TP-Link Deco BE85 (Wi-Fi 7) Review

The digital world is accelerating, and our home networks are often the first bottleneck we feel. With the advent of Wi-Fi 7, systems like the TP-Link Deco BE85 promise to not just keep pace but to leapfrog our current expectations, delivering a glimpse into the future of wireless connectivity today.

The TP-Link Deco BE85 makes a commanding first impression. Each node is a substantial, minimalist white cylinder that blends surprisingly well into modern home decor, eschewing the aggressive, antenna-laden designs of traditional high-performance routers. The build quality is excellent, with a reassuring heft and a matte finish that resists fingerprints. More importantly, the connectivity is unapologetically high-end. Each unit sports a 10Gbps Ethernet port, another 10Gbps SFP+/Ethernet combo port, and two 2.5Gbps ports. This isn’t just for a fast internet connection; it’s a statement for power users who need an uncompromising multi-gig wired backbone for their mesh network, NAS devices, or workstations.

Performance is, in a word, staggering. The BE85 is a quad-band system, leveraging the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and two 6 GHz bands to create a colossal 22 Gbps of theoretical throughput. The magic of Wi-Fi 7 is on full display with features like Multi-Link Operation (MLO), which allows devices to simultaneously use multiple bands, dramatically reducing latency and boosting reliability. In testing with Wi-Fi 7-capable clients, throughput is consistently in the multi-gigabit range, even at a distance. For the vast majority of users still on Wi-Fi 6 or 6E devices, the BE85 still delivers, acting as one of the most powerful and stable mesh systems on the market thanks to its robust hardware and the option for a dedicated 6 GHz wireless backhaul.

Setup and management are handled through the TP-Link Deco app, which remains one of the most user-friendly interfaces in the networking space. Initial configuration is a guided, five-minute affair. The app provides good oversight of your network, connected devices, and basic traffic prioritization. However, this is also where a key weakness emerges. TP-Link’s HomeShield Pro, which includes advanced security features and more granular parental controls, is a subscription service. On a device commanding such a premium price, seeing core security features locked behind a recurring paywall feels like a misstep.

The ultimate question is one of value. The Deco BE85 is an investment in networking’s cutting edge, and it carries a price tag to match. The number of client devices that can currently harness the full potential of Wi-Fi 7 is vanishingly small. Therefore, purchasing this system today is an act of future-proofing. It demolishes today’s networking challenges with ease, but its true power is held in reserve for the next generation of laptops, phones, and VR headsets. For those with a multi-gig internet plan and a deep-seated need to eliminate every possible bottleneck, the BE85 is a glimpse of networking nirvana. For everyone else, it’s a powerful but prohibitively expensive preview of what’s to come.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon