Wi-Fi 7 is slowly rolling into the mainstream, promising faster, more reliable, and more efficient connectivity, but for most consumers, the cost of entry into this new generation remains high. TP-Link wants to change that with the TP-Link Archer BE220, a Wi-Fi 7 router priced within reach of budget-conscious users, yet packed with enough performance to rival pricier models.
At PHP 2,399, it’s one of the most affordable Wi-Fi 7 routers currently available. Despite its budget tag, the Archer BE220 claims up to 3.6 Gbps of wireless throughput, advanced Multi-Link Operation (MLO) for better speed and stability, and solid processing power with a quad-core CPU. It also adds strong security features and future-ready mesh support, aiming to serve both solo users and busy households.
We spent time testing the TP-Link Archer BE220 in a real-world setting, exploring how far this budget Wi-Fi 7 router can go—and whether it truly delivers a next-gen experience at a fraction of the cost.
Design and Construction
At first glance, the TP-Link Archer BE220 keeps things simple and compact. It doesn’t aim to be flashy or overly aggressive with its design, a common trait among gaming-focused routers. Instead, it opts for a clean, practical black shell with minimal branding and four adjustable antennas situated symmetrically around the rear and sides.
The router includes a small but functional set of heat emission holes and a 2cm stand, which helps improve airflow. TP-Link has equipped this model with a larger heat sink compared to its previous generation routers, which helps it maintain stable performance even during high data traffic. In our use, the device remained cool to the touch even after hours of 4K streaming and large file transfers.
At the back, you’ll find five Gigabit Ethernet ports—one for WAN and four for LAN. There are no USB ports or multi-gig ports, but this is understandable given the price point. Cable management is also straightforward, with clearly labeled ports and a clean alignment that keeps things tidy even on a crowded desk or shelf.
The build quality feels sturdy enough for daily use. While the casing may not be premium-grade, it doesn’t come across as fragile. The antennas themselves have firm pivoting joints, allowing users to fine-tune their angles to improve coverage across various types of home layouts.
Performance and Connectivity
What makes the TP-Link Archer BE220 stand out is its solid performance, especially for something this affordable. Let’s break it down across its key features:
Wi-Fi 7 Speed and Stability
With support for up to 3.6 Gbps wireless speeds, the TP-Link Archer BE220 is capable of serving a home filled with smart devices, streamers, gamers, and work-from-home users simultaneously. The magic lies in Multi-Link Operation (MLO), which allows devices to transmit and receive data across multiple frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) in real time. This results in better load balancing, faster downloads, and more consistent latency performance.
Do note that in order to fully utilize the WiFi 7 standard, you need to have a device that supports it. There are only a few phones that have it as of this posting, and we’re glad we still have a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and an ASUS Vivobook S15 (Snapdragon X Elite) with us.
In testing, we saw improvements in simultaneous downloads and 4K video playback compared to older Wi-Fi 6 routers in the same price range. Devices that support MLO were able to latch onto both bands for more robust performance. Even non-MLO devices benefited from the enhanced bandwidth scheduling and beamforming support.
Coverage and Signal Strength
The TP-Link Archer BE220 uses 4x high-performance antennas with beamforming to focus signals directly toward connected devices. This improves signal stability in medium to large rooms and helps reduce the impact of walls and obstacles.
In coverage tests across a two-bedroom apartment, the router held a strong signal in open areas and maintained acceptable speeds even at the farthest corners of the home. Users can get better results by adjusting the antenna angles based on their space layout, something TP-Link recommends for maximizing coverage.
Wired Connectivity
TP-Link has included five 1 Gbps Ethernet ports, which are sufficient for most wired needs including PCs, consoles, smart TVs, or even a mesh satellite via EasyMesh. While it doesn’t offer multi-gig or USB ports for NAS or storage sharing, the focus here is clearly on providing fast, dependable internet at home without complicating the feature set.
Processing Power
Inside, the TP-Link Archer BE220 runs on a 2.0 GHz quad-core processor paired with 512MB of RAM. This is an area where the router punches above its class. Most routers in the same price range come with far weaker chips and less memory, often resulting in poor multitasking performance.
Whether it was large file uploads, real-time cloud syncing, or simultaneous device usage, the router handled everything without hiccups. There were no reboots or freezes even during long overnight transfers, and latency remained stable during multiple Zoom calls and HD streaming.
Software and Features
The TP-Link Archer BE220 comes with TP-Link HomeShield, a suite of tools for parental controls, QoS (quality of service), real-time network scanning, and comprehensive usage reports. Users can set bandwidth priorities, block specific sites or apps, and even receive alerts if suspicious activity is detected.
Another useful feature is Private IoT Network, which lets you isolate smart home devices onto a separate Wi-Fi zone, adding another layer of protection against potential intrusions.
EasyMesh Compatibility adds the flexibility to scale the network with additional mesh routers or extenders. And if you’re using smart assistants like Google Assistant, the BE220 plays nicely with voice controls as well.
Setup Experience
Setting up the TP-Link Archer BE220 was a smooth process. The TP-Link Tether app, available on both Android and iOS, walks users through connection, setup, and management. It allows for remote access, firmware updates, and basic troubleshooting, all from a phone.
From powering up to internet access, it took under 10 minutes to get everything running.
The Rundown
The TP-Link Archer BE220 isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. It’s a simple, focused Wi-Fi 7 router aimed at the value-conscious user who wants strong, modern connectivity without breaking the bank. It doesn’t include frills like USB ports or tri-band setups, but its core performance features, including Wi-Fi 7 support, MLO, solid beamforming antennas, and a fast processor, are enough to make a meaningful difference for most users.
Whether you’re a college student needing reliable internet for video calls and late-night games, a family sharing bandwidth across devices, or a remote worker juggling multiple cloud apps, the Archer BE220 provides a solid foundation for daily digital life.
The TP-Link Archer BE220 WiFi 7 Router is now available in stores and online for PHP 2,399.
