The Asus RT-BE96U is a top-tier tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router, priced at $699.99. This robust device leverages Wi-Fi 7 technology to deliver exceptional throughput across the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. Equipped with a quad-core CPU running at 2.6GHz, 2GB of RAM, and 256MB of flash memory, it ensures smooth and efficient performance.
The RT-BE96U boasts a generous array of high-speed ports, including two 10GbE ports and multiple 1GbE ports, with two supporting link aggregation. It also features USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 ports for additional connectivity options. The router supports advanced Wi-Fi 7 technologies such as 320MHz channel bandwidth, OFDMA, Beamforming, MLO, 4096 QAM, WPA3 encryption, and MU-MIMO data streaming.
Despite its large size, the RT-BE96U offers strong signal coverage and impressive speeds, particularly on the 6GHz band. It is easy to set up and manage using either a web console or the Asus Router mobile app, which provides access to advanced settings and real-time traffic monitoring. The app also allows for easy management of connected devices, security settings, and parental controls.
While the RT-BE96U delivers excellent performance, its 6GHz range is somewhat limited, a common issue with current 6GHz transmissions. For those seeking even faster 6GHz performance and additional multi-gig ports, the Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro is a superior, though more expensive, alternative. Overall, the Asus RT-BE96U is a solid choice for users looking to upgrade to Wi-Fi 7, offering a blend of speed, coverage, and advanced features.
For the full review, including detailed speed tests and coverage analysis, check out PCMag’s complete evaluation.