For enterprise technology leaders equipping remote workforces or managing small branch offices, selecting the right Wi-Fi router is critical for productivity. WIRED's Simon Hill, after testing more than 40 routers, has compiled updated recommendations for Wi-Fi 7 devices that deliver high throughput and reliable coverage.
Top Wi-Fi 7 Picks for Enterprise Use
Hill's top pick is the Asus RT-BE96U (MSRP $550), a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router covering up to 5,400 square feet with a 10-Gbps WAN/LAN port, four Gigabit LAN ports, and USB 3.2 connectivity. For organizations needing broader coverage, the Netgear Orbi 770 Series (2-pack, $550) offers up to 5,500 square feet with dedicated backhaul. A more affordable option is the TP-Link Archer BE9700 ($250), covering 2,600 square feet with a 10-Gbps WAN port. Budget-conscious buyers can consider the Asus RT-BE58U ($150), a dual-band model covering 2,000 square feet.
| Product | Price (MSRP) | Wi-Fi Version | Bands | Ports | Suggested Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asus RT-BE96U | $550 | Wi-Fi 7 | 6 GHz, 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz | 1x 10-Gbps WAN/LAN, 1x 10-Gbps LAN, 4x Gigabit LAN, 1x USB 3.2, 1x USB 2.0 | 5,400 sq ft |
| TP-Link Archer BE9700 | $250 | Wi-Fi 7 | 6 GHz, 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz | 1x 10-Gbps WAN/LAN, 1x 2.5-Gbps WAN/LAN, 3x 2.5 Gbps LAN, 1x USB 3.0 | 2,600 sq ft |
| Netgear Orbi 770 (2-pack) | $550 | Wi-Fi 7 | 6 GHz, 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz | 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN, 3x 2.5 Gbps LAN (main), 2x 2.5 Gbps LAN (satellites) | 5,500 sq ft |
| Asus RT-BE58U | $150 | Wi-Fi 7 | 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz | 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN, 1x Gigabit WAN/LAN, 3x Gigabit LAN, 1x USB WAN | 2,000 sq ft |
| Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro | $629 | Wi-Fi 7 | 2x 6 GHz, 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz | 1x 10-Gbps WAN/LAN, 2x 10-Gbps LAN, 4x Gigabit LAN, 1x USB 3.2, 1x USB 2.0 | 2,500 sq ft |
| Asus RT-BE58 Go | $160 | Wi-Fi 7 | 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz | 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN, 1x Gigabit LAN, 1x USB-A 3.0 | 1,800 sq ft |
| Netgear Nighthawk M7 | $500 | Wi-Fi 7 | 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz | 1x USB-C, SIM slot | 2,000 sq ft |
FCC Ban on Foreign-Made Routers
Hill notes that the FCC's foreign-made router ban announced in March may prevent any company without an exemption (Conditional Approval) from selling new routers in the US. However, existing routers can continue to be sold, including all models listed in the article. They can also receive firmware updates at least until January 1, 2029. So far, Netgear and Eero are the only consumer router manufacturers to have secured a Conditional Approval. This is a key consideration for procurement teams planning multi-year deployments.
Additional Models and Testing Methodology
Other Wi-Fi 7 routers Hill tested include the TP-Link Archer BE6500 (GE400) for $200, a dual-band gaming router with solid close-range performance but limited range. Hill tests all routers in his family home "full of Netflix-addicted gamers," evaluating real-world throughput, coverage, and stability. He has also slimmed down recommendations and reorganized sections based on ongoing evaluations.
For enterprise buyers, the choice depends on coverage needs, device density, and budget. The Asus RT-BE96U offers a strong balance of speed, coverage, and port options, while the Netgear Orbi 770 is ideal for larger spaces. The ongoing FCC regulatory landscape should be monitored as it may affect future availability and support timelines.
