The next generation of Wi-Fi is officially here, and it promises the fastest wireless networking, period. Our testing of Wi-Fi 7 routers in perfect conditions backs that claim up. But investing in Wi-Fi 7 gear is a lot more complicated than it may seem, as those speedy connections, blazing though they may be, aren’t the only factor. The truth is that Wi-Fi 7 really doesn’t matter for most people who own phones, laptops, and smart devices in early 2024.
Wi-Fi 7 started rolling out late last year, and it’s so new that some Wi-Fi 7 devices haven’t been certified yet, though we expect that to happen in the first quarter of this year. The Wi-Fi 7–compatible routers, mesh networks, laptops, or phones that you can buy today will be certified eventually, but there’s no guarantee that they will have all the promised Wi-Fi 7 features. With that in mind, don’t rely on the Wi-Fi 7 marketing text on the router maker’s web page or the device’s packaging alone—look for the Wi-Fi Certified 7 logo to be sure.
Considering that concern, as well as the high premium that Wi-Fi 7 routers charge for the latest features and fastest speeds, we recommend that most people looking to buy this year continue to choose tried-and-true Wi-Fi 6 devices. Wi-Fi 6, which came out in 2019, remains the most prevalent version of Wi-Fi, and it’s what you’ll find on our router and mesh-networking picks. Most laptops and phones that people currently own use Wi-Fi 6, and we’re likely to continue recommending Wi-Fi 6 routers for at least the next year or two.
Still, there’s a lot to look forward to when it comes to Wi-Fi 7.
