The RT-BE96U boasts a quad-core CPU clocked at 2.6GHz, 2GB of RAM, and 256MB of flash memory. This BE19000 router is capable of achieving impressive (theoretical) data speeds, reaching up to 1,376Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, up to 5,764Mbps on the 5GHz band, and up to 11,529Mbps on the 6GHz band, resulting in a combined total of approximately 19,000Mbps.

The device is compatible with the most recent Wi-Fi 7 features, such as 320MHz channel bandwidth, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Beamforming, Multi-Link Operation (MLO), 4096 QAM, WPA3 encryption, and MU-MIMO data streaming. Similar to the GT-BE98 Pro, it also has support for AiMesh technology, enabling you to integrate it as a node within a comprehensive mesh network for your entire home.

The latest Wi-Fi 7 technologies are fully supported by this device, including 320MHz channel bandwidth, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Beamforming, Multi-Link Operation (MLO), 4096 QAM, WPA3 encryption, and MU-MIMO data streaming. Just like the GT-BE98 Pro, it is also compatible with AiMesh technology, allowing you to incorporate it as a node in a mesh network that covers your entire home.

The RT-BE96U can be installed and managed through either the web console or the Asus Router mobile app for iOS and Android devices. While the web console offers more advanced settings, the mobile app provides a convenient way to control the device using your smartphone. Upon opening the app, you will be greeted with a Home screen featuring a panel displaying the LAN IP address and a QoS icon for prioritizing bandwidth for different activities. In the center of the screen, a circle shows real-time traffic graphs, network band names, CPU and RAM usage, and the number of connected clients. To navigate through each information screen, simply tap the arrows.

The buttons located beneath the circle include Internet Status, AiMesh, and Mobile Game Mode. By clicking on the Internet Status button, you will be directed back to the screen mentioned earlier. The AiMesh button provides node information and enables you to incorporate nodes into a mesh network. Lastly, the Game Mode button leads you to a screen where you can enhance the network for mobile gaming and allocate bandwidth priority to mobile devices.

There is a Home button located at the bottom of the screen which allows you to return to the Home screen regardless of your current location within the app. Additionally, there is a Devices button that, when tapped, opens a screen displaying a list of all connected clients. By selecting a client name, you can view its IP and MAC addresses, control its bandwidth usage, and assign it to a specific family profile. The Insight button provides access to security threat information, allows you to share Wi-Fi settings, enables remote access, and facilitates the search for mesh nodes. Lastly, the Family button enables you to create profiles and apply parental controls, such as age-based web filters and scheduled access times.

Finally, the Settings button provides access to a menu where you can perform tasks such as setting up a guest network, conducting diagnostics, restricting device access, enabling local file sharing (Samba) for USB drives, and configuring various network settings including Wi-Fi, LAN, WAN, and VPN. Additional options include updating firmware, connecting with Alexa and Google voice assistants, running diagnostics, and monitoring internet upload and download speeds.

Asus RT-BE96U Performance: Achieve the Wi-Fi 7 Speed You Require.

The RT-BE96U, like many routers, is user-friendly and can be easily set up either through the web console or the mobile app. I opted for the latter option. After connecting the router to my modem and linking my desktop PC to the router’s 10GbE LAN port, I clicked on Setup on the Welcome screen. I then chose Asus Wi-Fi Routers and utilized my phone’s camera to scan the QR code located on the router’s underside. Once the router was detected, I clicked on Get Started, configured the bands, and assigned a name and password to the new network. Following this, I established a local login account and patiently waited for around 30 seconds for the app to implement my settings and create my account. Subsequently, I connected to the new network and waited an additional 10 seconds for the router to optimize the network. Lastly, I updated the firmware to finalize the installation.

The RT-BE96U demonstrates strong performance. It achieved a speed of 150Mbps in the 2.4GHz close proximity test, surpassing the Asus GT-BE98 Pro (148Mbps) but falling slightly behind the TP-Link Archer BE800 (175Mbps). Likewise, in the 30-foot test, it achieved a score of 83Mbps, outperforming the GT-BE98 Pro (74Mbps) but falling short of the Archer BE800 (88Mbps).

In the close proximity test on the 5GHz band, the RT-BE96U achieved a score of 1,548Mbps, which was lower than the scores of the Asus GT-BE98 Pro (1,828Mbps) and the TP-Link Archer BE800 (1,880Mbps). Similarly, in the 30-foot test, the RT-BE96U scored 906Mbps, which was lower than the scores of the GT-BE98 Pro (911Mbps) and the Archer BE800 (978Mbps).

During the close proximity test, the RT-BE96U achieved a speed of 2,451Mbps on the 6GHz band, while it reached 311Mbps on the 30-foot test. Comparatively, the Archer BE800 recorded lower speeds of 2,280Mbps and 232Mbps for the same tests. However, the GT-BE98 Pro outperformed them all with an impressive 3,075Mbps on the close proximity test and a swift 442Mbps on the 30-foot test.

In order to evaluate the efficiency of file transfer, we conducted tests to determine the read and write speeds by transferring a 1.5GB folder consisting of various file types such as photos, videos, music, and office documents between a USB 3.0 drive and our desktop PC. Both devices were connected to the router during the testing process. The RT-BE96U achieved a write speed of 82MBps and a read speed of 83MBps. On the other hand, the GT-BE98 Pro recorded speeds of 89MBps for both the write and read tests. Lastly, the Archer BE800 demonstrated impressive speeds of 102MBps for the write test and 109MBps for the read test.

The signal strength tests conducted using the RT-BE96U were highly satisfactory. To carry out these tests, we utilized the Ekahau Sidekick 2 diagnostic device and Ekahau’s Survey software, both of which allowed us to generate heat maps illustrating the signal coverage for each radio band. It is worth noting that Ekahau is a subsidiary of Ziff Davis, the parent company of. For further information, please refer to our ethics policy outlined in the Editorial Mission Statement. On the heat maps, the router’s location is represented by a circle, while the colors indicate the signal strength. The darkest green areas indicate the strongest signal, followed by lighter shades of yellow indicating weaker signals. Gray areas, on the other hand, represent areas with very weak or no measurable signal reception.

A coverage map for the Asus RT-BE96U Wi-Fi 7 Router operating at 2.4GHz frequency (Credit: Ekahau)

An Ekahau credit is given for the 5GHz Wi-Fi coverage map of the Asus RT-BE96U Wi-Fi 7 Router.

An Ekahau credit is given for the 6GHz Wi-Fi coverage map of the Asus RT-BE96U Wi-Fi 7 Router.

The initial two maps indicate that the router encountered no difficulties in transmitting powerful 2.4GHz and 5GHz signals across our test residence. However, the range of 6GHz signals was found to be weak. This observation was also made with the Archer BE800 and GT-BE98 Pro routers. Currently, the limited range of 6GHz transmissions is a recognized constraint. While they deliver impressive performance within the same room, their signal strength diminishes more rapidly compared to transmissions on other frequency bands as you move further away from the router.

Judgment: Large, Swift, and Costly.

Once you allocate sufficient space on your desktop for the Asus RT-BE96U, you will be able to enjoy its benefits, including fast 6GHz transmissions, extensive signal coverage, and high-speed wired connectivity through two 10GbE networking ports. The setup and management process is effortless, and it includes complimentary network security and parental control software. Additionally, it provides several gamer-friendly settings to enhance your gaming experience.

However, if you are currently looking to purchase a Wi-Fi 7 router, it is likely that cost is not a concern for you. In that case, it would be wise to invest an additional in the Asus ROG GT-BE98 Pro. This particular router has proven to be one of the most high-speed routers we have tested, providing a greater number of multi-gig ports and features specifically designed for gamers compared to the RT-BE96U.