Network speeds are getting faster, in line with rising requirements for efficient, secure, and rapid connectivity. WiFi 7, with 320 MHz channels, has emerged as the next big thing among gamers, audio-video enthusiasts, businesspeople who run demanding online applications, and other diverse audiences.
WiFi 7 or 802.11be routers can deliver speeds up to 46 Gbps – a massive throughput leap over the WiFi 6 and WiFi 5. They integrate breakthrough technologies like Multi-Link Operation and 4K-QAM.
The former is also called MLO. It permits a device to connect to more than one band. It is an impressive leap over generations like WiFi 6 that stayed limited to 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.
While WiFi 6E can also use 6 GHz bands, it lacks the Extremely High Throughput (EHT) of WiFi 7.
EHT helps make the most recent routers excellent for gaming machines, game servers, business computers, and home IoT devices. The newest generation also incorporates anti-jamming for a disruption-free experience when you need it most.
Seven Best WiFi 7 Router 2024
You can safely pick one of these WiFi 7 routers to experience dazzling connectivity speeds for gaming and streaming.
They are expensive – easily over $500 – and entire mesh systems can max out a credit card. However, it is a valuable investment for anyone who demands that speed for a competitive advantage.
1. TP-Link Tri-Band BE9300 WiFi 7 Router
The TP-Link Archer BE550 has a fantastic speed of 9.2Gbps and comes with LAN and WAN 2.5G ports. This $249 router includes six antennas with beamforming to give you a consistent, disturbance-free experience. The best part is that it is backward compatible with any WiFi generation, starting from 802.11n.
The router lets you work smoothly on your chosen device, from a PC to a gaming console, TV, phone, etc. You can control it with Alexa or Google Assistant, using extenders when required to cover your entire home.
In addition, this router also supports a private IoT network with WPA3 encryption, so you can keep your home devices extra secure.
Quick setup is a helpful benefit of this router. You can also access remote VPN servers without special software on each device.
2. ASUS RT-BE96U BE19000 WiFi 7 Extendable Router
The ASUS RT-BE96U BE19000 WiFi 7 router delivers top-notch speeds of almost 19 Gbps, thanks to 320MHz channels and 4096 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation or QAM. You can see a 20% data rate increase over WiFi 6, which uses 1024-QAM.
Another feather in its cap is support for AiMesh, an extendable router to receive connectivity all over your home. Thanks to multi-link operation, you can connect to multiple bands for stability and efficiency.
This router has excellent network security (AiProtection Pro) without a subscription. You also get lifetime internet security – one-tap scan and safer browsing – and many VPN features. The parental control settings are more advanced than in other routers, letting you customize for different devices.
A hallmark of this router is its cooling-friendly design with aluminum heatsinks and higher airflow.
3. TP-Link Tri-Band BE19000 WiFi 7 Router
There’s ample reason TP-Link has maintained its position as one of the best router brands in the market. The TP-Link Archer BE800 Tri-Band BE19000 costs around $600 but delivers 19 Gbps speeds and eight antennas for reliable connectivity.
The assortment includes two 10G and four 2.5G ports. So, whether you like 8K streaming or competitive gaming, this device should do it for you.
User convenience is essential for this brand. You can use the LED screen for personalized settings, operate the router via Alexa or Google Assistant, and enjoy backward compatibility with other WiFi generations.
The connection is secure and private, well-suited to private IoT devices, gaming consoles, tablets, etc. HomeShield, TP-Link’s security software, incorporates parental controls and elementary settings, but more advanced settings require a subscription.
4. NETGEAR Orbi 970 Series WiFi 7 Mesh Network System
Look no further for exceptional connectivity across large areas up to 10,000 sq. ft. The NETGEAR Orbi 970 Series system bundles a router, two satellite extenders, and covers.
It can connect as many as 200 devices and operate at rates up to 27Gbps, making it perfect for PCs in business environments. It is also a good choice for large homes, provided you have the budget.
Design-wise, there are three 10Gbps ports and eight 2.5Gbps ports. The distinctive feature here is the unique quad-band technology that keeps speeds stable and high on all devices through 5 and 6GHz bands. The overall performance is speedy, with low latency, good stability, and high throughput.
5. TP-Link Tri-Band WiFi 7 BE10000 Whole Home Mesh System
Another trustworthy and relatively affordable mesh system is the TP-Link Tri-Band WiFi 7 BE10000, offering coverage up to 5,800 sq. ft. It costs approximately $550 and delivers 10 Gbps speeds.
The system includes four 2.5G ports, a USB 3.0 port, and four antennas, connecting 200 devices concurrently. This TP-Link product uses MLO technology and backhaul for high throughput and low latency.
A pleasant advantage is the inbuilt AI-roaming technology, which learns on the go and gives you consistent coverage throughout the area, like your home or workspace.
This router set works well with VPN servers. It also makes a good pick for households that demand varying degrees of control and privacy.
6. NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router
The NETGEAR Nighthawk is a cheaper alternative for those who want the NETGEAR experience sans the exorbitant pricing. It is a tri-band WiFi 7 router with one 10GB port and speeds up to 19Gbps. You can connect 200 devices at a time with an area coverage of up to 3,500 sq. ft.
Creating a mesh network is quick and direct since the routers are backward compatible with older generations. Multimedia activities like 4K streaming and thrilling gameplay become much more enjoyable with stable connectivity wherever you go.
The company offers a year’s subscription to its Armor app. You can protect and customize your devices easily. However, one wishes the period were extended, considering the high pricing of the product.
7. Amazon eero Max 7 Mesh Wi-Fi 7 Router
Are you up to trying something different? The Amazon eero Max 7 is a relatively new entrant in the category. This mesh WiFi router offers 10 Gbps speeds and 2,500 sq. ft. coverage. The wireless speeds can go up to 4.3 Gbps. A major plus is its capability to connect to over 200 devices simultaneously.
This router uses innovative network intelligence (TrueMesh) to avoid interference and deliver a consistent network to gamers, business users, and creative professionals. Gaming can benefit from the high throughput and low latency in performance – ideal for fast-paced titles.
The build is excellent, with a hefty emphasis on recycled materials and a low carbon footprint. It is also easy to set up and use.
What to look for – WiFi 7 Router
WiFi 7 has introduced some fabulous features for speed lovers and anyone who requires reliable connections without drops and lags. These routers have 320 MHz channels and deliver 4.8 times faster rates than WiFi 6E. They also offer 4K-QAM or a modulation technology to improve spectral efficiency and transfer more data in every transmission.
Some WiFi 7 routers use beamforming technology for even better performance, detecting devices and concentrating the signal accordingly. Mesh compatibility is another feature to look out for, letting you eliminate dead zones and enjoy easy roaming.
Additional features are also available in modern WiFi 7 routers, like LED screens that display the weather or emojis and parental controls. Many routers offer a limited trial to security software, with advanced controls behind a payment barrier. Budget should also be a prerogative when selecting the best router for your needs: the prices can vary wildly from $250 to over $2,000.
Conclusion
Picking a WiFi 7 router can significantly improve your online experience, bringing fantastic speed, security, and reliability to daily life.
The most popular options are from the TP-Link and NETGEAR families, embracing innovative technologies like beamforming, quad-band, and AI-roaming.
You can also browse offerings by ASUS or the newest Amazon eero, another fine, although pricey, choice for multiple devices.