TP-Link BE230 vs BE400: Which Wi-Fi 7 Router Should You Choose?

If you’re looking to upgrade your Wi-Fi router and are considering the latest Wi-Fi 7 models, you may have come across the TP-Link BE230 and BE400. These two routers have made their way to the Indian market, bringing Wi-Fi 7 to a price range that’s accessible for many. But with the two models offering similar specs, what makes each one stand out? Let’s dive into the details so you can make an informed decision.

TP-Link BE230 vs BE400: Key Features Compared

Both the TP-Link BE230 and TP-Link BE400 are dual-band routers that support Wi-Fi 7, but they come with some distinct differences. Here’s what you need to know:

Design and Build Quality

The TP-Link BE230 and BE400 both boast a sleek, minimalist design. The routers have a clean, white finish with subtle LED indicators that help keep the look stylish without being too flashy. The wide mesh design is not just for looks—it ensures that the router stays cool during long hours of operation. The inclusion of a 2.5 Gigabit WAN port, a 2.5 Gigabit LAN port, and three additional Gigabit LAN ports provides plenty of flexibility for wired connections, which is a nice touch for users who still rely on Ethernet for high-speed tasks.

Antennas and MIMO Technology

The BE230 features 4 antennas with 2×2 MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology. This setup is suitable for most households with a few devices connected at once. However, if you have a lot of devices, the BE400 with its 4×4 MIMO and 6 antennas will perform better, ensuring smoother connections and potentially greater range across your home. The extra antennas in the BE400 help it handle multiple devices simultaneously, which can improve performance when the network is under heavy load.

Performance and Speed

Both routers support impressive speeds, with Wi-Fi 7 offering a significant leap forward compared to older Wi-Fi standards. In speed tests, users report speeds of 1,500 Mbps on the 5GHz band with the BE230, and 1,260 Mbps in rooms with walls in between. The 2.4 GHz band is also quite strong, reaching up to 300 Mbps in close proximity to the router.

If you’re someone who values speed, you’ll notice an improvement of over 50% when using Wi-Fi 7 compared to Wi-Fi 6 routers, even in the same price range. Whether you’re transferring files between devices or streaming 4K content, these routers will elevate your experience.

Range and Coverage

When it comes to range, both routers offer impressive performance. Even with walls between you and the router, speeds remain solid. In tests, the routers maintained 1,260 Mbps in an adjoining room, and even with multiple brick walls in between, speeds held strong at 897 Mbps. By the time you’re in a balcony with three walls between you and the router, speeds drop to around 270 Mbps, but that’s still a solid performance for a budget Wi-Fi 7 router.

Both the BE230 and BE400 can easily cover a 2000 square feet area, so whether you live in an apartment or a small house, these routers should provide adequate coverage.

Key Features to Consider

Multi-Link Operation (MLO)

Both the BE230 and BE400 support Multi-Link Operation (MLO), which allows the router to combine both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands for improved performance. However, since neither router supports the 6 GHz band (a major selling point of Wi-Fi 7 in regions where it is allowed), you won’t experience the full potential of this feature. But, if you want a seamless experience without constantly switching between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, MLO will still be useful.

USB 3.0 Port

For users looking to use the router as a basic network storage device, both models come with a USB 3.0 port, allowing you to connect external hard drives or USB sticks. This is a convenient feature for those who need cheap, on-the-go storage or want to set up a media server.

EasyMesh Support

Another standout feature is EasyMesh support. With EasyMesh, you can connect your TP-Link router to other routers from different brands, as long as they support the EasyMesh standard. This is a big upgrade from TP-Link’s previous OneMesh system, which only worked with TP-Link devices.

Security and Parental Controls

For home network security, both routers offer basic parental controls, Quality of Service (QoS) settings, and access control features. If you’re willing to pay for a subscription, TP-Link offers HomeShield, which provides more advanced security features like monitoring websites visited by your connected devices. But, many of these premium features are hidden behind a paywall, which can be a downside for those looking for comprehensive free options.

Alexa and Google Assistant Integration

For those who enjoy voice control, you can manage both the BE230 and BE400 routers using Google Assistant or Alexa. This makes it easier to toggle settings or check network status without opening the router’s app.

TP-Link BE230 vs BE400: Which One Should You Choose?

Now that you’ve got a clear picture of the specs and features, it’s time to decide which router is right for you. Here are some factors to consider:

• If you have a small home or few devices: The BE230 is a great option. It offers excellent speed and range for typical use and is the more affordable choice of the two.
• If you have a larger home or many devices: The BE400 may be a better fit. With more antennas and the 4×4 MIMO configuration, it can handle more devices simultaneously and offer a stronger, more stable connection.

Even though both routers are Wi-Fi 7-enabled, keep in mind that the lack of the 6 GHz band limits the full capabilities of Wi-Fi 7 in these models. However, they still deliver exceptional speeds and future-proof features that make them stand out in their price range.

Conclusion

The TP-Link BE230 and BE400 are both excellent choices for anyone looking to step up to Wi-Fi 7. If you’re on a budget, the BE230 gives you solid performance without breaking the bank. On the other hand, if you have more devices and need better performance, the BE400 is worth the extra investment.

For those living in countries like India, where the 6 GHz band is not yet available for Wi-Fi use, these routers are some of the best you can get in this price segment. They provide great value for money and will likely remain relevant as Wi-Fi technology continues to evolve. If you’re after the latest Wi-Fi 7 features and a fast, reliable connection, both of these routers should serve you well for the foreseeable future.

Check out the links in the description to explore both models further, and feel free to share your thoughts or questions about Wi-Fi 7 in the comments!