The best all-in-one computers of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed


All-in-one (AIO) computers combine performance and speed in a space-saving design, integrating components into a single monitor. These machines offer a clean setup without sacrificing basic functionality. AIO computers, however, do have limited upgrade options and reduced repairability, so choosing the right one up-front is key. Should you get theHP OmniStudio X 32 for its large screen or Lenovo’s Yoga AIO? The latter has a flexible hinge, making it perfect for content creators. There are so many solid choices that picking a single AiO is almost paralyzing.

For the July 2026 update, I added the new 2026 Dell 24 AiO to the list. It’s a solid midrange AiO PC, ideal for families looking for a new PC.

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What is the best all-in-one computer right now?

We tested several AIOs across various budgets and use cases. Our top pick is Apple’s 24-inch M4 iMac, which we praise for its strong performance, sharp display, and sleek design. AIO PCs don’t often see frequent releases. Companies sit on a few models for several years before upgrading a series. Check out the following list for our recommendations on the best AIO PCs.

The best all-in-one computers of 2026

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Apple iMac M4 in orange

Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET

Why we like it: Taking the top spot on this list is the 2024 Apple iMac, which should come as no surprise. It comes with an M4 chip and 16GB of RAM, a configuration that allows the iMac to feel like a high-end productivity machine right out of the box. Whether you’re editing 4K videos, juggling dozens of tabs, or testing Apple’s new AI features, this AIO doesn’t skip a beat.

If the performance wasn’t enough, it boasts a stunning 24-inch 4.5K Retina display. It’s sharp, delivering impressive color accuracy and a max brightness of 500 nits, perfect for creatives. The glossy screen can be challenging to see in bright environments, but fortunately, shoppers can equip the iMac with a matte-finish screen.

Review: Apple iMac M4

Who it’s for: The M4 iMac is an excellent option for professional creatives, everyday users, and students alike who need a powerful, all-in-one desktop. Combine top-notch hardware and features with its sleek design, updated peripherals, and 12MP webcam, and you have a computer that excels in both style and substance. Plus, if you’re upgrading from an older Intel iMac or even an M1 model, the performance gains are significant.

Who should look elsewhere: I wouldn’t recommend the M4 iMac to people who already own either an M3 iMac or a Mac Studio with an M2 Max chip, since the performance gap between these models isn’t that big. Also, it can be an expensive machine. The matte coating may look great, but it adds an extra $200 to the price tag — a premium that may not be worth paying unless you deal with annoying glare regularly.

Apple iMac 24-inch (M4, 2023) specs: OS: MacOS Sequoia (MacOS 15) | CPU: Apple M4 (10-core) | GPU: Apple M4 (10-core) | RAM: 16GB, 24GB (unified memory), 32GB (unified memory) | Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | Camera: 1080p Center Stage | Audio: 3 mic array, six speakers | Dimensions: 21.5 x 18.1 x 5.8 inches | Weight: 9.7 pounds


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HP OmniStudio X 31.5 AiO

Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET

Why we like it: HP’s OmniStudio X 32 is our top choice for large-screen options, delivering a high-quality visual experience with one of the sharpest, color-rich AIO panels on the market. With a 4K resolution display and up to 550 nits of brightness, everything from spreads to video content looks crisp and vibrant. The matte finish reduces glare to maintain visibility, while the movable stand enables users to adjust the screen during long workdays.

There’s more to the computer than just its display, however. Inside the OmniStudio X is a discrete Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, a graphics card not typically found in AIOs. This GPU enables the computer to easily handle light creative tasks, such as photo and 4K video editing. If you care about having a color-accurate screen for your workspace, this one checks off many boxes.

Review: HP OmniStudio X 32

Who it’s for: The OmniStudio X 32 is a solid choice for a wide range of consumers, from entertainment industry pros to families. It is a versatile desktop with a big screen, perfect for multitasking or casual gaming. Additionally, setting up the PC is extremely easy, as everything you need is included in the overall package, like a wireless keyboard, a wireless mouse, and a USB-C cable.

Who should look elsewhere: To get the most out of the OmniStudio, you’ll probably want to upgrade certain accessories. The included mouse is somewhat underwhelming, the keyboard is satisfactory, and the speakers are decent. However, in his review, ZDNET Editor Kyle Kucharski recommends purchasing a soundbar or a pair of desktop speakers to enhance the experience. However, upgrading means coughing up even more money.

HP OmniStudio X 32 specs: OS: Windows 11 | CPU: Intel; Core Ultra 7 155H | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 | RAM: 32GB DDR5 RAM | Storage: 1TB | Camera: 5MP IR Camera | Audio: Dual 5W speakers | Dimensions: 28.14 x 22.26 x 7.88 inches | Weight: 21.6 pounds


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HP/ZDNET

Why we like it: No, you’re not seeing double. HP makes some of the best AIOs on the market, so it only makes sense to include another on this list. This OmniStudio X 27 model has several differences from the previous entry, most notably, its size. The screen is significantly smaller, measuring 27 inches diagonally rather than 32, but it still outputs images in stunning 4K resolution.

Inside its chassis is an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V CPU. It harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to deliver performance beyond that of many other AiO computers. Above the screen is a high-quality “5MP IR camera with HDR switch capabilities.” This means the display can output highly accurate colors. Features like AI Noise Reduction remove background noise during calls, ensuring you come through clearly, and Wi-Fi 7 support keeps you connected at fast speeds.

Who it’s for: This OmniStudio X is essentially a smaller version of the previous model, offering many of the same benefits. Various online reviews praise the computer for its speed, large storage capacity, and ease of setup. One particular review on the Best Buy listing stated that they finished setting up in under an hour, including installing all their favorite apps.

Who should look elsewhere: Because the OmniStudio X has many of the same benefits as its bigger sibling, it also has many of the same issues. The accessories that come with the overall packages are substandard. I’ve also seen people complain about faulty units. One user review on Best Buy complained about high CPU temperatures.

HP OmniStudio X specs: OS: Windows 11 | CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 256V | GPU: Intel Arc Graphics 140V | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB | Camera: 5MP | Audio: Poly Studio speakers | Dimensions:  28.14 x 7.88 x 21.15 in | Weight: 21.61 pounds


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Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET

Why we like it: The Dell 24 All-in-One delivers the type of experience you’d expect from a midrange AiO. While it isn’t designed for heavy creative workloads, this PC is plenty fast thanks to its Intel Core Ultra 5 322 processor. It easily juggled multiple browser tabs, office apps, and media streaming simultaneously. Everything felt quick and smooth as can be.

Another wonderful aspect of Dell’s model is its design. At 24 inches, it takes up very little desk space, and at around 12.5 pounds, it’s lighter than many competing models. You wouldn’t think weight would matter in this instance, but it does. This lightweight AiO is easy to move around whenever you need access to its rear ports, as well as for setup. The built-in speaker is impressive too, delivering punchy bass and room-filling sound.

Also: How to restart your Windows 11 PC when nothing else works 

Who it’s for: The computer is perfect for families and workers looking for a reliable all-in-one PC at an affordable price. It’s well-suited for productivity tasks, and its compact design makes it a good choice for offices, dorm rooms, or anywhere where space may be limited.

Who should look elsewhere: AiOs as a whole aren’t very powerful. They’re primarily meant for lightweight tasks. But even among these types of computers, Dell’s model lags behind most. Plus, there are very few customization options, and the included mouse-and-keyboard combo is pretty basic.

Dell 24 All-in-One desktop specs: OS: Windows 11 | CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 322 | GPU: Integrated Intel GPU | RAM: 16GB | Storage 512GB | Camera: Full HD IR | Audio: Dual speakers with Dolby Atmos | Dimensions: 21.26 x 2.34 x 14.21 in | Weight: 12.47 pounds


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Acer/ZDNET

Why we like it: Acer’s Aspire C24 is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a low-cost AiO. It has everything you could want in a machine like this. Its 24-inch Full HD IPS display delivers vibrant colors and a wide viewing angle. Said screen also runs at a 120Hz refresh rate for velvety smooth animations.

The Aspire C24 comes in a variety of configurations, housing different hardware. The specs below highlight the AMD model, but the Intel model is just as good. Both configurations perform well. They’re each suited for light multitasking, office work, and multimedia streaming. Other notable features include a 2MP webcam for video calls, Wi-Fi 6E support, and Acer VisionCare, which reduces the amount of harmful blue light emitted.

Who it’s for: Like the previous entry, the Acer Aspire C24 is a good pick for families, students, and offices looking for an affordable desktop. The main difference with this device is affordability. Its compact design also makes it a great fit for desks with limited space.

Who should look elsewhere: And just like the previous entry, this is not a powerful computer. Acer’s Aspire operates on entry-level processors and integrated graphics cards. That’s fine for most use cases but will struggle in the face of demanding workloads. Same goes for the 8GB of RAM. It’s okay, but the PC’s performance will run into a wall at some point.

Acer Aspire C24 specs OS: Windows 11 | CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 40 | GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 512GB SSD | Display: 23.8-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) | Camera: 5MP webcam | Audio: Built-in stereo speakers | Dimensions: 16.36 x 21.27 x 6.43 inches | Weight: 8.82


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mac-and-kids

Jason Hiner/ZDNET

Why we like it: The M3 iMac is an old favorite but still relevant. It was once our top pick for the best AIO until the newer M4 replaced it, but it is absolutely a competitive option in 2026.

Apple’s M3 chip is still top-notch hardware. The processing unit, which consists of four performance cores and four efficiency cores, excels at handling demanding workflows such as digital illustration, music production, and video editing. Plus, the iMac has a stunning 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, capable of outputting over a billion colors while delivering exceptional clarity and color accuracy. 

Also: The top 10 laptops our readers bought this year (No. 1 surprised us)

Who it’s for: Thanks to the M3 chipset and the high-quality Retina display, this older iMac is best suited for creatives, whether professional or amateur artists. Its flexible hinge allows users to tilt the screen for more comfortable viewing. Setting up the iMac couldn’t be easier, as it comes with a single preinstalled power cable, a color-matched Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, and a Magic Mouse.

Apple’s M3 iMac is also easier on the wallet, costing nearly $400 less.

Who should look elsewhere: Professionals whose projects have large file sizes may want to consider an alternative option or be willing to pay for additional storage. This may sound harsh, but a 256GB SSD is considered relatively small. File sizes have exploded in recent years, necessitating that people have ample storage space. 256GB is acceptable for casual usage, but to get the most out of the iMac, I recommend upgrading to 512 GB.

Apple M3 iMac specs: OS: macOS | CPU: Apple M3 | GPU: Apple M3 8-core | RAM: 8 GB | Storage: 256GB | Camera: 1080p webcam | Audio: High-fidelity six-speaker system with force-canceling woofers, 3.5mm headphone jack | Dimensions: 21.5 x 18.1 x 5.8 inches | Weight: 9.75 pounds


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Lenovo/ZDNET

Why we like it: Lenovo’s Yoga AiO is unlike many other entries on this list. For starters, it features a flexible hinge that allows users to rotate, lift, or swivel the 2K display. What’s interesting is that it’s only available with a touchscreen. This model is primarily intended for content creators and artists who want a PC for direct illustration.

The Lenovo Yoga is decently powerful, too. Its best configuration houses an Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, and 16GB of memory. With hardware like this, the AiO can handle light gaming. In fact, with purchase, you will get three months of Xbox PC Game Pass.

Also: You can soon restore Windows 11 from scratch even if it can’t boot up – here’s how

Who it’s for: As stated earlier, the Lenovo Yoga AiO is meant for creators. It has all the necessary components to support heavy workloads, such as video editing and graphic design. The flexible hinge makes drawing in certain positions and angles easier. When you’re off work, you can kick back and watch your favorite movie. Dolby Atmos has fine-tuned the speaker system to deliver an immersive audio experience.

Who should look elsewhere: I wouldn’t recommend this Yoga AiO to people on a budget. It’s nearly $1,000 on Lenovo’s website. Setting this up isn’t easy, as it weighs almost 20 pounds. Aside from a few criticisms, I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t like Lenovo’s AiO. It’s the entry with the broadest appeal.

Lenovo Yoga AiO specs: OS: Windows 11 | CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 125H | GPU: Integrated Intel Arc | Storage: 512GB | Camera: 5MP RGB + IR | Audio: 3W JBL 2 tweeter, 5W JBL 2 woofers | Dimensions: 22.26 x 24.13 x 9.25 inches | Weight: 18.51 pounds


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Lenovo

Why we like it: At first glance, Lenovo’s ThinkCentre M70a Gen 6 looks like your bog-standard AiO, but it is a thoughtfully designed machine built to enhance your productivity. It’s a clean, space-saving desktop perfect for offices and at-home workplaces. Under the hood, the PC is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 5 225T processor (at least the base model), paired with DDR5 memory and fast PCIe SSD storage. A configuration like this is more than capable of handling everyday office tasks.

The nearly 24-inch Full HD screen delivers sharp visuals, and the business-first design includes features such as a 5MP webcam, a wide selection of ports, and an adjustable hinge.

Also: Finally, a mini Windows PC that convincingly beats my full-size tower (and is full of ports)

Who it’s for: The Lenovo ThinkCentre M70a is best suited in the hands of professionals who want a reliable, easy-to-use desktop. What’s great about the PC is that it is highly customizable. If you want more power, you could equip the machine with an Intel Core Ultra 7 265T vPro processor, Windows 11 Pro, and 32GB of RAM. If you value storage space, Lenovo lets shoppers choose a 1TB SSD.

Who should look elsewhere: This is not the right choice for power users or creatives. With an integrated graphics card and a focus on efficiency, the M70a Gen 6 will struggle with heavier tasks like advanced video editing. However, Lenovo does have the ThinkCentre M90 Gen 6 available, which comes with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 40-series graphics card on specific configurations.

Lenovo ThinkCentre M70a (base model) specs: OS: Windows 11 | CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 225T | GPU: Integrated Intel | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB | Camera: 5MP | Audio: Dual microphones, 2x 2W speakers | Dimensions: 21.24 x 13.39 x 1.95 inches | Weight: 12.29 pounds


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All-in-one computers have a lot of features packed into a single package. But AIOs typically can’t get upgraded after purchase, so you need to find the component mix and price that best matches your needs. 

We chose Apple’s 24-inch M4 iMac as the best AIO computer due to its great design and top-tier performance. But if you prefer a Windows AIO, we found plenty of options. See the comparison chart below for a quick look at how the iMac differs from our other AIO picks.

Choose this AIO…. If you want…
Apple 24-inch M4 iMac The best all-in-one computer. Equipped with a 4.5K Retina display and a colorful design, the iMac M4 is a powerhouse for work, home, school, and more.
HP OmniStudio X 31.5 The best large-screen all-in-one computer. With a 32-inch display, this AIO can make any image look gorgeous. Plus it has a solid hardware configuration.
HP OmniStudio X The best Windows AIO. This model runs AI-powered hardware and supports Wi-Fi 7 to deliver lightning-fast connections.
Dell 24 All-in-One A solid midrange AIO that won’t break the bank. Its Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processor performs quite well and boasts a powerful set of speakers.
Acer Aspire C24 The best budget AiO computer. Acer’s Aspire C27 fits comfortably in nearly every space thanks to its slim design and can multitask well.
Apple M3 iMac The best all-in-one computer for creative users. The M3 iMac boasts a 4.5K Retina display that supports over a billion colors at once. Its visual image is nothing short of stunning.
Lenovo Yoga AiO The best AIO for content creation. It has a 27-inch 2K display that sits on an adjustable hinge.
Lenovo ThinkCentre M70a Gen 6 The best AiO computer for business. This Lenovo model is highly customizable. Users can pick and choose the hardware configuration that best suits their needs.


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Before buying an all-in-one computer, pay attention to the follow factors.

  • Design: Consider the size of an AIO computer, camera, and speaker placement, port locations, and its overall aesthetics. If you’re going to spend money on something, it should at least look good. 
  • Performance: AIO computers, as a whole, don’t perform as well as they could, as they’re meant to be easy-to-use, lightweight machines and often lack dedicated graphics processors. Still, keep an eye out for models that balance hosting hardware and affordability.
  • Display: Obviously, it’s important to want and have an AIO computer with a great-looking screen since you’ll be staring at one for hours. But also consider unique capabilities, such as touchscreen functionality.
  • Features: Lastly, consider the AIO’s full range of features, including its port options (such as does it have USB 4) or display capabilities.


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At ZDNET, we occasionally receive AIO computers for reviews. We use the model for a while, running it through benchmark tests and seeing firsthand where it excels and where it stumbles. Information from direct testing is also taken into account.

Once we’ve compiled a list, we separate the best of the best using the guidelines noted in the previous entry. We also consider the components the AIO has, available upgrades, how well it performs, the display’s size and type, and any additional features and ports. Additionally, there are certain factors we ignore. No point in taking portability into account when they commonly weigh over 20 pounds. 

Check ZDNET’s in-depth process in how we test laptops and computers. 


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Latest information on AIO computers in 2026

One downside of AIO computers is that new models are relatively infrequent. Years could go by, and the only good option from a particular brand is an AIO from 2023. At the time of this writing, we’re past the halfway point of 2026, and we’ve hardly seen any news on any upcoming models. We recently saw the launch of Lenovo’s Yoga AIO i Aura Edition, a Copilot+ PC with a 4K OLED display at 165Hz and a peculiar “floating” design. Instead of a traditional drab metal base, Lenovo’s Yoga AIO will sit on a glass foundation, giving the illusion that the screen is levitating. Adaptive Lighting will emanate from the bottom of the display for a cool ambient effect.

We are waiting for the release of the M5 iMac. It’s been two years since the release of the M4 model, and there has been no official news. We have seen a few rumors. Current online gossip claims that the M5 iMac will be released by the end of 2026 in a completely different set of colors from the M4 iMac alongside the M5 Max Mac Studio, M5 Mac Mini, and a couple of new MacBooks. 


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In case you don’t know, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The operating system will stop receiving important security updates. Windows 10 will still work; however, after that date, it’ll be at the mercy of newly made malware that the OS will be vulnerable to. Your computer won’t be able to defend itself against online threats either.

That’s why every AiO PC on this list runs Windows 11, so you don’t have to deal with this problem. The current system will continue to receive support for the foreseeable future. Although it is possible to continue receiving support, if you’re willing to pay.

Also: Microsoft said my Windows 10 PC was no longer eligible for updates – so I used this secure alternative instead


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According to Lenovo, the average lifespan of an AIO computer is about five to eight years, though this depends on various factors. It depends on how often you use it, how well you maintain the machine, and whether you frequently install updates. It also depends on your needs as a user. They may change over time, and you’ll want a PC with more powerful hardware.


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Repairability is, by far, the biggest drawback to all-in-one computers. Internal components are “woven” into the chassis, so there’s little room for modification. This is done to save as much space as possible. Additionally, this leads to a short life span. After about four to eight years, you may begin to experience performance problems, and you’ll have to bring the entire system to a professional technician to fix it — if they can.

Another drawback is the lack of upgradability. That means you’re out of luck if, a year after you’ve bought the machine, you suddenly want more memory or a larger SSD. There’s also the price point to consider. AIO computers are typically more expensive than traditional desktop computers. 


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It all depends on your priorities. If you value having as few cables as possible, a degree of transportability, and space-saving and stylish design, AIOs are definitely for you. On the other hand, if you’re after powerful performance, upgradability, and repairability, then a traditional desktop PC is the way to go.


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AIO computers are ideal for users in confined spaces. The compact nature of the machines makes them perfect for receptionist desks, dorms, medical centers, and other settings that need desk space for other things.


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Latest updates

  • In our July 2026 update, I added the new Dell 24 AiO desktop and the Acer Aspire C24 to the main list.
  • In our January 2026 update, I added the Lenovo ThinkCentre M70a Gen 6 AIO to the main list. 
  • In our September 2025 update, we added a visualization chart to showcase all-in-one computer model comparisons. 
  • In our July 2025 update, we did research and added the Lenovo Yoga, Dell 24 All-in-One, and Asus M3402WFA computers to the list. We also refreshed some of the product listings.

Other computers to consider

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Dell

The Dell 27 AIO is the larger version of the Dell 24 AIO PC. It possesses many of the same features as its smaller counterpart, although the larger screen makes this computer much better suited for work.


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HP

If you’re looking to save some cash, HP’s 22-inch AIO is a solid budget AIO, and it’s on sale for just $320.


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Recent Reviews


As summer starts approaching fast, you have probably gotten your backyard all ready for people to come and hang out, or just for yourself to spend some time in the sun. However, even when everything is set up, you may realize your Wi-Fi signal strength isn’t the best out there.

In today’s digital era, this can be a major headache, especially if your home does not have a strong cellular signal either. Luckily, there is a way to extend your Wi-Fi to your backyard without buying an expensive mesh system.

The backyard is a Wi-Fi dead zone

My backyard was a graveyard for any Wi-Fi signal

If you’re like me, you have really great Wi-Fi inside your house that is fast and reliable. No matter where you are, you seem to have a strong connection that lets you browse the web and watch content.

Phone with poor cellular service on the desk while listening to music by Avril Lavigne. Credit: Nathaniel Pangaro / How-To Geek

However, when you step outside and walk a few feet into your backyard, that Wi-Fi signal disappears. Even worse, you may also be in an area with poor cellular service.

When looking for ways to fix this, many suggestions point to a mesh router setup. However, these can be expensive and often come with only a limited number of units per box. Furthermore, adding more would incur additional costs.

Additionally, when considering mesh routers, I thought about how I would incorporate them into my backyard. While I could plug one into an outlet outside, I was concerned that exposure to severe weather could damage it, even if it were under an overhang or in a gazebo.

This led me to find another workaround: repurposing my old router as an access point to extend my Wi-Fi to the backyard. This allowed me to use something I already had collecting dust and give it a new purpose.

Quiz
8 Questions · Test Your Knowledge

Mesh WiFi networks: history, tech, future
Trivia challenge

From military roots to whole-home coverage — how well do you really know mesh WiFi?

HistoryTechnologyBrandsFuture TechFun Facts

The concept of mesh networking was originally developed for use in which field before it reached consumer homes?

Correct! Mesh networking grew out of military research, particularly DARPA-funded projects aimed at creating self-healing, decentralized communications that could survive partial network destruction. The idea was that if one node went down, traffic would reroute automatically — a very useful feature on a battlefield.

Not quite. Mesh networking has its roots in military and DARPA-funded research, designed to create resilient, self-healing communications networks for battlefield use. The decentralized nature meant no single point of failure — a concept that later translated beautifully to home WiFi coverage.

What is the primary technical difference between a traditional WiFi extender and a true mesh WiFi system?

Spot on! True mesh systems use a dedicated backhaul — often a separate radio band — exclusively for node-to-node communication. This keeps the bandwidth used by your devices separate from the bandwidth used to pass data between nodes, resulting in far less congestion and much better performance than a traditional extender.

Not quite. The key differentiator is that true mesh systems use a dedicated backhaul channel between nodes, keeping device traffic and inter-node traffic separate. Traditional extenders reuse the same band for both, effectively halving available bandwidth — which is why they often disappoint in practice.

Which company is widely credited with popularizing consumer mesh WiFi when it launched its first product in 2015?

Correct! Eero launched in 2015 as one of the first consumer-focused mesh WiFi systems and essentially kicked off the home mesh revolution. Its simple app-based setup and attractive hardware stood out in a market dominated by ugly router boxes covered in antennas. Amazon later acquired Eero in 2019.

Not quite — Eero gets the credit here. Founded in 2014 and launched to consumers in 2015, Eero was a pioneer in making mesh WiFi accessible and appealing to everyday users. Its clean design and smartphone-based setup felt revolutionary compared to traditional router management interfaces.

A mesh WiFi network behaves similarly to which surprisingly ancient human communication system?

Great analogy — and you got it! Mesh networking mimics the way gossip spreads: each node receives information and passes it along to the nearest neighbor, with multiple paths available if one route is blocked. Computer scientists actually call one mesh routing method ‘gossip protocol’ for exactly this reason.

Fun guess, but the best analogy is gossip spreading through a village. In mesh networking, data hops from node to node along the best available path — just like a rumor finding its way through a crowd. Computer scientists even formally named one routing approach ‘gossip protocol’ in honor of this similarity.

WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 mesh systems introduced support for which frequency band that older mesh hardware cannot use?

Correct! WiFi 6E opened up the 6 GHz band for consumer use, giving mesh systems a much less congested slice of spectrum to use — especially valuable as a clean, fast backhaul channel. WiFi 7 expands on this further with multi-link operation, letting devices use multiple bands simultaneously.

The answer is 6 GHz. WiFi 6E was a significant leap because it unlocked the 6 GHz band — a largely empty, high-capacity range of spectrum that dramatically reduces interference, especially in apartment buildings packed with competing networks. Mesh systems use it as a super-clean backhaul highway.

Before dedicated mesh systems existed, some creative users built their own mesh-like home networks using open-source firmware called what?

Well done! DD-WRT was the go-to open-source router firmware for enthusiasts who wanted to squeeze extra performance and features out of consumer routers — including running multiple routers in coordinated configurations that resembled mesh behavior. It’s still actively developed today and has a devoted following.

Not quite — the answer is DD-WRT. This legendary open-source firmware let tech-savvy users replace the factory software on routers from brands like Linksys and Netgear, unlocking advanced features including multi-router setups that approximated mesh networking years before polished consumer mesh products existed.

Which emerging concept would take mesh networking beyond the home and create a massive, self-organizing internet built from billions of everyday devices?

Exactly right! The Internet of Things vision includes smart devices — thermostats, lights, sensors, appliances — forming spontaneous mesh networks with each other, passing data along without relying on a central router or ISP infrastructure. Standards like Thread and Matter are already pushing this concept into real homes today.

The answer is the IoT mesh. The Internet of Things roadmap envisions billions of smart devices forming organic, self-organizing mesh networks — communicating peer-to-peer without needing a traditional router as a middleman. Protocols like Thread (used in Matter-compatible smart home devices) are making this a reality right now.

What quirky real-world project demonstrated mesh networking by connecting an entire island community with a DIY WiFi mesh built mostly from recycled hardware?

Correct! Guifi.net, launched in rural Catalonia in the early 2000s, grew into one of the world’s largest community-owned mesh networks with tens of thousands of nodes. It was built by volunteers using cheap or recycled hardware to bring internet access to areas ignored by commercial ISPs — a remarkable grassroots achievement still operating today.

The answer is Guifi.net. This incredible volunteer-built mesh network in Catalonia, Spain, started in the early 2000s and eventually grew to over 35,000 active nodes, making it one of the largest community mesh networks on the planet. It proved that determined communities could build their own internet infrastructure without relying on big telecoms.

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Setting up your old router as an access point

Making a world difference in your Wi-Fi range

While it may seem intimidating to deal with your Wi-Fi settings since you do not want to press the wrong button and take your entire network offline, this process was surprisingly simple. All it took was finding a suitable place for the old router and connecting it to my existing network.

How to Share a Wired Ethernet Internet Connection With All Your Devices

The first thing I had to do was find a location for my old router that would provide good coverage to the backyard. Luckily, our living room is right next to the backyard, and it used to house the family computer.

As a result of that setup, an Ethernet port was already installed in the room for the computer. This gave me an easy way to connect the old router to the main router, which was located on the other side of the house.

Powerline networking adapter plugged into a wall outlet with an Ethernet cable connected. Credit: Olivier Le Moal/Shutterstock.com

If you do not have a pre-installed Ethernet port in your house, there are other ways to get a wired connection, including through your home’s electrical outlets. There are various adapters that can help with this, such as the TP-Link AV1000 Powerline Ethernet Adapter Kit.

Once you have one set up—if needed—you can connect your old router to the adapter, and it will then benefit from a wired connection.

TP-Link AV1000 Powerline Ethernet Adapter

Brand

TP-Link

Ports

1x Ethernet


For my setup, I had an old TP-Link router from before I upgraded to my current model, and getting it configured as an access point was not that difficult. All I had to do was connect it to my main router with an Ethernet cable, add it as a new device in the TP-Link Deco app, and switch its operating mode from router to access point.

The difference between router mode and access point mode is how the device handles your network. In router mode, the router connects directly to your internet line and distributes internet access to your devices. On the other hand, in access point mode, the additional router acts as a bridge between your primary router and your devices, extending your home’s wireless coverage.

Two different modes in the Deco app on an iPhone in front of a colorful background. Credit: Nathaniel Pangaro / How-To Geek

However, there is one caveat to doing this: the handoff between your main router and your access point won’t be quite as seamless as a dedicated mesh system. While you can use the exact same network name and password to let your devices automatically switch to the stronger signal, I chose a different route

With a mesh router setup, your devices can automatically switch between different nodes while remaining connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This handoff happens seamlessly in the background, so you do not have to do anything.

With an access point, you have the option to create a completely separate network name. I decided to do this, meaning I have to manually join it whenever I want to use the signal from my old router.

Connecting to an access point network on an iPhone in front of a colorful background. Credit: 

Nathaniel Pangaro / How-To Geek

At first, I was not the biggest fan of having multiple networks listed in my Wi-Fi settings and needing to manually switch between them. However, after thinking about it more, I warmed up to the idea.

Considering how infrequently I am outside compared with how often I am indoors, I realized I would spend most of my time connected to my primary network anyway.

Wi-Fi Bands

Wi-Fi 6

Ethernet Ports

6 (2 each)


Additionally, to make things easier, I gave the access point network a distinct name. This allows both me and any guests who visit to quickly identify which network provides coverage for the backyard.


Using my old router as an access point has made spending time in the backyard much more enjoyable. Before, I would sit outside with a weak signal from the house and wait for content to load at a snail’s pace.

Yet, after setting up the access point, it made a world of difference. I now have a stronger signal, faster loading times, and more reliable ways to stay connected no matter where I am on my property.

So if you’re like me and struggle with poor Wi-Fi coverage in your backyard, consider pulling your old router out of the closet and putting it to good use. It’s never too late to turn something you thought was junk into a practical solution that can save you a significant amount of money.



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