What is new in TP-Link tri-band BE19000 WiFi 7 router (Archer BE800)? In addition to having a display for a range of content, the router functions well right out of the box and provides a large number of customization choices. In an era of increased cyberthreats, the BE800’s built-in security and capacity to function as a VPN server or client are a huge plus. Find more in TP-Link tri-band BE19000 WiFi 7 router (Archer BE800) review.
TP-Link tri-band BE19000 WiFi 7 router (Archer BE800) review YouTube video
TP-Link tri-band BE19000 WiFi 7 router (Archer BE800) manual
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Cutting-edge Wi-Fi 7 technology
- Quick performance
- Good range for the signal
- A large number of fast ports
- Able to operate as a VPN client or server
- An integrated data screen and security software
Cons
- Expensive
- Some HomeShield features require subscription
Specs
- Wi-Fi Spec: BE19000 (802.11be)
- Number of Antennas/Removable: 8/No
- Ports: Two 10Gbps (one can be used as an SPF+ fiber port), four 2.5Gbps, USB 3.0
- Processor/Memory/Storage: Quad-core 2.2GHz/1GB/256MB
- Wi-Fi chip: Qualcomm Networking Pro 1220
- Peak 802.11ac performance: 1.824Gbps (at 15 feet)
- Range: 115 feet
- Size: 11.9 x 10.3 x 3.8 inches
- Estimated Annual Electricity Cost: 24.20
TP-Link tri-band BE19000 WiFi 7 router (Archer BE800) review
Design
The BE800 measures 11.9 x 10.3 x 3.8 inches, making it one-third larger than the Netgear RAXE500 and more akin to a desktop PC. The router’s black faceplate, which has buttons up front for disabling Wi-Fi transmissions, instantaneously connecting using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), and controlling the router’s LEDs, contrasts with its gray casing.
Ports
With four 2.5-Gbps LAN ports, a USB 3.2 port, two more 10-Gbps WAN/LAN or SFP+ ports, and four further 10-Gbps WAN/LAN ports, the Archer BE800 is jam-packed with ports. You can create a 5-Gbps wired connection by combining two 2.5-Gbps ports via link aggregation. This router can be used to run Ethernet wires throughout your house or plug in switches and hubs.
LED display
Beneath the screen are three buttons: one for WPS, one for turning on and off Wi-Fi, and one for activating the animated display with an LED button.
The LED matrix screen was incredibly appealing to me, and I believe it adds a wonderful touch to their flagship model. The Archer BE800 now has an LED from TP-Link that is easily customizable using the TP-Link Tether app. It features many basic modes, such as displaying the clock, weather, and several emojis. On the TP-Link Tether app, you can even alter the animation frame by frame if you’re feeling daring.
Processor
The Networking Pro 1220 Wi-Fi processor from Qualcomm, 1GB RAM, and 256MB of flash storage are used by the BE800 to store the router’s firmware and configurations. Its quad-core, 2.2GHz processor handles the job.
Transfer rate
The triband router is a Wi-Fi 7 screamer that’s able to move 11.520Gbps over the 6GHz band as well as 5.760 and 1.378Gbps using the 5 and 2.4GHz bands. It adds up to a BE19000 throughput rating that can push data over 12 independent streams. With support for 100 connected devices, it should be fine for most, but this is half what other high-performance routers offer.
TP-Link tri-band BE19000 WiFi 7 router (Archer BE800) performance review
The BE800 should function effectively in a sizable apartment or ranch house with one story since it can move 1.213Gbps 20 feet across a room and through a wall. Compared to the RAXE500’s 1.137Gbps bandwidth, that is 7% faster. Directing the signal towards a room above, the BE800 generated 809.7Mbps. It was inferior to the RAXE500’s 851.0Mbps.
Whether streaming 8K video or engaging in online gaming, the BE800’s 6GHz band proved the practicality of Wi-Fi 7. At 15 feet distant from the OnePlus 11, the router moved at 1.824Gbps using IxChariot and 1.967Gbps using iPerf3. Either way, it is a welcome speed boost over the 1.736Gbps of the TP-Link Deco BE85 and a major improvement over the 1.153Gbps provided by Netgear’s RAXE500. Most crucially, it runs at more than twice the speed of 1 Gbps wired Ethernet even in the absence of a visible cable.
Setup
Using a linked browser or the TP-Link Tether app (available for iOS and Android) is the first step towards getting the Archer BE800 online and sharing data. I made a TP-Link account with my Galaxy Note 20 phone and the app.
The router’s screen displayed the TP-Link logo as soon as I plugged it in. The display said “Hello” and greeted me when I plugged the phone into the router.After selecting the input port and kind of internet connection, a starburst pattern appeared on the screen.
In addition to entering the network name and password, I made sure to enable SmartConnect so that the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands could be combined into a single LAN name. The 6GHz band functions on its own.
When it was almost finished, the software quickly restarted after displaying a summary of the setup parameters. Compared to the 16-minute process for the RAXE500, the seven-minute process was a snap.
Additional choices include EasyMesh, the guest network, the Internet of Things network, VPN servers or clients, and a few additional tidbits. If you’d rather, everything may be accessed via the web interface, and remote management is an option. HomeShield from TP-Link comes with QoS to prioritize devices, parental controls (profiles, bedtimes, content filters), and basic network security. Better parental controls and increased security necessitate the purchase of HomeShield Pro ($65 annually or $6 monthly). However, I don’t think the subscription approach is ideal for a router this costly.
Protection
With real-time scanning for IoT devices, intrusion defenses, and a vulnerability analyzer, HomeShield offers an additional layer of security. It is capable of configuring an exclusive network for your smart home appliances. With the optional HomeShield Pro upgrade, kids who follow good online hygiene can earn incentives and have harmful websites filtered off. While Netgear’s Armor comes with client software, neither offers it, and the cost of the security add-on can be doubled.
Safe search
To set up the most basic parental restrictions, tap the Family button. You may set up bedtime (no internet) schedules for family members and their devices here, as well as establish profiles, assign age-based web filters, and ban access to particular websites. More sophisticated features like Time Limits, which lets you set a daily restriction on how much time you spend online, and SafeSearch, which removes explicit information from searches, are hidden behind a paywall that requires an additional subscription ($2.99 per month or $17.99 annually).
TP-Link tri-band BE19000 WiFi 7 router (Archer BE800) consumer reviews
Perfect for gamers with a smart home.
I go through routers fairly quickly. I’ve had all the major brands, some of the “junk” brands too. They never hold up. Usually underperforming on day one. This router looks and feels different than the usual routers. This looks like a concept game console instead of a robotic spider drone. It feels sturdy. No unknown rattling sounds. Setup took literally 5 minutes. Already notice a huge difference when using my M2 iPad. Things blaze in and out. Even regular connections like smart assistant speakers react quicker and load faster. Range is good, but not as good as my old mesh network. While only 3 of my 42 devices even utilize the 6ghz network, it’s still a great option to have. The tools for network management on the app are a breeze to use. Nothing feels like I need a Marvel Cinematic Universe scientist to operate it. Best of all, again the looks win out. My wife likes the modern look and appreciates the lack of antennae jutting everywhere. It’s a cute little bot sitting on our media cabinet, instead of an evil drone plotting world domination. With its impressive build quality and multi-year warranty, tp-link has muscled into the big boys’ territory. Hopefully longevity will also be a part of their business matrix and this router will give me 3 to 6 years or more of quality networking.
By Webzpinner at Best Buy
