Wi-Fi 7 routers & mesh systems

Equip yourself with the latest wireless tech for faster speeds and improved connectivity

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Apple has taken its time introducing Wi-Fi 7 to its product range. None of the latest M4 Macs include the technology yet, and it's only the iPhone 16 that currently supports Wi-Fi 7 and even this seems to have been implemented in a way that prevents the iPhone 16 from achieving the highest speeds that are available with Wi-Fi 7.

But, after a slow start, Wi-Fi 7 is now becoming a mainstream technology, and routers and mesh Wi-Fi systems with Wi-Fi 7 are starting to become more affordable. Admittedly, Wi-Fi 7 is so blisteringly fast - with a theoretical top speed of 46Gbps - that few of us really need it right now. But Wi-Fi 7 isn't just about speed. It also reduces latency (response times) for applications such as VR, video and gaming, and is more reliable when connecting to dozens of different smart devices in our homes. If you're thinking about upgrading your existing Wi-Fi router then it's worth considering a router or mesh system that supports Wi-Fi 7 in order to ensure that your new network is future-proof and can handle VR and other new technologies in years to come.

Group test

Reviewed by CLIFF JOSEPH ON TEST...

> Amazon Eero Max 7 > Asus ZenWifi BT8 > Linksys Velop Pro 7 > Netgear Nighthawk RS300 > Netgear Orbi 770 > TP-Link Deco BE65

How we tested

> We wanted to test both the speed and range of these routers and mesh systems, so we first measured the Wi-Fi speed using the Wifi SweetSpots iOS app in the same room as as the router that provides our broadband connection. We then repeated that test in a second room, roughly 30ft away, with a partition wall.

But, as mentioned, the current generation of Apple devices can't achieve the full speeds that are available with Wi-Fi 7, so note that these tests only provide an approximate indication of the performance of each product.