Networking

Reviews

TP-Link Deco BE63 Review: The Sweet Spot for WiFi 7 Mesh Networking

TP-Link Deco BE63 Review: The Sweet Spot for WiFi 7 Mesh Networking

The TP-Link Deco BE63 represents a strategic pivot in the networking market, bringing high-end WiFi 7 (802.11be) capabilities into a more accessible tri-band package. With a combined throughput of 10Gbps and four 2.5Gbps ports per unit, it bridges the gap between legacy WiFi 6E systems and the prohibitively expensive flagship WiFi 7 models.

Review
Shrook Score
88
Generally Favorable
eero Pro 6E Review: The "Set-and-Forget" King Enters the 6GHz Era

eero Pro 6E Review: The "Set-and-Forget" King Enters the 6GHz Era

The eero Pro 6E represents Amazon’s most capable mesh system to date, introducing the 6GHz band to a lineup famous for its user-friendly approach. While it offers a significant speed boost for compatible devices and a dedicated backhaul for node communication, it remains constrained by a lack of advanced software controls and a sparse port selection.

Review
Shrook Score
83
Generally Favorable
ASUS RT-BE96U: The Wi-Fi 7 Powerhouse for the Next Era of Connectivity

ASUS RT-BE96U: The Wi-Fi 7 Powerhouse for the Next Era of Connectivity

The ASUS RT-BE96U stands as a premier entry into the Wi-Fi 7 market, offering tri-band connectivity with massive throughput. It bridges the gap between prosumer needs and mainstream usability, featuring dual 10Gbps ports and advanced ASUSWRT management.

Review
Shrook Score
89
Generally Favorable
eero Max 7 Review: Is This the Ultimate Wi-Fi 7 Powerhouse for Your Home?

eero Max 7 Review: Is This the Ultimate Wi-Fi 7 Powerhouse for Your Home?

The eero Max 7 represents a significant leap forward for Amazon's networking arm, moving from mid-range consumer mesh to enthusiast-grade hardware. It features a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 radio system and a massive upgrade to wired connectivity with dual 10-Gigabit ports. While it maintains the user-friendly "set it and forget it" ethos of the eero brand, the sheer scale of the hardware targets power users who need to move massive amounts of data across multiple devices simultaneously.

Review
Shrook Score
86
Generally Favorable
TP-Link Archer GX90 Review: The Tri-Band Powerhouse That Tames Latency Without Breaking Your Network

TP-Link Archer GX90 Review: The Tri-Band Powerhouse That Tames Latency Without Breaking Your Network

The TP-Link Archer GX90 (AX6600) is a purpose-built Wi-Fi 6 gaming router designed to eliminate interference in high-traffic households. By utilizing a tri-band architecture, it offers a dedicated 5GHz "Gaming Band" that operates independently of standard home traffic. Boasting a 2.5 Gbps wired port and robust Game Accelerator software, it bridges the gap between enthusiast performance and consumer-friendly setup. While its aggressive aesthetic and large footprint may not suit every decor, its ability to maintain ultra-low latency under load makes it a top-tier contender for serious gamers.

Review
Shrook Score
85
Generally Favorable
Amazon eero 6 Review: The Reliable Gateway to Hassle-Free Mesh Networking

Amazon eero 6 Review: The Reliable Gateway to Hassle-Free Mesh Networking

The Amazon eero 6 remains a cornerstone of the mesh Wi-Fi market, prioritizing user experience and stability over raw, enthusiast-grade speed. As a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router, it offers a built-in Zigbee smart home hub and seamless integration with the Alexa ecosystem. While newer tri-band models exist, the eero 6 offers a "set-and-forget" reliability that appeals to families and remote workers who want consistent coverage without navigating complex networking menus.

Review
Shrook Score
85
Generally Favorable
TP-Link Archer BE3600 Review: Breaking the Price Barrier for Wi-Fi 7 Connectivity

TP-Link Archer BE3600 Review: Breaking the Price Barrier for Wi-Fi 7 Connectivity

The TP-Link Archer BE3600 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router designed to provide a low-cost entry point into the latest wireless standard. By focusing on essential features like Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and 4K-QAM while omitting the expensive 6GHz band, it offers a pragmatic upgrade for users with 2.5Gbps internet plans who want the reliability of Wi-Fi 7 without the "enthusiast" price tag.

Review
Shrook Score
86
Generally Favorable
TP-Link Archer AX55 Review: The Mid-Range Wi-Fi 6 Powerhouse That Just Works

TP-Link Archer AX55 Review: The Mid-Range Wi-Fi 6 Powerhouse That Just Works

The TP-Link Archer AX55 (AX3000) is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router designed for the modern household crowded with smartphones, smart TVs, and IoT devices. It balances raw throughput with practical features like HomeShield security and OneMesh compatibility. While it lacks the 2.5Gbps ports found on high-end gaming rigs, its efficiency in handling multiple concurrent streams and its impressive 5GHz range make it a top contender for users upgrading from older Wi-Fi 5 hardware.

Review
Shrook Score
87
Generally Favorable
TP-Link Archer BE550: The Practical Gateway to the Wi-Fi 7 Revolution

TP-Link Archer BE550: The Practical Gateway to the Wi-Fi 7 Revolution

The TP-Link Archer BE550 (BE9300) represents a pivotal shift in networking, offering the high-end capabilities of Wi-Fi 7—including the 6GHz band and Multi-Link Operation (MLO)—in a sleek, reasonably sized chassis. With a full suite of 2.5Gbps ports, it addresses the bottleneck of modern fiber connections, making it one of the most balanced routers for the average power user.

Review
Shrook Score
84
Generally Favorable