access.
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Ports
Gaming mesh systems like the traditional routers work best when wired. So, in as much as your mesh system promises super-fast speeds, you need to look out for gigabit LAN/ Ethernet ports.
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Security features
Parental controls, guest WiFi access, malware protection, and advanced cyber threat protection are some of the security features that you need to take into consideration when looking for the best mesh system.
FAQs
Do you need accessories to work with your mesh system?
Well, for the most part, the mesh system will be good on its own, but if you prefer a wired connection for your gaming console, you will need the best Ethernet cables.
What is the difference between WiFi 6 and other WiFi standards?
WiFi 6 is the most advanced system on the market, and it runs on 1024-QAM. WiFi 5 is based on the 256-QAM. With these differences, WiFi 6 offers a larger throughput for the data-hungry clients/ device; and this performance is enhanced by the 160MHz channel, as well as technologies like OFDMA. To tell if you are using WiFi 6 or 5, check the number designated to the wireless /WiFi icon.
WiFi 6 and Wireless 5G: Are they similar?
No, these aren’t similar technologies. The wireless 5G network is the newest cellular technology for always-connected laptops and mobile devices. WiFi 6, on the other hand, refers to a wireless LAN/ WLAN technology, which is an expansion of the older WiFi standards.
Conclusion
The best of these Mesh WiFi 6 systems for gaming are not only fast with a good range coverage, but also boast advanced technological features like MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and Beamforming for increased maximum throughput. They also feature Ethernet ports for wired connections.
From the reviews above, there is a mesh WiFi 6 system for everyone on the market today. Just consider your gaming needs then pick the mesh system that works well for you.