WiFi 7 is the best version of WiFi to date and it uses three frequency bands – 5GHz, 2.4GHz, and the newest 6GHz band – to connect compatible devices wirelessly and at higher speeds than previously possible.
To get the lowest latency and fastest possible speeds from any WiFi 7 device, it needs to be connected to a WiFi 7 network and a high-speed internet plan.
If you have a WiFi 7 router or WiFi 7 modem-router, you shouldn't have any issues connecting older wireless devices that use WiFi 6, WiFi 5 or even older standards. The same is true the other way around: a new WiFi 7 smartphone like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 will happily connect to a WiFi 6 or WiFi 5 router. In both configurations, you won't be able to achieve the fastest possible speeds that WiFi 7 is capable of delivering.
Before we break down everything you need to know about WiFi 7, including how fast it is, which providers offer modems that support the standard, and how it compares to WiFi 6, here's a list of popular NBN plans from our database.
How fast is WiFi 7?
WiFi 7 can hit up to 46Gbps combined wireless speeds, across its 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. That's a lot faster than the internet speeds of today (and tomorrow), but you'd really only see those speed benefits when transferring data between WiFi 7 devices on a WiFi 7 router or modem-router network.
For most users, the exact speeds that WiFi 7 offers vary on the band in question.
WiFi 2.4GHz
WiFi 2.4GHz is the wireless band that's been around since the dawn of WiFi. In terms of speed, you can realistically expect around 100Mbps in a best-case scenario. But what 2.4GHz lacks in speed, it makes up for in range compared to 5GHz and especially 6GHz. If you have devices far away from your networking gear, or live in a home prone to WiFi interference, the chances are good those devices are using 2.4GHz, which may help explain slower speeds on plans faster than NBN 100.
WiFi 5GHz
In 2009, WiFi 4 saw the combination of 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for wireless connectivity. This duo has stuck around up until WiFi 6, with WiFi 6E (where the "E" stands for "Extended") introducing the 6GHz band. 5GHz is faster than 2.4GHz, capable of practical speeds of around 1Gbps, but it has a shorter range. In my home, the 5GHz band typically covers most of the apartment, but it struggles to penetrate multiple thicker walls (which is where 2.4GHz takes over).
WiFi 6GHz
WiFi 6GHz is the newest, fastest wireless band, but you'll only have access to it with a WiFi 6E or WiFi 7 device when connected to a WiFi 6E or WiFi 7 router/modem. It offers comparable speeds to that of the 5Ghz band but has the benefit of additional channels, which typically translates into less network congestion.
Of course, like the 5Ghz band, the amount of coverage is the caveat. In my 6GHz tests, range can be as short as half of my lounge (where I test WiFi 7 routers and modems) or, in better cases, all of my lounge. But as soon as I test devices adjacent to the main room that houses the WiFi 7 router, it'll typically drop to 5GHz.
What are the best WiFi 7 routers and modems?
While WiFi 7 is far from ubiquitous, the standard is now mature enough that there are plenty of options for WiFi 7 routers, modem-routers and WiFi 7 mesh WiFi systems.
If you're in a home connected to the NBN via Fibre to the Node (FTTN) or Fibre to the Building (FTTB), you either need to upgrade to FTTP or put your modem-router in bridge mode, then connect a WiFi 7 router or mesh WiFi system.
Here are some of the WiFi 7 routers we recommend.
Arcadyan HWG2025 (router)
The Arcadyan HWG2025 is the "official" name for the router bundled with TPG, iiNet, and Vodafone NBN plans, but each provider has a different name for the hardware. TPG and iiNet call it "Wi-Fi Max", and Vodafone opts for "Super Wi-Fi Modem".
No matter who you get the HWG2025 from, it's very solid hardware capable of fast WiFi 7 speeds and available as a free add-on from these providers. Just note that you'll need to stick with your provider for 24 months to "own" the hardware. If you leave early, you'll need to send back the HWG2025 or pay a $200 return fee.
Here are NBN 500 plans from TPG, iiNet, and Vodafone that come with the HWG2025:
Asus RT-BE58U (router)
The Asus RT-BE58U is a great place to start WiFi 7 router comparisons because it's comparatively cheap. For around $300, you get a dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) WiFi 7 router with up to 3,600Mbps combined wireless speeds. There's also a 2.5Gbps internet port, which means you can access plans up to NBN 2000 (if you're on Fibre to the Premises or Hybrid Fibre Coaxial). The RT-BE58U also has four gigabit local area network (LAN) Ethernet ports for wired devices.
View on JB Hi-FiNetgear RS600 (router)
Sure, the Netgear RS600 is more than double the price of the Asus RT-BE58U. But given the reality that competitors like the TP-Link Archer GE800 cost over $1,000, paying around $800 for the RS600 feels more comparatively reasonable. Plus, the RS600 is seriously future-proofed. That $800 investment gets you a tri-band WiFi 7 router with up to 18Gbps combined wireless speeds, built to cover up to 250 square metres. Alongside three gigabit LAN ports are two 10Gbps Ethernet ports: one for a speedy local device and the other for your internet, future-proofed for plans beyond NBN 2000.
View on AmazonAmazon eero Pro 7 (mesh WiFi system)
The Amazon eero Pro 7 is a practical way to get whole-home WiFi 7 coverage. Prices start at around $500 for a single WiFi 7 router. But it's worth paying the $1,200-ish for a three-unit eero Pro 7 configuration, especially if you're in a larger home or one prone to wireless interference. The eero Pro 7 has shared 3,900Mbps wireless speeds, with two auto-sensing 5Gbps Ethernet ports, which makes it fast enough for every NBN plan. Once you've got the main eero configured, the other ones should be online in a few minutes.
View on AmazonAmazon eero Max 7 (mesh WiFi system)
Consider the Amazon eero Max 7 as an investment recommendation for the home that wants to go all out on its home network, ready for NBN 2000 and beyond. Admittedly, $1,100ish for a single Max 7 isn't cheap. The eero Max 7 is a tri-band WiFi 7 mesh system, which offers up to 4,300Mbps combined wireless speeds. Unlike other mesh products, it has four auto-sensing Ethernet ports: two 2.5Gbps and two 10Gbps, both of which are plenty for the max internet speeds available today. The eero ecosystem is cross-compatible, too, so expand a Max 7 network with Pro 7 units (or older eero products) if your home needs more wireless coverage.
View on AmazonTP-Link Archer GE800 (router)
Despite the bulky design, the GE800 is easy to configure, simple to manage, and it even encourages tinkering to get the most out of its performance. This pricey router is built for gaming homes, with up to 19,000Mbps of combined tri-band WiFi 7 speeds. The 10Gbps internet port is beyond what you need for NBN 2000, plus the GE800 also sports four 2.5Gbps ports for wired devices.
View on AmazonWhich NBN providers offer WiFi 7 modems?
If you're looking to buy a WiFi 7 modem-router or a WiFi 7 router from an NBN provider today, you've got a few options. Right now, the following NBN providers offer plans with a WiFi 7 modem:
- AGL
- Aussie Broadband
- iiNet
- iPrimus
- MATE
- MooseNBN
- More
- Optus
- Origin Broadband
- SpinTel
- Superloop
- Swoop
- Tangerine Telecom
- Telstra
- TPG
- Vodafone
- Yomojo
How does WiFi 7 compare?
WiFi 7 is a natural upgrade over and compares favorably against its predecessors, thanks to faster theoretical speeds, a higher number of maximum channels, and lower latency.
WiFi 6 is still fit for purpose for most homes in Australia, more so if you have a WiFi 6E router or mesh WiFi system. Because Australian residential internet maxes out at 2,000Mbps download speed (as of September 2025), all of the extra speed perks of WiFi 7 aren't going to be seen with your home internet.
The disclaimer there is the critical importance of the internet port. For WiFi 6 routers, modem-routers, and mesh WiFi systems, it's common for the internet Ethernet port to max out at 1Gbps speeds. Effectively, the max internet speed achievable is 1Gbps, which includes downloads and uploads, meaning NBN 1000 is the fastest plan available for WiFi 6 networks. You can safely assume that WiFi 7 routers and mesh WiFi systems will at least have a 2.5Gbps internet port, meaning they're ready for NBN 2000.
While download speed is the most important component of an internet connection, WiFi 7 also has lower latency than WiFi 6. That's important for online gamers seeking a competitive edge or any other latency-sensitive online tasks. The lower latency and faster network speeds are courtesy of a doubled frequency limit (from 160MHz to 320MHz). WiFi 7 also adds multi-link operation (MLO), which allows WiFi 7 devices to use two wireless bands simultaneously. Overall, WiFi 7 is also better at intuitively shifting WiFi 7 devices between wireless bands to maintain a better experience if you move around the home with them.
| WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | WiFi 7 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi standard | 802.11ax | 802.11ax | 802.11be |
| Released | 2019 | 2021 | 2024 |
| Frequencies | 2.4GHz and 5GHz | 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz | 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz |
| Max theoretical WiFi speed | 9.6Gbps | 9.6Gbps | 46Gbps |
| Max channel size | 160MHz | 160MHz | 320MHz |
| MLO channel aggregation | No | No | Yes |
| Latency | Low | Lower | Lowest |
| NBN plan compatibility | 25, 50, 100, 250, 1000 | 25, 50, 100, 250, 1000, 2000 | 25, 50, 100, 250, 1000, 2000 |
You may need to update your operating system to the latest version to take full advantage of WiFi 7. While newer MacOS devices (M5 and onwards) come with WiFi 7 support, older computers use WiFi 6E instead. For Windows 11 PCs, you need to ensure your computer is using Version 24H2 to use WiFi 7 on supported devices. To check your Windows 11 version, hold the Windows key and tap 'R'. Type 'winver' in the Run pop-up to see the version number.
Should I upgrade to WiFi 7 now?
Unless you're in a home that wants no-compromise networking gear, it's not worth upgrading to WiFi 7 yet. Even if you want to grab an NBN 2000 plan, you only need a WiFi 6E or WiFi 6 router or mesh WiFi system that has a 2.5Gbps internet port.
What is the fastest NBN plan for a Wi-Fi 7 modem?
A best-case scenario is an FTTP NBN 2000 connection, which has up to 2,000Mbps download speeds and up to 200Mbps upload speeds. That's 2,200Mbps combined, which any 2.5Gbps internet port can comfortably tackle.
Here's a list of popular NBN 2000 plans from our database:
Any home not seeking an NBN 2000 plan – even those with NBN 1000 plans – can save money by opting for a cheaper WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E router.
Here's a list of popular NBN 1000 plans from our database:
WiFi 7 FAQs
Is WiFi 7 available in Australia?
WiFi 7 is already in Australia, available from a range of devices and networking gear, including routers and mesh WiFi systems.
Is WiFi 7 faster than 5G?
WiFi 7 has the potential to be faster than 5G, but you'd need to pair it with at least an NBN 1000 plan connected to a WiFi 7 router or mesh WiFi system, then use a WiFi 7 device to get speeds faster than 5G mobile. WiFi 7 latency should be better (lower) than 5G.
Will WiFi 7 replace Ethernet?
WiFi 7 can't fully replace Ethernet, at least not for the all-important connection between modem and router or mesh WiFi system. If you have WiFi 7 devices within 6GHz wireless coverage, you may be able to achieve Ethernet-like speeds and latency.
Nathan Lawrence
Freelance Contributor
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