Is RT-AX86U Pro meshed w/ RT-AX3000 (satellite) still a good option?

[SR-71]

Asking as I just saw the AX86U Pro on sale nearby for $180. Thoughts/suggestions appreciated!

Have been using the AX3000 v1 centrally positioned in basement since 2020 and it's been mostly good but need better range and speed in outer rooms.

Relevant details:

• Will not be able to hardwire the backhaul between them, only 1 5GHz band on each
• ISP speeds 800/20 (actual: 800-920 DL / 24 UL due to ISP overprovisioning)
• Long single story house with finished basement; modem & router in the basement (can't move it due to running cable to office there to get full speed)
• Main objective is to improve signal & bandwidth to rooms at edges of home; faster WiFi file transfers with security features enabled would be a solid nice-to-have.
• 15-20 devices total, probably only 4-6 in active use over WiFi at any one time, rest idle/just background packets until needed.

My current thinking is between these options:

1. Go Small: Get the AX86U Pro on sale and try meshing it with the AX3000. Will only cost $180 to try and I can return it if it doesn't improve things.

• Since the Pro came out later, what's the likely/guessable life for supported fw updates?
• Small footprint is perfect since the current area for the AX3000 is likewise fairly small.
• Upgrade on both bands from the AX3000: AX86U Pro is 2.4GHz 3x3, 5GHz 4x4; although the 4th antenna is internal.
• How is the CPU processing speed compared to the AX3000 (thinking about file transfers)?
• Con: What's the likely impact of meshing the AX3000 on the sole 5GHz band, if the AX86U can't cover the entire house well enough by itself?

2. Go Big: Been eyeing the GT-AXE16000 due to dual 5GHz bands for the mesh backhaul - while the many pros are obvious (better CPU, all 4x4, better/more antennas, fw longevity, etc.), there are some cons:

• The new 6GHz band won't help at all right now (only 1 tablet with AX6E upstairs and having 6E in the basement is likely only short-range from what I've read) - so even future devices likely won't benefit.
• Large size is problematic for where it needs to go, prefer smaller, would need to get a new table or shelf for it.
• Cost currently $529, bit pricey.
• Unknown but possible the AXE16000 would be able to cover the entire house without meshing (not a con, just mentioning it)

Thoughts/suggestions appreciated!

 

[rung]

I currently are doing option 1 with good results. The ax3000 replaced a powerline ap. Aimesh is working well with the 5GHz backhaul. It connects with 4x streams @160MHz. Only issue I had with AiMesh was my Amazon music mesh wasn't reliable. I had to tie all speakers to the main AX86 Pro router.