NETGEAR Orbi
- Wired backhaul support: 9/10 — Wired backhaul supported and well documented.
- Wi-Fi performance: 9/10 — Holds speed further from the base than the others we've measured.
Reviewed September 2026
Best mesh with Ethernet backhaul
The short answer
If you can run one cable, do. A wired mesh behaves like several separate routers working together and removes most speed loss.
For this one job we'd pick the NETGEAR Orbi. Its overall WiFiXpert Index score is 79/100 — which is not the same thing as being top of the overall table, and doesn't change it.
Ranked for this job
Same published scores as the main index, weighted towards what matters here.
| # | System | Suited to this | Overall Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NETGEAR Orbi | 82/100 | 79/100 |
| 2 | eero mesh | 80/100 | 79/100 |
| 3 | Ubiquiti UniFi | 79/100 | 74/100 |
| 4 | TP-Link Deco | 75/100 | 73/100 |
Why each one landed where it did
eero mesh
- Wired backhaul support: 8/10 — Wired backhaul is supported and needs no special setting.
- Wi-Fi performance: 8/10 — Speeds close to the plan in the same room; sensible drop-off further away.
Ubiquiti UniFi
- Wired backhaul support: 10/10 — Designed around wired links from the ground up.
- Wi-Fi performance: 9/10 — Excellent when access points are placed and cabled properly.
TP-Link Deco
- Wired backhaul support: 8/10 — Wired backhaul supported across the range.
- Wi-Fi performance: 8/10 — Strong for the money on the current models we've used.
What we're assuming
- Assumes you can reach the far point with a cable, through a loft, duct or skirting.
- Try the free fixes first — moving the router, or moving one box — before buying anything. Common problems and free fixes.
Scored using WiFiXpert Hardware Index Methodology v1.0 — how we score.