Setup is fast and straightforward with the Tether app. By default, the two.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands will seem as one, and the router will choose one of the best connection. There’s additionally a separate 6-GHz community (appended “_6G”) that suitable Wi-Fi 6E or 7 units can be a part of. The MLO (Multi-Link Operation) choice is new for Wi-Fi 7, and allows Wi-Fi 7 units to attach concurrently on a number of bands.

Further choices embrace visitor community, IoT community, VPN server or shopper, EasyMesh, and some different bits and items. Everything is accessible via the net interface, if you happen to choose, and you’ll arrange distant administration. TP-Link’s HomeShield consists of fundamental community safety, parental controls (profiles, bedtimes, content material filters), and QoS to prioritize units. Enhanced safety and higher parental controls require HomeShield Pro ($6 per thirty days or $55 per yr). But I’m not a fan of the subscription mannequin with a router this costly.

Off to the Races

Everything I mentioned about TP-Link’s first Wi-Fi 7 mesh, the Deco BE85 (7/10, WIRED Review), applies to the BE800. In transient, you’re paying a premium for Wi-Fi 7 proper now, and also you virtually actually don’t have the units to take benefit. You can count on quirks and bugs, and these pre-certified units lack the Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) that can increase the vary of the 6-GHz band.

The Archer BE800 carried out admirably in most of my exams. It topped the charts by transferring a 2.2-GB file from one PC on my community to a different in a single minute and 9 seconds, allowed me to obtain a 30-GB sport in beneath 5 minutes, and completed within the prime three for practically all of my velocity exams. It scored notably properly on the iPhone 14 Pro (5 GHz) and the Pixel 6 Pro (6 GHz).

Even with concurrent film streams, on-line video games, and video calls, there wasn’t a touch of buffering or pixelation for my busy household of 4. The BE800 has blanketed my two-floor, 1,600-square-foot dwelling and yard with a persistently robust sign. Firmware updates have rolled out since I began testing, however I haven’t had any points with stability. While my connection maxes out at 1 Gbps, this router can deal with multi-gig connections for the fortunate few which have one, and my inside community exams recommend you possibly can count on speeds in extra of three Gbps inside a number of ft of the router.

Hold Your Horses

Realistically, this router is overkill for most people. That gained’t cease you if you happen to demand the most recent releases and have disposable money to burn. If you assume that splurging now will future-proof you, that’s true to an extent, however there are some issues to contemplate. With no Wi-Fi 7 units and just a few Wi-Fi 6E units able to connecting on the 6-GHz band, which continues to be very restricted in vary, you’ll wrestle to comprehend its full potential. It additionally has some flaws.

When I examined the Sony Xperia 1 V (7/10, WIRED Review), I used to be puzzled by speeds round a 3rd as quick because the iPhone and Pixel. I additionally observed some unusual outcomes on a desktop pc upstairs. Further investigation revealed that TP-Link’s Smart Connect, which is meant to select one of the best band for units, typically picks the two.4-GHz band when it ought to choose the 5-GHz band. You might all the time break up the bands, however this detracts barely from an in any other case spectacular efficiency. With a number of updates to return, it’ll hopefully enhance.

You have cheaper options that can doubtless carry out equally properly within the brief time period. The Asus RT-AX86U ($250) is a superb dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router. The tri-band Asus RT-AXE7800 ($280) is a Wi-Fi 6E router that delivered comparable outcomes, even beating the Archer BE800 in some exams. Both embrace safety and parental controls at no additional price. You might additionally snag an excellent mesh system for lower than $600.

Ultimately, it’s too early for most people to purchase a Wi-Fi 7 router. Until extra units can take benefit and certification is full, it’s prudent to chill your heels. Prices will fall whilst you wait. Early adopters with multi-gig connections will likely be sorely tempted, and I don’t assume the BE800 will disappoint, however it’s a work in progress.