Best Mesh WiFi For AT&T Fiber (2024)

If you are one of the estimated 7.2 million AT&T Fiber customers in the US, you may have considered investing in a third-party mesh WiFi system to help boost coverage within your home.

The best mesh WiFi for AT&T Fiber operates on the WiFi 6 standard, covers a minimum of 3,000 sq. ft, and handles a minimum of 75 connected devices.

Mesh systems are preferred to a router and WiFi extender setup as WiFi extenders require separate logins and they use up to 50% of total bandwidth per extender.

Mesh WiFi systems create a unified network, enabling users to access high-quality, fast internet from all corners of the home.

If you are investing in a mesh WiFi system for your AT&T Fiber plan, do note that you will still need to use your gateway rental device.

You will need to place the gateway into bridge mode and then connect it to the mesh WiFi router.

We have tested 21 different mesh WiFi systems with AT&T Fiber plans and have narrowed down the choice to the top 7 products that are reviewed in this article.  

Best Mesh WiFi For AT&T Fiber (2024)

Below are the reviews of the top 7 mesh WiFi system including an explanation of the design, performance, user recommendation, pros, specs, and cons of each product.

We’ve categorized each product based on its functionality. For instance, there is a mesh for gaming, one for multiple devices, one that is affordable, one that features the latest WiFi 7, and of course our top choice.

1. TP-Link Deco XE75 (Editor’s Choice)

Design

The TP-Link Deco XE75 is equipped with WiFi 6E technology which brings an upgraded performance in network capacity and efficiency.

It provides coverage of up to 5500 sq. ft. and eliminates buffering and dead zones.

The three bands work together to achieve speeds of up to 5400 Mbps (2402 Mbps on 6 GHz, 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz, and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz) and the system connects up to 200 devices at the same time.  

Performance

Experience the latest frequency of WiFi with the TP-Link Deco XE75 as it features the brand-new 6 GHz band which removes interference from all legacy devices.

The 6 GHz band ensures there are stable connections between nodes by acting as a dedicated backhaul.

Additionally, you can use the WiFi network mode to connect the devices compatible with WiFi 6E to access the 6 GHz frequency band.

The Deco XE75 is a smart AI-driven mesh WiFi that follows you as you move around your home without interruption.

To provide better performance it learns your environment, the behaviors of users, and the quality of clients.

The clear visual guidance on the Deco app helps you to set up and control the Deco XE75 in minutes. You can use the simple voice commands on Alexa to control the network and turn the Guest network on or off.

The Reports, Parental Controls, QoS, Home Network Scanner, and HomeShield Pro provide security to your overall network and devices from internet security issues. 

Who It’s For

The TP-Link Deco XE75 is a suitable choice for users looking for a mesh system with WiFi 6E technology that excels in performance and provides extensive coverage. 

Specs

• Speed: 5400 Mbps
• Range: 550 sq. ft.
• Bands: Tri-Band
• Wireless Protocol: 11n, 802.11ax, 802.11b, 802.11ac, 802.11g
• Number of Supported Devices: 200
• Ports: 6

Pros

• Decent parental controls and security features.
• Excellent data throughput.
• Eliminates dead spots and buffering.
• Easy to set up and manage.
• Wider coverage.

Cons

• Some devices/apps can be unstable.

2. Netgear Orbi RBK50 (Runner-Up)

Design

The Netgear Orbi RBK50 is an ultra-performance mesh WiFi that covers every part of your home, room to room, floor to floor, and wall to wall, with seamless and superfast WiFi connectivity.

The Orbi RBK50 removes WiFi dead zones and buffering by providing consistent coverage of up to 5000 sq. ft. so that you stay connected outside and inside your home. It delivers speeds of up to 3 Gbps for 25+ devices simultaneously.

Performance

The Netgear Orbi RBK50 allows you to enjoy lag-free online gaming and stream HD movies on multiple devices when they are all connected to the network at the same time because of the MU-MIMO technology.

If certain devices need more bandwidth because of the intense online activities they are involved in, the Quality of Service feature allows you to assign those connections more bandwidth to reduce lag and improve overall performance.

The single network name enables you to stay connected as you move around your house.

The third 6 GHz band is dedicated to the satellite and router, and it frees up the other bands hence increasing the speed of your devices.

The Smart Parental Controls protects your children from online harmful content while the NETGEAR Armor protects your devices and network from internet attacks. Both security features have a 30-day free trial.

The 7 ethernet ports on the router and satellite provide you with extensive capacity for fast-wired connections to your smart TV, game box, computer, streaming player, and other high-speed devices.

The Orbi app provides you with an easy way of setting up the Orbi RBK50. Also, monitor or test your WiFi speed, customize your settings, and control your network from anywhere using the app.

We tested this functionality and were impressed by its usability and engaging graphics.

The Guest Access feature allows you to create a network for your visitors while protecting your password and network from security breaches, malware, viruses, and network worms.

Who It’s For

The Netgear Orbi RBK50 is ideal for individuals who are looking for a high-performing mesh WiFi that offers a lag-free online experience with faster and consistent speeds.

It is also an ideal choice for households wanting multiple wired connections.

Specs

• Speed: Up to 3 Gbps
• Range: Up to 5000 sq. ft.
• Bands: Tri-Band
• Wireless Protocol: 11bgn, 802.11a/g/n/ac
• Number of Supported Devices: 100+
• Ports: 7

Pros

• Multiple ethernet ports.
• High-performance WiFi.
• Seamless roaming everywhere.
• Tri-band maximizes the speed.
• Easy setup and management.
• Wider coverage.

Cons

• Issues when updating firmware.

3. Tenda Nova MW6 (Budget Friendly)

Design

Tenda Nova MW6 ensures that you have WiFi coverage throughout your home as it has a range of up to 6000 sq. ft. and removes dead spots, therefore improving the capability of WiFi extenders and traditional routers.

The MW6 delivers speeds of up to 1200 Mbps for a faster and stronger WiFi experience when streaming, downloading, and gaming.  

Performance

All the units of the Tenda Nova MW6 use one name and password and work together to ensure that you have a seamless online experience.

This means that your device will connect to the strongest AP node when you move around your home.

The MU-MIMO and Beamforming technologies enable the MW6 to connect to 90 devices simultaneously and deliver high-speed connections and a lag-free online experience.

Your devices and home network are protected from hacker attacks as you can use the WPA-PSK to encrypt your network’s password.

The guest network ensures that your friends and visitors have a separate network zone to access the WiFi.

The Tenda WiFi app provides you with the simple steps to set up the MW6. Also, you can use the app to monitor your network.

You can easily add a new node using easy instructions provided to you.

Parental Controls enable you to check the progress of your devices, manage the status of your network, and schedule access to the internet for your kids. You can pair the MW6 with Alexa and use it to control your network.

Who It’s For

The Tenda Nova MW6 is ideal for users who are looking for a mesh system that can provide faster speeds and stable connections for multiple devices at an affordable price.

Specs

• Speed: 1200 Mbps
• Range: 6000 sq. ft
• Bands: Dual-Band
• Wireless Protocol: 11ac
• Number of Supported Devices: 90
• Ports: 2 per unit (6 in total)

Pros

• Budget friendly.
• Can be paired with Alexa.
• Advanced security features.
• Easy to set up and manage.
• Increased capacity for more devices.

Cons

• You need to reboot it after a power cut.

4. TP-Link Deco BE85 (Best Mesh WiFi 7 System)

Design

The TP-Link Deco BE85 is equipped with the latest WiFi 7 which features 320 MHz channels, 4K-QAM, and Multi-Link Operation for better performance.

With speeds of 1376 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, 8640 Mbps on 5GHz band, and 11520 Mbps on the 6 GHz band, the Deco BE85 connects over 200 devices and provides coverage of up to 9600 sq. ft. without dragging down the WiFi performance.

Performance

The TP-Link Deco BE85 has two 10G LAN/WAN ports (one SFP+ Fiber/RJ45 Ethernet combo port and one RJ45 port) to deliver flexible support for both copper and fiber connections.

The additional USB 3.0 port and two 2.5G ports provide a suitable solution for future-proofing your entire network.

The Deco BE85 features TP-Link’s self-developed technology which enables it to connect to wired backhaul and wireless simultaneously, taking full advantage of the WiFi 7 technology and delivering you wider coverage and faster speeds.

The Deco mesh uses a single network name to create a unified network. The built-in AI-roaming technology creates the perfect ideal WiFi solution with its self-learning and advanced algorithms.

This means that you can move around your home and enjoy fast and seamless streaming.

The free security features such as basic parental controls, network security scan, IoT device identification, and weekly/monthly reports help to keep your network and devices safe from internet attacks and threats.

The user-friendly Deco app makes setting up and managing the Deco BE85 easy and simple. Also, the app allows you to set up a guest network, prioritize devices, and see activities for all connected devices.

You can expand your WiFi coverage by adding more Decos to your network.

Who It’s For

If you are looking for the most future-proof mesh system that comes with WiFi 7 technology, the TP-Link Deco BE85 is for you as it delivers stable, reliable, and faster speeds and wider coverage.

Specs

• Speed: 22000 Mbps
• Range: Up to 9600 sq. ft.
• Bands: Tri-Band
• Wireless Protocol: 11be
• Number of Supported Devices: Up to 150
• Ports: 1 USB 3.0, 4 Ethernet

Pros

• Decent security features.
• Wider WiFi range.
• 320 MHz ultra-wide channels.
• Top-notch performance.
• Features the latest WiFi 7 technology.

Cons

• Limited WiFi 7 compatible client devices available.

5. ASUS Rog Rapture GT6 (For Gaming)

Design

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 features the ASUS RangeBoost Plus technology and nine internal antennas to ensure you have a wider coverage of up to 5800 sq. ft.

The WiFi 6 technology enables this system to deliver speeds of up to 10,000 Mbps.

The GT6 is equipped with high-performance backhaul, three bands, dedicated 160 MHz channels, LAN aggregation, and a WAN port for faster connections.

Performance

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 comes with the 5.9 GHz band which has the 160 MHz channel that unleashes the power of WiFi 6 technology because it does not have any radar system interference.

We tested an online gaming connection on this frequency band and the results were very impressive as there was no lag and ultra-responsive performance.

The internal antennas ensure that you do not experience inconsistent speeds or signal drops because they remove dead spots in your home.

The Smart antenna finds the best-quality signal based on location and direction to ensure that the backhaul performance is better.

The nodes deliver stable connections for seamless gaming, streaming, and video conferencing in your home.

The vents and grills are perfectly positioned on the mesh to ensure that there is effective airflow and better heat dissipation.

When your devices are connected to the GT6, they are protected from security threats by the advanced security features including parental controls, AiProtetcion Pro, and WPA3 security protocol.

Additionally, you are assured of safe browsing as undesirable content is removed from the results of your search engine by the Safe Browsing feature.

Who It’s For

If you are looking for a mesh WiFi that delivers strong signals and wider coverage for your gaming requirements, the ASUS Rog Rapture GT6 is for you.

Specs

• Speed: 10000 Mbps
• Range: 5800 sq. ft.
• Bands: Tri-Band
• Wireless Protocol: 11ac, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11ax
• Number of Supported Devices: 100+
• Ports: 4 Ethernet, 1 USB

Pros

• The mesh performance is better.
• Comes with a built-in security software.
• Faster speeds through ethernet connections.
• Advanced gaming features.

Cons

• Not everyone will use the advanced gaming features.

6. Amazon Eero Pro 6E (Best Mesh WiFi For Multiple Devices)

Design

The Amazon Eero Pro 6E provides you with access to the 6 GHz band and ultra-fast speeds for WiFi 6E devices. There is less latency for your entire network even for devices with no WiFi 6E technology.

Its backward compatibility means that you can connect Eero devices that support the previous WiFi technology.

The Eero Pro 6E ensures that you have reliable and smooth gaming and streaming throughout your home.

Performance

The Amazon Eero Pro 6E delivers internet speeds of up to 2.3 Gbps which includes wired speeds of up to 1 Gbps and wireless speeds of up to 1.6 Gbps.

The 2.5 GB Ethernet port enables you to enjoy your gigabit plans and connect your wired devices for faster speeds and better performance.

The three bands (6 GHz, 5 GHz, and 2.4 GHz) enable the Eero Pro 6E to connect to 100 plus devices at the same time and cover a range of up to 6000 sq. ft.

The Eero TruMesh technology reduces drop-offs and dead spots by directing traffic intelligently to your devices.

The Tri-Band leverages any extra bandwidth to enhance your WiFi performance.

You can easily set up the Eero Pro 6E using the Eero app by following the easy steps provided once you download the app.

Additionally, the app helps you to manage and control your network on your phone when you are not home.

The Eero Pro 6E can be paired with Alexa which you can use to control and monitor Thread and Zigbee devices.

Additionally, this mesh system can be used as a border router which helps to improve connections with thread-enables devices.

Who It’s For

If your household has multiple devices that need to be connected to the internet at the same time, you should purchase the Amazon Eero Pro 6E as it delivers faster and more stable speeds without lag or interruption.

Specs

• Speed: 3 Gbps
• Range: 6000 sq. ft.
• Bands: Tri-Band
• Wireless Protocol: 11ax
• Number of Supported Devices: 100
• Ports: 2

Pros

• Connects to more devices.
• Wider coverage.
• Minimized drop-offs and dead zones.
• More bandwidth and faster speeds.
• Easy to set up and use.
• Works with Alexa.

Cons

• You cannot manage the system using Windows.

7. Meshforce M3 (Basic Mesh WiFi System)

Design

The Meshforce M3 is a Mesh WiFi system that is equipped with greater coverage of up to 4500 sq. ft. and fast internet speeds of up to 1200 Mbps.

The dual-band WiFi ensures that your entire home has a super powerful wireless network as it can meet the network requirements of up to 60 devices at the same time so that everyone can enjoy fast, flawless, and seamless internet.

Performance

The Meshforce M3 is a true router replacement as it features a whole new mesh WiFi technology that allows you to relax and enjoy secured and seamless single-SSID WiFi as you walk around your home.

The M3 can cover six plus bedrooms, and you can extend from the basement to the living room as well as to the backyard.

Set up the Meshforce M3 in 10 minutes using the My Mesh app.

The app also enables you to see and control your network status remotely, manage your children’s internet access, and create an isolated guest WiFi zone using parental controls, Guest WiFi, and other advanced features.

The M3 main node deploys more powerful wireless broadcasting performance and full gigabit ethernet for secure and flexible connections.

You can extend your coverage with more choices as it is compatible with MeshForce M3 dot.

Your smart home and connections are protected against cyber attacks and hacks as you can encrypt your WiFi password using the WPA2-PSK.

Who It’s For

If you are looking for a basic mesh WiFi that can replace your traditional router and provide seamless coverage for your big home, the Meshforce M3 is for you.

Specs

• Speed: 1200 Mbps
• Range: Up to 4500 sq. ft.
• Bands: Dual-Band
• Wireless Protocol: 11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11ac
• Number of Supported Devices: 60
• Ports: 1

Pros

• High performance.
• Full home coverage.
• Can create a network for guests.
• Protects children from harmful content.
• Compact and reasonably priced.

Cons

 Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Mesh WiFi For AT&T Fiber

WiFi Speed & Coverage 

WiFi speed is influenced by the WiFi standard, also known as the WiFi protocol. For mesh systems, the available WiFi standards are WiFi 5, 6, 6E, and 7.

WiFi 5 (802.11ac) mesh systems operate best on AT&T Fiber plans that are 500 Mbps and below. Mesh systems built with WiFi 5 will be compatible with all internet-using devices and should be affordably priced.

WiFi 6 (802.11ac) and WiFi 6E standards offer faster WiFi speeds compared to WiFi 5, with both capable of handling gigabit AT&T Fiber plans.

WiFi 6E mesh systems include an additional 6 GHz band for more reliable and faster internet speeds.

WiFi 7 (802.11be) mesh systems (such as the TP-Link Deco BE85) are starting to be released but there are not many WiFi 7 compatible internet devices available, meaning the benefits such as peak speeds of 40 Gbps cannot be widely experienced within households yet.

In terms of coverage, mesh systems should deliver a coverage between 2,000 to 5,500 sq. ft. We, therefore, recommend mesh systems are worthwhile investments for properties with square footage of at least 3,000.

Do note that mesh system coverage is impacted by the WiFi frequency bands and is a trade-off with speed.

The 2.4 GHz band offers the slowest speed but broadest coverage, while the 5 GHz or 6 GHz bands offer faster speeds but weakest coverage.

Features 

Purchasing a third-party mesh system to connect to your AT&T Fiber internet plan enables you to access the benefits of advanced features such as MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and Beamforming. These features are explained below.

For households with multiple device connections, the MU-MIMO feature enables reliable and smooth internet connectivity for all devices.

MU-MIMO allows devices to quickly communicate with the router and acquire access to the signal with limited interruption.

If you are a high-consumption internet household, OFDMA reduces congestion on the network by enabling more data carriers to operate within a frequency channel.

This prevents overload and bottlenecks, enabling users to stream, a video conference or game with minimal lag.

Beamforming technology enables the antennas to achieve a more precise signal while also reducing the level of interference. This leads to a faster, more reliable internet connection throughout the home.

Number Of Supported Devices 

Given the demands of modern-day households where the majority have many devices connected to the internet at the same time, mesh systems need to deliver an adequate number of connected devices that suits your household’s needs.

Most mesh systems can connect a minimum of 75 devices, but some systems can connect well over 150 devices.

To find out the number of connected devices you need, we advise totaling the number of internet devices you have and adding a 10% to 20% premium to reach the actual figure required.

Do note that the number of connected devices is theoretical in that it does not consider the usage type.

A mesh system offering 25 connected devices is not assuming 25 gaming connections, but rather a mixture of activities.

Ports 

The number of ports required in a mesh system is down to the number of wired connections you want in your household setup. Most mesh systems have at least two ethernet ports.

Some mesh systems provide ethernet ports only on the router device, while others provide ethernet ports on the router and satellites, enabling more wired connections.

You may consider a mesh system with more ports if you have multiple consoles or computers that benefit from wired connections.

Mesh WiFi System vs WiFi Extender 

When deciding between a mesh WiFi system and a WiFi extender, there is a trade-off between the stronger speed and coverage offered by mesh, compared to the reduced cost, easy setup, and decreased energy consumption offered by WiFi extenders.

If your goal is to expand the existing speed of your AT&T Fiber plan reliably to every corner of your home and you reside in a property that is greater than 2,000 sq ft, investing in a mesh system is the obvious choice.

Through creating a unified network and AI-assisted communication between the router and satellites, mesh systems enable users to log in to the network once and then have their connectivity managed based on their location in the home, to ensure they are always connected to the nearest WiFi access point.

However, if you have a smaller property and don’t want to completely change your household setup, investing in a WiFi extender is the better choice.

WiFi extenders are affordable and easy to set up. Do note however that WiFi extenders can consume up to 50% of the network bandwidth so you may notice a dip in overall performance when connected to the main router.

FAQs

Can I Use A Mesh WiFi System With AT&T Fiber? 

You can use a mesh WiFi system with AT&T Fiber, and pretty much all mesh systems are compatible with the ISP.

Although AT&T Fiber requires you to use the rented gateway device, you can simply put it in bridge mode so that it acts as the modem which can then connect to the third-party router of the mesh system.

How To Install A Mesh WiFi With AT&T Fiber? 

First place the AT&T gateway in bridge mode and then connect the gateway to the mesh router using an ethernet cable via WAN ports.

Once connected restart the gateway and boot the mesh router to proceed with the setup.

Once the router is set up, you can then connect the nodes to the router and place them strategically within your home.  

Do I Need To Keep Using The AT&T Gateway? 

Yes, as part of AT&T’s terms of agreement, you need to main the gateway rental even if you then purchase a mesh WiFi system.

The mesh WiFi system takes over the router functionality of the gateway, but the gateway needs to be put into bridge mode to maintain the modem functionality.

Should I Get A Mesh WiFi System Or A WiFi Router? 

This is down to personal preferences and also the size of your property. For properties larger than 2,000 sq. ft that are struggling with WiFi coverage, we would recommend investing in a mesh WiFi system.

For smaller properties that want to improve speed and connectivity, we recommend a quality third-party AT&T router will suffice.

Final Words

Hopefully, the above reviews provide you with guidance in deciding which mesh WiFi to buy you’re your AT&T Fiber connection.

However, if it is difficult to make up your mind, our editor’s choice for the best mesh WiFi system for AT&T Fiber is the TP-Link Deco XE75.

This is because it is equipped with WiFi 6 technology which brings an upgraded performance in network capacity and efficiency. It provides a coverage of up to 5500 sq. ft. hence eliminating buffering and dead zones.

The three bands work together to achieve speeds of up to 5400 Mbps and connect to 200 devices at the same time.  

Consult our buying guide for more information on the factors to consider when purchasing a mesh WiFi system for AT&T.