ZDNET Tests Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Routers: What Got Better in Real Home Use

ZDNET's extensive home testing reveals that Wi-Fi 7 mesh routers show improved speed and stability in dense home environments, especially with multiple devices. Performance gains are most noticeable in high-traffic setups with 10+ connected devices, where average throughput increases by 25% over Wi-Fi 6. However, real-world coverage remains inconsistent, with some models failing to maintain signal strength beyond 30 feet. Power consumption and device compatibility issues persist, particularly with older smart devices. The testing confirms that Wi-Fi 7 offers tangible benefits for heavy users but lacks universal device support. These findings help builders and consumers evaluate whether the upgrade justifies cost and complexity.