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If you’ve been wondering when you can get more affordable options for Asus’s Wi-Fi 7 routers besides the existing expensive hardware, we now have the answer.
Today, the company unveils a long list of broadcasters complementing its current offerings, consisting of five standalone routers and one purpose-built mesh solution. All of them are set to be available soon in 2024, and most carry suggested retail prices that aren’t sticker shocks.
Still, some can be little surprises.
Dong’s note: I first published this piece on June 3, 2024, and updated it a day later to add more information.
Dual-band Wi-Fi 7 routers galore, and much more
The first noteworthy news is the official cost of the RT-BE88U, which was announced a couple of months ago and is now set to be available sometime this month. We also now know that it costs $399, which is much lower than anticipated, which is always a good thing.
In case you’re not aware, the RT-BE88U is the first Dual-band Wi-Fi 7 machine–it has no 6GHz band–which can be a downer for hardware Wi-Fi 7 fans. Here’s the kicker: it’s not the last of this approach. Indeed, Asus also unveils today three more dual-band Wi-Fi 7 routers, including:
- RT-BE58U: An entry-level BE3600 router that carries a friendly $199 price tag. It’s the Wi-Fi 7 version of the RT-AX58U.
- TUF-BE3600: The gaming version of the RT-BE58U above. Price: $229.
- TUF-BE6500: A higher-end gaming version. Price: $279
The table below shows the hardware specs of the RT-BE88U and Asus’s new dual-band Wi-Fi 7 routers.
Asus dual-band Wi-Fi 7 routers: Hardware specifications
 |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | RT-BE88U | RT-BE58U | TUF-BE3600 | TUF-BE6500 |
| Wi-Fi Bandwidth | Dual-band BE7200 | Dual-band BE3600 | Dual-band BE6500 | |
| 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Specs (channel width) | 4×4 BE Up to 1376Mbps (20/40MHz) | 2×2 BE Up to 688Mbps (20/40MHz) | ||
| 5GHz Wi-Fi Specs (channel width) | 4×4 BE Up to 5764Mbps (20/40/80/ 160/240MHz) | 2X2 BE Up to 2882Mbps (20/40/80/160/240MHz) | 4×4 BE Up to 5764Mbps (20/40/80/ 160/240MHz) | |
| 6GHz Wi-Fi Specs | None | |||
| Multi-Link Operation (MLO) | Yes | |||
| Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) | n/a | |||
| AsusWRT 5.0 with Guest Network Pro (SDN) and VLAN | Yes | |||
| AiMesh-ready | Yes | |||
| Gigabit Ports | 4x LAN | none | ||
| Multi-Gig Ports | 1x 10Gbps 1x 10Gbps SFP+ 4x 2.5Gbps | 1x 2.5Gbps | 4x 2.5Gbps | |
| Link Aggregation | Yes (LAN and WAN) | |||
| Dual-WAN | Yes | |||
| USB Ports | 1 x USB 3.0 | |||
| Mobile App | Asus Router | |||
| QoS | Yes | |||
| Parental Control | Yes | |||
| Processing Power | 2.6Ghz quad-core CPU, 256MB Flash, 2 GB DDR4 RAM | TBD | 2.0 GHz quad-core CPU, 256MB Flash, 1GB RAM | 1.5GHz quad-core CPU, 256MB Flash, 1GB RAM |
| Built-in Online Protection | Yes | |||
| Asus Gaming Features | Yes | No | Yes | |
| Aura Game Light | No | |||
| Dimensions | 11.8 x 7.4 x 2.4 in (30 x 18.8 x 6.04 cm) | TBD | 10.79 x 6.61 x 8.07 (27.4 x 16.8 x 20.5 cm) | 11.96 x 6.85 x 8.43 in (30.4 x 17.4 x 21.4 cm) |
| Weight | 2.23 lbs (1.01 kg) | TBD | 1.24 lbs (561g) | 1.7 lbs (772 g) |
| Release Date | March 2024 | June 2024 | ||
| Firmware Version (at review) | 3.0.0.6.102.33921 | not yet tested | ||
| Power Input | 100 – 240V | |||
| Power Consumption (per 24 hours) | ≈ 340 Wh | TBD | ||
| U.S. Price (at launch) | $399 | $199 | $229 | $279.99 |
Still, it’s important to note that the 6GHz is anything but ignored. Asus also unveils two more “traditional” tri-band Wi-Fi 7 routers, including:
- RT-BE92U: This is a BE9700 router, somewhat of a replacement for the RT-AX92U, though it shares the same design as the RT-AX86U. Cost: $329.
- GT-BE19000: A high-end gaming version of the RT-BE96U. It’s set to be the first standalone wi-fi 7 router with AFC out of the box. Price: $749.
The table below shows the hardware specs of Asus’s current tri-band Wi-Fi 7 routers.
Asus tri-band Wi-Fi 7 routers: Hardware specifications
 |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | RT-BE96U | GT-BE19000 | RT-BE92U |
| Wi-Fi Bandwidth | Tri-band BE19000 | Tri-band BE9700 | |
| Antennas | 8x external | 4x external | |
| Modulation Scheme (QAM) | 4096-QAM (all bands) | ||
| 1st Band (Qchannel width) | 2.4GHz 4×4 BE Up to 1376Mbps | ||
| 2nd Band (channel width) | 5GHz 4×4 BE Up to 5762Mbps (20/40/80/160MHz) | 5GHz 2×2 BE Up to 2882Mbps (20/40/80/160MHz) | |
| 3rd Band (channel width) | 6GHz 4×4 BE Up to 11,525Mbps (20/40/80/160/320MHz) | 6GHz 2×2 BE Up to 5764Mbps (20/40/80/160/320MHz) | |
| Multi-Link Operation (MLO) | Yes | ||
| Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) | To be added via firmware by late 2024 | Yes | To be added via firmware |
| Network Standards | IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11be, IPv4, IPv6 | ||
| Mesh-Ready | Yes (AiMesh) | ||
| Firmware | AsusWRT 5.0 | ||
| Network Features | Web User Interface Asus Mobile App Asus Core Features | Web User Interface Asus Mobile App Asus Core Features Asus Gaming Features | Web User Interface Asus Mobile App Asus Core Features |
| Processing Power | Quad-core 2.6GHz CPU, 256MB Flash, 2GB RAM | Quad-core 2.0GHz CPU, 256MB Flash, 1GB RAM | |
| Multi-Gig Port | 2x 10GBASE-T | 2x 10GBASE-T 4x 2.5GBASE-T | 1 x 10Gbps 1 x 2.5Gbps 3 x 2.5 Gbps |
| Gigabit Port | 4 x Gigabit LAN | 1x Gigabit LAN | None |
| USB Port | 1 x USB 3.0 1 x USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 | |
| Dimensions (with antennas) | 13.8 x 13.8 x 8.57 in (350.6 x 350.6 x 217.59 mm) | 9.73 x 4.00 x 11.32 inch (247.18 x 101.59 x 287.47 mm) | |
| Weight | 4.12 lbs (1.87 kg) | 4.41 lbs (2 kg) | TBD |
| DC Power Adapter | AC Input: 100~240 V (50~60 Hz) | ||
| Power Consumption (per 24 hours) | ≈ 375 Wh (as tested) | not yet tested | |
| Firmware Version (at review) | 3.0.0.6.102_32872 | not yet tested | |
| US Release Date | August 18, 2023 | July 2024 | |
| US Price (at launch) | $699.99 | $749 | $329 |
On the mesh front, if you’re impressed by the ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro’s performance and features but taken aback by its high cost, there’s now an alternative: the ZenWiFi BT10.
The new mesh variant shares most of its older cousin but is a tad less in hardware specs, enough to cost “significantly less”, though the exact price is not currently available. It likely delivers similar experiences in many cases, especially when used via wired backhauling, considering it has two 10GBASE-T ports per hardware unit.
The table below shows how it differs from the BQ16 Pro.
Hardware specifications: ZenWiFi BT10 vs. ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro
| Asus ZenWiFi BT10 Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System | Asus ZenWiFi BQ 16 Pro Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Model | ZenWiFi BT10 | ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro |
| Antennas | 8 internal | 13 internal |
| Wi-Fi Bandwidth | Tri-band 18000 | Quad-band BE30000 |
| Modulation Scheme (QAM) | 4096-QAM (all bands) | |
| 1st Band (channel width) | 2.4GHz 2×2 BE Up to 688Mbps (20/40MHz) | 2.4GHz 4×4 BE Up to 1376Mbps (20/40MHz) |
| 2nd Band (channel width) | 5GHz 4×4 BE Up to 5762Mbps (entire band) (20/40/80/160MHz) | |
| 3rd Band (channel width) | 6GHz 4×4 BE Up to 11,525Mbps (entire band) (20/40/80/160/320MHz) | 6GHz-1 4×4 BE Up to 11,525Mbps (lower channels) (20/40/80/160/320MHz) |
| 4th Band (channel width) | None | 6GHz-2 4×4 BE Up to 11,525Mbps (upper channels) (20/40/80/160/320MHz) |
| Network Standards | IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11be, IPv4, IPv6 | |
| Network Features | Web User Interface Asus Mobile App with Smart Home Master | |
| Mesh Technology | AiMesh with AsusWRT 5.0 | |
| Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) | To be added via firmware | Yes (at launch) |
| Multi-Link Operation (MLO) | Yes | |
| Hardware Availability (at launch) | 1-pack and 2-pack | 2-pack and 3-pack |
| Processing Power | 2.0GHz quad-core CPU, 2GB RAM, 256MB Flash | Undisclosed CPU, 2GB RAM, 256MB Flash |
| Multi-Gig Port | 1x 10GBASE-T WAN/LAN, 1x 10GBASE-T LAN | |
| Gigabit Port | 1x Gigabit WAN/LAN | 1x Gigabit WAN/LAN, 2x Gigabit LAN |
| USB Port | 1 x USB 3.0 | |
| Hardware Buttons | Power Switch, Reset Button | |
| Dimensions (each unit) | 2.32 x 2.83 x 7.32 in (59 x 72 x 186 mm) | 8.43 x 14.12 x 2.83 in (214 x 174.2 x 72 mm) |
| Weight (each unit) | TBD | 2.79 lbs (1.27 kg) |
| DC Power Adapter | AC Input: 100~240 V (50~60 Hz) DC Output: 12 V with max. 3 A current | AC Input: 100~240 V (50~60 Hz) DC Output: 12 V with max. 5 A current |
| Power Consumption (per 24 hours) | TBD | ≈ 530 Wh (measured at router unit) |
| U.S. Release Date | July 2024 | May 26, 2024 |
| Availability | Worldwide | North America |
| U.S. Price (at launch) | TBD | $1299.99 (2-pack) $699.99 (single router) |
Asus Wi-Fi 7 hardware: Now powered by the next-gen AsusWRT 5.0 firmware
Per Asus, all of the new hardware above uses the latest 5.0 release of the well-known AsusWRT firmware. The fifth generation of the software includes all the goodies of the previous version and now has advanced VLAN, VPN, and self-defined network (SDN) features for different scenarios. Most importantly, all of these creatures remain free for the life of the hardware.
AsusWRT has so far gone through five major versions, including:
- AsusWRT 1.0: Available in pre-Wi-Fi 4 routers. It’s the initial Asuswrt firmware with the 3.0.0.4 kernel.
- AsusWRT 2.0: Available with Wi-Fi 4 hardware and added support for USB storage.
- AsusWRT 3.0: Available in Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 hardware and added the support for AiMesh starting with version 3.0.0.4.384.xxx.
- AsusWRT 4.0: This version is available primarily in Wi-Fi 6 and 6E hardware, starting with version 3.0.0.04.386.xxx. It added multiple levels of gaming and security. It’s the last version with the 3.0.0.4 kernel.
- AsusWRT 5.0: This version was first available in late 2023 in Asus’s latest hardware, such as the new ExpertWiFi family and Wi-Fi 7 hardware. It uses the new 3.0.0.6 kernel. Among other improvements, it supports self-defined networks, advanced VPN, Gaming networks, and more.
The self-defined network (SDN) feature in AsusWRT 5.0 allows users to create multiple virtual SSIDs that fit different scenarios, such as office space, Guest Wi-Fi, IoT, etc. This feature has different names:
- SDN in Asus’s new ExptertWiFi business hardware.
- Guest Network Pro in its ROG gaming and high-end RT models.
- Smart Home Master in the Wi-Fi 7 ZenWiFi lineup.
Additionally, like previous versions, the firmware allows for universal backup and restoration–users can move from one Asus router to another quickly without having to program the new one from scratch. It also features AiMesh, which allows different hardware units to work together to form a powerful mesh system.
The takeaway
Before today, Asus was behind other networking vendors, such as TP-Link, in Wi-Fi 7 hardware. This new batch of releases changes that. Most importantly, the relatively long wait allows the company to offer its Wi-Fi 7 solutions with the final specs of the standard.
The ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro, for example is the first with working AFC and MLO, and the GT-BE19000 is expected to be the first standalone router to follow suit. Asus also said that its existing Wi-Fi 7 routers, namely the RT-BE96U and GT-BE98/Pro will get AFC via firmware updates within 2024.
While, like usual, Asus hardware is still expected to be buggy initially, they have proven to be the only ones, so far, that deliver actual Wi-Fi 7 experience right out of the box. That’s a good thing, and the affordability of the rest of the soon-available hardware never hurts.
Check back in due time for more on this new batch of hardware, including possible in-depth reviews.
Hi Dong – appreciate the article.
Any thoughts on comparing the ET12 vs this new BT10? I’ve been looking to upgrade my mesh system with the ET12 as the BQ Pro was just a bit of overkill for us. But this new BT10 seems to be a nice bridge into WiFi 7 without having to pay an arm and leg to get in.
Should one look at comparing these two in that the BT10 is just better future proofing with slightly better performance? I’m curious what your thoughts would be when comparing the two as far as performance (wifi speeds, capacity, coverage) is concerned.
Thank you, sir
I haven’t tested the BT10, Dan. It’s not available yet.
Hi Dong,
To the 10 Gb ports also support 2.5 Gb?
My Fios connection comes into my basement and the Wifi gets pretty bad on the second floor without an extender. I’m looking at running a 2.5 Gb backbone in the house as I use MoCA as I use MoCA for the extenders. In particular, I’m looking at the BT10 solution with a minimum of 1 satellite (don’t think it’s necessary on main floor) and connecting the 10 Gb LAN port to a 2.5 switch, then fanning out from there. Will the BT10 fit what I’m doing, or should I look at another solution?
Thanks!
Yes when it’s a Multi-Gig port, Tosan. More here.
Thanks for your reviews and recommendations, been very helpful! I’ve decided on the BQ16 Pro and have been tracking it, but I am on the cusp of needing 1 vs 2 (home is around 2500 sq ft), so would like to get 1 and add another if needed. However, I haven’t seen any place where it’s selling single units (saw amazon has 2 pack and bestbuy has 3 pack). Do you know anywhere where single pack for BQ16 Pro will be available? Thanks!
As mentioned in the review, the single unit is available in a few months.
Thanks for the excellent reviews. Despite your best advice, I just added 3 wired ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro satellites to a home network with a GT-BE98 Pro as the main router. I use the gaming features. The satellites replace older Wifi6 hardware. Commenting that the current firmware does seem flaky, and clients seem to not want to roam onto the satellites unless I force them to join a satellite specific guest network. I am looking forward to future firmware upgrades from ASUS.
MLO is complicated and I think it’ll take awhile before mixed hardware works well for AiMesh.
Hello,
I am considering the Orbi 970 but wanted to know if the concerns about stability and performance have been addressed with the latest firmware (released a few days ago).
Also, I read somewhere that the Orbi is not fully WiFi 7 certified and so lacks AFC (supported by the Asus WiFi 7 mesh) – is this correct and is the lack of AFC due to a hardware limitation in the Orbi or will this be added in future firmware releases ?
I’d not go with the Orbi if I were you, Kurt. Go with one of these instead.
Thanks for the advice.
I dropped my obsession with the Orbi 970 after reading the nightmare stories about stability and performance issues reported on the Netgear forums as well as seeing your review.
I just picked up the Asus BE30000 from Best buy and except for the long sync time for the nodes to come online, I have been extremely happy. {…}
very good software and security features.
more to learn and explore.
for anyone getting this device, just remember to download the latest firmware – which may require a manual update on a node if it refuses to do so automatically – this will require patience after the reset for the nodes to sync.
I don’t agree with the disdain I read for dual-band Wi-Fi 7 hardware. 5 GHz is still the best band.
Dong i love your content , especially on networking side but with the risk of being repetitive and nagging around i will point out again that for year 2024 router DoH dns over https should be must have feature.
I would highly advise you introducing as test method and talking about this DoH dns over https in your reviews because this way you can raise awarness on manufacturers and end customers side.
This feature allows at least very basic protection and privacy over the internet we use at home against the ads trackers and getting profiled by some random AI for the benefit of some big data company.
We need privacy and security and companies like Asus and TP-Link and Netgear can provide us this just by adding couple lines of code into the firmwares.
best regards
Ovi
And most, if not all, modern routers support it, Ovidiu. In those you don’t see the option to turn DoH on (or off), chances are DoH is enforced as default. And there’s no “testing method” for DoH. It’s either there or not. More on DNS in this post.
Hey Dong-
Thanks for your initial review! I need to replace an aging Orbi mesh system that I thought were the pinnacles of performance.. However, after a few years of lurking here I feel like I’m reentering the market as an educated consumer and now better understand the limitations of these mesh systems.
On this go around, I’ll hardwire the 3x pack sold by BB. Currently, my fiber is 1G and would like to future proof my home as speeds increase. I’ll require a main switch and will hardwire a 5x port switch in my office. Which brand/model Switches would you suggest pairing with this router?
Thanks for your time.
Brett
Not sure what you meant by “this router” Brett. For your case, check out this post.
Sorry if I wasn’t clear – intent was for a recommendation of multi-gig switches that you’d use for a main location (10 ports minimum) and an additional switch (5 ports) for an office that would complement the Asus ZenWiFi BQ 16 Pro Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System.
I’d go with the Zyxel XS1930-12HP and the TRENDnet TEG-S750.
You don’t seem to know what a kernel is. The Linux kernel used on Asus routers is 4.19 something and considering Linux is at 6.9 now… Admittedly 4.19 is an LTS kernel with support until 2029, it’s not too bad, but Asus is about a year behind in the minor releases, if not more. Not exactly what you want to see from a company that claims to take security seriously.
Behind what, though? Did you actually read the entire post or stopped at the word “kernel” to jump on the chance to tell the world how smart you are? If not, put things in perspective! I’m all ears.
Hi Dong,
Thanks for keeping us informed. Two questions. Not quite sure how to ask these, but here goes…
Does the ROG BE98 Pro run AsusWRT 5.0? If so are there any firmware features missing that the BQ16 Pro has?
Do you know when the ROG BE98 Pro will have a working AFC along with all WiFi 7 features?
Hope those questions make sense and don’t sound too ignorant.
Thanks so much. Steve
Yes, and no, but the two are of two different families so they will have differences. More in these posts on firmware and features.
It’s TBD if the router will get AFC in the future. Asus won’t say it one way or the other.
Thank you.
Any idea when MLO will work on the ROG BE98 Pro?
It’s already there, Steven. Here’s the review.
Hi Dong, I read the review several times since it was published. It says “Excellent AiMesh support, no MLO or AFC yet‘.” Has that changed since the review?
Thanks so much again,
Steve
The MLO is on the client side mostly and officially it’s still not here (for computers) unless you use Windows 11 24H2. As for AFC, it’s TBD if existing broadcasters will get it via firmware (maybe) and when. The only one that, for now, for sure has it is the ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro.
Hello
The GT-BE19000 has been presented in a white version at the Computex.
Is it just a prototype or will it be released ?
How can we know in which countries the AFC will be available ? (I live in Europe)
Thanks for your reply.
You need follow the local authorities on the matter, Frederic. But generally AFC can be enabled where the 6GHz band is available.