My WiFi is fine downstairs but terrible upstairs, what should I buy?

[Phil80]

Question: The router is in the front room and the upstairs office keeps dropping video calls, so do I need a range extender or a proper mesh setup? Answer: I would skip cheap extenders and use mesh, starting with Amazon eero 6+ mesh Wi-Fi router if you want simple setup, or TP-Link Deco BE65 WiFi 7 Mesh 2 Pack if you want newer WiFi 7 gear and stronger long term headroom. For a bigger house, the TP-Link Deco BE65 WiFi 7 Mesh 3 Pack is the cleaner fix

[StringTheory83]

Mesh fixed the same issue for me, extenders just made it messy

[BigDog92]

I like eero for family houses because the app is simple

[Phil80]

WiFi 7 is overkill today but I would still consider it for 2026

[HeartbreakKidCurtis18]

Run Ethernet to one mesh node if you can, it changes everything

[NatureBoyDylan81]

Running Ethernet to one node really is the game changer people keep mentioning. Once you give the mesh a wired backhaul, everything suddenly feels stable instead of "just about working".

Without that, nodes are basically talking to each other over the same weak signal you are trying to fix, which limits how much improvement you get.

If drilling or running cable is an option, it is worth the effort. Even one wired node upstairs can anchor the whole setup.

Otherwise, mesh still helps, just not to the same level

[Orbit William]

Range extenders sound tempting because they are cheap and easy, but they often end up being more frustrating than helpful. They repeat the signal, including all its weaknesses.

Mesh systems handle handoff between nodes much better, so you do not get that awkward drop when moving around the house.

Placement matters more than people expect though. Sticking a node in the dead zone rarely works, it needs to sit somewhere that still has a decent connection to the main router.

A bit of trial and error goes a long way here

[Always_Brett14]

Before buying anything, it is worth checking a couple of basics. Walls, especially older brick or foil-backed insulation, can absolutely kill signal going upstairs.

Router placement downstairs also matters more than it seems. Moving it slightly higher or away from corners can improve coverage more than expected.

If tweaks do not cut it, then yes, mesh is the sensible upgrade path. Just try to avoid stacking too many nodes, as that can create its own issues.

And if you can sneak a cable upstairs, future you will be very grateful

[CometSerpent]

Could also be interference from a neighbour's router broadcasting on the exact same channel. Download a Wi-Fi analyser app on your phone first and check if changing the 5GHz channel fixes the dropouts before buying hardware.