I switched to a Wi-Fi 7 mesh router at home - it was overkill in the best way
ZDNET's real-world test shows the premium system provides outstanding coverage and reliability, though it's expensive.
ZDNET staff writer Cesar Cadenas put the TP-Link Deco BE77 Wi-Fi 7 mesh router system through real-world testing in his three-story condominium. Moving from a Wi-Fi 6 system (the Deco BE25) that struggled with coverage, the BE77's three-node setup provided outstanding, reliable wireless signals across all floors. The system is designed for large homes and heavy internet use, delivering some of the fastest connection speeds tested. However, its premium status comes with a high price tag of $677.74 and physically large nodes measuring 7.80 x 4.65 x 4.65 inches, which can be challenging to place.
The Deco BE77 units feature a bright white cylindrical design with a stylized '7' denoting Wi-Fi 7 support and a multicolor status LED. Each node includes three Ethernet ports with different speed ratings and requires proper ventilation as the robust hardware can get warm. While the system excelled in performance, making it overkill in the best way for demanding environments, ZDNET notes that some advanced features are locked behind a subscription paywall. The review concludes it's a superior choice for big families with lots of devices or anyone needing the most reliable connection, despite the cost and size.
- Solves coverage in large spaces: Provided reliable, fast Wi-Fi across a three-story condo where a previous system struggled.
- Premium Wi-Fi 7 hardware: Features robust specs in large nodes (7.8" tall) with three Ethernet ports each, though some features require a subscription.
- High performance at high cost: Delivers blazing speeds for heavy use but carries a $677.74 price tag and large physical footprint.
Why It Matters
For professionals in large homes with many connected devices, this represents the current peak of reliable, high-speed home networking.