Setup is fast and simple with the Tether app. By default, the two.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands will seem as one, and the router will choose the most effective connection. There’s additionally a separate 6-GHz community (appended “_6G”) that appropriate Wi-Fi 6E or 7 units can be part of. The MLO (Multi-Hyperlink Operation) choice is new for Wi-Fi 7, and allows Wi-Fi 7 units to attach concurrently on a number of bands.
Additional choices embrace visitor community, IoT community, VPN server or consumer, EasyMesh, and some different bits and items. The whole lot is accessible via the online interface, for those who desire, and you may arrange distant administration. TP-Hyperlink’s HomeShield consists of primary community safety, parental controls (profiles, bedtimes, content material filters), and QoS to prioritize units. Enhanced safety and higher parental controls require HomeShield Professional ($6 per 30 days or $55 per 12 months). However I’m not a fan of the subscription mannequin with a router this costly.
Off to the Races
The whole lot I stated about TP-Hyperlink’s first Wi-Fi 7 mesh, the Deco BE85 (7/10, WIRED Review), applies to the BE800. Briefly, you’re paying a premium for Wi-Fi 7 proper now, and also you nearly definitely don’t have the units to take benefit. You may count on quirks and bugs, and these pre-certified units lack the Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) that may increase the vary of the 6-GHz band.
The Archer BE800 carried out admirably in most of my checks. 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 almost all of my pace checks. It scored significantly properly on the iPhone 14 Professional (5 GHz) and the Pixel 6 Professional (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. Whereas 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 checks recommend you possibly can count on speeds in extra of three Gbps inside a couple of toes of the router.
Maintain Your Horses
Realistically, this router is overkill for most people. That received’t cease you for those who demand the most recent releases and have disposable money to burn. Should 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 remains to be very restricted in vary, you’ll wrestle to appreciate its full potential. It additionally has some flaws.
After 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 seen some unusual outcomes on a desktop pc upstairs. Additional investigation revealed that TP-Hyperlink’s Sensible Join, which is meant to choose the most effective band for units, typically picks the two.4-GHz band when it ought to choose the 5-GHz band. You possibly can at all times break up the bands, however this detracts barely from an in any other case spectacular efficiency. With a number of updates to return, it should hopefully enhance.
You may have cheaper alternate options that may doubtless carry out equally properly within the quick 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 related outcomes, even beating the Archer BE800 in some checks. Each embrace safety and parental controls at no further price. You possibly can additionally snag an excellent mesh system for lower than $600.
In the end, it’s too early for most people to purchase a Wi-Fi 7 router. Till extra units can take benefit and certification is full, it’s prudent to chill your heels. Costs will fall whilst you wait. Early adopters with multi-gig connections might be sorely tempted, and I don’t assume the BE800 will disappoint, however it’s a work in progress.
