MSRP $799.99.
Recently, we’ve seen a boom in the Wi-Fi 7 router market, following the lineup of Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E routers. Currently, the lowest-priced Wi-Fi 7 router, like the dual-band TP-Link Archer BE3600, costs just $99 at Walmart, while the highest is the Amazon Eero Max 7, priced at $1,699 for three nodes.
TP-Link’s Deco BE65 falls into the mid-range category and features a three-node Wi-Fi 7 system, priced at $799.99. However, it has recently been available for as low as $579.99 at retailers like Best Buy.
It is a no-frills mesh router for customers who prefer a ‘set and forget’ approach to networking. This router requires an app for the initial setup. Each node offers one 2.5 Gbps port, two 5 Gbps ports, and a USB port for storage.
The Deco BE65 Pro is by no means an impulse buy like the Archer BE3600, but it is one of the more affordable and compelling Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems available, making it worthy of inclusion among our picks for the best Wi-Fi routers.
Specification | Details |
Model | TP-Link Deco BE65 Pro |
Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), backward compatible with Wi-Fi 6E/6/5/4 |
Frequency Bands | Tri-band (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz / 6 GHz) |
Wireless Speeds | Combined Speed: Up to 11,000 Mbps |
2.4 GHz Band | Up to 600 Mbps |
5 GHz Band | Up to 4800 Mbps |
6 GHz Band | Up to 4800 Mbps |
Mesh Technology | TP-Link Mesh Technology for seamless roaming |
Ethernet Ports | 2 x 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN auto-sensing ports |
Antenna | Internal high-performance antennas |
Processor | Quad-Core 1.7 GHz CPU |
RAM | 512 MB |
Flash Memory | 128 MB |
MU-MIMO | Yes, 4x4 MU-MIMO |
OFDMA | Yes, supported in all bands |
Network Security | WPA3 encryption HomeShield security |
QoS (Quality of Service) | Yes, AI-Driven QoS |
Beamforming | Yes, advanced beamforming technology |
Backhaul | Wireless or wired backhaul supported |
Coverage Area | Up to 7,000 sq. ft. (with 2 units) |
Maximum Devices Supported | 200+ devices |
Smart Home Integration | Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT |
App Management | TP-Link Deco app (iOS & Android) |
Parental Controls | Yes, customizable with HomeShield |
Guest Network | Yes |
IPv6 Support | Yes |
Cooling | Passive cooling design |
Mounting Options | Desktop |
Operating System Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
Dimensions (per unit) | 110 x 110 x 170 mm (4.33 x 4.33 x 6.69 inches) |
Weight (per unit) | 0.6 kg (1.32 lbs) |
Package Contents | 2 x Deco BE65 Pro units Power adapters Ethernet cables |
Power Supply | 12V/2A DC adapter |
Warranty | 2 years |
Design and Build
The Deco BE65 Pro sports a clean, minimalist design that blends seamlessly into any modern home. Its compact cylindrical build makes it easy to place on shelves or desks without standing out. The units have an understated matte finish, with LED indicators subtly displaying the status of the network. Each router comes with a sufficient array of ports, including the 10 Gbps WAN/LAN and 2.5 Gbps LAN, ensuring high-speed wired connections in addition to Wi-Fi.
The mesh system can be set up in a variety of configurations, with the 3-pack able to cover large homes up to 7,500 square feet, ensuring strong signal strength across multiple floors or large properties.
Performance
As a Wi-Fi 7 router, the Deco BE65 Pro is built to deliver lightning-fast speeds with minimal interference. The tri-band system leverages the 6 GHz band, which is designed for next-gen Wi-Fi devices, providing more bandwidth and reducing congestion on traditional 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. It offers combined speeds of up to 11,000 Mbps, making it ideal for data-heavy activities like 4K/8K streaming, cloud gaming, and virtual reality applications.
The router employs advanced MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies, which allow it to handle multiple devices at once without compromising on speed. This is perfect for homes with numerous smart devices, as it efficiently manages connections across smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and IoT devices.
In terms of latency, the Deco BE65 Pro shows significant improvements, reducing ping times for gaming and video calls, even when multiple users are on the network.
Setup and Usability
Setting up the Deco BE65 Pro is simple thanks to the TP-Link Deco app, which guides users through the process step by step. The app also provides a user-friendly interface for managing the network, monitoring device usage, and adjusting parental controls. With AI-driven mesh technology, the system learns your home’s layout and adjusts signal strength to optimize coverage automatically.
The TP-Link HomeShield security suite adds an extra layer of protection, offering features like real-time threat protection, parental controls, and the ability to monitor network usage for all connected devices.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Wi-Fi 7 support for ultra-fast speeds and low latency
- Tri-band technology with a strong 6 GHz band for next-gen devices
- 10 Gbps WAN/LAN and 2.5 Gbps LAN for high-speed wired connections
- Easy setup and management via the Deco app
- Extensive coverage of up to 7,500 sq. ft. with a 3-pack
- Advanced security features with TP-Link HomeShield
- Seamless AI-driven mesh networking
Cons:
- High price due to next-gen Wi-Fi 7 technology
- Overkill for smaller homes or those without Wi-Fi 7 devices
- Lack of built-in USB ports for network-attached storage (NAS)
The TP-Link Deco BE65 Pro Wi-Fi 7 mesh router is a standout deal in the current networking market. With Wi-Fi 7 technology, it delivers lightning-fast speeds, low latency, and seamless connectivity for large homes and offices. Its mesh networking system ensures comprehensive coverage without dead zones, supporting multiple devices simultaneously. The router offers advanced features like multi-gig ports, enhanced security protocols, and robust parental controls, making it ideal for families and tech enthusiasts. Compared to other options in the market, its performance-to-price ratio makes it a top-tier solution for anyone seeking a powerful, future-proof wireless network system.