I did not count on to like a Wi-Fi 7 mesh router, however now I can not return

Like most individuals, I had by no means actually bothered upgrading my dwelling’s Wi-Fi for about 5 years. I moved into a brand new home in 2021 and, on the time, picked up a Wi-Fi 5 mesh router from TP-Hyperlink with an extra satellite tv for pc to ensure the whole home was lined.

Since then, I added two extra satellites to increase protection to lifeless zones and an higher flooring, however regardless of that, I by no means felt the necessity to improve my Wi-Fi setup. It labored nicely for over 5 years, dealing with Netflix streaming, on-line gaming on my Xbox Series S, connecting greater than a dozen sensible dwelling gadgets, and serving tons of of smartphones I’ve collected over time with none actual points.

I had heard about Wi-Fi 6 and later Wi-Fi 6E once I made my first mesh buy, however the pricing, particularly for mesh programs, put me off. Neither I nor my household ever complained about speeds or dropouts, so I caught with what I had.

That modified two months in the past once I finally upgraded from a Wi-Fi 5 mesh router to a Wi-Fi 7 setup. I switched to the Huawei WiFi Mesh X3 Professional, which provides Wi-Fi 7 mesh capabilities, and after utilizing it, my solely remorse just isn’t making the swap sooner.

The specs look minor on paper however matter loads in actual use

The Huawei Wi-Fi Mesh X3 Professional appears wildly completely different from different mesh programs you should purchase right this moment, however we’ll get to that later. However the greatest distinction right here is one thing most mesh programs nonetheless do not provide: it is a Wi-Fi 7 mesh router, not Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 5, which remains to be widespread in lots of mesh setups even in 2026.

The X3 Professional makes use of 2×2 dual-band Wi-Fi 7 radios with Multi-Hyperlink Operation (MLO), which implies appropriate gadgets can use a number of bands collectively as a substitute of being locked to only one. In easy phrases, this implies your gadget can join with the Wi-Fi over a number of bands, leading to improved stability and higher speeds.

On the pure velocity aspect of issues, the X3 Professional goes as much as ~3Gbps on the 5GHz band, whereas the two.4GHz band tops out at 688Mbps. You solely get two 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports on the principle router, however fortunately, Huawei features a satellite tv for pc node within the field, which implies you’ll be able to lengthen the vary by connecting the satellite tv for pc node to the principle router wirelessly.

Much like different Wi-Fi mesh programs, it was pretty straightforward to setup and handle by the corporate’s companion app. What’s attention-grabbing right here is that when you setup the principle router, the satellite tv for pc node mechanically connects to it with out you having to configure something. As for the worth, the Huawei WiFi Mesh X3 Professional prices ~$300 in international markets, although it is not bought in North America.

In every day use, what stood out to me was not web velocity, however protection. With simply two items, sign energy felt noticeably higher throughout rooms, particularly on newer telephones and laptops. Speeds have been barely quicker on some newer gadgets, certain, however the actual profit confirmed up when a number of gadgets have been linked and all of them might hit excessive speeds with none throttling.

Associated

Why I use mesh Wi-Fi instead of a standalone router

You might find yourself paying extra upfront, however the one good Wi-Fi is the type you’ll be able to truly use.

Most of our gadgets are already prepared for Wi Fi 7 upgrades

Some would possibly argue that you don’t actually need to spend on a Wi-Fi 7 router proper now (particularly a mesh system) and that Wi-Fi 6 remains to be ok. That’s honest given the associated fee, however I nonetheless suppose Wi-Fi 7 already is sensible.

One purpose a Wi-Fi 7 router makes extra sense right this moment is that the majority of our gadgets are already prepared for it. It might not appear to be a lot on older gadgets, however the actuality is that a variety of gadgets individuals are shopping for now can truly benefit from Wi-Fi 7.

Newer flagship telephones are an excellent instance. Gadgets just like the iPhone 17 with Apple’s customized modem help Wi-Fi 7, and the identical is true for telephones such because the OnePlus 15 and the Galaxy S25 Extremely. A Wi-Fi 7 mesh router lets these gadgets totally use the newer customary as a substitute of being pressured onto older ones.

On the identical time, there isn’t a draw back for older gadgets. Telephones, sensible TVs, and IoT merchandise that solely help Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 5, and even older requirements proceed to work precisely as they need to. They join usually and stay steady, and I’ve had zero points utilizing this router with my now-nearly seven-year-old Xiaomi TV field.

I genuinely love the sensible lamp-like design of this router

One of many foremost points with Wi-Fi mesh programs, or networking gear generally, is that the majority gadgets look too gadgety and really feel misplaced together with your current furnishings. Earlier than switching to the Huawei Wi-Fi Mesh X3 Professional, I used a TP-Hyperlink Deco mesh system, and whereas it labored nicely and din’t look too unhealthy with its white end, it nonetheless stood out in opposition to the remainder of the furnishings in my lounge.

That’s completely not the case with the Huawei Wi-Fi Mesh X3 Professional. One purpose I can not transfer away from this Wi-Fi mesh system, and my mother will not let me both, is its design. The X3 Professional appears like a sensible lamp and a router on the identical time, and Huawei has actually nailed the aesthetics right here.

The X3 Professional encompasses a cylindrical clear design with snow-covered mountain-like parts inside and a lamp beneath. When the router lights up, it appears superb. You possibly can swap between heat and white lighting by tapping the highest of the router or set it up mechanically by the companion app.

What makes this even higher is that Huawei has positioned the Wi-Fi antennas beneath the lighting and mountain parts, which is such a intelligent use of the design. To maintain all the pieces cool, particularly with the built-in lighting, the router consists of an inside fan that helps handle warmth in hotter situations.

The satellite tv for pc node additionally follows the identical design language with built-in lighting and the flexibility to alter heat/white lighting when tapped, though it has a a lot smaller footprint than the principle router.

On the entire although, the Huawei Wi-Fi Mesh X3 Professional is in contrast to any Wi-Fi mesh system I’ve used earlier than. It may not prime the charts on uncooked Wi-Fi 7 efficiency, but it surely does all the pieces I would like whereas wanting much better than most routers you should purchase right this moment.