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TP-Link Archer BE400 review

Wi-Fi 7 router priced at $299.

CHOICE Expert Rating

71%
What is the CHOICE Expert Rating?
Pros

Pros

  •   Very good parental controls included (keyword blocking, bedtime, age-based profiles)
  •   Handled multi-client streams without interruption
Cons

Cons

  •   Setup requires an online account
  •   Auto-firmware update did not detect latest firmware during setup; had to manually install newer firmware to fix this issue and also improve wireless speeds
  •   Older 2.4GHz test device (LIFX LED bulb) could not be installed on the band-steered network; had to separate the 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks and then re-enable band-steering for it to be installed
  •   Band-steering did not select the fastest available band in our obstructed range test

Type

Type
Wi-Fi 7
Tri-band router (6Ghz)
Maximum NBN download speed (Mbps)
2000

Recommended products

Recommended
Not recommended

Test results

CHOICE Expert rating
71%
Performance score
69%
Ease of use score
69%
Parental controls score
80%
Single client score
77%
Multi client score
74%
Obstructed range score
54%

Sustainability

Shop Ethical rating
NOT RATED
Annual power consumption (kWh(
69
Warranty (years)
3
Claimed firmware update period
TBD
Country of origin
China

Related products

Availability
Tested model

Cost

Price
$299.00
Annual Running Cost
$27.59

Specifications

Antennas
External
Gigabit LAN ports
3
2.5 gigabit Ethernet ports
1
5 gigabit Ethernet ports
0
10 gigabit Ethernet ports
0
USB-2 ports
0
USB-3 ports
1
USB-C ports
0
WAN speed (Gbps)
2.5
Maximum channel width (MHz)
160
Power cable length (cm)
145
Power button or switch
1
Setup software
App
Weight (g)
624
Dimensions (HxWxD)
167 x 175 x 300
Website
tp-link.com/au

Features

Wi-Fi bands
2.4/5
Maximum claimed speeds (Gbps)
0.6/5.7
Free parental controls
Parental controls type
Categorical filtering can be applied from the app
Mesh network support
Mesh network compatability
EasyMesh
4/5G backup
VoIP
DLNA
MU-MIMO
Multi link operation (MLO)
Band steering
Guest networks
WPS
Turn LED lights on/off
Wall mountable
USB drive sharing
Web interface available
Default encryption
WPA2/WPA3
VPN
VPN type
Server and client, via app
Orientation
Flat
Scheduling
Bedtime feature and time limits
elias plastiras
User 1000000003029

Elias Plastiras tests a range of technology in the CHOICE computer lab, from laptops to smart home innovations and interconnected devices.  Prior to CHOICE, Elias spent 17 years working for Australian PC World, testing and writing about PCs and other small business gear. Elias tested almost everything in the PC realm, from 56K modems to network printers, as well as more mainstream consumer gear such as media players and PVRs. Elias enjoys testing products in a rigorous fashion, to highlight the good and the bad for the benefit of the consumer.

Elias Plastiras tests a range of technology in the CHOICE computer lab, from laptops to smart home innovations and interconnected devices.  Prior to CHOICE, Elias spent 17 years working for Australian PC World, testing and writing about PCs and other small business gear. Elias tested almost everything in the PC realm, from 56K modems to network printers, as well as more mainstream consumer gear such as media players and PVRs. Elias enjoys testing products in a rigorous fashion, to highlight the good and the bad for the benefit of the consumer.

Peter Zaluzny web
Peter Zaluzny

Peter Zaluzny is a Content producer in the Digital home team. He covers everything from home entertainment and personal safety devices to tech for your car and mattresses. Peter enjoys cutting through the nonsense to help people understand the products they’re considering to buy. He helps consumers make educated, informed decisions. Peter has a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wollongong.

Peter Zaluzny is a Content producer in the Digital home team. He covers everything from home entertainment and personal safety devices to tech for your car and mattresses. Peter enjoys cutting through the nonsense to help people understand the products they’re considering to buy. He helps consumers make educated, informed decisions. Peter has a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wollongong.