Devolo WiFi 7 Mesh BE6500: An affordable mesh Wi-Fi system that lets its application down
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Devolo WiFi 7 Mesh BE6500: One Minute Review
Devolo is best known for its range of PowerLine adapters and range extenders but, as the name suggests, its new WiFi 7 Mesh BE6500 steps up to provide a full mesh Wi-Fi system for homes that need to extend their Wi-Fi coverage beyond the reach of a single conventional router.
Wi-Fi 7 has been around for a few years, but high-end tri-band routers that support the 2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz, and 6.0 GHz frequency bands are still quite expensive.
So, like several Wi-Fi 7 routers and mesh systems we’ve seen recently, the BE6500 keeps its price low by offering only dual-band Wi-Fi. However, it takes a slightly different approach to many of its dual-band rivals by allowing you to choose which frequency bands you can use.
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You can choose to use the 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz bands together to ensure compatibility with older devices that only support Wi-Fi 5 or 6. Alternatively, you can switch to using 2.4 GHz and the faster 6.0 GHz band for newer computers and mobile devices that support Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7.
This is a good option for future-proofing your home network, as it will allow you to use the BE6500 with older computers and mobile devices while also providing an upgrade path for newer devices you may purchase in the future.
Devolo Wi-Fi 7 Mesh BE6500: price and release date
- Launched in May 2026
- Available in EU and UK
- The three-pack costs £369.99/€399.90
Devolo products are widely available in the UK and Europe, but the company does not currently operate in the US.
The Wi-Fi 7 Mesh BE6500 is available in a two-pack containing two BE6500 routers for £249.99/€269.90. Devolo doesn’t cite the exact area covered by that two-pack option, simply saying it’s suitable for “small and medium-sized” homes.
However, I did try the three-pack option for “larger” homes, which costs £369.99/€399.90. If necessary, you can expand your mesh network further by purchasing additional BE6500 routers, which cost £129.99/€149.90 each. Those prices are very competitive compared to rivals in a similar price range, such as Amazon’s Eero 7 and the Netgear Orbi 373, which only support dual-band Wi-Fi 7 on the 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz bands.
Devolo Wi-Fi 7 Mesh BE6500: Specifications
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|
Wi-Fi support |
Wi-Fi 7 (2.4GHz, 5.0GHz, 6.0GHz) |
|
Wi-Fi speed |
Up to 6.5 Gbps (using 6.0 GHz) |
|
Ports |
1 2.5 Gbit WAN/LAN, 3 1 Gbit LANs |
|
Processor |
Qualcomm quad-core 1.5 GHz |
|
Dimensions |
175x118x72mm |
Devolo Wi-Fi 7 Mesh BE6500: Design
- Compact design
- Four Ethernet ports per router
- Setup is a bit complicated
The BE6500 routers are thoughtfully designed, with each plain white unit measuring 175mm high, 118mm wide and 72mm deep, so they fit comfortably on any convenient table or shelf.
The routers appear identical, with four Ethernet ports located on the side, including a 2.5Gbps port for high-speed broadband connections and three 1Gb ports to provide a local (LAN) connection for devices, such as a games console or PC, that may work better with a lag-free wired connection.
However, one of the routers is labeled “Controller” and this router will need to be connected to your existing broadband router or modem in order to use your Internet connection.
Setting up the controller router is quite simple, as the Devolo Home Network app for iOS/Android allows you to simply scan a QR code to connect to the controller. However, adding the other two routers, called “Extensions”, requires a little more effort.
The app instructs you to connect both extension routers to a power source near the controller, but you can only connect one extension to your network at a time. This means you have to go through the process of connecting the first extension to your network and then disconnecting it so you can move it to another location and then repeat the same process for the second extension.
We’ve seen other mesh Wi-Fi systems that can automatically connect multiple routers to create your new network for you, so Devolo could do more to simplify the initial setup process.
Devolo Wi-Fi 7 Mesh BE6500: Features
- The app is a little confusing.
- Some features are enabled through a browser.
The configuration process also left it unclear how to choose the frequency bands to use for your new network.
The app doesn’t ask what frequencies you’d like to use, but after randomly tapping buttons within the app for a while I found a mention of the fact that the network was using the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands.
However, there was no option within the app to switch to the 6.0 GHz band, so I had to connect a laptop to the Devolo network using the default 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz bands, and then use a web browser to view more detailed network settings.
And again, after some more random button tapping, I found an option that allowed me to switch to using the 2.4 GHz and 6.0 GHz bands. The browser interface also includes other features, such as a QoS (Quality of Service) option that allows you to prioritize tasks like gaming or video streaming.
However, that’s not a very user-friendly approach and can be confusing for people who aren’t used to setting up their network through a web browser interface, so Devolo needs to make its app easier for new users.
Devolo Wi-Fi 7 Mesh BE6500: Performance
Devolo Wi-Fi 7 Mesh BE6500: Benchmarks
Ookla Speed Test: 2.4GHz + 5.0GHz (Download/Upload)
Within 5 feet, unobstructed: 150Mbps/150Mbps
Within 30 feet, three dividing walls: 150Mbps/150Mbps
Ookla Speed Test: 2.4GHz + 6.0GHz (Download/Upload)
Within 5 feet, unobstructed: 150Mbps/150Mbps
Within 30 feet, three dividing walls: 150Mbps/150Mbps
20GB Steam Download: 2.4GHz + 5.0GHz
Within 5 feet, unobstructed: 150 Mbps
Within 30 feet, three dividing walls: 150 Mbps
20GB Steam Download: 2.4GHz + 6.0GHz
Within 5 feet, unobstructed: 150 Mbps
Within 30 feet, three dividing walls: 150 Mbps
The BE6500 certainly could be easier to use, but I can’t fault its performance, and the three-pack system I tested worked wonderfully to address the Wi-Fi dead spot I have in an office at the back of my building.
Devices in the same room as my regular broadband router can usually hit the full 150Mbps available with my office broadband service for both Steam downloads and the Ookla speed test.
However, my old router has a hard time reaching that back office, so I have to rely on PowerLine adapters to provide a more reliable wired network connection.
I placed one of the BE6500 extension routers in that office, and the second was located about halfway between the administrative office and the main controller router. Steam downloads slowed down a bit at first when I used the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands, dropping to 130Mbps while walking down the hall with my laptop, but they quickly recovered to hit 150Mbps once again.
That pattern was also repeated with the Ookla speed test. Performance was even better when I switched to using the 2.4GHz and 6.0GHz bands, and the BE6500 trio maintained 150Mbps without issue during my tests.
Some people may prefer a true tri-band router or a mesh system that allows them to use the 2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz, and 6.0 GHz bands simultaneously. However, that will be more expensive and if you need an affordable Wi-Fi upgrade that can cover a larger home with reliable Wi-Fi, then the BE6500 is good value for money.
Should you buy the Devolo Wi-Fi 7 Mesh BE6500?
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|
Attribute |
Grades |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Characteristics |
Dual-band Wi-Fi 7, supporting 2.4GHz + 5.0GHz or 2.4GHz + 6.0GHz |
4/5 |
|
Performance |
A mid-range option, but fast enough for most national broadband services. |
4/5 |
|
Design |
Compact and elegant design, with four Ethernet ports |
4/5 |
|
Worth |
A reliable interpreter at a competitive price. |
4/5 |



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