With the rapid pace at which Wi-Fi technology has been evolving, tech enthusiasts can hardly resist to keep up with the latest flair. With Wi-Fi 8 being developed at the moment, it begins to be ever more viable to move to a Wi-Fi 7 home setup. Today we will look at two more units that fall in a very affordable price bracket. But before we compare the ASUS ZenWiFi BD4 vs. ZenWiFi BD5, let’s recap what Wi-Fi 7 brings and why it is so awesome.
What is Wi-Fi 7, and Why is it Great?
Wi-Fi 7, also known as IEEE 802.11be, introduces significant improvements over Wi-Fi 6 and 6E:
- Faster Speeds: With potential speeds of up to 46 Gbps, Wi-Fi 7 is more than 4x faster than Wi-Fi 6.
- Reduced Latency: Perfect for gaming, video conferencing, and other real-time applications.
- Multi-Link Operation (MLO): This groundbreaking feature allows devices to connect to multiple bands (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz) simultaneously, ensuring a stable and ultra-fast connection.
- Improved Efficiency: Wi-Fi 7 uses advanced technologies like 4K-QAM modulation and wider 320 MHz channels to maximize throughput.
Why is MLO a Game-Changer?
MLO allows a device to use multiple frequency bands at the same time. This reduces congestion and increases reliability. For example, if one band experiences interference, your device can seamlessly switch to another band without any noticeable drop in performance. It’s like having multiple highways to choose from during rush hour.
Shared Features of ASUS ZenWiFi BD4 and BD5
Both the ASUS ZenWiFi BD4 and BD5 are high-performance Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems with the following shared features:
- Wi-Fi 7 Technology: Support for 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands with MLO, but not 6GHz.
- MLO Support: Ensures stable and fast connections. (Read more about MLO)
- Advanced Security: Includes WPA3 encryption and AiProtection Pro. (Why is WPA3 Important)
- AI Mesh Capability: Compatible with other ASUS AiMesh devices for flexible network expansion.
- Ethernet Backhaul: For faster and more stable connections between mesh units.
- Easy Setup: User-friendly app for installation and management.
- Antennas: Both units feature 4 internal antennas
- Ports: Both units feature 2x 2.5Gbps ports.
Key Differences: ASUS ZenWiFi BD4 vs. BD5
| Feature | ASUS ZenWiFi BD4 | ASUS ZenWiFi BD5 |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Black and White | White only |
| Maximum Speed | Up to 3.5 Gbps | Up to 5 Gbps |
| Price | More affordable | Premium price |
Use Cases for Each Unit
ASUS ZenWiFi BD4
- Ideal for Medium-Sized Homes: Perfect for apartments or medium-sized houses.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Offers Wi-Fi 7 at a lower price point.
- Basic Multi-Device Use: Great for streaming, gaming, and browsing on up to 50 devices.
ASUS ZenWiFi BD5
- Designed for Large Homes or Offices: Suitable for large spaces or areas with many walls.
- High-Performance Needs: Perfect for power users requiring ultra-fast speeds and low latency.
- Advanced Networking: Ideal for data-heavy tasks.
Considerations When Purchasing
- Size of Your Home: Choose the BD4 for medium spaces and the BD5 for larger areas.
- Number of Devices: The BD5 handles more devices and offers better performance in congested networks.
- Budget: The BD4 is more affordable, while the BD5 offers premium features at a higher cost.
- Future-Proofing: If you want the latest and greatest, the BD5’s advanced features make it more future-proof.
- Dual Band: Both units offer 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands, but not 6GHz as per the introduction of Wi-Fi 6E. This is something to consider as MLO works wonders when combining the 5GHz and 6GHz band
Conclusion
Both the ASUS ZenWiFi BD4 and BD5 are excellent Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems, bringing the latest technology to your home or office. The BD4 is a great choice for medium-sized homes and budget-conscious users, while the BD5 offers top-tier performance and features for larger spaces or high-demand environments. By considering your space, internet speed, and budget, you can choose the perfect unit to enhance your Wi-Fi experience.
Wi-Fi 7 and MLO are changing the game, and with either of these ASUS units, you’re stepping into the future of wireless connectivity.
Visit the official site for ASUS ZenWiFi BD4 | ASUS ZenWiFi BD5
