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How to Buy a Mesh Router System

How to · Tech

How to Buy a Mesh Router System

Stop dealing with dead Wi-Fi spots. Here is how to grab a high-speed mesh router system for under twenty bucks a month.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $350 before anything else
Across the 0% window $19.44/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $350 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A mesh router system cures bad Wi-Fi by placing multiple nodes around your home. You want something that will last at least five years, so do not cheap out on a single weak router. Buying a solid system now means you won't have to buy another one in two years when your connection starts choking on stream quality.

New networking tech drops constantly, but last year's flagship model is usually the smartest buy because Wi-Fi standards do not change overnight. If you grab one during the August back-to-school sales for around $350, you can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card to spread the cost out without paying extra.

Just remember, 18 months goes by fast. If you do not pay off the full balance by the time the intro window closes, the remaining amount starts racking up interest at the regular high APR. It is not free money, so set up autopay for $19.44 immediately.

The steps

  1. 01

    Map your dead zones

    Walk around your place and find where the signal drops. A two-pack is usually enough for an apartment or small house, while larger homes need three nodes. Do not buy more coverage than you actually need.

  2. 02

    Wait for August sales

    Back-to-school season in August is prime time for tech discounts. Retailers slash prices on networking gear to tempt students and parents. You can easily find a $350 system marked down if you wait for the right week.

  3. 03

    Skip the absolute newest tech

    Wi-Fi 7 is shiny, but your current devices probably cannot even use it yet. Look for Wi-Fi 6 or 6E models from last year. They are highly reliable, plenty fast for 4K streaming, and cost a fraction of the price.

  4. 04

    Use 18 months of zero interest

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. Put the $350 router system on the card and pay $19.44 a month to clear the balance before the clock runs out.

  5. 05

    Place your nodes correctly

    Do not hide your new nodes in closets or behind heavy furniture. Place them in the open, halfway between your main modem and the dead zones. This keeps the signal strong and makes sure you get your money's worth.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

What is a mesh router?

It is a system of two or more devices that work together to blanket your home in Wi-Fi. Unlike a single router, they share the same network name so your phone hops between them seamlessly.

Can I install this myself?

Yes, almost every modern mesh system uses a simple smartphone app to guide you through setup. It usually takes less than fifteen minutes to get everything running.

Do I still need to pay my internet provider?

Yes, a mesh system only replaces your router, not your actual internet service. You still need to pay your monthly bill to your internet provider for the connection.

Is last year's model safe to buy?

Absolutely. Networking hardware receives security updates for many years after release. You get the same security and stability as the newest models but at a much lower price point.