Checked September 2026

Which router or mesh is actually any good?

Every system here is scored on the same fifteen things, out of 100. Nobody pays to be in this table, and every number opens up to show exactly how we got there.

This is the hardware index. It is separate from our broadband provider score, which rates the company that helps you rather than the box in the hallway.

1. 1. eero mesh

   The simplest mesh to live with. Very little to set up, and very little you can change.

   Mesh systemEvidence 100%

   79WiFiXpert Index

   Why did it get this score?

2. 2. NETGEAR Orbi

   The strongest performer here, with real settings — and the highest price.

   Mesh systemEvidence 100%

   79WiFiXpert Index

   Why did it get this score?

3. 3. Ubiquiti UniFi

   What an engineer would put in their own house. Not what most people should buy.

   Router systemEvidence 93%

   74WiFiXpert Index

   Why did it get this score?

4. 4. TP-Link Deco

   Good value mesh with plenty of settings — and a few separate networks that catch people out.

   Mesh systemEvidence 100%

   73WiFiXpert Index

   Why did it get this score?

5. 5. BT Smart Hub 2

   A capable free hub that runs out of road in bigger homes.

   Free with broadbandEvidence 100%

   65WiFiXpert Index

   Why did it get this score?

6. 6. Sky Broadband Hub

   Simple and steady, with almost nothing you can change when it isn't.

   Free with broadbandEvidence 93%

   64WiFiXpert Index

   Why did it get this score?

7. 7. EE Smart Hub Plus

   A modern provider hub that leans on newer security — which older gadgets sometimes refuse.

   Free with broadbandEvidence 93%

   64WiFiXpert Index

   Why did it get this score?

8. 8. Virgin Media Hub 5

   Fast where it stands, and often standing in the wrong place.

   Free with broadbandEvidence 93%

   63WiFiXpert Index

   Why did it get this score?

Scored using WiFiXpert Hardware Index Methodology v1.0 — how we score.