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This post lists the current top five best full-band(*) Wi-Fi 7 routers. They are all excellent options to consider when you need a new router or are about to upgrade yours.
(*) These are routers featuring 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. For those without the 6GHz, check out these top-five dual-band Wi-Fi 7 routers.
Generally, a Wi-Fi 7 broadcaster will work with most existing clients right out of the box—as long as they are not too old—or can be tweaked to work with all legacy ones.
So, other than the cost, it doesn’t hurt to get a Wi-Fi 6 router today if all you need is a single broadcaster. Need extended Wi-Fi coverage? Get multiple units of Asus routers below to form an AiMesh system—preferably via wired backhauling—or check out this list of Wi-Fi 7 purpose-built mesh options.
Dong’s note: I first published this frequently-revised post on December 12, 2023, and last updated it on March 6, 2025, to keep the hardware list current.
Five best Wi-Fi 7 routers: The battle-tested contenders and their close alternatives
You need supported devices (clients) and a broadcaster to enjoy the new Wi-Fi standard.
On the client side, most flagship phones released in the past few years support the new standard. There are also upgrade options based on the Intel BE200 adapter or Qualcomm NCM865 adapter for your existing Windows computers, and most new computers already have one of those built-in.
Note: Your Windows computer needs to run Windows 11 24H2 (or later) to support Wi-Fi 7’s MLO feature.
On the broadcasting side, below is the list of top Wi-Fi 7 routers you can bring home today. This list is sorted in the recommended order, with the best on top—the numbers are the ranking.
Top 5 best full-band Wi-Fi 7 routers
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| Name | Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Router 7 (UDR7)’s Rating | Asus GT-BE98 Pro’s Rating | Asus GT-BE98 Pro’s Rating | Asus RT-BE92U’s Rating | TP-Link Archer GE800’s Rating | Netgear Nighthawk RS700S’ Rating |
| Price | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Rating | ||||||
| Description | ||||||
| Statistics | ||||||
| Buy this product |
1. Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Router 7
While not the top-tier hardware, the UDR7 is indeed a dream router for anyone with entry-level multi-Gigabit (2.5Gbps) bandwidth needs. It makes up for the mid-tier hardware by having the best feature set designed to make all users happy, from the home to enterprise-class.
As a UniFi gateway, the UDR7 can do much more than just an advanced router. However, as a router, it can also be the primary unit of a top-notch Wi-Fi system when more UniFi access points are thrown into the mix.
Alternatives:
- UniFi Express 7
- A combo of the 10Gbps-capable UCG-Fiber + UniFi access point.
Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Router 7 (UDR7)'s Rating
Pros
All Multi-Gig ports with support for all of Ubiquiti's business hardware segments and built-in PoE
Excellent throughput performance with excellent coverage (for the specs)
Tons of useful networking features, including a mesh controller, all via a comprehensive web user interface and an optional mobile app
Compact and beautiful design
Comparatively affordable, quiet operator
Cons
No 2nd 10Gbps ports, single low-power PoE port
Many convenient features require a UI login, account, not wall-mount-ready, internal fan, awkwardly placed microSD slot
2.4GH band's performance could be better
2. Asus GT-BE98 Pro
The GT-BE98 Pro is a flagship gaming router. It has multiple Multi-Gig ports and tons of gaming-related features. However, the splitting of the 6GHz band can be complicated, and the result is that it’s not available in many parts of the world where the non-pro GT-BE98 version takes its place.
Like all Asus routers, you can use multiple units of the GT-BE98 Pro, a formidable AiMesh Wi-Fi system.
Alternative:
Asus GT-BE98 Pro's Rating
Pros
Quad-band with top-tier Wi-Fi 7 support and excellent real-world performance
Lots of free, in-depth, and valuable networking features and settings (VPN, AiProtection, Parental Control, Guest Network Pro, Bandwidth monitoring, etc.); tons of gaming-related features; AiMesh-ready
Two 10Gbps and four 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig ports with WAN/LAN flexibility; supports Dual-WAN and LAN/WAN Link Aggregations
No vendor required login account; fanless design; silent performer
Cons
Bulky design; lots of plastic wraps
MLO and AFC not available at launch
Unavailable outside of America
3. Asus RT-BE92U
Unlike the GT-BE98 Pro above, the RT-BE92U is not a top-tier Wi-Fi 7 router, but it has a good combination of features, real-world performance, and cost. Like all AiMesh routers, you can get it as a standalone router or multiple units to form an AiMesh system.
Asus RT-BE92U's Rating
Pros
One 10Gbps and four 2.5Gbps ports accompanied by decent Wi-Fi 7 specs
Lots of valuable features thanks to AsusWRT 5.0, including AiMesh, online protection, Parental Controls, multiple virtual SSIDs (SDNs)
Flexible network ports with Dual-WAN support
Universal setting backup and restoration; open source firmware
Relatively compact, fan-less, wall-mount-ready design; comparatively affordable
Cons
No 2nd 10Gbps port; no Link Aggregation
Mid-tier 5GHz and 6GHz bands; no built-in gaming features
4. TP-Link Archer GE800
The Archer GE800 is TP-Link’s first real gaming router. It has a radical design and almost everything one would ask for in a Wi-Fi 7 router.
Alternatives (compare their current prices):
TP-Link Archer GE800's Rating
Pros
Top-tier tri-band Wi-Fi 7 specs with full multi-Gigabit to deliver excellent real-world performance
Robust web user interface with an excellent set of network features and Wi-Fi settings, including MLO and gaming-related features
Competitively priced; useful (optional) mobile app; EasyMesh-ready; cool-looking design
Cons
Bulky design with audible internal fan; runs hot; Wi-Fi throughputs could be comparatively a tad better
No AFC (at launch); online protection and advanced parental controls require subscriptions
Not wall-mount-ready
5. Netgear Nighthawk RS700S
The Night Hawk RS700S is Netgear’s best standalone router to date, and it has excellent performance. Unfortunately, its firmware shares the same app-oriented approach and might not be suitable for advanced or business users. It’s also the only one on this list that’s not mesh-ready. Still, this is a great option for any home users needing a single Wi-Fi 7 broadcaster.
Alternative:
Netgear Nighthawk RS700S' Rating
Pros
Top-tier tri-band specs with Wi-Fi 7 support
Two 10Gbps Multi-Gig ports
Robust web interface, helpful (optional) mobile app
Practical fan-less design; runs cool and quiet
Cons
Only two Multi-Gig ports; no standard Remote Management via Dynamic DNS
Online protection and Parental Controls require the Nighthawk mobile app and premium subscriptions
Extra: ARRIS SURFboard G54—the first Wi-Fi 7 retail Cable Gateway
The ARRIS SURFboard G54 is the first residential Cable Gateway with Wi-Fi 7—a perfect candidate for those who want to replace the ISP-supplied hardware and stay on the cutting edge.
The hardware has some oddities, but if you can overcome those—some of which will be lessened or removed via firmware updates—it’ll pay for itself if you’re still renting the equipment from your Internet provider.
Only cable Internet subscribers who need a single Wi-Fi broadcaster should apply.
ARRIS SURFboard G54's Rating
Pros
Wi-Fi 7 with one 10GBASE-T LAN port and a built-in DOCSIS 3.1 modem
Full web-based local user interface
Reliable Wi-Fi performance with good coverage; small footprint; runs cool and silent
Cons
Frustratingly ill-thought-out security requirements (at launch); no standalone router or access point mode
No 160MHz channel width on the 5GHz bands; no advanced networking features (VPN, QoS, Link Aggregation, web-based remote management, etc.)
Only one Multi-Gig port; large physical design that can topple easily
The final thoughts
While Wi-Fi 7 is still young, there’s no downside to getting into it today as long as you can handle the potential backward compatibility issue. After that, the new standard can be a gratifying experience, and generally, getting a router is how you start with a new Wi-Fi standard.
Hi dong,
Can you please do a comparison between the UDR7 and the asus RT-be92u
Here’s the review of the RT-BE92U, Tom.
Hi Dong, thoughts on getting two BE92Us with wired backhaul mesh vs one BE96U for a 1400 3 story townhouse? Cost wise the two 2×2 routers is cheaper right now.
2x RT-BE92U will will definitely give you better coverage, Michael. And you need coverage for your place. So, go for that!
Certainly cheaper than a BT10 or BT8 too. Thanks
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I can’t justify any extra expense for WiFi7. I recently moved to an Asus Rog Rapture GT-AX11000 and have two nodes, RT-AX86U and GT-AX6000. I looked at WiFi 7 options, even tested a GT-BE-98 – but barely saw any measurable difference in speed over WiFi6. I have a 1.4G service from Comcast and my major PC clients are on a 2.5G Switch connected with wired 2.5G backhaul for the nodes. The switch goes through a 10G uplink to the 10G port on the AX11000. I get 600Mbps – 775Mbps wandering around the house. Wifi6 links are faster on my OLED TV’s than wired 10-100M ports. I think I will wait for WiFi 8 and iPhone 18 vs spending another $2,000 for clients to see another 50M in streaming bandwidth. Ironically, the bulk of my clients are IoT smart bulbs and cameras all on 2.4G WiFi5.
And you don’t need to, Bob! This is the best time to use Wi-Fi 6.
Hey Dong. Love reading your blogs on tech. I have the Asus BE98 pro however I bought the uni protect g4 without really reading what I needed (I liked the look) thus had to buy cloud key and a poe switch. I run 10g throughout the house mainly for my PC and NAS. I have Reolink cameras however they have their own hub and I also have WiFi 7. I need to add an access point in my garage and I like the uni look. Thinking about changing my Asus BE98 pros to uni dream (maybe) and a couple of 10g switches and two access points that have WiFi 7. What do you think?
I don’t know what you’re talking about, Maritza. I can’t figure out what you mean via your gibberish.
Interesting…while “lots of plastic wraps” is listed as a con for the Asus routers, would you really not buy a router that performs well just because they wrap each antenna individually? I hate to see plastic waste as much as the next guy, but come on, a router willl be used for years (one hopes).
Just curious how his becomes a con for a router, rather than just a comment on wasteful packaging? No need to comment, just my thoughts.
It’s in the degrees, Roger. And just those two routers. Believe it or not, since those reviews, Asus has been doing MUCH better on this front.
Hi – It looks like there’s some posting mixup – #2 is RT-BE96U, but has RT-BE86U pic and info.
Fixed. Thanks!
“No 160MHz channel width on the 5GHz bands”
{…}
Can you please confirm if the Surfboard G54 has received 160MHz support?
Anything else in this review that needs to be updated?
Thank you.
Read the review, James. As mentioned, things change via firmware.
And no, the 160MHz is still not available. Maybe that’s tied to the ISP-approved firmware. In any case, chances are it makes no difference in real-world performance.
Hello Dong!
I recently moved to a new house in which I won’t be able to draw cables for probably multiple years (old house, between floors, etc) and I’m struggling to make a decision on what kind of router to go for.
My current router (Asus ax82u) seems to have difficulties reaching the entire house, 170 square meters across 2 floors (tv on the opposite side of the same floor loses connection, second floor opposite side has 0 signal) and my PC which is on the same side but second floor has a mediocre connection.
We have a mix of ax/axe units like phones, smartspeakers, tv, etc, and I’m looking to get a BE network card for my PC (currently AXE) once they are readily available for AMD here in Sweden (the main focus for the router).
I’ve been looking at various routers – Nighthawk RS600 (580€), Asus BE86U (400€), TP-Link GE800 (500€ currently, 33% off from 750) and the AXE16000 if I should just stick to 6E.
What do you think I should go with for a solidly performing router with good coverage, and mostly for gaming/4k streaming? Are the slightly more expensive options like the GE800/RS600 worth it in terms of performance/signal strength? In my head I romanticize having the 6ghz band for my PC but IDK if it’s necessary.
I don’t care too much about software gimmicks, I just want the basics and possibly performance enhancing things like MLO and banger performance, but I think 600€ is my pain point.
Thank you in advance, if you have the time to indulge my question.
Keep up the good work!
It’s impossible for me to give you a specific recommendation, Pontus—for that you need to hire a local processional who comes over and inspect your place.
Three things:
1. This post will point you in the right direction. Give it a good read and follow the links.
2. If you can’t go wired, your best bet a tri-band Wi-Fi 6 system with UNII4.
3. Tame your expectations! You can’t have the speed you want and the connection quality you’d like without wiring, no matter how much money you want to spend.
Good luck!
Hi Dong, I am currently on a 1gbps fiber connection using RT-AX88U as my main, and a RT-AX58U as my node on wired backhaul. Recently my ISP had phased out the 1gbps plan and introduced the 3gbps plan at the same price – which is a good “forced upgrade”. So I was thinking to get a reasonably priced router that at least have 2.5G ports to enjoy the new speeds. Have shortlisted my possible choices to TUF-AX6000 and the newer RT-BE92U to be added in my existing network.
My only consideration is that my 2 existing Asus routers are only 2 years old and still working well. But if continue to use them, it feels like I am under-utilizing the new speeds I’m paying for.
In your opinion, do you think it is worth getting an additional new router in this case?
I can’t answer the “worth” question, Shawn. Among other things, I have all the routers you can imagine. But in real world usage, most of the times, it makes no difference.
You’re probably right, likely won’t feel much difference on normal usage. Will reassess my options and decide again. Thanks Dong for your feedback!
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Hi Dong et al, about 4 years ago your reviews and advice led me to buy the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000. It has worked out great, but the wired ethernet is now become unreliable and “dying” which is unacceptable. The Asus tech agreed that it is likely hardware issue.
So, I am looking to urgently replace it. I want the most “horespower”. Audio streaming, work videoconferencing, hardwired gaming, Apple TV, our cell phones (our only phone service) security cameras, etc etc. all go through this router.
While we have no wifi 7 devices as of yet, given my want of horsepower, should I just invest in the Asus GT-BE98 Pro and be done with it? Thoughts please.
“Going through” is not a huge deal, Bryan, and is limited by the router’s LAN port (the higher the grade the better). It’s only an issue if you use the router as the source of the streamed media (which seems to be not your case).
The GT-BE98 Pro will defnitely work for you as long as you can deal with the SSID issue to handle legacy clients (or if you have no legacy clients.) To be safe, the GT-AX11000 Pro is a much better upgrade, all things consider (and then the GT-BE98 Pro or alike a few years from now.)
And hey, thanks for coming back after four years! 🙂
Thanks Dong, actually I have been following these articles all along, trying to keep up. And thank you for being here as well!
So what about the Asus GT-AXE16000 versus the GT-AX11000? Streaming is Roon audio (wired), Apple TV and ipads, laptops, often at the same time — wireless. My legacy clients may be 2015, 2017 & 2019 Macbook Pros, Blink security cameras, a few wemo plugs etc… not sure what exactly constitutes legacy.
Thanks a lot.
Legacy generally means first-gen Wi-Fi 5 and older (older than Wi-Fi 5 Wave 2 which features WPA2 or newer security standards). Wired is always up to snuff though faster (Gigabit and beyond) is always better.
The GT-AXE16000 is great. However, it doesn’ feature AsusWRT 5.0 (at least not yet and there’s no word on if ever) and that can a big downer. The “Pro” line does.
Hi Dong, i’m thinking of upgrading my Asus GT-AXE16000 to a GT-BE98 (non-pro as i’m in Europe), but i’m worried Asus might put out a new “top of the line” router in the next few months. Do you have any news on that possibility?
Thanks a lot.
I think the GT-BE98 Pro is as top as it can be for Wi-Fi 7, for now. There will be more options soon but they are lesser, more affordable, or simply different. But yes, eventually there will be something better sinch such is life. 🙂
Hi Dong, having upgraded my phone to a Pixel 8 Pro I also upgraded my router to WiFi 7. Specifically swapped out my TP-Link AXE16000 for an ASUS BE98 (Non pro version as I am in London, UK). Its a bit of overkill since my internet is 1 Gb/s but I am happy so far.
One thing that surprises me is the improvement for older clients. For example my old Pixel C tablet on The 5GHz band has doubled its download speed to over 200 Mb/s.
That’s good news, Gordon, but not really indicative of any changes since 200Mb/s is within the 1Gbps broadband and using Internet to test Wi-Fi is often incorrect. More here. But faster is always better. 🙂
A quick question concerning either 6/6E/7 wi-fi. In my area there is no fiber, no multi-gig, barely 1gb as it is still rural. In that case is it a waste of money to go with a router that has 2.5gb or multi, or if and when it does come (maybe sooner then later) would a wi-fi 7 router be an advantage?
Thank you for all the articles, even though I have very little knowledge concerning some of the more advanced information as I always find them interesting and hope to learn something new.
If you want full Gigabit, you’d need Multi-Gig, George. If you want to travel at 60 MPH with ease, you need a car that can handler a faster speed than that—everything needs a breathing room. But in most cases, sub-Gigabit is already plenty so you have a point there.
Hey @Dong. Had a question for you.
My ASUS Ax11000s (2 in a mesh setup) are failing so I was looking at replacing them with either two Asus GT-BE98 Pro or two ASUS Axe16000s. I have my current setup with a wireless backhaul due to necessity.
I know WiFi 6 is pretty locked down and from what I read, WiFi 7 is still having the kinks worked out. Any suggestions on which to go with for a work at home environment with some gaming and streaming? Stability is the main thing I’m looking for. We have a gigabit fiber connection.
I’d go with Wi-Fi 7, so either two GT-BE98 Pro or the ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro.
Dong, excellent post. Do you think there is a router that is powerful enough to cover a 3000 sq ft house? Or do I need a mesh system?
Nope, Carla.
Wi-Fi range is limited generally by the band (5GHz, 6Ghz, 2.4GHz, etc.) and not how “powerful” a router is since it can have only so much in broadcasting power. No amount of compliment you’re willing to give out will help on this matter.
For more on that check out this post of range. Chances are you need a mesh system. For that check out this post on mesh. Make sure you read and pay attention to the little details.
Good luck!
Hi Dong,
Apparently TP-Link’s next generation WiFi7 routers have been launched in some markets like Singapore.
TP-Link BE 805.AFAIK this is the successor of the BE800. Apparently this does not have the 2.5 Gbps ports or SFP+ ports of the BE800 but has enabled MLO and has out of the box much more stable firmware. Also I think it looks better.
This is apparently also available in the US now at Costco. Would be extremely happy if you could review this in the near future.
TP-Link BE805 is available in Singapore as an option for ISP Myrepublic’s 10 Gbps plan(One time payment of SGD 50 gets you this instead of the AXE300 which is the default router).The plan costs Sing$60/ month with a 24 month contract.
I am in no way associated with Myrepublic ISP, just amazed at how good some countries have it in the broadband department.
It’s not “next-gen”, Shantanu. It’s a bit of a stripped-down variant.
I heard the firmware for ARRIS SURFboard G54 was updated, and some of the cons have been addressed.
I hoping the G54 competes relatively well, because the main advantage I’m looking for is to de-clutter my office space: cable modem, router, power wires, ethernet wires. Would be nice to get rid of half that mess. And this assumes the G54 doesn’t topple easily. I can’t even keep the cable modem upright because of the cables pulling on it. And I’m just can’t commit to gluing it down either.
Yeap, I mentioned that in he review, Deek.
Hello Dong, I’m not as technical as you or others that comment on here. I get confused about the recommendations for Mesh Systems. Wiring my 2 story 3000sqft house is not an option. My 1gig Fiber comes in on one side of the house and the TV Streaming is done on the opposite side of the house. I need a WI-FI 6/6E/7 Mesh system with BIG range 100% wireless. I want something that I won’t have to change out in five years. Thank you
I already answered here. Please don’t post the same comment under multiple posts again!
Hello Don, I’m not as technical as you or others that comment on here. I get confused about the recommendations for Mesh Systems. Wiring my 2 story 3000sqft house is not an option. My 1gig Fiber comes in on one side of the house and the TV Streaming is done on the opposite side of the house. I need a WI-FI 6/6E/7 Mesh system with BIG range 100% wireless. I want something that I won’t have to change out in five years. Thank you
You can start by giving this post a good read, Lionel.
Currently using the Asus RT-BE96U here. About the best wireless I’ve had so far, including the GT-AX6000. Looking very good with the one wifi-7 client that I have, using 6GHz. for it at this point. Hoping that Asus will implement the big features of wifi-7 on this one, am favorably impressed at this point with the stability of the early firmware. Hopefully Asus will keep the quality of the firmware up as it adds the wifi-7 features over time.
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It was determined that the product did not arrive through AliExpress. Some TB stores in China have sales outlets. However, most of them are in very small quantities and the prices are high. The price I purchased was 328 yuan.
I recently purchased velop pro 7 to experience wifi7 and am currently waiting.
I was also curious about what it would be like to use it on a desktop, so I ordered an additional wireless LAN module (QCNCM865).
When I searched reddit, I found a user who confirmed that amd chipsets do not support be200 yet.
I am not a reviewer who writes separate reviews, but I plan to test a few things.
I may be having too high expectations when it comes to wifi7, but I have hopes that cutting off the LAN cable on the desktop will work.
When the device arrives, I plan to play moba and fps games and test whether wireless gaming is realistically possible.
Of course, this may not meet expectations.
What’s a bit disappointing is that my internet environment is 1gbps, but I think it’s difficult to expect a dramatic increase in speed due to environmental factors. Most devices that can be measured are between WiFi5 and 6E.
Except for upgrading wireless LAN, I don’t have a wifi7 device.
Still, I’m going to check whether the speed and ping on my terminal have improved.
I’m really looking forward to taking this test now 🙂
🤞
Where did you find the QCNCM865, it seems like AliExpress had them at one time but I can’t find them in stock anywhere.