These mesh Wi-Fi routers support the fastest Ethernet backhaul speeds
Best
mesh Wi-Fi routers with Ethernet backhaul
Windows Central
2022
Mesh Wi-Fi is great for extending your wireless signal, but sending data back to your modem through the backhaul via Ethernet will always be quicker than using Wi-Fi bands. We’ve rounded up the best mesh Wi-Fi routers with Ethernet backhaul support to best fit your network at a range of prices.
Best overall:
TP-Link Deco X60 (AX3000)
Staff pick
Best for budgets:
Linksys Velop WHW0103 (AC1300)
Editor’s choice
Extra ports:
TP-Link Deco X55 (AX3000)
Best for multi-gig:
TP-Link Deco X90 (AX6600)
Premium performance:
Netgear Orbi RBKE963 (AXE11000)
Choosing the best mesh Wi-Fi router for Ethernet backhaul
Achieving the fastest speeds means going for a wired connection with Ethernet cables and using them to send data back to the modem via the backhaul. Even some of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems only offer one Ethernet port for each wired node, which doesn’t leave many options for connectivity outside of an Ethernet backhaul, so our picks all include at least two LAN ports.
Most routers include Gigabit ports supporting internet speeds up to 1Gbps. Naturally, the faster the port, the better your Ethernet backhaul can perform, so any units supporting 2.5G multi-gig ports like the Deco X90 from TP-Link will perform even better, especially when it comes to transferring data to devices on your local network.
Mesh systems on the higher end tend to dedicate one wireless band to backhaul traffic, but even some of the cheaper setups can perform admirably by using Ethernet instead. The Velop 3-pack from Linksys may use older dual-band Wi-Fi 5 tech for wireless, but it supports Ethernet backhaul, so you’ll still enjoy fantastic transfer speeds.
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