What makes Wi-Fi 7 routers the next big leap in wireless connectivity? As we dive into the world of cutting-edge networking, these devices promise to revolutionize our online experiences.
With blazing-fast speeds, reduced latency, and improved capacity, Wi-Fi 7 routers are set to transform how we work, play, and connect in our increasingly digital lives.
From gaming enthusiasts to smart home aficionados, there’s something for everyone in this new generation of routers. But with so many options flooding the market, how do you choose the right one for your needs?
In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the top 10 Wi-Fi 7 routers, dissecting their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Prepare to unlock the full potential of your home network and step into the future of wireless technology.
| Router Name | Speed | Range | Features | Design | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asus RT-BE96U | Exceptional | Excellent | Comprehensive | Sleek, 8 antennas | High |
| TP-Link Archer BE800 | Blazing fast | Strong | Advanced | Futuristic, 8 antennas | High |
| Netgear Nighthawk RS700S | Excellent | Excellent | Robust | Stealthy, 6 antennas | High |
| Netgear Orbi RBE973 | Extremely fast | Wide | Advanced | White towers | Very high |
| Eero Max 7 | Fast | Whole-home | User-friendly | Compact, minimalist | High |
| TP-Link Deco BE85 | Fast, stable | Whole-home | AI-enhanced | Modern, white | High |
| Linksys Velop Pro 7 | Extremely fast | Excellent | Intelligent | Tall, white towers | Very high |
| TP-Link Archer BE550 | Fast | Reliable | Solid | Sleek, 4 antennas | Mid-range |
| TP-Link Deco BE63 | Fast, stable | Seamless | AI-optimized | Compact, minimalist | Mid-range |
| ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro | Extremely fast | Excellent | Gaming-focused | Bold, 8 antennas | Very high |
Why Do You Need a Wifi 7 Router?
Wi-Fi 7 routers are designed to provide users with a high-speed, reliable connection for all of their devices. This type of router is ideal for streaming media, gaming, and other activities that require a lot of bandwidth.
Additionally, wifi 7 routers come equipped with features such as parental controls, guest networking, and Quality of Service (QoS) settings that allow users to customize their network for optimal performance. With all of these features, it’s clear why Wi-Fi 7 routers have become a popular choice among consumers.
10 Best Wifi 7 Routers
Here are our top 10 picks for the best wifi 7 routers currently available:
1. Asus RT-BE96U
The Asus RT-BE96U is a high-end, tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router with a sleek black design and eight external antennas for optimal signal strength and coverage.
Purpose and Functionality
Primary Purpose: Deliver ultra-fast Wi-Fi speeds and robust connectivity for homes with multiple devices
Key Features:
- Tri-band (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz) support
- 320MHz ultra-wide data channels
- 4K QAM and Multi-Link Operations (MLO)
- Built-in security from Trend Micro (AiProtection Pro)
- Compatible with Asus AiMesh for expandable coverage2
Technical Specifications
- Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) support
- 1x 10Gbps WAN, 1x 10Gbps LAN, 3x 1Gbps LAN ports
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 ports
- Broadcom BCM6726/67263 chipset
- 256MB flash storage, 2GB RAM
- 2.6GHz quad-core processor
- WPA3 security
- Parental controls
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional Wi-Fi performance, reaching 2.685Gbps at close range
- Excellent range, maintaining strong signal up to 105 feet
- Robust security features at no extra cost
- Easy setup via web interface or mobile app2
Cons:
- Large footprint due to size and antennas
- Expensive compared to other routers
How It Compares
The Asus RT-BE96U is consistently rated as one of the top-performing Wi-Fi 7 routers, with reviewers praising its speed, range, feature set, and overall value. While pricey, it delivers a premium Wi-Fi experience for demanding home networks.
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Performance | 5/5 |
| Features | 4.5/5 |
| Ease of Use | 4/5 |
| Value | 4/5 |
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
2. TP-Link Archer BE800
The TP-Link Archer BE800 is a quad-band Wi-Fi 7 router with a futuristic white design. Its eight high-gain antennas provide strong signal coverage.
Purpose and Functionality
- Primary Purpose: Offer lightning-fast speeds and reliable connectivity for bandwidth-intensive activities like 8K streaming and VR gaming.
- Key Features:
- Quad-band (2.4GHz, 2x 5GHz, 6GHz)
- 320MHz channel width
- 4096-QAM and 4×4 MU-MIMO
- HomeShield security with parental controls
- Compatible with OneMesh for expandability
Technical Specifications
- Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
- 1x 10Gbps WAN/LAN, 1x 10Gbps LAN, 4x 1Gbps LAN
- 2x USB 3.0
- Broadcom chipset
- 512MB flash, 2GB RAM
- 2.0GHz quad-core CPU
- WPA3 encryption
- Beamforming and OFDMA
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Blazing fast quad-band speeds
- Strong security and parental control options
- Expandable coverage with OneMesh
- Modern, eye-catching design
- Cons:
- Bulky size may not fit everywhere
- High price point for average consumers
How It Compares
The TP-Link Archer BE800 ranks among the fastest Wi-Fi 7 routers available, with its quad-band design enabling incredible throughput. Reviewers laud its speed, expansion capabilities, and advanced features, though note the steep cost.
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Performance | 5/5 |
| Features | 4/5 |
| Ease of Use | 4.5/5 |
| Value | 3.5/5 |
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
3. Netgear Nighthawk RS700S
The Netgear Nighthawk RS700S sports a stealthy black chassis with six concealed antennas. This tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router prioritizes performance.
Purpose and Functionality
- Primary Purpose: Deliver ultra-low latency and multi-gig speeds for seamless 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR, and gaming.
- Key Features:
- Tri-band (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz)
- 320MHz channel bonding
- 4K-QAM and MLO
- Netgear Armor cybersecurity
- Works with Nighthawk Mesh
Technical Specifications
- Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
- 1x 10Gbps WAN, 1x 10Gbps LAN, 4x 1Gbps LAN
- 1x USB 3.0
- Qualcomm chipset
- 512MB NAND flash, 1GB RAM
- 2.2GHz quad-core processor
- WPA3 security
- MU-MIMO and OFDMA
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Excellent speeds and range
- Sleek, understated design
- Robust security via Netgear Armor
- Easy app-based setup and control
- Cons:
- Limited USB connectivity
- Pricey for many consumers
How It Compares
The Netgear Nighthawk RS700S earns high marks for its fast, reliable performance and minimalist aesthetic. Reviews praise the easy setup and management. The main drawbacks noted are the high cost and lack of USB ports.
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Performance | 4.5/5 |
| Features | 4/5 |
| Ease of Use | 5/5 |
| Value | 4/5 |
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
4. Netgear Orbi RBE973
The Netgear Orbi RBE973 is a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh system with a white tower design. The main router and two satellites provide expansive coverage.
Purpose and Functionality
- Primary Purpose: Blanket large homes with ultra-fast Wi-Fi 7 speeds with a seamless mesh network.
- Key Features:
- Tri-band (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz)
- 320MHz channel width
- 4096-QAM and MLO
- Netgear Smart Parental Controls
- Dedicated 5GHz backhaul
Technical Specifications
- Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
- 1x 10Gbps WAN, 1x 10Gbps LAN, 3x 1Gbps LAN per unit
- 1x USB 3.0 per unit
- Qualcomm chipset
- 512MB NAND flash, 1GB RAM per unit
- 2.2GHz quad-core CPU per unit
- WPA3 encryption
- Implicit/Explicit Beamforming, MU-MIMO, OFDMA
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Extremely fast mesh speeds
- Wide coverage for large homes
- Dedicated backhaul for stability
- Smart parental controls
- Cons:
- Very expensive
- Large units can be obtrusive
How It Compares
The Netgear Orbi RBE973 consistently ranks as a top-performing Wi-Fi 7 mesh system. Reviews rave about its speed, range, and advanced features while acknowledging the premium price.
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Performance | 5/5 |
| Features | 4.5/5 |
| Ease of Use | 4/5 |
| Value | 3.5/5 |
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
5. Eero Max 7
The Eero Max 7 is a compact, dual-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh system with a minimalist white design. The three units work together to provide whole-home coverage.
Purpose and Functionality
- Primary Purpose: Deliver fast, reliable Wi-Fi 7 speeds throughout homes of various sizes.
- Key Features:
- Dual-band (5GHz, 6GHz)
- 320MHz channel width
- 4096-QAM and MLO
- Eero Secure subscription for security
- Expandable mesh
Technical Specifications
- Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
- 1x 10Gbps WAN, 2x 1Gbps LAN per unit
- Qualcomm chipset
- 256MB NAND flash, 1GB RAM per unit
- 1.8GHz quad-core CPU per unit
- WPA3 security
- Beamforming, MU-MIMO, OFDMA
- Bluetooth LE, Zigbee, Thread
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Fast, consistent mesh performance
- Compact, unobtrusive design
- Easy setup and management via the app
- Support for smart home protocols
- Cons:
- No 2.4GHz band or 10Gbps LAN
- Subscription required for some security features
How It Compares
The Eero Max 7 earns solid reviews for its reliable mesh performance and user-friendly interface. Its lack of certain technical features and reliance on a subscription are noted drawbacks.
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Performance | 4/5 |
| Features | 3.5/5 |
| Ease of Use | 5/5 |
| Value | 4/5 |
Overall Rating: 4/5
6. TP-Link Deco BE85
The TP-Link Deco BE85 is a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh system with a modern white aesthetic. The two nodes collaborate to cover homes with high-speed wireless.
Purpose and Functionality
- Primary Purpose: Provide fast, seamless whole-home Wi-Fi 7 coverage that eliminates dead zones.
- Key Features:
- Tri-band (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz)
- 320MHz channel width
- 4096-QAM and MLO
- TP-Link HomeShield security
- AI-driven mesh
Technical Specifications
- Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
- 1x 10Gbps WAN/LAN, 1x 10Gbps LAN, 3x 1Gbps LAN per node
- 1x USB 3.0 per node
- Broadcom chipset
- 256MB NAND flash, 1GB RAM per node
- 2.0GHz quad-core CPU per node
- WPA3 encryption
- Beamforming, MU-MIMO, OFDMA
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Fast, stable mesh performance
- Sleek, modern design
- Robust security and parental controls
- AI optimizes mesh
- Cons:
- Expensive for average consumers
- Limited USB ports
How It Compares
The TP-Link Deco BE85 scores well in reviews for its fast speeds, attractive design, and AI-enhanced mesh capabilities. Its high cost and port limitations are cited as cons.
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Performance | 4.5/5 |
| Features | 4/5 |
| Ease of Use | 4.5/5 |
| Value | 4/5 |
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
7. Linksys Velop Pro 7
The Linksys Velop Pro 7 is a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh system featuring a tall white tower design. The three nodes deliver expansive coverage.
Purpose and Functionality
- Primary Purpose: Blanket large homes with ultra-fast, reliable Wi-Fi 7 connectivity.
- Key Features:
- Tri-band (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz)
- 320MHz channel width
- 4K-QAM and MLO
- Linksys Shield security
- Intelligent mesh
Technical Specifications
- Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
- 1x 10Gbps WAN, 1x 10Gbps LAN, 3x 1Gbps LAN per node
- 1x USB 3.0 per node
- Qualcomm chipset
- 512MB NAND flash, 1GB RAM per node
- 2.2GHz quad-core CPU per node
- WPA3 security
- Beamforming, MU-MIMO, OFDMA
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Extremely fast mesh speeds
- Excellent range for large homes
- Intelligent mesh adapts to the environment
- Comprehensive security suite
- Cons:
- Tall units may not fit everywhere
- Among the priciest mesh systems
How It Compares
The Linksys Velop Pro 7 earns praise in reviews for its top-tier mesh performance, intelligent optimization, and robust security. Its large size and very high price are notable drawbacks.
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Performance | 5/5 |
| Features | 4.5/5 |
| Ease of Use | 4/5 |
| Value | 3.5/5 |
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
8. TP-Link Archer BE550
The TP-Link Archer BE550 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router with a sleek black design and four adjustable antennas for optimal coverage.
Purpose and Functionality
- Primary Purpose: Provide ultra-fast Wi-Fi 7 speeds and reliable connectivity for small to mid-size homes.
- Key Features:
- Dual-band (5GHz, 6GHz)
- 320MHz channel width
- 4096-QAM and MLO
- TP-Link HomeShield security
- OneMesh is compatible with expansion
Technical Specifications
- Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
- 1x 2.5Gbps WAN/LAN, 1x 1Gbps WAN/LAN, 3x 1Gbps LAN
- 3. 1x USB 3.0
- 4. Broadcom chipset
- 5. 256MB NAND flash, 512MB RAM
- 6. 1.7GHz quad-core CPU
- 7. WPA3 encryption
- 8. Beamforming, MU-MIMO, OFDMA
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Fast performance for its class
- Compact, attractive design
- Solid security features
- Expandable with OneMesh
- Cons:
- No 2.4GHz band or 10Gbps ports
- Limited USB connectivity
How It Compares
The TP-Link Archer BE550 is well-reviewed as a capable mid-range Wi-Fi 7 router, offering strong performance and features for its price. Its lack of certain high-end specs is noted as a trade-off.
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Performance | 4/5 |
| Features | 3.5/5 |
| Ease of Use | 4.5/5 |
| Value | 4.5/5 |
Overall Rating: 4/5
9. TP-Link Deco BE63
The TP-Link Deco BE63 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh system with a minimalist white design. The three compact units provide seamless whole-home coverage.
Purpose and Functionality
- Primary Purpose: Deliver fast, reliable Wi-Fi 7 connectivity throughout small to mid-size homes.
- Key Features:
- Dual-band (5GHz, 6GHz)
- 320MHz channel width
- 4096-QAM and MLO
- TP-Link HomeShield security
- AI-driven mesh
Technical Specifications
- Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
- 1x 2.5Gbps WAN/LAN, 2x 1Gbps LAN per unit
- Broadcom chipset
- 128MB NAND flash, 512MB RAM per unit
- 1.7GHz quad-core CPU per unit
- WPA3 encryption
- Beamforming, MU-MIMO, OFDMA
- Bluetooth LE
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Fast, stable mesh performance
- Compact, unobtrusive design
- Easy setup and management via the app
- AI optimizes mesh
- Cons:
- No 2.4GHz band, 10Gbps ports, or USB
- Limited advanced features
How It Compares
The TP-Link Deco BE63 garners positive reviews as a capable mid-range Wi-Fi 7 mesh system, balancing performance and simplicity. Its lack of high-end features is a trade-off for its affordable price.
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Performance | 4/5 |
| Features | 3.5/5 |
| Ease of Use | 5/5 |
| Value | 4.5/5 |
Overall Rating: 4/5
10. ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro
The ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro is a high-end, quad-band Wi-Fi 7 gaming router with a bold black and red design. Its eight antennas and large size underscore its performance focus.
Purpose and Functionality
- Primary Purpose: Deliver the fastest, lowest-latency Wi-Fi 7 speeds for uncompromising gaming and streaming performance.
- Key Features:
- Quad-band (2.4GHz, 2x 5GHz, 6GHz)
- 320MHz channel width
- 4096-QAM and MLO
- ROG Gaming features (VPN Fusion, Game Boost, etc.)
- AiMesh compatible for expansion
Technical Specifications
- Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
- 1x 10Gbps WAN, 1x 10Gbps LAN, 4x 1Gbps LAN
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Broadcom BCM6726/67263 chipset
- 256MB NAND flash, 2GB RAM
- 2.6GHz quad-core CPU
- WPA3 security
- Beamforming, MU-MIMO, OFDMA
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Extremely fast, low-latency performance
- Quad-band for maximum throughput
- Comprehensive gaming optimizations
- Robust connectivity options
- Cons:
- Very large, obtrusive design
- Expensive for non-enthusiasts
How It Compares
The ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro is lauded in reviews as one of the fastest, most full-featured Wi-Fi 7 routers available, especially for gaming. Its bulky design and very high price are considerations for average users.
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Performance | 5/5 |
| Features | 5/5 |
| Ease of Use | 4/5 |
| Value | 3.5/5 |
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Considerations Before Making a Purchase Wifi 7 Router
Here are some important things to consider when choosing a Wifi 7 Router:
- Range: The range of the router is an important factor as it determines how far your signal will reach and what kind of coverage you’ll get in your home or office.
- Speed: When it comes to routers, speed matters. Ensure that your router can handle the speeds you need for streaming, gaming, and other activities.
- Signal Strength: The strength of the signal is also important. Check that your router has a strong signal and can handle multiple devices at once.
- Security: Security is important when it comes to routers so make sure to look for features like WPA3 encryption, VPN compatibility, and more.
- Cost: Make sure to consider how much you’re willing to spend on your router. There are many affordable options available but you’ll want to make sure you get the features you need without breaking the bank.
- Features: Different routers have different features so be sure to look for ones that offer what you need, such as USB ports, dual-band options, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wifi 7 router the same as the Wifi 6?
No, they are not. Wi-Fi 7 routers are the latest generation of routers and offer faster speeds and greater range than their predecessors.
Do Wifi 7 routers have a better range?
Yes, Wi-Fi 7 routers generally offer an improved range over their predecessors due to their use of advanced technology.
How do I set up my Wifi 7 router?
The setup process for your Wi-Fi 7 router will vary depending on the model you purchase. However, most routers are fairly straightforward and can be set up in a few simple steps.
Should I buy a Wifi 7 router?
If you need a powerful and reliable connection for streaming media, gaming, or other activities that require a lot of bandwidth, then a Wi-Fi 7 router is the right choice for you. However, if your needs are more basic, you may want to look at lower-end routers instead.
Final Words: Best Wifi 7 Routers
In summary, these 10 Wi-Fi 7 routers represent the cutting edge of wireless performance, each with unique strengths.
The Asus RT-BE96U, Netgear Nighthawk RS700S, and ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro lead in raw speed and features, while the Netgear Orbi RBE973, TP-Link Deco BE85, and Linksys Velop Pro 7 excel in mesh coverage.
The TP-Link Archer BE800 and Eero Max 7 balance performance and ease of use. For more affordable options, the TP-Link Archer BE550 and Deco BE63 deliver solid Wi-Fi 7 speeds.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on specific needs and budgets, but these routers showcase the impressive capabilities of the latest Wi-Fi standard.