Mesh network versus a simple Wi-Fi extender

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?

I have a pretty big house and use an asus ax 6600 mesh network for my main system.  The system is on the opposite side of the house from the router.  (I have the second system hard wired into my router, which also supplies signal to our computers and our video system).  The main system is dead solid stable and the SQ is excellent.  The only thing plugged into the mesh node is the main system, which theoretically avoids contamination that could be introduced if other items were plugged into the mesh node.