Best Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router for Thick Walls in 2023

In today’s connected world, a strong and reliable internet connection is more important than ever. Whether you live in a large home or an old apartment building with thick walls, you need a router that can provide reliable coverage without any dead zones. With the advent of Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, the latest wireless protocols, it’s essential to have a mesh Wi-Fi router that can handle multiple devices and high-bandwidth applications.

In this article, we’ll explore the best Wi-Fi 6 mesh routers available in 2023 for large homes or apartments with thick walls. We’ll cover the features, pros, and cons of each router to help you make an informed decision and get the best coverage and speed for your home network.

Wi-Fi or wireless internet is the most important thing in any home these days. Not only, our laptops and phones require an internet connection, but IoT, which keeps us safe and informed, also needs to be connected. According to the study, more than 66% of homes in North America own at least one smart home device. And on average, each household has ten devices that include smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The problem is, we’ve so many devices that a traditional router can’t handle the demands. That’s where a mesh-networking kit comes in. A mesh system includes a router or group of routers placed throughout your home that use the same SSID for a Wi-Fi connection.

As we already mentioned, 802.11ax and 802.11axe are going to be the standard protocols, so here you will only find the Wi-Fi 6 mesh router systems. If you are looking for an affordable network solution with mesh capability, check out our list of the standard Wi-Fi 6 routers for 2023.

What is a Mesh Wi-Fi System?

Also known as the Whole Home Wi-Fi system, it consists of a focal router that coordinates with the modem and all the connected devices. The mesh router works simultaneously with satellite nodes to give maximum Wi-Fi coverage and even get through thick walls.

The Wi-Fi 6 mesh routers comprise a single wireless network and share the same SSID & password.

Why not use a Wi-Fi Extender?

Range extenders do a great job by trying to fill out all the dead zones, but they only cover half the bandwidth of a mesh system would do. The WiFi 6 mesh router ensures that there will be full-speed and consistent network coverage even with thick walls. Whenever you move around the device, it will switch to the node with the strongest signal. The new AX Wi-Fi mesh systems would be ideal for bigger homes, especially those made of concrete and brick walls.

Best Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router Systems for Thick Walls & Larges Homes in 2023

Nighthawk Mesh WiFi 6 System (MK63)

Overall best Mesh WiFi with Ethernet Backhaul

Nighthawk MK63 Features

There isn’t a more exciting feature about a router than high speed. Nighthawk comes with the latest 802.11ax wireless standard, which delivers the fastest speed to all your connected devices. You can be sure that the speed, 4x the normal, will make your browsing reliable and smooth.

One of the main problems of the traditional routers is the dead zones in your home. You have a router, but you can’t still access the internet from some parts of your home. With the Nighthawk MK63 AX Mesh Wi-Fi System, the dead zones should be a thing of the past. Place the satellites throughout your home, and receive the most reliable network coverage to every room of your home.

You don’t need a mesh Wi-Fi system that eliminates the buffer zones in your home. Instead, you should have a system that is reliably fast and stable. With Nighthawk MK63, your streaming and gaming worries should be solved. A combined speed of 1.8Gbps is enough for your home internet consumption.

Netgear Orbi WiFi 6 System AX6000 (RBK852)

Overall best WiFi 6 Mesh Router for Large Homes

So even with more than 90 connected devices in your home, Orbi AX6000 mesh router will still guarantee you a smooth and stable WiFi experience even with thick walls.

Netgear Orbi Features

The mesh system guarantees the ultimate WiFi performance for thick walls. Unlike the other routers limited to a certain house area, Orbi goes beyond the buffer zones to bring you an unmatched Wi-Fi experience. The package includes a Wi-Fi 6 router and a satellite which should be enough for a large home with thick concrete walls.

Further, the newest Wi-Fi standard (802.11ax) ensures that every connection in your room is as strong as the source of the link. You can immerse yourself in online gaming with multiple screens concurrently without any disruption.

Wi-Fi routers are all about speed. If they can’t keep up with the speed you need in your home, then you better stay without any. With the capability of supporting up to 100 devices, Orbi brings the 4x capacity feature to give you a wholesome Wi-Fi experience for your home.

TP-Link Deco X60

Best Wi-Fi 6 Mesh System for Existing Router

Don’t worry about the bandwidth for your connected devices. TP-Link comes with six data streams that run concurrently. It means that you can enjoy stable gaming or uninterrupted online streaming even when many devices are connected simultaneously.

Deco X60 Features

You can be sure to experience high speed and comprehensive network coverage. This WiFi mesh works with any existing router with up to 300Mbps speed. And goes beyond the living room to all the other parts of the room, covering up to 5,800 sq. feet.

There aren’t more restrictions on the number of devices this Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System can connect to. With up to 150 devices, your TP-Link router can transmit data to all the connected devices without any hitch. With an increased unified coverage for your home, you also get experience with a more precise and more robust home Wi-Fi signal with more than seamless internet coverage.

One of the few universally enabled routers. This TP-Link mesh system can connect to any Wi-Fi compatible device and is compatible with all ISP’s including Verizon Fios, Xfinity, Spectrum, etc.

Linksys MX10 Velop

Best Mesh WiFi 6 for Thick Walls and Large Rooms

MX10 Velop Features

If you need a mesh system for wider coverage area, then the MX10 is ideally the best choice. In our test, the Linksys MX10 Velop stands out to be the best Mesh WiFi 6 router for thick walls. It can deliver incredibly fast Wi-Fi speeds to every corner of your house. Moreover, this mesh system comes with enough bandwidth for large homes. You can connect as many as 50 devices simultaneously and still do uploads and downloads without any interruption.

And then, we have the smart home support for Amazon Alexa devices. Do you ever feel the need to turn off one section of the Wi-Fi connection and remain with other meaningful connections like TVs? Well, you can now manage your kid’s gaming devices by turning off their Wi-Fi connection using Alexa. You can also use this feature to enable guest access when people come over to your house.

Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8)

Best Whole Home Wi-Fi 6 System for Brick Walls

ZenWiFi XT8 Features

The Asus XT8 has AiProtection for more advanced parental control features that you can freely access at any time. You can now control what goes on in your kids devices via the mobile app.

You haven’t had a system with an easier setup than this. There is no need for any special skills to configure ZenWiFi XT8. More importantly, it comes with advanced networking features for better security and coverage.

Compared to other products on the market, this one comes with a quad-core CPU. The processor of this WiFi mesh router is designed to provide you with full performance capability, and has a unique antenna to break through thick walls.

Asus RT-AX92U AX6100

Affordable Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router for two story house

Asus RT-AX92U Features

The Asus RT-AX92U comes with AiProtection, which guarantees protection against any form of attack. It blocks all common malware attacks and suspicious websites. With the help of Trend Micro’s database, it can identify and block any malicious sites which may infect your network and the connected devices. Moreover, if there is an already-infected device in the network, the AiProtection blocks it instantly and notifies the admin.

The need to keep your children safe from the internet can’t be emphasized as much. The Asus RT-AX92U has top-notch parental controls that integrate all the management features in one place. You can therefore customize the security settings for each member of the family from your phone.

Amazon eero Pro 6

The best Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router for Smart Homes

eero Pro 6 Features

Like many others on the list, you don’t need specialized knowledge to set up and configure eero Pro 6. Simply power up the router and connect it to the modem. Once done, download the eero app on your smartphone or tablet. After you install the app, use your Amazon account to login or create a new one. Afterwards, follow the guide on the screen to setup eero gateway. Once you’ve successfully configured the gateway, it’s time for you to configure the nodes. It will take some time depending on the number of nodes you have. Follow this official guide on how to setup an eero mesh system. The only draw back here is you can’t setup the eero Pro 6 via a web browser.

When it comes to security, you probably haven’t met a more encrypted router than the eero Pro. It comes with high-end encryption to protect your network from any malicious entry.

Asus ZenWiFi AX Mini (XD4)

The smallest Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router

ZenWiFi Mini XD4 Features

Like other Asus routers, the Mini XD4 comes with AiProtection feature and parental control. It allows you to control what your kids see on the internet and what to block. Moreover, you can also manage the internet usage time for each device. All this can be done via the app with a few taps.

In terms of performance, this one also uses the same quad-core CPU as the XT8. This allows you to get the full performance out of it. However, given the size and the small antennas of this WiFi mesh router doesn’t allow it to go through the thick walls.

AmpliFi Alien Router and MeshPoint

Best Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router for Gaming

Moreover, the signal indicator on the front demonstrates the quality of the link between the kit and the router. If you happen to change any settings, you will see the green light flashing at the bottom of the MeshPoint.

AmpliFi Mesh Kit Features

If you need  super fast wireless internet, the AmpliFi Mesh System is here to provide you with the same. The main router comes with four Gigabit Ethernet ports. However, the MeshPoint only includes one Gigabit LAN, which isn’t the best if you are looking to connect multiple wired devices like a gaming console and TV.

The touchscreen on the primary router makes it easy to enter commands and control the whole system. Furthermore, a signal indicator on MeshPoint shows the strength between the router and the node. These two hardware units are permanently synced by default. As soon as you turn on the Alien Mesh Kit, they are connected and ready. All you need to do is run a quick setup process via the Mobile App, and you are good to go.

ARRIS SURFboard mAX Pro Mesh AX11000

Best Wi-Fi 6 Mesh with Link Aggregation

SURFboard mAX Pro Features

The SURFboard mAX is the world’s first tri-band mesh WiFi 6 router that was designed for large homes with the capability of breaking through thick walls. It has dual WAN with link aggregation feature which allows you to connect two different ISPs and use them at once. Moreover, it can accommodate up to 200 devices at once.

The SURFboard Central app is available for a quick setup wizard and has many additional features. The app comes with full control of the device that makes it easy to customize security and manage your router remotely. You can also use the Alexa app or Amazon Echo to control the SURFboard mAX Pro. With the app in place, you can enable or disable parental control and guest access to the Wi-Fi network.

Buying Guide for Whole Home Mesh System

With multiple mesh systems on the market, it is difficult to pick the best one, especially for large houses. Here you’ll find specific details to pay attention to before purchasing a mesh WiFi router for the home with thick walls.

Things to look for in the best Wi-Fi Mesh Router

There are a lot of features that will turn your head off. However, not all of them will be suitable for your home Wi-Fi set-up. The Wi-Fi Mesh System is the latest entry into the best 802.11ax Router series. From insane speeds to sleek hardware designs, these WiFi routers offer a wide range of unique features including breaking through thick walls.

Make the most out of your Mesh Network System

Most of these AX mesh wireless routers are easy to install and manage. Maybe it is because of the much emphasis the manufacturers are putting on installation utilities. However, there is more to it than just a standard installation.

You may plug everything correctly, and the blinking lights turn green and think your Wi-Fi system will perform to the optimum. Well, if that is all you thought, you need to dig deeper. A perfect system installation doesn’t mean that your network performance and security setup are all in good shape.

In fact, you could end up having the worst network performance and a susceptible security even after a superb system installation. So, what do you need to do par from just ensuring a good setup?

Placement of the Router and Nodes

The placement of the mesh WiFi router is equally crucial, especially if there are thick walls in the room. Remember, you need to extend network coverage to every part of the house. Therefore, you need to identify a strategic place, say maybe an open location in the middle or the corner of each room.

The wireless mesh network impedes the buffer zones to get to the most unlikely places. However, thick concrete walls and floors will still hinder the signals, even if you use the mesh Wi-Fi 6 or 6E routers. So be sure to avoid any form of obstruction as possible.

Further, avoid close distance with metals, concrete objects, glass, or brick walls. If you bought the Wi-Fi 6 mesh router, make sure to place the nodes where the signals are weakest.

If you are using standard routers or wireless extenders, the problem might stay longer than anticipated. You might take so much time doing endless testing just to find out the exact location of the optimal placement areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

When you buy a Wi-Fi 6 mesh router system, you can never miss several questions you want to address. But even after getting it, you will still have questions regarding functionality and the installation. In this section will deal with some of the most asked questions and their answers. Starting with the most common questions:

Does Mesh WiFi go through walls?

Yes, if you live in a double-story house with a basement, the standard router and Wi-Fi range extender won’t work. Unless you want to deal with cable management. The tri-band Mesh WiFi system is ideal for such scenarios. It can easily go through thick concrete walls and gives you stable and uninterrupted internet speed.

Do Thick Walls affect WiFi?

Yes, walls made of brick, concrete, or stone can reduce Wi-Fi signals. However, the new WiFi 6 mesh router can easily penetrate thick walls and give you a 70% better connection than traditional routers.

Does Mesh WiFi penetrate through walls?

Yes, it does. However, it depends on how thick the wall is and what type of material is used to build it. If you are using a traditional wireless router, you probably know that it is hard to get full signals through thick concrete walls. The further you are away from your access point, the weaker your connection will be. However, the mesh WiFi 6 system can eliminate weak signals and enhance wireless coverage through thick walls.

Will a Mesh Network improve Wi-Fi speed?

Yes, Mesh WiFi uses nodes or satellites to spread wireless signals throughout your home or office. You will get stable internet speed anywhere within or around the premises.

Can I use Mesh WiFi 6 with an existing router?

Yes, you can use the Mesh system with your old routers. However, it is a complete package that replaces your existing router and communicates directly with your modem. So you are not going to need your old router, but if you want to use it, then sure, you can use it without any issue.

What are the disadvantages of a Mesh Router?

The only disadvantage of a mesh WiFi router is its price. It is super expensive compared to standard Wi-Fi 6 routers. Moreover, setting up a mesh system is quite frustrating too. You may face sync issues when connecting to the nodes.

Can I use two different Mesh Router brands together?

No, you can’t use two different mesh systems together. However, you can use different routers and nodes from the same brand to work as a mesh system.

What blocks WiFi signals?

Metal blocks out Wi-Fi signals completely. However, it’s not the only disruptor; thick walls of concrete, brick, and stones can also block out WiFi signals, even if you use Mesh router. If you are facing weak signals, try to switch between the 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands. If it doesn’t help, try to place nodes a little closer to eliminate dead spots.

How many Mesh Nodes I can install?

Most of the Mesh Wi-Fi supports an unlimited number of nodes. However, there are few brands with a maximum support of 5 nodes. Make sure to check the product specification page before you purchase a router.

Does 5GHz WiFi go through walls?

Yes, the router with 5GHz band can go through walls, even if it is a thick concrete wall. However, the range of the 5GHz band is shorter than 2.4GHz. If you have many 5G devices in your house, you need to double up your mesh nodes to utilize uninterrupted 5GHz Wi-Fi speed.

Why you should buy Mesh WiFi 6 Router?

Wi-Fi 6 and 6E is the latest wireless standard which replaces the previous gen 802.11ac (a.k.a Wi-Fi 5). In terms of price all the Mesh Systems are expensive, however, if you buy the newest 802.11ax Mesh WiFi router then you are paying twice the price of 802.11ac.

However, the price justifies itself. The main reason to buy an AX mesh router is because it offers increased speed, less network congestion, and better range. Another reason to recommend a mesh WiFi router is that it is quite simple to expand and can easily pass through thick walls. Other than that you will get mobile application to manage your devices even from remote location.

Who Needs Mesh Wi-Fi System?

The mesh WiFi routers are ideal for large homes with thick walls. You can use the traditional router with extenders or multiple routers if you don’t mind ethernet cables lying around your house. However, if you like to wireless bridge them, those can’t penetrate beyond concrete walls. Moreover, the connectivity rate will be low and unreliable. This is where a Mesh System comes in to resolve these issues.

Also, if you live in a 3000 to 5000 sq. Ft. house, it is hard to cover every corner but not with mesh kits. Given that a wireless mesh network is appropriate for large homeowners and for those who like hassle-free setup to eliminate dead zones.

However, a small home or apartment doesn’t guarantee uninterrupted internet connectivity, though. If there are obstacles like thick metal-framed walls and glass doors, you might want to consider having a mesh Wi-Fi router.

What are the main benefits of Mesh Wi-Fi?

Mesh Wi-Fi System has several advantages that make it a top choice above the rest.

How Does Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Routers Work?

In most cases, the mesh network system comes with two router-like devices that work simultaneously to create a strong Wi-Fi zone in your house. It isn’t as complicated as it sounds. However, you need to properly setup the hub and the nodes together.

What’s the difference between Wi-Fi Mesh Router and a Range Extender?

We could talk of efficiency and reliability in terms of operation between mesh systems and range extenders. But even that isn’t subject to debate. You can easily add an extender to your existing Wi-Fi network. However, with mesh Wi-Fi networks, that isn’t easy, given that it’s characteristically a new replacement for your wireless internet.

Mesh Network is intended to spruce up your worn-out router system and replace it with identical units. With Range Extenders, it’s merely about repeating a signal.

When you need to extend your home Wi-Fi, you must choose between an extender and a mesh router. However, the problem with range extenders is that they blindly send traffic to your router/modem. Not to mention, you end up having two or more network names with different passwords to remember. And every time you move around the house from one room to another, you need to change your connection depending on the signal strength.

Again, range extenders aren’t the fastest and occasionally slow things down. Thus inconveniencing you when streaming online games and videos. Moreover, managing multiple extenders can be a real pain.

Which Is Better – Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router vs. Extender?

In terms of price, range extenders are cheaper, but that doesn’t make them appealing. The Wi-Fi 6 mesh router is expensive but reliable for long range wireless connections and can easily penetrate through thick walls.

When you purchase a whole-home Wi-Fi system, you pay differently because of the features you get. As for extenders, they just extend your existing wireless signals at half the bandwidth speed. Regarding what you need, the Wi-Fi extender is cheaper compared to the Mesh Router that can give you full performance and can go through thick walls.

With a Wi-Fi 6 mesh router, you are guaranteed fast internet connectivity and broader coverage within your home. So in terms of efficiency, you know where to spend your money.

Best Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router Deals in July 2023

The Mesh Systems are expensive, but you can save the money if you buy it on monthly Amazon sales. Below you will find the best deals on some of the top-rated mesh Wi-Fi routers that are suitable for thick walls.

Conclusion: The Best Mesh Wi-Fi 6 for Thick Walls

Most people are fed up with their flaky Wi-Fi, but they don’t know how to solve the issue. While the range extenders could also work, a long-term solution to the nagging Wi-Fi problem is a complete overhaul of the system.

The Wi-Fi 6 Mesh System is the best solution to replace your old or traditional wireless routers in 2023. It guarantees you a faster connection for all your devices. However, paying attention to your house needs and wall construction would also be essential before settling on a specific mesh network kit.

There are multiple mesh systems available in the market. So getting the required information about what you intend to buy and what you want to use it for is quite essential. If all you need is a strong signal and faster internet connectivity, it would be advisable to settle for mesh Wi-Fi.

More importantly, the performance of each of these systems is vital. Ensure the performance is top-notch and can last you for a more extended period.