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Should you upgrade to Wi-Fi 7? My buying advice after testing a next-gen router at home
ZDNET's key takeaways
- The Asus RT-BE86U router is currently on sale for $300.
- This supports Wi-Fi 7 delivering fast, wireless connections protected by multiple security features.
- However, getting the most out of the device requires Wi-Fi extenders which can be an expensive endeavor.
Wi-Fi 7 has been around since last January, but widespread adoption has been limited. The technology requires devices to have the necessary hardware to support it, and it appears that time has arrived because we're seeing more devices supporting the standard, such as the Asus RT-B386U.
Also: Eero's new Wi-Fi 7 routers will upgrade your home internet for a surprisingly low cost
This is one of the company's latest mid-range Wi-Fi 7 routers. "Mid-range" is an important term in that sentence because it doesn't match the speeds seen on a high-end model but still provides top-notch performance.
But before I get into any numbers, I want to review the router's design. There's a lot going on here, and it impacts how the RT-B386U operates. Asus' gadget measures 9.25 x 3.5 x 12 inches. Instead of lying down flat, it sits on a base, allowing it to be placed upright. This makes finding a place for the model easier than if it were on its side.
On the front, a series of LED lights correspond to various connections. The LEDs are pretty bright, but luckily, the company installed an on/off button on the side.
Also: What is Wi-Fi 7 and just how fast is it?
Around the back are a series of I/O ports, including a 10G WAN/LAN input for long-distance connections and several 2.5G LAN inputs for local networks. Although this isn't a gaming router, it does have a dedicated "Gaming Port" which prioritizes connected devices. It is a very useful option to have while trying to play video games during high-traffic hours. Speaking from experience, this one port can save online matches. Lag practically disappears since you won't be fighting for a stable connection.
But what about wireless speeds? What is the Wi-Fi 7 experience on the Asus RT-BE7U like? Simply put, it's amazing. Asus' router is crazy fast. For testing, I ran the Ookla Speedtest on my laptop, and it consistently achieved lightning-fast speeds of well over 500Mbps. I could stream movies, play online games, and download large files simultaneously without experiencing a significant slowdown. Ping speed was pretty good, hovering around 20 to 22 ms, although there were instances when it dropped slightly lower.
It wasn't all perfect. Asus states the RT-BE86U has a maximum coverage area of up to 2,750 sq ft.; however, I had difficulty connecting my devices to the router from the far end of my apartment. Asus gave me a pair of ZenWiFi BT10 extenders to boost the signal, and they were great -- when they worked. I did, however, have some stability issues with the nodes during testing.
Also: Bye bye, Wi-Fi: This low-cost adapter lets you set up a wired network without running ethernet
Another point of contention is the router does not have a 6Ghz band. It only has 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. These channels met my needs several times over, but if you and your family have a lot of devices, two bands may feel limiting.
Setting up the RT-BE86U is incredibly easy, thanks to the Asus Router app. After installing the software and plugging in my modem, I then followed several on-screen instructions to configure the device. The whole process took no more than a few minutes. The app plays a big role in the router's operation. Not only does the software let you set up the RT-BE86U, but it also offers access to a wide array of features.
Also: These new Wi-Fi 7 adapters will keep your old laptop future-proof for years to come
You can create multiple sub-networks there. For example, you could have a network for your kids with parental controls, one for smart home devices, and even one for VPNs. Online security is another large aspect. To name a few, you have Safe Browsing to protect you from malware online, DNS (domain name system) encryption to cover your digital footprint, plus an adblocker.
ZDNET's buying advice
Asus' RT-BE86U is currently on sale for $300 on the company's digital storefront, while the ZenWiFi BT10 extenders cost $360. Yes, those are high prices, but A) they're a great way to bring next-gen Wi-Fi to your home, and B) they're more affordable than similar devices. You'll often find other Wi-Fi 7 routers go for $500 starting. That said, the Asus is recommended, especially if you're just getting started with Wi-Fi 7.