Photograph: MSi
Now Wi-Fi 7 is official, several companies are showing off new routers and mesh systems. TP-Link boasts by far the longest line-up, with a range of Wi-Fi 7 Deco mesh systems and Archer routers that goes from the relatively affordable Archer BE9300 ($250) router up to the Deco BE95 mesh ($1,800 for a 3-pack). The new kid on the block is its first Wi-Fi 7 gaming router, the Archer GE800 ($600), which will land in the second quarter of 2024. Do you really need a special “gaming” router? Frankly, no, but it does boast dual 10 Gbps ports, gaming prioritization software to ensure your gaming session hogs the connection, and it kinda looks like Darth Vader’s shuttle.
Acer also showed off a pair of Predator-branded mesh router systems aimed squarely at gamers. The Predator Connect X7 5G CPE is determined to keep you online no matter what, with support for 5G and Wi-Fi 7. It also promises gamers low latency (1 millisecond) and RGB lighting. The more conventional Predator Connect T7 Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Router is a tri-band system. There’s no word on pricing yet, but if you have to ask… (they will be expensive).
MSi also released a new Wi-Fi 7 mesh line-up at the show. Branded Roamii, there are three new systems that are refreshingly affordable compared to recent releases like the Netgear Orbi 970. There’s the 21 Gbps BE Max Mesh ($500 for a 2-pack), the 11 Gbps BE Pro Mesh ($400 for a 2-pack), and the 5 Gbps BE Lite ($300 for a 2-pack).
Last but not least, Asus took the wraps off the ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro, ZenWiFi BQ16, and ZenWiFi BT10 mesh WiFi systems. The Pro is a quad-band beast with two 6-GHz bands, offering combined speeds up to 30 Gbps. The other two systems are slightly more modest. While there is no pricing yet, and they are likely to be expensive, Asus does at least offer security software and parental controls for free, so there’s no need to worry about a subscription on top. More choice is good, but if you can exercise a little patience, Wi-Fi 7 routers will likely get a lot more affordable later this year.