Rankings
The TP-Link EAP720 (BE5000) brings Wi-Fi 7 performance with up to 5 Gbps aggregate speed, 2.5 Gbps PoE+ Ethernet, and comprehensive mesh and IoT features. Its higher power draw and newer technology may increase cost and power-budget requirements. Targeted at SMBs seeking cutting-edge wireless capacity.
The TRENDnet TEW-923DAP is an AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 access point with 2.5 G PoE+ uplink, mesh capability for up to six nodes, and enterprise features like VLAN-per-SSID and WPA3. Its higher power draw and optional cloud-managed fees may increase total cost. Best for businesses that require high-performance Wi-Fi 6 with flexible deployment options.
The TP-Link Omada EAP725-Wall is a compact Wi-Fi 7 wall-plate AP delivering up to 5 Gbps aggregate throughput and integrated 2.5 G PoE with dual Gigabit pass-through ports. Its dual-band only design and wall-mounted antennas limit range and capacity versus ceiling-mounted solutions. Best suited for hospitality, office rooms, and multi-dwelling units that need a space-saving wired-and-wireless outlet.
The Aruba Instant On AP25 delivers up to 5.3 Gbps aggregate Wi-Fi 6 throughput with 4x4 MU-MIMO and a 2.5 GbE uplink. Its larger size and higher power draw can be drawbacks. Designed for high-density indoor environments such as tech offices or gaming cafés.
The ASUS ZenWiFi BD5 Outdoor is a Wi-Fi 7 dual-band mesh router built for outdoor environments, offering up to 5 Gbps total speed, IP65 protection and dual 2.5 Gbps PoE ports. Its absence of a 6 GHz band and a short 1-year warranty limit future-proofing and long-term confidence. Best suited for patios, backyards or remote outdoor sites that need high-speed Wi-Fi 7 with rugged, PoE-enabled hardware.
The MikroTik hAP ax³ is a high-performance Wi-Fi 6 dual-band access point with a powerful quad-core CPU and extensive routing features. Its 2×2 MIMO and passive cooling design limit maximum throughput and thermal handling in demanding scenarios. Ideal for tech-savvy homeowners or small-office admins needing advanced RouterOS capabilities.
The NETGEAR WAX610Y is a rugged outdoor Wi-Fi 6 AP offering up to 1.8 Gbps aggregate speed with IP55 protection and PoE+ power. Its 2x2 MIMO and single Ethernet port may constrain performance in ultra-dense scenarios. Best suited for outdoor SMB environments like campuses and hospitality venues.
The EnGenius EWS850-FIT is an outdoor Wi-Fi 6 access point delivering up to 1.2 Gbps on 5 GHz and featuring IP67 ruggedness with a 2.5 GbE PoE+ port. Its 2x2 radio lacks 160 MHz channel width and offers limited spatial streams, which may constrain high-density performance. Ideal for small-business outdoor deployments requiring durable, cloud-managed Wi-Fi.
The Zyxel BE6500 is a compact dual-radio Wi-Fi 7 access point delivering up to 6.5 Gbps aggregate throughput with 4-stream radios and a 2.5 GbE uplink. Limited PoE options and lack of AFC for 6 GHz operation may restrict some deployments. Targeted at small businesses seeking affordable Wi-Fi 7 with flexible mounting and mesh capability.
The ARRIS SURFboard W6U adds a dedicated 6 GHz Wi-Fi 6E access point with a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet backhaul for future-proof wireless. It supports only the 6 GHz band and lacks PoE, reducing compatibility with legacy devices. Best for users with Wi-Fi 6E devices wanting a compact 6 GHz upgrade.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4,324 Mbps | — | 4,324 Mbps | 1,200 Mbps | 1,200 Mbps | 4,800 Mbpsbest | 4,324 Mbps | 4,323 Mbps | 2,402 Mbps | 1,200 Mbps | |
— | — | — | — | 232.3 sqmbest | 140 sqm | — | 232 sqm | — | — | |
688 Mbpsbest | — | 688 Mbpsbest | 574 Mbps | 600 Mbps | 574 Mbps | 688 Mbpsbest | 688 Mbpsbest | 573 Mbps | 574 Mbps | |
1 | 1 | 3 | 5best | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |
3 | 4best | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4best | 4best | 2 | 2 | 2 | |
| ↓ lower better | 16.8 W | 7.29 Wbest | — | 38 W | — | — | — | — | — | 15.9 W |
| ↓ lower better | 17.8 W | — | — | 38 W | — | — | 21.5 W | — | 17.4 Wbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 408 g | 694 g | 354 gbest | 1,089 g | 1,248 g | 775 g | 816 g | 1,175.8 g | 380 g | 720 g |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Network(2) | ||||||||||
Wi‑Fi Standard | Wi‑Fi 7 (802.11be) | 802.11ax (6E) | Wi‑Fi 7 (802.11be) | 802.11ax | 802.11ax | 802.11ax | 802.11be | Wi‑Fi 7 (802.11be) | 802.11ax | 802.11ax |
Frequency Bands | Dual-band (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz) | 6 GHz | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz | 2.4 GHz,5 GHz | 2.4 GHz,5 GHz | 2.4/5 GHz | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz | 2.4GHz and 5GHz | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz |
Performance(4) | ||||||||||
Max Data Rate (5 GHz) (Mbps) | 4324 Mbps | — | 4324 Mbps | 1200 Mbps | 1200 Mbps | 4800 Mbps | 4324 Mbps | 4323 Mbps | 2402 Mbps | 1200 Mbps |
Max Data Rate (2.4 GHz) (Mbps) | 688 Mbps | — | 688 Mbps | 574 Mbps | 600 Mbps | 574 Mbps | 688 Mbps | 688 Mbps | 573 Mbps | 574 Mbps |
Coverage Area (sqm) | — | — | — | — | 232.3 sqm | 140 sqm | — | 232 sqm | — | — |
Spatial Streams | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Features(2) | ||||||||||
MU‑MIMO | true | — | — | — | true | true | true | — | true | false |
Security Protocols | WPA2‑PSK/ENT, WPA‑PSK, WPA3‑Personal/ENT | — | — | — | WPA3, Enhanced Open | WPA3 | WPA3 | — | WPA3 | — |
Power & Power Supply(4) | ||||||||||
Power over Ethernet (PoE) | true | false | true | true | true | true | true | true | true | true |
PoE Standard | 802.3at | — | — | — | 802.3at | 802.3at | 802.3at/bt | — | 802.3at | 802.3af/at |
Power Consumption (W) | 16.8 W | 7.29 W | 6.7-7.6 W | 38 W | — | — | — | — | — | 15.9 W |
Maximum Power Consumption (W) | 17.8 W | — | — | 38 W | — | — | 21.5 W | — | 17.4 W | — |
Design & Build(4) | ||||||||||
Ethernet Ports | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Mounting Options | Ceiling or wall (kit included) | — | Wall plate | — | Wall,Ceiling,Pole | Indoor wall or ceiling | Wall or ceiling mount | Wall and Pole Mount | — | — |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 35.6 x 160 mm mm | 160×131×202 mm mm | 143x86x40 mm mm | 251x130x39 mm | 101.6x190.5x330.2 mm | 8.7×2.6×8.8 in mm | 6.12×2.5×9.1 inches mm | 200.66x106.68x106.68 mm mm | 160 x 30 x 160 mm mm | 190×124×52.5 mm mm |
Weight (g) | 408 g | 694 g | 354 g | 1089 g | 1248 g | 775 g | 816 g | 1175.8 g | 380 g | 720 g |
General(2) | ||||||||||
Operating Temperature (°C) | — | — | 0-40 °C | -40 to 70 °C | — | — | — | -30-60 °C | — | — |
Warranty (years) | 2 years | 2 years | 5 years | 0 years | — | 2 years | — | 1 years | 3 years | 1 years |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the W6U for delivering fast, reliable 6 GHz Wi-Fi 6E performance and a hassle-free setup that slots onto any existing router. They highlight the seven 160 MHz channels, the 2.5 Gbps Ethernet backhaul, and the compact form factor, while noting the lack of PoE, guest networking, and the fact that it only supports the 6 GHz band, which limits usefulness for legacy devices.
User-generated feedback is scarce; available sources do not highlight any common praise or complaints, indicating limited consumer discussion about the product.
Professional reviewers commend the EAP723-Wall for its forward-looking Wi-Fi 7 capabilities, compact wall-plate design and integrated 2.5 G PoE with gigabit pass-through, noting it simplifies cabling in dense deployments. However, they caution that the dual-band only configuration and wall-mounted antenna placement may limit coverage and capacity compared with ceiling-mounted or tri-band alternatives, and that early Wi-Fi 7 client support remains a concern.
Everyday users praise the ease of PoE installation, high throughput for multiple high-definition streams, and the space-saving wall-plate form factor. Recurring themes of criticism include a steeper learning curve when using the Omada controller, perceived reduced range versus ceiling APs, and the limited number of wired pass-through ports.
Editors and tech-focused reviewers consistently praise the hAP ax³ for its powerful quad-core processor, extensive RouterOS feature set, and the rare 2.5 GbE PoE-in/out port, calling it MikroTik's most capable Wi-Fi 6 offering. While the device lacks formal third-party reviews, the available commentary underscores its suitability for power users who need advanced routing, VPN, and BGP capabilities in a home or small-office environment.
Professional sources such as CDW and the vendor's own documentation stress the WAX610Y's high-performance Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, robust outdoor rating, and easy cloud management, positioning it as a strong choice for SMBs that need reliable high-density outdoor wireless coverage.
Everyday users consistently highlight the device's strong speed, solid security (WPA3), and straightforward PoE installation, with no major complaints surfacing in the limited feedback available.
Professional commentary, chiefly from Dong Knows Tech, highlights the BE6500 as a surprisingly affordable Wi-Fi 7 solution that packs high-speed 4-stream radios, 2.5 GbE uplink and low power consumption into a sub-$100 package, making it attractive for small-business and high-density sites, though the lack of detailed hands-on testing leaves some performance questions unanswered.
Professional reviewers praise the ZenWiFi BD5 Outdoor as an excellent dual-band Wi-Fi 7 system that combines true next-gen wireless performance with rugged outdoor durability and PoE convenience. Its strong wired backhaul speeds and flexible mounting make it a solid choice for outdoor or hybrid installations, though the lack of a dedicated backhaul band and modest memory may limit its appeal in very congested or large-scale environments.
Professional reviewers praise the ZenWiFi BD5 Outdoor as an excellent dual-band Wi-Fi 7 system that combines true next-gen wireless performance with rugged outdoor durability and PoE convenience. Its strong wired backhaul speeds and flexible mounting make it a solid choice for outdoor or hybrid installations, though the lack of a dedicated backhaul band and modest memory may limit its appeal in very congested or large-scale environments.
Professional reviewers appreciate the EWS850-FIT's rugged metal housing, IP67 rating, and the inclusion of a 2.5 GE PoE+ port, noting that these features make it well-suited for outdoor small-business scenarios. However, they criticize the lack of 160 MHz channel width and the 2x2 radio architecture, which limit peak throughput and scalability in high-density deployments.
Generally positive perception with users valuing durability and high outdoor speeds.
