Current mesh wifi faves?

Hi, all:

I found a few threads dating from 2018-2020, but I realize this is a topic that moves pretty steadily.

What are the hive's current favorite mesh systems for home wifi?

We're currently running an old Apple AirPort system of a base and 2 bridged units to extend range.  They're probably 9 years old at this point.  While they are stable as rocks and deliver acceptable throughput, they are hopelessly out of date in terms network security options and they probably peaked at 802.11-n compatibility.

Plus, DW's new work computer keeps getting booted off (or boots itself off due to the old WPA2 Personal security protocol).

We have 3 Google Assistant consoles around the house.  I know, I get it, I'm not worried about it.  I started by looking at the Google mesh system because I figured it was easy compatibility.  PC Mag gave it decent reviews but I don't really need the mesh to function as additional assistant heads and it seemed like that capability compromised the raw power of the network functions.

Apple discontinued their branded wifi systems in 2018.  The Apple website refers you to the Linksys Velop AX4200.  I don't have anything against Linksys stuff, but I figured I would look further.

PC Mag recommends the Asus Zenwifi ET8 which seems reasonably priced and tested well.  However, user reviews at the bottom of that page massacred the system's stability and reliability.

DW does some WFH via her company's VPN.  We have a couple game consoles on the network, and someday soon we will be ditching cable and going Roku or similar streaming setup (which is a whole 'nother topic I plan to ask y'all about).  The garage is attached, so I don't really need to reach a remote location.

Who do we currently like in the $400-$500 range for a 2-piece mesh system?  Thanks!

I'm still running a TP-Link Deco Mesh that I bought in 2020. It maintains speeds about as fast as connecting directly to my router wifi. 

I've used eero for years, no complaints. One advantage is my Daughters gaming computer did not have a wireless card, so she could plug straight into one of the pods (or whatever it's called). I'm sure they've upgraded since I installed them, but they were easy and have been flawless. We are Roku only at this point with no issues. 
 

https://eero.com/shop/eero

Like Toyman!, I've been rocking a (TP-Link) Deco 3 piece setup I got at Costco in 2020.  It's rock solid, and it's not unusual for me to be working wirelessly in my office streaming prime or Netflix while the kids stream something on the TV via the Roku. All of our kids have windows laptops and no one ever gets dropped either.

I'd buy another one tomorrow if something happened to this.

Before that, I used a TP-Link Archer for years with great results, but COVID made that single routers' weak signal in the far bedrooms untenable, which is why it was replaced.

I put some a lower end net gear mesh in my house, and it's trash. I put deco ax3000 in my parents house, and it's light years better than mine. Super easy to setup, and speeds have been phenomenal.

I installed a Deco AX3000 from TP-Link last year, and it's been great. The crappy Comcast rental modem, on the other hand....

I've been running a Netgear Orbi AC3000 setup since Covid hit. We had 5 of us on Zoom with no issues, and it's not uncommon for all 4 kids to be on a gaming system. I've been very happy with the bandwidth and the coverage.  I did add a 2nd Orbi satellite to give better coverage for a corner of the house, and now we have great coverage throughout the house.

We had an Orbi system. It took a looong time to sync the satellites every time the power or internet went down. Other than that it was OK for a couple years but then it started having issues on a regular basis.  I replaced it with an Eero Pro 6 system with a hub and 2 repeaters. It was dead nuts simple to set up and it's been rock solid since. Honestly it has been the most trouble free networking system I've ever used.

Thanks for all the information, everyone.

I recently put in Google Wifi with used units from eBay. It works great, I really like the detailed analysis I can get in the Google Home app, and I got three points for $80 (!)

I recommend the Orbi because it is what I have.  It has worked well for the last several years and provides sufficient coverage to support a family of 4 easily.  It also supports wired backhaul if that is important to you.  

Others have made valid suggestions as well.  

I just upgrades to an Orbi system this weekend after the wireless side of my Arris Surfboard E36 M3 the bed. So far so good. The peak speed is over twice what I was getting out of the Surfboard, and I added a satellite for better coverage in SWMBO's office room. It was kind of pricey, but needed for work-from-home duties.