The TP-Link Deco BE63 represents an excellent Wi-Fi 7 mesh solution under $300. This tri-band router offers great value for money, delivering strong performance on 6 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies with a compact design.
G. Ostrov
TP-Link Deco BE63 Pros and Cons
The TP-Link Deco BE63 proves to be a fantastic Wi-Fi 7 mesh router that won't break the bank. Key advantages include value pricing, strong 6 GHz and 5 GHz performance, and four 2.5 GbE ports plus one USB 3.0 port on each node.
Drawbacks include 2.4 GHz performance that lags behind competitors, and app-centric setup and maintenance that may not suit all users' preferences.
Technical Specifications
The BE63 offers 10,000 Mbps of cumulative bandwidth compared to 11,000 Mbps from the more expensive BE65 Pro model. The router supports Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) standard with tri-band configuration:
- 2.4 GHz: 2x2 (Tx/Rx), up to 574 Mbps
- 5 GHz: 2x2 (Tx/Rx), up to 4,324 Mbps
- 6 GHz: 2x2 (Tx/Rx), up to 5,188 Mbps
The device features a 1.5 GHz quad-core processor, 1 GB RAM, and 128 MB flash memory. Coverage extends up to 5,800 square feet.
Design and Build
The BE63 maintains the design language of previous Deco models - a tall white plastic cylinder. The top of each satellite features ribbed concentric circles resembling a raindrop falling into water. Each node's distinguishing feature is the engraved number "7", emphasizing full Wi-Fi 7 standard support.
The rear houses four 2.5 GbE ports (one for WAN), a USB 3.0 port for external storage, and a WPS button.
Setup and Software
BE63 setup requires the Deco mobile app exclusively, necessitating a TP-Link account creation. The web GUI provides only basic network status information and limited controls.
The Deco app is thoughtfully organized, offering comprehensive settings including wireless network management, parental controls, security settings, and network optimization.
Performance
In short-range tests (6 feet), the BE63 demonstrated excellent results on the 6 GHz band, averaging 1,900 Mbps. On 5 GHz, the device achieved 1,287 Mbps at close range and 523 Mbps at distance (25 feet).
2.4 GHz performance proved weaker than competitors - 89 Mbps at close range and 54 Mbps at distance. Wired connection via 2.5 GbE ports showed average speeds of 2,240 Mbps.
Conclusion
The TP-Link Deco BE63 offers an ideal blend of performance, features, and value. Priced at $299 for a two-pack (with potential discounts to $240), it's an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable Wi-Fi 7 mesh router with multi-gigabit connectivity.
Despite weaker 2.4 GHz performance, this band primarily serves IoT devices, for which the provided bandwidth is more than sufficient. The BE63 represents an excellent budget-friendly solution among tri-band Wi-Fi 7 routers.
Official manufacturer website: https://www.tp-link.com/
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