WiFi 7 Explained — Learn About the Latest WiFi Standard

Wi-Fi 7 vs Wi-Fi 6

We've already established that WiFi 7 offers dramatically faster speeds than WiFi 6, but the differences between these standards go far beyond raw throughput. To fully understand why this newest WiFi standard represents such a leap forward, let's examine how WiFi 7 compares to both WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E, which extends WiFi 6 capabilities to include the 6 GHz band.

Your current WiFi router likely supports the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency bands. WiFi 7 routers, like their WiFi 6E predecessors, also support the 6 GHz frequency band, which extends between 5.925 GHz and 7.125 GHz to offer a wide frequency range of 1,200 MHz (the range of the 2.4 GHz band is just 83.5 MHz, while the range of the 5 GHz band is 700 MHz).

The massive width of the 6 GHz band makes it easier to send data at blazing-fast speeds, and it also minimizes issues with signal interference, so your speeds won't fluctuate wildly when other people in your area go online or when your roommate or spouse turns on the microwave oven.

While WiFi 6E first unlocked this band, WiFi 7 maximizes its potential through wider 320 MHz channels, which double the bandwidth of WiFi 6E's 160 MHz channels to enable more data to flow simultaneously. Additionally, Multi-Link Operation (MLO) in WiFi 7 allows devices to connect across multiple frequency bands at the same time, so your WiFi 7 router can send data over 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands simultaneously.

WiFi 7 Routers and Mesh Systems

To take advantage of WiFi 7's impressive capabilities, you'll need to purchase a new router since existing WiFi 6 and 6E routers cannot be upgraded to WiFi 7 through firmware updates alone.

Fortunately, the WiFi 7 router market has matured significantly since the standard's official release, and there are now many high-quality options available from trusted manufacturers. Here are some of the best WiFi 7 routers and mesh systems currently on the market:

WiFi 7 Routers

1. Netgear Nighthawk RS700S: This sleek vertical tower delivers WiFi 7 speeds of up to 19 Gbps and features a 10 Gbps WAN port for multi-gig internet connections. Its fanless design guarantees that it won't disturb you even if you install it in your bedroom. The only two things that might give you a pause are the $499 price tag and additional subscription costs for security features, but that's what it takes to enjoy the best WiFi 7 router.
2. ASUS RT-BE96U: A powerhouse router with extensive customization options and built-in AiProtection network security Pro powered by Trend Micro together with advantaged parental controls. It offers excellent performance across all ranges thanks to WiFi 7 speeds of up to 19 Gbps and two 10 Gbps ports for wired connections with virtually non-existent latency.
3. TP-Link Archer BE550: Our top pick for value, this tri-band WiFi 7 router provides impressive speeds suitable for gigabit internet connections. It's especially great for those who can take advantage of its four 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports for that sweet wired performance and stability. In the future, you can easily expand it thanks to TP-Link's EasyMesh technology, which makes it easy to create a whole-home mesh network by combining two WiFi 7 routers together.

WiFi 7 Mesh Systems

1. ASUS ZenWiFi BT10: With this WiFi 7 mesh system, you can expect excellent coverage and all the bells and whistles that come with ASUSWRT 5.0, including free lifetime VPN, parental controls, and Smart Home Master functionality. Its compact, fanless design runs cool and quiet while delivering consistent performance of up to 18 Gbps across large homes (two units can theoretically cover up to 6000 sq. ft.).
2. TP-Link Deco BE85: This tri-band BE19000 WiFi 7 mesh system delivers speeds up to 19 Gbps across three bands (11.5 Gbps on 6 GHz, 5.7 Gbps on 5 GHz, and 1.3 Gbps on 2.4 GHz). It features an impressive 10G networking setup with both Ethernet and fiber ports, and the integrated HomeShield feature provides comprehensive network security and parental controls.
3. Netgear Orbi RBE973S: Designed for large homes up to 10,000 sq. ft., this quad-band system features a dedicated 5 GHz backhaul for congestion-free performance. While it commands a premium price, it's ideal for multi-story homes requiring comprehensive coverage without dead zones. It's worth noting that this WiFi 7 mesh system is available in white and black color options, so you can choose the finish that best matches your home.

When choosing between a standalone router and a mesh system, consider your home's size and layout. Single routers work well for homes under 2,500 sq. ft. with open floor plans, while mesh systems excel in larger or multi-story homes where a single router might leave dead zones.

Also, it's important to keep in mind that your devices (smartphones, laptops, tablets) must also support WiFi 7 to take advantage of its benefits. The good news is that WiFi 7 routers are backward compatible, so your existing WiFi 6 and older devices will still work. You may even see some performance improvements thanks to the router's advanced processing power and better network management.

Should I Upgrade to Wi-Fi 7?

Now that WiFi 7 routers are widely available and increasingly many consumer devices support the latest standard, the question becomes: should you upgrade to WiFi 7? The answer depends on your current setup, needs, and budget.

You should consider upgrading to WiFi 7 if:

• You currently have a very old WiFi router. If your router is more than 5 years old or still uses WiFi 5 (802.11ac) or earlier standards, upgrading to WiFi 7 will provide a major improvement in speed, coverage, and reliability.
• You demand the best internet connection possible. Power users who need ultra-low latency for competitive gaming, professionals working with large files, or households streaming 8K content will benefit from WiFi 7's sub-1ms latency and multi-gigabit speeds.
• You have a large budget. WiFi 7 represents cutting-edge technology with routers starting around $300-$500 for basic models and reaching $1,000+ for high-end mesh systems. If you can comfortably afford the premium and want to future-proof your network for the next 5-7 years, then feel free to go for it!

You might want to wait if:

• You currently have a decent WiFi 6/6e router. If your existing WiFi 6 router handles your daily needs without issues, there's no urgent need to upgrade. WiFi 6 and 6E routers already offer excellent performance for most households, and waiting another year or two could mean better WiFi 7 options at lower prices.
• You wouldn't be able to take advantage of any additional performance or network capacity. If you have gigabit or slower internet service and primarily use your network for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and HD streaming, WiFi 7's advanced capabilities would largely go unused.
• Your budget is limited. With WiFi 7 routers commanding significant premiums over WiFi 6 models, it makes financial sense to wait if money is tight. Prices will drop as the technology matures, and you can use tools like NetSpot (which now supports WiFi 7 on Windows as well as older standards) to optimize your current network's performance in the meantime.