Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router from TP-Link, the Archer BE9700, reviewed at an affordable cost
The TP-Link Archer BE9700, a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router, is making waves in the market as an affordable option for next-generation Wi-Fi technology. Priced at around $220, it undercuts its competitors significantly, with the Netgear Nighthawk RS600 costing approximately $500 more[1][4].
In terms of performance, the Archer BE9700 shines on the 6 GHz band, delivering speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps at close range, making it the best in class[1]. However, its 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz band performance is less impressive, often trailing behind even TP-Link’s own dual-band BE3600 router priced at $99, particularly on the 2.4 GHz band where the BE3600 more than doubles its speed[1].
The BE9700 offers a strong value for users who specifically want tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with leading 6 GHz performance at a budget-friendly price[1][3]. The router is primarily made of plastic and is finished in flat black with gloss black edges. It features a row of status LEDs on its top and six movable antennas[1].
The setup process can be done using TP-Link's Deco app or a desktop browser. During setup, users can assign unique SSIDs for each band and enable features such as Auto Update for firmware, Multi-Link Operation (MLO), IoT, and guest networks[1]. The Wireless tab is where Smart Connect can be turned on or off, SSIDs and passwords for each of the three network bands can be changed, and other advanced wireless settings can be adjusted[1].
The router also offers a 10 Gbps WAN port, 4 x 2.5 Gbps LAN ports, and a USB 3.0 port. It supports Time Machine backups using the USB 3.0 port, EasyMesh to be used as a wireless node in a mesh network with other supported routers, and the Wi-Fi 7 standard[1].
The HomeShield tab scans the network for vulnerabilities and offers a limited set of parental controls. A VPN server can be set up on this tab. The Internet tab allows for the designation of the WAN port for the ISP, specifying the connection type, and configuring a MAC address for the router[1]. The Network Map tab provides a quick rundown of internet connection status, connected clients, and router uptime[1].
In comparison to other Wi-Fi 7 routers on the market, the BE9700 represents a strong value for users who specifically want tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with leading 6 GHz performance at a budget-friendly price[1][3]. While other routers like the ASUS RT-BE92U BE9700 (a different model sharing the BE9700 name) have mixed customer reviews, they are praised for extended range and ease of use, though potentially at a higher price point than TP-Link’s Archer BE9700[5].
| Feature | TP-Link Archer BE9700 | Comparable Routers | |--------------------------|----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | Price (Street) | ~$220 | $500–$600 (Netgear Nighthawk RS600) | | Bands | Tri-band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz) | Tri-band in similar models | | 6 GHz Performance | Best in class, up to ~2.5 Gbps at close range| Similar models generally slower | | 5 GHz & 2.4 GHz Performance | Weaker than TP-Link BE3600 dual-band ($99) | Varies; some outperform on these bands | | Value Proposition | Strong value for tri-band Wi-Fi 7 at low price| Higher price with comparable or mixed performance |
If your environment is rich in 6 GHz devices requiring high throughput, the Archer BE9700 offers the best balance of price and next-generation Wi-Fi 7 performance currently available[1][4].
[1] https://www.tp-link.com/uk/home-networking/router/archer-be9700/ [2] https://www.pcmag.com/p/780691/tp-link-archer-be9700-tri-band-wi-fi-7-router-review [3] https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/tp-link-archer-be9700-wifi-7-router-review,6420.html [4] https://www.techradar.com/reviews/tp-link-archer-be9700-tri-band-wifi-7-router [5] https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/tp-link-archer-be9700-review-tri-band-wifi-7-for-a-reasonable-price/
- The TP-Link Archer BE9700, with its tri-band Wi-Fi 7 technology, is chosen by users seeking affordable next-generation Wi-Fi technology, as it offers leading 6 GHz performance at a budget-friendly price.
- Incorporating a range of gadgets, such as smartphones and laptops, the TP-Link Archer BE9700's 6 GHz performance stands out, delivering speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps at close range, making it suitable for environments rich in 6 GHz devices requiring high throughput.
