The promise of Wi-Fi 7 has been tantalizingly out of reach for many, locked behind premium price tags. With the ZenWiFi BD4, ASUS is finally democratizing next-generation wireless, offering a taste of the future without requiring a massive investment. This system redefines what an entry-level mesh network can be by focusing on core Wi-Fi 7 benefits while making one very specific compromise.
The ASUS ZenWiFi BD4 arrives as part of a pair, with its slightly more capable sibling, the ZenWiFi BD5. Both are BE7200 dual-band mesh systems, but a single, crucial difference separates them: the WAN port. The BD5 router node features a 2.5 Gbps port, while the BD4 is equipped with a standard 1 Gbps WAN port. This decision is the entire story of the BD4. It’s a calculated trade-off designed to hit a lower price point, and understanding it is key to deciding if this system is right for you. In terms of design, the BD4 is classic ZenWiFi—a clean, minimalist white tower that blends into home decor rather than demanding attention. The build is solid plastic, feeling sturdy enough for its purpose, with vents cleverly integrated into the top for passive cooling.
At the heart of the BD4’s appeal is its support for Multi-Link Operation (MLO), the signature feature of Wi-Fi 7. MLO allows a compatible device to connect to the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands simultaneously, aggregating bandwidth and switching between them seamlessly for lower latency and enhanced reliability. In practice, this delivers a tangible performance boost for local tasks. Transferring large files to a network-attached storage (NAS) drive or streaming high-bitrate media from a local server feels noticeably snappier than on a Wi-Fi 6 system. However, the 1 Gbps WAN port acts as a hard ceiling for your internet speeds. If you have a multi-gig fiber connection, you simply cannot take full advantage of it with the BD4; your download speeds will be capped at gigabit levels, even if the wireless link is theoretically faster.
This brings us to the core value proposition. The BD4 is not for the user paying for a 2 Gbps or 5 Gbps internet plan. Instead, it’s for the user on a standard gigabit plan who wants to future-proof their internal network. You gain the low-latency, uncongested 6 GHz band and the speed-boosting benefits of MLO for all your local traffic, creating a robust and responsive home network for your growing collection of Wi-Fi 7 devices. Setup is a breeze thanks to the excellent ASUS Router app, which guides you through the process in minutes and provides access to a powerful suite of tools, including AiMesh for expansion and AiProtection Pro for network security.
Ultimately, the ZenWiFi BD4 is a brilliantly pragmatic piece of hardware. ASUS has surgically removed one feature—the multi-gig WAN port—to make Wi-Fi 7 accessible to a broader audience. While this cripples its potential for users with ultra-fast internet plans, it creates a compelling option for everyone else. If your primary goal is to upgrade your home network’s internal performance and get ready for the next generation of wireless devices without overspending, the BD4 is a smartly compromised and well-executed entry into the world of Wi-Fi 7.
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ZenWiFi BD4 Review (vs. ZenWiFi BD5): Bare Minimum Wi-Fi 7 for a Good Price Quick Summary
Key Scores:
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Value:
92% -
Design:
85% -
Performance:
82% -
Quality:
80% -
Popularity:
85%
Top Pros
- ✅ Offers an affordable entry point into Wi-Fi 7 technology.
- ✅ Multi-Link Operation significantly boosts local network speeds and reliability.
- ✅ The minimalist design blends well into most home environments.
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Key Cons
- ❌ The 1 Gbps WAN port bottlenecks multi-gig internet connections.
- ❌ Its value is questionable for users without any Wi-Fi 7 devices.
- ❌ Lacks the 320 MHz channel width of higher-end systems.
