5 Best Mesh WiFi for Gaming in 2023 [No Lags / Frame Drops]

Are you a gamer seeking low-latency gaming at every corner of your large house? Are powerline and MOCA not an option for you? Ethernet is also not viable as you can’t afford to dig a hole through the walls, or wires might fall short. The best solution, in this case, is getting a mesh WiFi for gaming. But which one?

After 170 hours of research and testing 13 devices, I qualified the 5 best WiFi systems for gaming. But it came with a different challenge altogether. With many options from reputed brands, it was tough for me to qualify them. I considered several aspects, including QoS, MU-MIMO, Wi-Fi 6, etc., that help provide the best gaming experience.

Here are my recommendations for 2023:

• Best Overall: TP-Link Deco X90
• Best Runner Up: Amazon Eero Pro 6
• Best for Streaming: Netgear Orbi RBK752
• Best Value for Money: Asus ZenWiFi XD6
• Best Budget Option: Tenda Nova MW12

5 Best Mesh WiFi Systems for Gaming in 2023

Like you, I was in a similar situation when I shifted to a new apartment. It was pretty big (5,000 Sq Ft, to be precise), and 4-5 roommates were into gaming. The router in the living room produced WiFi dead zones, and ethernet wasn’t an option because the wires needed to go down the stairs.

So, even I struggled to achieve low-latency gaming in a large house. But to ensure you don’t go through the same, here’s my list of the best mesh routers for gaming. It comprises various options catering to different types of users and budgets. Rest assured, at least one option will meet your expectations! 🙂

Note: It’s not just the routing setup that matters for gaming. You must have a gaming-friendly modem for a better experience.

1. Best Overall: TP-Link Deco X90

If you’re a professional gamer searching for the best mesh WiFi for gaming that eliminates poor signals and network dead zones, TP-Link AX6600 is for you. Wi-Fi 6 support means you’ll experience minimal or no lag and low latency in your online games. Plus, it is a massive upgrade to its predecessor, Deco X60, in terms of coverage, speed, chipset, and more.

Why is it suited for Gaming?

Essentially, a good internet speed for gaming comes down to the kind of games you’re playing. I played high-end online games like Valorant, Fortnite, Minecraft, and more without lag or latency, irrespective of the band I’m connected to.

When I tested the Deco X90 with my gaming consoles (both Xbox and PlayStation), it delivered speeds of 70 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. While the speeds were 800 Mbps and 200 Mbps for 5GHz bands, respectively.

Now, support for technology like MU-MIMO and OFDMA allows it to operate faster, and connected devices won’t have to wait long to receive data from it. In other words, both technologies enhance the efficiency and capacity of a device, and therefore you can have a much better and lag-free gaming experience.

Coverage & Connectivity

TP-Link Deco X-90’s six (4 High-Gain, 2 Smart) internal antennas boost signals in all directions of a big house extending up to 6,600 Sq Ft. These types of routers are especially used in major Esports events where several gamers compete against each other for prize money.

The antennas also come with beamforming which concentrates wireless signal strength to deliver a much faster connection than any traditional antennas. The extra 5GHz band works exclusively for a strong backhaul, strengthening the WiFi coverage.

There are two Ethernet ports (1× 2.5 Gbps and 1× Gigabit) to which you can connect your devices directly. This might not sound many, but its 2.5 Gbps port supports intermediate speeds, so your gaming consoles or laptops run at their designated speed without slowing down. Also, it’s compatible with traditional Cat6 and Cat5E cables, so you don’t need to purchase the latest cables.

App Support

You can control all features of this router using a Deco app, which is extremely user-friendly, and basic technical knowledge is enough for you to operate it. The app shows all devices connected to the router and the speeds at which they are running.

Security Features

The device comes with a trusted HomeShield Pro security suite that uses an enterprise-grade firewall to detect any infected and potentially dangerous websites and blocks it. Threats can come from anywhere, let alone from gaming. So, with this security feature, you can have a seamless internet experience without fear of compromising your privacy or sensitive data.

Besides, its parental controls let you block certain websites that might contain explicit content unsuitable for your children. You can monitor the kids’ activities and ensure they are not spending most of their time gaming.

Conclusion

With TP-Link Deco X90, you get a reliable gaming mesh router that delivers greater signal coverage and faster connectivity. So, whether you are a professional or casual mobile gamer, you can have a lag-free gaming experience with this device. The reliability of a brand and its features make it better than other options on the list.

For more specific information, you may read my detailed TP-Link X90 review.

2. Best Runner Up: Amazon Eero Pro 6

If connecting to multiple devices simultaneously congests your network and makes the game pause or lag, consider purchasing Amazon Eero pro 6. With faster speeds and an extra 5GHz band, it shines over its predecessor, making it a suitable mesh WiFi for gamers and streamers.

Why is it suited for Gaming?

Amazon Eero Pro 6 is a tri-band mesh router. An additional 5GHz band allows the nodes to send and receive signals without interfering with your device traffic. This way, there’s no network congestion, and you can run network-heavy games without lag or slowing down.

I put the mesh router to a standard network test to determine its real-time speeds while playing games like Fortnite, Valorant, etc., and streaming 4K videos simultaneously. At 2.4GHz and 5GHz (hi) bands, the speeds were 700 Mbps and 260 Mbps, respectively, while the speed was 550 Mbps for the additional 5GHz band.

On the other hand, moving to the second floor, the speeds were cut to half, but enough to deliver a lag-free gaming experience.

Coverage & Connectivity

On paper, the WiFi coverage of this device is 3,500 Sq Ft, which is greater than most WiFi mesh systems good for gaming. The coverage, however, depends on how strategically you position its satellite. I kept the satellite halfway between two floors to get faster speeds on both.

The Amazon Eero 6 Pro has two Gigabit Ethernet ports on its rear. One is used to connect with a modem, while the other can connect directly with the device to obtain faster speeds. Also, the router has a USB-C port, but you can’t connect any separate storage device as it’s used for the power adapter.

App Support

Handling the device is made much easier with an Eero app. You can log in with your Amazon account and tie up your mesh with Alexa. Now, you can make voice commands like “power up the satellite,” “connect with my Xbox,” and many others to control the mesh rather than scrolling through the app. Smart, isn’t it?

Security Features

This mesh has advanced network security features, like WPA3 encryption, Eero secure subscription, and a Secure Plus package. Although the features are subscription-based, you get an advanced level of security from malware, viruses, and other ransomware.

Conclusion

With efficient performance and satisfying test results, I feel Eero Pro 6 is a viable companion for all your network-intensive activities, especially gaming. Now you don’t have to suffer in your competitive match because of a slow internet connection. A total of six antennas and free security features make TP-Link AX6600 a better option than other choices on this list.

3. Best for Streaming: Netgear Orbi RBK752

Netgear Orbi RBK752 is one of the more affordable options to get Wi-Fi 6 and establish the best mesh network for gaming. It delivers a stable connection and doesn’t drop its speed even with several devices connected simultaneously. This version is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, Orbi RBS750, which comes with dual bands and lesser coverage.

Why is it suited for Gaming?

With traditional 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands and an additional 5GHz backhaul band, Orbi can stream any high-end games without lag or latency. When I tested the mesh router for gaming with my Playstation, the speeds for the three bands were 250 Mbps, 400 Mbps, and 700 Mbps, respectively. So, I could stream my games on Twitch and Facebook without lags.

Although the speeds dropped by almost 50 Mbps for each band when gaming on the first floor, it still delivers a seamless gaming experience. Additionally, integrated with MU-MIMO, the mesh can deliver data on simultaneous devices at similar rates.

Coverage & Connectivity

Netgear Orbi RBK752 contains six antennas inside that can cover a space of up to 3750 sq. ft. These antennas can beamform and focuses the wireless signal on a single receiving device rather than spreading it in all directions. In simpler words, the WiFi signals are focused on a single device, resulting in a faster connection than traditional antennas.

The mesh has three Gigabit Ethernet ports and one gigabit WAN port, where one is used to connect with the modem, while you can connect the other two directly to your gaming console. This way, the internet speeds can double as the signal is sent and received directly through a mesh system rather than a satellite. So, you can stream your games even at 120 FPS.

App Support

This device is easily controllable using the Orbi app. Sign in on your Gmail account and scan the QR code of the mesh to get started. You can use it to add any device, or network, change the settings, and much more.

Security Features

You can also use the app to switch on the security features like Netgear Armor and smart parental controls. Armor keeps your network safe from unauthorized access and restricts some potentially malicious websites. Similarly, using parental controls, you can regulate the network usage time of your kids and ensure that they aren’t devoting most of their time to gaming.

Conclusion

Netgear WiFi mesh router seems suitable for those who need an affordable solution to network drops and establish a gigabit mesh network. Although its speeds are lesser than our predecessor, it’s still a viable choice for professional gamers. And it’s the amazing speed and consistency that makes it stand out from the rest.

If you want to know more about this system, check out my RBK752 review here.

4. Best Value for Money: Asus ZenWiFi XD6

If you are looking for an affordable yet fastest WiFi for gaming to avoid lags and network drops, ASUS ZenWiFi XD6 is a great choice. Its vast coverage and fast speed make it a quality gaming router. And the device is a better upgrade than its predecessor, ZenWifi XD4, for speed, coverage, and transmission power.

Why is it suited for Gaming?

Asus ZenWifi XD6, with its 802.11k/v roaming assistance, allows you to enjoy games on consoles in different parts of your house without slowing down. I can switch from one device to another faster than any other mesh system suitable for gaming.

So when I connected my PlayStation, I nearly received 600 Mbps on the 5GHz band while 100 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. The speeds, however, reduced to 300 Mbps and 40 Mbps when connected to my Xbox 360 on the first floor. An adaptive QoS allows you to select from multiple profiles to get the fastest speeds.

Coverage & Connectivity

According to the manufacturer, XD6 provides coverage of up to 5000 Sq. ft. It lived up to the mark. Despite being a dual-band system, it delivers a fast and reliable performance throughout the space. Also, XD6 is known to pass signals through thick walls and each of the six antennas is connected to a single stream. So, the signal quality is excellent throughout the house.

I was playing network-intensive games on my PlayStation or Xbox 360, there was no visible lags or latencies.

App Support & Security Features

Asus router mobile app has a user-friendly interface, so even my “not so technically-savvy” father could use it to control the network. Besides, its AirProtection Pro Antivirus manually scans a website and blocks it if it finds anything suspicious. There’s also a parental control feature, which you can use to restrict the browsing hours of your child and block certain websites.

Conclusion

With tons of features and customizations, this low-latency mesh router stands out against most WiFi systems on the list. It comes with a dual-band compared to other tri-band routers on my list, so you might experience latency occasionally, but not so much as to disrupt your gaming experience.

To learn more, you may read my detailed ASUS ZenWiFi XD6 review.

5. Best Budget Option: Tenda Nova MW12

Tenda Nova is one of the most affordable mesh WiFi options available on the market that offers serviceable speeds and greater coverage. This sleek-looking device is simple to set up, making it easier for people unfamiliar with mesh routers to install and play high-end games.

Compared to its predecessor, Tenda Nova MW6, it offers greater speeds and coverage, thanks to an extra 5GHz band.

Why is it suited for Gaming?

The real-time speed I received on my gaming console for the respective 2.4GHz, 5GHz-1, and 5GHz-2 bands were 150 Mbps, 450 Mbps, and 450 Mbps. When I moved to the first floor, the speeds were cut down by almost 60-70 Mbps for each band but were fast enough to run those high-end games.

Besides, integrated features like band steering, MU-MIMO, and AP steering further boost the performance of the mesh system. Band steering doesn’t require you to switch between different bands to get the best speeds rather, it scrutinizes the efficiency of each band and selects one to deliver the best experience. Whereas MU-MIMO helps reduce network congestion and increase data speeds.

In turn, you can have the best possible gaming experience.

Coverage & Connectivity

Tenda Nova MW12 has four internal antennas that work in unison to cover an area of up to 6000 sq. ft, which is better than many mesh options. These antennas use beamforming technology, potentially enhancing the overall router performance with lower latency, higher throughput, and minimal network disruption. All of it leads to a better gaming experience.

Furthermore, there are three Ethernet ports, so if you can link your console directly to the system, it will be far superior to connecting wirelessly. This way, you will receive much faster internet, reducing lag and smoother gameplay.

Management & Control

This secure mesh WiFi network includes WPA2-PSK encryption, which protects your passwords and network from outside threats such as hackers and cybercriminals. You and your friends can now browse the internet in a secure network zone without fear of jeopardizing your privacy.

It also comes with a Parental control feature which allows you to monitor how many hours they have been active on the internet and restrict your kids’ internet usage.

Conclusion

So overall, you’ve got an affordable and feature-packed mesh router with Tenda Nova MW12. If you are into light gaming and looking to upgrade your traditional dual-band router, then this is a viable option. But, if you are a professional gamer and need the fastest internet for your competitive gaming, choose from the abovementioned ones.

Still have some doubts? Read my dedicated Tenda Nova MW12 review.

Things To Consider When Choosing Gaming Mesh Router

• The overall price of a mesh WiFi system depends primarily on its technology and the area it covers. So, consider the size of your residence/office when looking for the best mesh WiFi routers.
• It is viable to opt only for a high-speed networking system since the sole purpose of your mesh router is gaming. In layman’s terms, check for the highest speeds offered by your mesh system and choose accordingly.
• Next, check for the number of ports in your WiFi system. Unlike me, if you have an option for wired connectivity, look for a mesh WiFi with 3 LAN ports. You will achieve faster pings if the router is connected directly to your gaming console.
• Also, check for the security features like WPA3, anti-ransomware, anti-malware, and others to keep your system safe from unwanted third-party attacks.
• Lastly, don’t forget to look for the hardware and tech it integrates. Many mesh routers come with technologies like MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and QoS that strengthen the network and ensure faster connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

I have enlisted some of the best WiFi setups for gaming in this review-based guide. Now, it’s up to you to get your shopping glasses on and get one according to your needs. But, if you’re still unsure, let me tell you some of my favorites:

• If you’re looking for a future-proof gaming-friendly mesh router with high-end features, TP-Link AX6600 (2-Pack) should be your ideal choice. It has everything you need to boost your gaming experience.
• Now, if you have a restricted budget but are looking for a mesh solution, I’d recommend going for Netgear Orbi RBK752. Although it’s not a cheaper mesh WiFi for gaming, you surely will save a few bucks on the top model.
• And, if you’re new to the mesh networks and looking for an entry-level option for casual gaming, go for Tenda Nova MW12.

Now, if you are a professional who participates or looking to participate in major competitions, I’d recommend investing in the best gaming mesh router by spending a few extra bucks.