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Wi-Fi 7 routers disappoint so far

Summary

In 2026 the magazine Rtings found none among 25 tested Wi-Fi 7 routers that implemented the standard satisfactorily. Multi-Link Operation (MLO) in particular was neglected: no model used true simultaneous MLO, and only one supported EMLSR as a fallback. In addition, manufacturers cause confusion with names such as “Wifi” without a hyphen, which are not subject to the Wi-Fi Alliance’s certification.

Ideas

  • MLO is meant to use several frequency bands simultaneously for one connection.
  • Instead of transmitting simultaneously, the devices took turns transmitting.
  • Coordination of several devices via STR-MLMR was missing everywhere.
  • Only “Wi-Fi Certified 7” guarantees a tested implementation.

Insights

  • New standards are often marketed before their core functions have been implemented.
  • Certification logos say more than version numbers in the product name.

Facts

  • Rtings analysed the radio traffic with Wireshark.
  • Devices from TP-Link, Netgear, Asus, Unifi and Eero were tested.

References

Critique

  • The test only looks at routers; how much missing client support shapes the result remains open.

Recommendations

  • Only buy Wi-Fi 7 if router and clients demonstrably support the required MLO functions.
  • Look for the “Wi-Fi Certified 7” logo rather than marketing terms.

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