ARRIS SURFboard mAX Pro W133 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System

86%

Wi-Fi Performance

Ease of Setup

Range & Coverage

App Experience

Firmware Reliability

Device Management

Network Stability

Speed Consistency

Value for Money

Customer Support

Build Quality

Ease of Expansion

Device Compatibility

Overview

The ARRIS SURFboard mAX Pro W133 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System offers a high-performance solution for large homes needing seamless Wi-Fi coverage. With Wi-Fi 6 technology, this system boosts speed and efficiency, providing up to 11 Gbps speeds. The system covers up to 6,000 square feet, ensuring strong, reliable connections across multiple floors. It also includes four 1Gbps Ethernet ports per node, allowing for wired connections where necessary. Whether you're streaming, gaming, or working from home, this Wi-Fi system is designed to maintain consistent performance throughout your space.

Features & Benefits

This tri-band system is built with Wi-Fi 6, which not only increases speed but also improves network efficiency in congested environments. The dedicated backhaul ensures that your nodes communicate effectively, avoiding slowdowns when multiple devices are connected. Through the app, users can easily manage their network, configure settings, and apply parental controls. For even more extensive coverage, the system can be expanded with up to three nodes. This flexibility makes it a great choice for any home looking for reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi.

Best For

The ARRIS mesh router is ideal for households with large square footage, providing coverage up to 6,000 sq ft. It’s especially beneficial for homes with multiple devices, where high-speed internet is crucial for activities like 4K streaming or online gaming. If you're looking for a user-friendly system that can be managed from your smartphone, this is a strong contender. Its low-latency performance is perfect for gamers or anyone who needs fast, uninterrupted internet for demanding tasks.

User Feedback

Users often praise the ARRIS mesh router for its easy setup via the SURFboard Central app, which streamlines the installation process. Many have noted the system’s ability to eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones in large areas, making it an excellent choice for expansive homes. However, some users have experienced issues with firmware updates and node synchronization, which can impact overall performance. Despite these minor concerns, most users find the system highly reliable for connecting multiple devices with stable, fast speeds.

#Whole Home & Mesh Wi-Fi Systems

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Pros

Setup is quick and easy, thanks to the user-friendly app.
Tri-band system ensures fast and reliable coverage even in large homes.
Wi-Fi 6 technology provides enhanced speeds, especially for high-demand tasks like gaming and streaming.
App offers intuitive device management and parental controls for easy network oversight.
Up to 6,000 sq ft of coverage eliminates dead zones in spacious homes.
Expandable system supports up to 3 nodes, allowing for future upgrades as needed.

Cons

Some users report occasional issues with node synchronization, leading to inconsistent performance.
Firmware updates can be slow, and some users experienced bugs after updates.
The system's price point may be too high for those with smaller networking needs.
Not ideal for smaller homes where the full coverage and speed benefits aren’t needed.
Occasional interference with older Wi-Fi devices that don’t fully support Wi-Fi 6.
The system's large size may be a bit bulky for more compact setups.

Ratings

After analyzing verified reviews from various platforms and languages worldwide, we’ve compiled an overview of user feedback for the ARRIS SURFboard mAX Pro W133 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System. Authentic, high-quality insights were gathered, filtering out spam, bots, and exaggerated claims. The following ratings reflect both the strengths and pain points highlighted by real users, providing a balanced view of this Wi-Fi system's performance and usability across multiple use cases and regions.

Wi-Fi Performance

91%

Many users are pleased with the high-speed performance of this device, especially with Wi-Fi 6 enabling up to 11 Gbps speeds. It consistently delivers fast and reliable internet even in large homes, making it ideal for heavy usage like streaming and gaming.

However, some users report occasional slowdowns during peak hours or when many devices are connected. A few also noted that the performance drops in areas far from the main node, requiring additional nodes to maintain full coverage.

Ease of Setup

88%

Setup is straightforward and user-friendly, with many users highlighting the ease of configuring the system via the SURFboard Central app. The app offers a step-by-step guide, making the process accessible even to those who aren't tech-savvy.

Some users encountered issues during setup, particularly with syncing additional nodes or dealing with minor connectivity glitches. While setup is generally smooth, those less familiar with mesh systems might still face some challenges initially.

Range & Coverage

90%

The system excels in providing broad coverage, with many buyers praising its ability to blanket large homes of up to 6,000 sq ft. It effectively eliminates Wi-Fi dead zones, ensuring consistent performance throughout the house, even in rooms far from the main router.

A few customers noted that achieving maximum coverage requires optimal placement of nodes, and some reported slight performance dips in particularly dense or obstructed environments, such as basements or multi-floor layouts.

App Experience

83%

The app allows for easy management of the system, offering features like device prioritization and parental controls. Users appreciate the control it provides, particularly when monitoring multiple devices or managing home networks.

Despite its usefulness, some users found the app interface to be somewhat buggy, with occasional crashes or delays in applying settings. A few also mentioned that certain features were less intuitive than expected, requiring a bit of trial and error.

Firmware Reliability

72%

28%

When the firmware is working as expected, the system delivers solid performance with minimal issues. Many users appreciate the consistent, stable connection that it offers once set up and updated.

However, firmware updates have been a point of frustration for some, as certain updates cause connectivity issues or require manual intervention. Some users have struggled with node synchronization or experienced drops in performance after updating.

Device Management

85%

Managing connected devices is easy with the app's intuitive interface, allowing users to control bandwidth, prioritize devices, and set usage limits. It’s particularly helpful for households with multiple high-demand devices, ensuring smoother performance.

On the flip side, some users found the device management options limited in terms of customizing settings. A few also encountered delays in device recognition, particularly when adding new devices to the network.

Network Stability

89%

Once installed, the mesh system provides reliable, stable internet across all areas of the home. Many users were impressed by the consistent connection, even when multiple devices were in use simultaneously, supporting activities like streaming, gaming, and working from home.

However, some users experienced occasional network drops or instability, particularly when too many devices were connected at once. While this was not a widespread issue, it affected a few customers who had high data demands in larger households.

Speed Consistency

90%

The system provides solid and consistent speeds, especially for Wi-Fi 6-enabled devices. Users are impressed with how it maintains high speeds across long distances within their home, even in areas previously prone to slow connections.

A small group of users pointed out that, while speeds are generally high, they noticed occasional drops in performance during peak usage times or when multiple devices were active simultaneously. These drops were more common in very large homes or when nodes were not optimally placed.

Value for Money

92%

Given its features and performance, this system offers excellent value for money. Many users feel it provides a high level of quality, performance, and coverage at a competitive price, especially compared to other high-end mesh routers.

Some buyers mentioned that while the system is a good value overall, the price might still be a bit steep for smaller households or those who don't need extensive coverage. Additionally, the need for additional nodes can increase the overall cost for larger setups.

Customer Support

78%

22%

When users have needed support, the customer service team has generally been responsive and helpful, assisting with setup issues and troubleshooting network problems. Some customers reported positive experiences with fast responses and effective solutions.

However, there have been complaints about slow response times or difficulty reaching support during peak hours. A few users also mentioned that the troubleshooting steps provided were not always sufficient to resolve more complex issues, requiring further follow-up.

Build Quality

85%

The build quality of this mesh system is solid, with many users appreciating the sturdy and premium feel of the devices. The design is compact yet functional, and the nodes are easy to place around the home without looking bulky.

A few users noted that while the build quality is generally good, the plastic construction feels a bit lightweight compared to other high-end systems. Some also mentioned that the nodes can get warm during heavy usage, which could be a concern for long-term reliability.

Ease of Expansion

86%

Expanding the network is easy, with users able to add up to three additional nodes to cover larger spaces or overcome obstructions. Many appreciate the scalability, especially for homes with complex layouts or areas where signal strength is weak.

Some users felt that adding nodes beyond the initial set required a bit of fine-tuning and occasional troubleshooting, especially when trying to maintain consistent speeds across all nodes. While expansion is generally straightforward, it's not always entirely seamless.

Device Compatibility

87%

This system is compatible with a wide range of devices, including DOCSIS, fiber, 5G, and satellite modems. Users appreciate the flexibility in connecting various devices without the need for additional adapters or hardware.

However, a few customers noted that certain older devices or specific brands had trouble connecting to the network, requiring additional adjustments. Some also found that performance was less consistent when mixing devices that weren't fully compatible with Wi-Fi 6.

Suitable for:

The ARRIS SURFboard mAX Pro W133 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System is ideal for large households, especially those with heavy data demands. Users with multi-story homes or up to 6,000 square feet of space will benefit from its extensive coverage, providing a seamless connection across rooms and floors. Gamers, streamers, and remote workers who need high-speed, low-latency performance will appreciate the Wi-Fi 6 technology and dedicated backhaul between nodes. Additionally, families or tech-savvy individuals who want to manage devices easily through an app will find the system’s app-controlled setup and parental controls especially convenient for keeping everything organized and optimized.

Not suitable for:

While this Wi-Fi system excels for larger homes and tech-heavy households, it may not be the best fit for users with smaller spaces or minimal networking needs. Those living in apartments or smaller homes may not require the extensive coverage or high-speed capabilities, potentially making this system overkill and an unnecessary investment. Furthermore, individuals looking for a plug-and-play setup with minimal fuss might struggle with occasional node synchronization or firmware issues, which some users reported. Lastly, people who primarily use older devices not supporting Wi-Fi 6 may not get the full benefit of the system's advanced features.

Specifications

Wi-Fi Standard: Supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for improved speed and network efficiency.
Max Speed: Offers speeds up to 11 Gbps, suitable for high-demand applications like gaming and 4K streaming.
Coverage Area: Provides coverage for up to 6,000 square feet, ideal for large homes and multi-floor setups.
Tri-band: Includes three separate bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 5 GHz High for optimal performance and minimal congestion.
Ethernet Ports: Each node includes four 1Gbps Ethernet ports for reliable wired connections to devices.
Backhaul: Dedicated 4x4 Wi-Fi 6 backhaul band for improved communication between nodes and higher network efficiency.
Expandable System: Supports expansion with up to 3 nodes for larger homes or additional coverage.
App Control: Can be managed and configured via the SURFboard Central app, including features like parental controls.
Compatibility: Works with DOCSIS, fiber, 5G, and satellite modems, providing flexibility for various broadband setups.
Operating System: Runs on a Linux-based operating system for stable and secure performance.
Weight: Each node weighs approximately 7.83 pounds, making it easy to position around the home.
Dimensions: Each node measures 4 x 4 x 8 inches, compact enough for convenient placement in various locations.
Warranty: Comes with a 2-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
Device Management: Provides tools for device management, allowing users to prioritize or limit bandwidth to specific devices.
Security Features: Includes WPA3 security encryption for enhanced protection of connected devices.
Dual Band: Supports dual-band operation for devices that require a separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz connection.
Power Supply: Uses a standard AC power adapter to provide stable power to the system.
Modem Compatibility: Compatible with a wide range of modem types, making it easy to integrate into most home networks.
Firmware Updates: Supports automatic firmware updates to keep the system secure and up-to-date.

FAQ

Setting up this Wi-Fi system is straightforward, thanks to the SURFboard Central app. The app guides you through the process step by step, making it easy even for users without technical expertise.

This tri-band router provides coverage of up to 6,000 square feet, which is ideal for large homes. It ensures consistent Wi-Fi performance even in spacious areas with multiple floors.

Yes, this mesh Wi-Fi system is compatible with DOCSIS, fiber, 5G, and satellite modems. It works seamlessly with most modern broadband connections, making it flexible for various setups.

Thanks to the advanced Wi-Fi 6 technology, this system can handle multiple devices simultaneously without significant drops in speed, making it perfect for households with many connected devices.

Yes, each node of this system includes four 1Gbps Ethernet ports, allowing for wired connections to devices like gaming consoles or desktop computers. This ensures stable and high-speed performance for wired devices.

Yes, this mesh system is expandable and can support up to 3 nodes, allowing you to extend coverage as your home or network needs grow. Additional nodes can be easily added for larger areas.

Wi-Fi 6 technology offers faster speeds (up to 11 Gbps) and improved efficiency, especially in environments with high data demands. It reduces congestion, increases range, and supports more simultaneous connections, perfect for streaming and gaming.

Some users have reported issues with firmware updates, including occasional bugs and slow update speeds. While most users experience reliable performance, it's important to check for updates regularly to ensure the latest features and fixes.

Yes, the system can be managed remotely via the app, which allows you to adjust settings, monitor connected devices, and manage parental controls. The app makes it easy to control and customize your network from anywhere.

This device is ideal for large homes, especially those with heavy internet users like gamers or families with multiple devices. It's perfect for those who need consistent, high-speed coverage throughout the house, including in hard-to-reach areas.