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%Start Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 review  TechRadar Skip to main content TechRadar is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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Grace Liu 4 minutes ago
Here's why you can trust us. Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 review The Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 is a top-of...
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Here's why you can trust us. Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 review
The Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 is a top-of-the-range Wi-Fi 6E mesh system for larger homes and offices
 By Cliff Joseph published 5 September 2022 (Image: © Future / Cliff Joseph) 
TechRadar Verdict
 It's very expensive, and massive overkill for most homes, but larger homes and public buildings will benefit from the performance and range of the ET12's mesh Wi-Fi. Pros
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Top-of-the-range Wi-Fi performance+
Great for larger homes and offices
Cons
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Expensive-
Overkill for most users Jump to: One-minute review Price Design Performance Should I buy it?
Here's why you can trust us. Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 review The Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 is a top-of-the-range Wi-Fi 6E mesh system for larger homes and offices By Cliff Joseph published 5 September 2022 (Image: © Future / Cliff Joseph) TechRadar Verdict It's very expensive, and massive overkill for most homes, but larger homes and public buildings will benefit from the performance and range of the ET12's mesh Wi-Fi. Pros + Top-of-the-range Wi-Fi performance+ Great for larger homes and offices Cons - Expensive- Overkill for most users Jump to: One-minute review Price Design Performance Should I buy it?
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Ethan Thomas 4 minutes ago
Also consider Report card Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 One-minute review The Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 isn&...
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Henry Schmidt 7 minutes ago
However, it's still worth considering as we're already starting to see a steady flow of ne...
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Also consider Report card 
 Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12  One-minute review 
The Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 isn't going to be for everyone. Most of us have barely started to get our heads around Wi-Fi 6.
Also consider Report card Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 One-minute review The Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 isn't going to be for everyone. Most of us have barely started to get our heads around Wi-Fi 6.
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Jack Thompson 2 minutes ago
However, it's still worth considering as we're already starting to see a steady flow of ne...
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Audrey Mueller 3 minutes ago
As well as supporting tri-band Wi-Fi 6E, the ET12 provides a top speed of 11Gbps - or 10.756Gbps, to...
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However, it's still worth considering as we're already starting to see a steady flow of new routers and mesh Wi-Fi systems that have adopted the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard. 
It's tempting to overlook these new routers - especially given their current high prices - but with new products such as the forthcoming iPhone 14 expected to adopt Wi-Fi 6E before the end of this year, it's clear that 6E will be a mainstream Wi-Fi technology within just a few months. Mind you, even if you're an eager early adopter, a high-end mesh system such as the ZenWiFi Pro ET12 may still be what the Sisters Of Mercy once referred to as 'a slight case of overbombing'.
However, it's still worth considering as we're already starting to see a steady flow of new routers and mesh Wi-Fi systems that have adopted the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard.  It's tempting to overlook these new routers - especially given their current high prices - but with new products such as the forthcoming iPhone 14 expected to adopt Wi-Fi 6E before the end of this year, it's clear that 6E will be a mainstream Wi-Fi technology within just a few months. Mind you, even if you're an eager early adopter, a high-end mesh system such as the ZenWiFi Pro ET12 may still be what the Sisters Of Mercy once referred to as 'a slight case of overbombing'.
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As well as supporting tri-band Wi-Fi 6E, the ET12 provides a top speed of 11Gbps - or 10.756Gbps, to be precise, but router manufacturers always like to round things up - while the two-pack mesh system that we review here is capable of covering areas of up to 6,000 sq. ft. 
That means that it's very much designed for larger homes with half a dozen or more bedrooms, as well as businesses that may have large offices or public venues such as hotels or restaurants that need good Wi-Fi.
As well as supporting tri-band Wi-Fi 6E, the ET12 provides a top speed of 11Gbps - or 10.756Gbps, to be precise, but router manufacturers always like to round things up - while the two-pack mesh system that we review here is capable of covering areas of up to 6,000 sq. ft.  That means that it's very much designed for larger homes with half a dozen or more bedrooms, as well as businesses that may have large offices or public venues such as hotels or restaurants that need good Wi-Fi.
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Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12  Price and availabilityHow much does it cost? $479 /£399 for a single unitWhere is it available? Available nowWhere can you get it?
Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 Price and availabilityHow much does it cost? $479 /£399 for a single unitWhere is it available? Available nowWhere can you get it?
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Isabella Johnson 12 minutes ago
Available in the US, the UK, and AustraliaSpec SheetWi-Fi: tri-band Wi-Fi 6E (2.4GHz/5.0GHz/6.0GHz) ...
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Luna Park 7 minutes ago
ft, so a single router on its own should certainly be suitable for most small and medium-sized homes...
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Available in the US, the UK, and AustraliaSpec SheetWi-Fi: tri-band Wi-Fi 6E (2.4GHz/5.0GHz/6.0GHz)
Wi-Fi Speed: 11.0Gbps
Connectivity: 1x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet (WAN), 1x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet (LAN), 2x Gigabit Ethernet LAN Processor: 1.2GHz quad-core
Processor: Broadcom, quad-core 2.0GHz
Memory: 1GB
Storage: 256MB Flash
Dimensions (per router): 240 x 115 x 115mm
Weight (per router): 0.75kg
State-of-the-art Wi-Fi 6E mesh networking doesn't come cheap, and the ZenWifi Pro ET12 is one of the most expensive mesh systems we've ever seen. But, somewhat oddly for a mesh Wi-Fi system, you can only buy the ET12 as a single unit from Asus' website. 
A single ET12 router costs $479 from Asus in the US and should be able to cover an area of up to 3,000 sq.
Available in the US, the UK, and AustraliaSpec SheetWi-Fi: tri-band Wi-Fi 6E (2.4GHz/5.0GHz/6.0GHz) Wi-Fi Speed: 11.0Gbps Connectivity: 1x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet (WAN), 1x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet (LAN), 2x Gigabit Ethernet LAN Processor: 1.2GHz quad-core Processor: Broadcom, quad-core 2.0GHz Memory: 1GB Storage: 256MB Flash Dimensions (per router): 240 x 115 x 115mm Weight (per router): 0.75kg State-of-the-art Wi-Fi 6E mesh networking doesn't come cheap, and the ZenWifi Pro ET12 is one of the most expensive mesh systems we've ever seen. But, somewhat oddly for a mesh Wi-Fi system, you can only buy the ET12 as a single unit from Asus' website.  A single ET12 router costs $479 from Asus in the US and should be able to cover an area of up to 3,000 sq.
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Christopher Lee 10 minutes ago
ft, so a single router on its own should certainly be suitable for most small and medium-sized homes...
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Alexander Wang 5 minutes ago
However, the ET12 hasn't yet reached Australia at all, with only the older XT12 model - which s...
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ft, so a single router on its own should certainly be suitable for most small and medium-sized homes. If you need more extensive Wi-Fi coverage for larger homes or buildings then you'll have to search around online to buy a 2-pack from third-party retailers for around $900. That option doesn't seem to be available in the UK, with the ET12 currently only being sold as a single unit for £399.
ft, so a single router on its own should certainly be suitable for most small and medium-sized homes. If you need more extensive Wi-Fi coverage for larger homes or buildings then you'll have to search around online to buy a 2-pack from third-party retailers for around $900. That option doesn't seem to be available in the UK, with the ET12 currently only being sold as a single unit for £399.
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Lucas Martinez 5 minutes ago
However, the ET12 hasn't yet reached Australia at all, with only the older XT12 model - which s...
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Ethan Thomas 9 minutes ago
As mentioned, the ET12 supports tri-band Wi-Fi 6E with a top speed of 11Gbps, but it also provides t...
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However, the ET12 hasn't yet reached Australia at all, with only the older XT12 model - which supports plain old Wi-Fi 6 - available as a two-pack for AU$1300.Value: 3.5 / 5
(Image credit: Future / Cliff Joseph)
 Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12  Design and featuresBig and bulkyHigh-end Wi-Fi 6 performanceWide-range Wi-Fi coverage
Most routers fall firmly into the 'boring black box' category, but while the ET12 mesh routers are still black - they're certainly not boring. The two routers stand 240mm high, and 155mm wide and deep, with the upper section of each router consisting of a shiny, clear perspex section that houses the router's eight antennae, along with some colour-changing status lights. Each router also has a separate power supply unit and cable, so you'll need a fair bit of room to set everything up.
However, the ET12 hasn't yet reached Australia at all, with only the older XT12 model - which supports plain old Wi-Fi 6 - available as a two-pack for AU$1300.Value: 3.5 / 5 (Image credit: Future / Cliff Joseph) Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 Design and featuresBig and bulkyHigh-end Wi-Fi 6 performanceWide-range Wi-Fi coverage Most routers fall firmly into the 'boring black box' category, but while the ET12 mesh routers are still black - they're certainly not boring. The two routers stand 240mm high, and 155mm wide and deep, with the upper section of each router consisting of a shiny, clear perspex section that houses the router's eight antennae, along with some colour-changing status lights. Each router also has a separate power supply unit and cable, so you'll need a fair bit of room to set everything up.
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Ryan Garcia 11 minutes ago
As mentioned, the ET12 supports tri-band Wi-Fi 6E with a top speed of 11Gbps, but it also provides t...
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Luna Park 1 minutes ago
It's odd, though, that these expensive routers don't also include at least one USB port fo...
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As mentioned, the ET12 supports tri-band Wi-Fi 6E with a top speed of 11Gbps, but it also provides top-of-the-range wired connectivity as well, with a pair of 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports - one for your broadband connection, and one for connecting a device, such as a gaming laptop or console that needs a fast, lag-free connection. There are also two additional Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections as well.
As mentioned, the ET12 supports tri-band Wi-Fi 6E with a top speed of 11Gbps, but it also provides top-of-the-range wired connectivity as well, with a pair of 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports - one for your broadband connection, and one for connecting a device, such as a gaming laptop or console that needs a fast, lag-free connection. There are also two additional Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections as well.
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It's odd, though, that these expensive routers don't also include at least one USB port for attaching a network storage device or printer. (Image credit: Future / Cliff Joseph)
Getting started is a little daunting - and not helped by the fact that Asus' Quickstart guide is cunningly hidden in a secret panel at the bottom of the box.
It's odd, though, that these expensive routers don't also include at least one USB port for attaching a network storage device or printer. (Image credit: Future / Cliff Joseph) Getting started is a little daunting - and not helped by the fact that Asus' Quickstart guide is cunningly hidden in a secret panel at the bottom of the box.
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Mia Anderson 10 minutes ago
The guide also assumes that you already understand terms such as 'AiMesh router' - when, i...
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Evelyn Zhang 10 minutes ago
The Router app leaves it up to you to decide if you want three separate networks on these frequencie...
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The guide also assumes that you already understand terms such as 'AiMesh router' - when, in fact, AiMesh is a proprietary Asus technology that few people will have heard of. 
Thankfully, the Asus Router app steps in here and prompts you to turn on Bluetooth on your iOS or Android mobile device. This allows the app to connect to the two routers and helps you set up your new mesh network. 
(Image credit: Future / Cliff Joseph)
But, as we've seen before with Asus routers, the new network is initially unprotected so you need to keep going to add your security password as quickly as possible. This is where things get a little more complicated, as the ET12 can transmit a Wi-Fi signal on three separate frequencies - 2.4GHz, 5.0GHz, and 6.0GHz.
The guide also assumes that you already understand terms such as 'AiMesh router' - when, in fact, AiMesh is a proprietary Asus technology that few people will have heard of.  Thankfully, the Asus Router app steps in here and prompts you to turn on Bluetooth on your iOS or Android mobile device. This allows the app to connect to the two routers and helps you set up your new mesh network.  (Image credit: Future / Cliff Joseph) But, as we've seen before with Asus routers, the new network is initially unprotected so you need to keep going to add your security password as quickly as possible. This is where things get a little more complicated, as the ET12 can transmit a Wi-Fi signal on three separate frequencies - 2.4GHz, 5.0GHz, and 6.0GHz.
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The Router app leaves it up to you to decide if you want three separate networks on these frequencies, or whether to combine the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands into a single network, for use with devices that only support Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6. Newcomers who haven't used a mesh Wi-Fi system before could get a little confused here, so the Asus app and manual could provide a little more step-by-step guidance for people who aren't network experts.
The Router app leaves it up to you to decide if you want three separate networks on these frequencies, or whether to combine the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands into a single network, for use with devices that only support Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6. Newcomers who haven't used a mesh Wi-Fi system before could get a little confused here, so the Asus app and manual could provide a little more step-by-step guidance for people who aren't network experts.
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Sebastian Silva 4 minutes ago
The rest of the app is pretty straightforward, though, providing features such as 'quality of s...
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Chloe Santos 23 minutes ago
However, the second ET12 allowed us to maintain those maximum speeds, even in the hard-to-reach back...
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The rest of the app is pretty straightforward, though, providing features such as 'quality of service' (QoS) to prioritise tasks such as gaming or streaming video, and good parental controls with filters to block material that is unsuitable for children. 
The price of the routers also includes Asus' AiProtection Pro security features that can monitor your network to prevent attacks from malicious websites or downloaded files.Design: 4 / 5
(Image credit: Future / Cliff Joseph)
 Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12  PerformanceTop-of-the-range Wi-Fi performance2.5 Gigabit Ethernet WAN/LANExtensive Wi-Fi coverageBENCHMARKSOokla Speed Test - 2.4GHz
Within 5ft, no obstructions: 100Mbps/11Mbps
Within 30ft, three partition walls: 100Mbps/11Mbps20GB Steam Download - 2.4GHz
Within 5ft, no obstructions: 12.5MB/s
Within 30ft, three partition walls: 12.5MB/sOokla Speed Test - 5.0GHz
Within 5ft, no obstructions: 100Mbps/11Mbps
Within 30ft, three partition walls: 100Mbps/11Mbps20GB Steam  Download - 5.0GHz
Within 5ft, no obstructions: 12.5MB/s
Within 30ft, three partition walls: 12.5MB/s
The Wi-Fi 6E performance of the ET12 is more than adequate for most small and medium-sized homes. In fact, it's probably overkill for most domestic broadband services unless you're lucky enough to have a super-fast fibre connection. 
We connected the first ET12 unit to our normal broadband router and then placed the second ET12 in a hallway close to a back office in our building where poor Wi-Fi has always forced us to rely on PowerLine adaptors to provide a more reliable wired connection. 
As we'd expected, devices close to the first ET12 simply recorded speeds of 100Mbps with the Ookla speed test, and 12.5MB/s for Steam downloads, which are the maximum speeds provided by our office broadband service.
The rest of the app is pretty straightforward, though, providing features such as 'quality of service' (QoS) to prioritise tasks such as gaming or streaming video, and good parental controls with filters to block material that is unsuitable for children.  The price of the routers also includes Asus' AiProtection Pro security features that can monitor your network to prevent attacks from malicious websites or downloaded files.Design: 4 / 5 (Image credit: Future / Cliff Joseph) Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 PerformanceTop-of-the-range Wi-Fi performance2.5 Gigabit Ethernet WAN/LANExtensive Wi-Fi coverageBENCHMARKSOokla Speed Test - 2.4GHz Within 5ft, no obstructions: 100Mbps/11Mbps Within 30ft, three partition walls: 100Mbps/11Mbps20GB Steam Download - 2.4GHz Within 5ft, no obstructions: 12.5MB/s Within 30ft, three partition walls: 12.5MB/sOokla Speed Test - 5.0GHz Within 5ft, no obstructions: 100Mbps/11Mbps Within 30ft, three partition walls: 100Mbps/11Mbps20GB Steam  Download - 5.0GHz Within 5ft, no obstructions: 12.5MB/s Within 30ft, three partition walls: 12.5MB/s The Wi-Fi 6E performance of the ET12 is more than adequate for most small and medium-sized homes. In fact, it's probably overkill for most domestic broadband services unless you're lucky enough to have a super-fast fibre connection.  We connected the first ET12 unit to our normal broadband router and then placed the second ET12 in a hallway close to a back office in our building where poor Wi-Fi has always forced us to rely on PowerLine adaptors to provide a more reliable wired connection.  As we'd expected, devices close to the first ET12 simply recorded speeds of 100Mbps with the Ookla speed test, and 12.5MB/s for Steam downloads, which are the maximum speeds provided by our office broadband service.
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However, the second ET12 allowed us to maintain those maximum speeds, even in the hard-to-reach back office, and even when using the slowest 2.4GHz band, eliminating our Wi-Fi dead spot with no trouble at all. 
Of course, not everyone will need that sort of speed or wide coverage for their home broadband, but if you have a larger home or office that needs the fastest possible Wi-Fi then the ET12 is hard to beat.Performance: 5 / 5
 Should I buy the Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 
(Image credit: Future / Cliff Joseph)
 Buy it if   You're an early adopter
If you've got your eye on a new smartphone or laptop that supports Wi-Fi 6E then it makes sense to opt for a future-proof router or mesh system that also supports this new Wi-Fi standard.You have a lot of bedrooms
A single ET1 router can cover homes of up to 3,000 sq. ft, while this 2-piece system covers 6,000 sq. ft.
However, the second ET12 allowed us to maintain those maximum speeds, even in the hard-to-reach back office, and even when using the slowest 2.4GHz band, eliminating our Wi-Fi dead spot with no trouble at all.  Of course, not everyone will need that sort of speed or wide coverage for their home broadband, but if you have a larger home or office that needs the fastest possible Wi-Fi then the ET12 is hard to beat.Performance: 5 / 5 Should I buy the Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 (Image credit: Future / Cliff Joseph) Buy it if You're an early adopter If you've got your eye on a new smartphone or laptop that supports Wi-Fi 6E then it makes sense to opt for a future-proof router or mesh system that also supports this new Wi-Fi standard.You have a lot of bedrooms A single ET1 router can cover homes of up to 3,000 sq. ft, while this 2-piece system covers 6,000 sq. ft.
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Liam Wilson 23 minutes ago
It's also a good option for business users who want far-reaching Wi-Fi for their offices or pub...
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Sofia Garcia 30 minutes ago
Also consider (opens in new tab)Asus ZenWiFi AX Hybrid Its WiFi 6 performance is more modest, but th...
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It's also a good option for business users who want far-reaching Wi-Fi for their offices or public venues.You're a network guru
The Asus app is easy to use, but the ET12 also provides a web browser interface that allows more experienced users to configure every aspect of their network. Don t buy it if   You just want faster Wi-Fi
Few people currently have computers or mobile devices that support the new Wi-Fi 6E standard, and you can get perfectly good Wi-Fi performance from existing Wi-Fi 6 routers.You're on a budget
The ET12 is seriously expensive. If you just need to boost the Wi-Fi in one or two rooms around your home, then an affordable range extender might be a better option.
It's also a good option for business users who want far-reaching Wi-Fi for their offices or public venues.You're a network guru The Asus app is easy to use, but the ET12 also provides a web browser interface that allows more experienced users to configure every aspect of their network. Don t buy it if You just want faster Wi-Fi Few people currently have computers or mobile devices that support the new Wi-Fi 6E standard, and you can get perfectly good Wi-Fi performance from existing Wi-Fi 6 routers.You're on a budget The ET12 is seriously expensive. If you just need to boost the Wi-Fi in one or two rooms around your home, then an affordable range extender might be a better option.
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Joseph Kim 1 minutes ago
Also consider (opens in new tab)Asus ZenWiFi AX Hybrid Its WiFi 6 performance is more modest, but th...
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Madison Singh 41 minutes ago
Read our full Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E review (opens in new tab)...
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Also consider (opens in new tab)Asus ZenWiFi AX Hybrid
Its WiFi 6 performance is more modest, but this Hybrid mesh system also includes PowerLine connectivity that allows it to bypass thick walls and other obstacles. Read our full Asus ZenWiFi AX Hybrid review (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E
Netgear got there first, introducing Wi-Fi 6E to its Orbi mesh systems, and this top-of-the-range three-piece can cover huge homes and offices up to 9,000 sq. ft in size.
Also consider (opens in new tab)Asus ZenWiFi AX Hybrid Its WiFi 6 performance is more modest, but this Hybrid mesh system also includes PowerLine connectivity that allows it to bypass thick walls and other obstacles. Read our full Asus ZenWiFi AX Hybrid review (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E Netgear got there first, introducing Wi-Fi 6E to its Orbi mesh systems, and this top-of-the-range three-piece can cover huge homes and offices up to 9,000 sq. ft in size.
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Grace Liu 8 minutes ago
Read our full Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E review (opens in new tab)...
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Ryan Garcia 5 minutes ago
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