How Many Devices Can a Router or Mesh System Handle?

Short answer: the mesh systems below carry maker figures of 70 to 200 or more devices, depending on the model. For your own router or mesh system, look for the same figure on its maker’s product page. As the analysis below explains, a device figure doesn’t tell you how many devices can be busy at once. If your network slows down, check coverage and what is running at the time before blaming the device count.

What makers publish

These are examples of the figures makers state on their product pages, a sample rather than the full range:

NETGEAR’s figures come from its Orbi 370, 770 and 970 product pages; the 770 and 970 pages also call them “concurrent devices”. TP-Link states its figures on the Deco BE25 and BE68 pages. eero lists its figures on its product comparison page. If you have a standalone router, check its maker’s product or specifications page for a connected-device figure. Not every maker publishes one.

What the figure does and doesn’t tell you

The figure is each maker’s own number, not a measurement by us. NETGEAR’s product pages add a footnote to their speed and coverage figures: actual throughput and coverage vary and are lowered by conditions including the amount of network traffic, device limitations and building construction.

Count your devices

Your router’s app or admin page lists what’s connected; see who is on your Wi-Fi shows where to find it. Compare that count with your system’s figure.

If you’re near the figure

If your count is close to your system’s figure, or the slowdowns happen only in some rooms, look at coverage first. How many mesh nodes you need and fixing Wi-Fi dead zones cover that. If your count really is at your system’s figure and you’re replacing it anyway, compare the device figure along with everything else in how to choose a router.