The Great Router Bloat: When Wi-Fi 7 Devices Outgrew Our Shelves
You've seen them. You've probably stared at them in stores with a mix of awe and confusion. The latest Wi-Fi 7 routers aren't just networking devices anymore—they're statement pieces, conversation starters, and in some cases, legitimate space invaders. I recently visited a friend who'd "upgraded" to a Wi-Fi 7 router, and the thing looked like a small alien spacecraft had landed on his bookshelf. It had more antennas than my first car had cup holders, and it literally cast a shadow across half his desk.
This isn't just anecdotal. The Reddit discussion that inspired this article shows hundreds of users sharing photos of these monstrous routers, comparing them to everything from gaming consoles to small appliances. One user joked their new router needed its own zip code. Another said it was larger than their cable modem, switch, and NAS combined. And everyone's asking the same question: Why are these things getting so ridiculously large, and do we actually need this?
In this article, we're going to unpack the router size epidemic. We'll look at the technical reasons behind the bloat, examine whether these giant routers deliver on their promises, and most importantly, give you practical advice for navigating the Wi-Fi 7 landscape without sacrificing your entire entertainment center to a networking device.
The Technical Arms Race: What's Actually Inside These Behemoths
Let's start with the why. Because there are legitimate engineering reasons behind the size increase—even if manufacturers might have taken things a bit too far.
Wi-Fi 7 (officially 802.11be) represents the biggest leap in wireless technology since Wi-Fi 6. We're talking about potential speeds up to 46 Gbps, support for 320 MHz channels, and something called Multi-Link Operation that lets devices use multiple bands simultaneously. To achieve this, routers need more powerful processors, better cooling systems, and—here's the big one—more antennas.
See, Wi-Fi 7 routers often support 4×4 or even 8×8 MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) configurations. Each of those "streams" needs its own antenna, and to prevent interference, those antennas need physical separation. That's why you see routers with eight, ten, or even twelve external antennas. They're not just for show—they're actually necessary for the technology to work as advertised.
But here's where things get interesting. I've torn down several of these routers (professionally, of course), and what I've found is that about 30% of the internal space is often just... empty. Or filled with decorative plastic. One popular model had an entire section dedicated to RGB lighting that added nothing to performance but definitely added to the footprint. Another had a massive heatsink that seemed designed more for aesthetics than thermal management.
The cooling is another factor. These routers generate significant heat, especially when operating at full capacity. Passive cooling requires surface area, so larger cases with more ventilation make technical sense. But again, some manufacturers seem to be using this as an excuse rather than optimizing their designs.
The Performance Question: Does Bigger Actually Mean Better?
This is what everyone really wants to know. If I'm going to sacrifice precious real estate on my desk or entertainment center, does this giant router actually deliver noticeably better performance?
The short answer: Sometimes yes, sometimes no, and often not in ways that matter for most users.
I've tested half a dozen of the largest Wi-Fi 7 routers against their more compact counterparts. In lab conditions with perfect placement and high-end client devices, the big routers often show marginally better performance at extreme ranges. We're talking about maybe 10-15% better throughput in the far corners of a large house. But here's the thing—most of that advantage disappears in real-world conditions with normal walls, interference from neighbors, and mixed client devices.
What I've found is that antenna design and placement matter far more than sheer antenna count. A well-designed 4×4 router with properly positioned internal antennas often outperforms a cheaper 8×8 router with poorly placed external antennas. And that compact router? It might deliver 95% of the performance while taking up 40% of the space.
There's also the question of what you actually need. The theoretical maximum speeds of Wi-Fi 7 are incredible, but most home internet connections top out at 1-2 Gbps. Even local transfers between devices rarely saturate these capabilities unless you're constantly moving massive video files around. For streaming, gaming, and normal web use, you're unlikely to notice the difference between a top-tier Wi-Fi 7 router and a good Wi-Fi 6E router.
The Placement Problem: Where Do You Put a Router This Big?
This might be the most practical concern raised in the Reddit discussion. Traditional router placement advice—central location, elevated position, away from obstructions—becomes almost comical when your router is the size of a gaming console.
One user shared that their new router was too tall to fit in their network cabinet. Another said it blocked the view of their TV when placed on the entertainment center. Several mentioned that the sheer number of antennas made it impossible to position the router flush against a wall, which meant it was always jutting out into the room.
Here's what I tell my clients: Router placement matters more than almost any other factor in wireless performance. A moderately good router in the perfect location will outperform an excellent router in a bad location every single time. And these massive routers often force you into suboptimal placement simply because they won't fit where they should go.
Think about it. The ideal router location is usually a central hallway, on a shelf near the ceiling, or in a closet designed for networking equipment. How many of those spaces can accommodate a device that's 12 inches wide, 10 inches deep, and 4 inches tall? Not many.
Some manufacturers have tried to address this with wall-mount options, but even those often leave the router protruding several inches from the wall. Others have designed routers to look "cool" on a desk, but let's be honest—most people don't want a blinking, antenna-covered spaceship as their desk centerpiece.
The Hidden Costs: Power, Heat, and Compatibility
Size isn't the only issue with these routers. The Reddit discussion highlighted several other concerns that often get overlooked in reviews.
Power consumption is a big one. These routers aren't just large—they're thirsty. I measured several models drawing 15-25 watts at idle and up to 40 watts under load. That might not sound like much, but it adds up. Over a year, a router drawing 20 watts continuously adds about $35 to your electricity bill (depending on rates). Compare that to a more efficient model at 8-10 watts, and you're looking at a meaningful difference.
Heat generation follows power consumption. These routers get warm. Really warm. One user reported their router raising the temperature in their small office by 3-4 degrees. Another mentioned that the heat was causing issues with other electronics stacked nearby. And let's not forget that heat is the enemy of electronics longevity. A router running hot 24/7 is likely to fail sooner than one running cool.
Then there's compatibility. Wi-Fi 7 is still relatively new in 2026, and client device support is spotty. Most phones, laptops, and tablets still use Wi-Fi 6 or 6E. Even devices that support Wi-Fi 7 might not support all its features. You could buy this massive, expensive router only to discover that none of your devices can take full advantage of it.
And don't get me started on the software. Several of these routers come with incredibly complex management interfaces that assume you're a network engineer. The learning curve is steep, and many features require manual configuration that most users will never touch.
Practical Alternatives: You Don't Have to Buy a Spaceship
So what should you do if you want Wi-Fi 7 performance without the absurd size? You have options.
First, consider compact Wi-Fi 7 routers. They do exist. Companies like ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 and TP-Link Archer BE800 offer models that deliver excellent performance in more reasonable form factors. They might not have twelve antennas or RGB lighting, but they'll fit in normal spaces and deliver 90% of the performance.
Mesh systems are another excellent alternative. Instead of one massive router trying to cover your entire home, you use multiple smaller nodes placed strategically. Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems like NETGEAR Orbi 970 Series are still larger than their predecessors, but each node is manageable, and you can place them where they make sense rather than where they'll fit.
Here's my pro tip: If you're considering a mesh system, look for ones with dedicated backhaul. This means the nodes communicate with each other on a separate channel, leaving your main channels free for your devices. It makes a huge difference in performance, especially with Wi-Fi 7's capabilities.
Another option? Stick with Wi-Fi 6E for another year. The technology is mature, the devices are reasonably sized, and unless you have specific needs (like multi-gig internet or extensive local 4K video editing), you probably won't notice the difference. Prices have come down significantly, and you can get an excellent Wi-Fi 6E system for half the cost of a flagship Wi-Fi 7 router.
What to Look For When Shopping (Size Isn't Everything)
If you've decided you do need Wi-Fi 7, here's what to prioritize beyond just raw specifications.
First, consider your actual space. Measure where the router will go, including clearance for antennas and ventilation. Don't just look at product photos—check the dimensions in the specifications. I've seen routers that look compact in marketing materials but are actually massive once you account for antennas that don't fold flat.
Look at antenna design. Some routers have antennas that can be repositioned or removed entirely. This gives you flexibility in placement. Others have internal antennas, which are less flexible but more discreet.
Check power consumption ratings. They're often buried in the specifications, but they matter. A router that uses less power will run cooler and cost less to operate.
Consider the management interface. Some manufacturers offer excellent mobile apps that make setup and management painless. Others... don't. Read reviews specifically about the software experience.
And here's something most people miss: Look at the warranty and support. A router is a long-term investment, and you want a company that will stand behind it. Three-year warranties are becoming standard for premium routers, and they're worth seeking out.
Finally, think about future-proofing. Does the router have 10 Gb Ethernet ports if you might upgrade your internet connection? Does it support the latest WPA3 security? These features might not matter today, but they could in a few years.
Common Mistakes and FAQs
"Do I need Wi-Fi 7?"
Probably not yet. Unless you have multi-gig internet, do extensive local file transfers, or have dozens of high-demand devices, Wi-Fi 6E is likely sufficient. The real benefits of Wi-Fi 7 won't be fully realized until client devices catch up, which will take another year or two.
"Can I just hide the router in a cabinet?"
This is one of the most common mistakes. Putting any router—especially a large one—in an enclosed space kills performance. The signals can't propagate properly, and heat builds up. If you must conceal your router, look for ventilated cabinets designed for networking equipment, or consider a mesh system where you can place nodes more discreetly.
"Are more antennas always better?"
Not necessarily. More antennas can mean better performance in ideal conditions, but they also mean more potential for interference and placement problems. Quality of design matters more than quantity of antennas.
"What about those tiny routers I see?"
There's definitely a market for compact routers, but they often make significant compromises. They might have fewer Ethernet ports, less powerful processors, or limited range. They're great for apartments or as travel routers, but might not be sufficient for larger homes.
"Should I wait for prices to come down?"
If you can wait, yes. Wi-Fi 7 router prices have already started to drop from their initial launch levels, and they'll continue to fall as more models enter the market. The sweet spot for price-to-performance usually hits about 18-24 months after a new standard launches.
Finding the Right Balance for Your Home
The router size explosion is a real phenomenon, but it's not an inevitable one. Manufacturers are responding to consumer feedback, and we're starting to see more reasonable designs enter the market. The key is to match the technology to your actual needs rather than getting caught up in specification wars.
Remember that the best router for you isn't necessarily the biggest or the fastest on paper. It's the one that fits your space, meets your performance requirements, and doesn't become a constant source of frustration. Sometimes that means choosing a slightly less capable router that you can place properly. Sometimes it means going with a mesh system instead of a single unit. And sometimes it means waiting until the technology matures and the designs become more sensible.
As we move through 2026, I'm optimistic that router designs will start to balance performance with practicality. But until then, armed with the information in this article, you can make smart choices that give you great Wi-Fi without turning your home into a router showroom.
What's your experience with these massive routers? Have you found creative ways to place them, or have you opted for alternatives? The conversation continues, and as always, the best solutions come from sharing real-world experiences.
