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The ASUS TUF Gaming BE3600 is a gaming-oriented router but which, despite carrying the WiFi 7 label, it lacks 6GHz radio support. Instead, it relies on Multi-Link Operation (MLO), a feature that combines the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for a potentially better bandwidth and throughput. This might lead to confusion for users expecting 6GHz capabilities typically associated with WiFi 7. For those prioritizing 6GHz, alternatives like the U7 Pro may be better options.
The BE3600 features a compact drone-inspired design, complete with non-removable antennas and understated LED indicators that require tilting the router for visibility. It includes four gigabit LAN ports, one of which can serve as a gaming port, and a 2.5GbE WAN port, though additional 2.5GbE ports would have been ideal for the price. The router also supports 4K-QAM modulation, AiMesh, and gaming-centric features, along with a single USB 3.0 port.
In terms of performance, the BE3600 demonstrated solid results in 5GHz wireless tests, achieving speeds near 2Gbps with WiFi 7 devices and maintaining a strong throughput over higher distances. On the 2.4GHz band, it also performed well, although its results were less impressive when compared to similar routers. The multi-client tests showed mixed results: it handled lighter workloads like 1080p streaming effectively but struggled with latency during 4K streaming and intense browsing when multiple devices were active. For heavy workloads, adding wired connections will improve reliability.
A significant feature of the BE3600 is MLO, which promises aggregated bandwidth across the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. However, the test results revealed that MLO’s implementation was inconsistent, often behaving like a Smart Connect feature rather than true aggregation. This suggests that current firmware and client support may still have limitations.
The BE3600’s design choices, solid heat management, and gaming-specific features make it a compelling option for gamers, but its compromises—like limited multi-client performance and incomplete MLO support—may leave some users questioning its value for the price. For most, it’s a decent gaming router, but its appeal might hinge on future firmware improvements or specific use cases. Read the full review here to see the in-depth testing results and comparison with other wireless routers.
How does the ASUS TUF Gaming BE3600’s gaming-specific features compare to those of other similarly priced gaming routers and do these features justify its lack of 6GHz band support?
@JosephHess The NetDuma routers are also very good contenders for what could be called the best gaming routers on the market. But I wouldn’t put much value on these particular features since most are just glorified QoS features. Don’t get me wrong, they’re nice to have if you’re a gamer, but I wouldn’t get a new router just for these features alone. As for the lack of the 6GHz support, no way do the gaming feature make up for it.
How does the BE3600 handle online multiplayer gaming with multiple devices connected? Any noticeable lag or latency issues?
How does the BE3600’s performance hold up during peak hours with multiple devices running heavy online games simultaneously?
How does the ASUS TUF Gaming BE3600 perform when it comes to heat management during prolonged gaming sessions?
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