Mesh network versus a simple Wi-Fi extender

The mesh pods work much better in our house than the old extenders, which were really hit and miss.  So many drop outs.

Big fan of a mesh system.

I have a main audio system server/streamer hardwired to the base router unit and a streamer endpoint for a second garage/outdoor system hardwired to a mesh node in the garage.  I have not experienced any dropouts or other problems and the three nodes allow me to control either system from my iPad/iPhone anywhere in the house or outdoors.

Extenders failed to provide the solid coverage I required not being able to

hardwire, mesh works excellent for me.

As I don’t have a very big house, at this point I’m thinking using an extender with a good Ethernet cable to my streamer might work fine and is cheaper/simpler than a Mesh setup.  Thanks for sharing all the good thoughts/experience.

Read the reviews on any extenders carefully too though, as I've had really mixed experiences far worse than audio quality.

Years ago, I tried several powerline extenders and none of them was any good at all. I suppose they might work if both ends are on the same AC circuit. How often does that happen, since one needs an extender because of gear in different parts of the house?