What WiFi 7 adds
- Multi-Link Operation (MLO): a WiFi 7 phone or laptop can use more than one band at once, which helps keep latency steady in busy surroundings.
- 4K-QAM: packs more data into the signal, but only when the device is close to the router with a strong signal.
- 320 MHz channels: very high peak speeds, but only on the 6 GHz band, which needs a tri-band router and a device that supports it.
The WiFi 7 models we list, the Archer BE230 router and the Deco BE25 mesh unit, are dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). They give you MLO, 4K-QAM and 2.5 Gbps ports, but not 6 GHz or 320 MHz channels.
When WiFi 6 is enough
If your broadband plan is a few hundred Mbps, a good WiFi 6 router already delivers your full plan speed to nearby devices. Most homes are limited by coverage (thick walls, a router in the corner next to the fibre box) rather than by the WiFi standard. Fixing coverage, with a better position or a mesh system, usually makes a bigger difference than upgrading from WiFi 6 to WiFi 7.
A WiFi 6 router like the Archer AX23 (AX1800, gigabit ports) is a sensible choice for a 1-2 BHK flat on a typical plan.
When WiFi 7 is worth it
- Your plan is 1 Gbps or faster. WiFi 7 routers like the BE230 have 2.5G ports, so the wired side is not the bottleneck.
- You have recent WiFi 7 phones or laptops and want the lowest, steadiest latency for gaming or video calls.
- You are buying now and plan to keep the router for several years; more of your devices will support WiFi 7 over that time.
Router or mesh?
The bigger question is often one box or several. A single router covers a typical 1-2 BHK flat. For a 3-4 BHK, a duplex or a villa, a mesh system will beat even the best single router because it puts a unit closer to each room. See mesh WiFi vs access points for the bigger picture.
| Model | WiFi | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link Archer AX23 | WiFi 6 AX1800 | 1-2 BHK flat, typical broadband plans |
| TP-Link Archer BE230 | WiFi 7 BE3600, 2.5G ports | Flats on fast fibre, gaming, 4K streaming |
| TP-Link Deco X10 (2-pack) | WiFi 6 AX1500 mesh | 2-3 BHK flats with dead spots |
| TP-Link Deco X50 (2-pack) | WiFi 6 AX3000 mesh | 3-4 BHK homes and villas |
| TP-Link Deco BE25 (per unit) | WiFi 7 BE5000 mesh, 2 × 2.5G | Multi-gig fibre in larger homes; add units as needed |
| MikroTik hAP ax² / hAP ax³ | WiFi 6, RouterOS | Power users and home offices that want VPN, firewall and fine control |
See current prices: Archer AX23, Archer BE230, Deco X10, Deco X50, Deco BE25, hAP ax², hAP ax³.
Getting the most from any new router
- Put the router in the open, at chest height or above, near the middle of the home. If the fibre box is in a corner, run a network cable from it to the router.
- Connect TVs, desktop PCs and consoles by cable where you can; it frees WiFi airtime for phones and laptops.
- Use one WiFi name for both bands and let the router steer devices, unless an older smart device needs 2.4 GHz only.
- Keep the firmware updated from the router's app.
- Check the ISP router: if it also broadcasts WiFi, turn that off or set it to bridge mode so two networks do not fight each other.
Questions
+Will a WiFi 7 router make my old phone faster?
Not much. Older phones connect using their own WiFi standard. You may still see an improvement if the new router is better placed or has stronger coverage.
+Does a WiFi 7 router work with my ISP's fibre connection?
Yes. Connect it to the ISP's ONT or router. If the ISP uses PPPoE, enter the username and password in the new router, or keep the ISP router and use the new one in access point mode.
+Is WiFi 7 worth it on a 100-300 Mbps plan?
Usually not on its own. A WiFi 6 router, or WiFi 6 mesh for a larger home, will deliver that speed. Choose WiFi 7 if you expect to upgrade the plan or want it for newer devices.
+Can you help choose and set it up?
Yes. WhatsApp us your home size, floors and internet plan and we will suggest a router or mesh system.
Prices change often, so this guide does not quote them. Each product page shows the current price including GST. Specifications are from the manufacturers' listings; check the product page or datasheet before you order.