Highly anticipated: Wi-Fi 7 routers don’t come cheap right now, but the advantages could make them worth it for power users. The obvious key benefits include increased speed and bandwidth, thanks to wider 320MHz channels and the ability to combine multiple bands simultaneously using multi-link operation. They also maintain low-latency performance, making them perfect for cloud gaming and AR/VR applications.
Announced way back in 2022 and teased at CES over the past two years, TP-Link’s Archer GE800 tri-band gaming router is now available for $599.99, with a $100 discount for early adopters. TP-Link claims the Archer GE800 can deliver 11,520 Mbps on the 6 GHz band, 5,760 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, and 1,376 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.
Of course, you’ll need Wi-Fi 7-enabled devices to take advantage of the router’s advanced features. Only newer models like the Lenovo Legion 7i or Razer Blade 16 laptops offer support for it at the moment. None of the current crop of consoles do.
Of course, you’ll need Wi-Fi 7-enabled devices to take advantage of the router’s exotic features. Only newer devices like the latest Lenovo Legion 7i/9i or Razer Blade 16 laptops offer support for it at the moment. None of the current crop of consoles do.
The GE800 also offers plenty of high-bandwidth wired connectivity. It includes two 10Gbps ethernet ports and four 2.5Gbps ports, with one port dedicated to prioritizing game console traffic to minimize jitter, lag, and ping. There’s also a USB 3.0 port for setting up an FTP, media, or Samba server.
TP-Link has packed in plenty of security smarts, too, with real-time protection for IoT devices, network scanning to quarantine infected gadgets, and blocking of malicious sites out of the box. There’s even built-in antivirus protection from TP-Link HomeShield to defend against online threats.
Design-wise, the GE800 bucks the trend of routers with spider-like antenna arrays sticking out every which way. Instead, TP-Link has gone for a somewhat more understated, futuristic aesthetic that roughly resembles TIE fighters from Star Wars. The antennas are neatly tucked away inside the relatively compact chassis, which still manages to feature sleek multicolor illumination for a touch of gaming flair.
Mesh networking is also onboard, expanding that coverage by combining the GE800 with TP-Link’s EasyMesh Wi-Fi 6 and 7 routers and extenders.
While the $599 price is steep, it’s the going rate for flagship Wi-Fi 7 routers right now. Early adopters can also shave $100 off as part of a limited-time launch promotion.
