TP-Link - Archer BE550

a bit harsh ehh, but lol..... I actually upgraded my router after squeezing the life out of my old WiFi 5 setup, and holy hell I did NOT expect this big of a jump. The [**Archer BE550**](https://www.reddit.com/user/Whole-Necessary-6627/comments/1ombf1s/best_wifi_7_router_tplink_triband_be9300/) is my first WiFi 7 router and it legit feels like going from a Honda Civic to a Tesla. [https://www.reddit.com/HomeNetworking/comments/1ombf1s/best\_wifi\_7\_router\_tplink\_triband\_be9300/](https://www.reddit.com/user/Whole-Necessary-6627/comments/1ombf1s/best_wifi_7_router_tplink_triband_be9300/)

I am using the Archer BE550. Works great. I also have two other routers configured via easy mesh to extend to basement and another area of the home.

I have a similar setup and needs and have TP link and it is solid. I have the BE550 as the main router and two easy mesh nodes (hardwired) and my network is solid, no issues with any devices

Short answer: Get the ASUS RT-BE86U. It’s the better buy over the BE82U because it adds a 10 GbE port (nice future-proofing for fast WAN/LAN) while both are dual-band Wi-Fi 7 (no 6 GHz). Reviews also show the BE86U’s 5 GHz performance and software are excellent. If you’d rather have 6 GHz (great for newer phones/laptops) and don’t need 10 GbE, consider the TP-Link Archer BE550, which is frequently around $199 and tested well for budget Wi-Fi 7. Go BE86U if you want ASUS features and a 10 GbE port for only \~$20 more. Go BE550 if you want 6 GHz at \~$200 and can live without 10 GbE. Why I’m recommending these BE86U vs BE82U: Both are dual-band Wi-Fi 7; BE86U adds a 10 GbE port (BE82U has five 2.5 GbE only). If prices are close, BE86U wins. TP-Link BE550: True tri-band with 6 GHz around $199–$229 and strong test results—great budget “next-gen” pick. TP-Link GE650: Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 gaming router that’s been seen at $250; good if you prioritize gaming features. If you want, tell me your internet speed and house layout—I'll tailor settings (channel width, MLO on/off, WAN/LAN hookup) for whichever you choose.

I have the 550 (9300), cost me only $200 USD on Amazon. I got it to replace a Netgear orbit 960 QuadBand that starting to fail. Although I am mostly impressed with it, the one thing that bothers me is MLO works only on 5Ghz and 6Ghz. That is so stupid. My Vivo X Fold 3 Pro has wifi 7 support, but only has 2.4 and 5ghz...so it would not at all benefit from MLO. Same thing for my tablet. Some of my other devices do have 6ghz but only support WiFi 6E. When I bought it, the advertising showed all 3 bands supporting MLO...but unfortunately it was removed in a firmware update. I really wish I knew about this ahead of time...I would of bought the BE550 Pro, which cost $50 more....but for me it's totally worth it for 3 bands of MLO...the addition of 10g port is totally meaningless....there no scenario where that would be useful... except if I had local home server. Here link ($199.99 deal right now): https://a.co/d/4gnzTdb $249 for BE550 pro: https://a.co/d/7r08vSs The best deal is $299.99 for the BE700 (aka the BE15000), it's a BEAST! https://a.co/d/eDYk5bR Even if in Canada you can still order from US store.. although with longer shipping time. I often order stuff from German Amazon store and have it shipped here, since many things are not available in us store.

Deco works really well with extending range. Actually better than a range extender, as Mesh systems are designed from the ground up to work with each other in the system. I had a Ge800 tied to a be550 and a WiFi 7 range extender. Super good stuff right? But it's half ass "patched up" jerky jerky mesh was no match to a Deco. Deco was snappier, more reliable, and longer range.

I put my ISP modem on bridge mode and used TPlink as my main router. Then connect it with other tplink router via EASYMESH as it allows us to create mesh with wired backhaul. Below are the 2 links you need. I can’t tell you exactly what to do since ISPs might have different needs but below articles may give you an idea. I have BE550 and AX1500 on the Ethernet backhaul. https://www.tp-link.com/uk/easymesh/product-list/ https://www.tp-link.com/ae/support/faq/3731/

I have been using the BE550 for a few months now - my wifi experience is good. We have a 4600 sf house & I have it centrally located in the basement & on the top floor, the slowest I've seen testing it is \~1 gigabit.

if you can stretch your budget a tiny bit, buy the BE9300 instead

I got this because i wanted to get 2gig service. And still had to get a 2.5gig ethernet card. Because most computers only support 1gig. https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Tri-Band-Archer-BE550-HomeShield/dp/B0CJSNSVMR/ref=asc_df_B0CJSNSVMR?mcid=fc67f9c637913067ac7c7331824bae36&hvocijid=8139651165056430106-B0CJSNSVMR-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8139651165056430106&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014409&hvtargid=pla-2281435181658&psc=1

BE550 had all 2.5gb ports and GE800 has both 2.5gb and 10gb ports. The GE800 is geared for gaming. I have both for sale if youre interested let me know.

I had nothing but positive experiences. So much so that I bought 2 other BE550s to put them in a hardwired easymesh setup. When I got the GE800 it was easy to add it as the main router and keep the other as mesh satellites. I was even able to add a vpn to the GE800 and spice upy gaming. My only complaint was the Tether app.

>Confused why BE550 sells for $249 on Amazon while the identical BE9300 is $179 at Walmart. Also, BE550 Pro seems overpriced at $299 when BE9700 has same specs at $220. Careful, The BE550 has all 2.5GbE ports, but the BE9300 on Walmart has 2x 2.5GbE and 3x 1GbE ports. Blame TP-Link for the poor naming scheme. Amazon has the BE550 for less than $199 right now with coupon codes (just checked). It varies depending on if I'm logged in vs not logged in.

Based on the reviews it's a good option. I own 3x BE550 (easymesh, wired backhaul). I'm in a challenging situation in a 2 br apartment with too many 5GHz signals and need to use DFS channels (1/4 power limit vs non DFS channels in US). I get great PHY link speeds in rooms with no interference.

after the last couple of updates, my be550 has been working great for me.

I would choose BT10. I just bought a BE92u yesterday noon and returned few hours later due to terrible 6G range. I was only able to get 100m-150m download speed from 1 floor above it (3-5M away). I also bought a BE800 and BE550 Pro to try out. Suprising BE550 Pro is pretty good overall for both mobile and desktop which makes me think both BE800 and BE550 Pro are very comparable. However, i still decided to return both becasue i didnt get any improvement compared to my old Asus Zen XD5 wifi 6 routers. At the end, I got the Asus BE98 Pro. I am able to max out the max out the ISP speed of 1.5Gbs from 1 floor above the router. Connection from mobiles is also fast and reliable. So i beieve a triband mesh should be as good.

$200 - [TP-Link BE550](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJSNSVMR) Fits your criteria and has Wi-Fi 7. $220 - [ASUS RT-BE92U](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHWCQ3FP) Non-Chinese alternative to the above. Supports a beta Merlin firmware that opens up a lot more tinkering options than TP-Link but less than the Flint 2 or UniFi. A little bit over $200 though. $280 - [UniFi UDR7](https://store.ui.com/us/en/products/udr7) Gets you into the UniFi ecosystem for a premium. $140 - [GL.iNET Flint 2](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP7S3117) Probably the best router for tinkering, however, it is Wi-Fi 6 only, and only 1 LAN port is 2.5GbE (total 2, including 1 WAN), but the budget allows buying a 2.5GbE switch to fix that. The Flint 2 will have better Wi-Fi performance with older 5GHz/2.4GHz devices due to 4x4 MIMO on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, which all of the above budget Wi-Fi 7 options lack. So, if you don't have any Wi-Fi 6E or 7 devices, then the above Wi-Fi 7 routers will effectively perform the same as an AX3000 router ($50-$100) in terms of Wi-Fi as those are also limited to 2x2 MIMO. Do note that no router in that budget will do VPN, QoS, SQM, etc. or many advanced features at more than a gigabit. And to get even close to 2Gbps over Wi-Fi you need recent devices (e.g., Quest 3, iPhone 15 Pro/16, M3 Mac, AX210+ laptop or most recent Android flagships).

I can find it usefull for sending files fast between devices

BE550 would do everything you would need. It’s a solid performer

I just received the BE550 yesterday. Hooked on the 30% or so discount, and of course fair bit of research of course. got it for 199..and I am returning it. The WiFi performance on my BE550 is abysmal. Yes it’s not ideally central positioned, but that’s something you can’t always meet, specially if you have small children. It’s in the same exact spot where my aged VR2100 was, and that’s a 7 plus years old router that never costed anywhere near £200, on discount. The VR2100 has no problems providing solid 5GHz in our master bedroom, whilst the BE550 has no 5GHz at all in the same spot I sleep. Also WiFi signal strengths on it jumps too often, and I have only tested 6GHz couple times while sitting right next to BE550 and it had 23ping. I guess given there might be already some sort of hardware versions of 1.6 while mine is still 1.0, probably the reason why it is on sale. Bottom line is, if a fancy new router that was originally advertised at £300 can’t outperform a 7 plus years old router that was originally around £130, that is utterly sad and an instant return.

As a be550 owner the 6ghz band is a hit or a miss. It frequently isn't found by my quest 3. It's not a bad router by any means but the 6ghz often just disappears. So I end up running things at 5ghz anyway.  Maybe if 6ghz is important to you co sider a different band.  

Yup I got a TP Link BE550 and its been solid, using MLO my pc is getting 1.2 Gbps wirelessly.

I use Be550 for pico 4 ultra and work very well with VD on 600mb bitrate no stutter or high latency

They named these routers bad. BE9300 = BE550 and the BE9700 = BE 550 Pro. I think the main difference is the Pro has a 10g WAN port instead of 2.5G and can also do MLO on all 3 bands. I believe the non pro can only do MLO on two bands but I could be wrong BE550 Pro aka BE9700 would be the better router. Probably amazon's dynamic pricing

They named these routers bad. BE9300 = BE550 and the BE9700 = BE 550 Pro. I think the main difference is the Pro has a 10g WAN port instead of 2.5G and can also do MLO on all 3 bands. I believe the non pro can only do MLO on two bands but I could be wrong BE550 Pro aka BE9700 would be the better router. Probably amazon's dynamic pricing

Pretty happy with my TP-Link BE550. Four 2.5 Gbps LAN Ports, with some strategically placed 2.5 Gbps switches to cover all my devices.

I originally bought the Nighthawk as it was on sale locally but the router didn't work well with my Pico. It would periodically have long freezes on Wifi. I returned it for the Be550 and it's worked wonders ever since. Would the extra bandwidth on the be800 be worth the increase if I could get that for a discount as well? Or would it not make a difference for Pico wireless PCVR?

I have a Be550, it's pretty decent, but I would definitely opt for a name brand over tp link. Mainly because of their security controversy and their lack support over time. I only have one device that can actively use 6ghz/6e and nothing that uses wifi 7,but 6e/6ghz is super fast. Depends if you care about that, if not anything else can do the same with with better long term support... I don't use the be550 for my main wifi tho, I have an orbi mesh system in AP mode for my main wifi setup...

That’s really kind of you, a solid friend move. Yeah, the TP-Link BE550 is great for WiFi 7 at that price. If you’re open to WiFi 6E instead (still super fast and future-ready), the Archer AXE75 is a killervaluetoo, tri-band, reliable, and way under budget...

Hey! Based on your setup, gaming, VR, home server, 2.5G upgrade, and remote access, I’d skip the Mercedes. It’s new but doesn’t have a proven track record. Between the BE550 and AXE7800, the TP-Link BE550 is probably your best bet. Solid Wi-Fi 7 performance, full 2.5G ports all around, and great bang for the buck for under £200. The Asus is great too, but only one 2.5G port, so you'd hit the limits quicker with your setup. So yeah, go with the BE550, future-proof and suitable for your home lab + gaming combo.

We've just upgraded to a 900mbps plan as well and the provided router (over wi-fi only, I have nothing cabled) was giving me speeds of around 500-550. After a bit of research and crossing my fingers that I was doing the right thing I upgraded to a TP-Link BE9300. Granted this is a wi-fi 7 router but the whole house now gets between 750-900+

I'd go TP-Link BE9300. Wifi 7 for future proofing and officially recommended on Virtual Desktop discord.

Hey all, here is the story in short. I'm currently using an Asus RT-AX86U. There isn't anything wrong with the router, and it's meeting my current needs without issues. There are a couple things I have considered though in getting another WiFi 7 router, after having the Asus RT-BE92U develop issues after 6 months or a bit more of use. My considerations are the following: Right now, I have no WiFi 7 devices, however, my current iPhone (15 Pro Max is 6E, and my next phone will be WiFi 7) I would like multiple 2.5G Ethernet ports instead of just the one on the RT-AX86U. I only really need one more (2 in total) as my computer is the only device that can currently take advantage of more than a gigabit port currently. I am considering one of the more basic TP-Link routers from Walmart, that have one WAN, and one LAN 2.5 port, and I can either do a dual band, or tri-band router. And they aren't that expensive and have the current upgrades I'm looking for over my existing Asus. People have generally reviewed the TP-Link routers well, and I've had a couple myself and overall they've been stable. The main reason I went with Asus was for the more advanced. options which, in reality, I don't use a lot of on a daily basis. With this said, is what I'm looking for a reason couple upgrade options? The models are: the BE3600, and BE9300. Right now the 3600 is the only delivery from store option, and it's the dual band. The BE9300 is Tri-band, and both models at walmart have 2 2.5 G ports and 3 1G ports.

Just adding that Walmart got the BE9300 in so ordered one this morning (delivery from store) and will test it and compare. If it plays nice with my setup, I will keep the TRI-band model and return the dual band.

OK, I have the BE9300 set up and everything seems to work. the issue with the amazon smart plugs not wanting to connect out of the box with the default settings and the 6Ghz band enabled weren't present on the TPLink as they were with the Asus BE92U. The particular smart bulb that was also acting funny with Alexa voice control still has a slight issue, but it's not as bad, and it turns the right colors. So, here is my conclusion right now. It's possible the bulb is having issues as it's older, or it's controller doesn't like a TRI-Band router with the 6Ghz band, as both dual band routers didn't have the issue. So will be returning the BE3600 today. What I could also do is disable the IOT network on the TRI-Band router, and set up my old airport as a 2.4ghz AP, and connect the lights to that if I have issues since none of these 2.4 devices won't ever be able to use beyond 80211n.

Hey guys, just wanted to add a second question here. I've settled on the BE9300, and everything is working fine. However, Best Buy has a BE11000 pro for $250, and it's 4x4 on all three bands while the BE9300 is 2x2. The RT-AX86U that I have as backup is 3x3 on 2.4 and 4x4 on 5ghz, and I've seen absolutely no difference in my setup between the 2. The only difference is being able to keep the full gigabit connection to the devices that can support the 2.5g connection. Also a little fun fact is, like the B?E 550, the BE9300 has all 2.5 ports, even though 3 are labeled as 1G only. (the function at 2.5g). So with this said, is there any reason to really get a 4x4 WiFi 7 router yet? my iPhone 15 Pro Max is 6E, and all my other devices are either wired, or on 2.4G and are 80211n, and i think the google nest audio on 5Ghz is 80211ac, and the Roku Ultra, that is on wireless is WiFi 6., but I usually keep it wired as well. Right now I just see getting another 4x4 router a waste of money in my setup since I have one already and it doesn't seem to make a difference over the 2x2. Just wanted to get some feedback after sharing the details. Thanks.

buy a nice wifi 7 router and a network switch, I had a similar situation and am using a TP-Link BE9300 WiFi 7 router and a TP-Link TL-SG105-M2 - 5 Port 2.5Ghz network switch

I’m late af with this response but get the archer be6500. I’ve used both and the range on the be9300 is poor. The be6500 on the other hand, has excellent range on both the 2.4 and 5 ghz bands despite not having a 6ghz band.

Negative. Only the bottom floor. I bought the TP-Link Tri-Band BE9300 as it was on sale and just want to see if it would reach everything (says 2000 sqft). Might return it though.

My current system is a mesh and it struggles. I bought the TP-Link Tri-Band BE9300 as it was on sale and just want to see if it would reach everything (says 2000 sqft). Might return it though.

Issue is my router is on the bottom floor. (near garage) It has to go pretty far. I bought the TP-Link Tri-Band BE9300 as it was on sale and just want to see if it would reach everything (says 2000 sqft). Might return it though.

"gaming" routers are just marketing. I would look up RTINGS.com if you enjoy comparing reviews. I have a TP-Link BE9300, my friend gave it to me half off but I see there's actually a sale right now for about $200. That's a pretty good deal for a tri-band, WiFi 7 router.

Tp-links newest WiFi 7 router is sick for the price.

Stay far away from routers with fans, I returned a tp-link wifi 7 router over this exact issue. Sfp port was so hot it was unreal. Try to cool your place in summer with air conditioning, you don't want some fan blowing heat. Also moving parts is a bad idea for longevity. Also when I ran latency tests I was loosing O.4 to 0.8ms over fiber with the tp-link, my old router from 10 years ago never added that much latency, just to give you an idea of how bad fans are. This is not enterprise, cisco is enterprise and they use heatsinks not fans. If you want a decent router for home, Netgear rs700 uses heatsinks and has 1500 more sq ft of range than this thing, yep not 2000sq feet, but 3500sq feet, should get good reception in your backyard this summer. If you want enterprise you'll have to go cisco.

They are incredible and simple. I’ve had a setup with the WiFi 6e ones, and now have one with WiFi 7 ones. Literally stellar performance. Do you have first hand experience?