TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-Pack)
The best all-round Wi-Fi 7 mesh for most large homes, and the one we would buy. It gets you most of the Orbi's real-world performance for a great deal less money. Check where you intend to put the nodes, because they have audible fans.
Our editorial rating, not aggregated user reviews
Reviewers repeatedly call this the best-value Wi-Fi 7 mesh you can buy, and several rate its real-world throughput and consistency at or above systems costing considerably more. It would score higher but for one flaw of the kind you only discover after living with it. The nodes have cooling fans that ramp to full speed for several minutes at a time, several times an hour. Site a node in a bedroom or a quiet study and you will regret it. That is avoidable with thought, which is why this stays in the eights rather than the sevens, but you do have to think about it before you buy.
Pros
- Reviewers rate its real-world speed and consistency among the very best available
- Substantially better value than the Orbi 970 for comparable coverage
- 2× 10 Gbps and 2× 2.5 Gbps ports per node, ideal for wired backhaul
- True tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with a fast 6GHz radio, which is where the real gains are
- Setup is quick and the app is straightforward
Cons
- The nodes have fans that spin up loudly for several minutes at a time, several times an hour
- They run hot, and more so in a warm room
- Still expensive in absolute terms, even though it undercuts its rivals
- Less deep configuration than enthusiasts may want
Specifications
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 7
- Bands
- Tri-band (6 / 5 / 2.4 GHz)
- Ports
- 2× 10 Gbps + 2× 2.5 Gbps per node
- Backhaul
- Wired or wireless
- Cooling
- Active fan
- Pack
- 2 nodes