Australian buying guide · Networking

Best mesh Wi-Fi for a double-storey Australian home

Two storeys do not automatically require three mesh nodes. The construction, stairwell, router location and ability to run Ethernet matter more than the number of bedrooms printed on the real-estate listing.

Updated
Reading time
6 minutes
Author
Patryk Lazarz (TechManPat)

Quick recommendations

The shortlist.

Ranked from the current catalogue using this guide's rules.

Best overall
TP-Link Deco BE26

TP-Link

Deco BE26

97/100 guide match

Designed as a dedicated whole-home mesh family

Watch: Confirm Australian stock, exact hardware revision and pack size before buying.

View product →
Best value
TP-Link Deco BE65 Pro

TP-Link

Deco BE65 Pro

97/100 guide match

Designed as a dedicated whole-home mesh family

Watch: Confirm Australian stock, exact hardware revision and pack size before buying.

View product →
Premium alternative
TP-Link Deco BE65 Pro(2-pack)

TP-Link

Deco BE65 Pro(2-pack)

97/100 guide match

Designed as a dedicated whole-home mesh family

Watch: Confirm Australian stock, exact hardware revision and pack size before buying.

View product →

Things to consider

What to check before buying.

01Placement is the system

A wireless mesh node still needs a strong connection back to the main router. Putting it in the room with no signal simply gives you a very attractive device with no useful backhaul.

02Ethernet backhaul is worth planning

A cable between floors removes much of the uncertainty from wireless backhaul and lets each access point spend more airtime serving devices.

03FTTN homes still need a modem

Many mesh kits are routers only. On FTTN or FTTB, keep a compatible modem in bridge mode or choose a mesh-capable modem-router.

Product comparison

Compare the guide-qualified products.

The match score measures fit against this guide's published rules. It is not a universal product rating.

ProductPriceWarrantyKey specificationsGuide matchActions
TP-LinkDeco BE26$0Confirm the Australian retailer or RSP warranty
  • Planning price: $0
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7 · BE6500 dual-band
97/100View productCompare
TP-LinkDeco BE65 Pro$0Confirm the Australian retailer or RSP warranty
  • Planning price: $0
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7 · BE11000 tri-band
97/100View productCompare
TP-LinkDeco BE65 Pro(2-pack)$0Confirm the Australian retailer or RSP warranty
  • Planning price: $0
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7 · BE11000 tri-band
97/100View productCompare
TP-LinkDeco BE65-PoE$0Confirm the Australian retailer or RSP warranty
  • Planning price: $0
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7 · BE65 tri-band
97/100View productCompare
TP-LinkDeco BE77$0Confirm the Australian retailer or RSP warranty
  • Planning price: $0
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7 · BE17000 tri-band
97/100View productCompare
TP-LinkDeco X50 Pro$0Confirm the Australian retailer or RSP warranty
  • Planning price: $0
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 · AX3000 dual-band
97/100View productCompare
TP-LinkDeco X50-PoE(2-pack)$0Confirm the Australian retailer or RSP warranty
  • Planning price: $0
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 · AX3000
97/100View productCompare
TP-LinkDeco X50-PoE(3-pack)$0Confirm the Australian retailer or RSP warranty
  • Planning price: $0
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 · AX3000
97/100View productCompare

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers before you compare.

How many mesh nodes does a two-storey home need?

Two is a sensible starting point for many homes. Large floorplans, dense brick or concrete and detached areas may need three or more after a site-specific check.

Should mesh nodes be wired?

Wired Ethernet backhaul is preferable when practical because it improves consistency and preserves wireless capacity for client devices.

Will mesh Wi-Fi make my NBN plan faster?

It cannot increase the speed delivered by the NBN service, but it can help more rooms receive a useful share of that connection.

Ready to narrow it down?

Use the full finder with your home and priorities.

Open the Networking finder Compare all productsBrowse buying guides