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Top Five Best DIY Mesh Wi-Fi System: Customize Your Network to the Max!

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While shopping for a home Wi-Fi system, we often overlook the do-it-yourself (DIY) options and opt for a purpose-built solution, such as one of these popular canned home Wi-Fi systems. And that can be a grave oversight.

This post features five highly customizable DIY Wi-Fi mesh systems encompassing multiple Wi-Fi standards. These systems will give you super-fast speeds, reliable performance, and the option to tailor the hardware to meet your specific needs. In most cases, you start with a router and seamlessly scale up Wi-Fi coverage as your needs grow.

Dong’s note: I first published this post on January 18, 2023, and last updated it on April 3, 2025.

Ubiquiti Cloud Gateway Max with UniFi Devices
Best DIY mesh Wi-Fi: Coupling a non-Wi-Fi router with access points, while seemingly messy and requiring more work, is the best way to build a robust Wi-Fi mesh system.

DIY Mesh Wi-Fi systems: The top-five list

It’s important to note that DIY Wi-Fi systems are not meant to be easy. All of the Wi-Fi ecosystems below will require some work, and to get the best performance out of them, you should get your home wired.

But in my experience, none of the options below are too complicated, either. They all share the same principle, so knowing one likely means you’ll be able to take on the rest.

Building a DIY mesh Wi-Fi system gives you the best control over the hardware and, hence, the performance, features, and, most importantly, the cost. I’ve used all of the options below in various configurations and locations, with great success. The list is sorted by the level of recommendation, with the most recommended on top.

Top 5 best DIY Wi-Fi systems (for a wired home)

Ubiquiti UniFi Network HardwareAsus ExpertWiFi hardwareTP Link Omada EAP670 vs EAP610 with controllerTP Link EasyMesh HardwareEnGenius FIT hardware pieces
NameUbiquiti UniFi-Based Wi-Fi System’s RatingAsus AiMesh’s RatingTP-Link Omada-based DIY PoE Mesh’s RatingTP-Link EasyMesh’s RatingEnGenius FIT DIY PoE Mesh’s Rating
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Hardware Options and Performance
Design and Features
Ease of Use
Privacy and Value
Hardware Options and Performance
Design and Features
Ease of Use
Privacy and Value
Hardware Options and Performance
Design and Features
Ease of Use
Privacy and Value
Hardware Options and Performance
Design and Features
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Buy this product

Top DIY Wi-Fi systems on Amazon!

1. Ubiquiti UniFi: The most advanced all-in-one ecosystem for all users

Ubiquiti UniFi Network hardware comes in different shapes and sizes
DIY Mesh Wi-Fi: Ubiquiti UniFi Network hardware comes in different shapes and sizes.

By design, UniFi is Ubiquiti’s enterprise hardware family. However, with the low pricing and friendly design of the latest consoles, it has slowly found its way into the home.

A UniFi mesh system is best-in-class in customizability and features. In return, the ecosystem requires a certain level of networking know-how to configure.

Additionally, networking is just one of the many things UniFi consoles can do. Their other functions include support for VoIP phones and IP cameras. So, depending on the situation, each can be the center of an entire ecosystem with multiple hardware categories.

Ubiquiti UniFi-Based Wi-Fi System's Rating

8.9 out of 10
Ubiquiti UniFi Network Hardware
Hardware Options and Performance
9 out of 10
Design and Features
9 out of 10
Ease of Use
8.5 out of 10
Privacy and Value
9 out of 10

Pros

Excellent and reliable performance with seamless support for UniFi hardware of multiple categories (Network, Protect, Talk, Access, etc.)

Tons of helpful networking features, a comprehensive web user interface, and a mobile app

Practical and aesthetically pleasing hardware design, no vendor account required

Cons

No AP mode as a system, most Wi-Fi-integrated consoles can only work in the primary router role

Some helpful features (teleport VPN, automatic backup, convenient remote access, etc.) require a vendor-connected login account


2. Asus’s AiMesh: The most versatile ecosystem

The Asus RT-AXE7800 Wi-Fi 6E comes in an interesting design with non-detachable antennas that can collapse on its top. It's also much smaller than Asus's first Wi-Fi 6E router, the GT-AXE11000.
Best DIY mesh Wi-Fi: Almost all Aus routers can work as a member of an AiMesh Wi-Fi system.

AiMesh is by far the most flexible of custom-built home mesh Wi-Fi systems, thanks to the sheer number of available hardware—virtually all Asus Wi-Fi 6 and later routers support this feature.

Asus also has the ZenWifi family built around the AiMesh feature, and in late 2023, it introduced the ExpertWiFi family, which is also part of the AiMesh ecosystem.

Consequently, AiMesh has been one of the most versatile mesh approaches in terms of hardware. There are countless mesh combos, and since an Asus router generally has comprehensive network settings and features, an AiMesh system is also feature-rich.

However, hardware flexibility and versatility also translate into a significant shortcoming: the overwhelming amount of options and the likelihood of unexpected bugs. To avoid those, it’s crucial to pick the correct hardware combo and set it up properly.

Alternatively, you can also consider Synology Mesh, which is an enterprise-class mesh built on home-grade routers. Unfortunately, Synology mesh has limited hardware options, with no Wi-Fi 7 routers to date.

Asus AiMesh's Rating

8.5 out of 10
Asus ExpertWiFi hardware
Hardware Options and Performance
9 out of 10
Design and Features
9 out of 10
Ease of Use
7 out of 10
Privacy and Value
9 out of 10

Pros

The most flexible way to build a robust, scalable home Wi-Fi mesh system

Excellent performance, top-notch feature set

Built-in online protection

No vendor login is required, nor are there other privacy risks

Comparatively affordable

Cons

Certain router combos can be buggy or have issues with new major firmware releases.

Mixing hardware of different Wi-Fi tiers, standards, or numbers of bands could be problematic


3. TP-Link Omada: A robust access point-based mesh with lots of hardware options

TP-Link Omada EAP670 vs. EAP610: The access points and their retail boxes.
Best DIY mesh Wi-Fi: The EAP670 and EAP610 access points are part of TP-Link’s Omada mesh family.

Omada is a family business access point. To manage multiple units as a robust mesh Wi-Fi system, you can use a controller—a standalone hardware controller, a computer running controller software, or a cloud-based controller.

Like EnGenius FIT below, this approach is standard in business and enterprise Wi-Fi applications and is available in known brands such as Cisco’s Meraki, Netgear’s Insight Managed, or Zyxel Nebula.

What sets Omada apart is its affordability—the hardware tends to cost significantly less than similarly specced equipment from competing vendors. Additionally, the Omada family has access points to all popular Wi-Fi standards, including Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and the latest Wi-Fi 7.

Generally, it’s cheaper to use Omada than any canned system. Most importantly, you won’t need to pay a subscription fee to use all of its features.

TP-Link Omada-based DIY PoE Mesh's Rating

8.4 out of 10
TP-Link Omada EAP670 vs. EAP610 with controller
Hardware Options and Performance
9 out of 10
Design and Features
8.5 out of 10
Ease of Use
8 out of 10
Privacy and Value
8 out of 10

Pros

Excellent Wi-Fi coverage, fast performance

Affordable; easy setup option; no additional cost for management

Lots of mesh features and settings

Many APs include mounting accessories and PoE or power adapter

The system can be managed via a local web user interface, a useful optional mobile app

Cons

A controller is needed; the hardware controller can't work as a router, nor does it include a power adapter or PoE injector

Networking knowledge is required to set up and maintain


4. TP-Link EasyMesh

TP-Link EasyMesh vs. OneMesh Hardware
Best DIY mesh Wi-Fi: With TP-Link EasyMesh, you can mix and match Archer routers and extenders to form a Wi-Fi system.

TP-Link EasyMesh is a relatively new option that allows you to use multiple Archer standalone routers to build a relatively flexible system, similar to Asus’s AiMesh. Additionally, you can use a router and an extender combo.

TP-Link EasyMesh's Rating

7.5 out of 10
TP-Link EasyMesh Hardware
Hardware Options and Performance
8 out of 10
Design and Features
7 out of 10
Ease of Use
8 out of 10
Privacy and Value
7 out of 10

Pros

Lots of hardware options

Relatively easy to set up and use

Flexible wireless and wired backhaul (with applicable hardware)

Responsive web interface with optional Tether mobile app

Cons

Minimum control of the satellite; no wired backhauling for extenders with a network port

Wireless backhaul can be complicated, especially with Wi-Fi 7

Seamless hand-off reliability could be better


5. EnGenius FIT: A flexible access point-based mesh approach

EnGenius FIT Includes Access Points, FitCon100 Controller and Switch
Best DIY mesh Wi-Fi: The EnGenius FIT ecosystem includes access points, the FitCon100 Controller, and switches

The EnGeinus FIT is a newcomer in the router + access points mesh crowd. It shares the affordability with TP-Link’s Omada above.

All you need is two or more access points to form a mesh system, thanks to the cloud-based management built into the hardware’s FitXpress firmware. Additionally, it has a hardware controller option that offers better performance, more features, and a larger-capacity network.

EnGenius FIT DIY PoE Mesh's Rating

8 out of 10
EnGenius FIT hardware pieces
Hardware Options and Performance
8 out of 10
Design and Features
8.5 out of 10
Ease of Use
8.5 out of 10
Privacy and Value
7 out of 10

Pros

Flexible hardware and software options with enterprise-class Wi-Fi and network customization; built-in cloud-based management with a hardware controller option

Comparatively affordable; easy setup option; no additional cost for management

The system can be managed via a local web user interface or cloud-managed, with a useful optional mobile app

Cons

FitXpress has interface-to-hardware lag and doesn't support multiple sites of distinctive Wi-Fi needs; the FitCon100 controller is a bit confusing and tedious to set up

For now: No 160MHz Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E support, no Multi-Gig PoE switches, generally performance is limited at Gigabit

No support for WPA or older security; most PoE access points and controllers don't include a power adapter or PoE injector


Extra: Amazon’s eero PoE hardware—the easiest way to get multi-Gigabit performance at a cost

Amazon eero PoE 6 Access Point and Gateway togetherAmazon eero PoE mesh combo
DIY Mesh Wi-Fi: An Amazon eero PoE mesh combo includes an eero PoE Gateway unit and at least one eero PoE access point.

The combo of eero’s latest PoE hardware, including the Amazon eero PoE Gateway and the eero PoE 6 access point, qualifies as a robust router + access points mesh approach.

While individually, each is greatly overpriced and limited, when working together, they become the easiest way to create a modern network with multi-gig wired backhauling. But as hardware from eero, this approach is poor in customization and includes lots of big and small unpleasant surprises, ranging from subscription nags to accessive heat to severe privacy risks.

Make sure you read their reviews to be aware of the catches before making the purchase.

Amazon Mesh with eero PoE Hardware's Rating

7 out of 10
Amazon eero PoE 6 Access Point and Gateway
Performance
9 out of 10
Features
5 out of 10
Design and Ease of Use
9 out of 10
Value and Privacy
5 out of 10

Pros

Two auto-sensing 10GBASE-T ports and eight PoE++ 2.5GBASE-T ports on the router and a 2.5GBASE-T POE port on the access point to deliver true multi-Gigabit wired performance

Compact design, easy to use

Good coverage, reliable performance

Cons

Expensive with extremely limited customizability and privacy risks

No web user interface (or desktop app) or command line support; no common business features, such as VLAN; all useful features (Dual-WAN, VPN, QoS, Parental Controls, etc.) require the eero Plus subscription

The router's internal fan is a tad noisy; runs very hot


The takeaway

If you choose any of the options above, you will get a mesh Wi-Fi system far better than any canned option at a similar price point.

And the fact that you can say you build and maintain it yourself is a satisfying bonus.

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36 thoughts on “Top Five Best DIY Mesh Wi-Fi System: Customize Your Network to the Max!”

  1. Hi Dong!

    Big fan going back to the (good) CNET days.

    I finally had with my network setup. After trying to build a decent network myself a couple of times, I’m ready for some outside advice.

    I currently have a TP-Link Archer AX3000 Gigabit Wi-Fi 6 Router (Archer AX 55) which I use to connect to the internet & to which I have about a dozed wired devices connected via switches. I also have a TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro AXE5400 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6E System (3 devices) that I use in AP mode to cover the wi-fi needs of the house.

    It’s just not working. I have a houseful of TP-Link Kasa switches, plugs, & lights as well as a Kwikset Halo door lock & Google Home Hub that are constantly flaking offline for no reason. Fully rebooting things only helps about half the time. I run the “Network Optimization” tool in the TP-Link mobile apps & they say “everything’s fine,” which it isn’t.

    In addition, the mobile apps have a good deal of “lag” as it can take several minutes after I take a device offline (on purpose) before the apps reflect that the device is no longer there. It’s especially frustrating on the XE75s when I see its LED blinking red but the app says, “working well.”

    So, that’s it, I’m done with TP-Link & I’m done with devices that have to “phone home” to the cloud to tell me what’s going on 2 feet in front of me.

    I’m leaning towards moving to Ubiquiti hardware as it seems well-regarded by you & others & I have a couple of friends who use it in their homes.

    If you have any suggestions on a last ditch attempt to “save” the TP-Link gear or, better yet, any recommendations on getting involved in Ubiquiti-land, I’d really appreciate it.

    Thank you!
    – Rory

    Reply
    • It’s hard to tell since the issue could be your Internet connection, too, Rory. In any case, your setup is not ideal as you might have notice yourself. Not sure if the house is fully wired, if not, it’s even less ideal. Additionally, having lots of “Smart” devices like that is generally problematic. More in this post on IoTs. In any case, this post on how to set up a mesh Wi-Fi system in general will help. I’d say an UniFi network will be better but can’t say if it’ll fix all the issues you’ve been having. Good luck!

      Reply
  2. Hello Dong. Your Ubiquiti reviews had some impact in my choice of Ubiquiti ecosystem. The level of control and customization is next level on Ubiquiti. The only one place it falls short is poor IPv6 implementation when it comes to Dual WAN failover state. IPv6 doesn’t work on WAN2 in failover state. I also wish Ubiquiti has WOL feature like AsusWRT.

    But aside from these 2 minor niggles, rest of the setup runs flawlessly. I ise UXG-MAX + UCK-G2 + 2 x U7-Pros

    I would thank you again for your reviews and Wifi articles.

    Reply
  3. After too many reliability issues with AiMesh, I’ve recently moved to UDM-SE + USW-Enterprise-8-POE + U7-Pro APs, and never looked back.
    My only regret is taking this long to make the switch.

    Reply
    • Yeap, UnFi has way fewer options and is much more stable. But it has other issues if you want to use certain features.

      Reply
  4. Dong, I currently have a Deco mesh set up. I need to add a outdoor broadcaster. I need something to cover an acre or two. I do not have PoE at the moment, but getting a new switch with that ability is no problem. I am using Starlink as my ISP. I am a DIYer and need to keep a budget in mind. Would a couple outdoor AP’s be a better option than a single AP? If a single AP is used I would need to mount to a pole higher than my house since I need coverage in front and back. My geography is flat but there is the house, a detached garage and
    a stand alone shop. Running the ethernet cable is no problem, it is already installed in the house, garage and shop. What would you recommend? It would need to work with the Deco system, I have to many AP’s and don’t want to buy a new system. I am not aware of any TP link outdoor AP’s that look like they would work as far as coverage is concerned. Thanks,
    Woody

    Reply
  5. One WiFi router feature that I have been looking for is the capability to block VPNs. As you know, a VPN is an easy way for kids to circumvent parental controls. I know people have been able to block VPNs using OpenDNS, but it would be a lot easier if it could be done by the router. Do you know which WiFi routers can block VPNs?

    Reply
    • You don’t block VPN, Gary, you block the entity that provides a particular VPN service. And that varies depending on what entity it is. For example, if you want to block the A VPN company, just block its software or its IP address(s). That’s the general idea.

      Reply
  6. I recently installed an Omada system comprising an ER605 router, OC200 controller and three AX1800 access points. I’m very pleased with the system. I preferred Omada to Ubiquiti not only for price, but also because the router and controller can be wall mounted. Unlike the Ubiquiti Dream Router, the ER605 does not have built-in Wi-Fi, which I consider a feature, because I have installed it in my wiring closet, and have located the APs in more strategic locations. Dong’s reviews of Omada helped to convince me to buy it. But I would add to the reviews that the Omada system includes routers and also a combination router/controller/switch (not AP).

    Reply
    • Thanks for sharing the experience, Randy. Omada has evolved quite a bit since I last updated the review. But generally its switches and routers lack Multi-Gig supports, for now. The same thing can be said about EnGenius FIT. This will change, though.

      Reply
  7. Yeah, I was reading another of your (older) posts and then posted the question on this one before I read it. Duh!

    Reply
  8. Dong,

    I’m curious why you didn’t include a pair of the RT6600ax in your list of best tri-band mesh systems. It would be about $600 on Amazon so similar in pricing to some of the others like the Asus XT12. Maybe I’m missing something here?

    Reply
    • You missed everything starting with the title and the intro of this post. But, sure, you can use that pair, but it’s not purpose built, like the case of the XT12. Read #3 on this list. Basically, you need to pay attention. 🙂

      Reply
      • Yeah, I was reading another of your (older) posts and then posted the question on this one before I read it. Duh!

        Reply
  9. Love your content! Do you have a note detailing DIY mesh-like setup with multiple routers? I have a couple asus ax92U boxes setup in double NAT. One in the house and other wired in a detached garage. This gives me many more guest SSIDs and better switching control than I was able to get using AIMesh.

    I’m considering an ax88u pro for the front box, which supports VLan, asus supported merlin firmware and more horse power for router based VPN. I find it very hard to source non-IT pro information on such things and how these options effect security.

    Reply
  10. Very useful article, will have to go back re-read later when I have some time. I would like to do a mesh system for my home, right now I have a Xyxel (?) AP in my basement just below the ceiling, and it gives me pretty good coverage throughout the house (two story house), but have thought a mesh system might be better, one on the main floor, and one on the second floor.

    Couldn’t tell from this article, but are any of these Wi-Fi 6E Devices? I know I am limited in devices for 6E, but looking to do a bit of future proofing.

    Reply
    • The ZyXel NWA220AX-6E is similar to the TP-Link Omada mentioned here. Get a few and mesh them up over the Nebula portal — the free tier is good enough.

      But for your case, it’s best to go with the Omada or Asus AiMesh or UniFi, just use Wi-Fi 6E broadcasters.

      Reply
  11. Hi Dong – Continued thanks for all your work. My current set up is a Asus RT-AC86U with wired backhaul to a Asus Blue Cave satellite. It seems to get good coverage, but I’m thinking it is time to upgrade because I’m having to reboot the router about once a week now.

    I could upgrade and stay within the AiMesh ecosystem, but based on your comments and the fact that my home is hardwired I’m inclined to try Omada APs. I could use my existing router (wifi off) and would just need to purchase/install the APs, PoE switch and controller. Which of those two directions would you recommend?

    Reply
  12. Hi Dong,

    Great article. I read both this one and “Picking the Best 6 Wif-fi access point”.

    I have a specific question and hopefully you can steer me in the easier to implement and affordable direction.

    My daughter just both a three story house. The modem (supplied by the internet provider will be in the first floor).

    There is one CAT6 cable running from the first floor (same closet where the modem will be) to the ceiling in the third floor. Since it is on the ceiling, there is no power outlet.

    So my options are:
    1. Just buy her a router to place next to the modem in the first floor, and hope the coverage will be strong enough also in the third floor. I have the Asus RT-AC86U and am pretty happy with it. But my house is only two floors.

    2. Buy her a router, for example like my AC86U , put it in the first floor. Buy any poe ceiling mounted AP and hang it on the ceiling in the third floor and connected to the router (probably will need a poe injector)

    3. Buy a canned system. routher and poe in the same package. I don’t know too much (except what reading in your posts) about router vs switch vs AP. For example – is it better to have modem –> router –> AP or, is it better to have modem –>switch–> 2 APs (one in first floor next to modem and switch and one in third floor on the ceiling.

    I am looking to have the same SSID so laptop/phone/TVs through the house will pick the strongest signal automatically.

    I would also like a cheap and easy to manage solution since she is a young girl and lives few hours from me.

    if you could please stir me towards a recommended brand/model/package, it would be very appreciative.

    Thanks so much for your advice! -Drew

    Reply
  13. I am not new to the concept of networking but I had never implemented a Wi-Fi mesh system before. I used older Synology equipment and so far, I am pleased with the outcome. I picked up a RT2600AC for around $100 and a MR2200AC for about the same price. I had a CAT 5E cable in place I used for the min router and MR2200AC. I also have FIOS internet with cable TV, so I needed the MOCA connection on the FIOS router for the cable channel guide. Your site was helpful with understanding the basic set up and some of the specific information I needed. Although this is a Wi-Fi 5 setup it works well for me. I now have excellent coverage in my back yard for my lights, grills and cell phone/ tablets when using them out back.

    Reply
  14. Hi Dong, really like reading your posts. Do you have a post about mixing dual band and tri band Asus routers to make an Aimesh system? I think I have read information on this topic here and there in pieces but not sure if there is something dedicated to this subject.

    Thanks

    Reply
        • Dong, one more question on the Aimesh system. I remember you once sharing your home network on some post. And as far as I can remember you had three powerful routers in your setup. One primary and two nodes. My question is that unless you have a really giant house don’t you see issues like sticky clients (clients sticking to one router which is far as against the one which is near)? Also clients sticking more to the primary router than to the nodes. Another question, do you think a connection speed of 500Mbps dropping to 200Mbps at a certain place in the house as a reason to have an extra mesh node ? 200Mbps can pretty much do most of the tasks anyways.

          Reply
  15. I have Omada WiFi access points (some stand alone, some meshed) in place for my small business, a few rentals, and several friends and family. Just absolutely love it. I am now starting to get their POE switches and am considering their router. You use either? (I no longer recommend Meraki for most small business, just too expensive)

    Reply

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