Two minute review
Specification sheet
Wireless connection: Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax), dual band 2.4GHz + 5GHz
Processor: Broadcom BCM6755, quad core, 1.5GHz
Memory: 256MB RAM
Storage: 128MB Flash
Radiating: Explicit for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
Ports: 2x Gigabit Ethernet
Motorola was split into a number of different divisions about 10 years ago, but the Motorola Mobility division still makes smartphones and smart home devices, including the new MH7600 mesh Wi-Fi routers.
Strictly speaking, however, the MH7600 range is produced by another company called Minim, which is licensed to use the Motorola logo and brand name, selling its networking products directly through the Motorola website and other online retailers.
Despite Motorola’s claims of “blazing-fast” Wi-Fi performance, the MH7600 mesh routers are actually quite modest, offering dual-band Wi-Fi 6 with a top speed of 1800 Mbps.
Still, that’s fast enough for most domestic broadband services, and the routers are competitively priced and easy to use.
Motorola MH7603 review: price and availability
- Prices start at $129.99 / £110 / AU$180
- Now available in the US – TB in other regions
It’s possible to buy a single mesh router on its own, called the MH7601 for $129.99, or two routers (MH7602) for $189, which should be able to cover homes up to 3,500 square feet.
However, we reviewed the top-of-the-line MH7603, which includes three mesh routers that can cover up to 5,000 square feet for $239.
That works out to around £200 / AU$335, although the MH7600 routers in those regions haven’t received regulatory approval yet, so it could be a while before the routers go on sale outside the US.
Motorola MH7603 review: Design
- Compact design
- Solidly built
- Easy to use app
The three routers in the MH7603 are identical, with a neat, round design that looks like a small jewelry box.
They are solidly built, despite the relatively low price, and are only 66mm high and 127mm in diameter, so they can easily stand on any handy shelf or table when you set them up. Tucked into the back of each router, you’ll find a Gigabit Ethernet port for connecting to your existing broadband router or modem, with a second Ethernet port providing a wired connection for devices such as laptops or game consoles.
Getting started is very easy, thanks to the Motosync app – which is also designed by Minim. QR codes are printed on each of the three routers, so you can simply scan these codes and the app will automatically link the routers together to create your new mesh network for you.
There are also some useful features in the app, including a speed test that can tell you if your network can handle different types of tasks, such as gaming or streaming 4K video. The app also includes content filters that can block adult websites and other types of material that may be inappropriate for children – and thankfully Motorola/Minim doesn’t charge you extra for these features like some of its rivals do.
However, the simplicity of the app does mean that it has some limitations. The app just creates a single network that merges the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands, so more experienced users may prefer a mesh system that offers more control over network settings.
Motorola MH7603 review: Performance
- Fast, reliable mesh WiFi
- Routers also support wired connections
Benchmarks
Ookla Speed Test – 2.4/5GHz (Download/Upload)
Within 5ft, no obstacles: 100Mbps/11Mbps
Within 30 ft, three partitions: 100 Mbps/11 Mbps
20GB Steam Download – 2.4GHz/5Ghz
Within 5ft, no obstacles: 12.5MB/s
Within 30ft, three partitions: 12.5MB/s
We set up Motorola’s three mesh routers, with the first plugged into our regular broadband router so it can use our existing broadband connection.
The second router was placed in a back office where the wifi is so bad that we normally rely on a set of powerline adapters for a reliable wired connection, while the third router was placed in a corridor between the other two.
A top speed of 1.8 Gbps is relatively modest for routers that support Wi-Fi 6, but the MH7603 proved perfectly capable of giving that back office a fast and reliable Wi-Fi signal.
As expected, devices in the same room as our regular router offered speeds of 100 Mbps when running the Ookla Speed Test and 12.5 Mb/s for Steam downloads. Those are the fastest speeds supported by our office broadband service, but the MH7603 didn’t stutter at all when I picked up my laptop and walked down the hallway to that back office, maintaining the same speeds for both Ookla and Steam with no issues at all.
Should you buy the Motorola MH7603 Mesh WiFi 6 System?
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
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First reviewed in June 2022.
We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, taking the long-term view of the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained – regardless of when a device is released, if you can still buy it, it’s on our radar.
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