We tested 15 Wi-Fi 7 routers in our lab - this one had the best coverage

2026-07-23 · Source: News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET · Field: Technology & Digital — Cloud Computing & IT Infrastructure, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Novice, short

Summary

ZDNET conducted lab tests on 15 Wi-Fi 7 routers from brands like Netgear, TP-Link, and Eero in its 12,500 sq. ft. Louisville lab. The evaluation focused on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi coverage by measuring signal strength in decibel-milliwatts (dBm) across 61 fixed test points. These points were categorized into low, medium, and high Distance and Interference (D&I) bands to specifically assess far-field performance. The Netgear NightHawk RS700S emerged with the best coverage, maintaining the strongest signal in two out of three D&I bands, achieving "good" ratings with -38.4 dBm for medium D&I and -46.9 dBm for high D&I. The Netgear Orbi 370 received an "excellent" rating for low D&I at -27.2 dBm. The Linksys Velop Micro 7 performed worst in low and medium D&I.

Key takeaway

For IT professionals or home users upgrading to Wi-Fi 7, prioritizing coverage over raw speed is crucial for consistent connectivity across larger spaces. If you need reliable signal strength in distant or obstructed areas, consider the Netgear NightHawk RS700S, which demonstrated superior far-field performance in lab tests. Strategically place your router centrally and away from interfering appliances like microwaves to maximize its range and signal quality.

Key insights

Wi-Fi 7 router coverage varies significantly, with the Netgear NightHawk RS700S excelling in far-field signal strength.

Principles

• Far-field performance differentiates routers most.
• Signal strength is measured in negative dBm values.
• Separate D&I band evaluation prevents near-router bias.

Method

ZDNET used NetSpot to collect dBm readings at 61 fixed points across three Distance and Interference (D&I) bands, calculating a separate power-mean for each band to assess far-field performance.

In practice

• Place routers centrally to minimize obstacles.
• Avoid placing routers near microwaves or large electronics.
• Understand dBm ranges for signal quality assessment.

Topics

• Wi-Fi 7
• Router Performance
• Wi-Fi Coverage
• Signal Strength
• Netgear NightHawk RS700S
• Networking Hardware

Best for: General Interest, IT Professional

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET.