Customer Ratings & Reviews

Works great! Easy to set up, long reach WiFi with high signal strength and great configuration options for optimizing network use.

TLDR: - great router, super fast. - a little pricy but in my opinion the best bang for buck WiFi 7 router Asus has - guest network pro is awesome! I love created additional SSIDs (helped make transitioning SSIDs a less painful/more graceful since I could do it on my schedule!) - if using in an AiMesh, use with other devices on the 3.0.0.4 firmware set, like an RT-AX88U Pro or GT-AX6000 (I’m using the GT-AX6000) - change some of the professional WiFi settings, see below! - use Asus Smart Connect (your primary SSID broadcasts to all 3 bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz) - it just works! I really like this RT-BE96U router - it is so fast, it has so many features, and I love the design. I have been using Asus Routers for over a decade now and I appreciate their value to feature ratio. I am upgrading from an RT-AX88U (not the pro), so I was happy to make the jump from the 3.0.0.4 firmware set to the newer 3.0.0.6 firmware set. I was surprised that this product is getting poor reviews overall. The setup process for me couldn’t be smoother. When I first received the router and set it up, I noticed it needed a firmware upgrade. After performing the upgrade, I noticed the UI was a little wonky (it seemed like a mix between the old firmware and new firmware). I performed a factory reset in the web interface and then I was 100% only seeing the new firmware UI. Either way, it’s recommended after a major firmware upgrade to do a full factory reset anyways. I opted NOT to restore from a settings file from my old router since I wanted to start fresh. Enough was different between the WiFi 6 RT-AX88U and the WiFi 7 RT-BE96U that it made sense in my case. I have always used 2 separate SSIDs, 1 for my 2.4GHz devices and 1 for my 5GHz devices. However, this new router has the 6GHz band with a small range. I opted to use the Asus Smart Connect feature and Guest Network Pro to create an SSID that broadcasts in all 3 spectrums: 2.4, 5, and 6. I was worried that my iPhone 16 Pro would get downgraded to the 2.4GHz erroneously, but I find that not the case! Every time I look, it’s either connected to the 5GHz or 6GHz. The 6GHz range can even go into the next room over, too, which is pretty cool. Even 1 room over I still get full 100% speeds from my ISP which is amazing. What was REALLY awesome that since I was changing my home’s primary SSID network, all my devices and smart devices would need to be updated. However, with Guest Network Pro, you can create several additional SSIDs to be broadcast. So day 1 I had my new SSID, an IoT SSID, and then my 2 old SSIDs for my 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. I could then gracefully transition over devices at my speed and didn’t have to scramble to update every device. I still have devices attached to the old 2.4GHz SSID but was able to retire the old 5GHz SSID since I transitioned all of those devices over. You can also make SSIDs that are attached to a separate VLAN for full isolation. The only issues I had were some legacy devices; I.e. an old HP printer and some Wi-Fi Dyson HP-04 fans. I had to create an IoT (created by default anyways or at least it prompts you) that has some of the new WiFi 7 features disabled. For the Dyson fans, even then they wouldn’t connect. It wasn’t until I re-added my WiFi 6 Asus router as an AiMesh node did the fans connect. It seemed they wouldn’t connect to this WiFi 7 router at all no matter what setting I tried to change (and I tried them all). So the fans are bound to the WiFi 6 router. The only other way I could get the Dyson fans to connect was to create a new WiFi SSID in the Network tab and attach it to a separate VLAN. I wanted the fans on the same VLAN as primary so that wasn’t going to work. For an AiMesh mode, I originally was just going to use my RT-AX88U, and it worked, but since the RT-AX88U and RT-BE96U are on different kernel versions and different firmware versions, some of the Guest Network Pro capabilities did not exist for the AiMesh node. For example, I could not broadcast additional SSIDs from the AiMesh node (my IoT SSID and my old SSID). I upgraded my RT-AX88U to a used GT-AX6000 and now I have full feature parody to my AiMesh node! PROFESSIONAL WIFI SETTINGS TO CHANGE: I disabled these settings for the 2.4ghz band to increase compatibility with legacy devices: - Airtime fairness (off) - Explicit beamforming (off) - Universal beamforming (off) DO NOT TURN ON AICLOUD - Prior Asus routers had a vulnerability that could potentially brick your router if you had this enabled. DISABLE WPS after you have set up your router / AiMesh. This is always a recommendation for security. IF YOU HAVE A HARDWIRED AIMESH, go into the AiMesh settings and turn on Ethernet Backhaul Mode to free up some bandwidth!

Stability is the real win, not just speed • Handles heavy usage without breaking a sweat • Tri-band actually reduces device congestion • Strong coverage, even better with wired backhaul • Built for creators, streamers, and multi-device homes

Very good router. My last router was the TP-Link AX-11000. The BE96U is much faster. The TP-Link stopped updating the firmware years ago. Due to the updating issue and the latest security issues with TP-Link, I will not get any more devices from them. Setting up the Asus with my modem took some figuring out. I had to clone the MAC address of the modem to the router in order to get internet connection up and running. Had to do some research on google on the problem to figure out the solution. Alos the range is goes further that the AX-11000

The 6ghz band penetrates my walls pretty effectively and is quite fast. It's worth upgrading to a Wifi 7 tri band router if the range and wall penetration is good and this one is excellent. The 5ghz band is where you want most of your devices if they aren't capable of being on the 6ghz band and most devices can't. Only the newest devices use that band. It, like the 2.4ghz band has excellent range and penetrates quite well. The connection is always fast and stable. I've not experienced one bug or dropped signal in the weeks of using this router. The software is feature rich and full of security options that are free for the lifetime of the router - unlike other brands that make you pay a yearly subscription for security features. Asus is the most trusted brand by enthusiasts and reviewers alike and I think this router exemplifies why. They last forever and are very reliable. This router has really enhanced all of my devices and my speed tests of my internet connection have improved an average of 25 percent. I'm quite happy with this purchase.

I wish the range on this was larger. The 2ghz is good in terms of range but the other bands are limited. This isnt isolated to just this router though. Having now used at least five other routers this is among my favorites and im strongly thinking about buying abother for an AI mesh set up. The other decent router is netgears orbi. The satellites leave alot to be desired but the main router on that is quite good. I find the extra features, security, and settings on the asus to be better though which is why im considering buying another and trying the AI mesh. Id recommend this to anyone that can utilize its speed.

Excellent speed and throughput achieving 200MB's downloads from Blizzard's Battle.net and great range. Coupled with Frontier's 2gig service, have blazzing fast up and download speeds. Super easy setup, and replacing in my AI Mesh setup, just wish it was an "upgrade" rather than clean install but well worth the minimal hassle.

This is actually my first Asus Router. I have always been a Netgear guy. But this router has exceeded my expectations. The amount of feature the app alone has is unbelievable. Its a True* wifi 7 which has been tested by multiple experts and its insaley fast either on wifi or connected through the port I’m getting what im paying from my isp plus extra. I am literally recommending this router to my friends and family. And if you are a gamer you will love this router no wire no lags just amazing all around.

Asus routers have always been excellent and the RT-BE96 does not disappoint. Setup is simple as always. Wifi coverage is excellent in my home with this router. Ethernet connections work great, and there is room for my 5 plus gig internet connection to stretch it's legs, while leaving space for future internet upgrades. This router fits in well with my home network setup. I'm definitely glad my local store had one in stock. Trying to find where it was located in the store was the most painful part of the process.

I'm not really someone that ever leaves reviews but I will say this I have Fidium 2 Gig and 2 gig down and all the other routers that I kept trying and I've tried more than a few but would never give me the speeds that I was looking for and I can say after hooking this up what I'm not going to say was the easiest but also not the hardest I can say without any doubt in my mind after seeing 1867 for my speed on my phone that this is the router I will be keeping and highly recommending to anyone with fiber

This router solved my problem. before used 2 Asus routers with mesh for 35+ devices it's barely hold it with dropping devices from time to time. Added this one as main router and now it works perfectly. 10bgps to Nas works perfectly, 2.2 gbps wireless connection between Quest 3 and PC, it provides Cable-like experience.

its worth it. my internet speed is so fast now. even my wifi and the coverage. i use also 75ft wired for my computer to my router and still fast. did not effect how long it is.

I bought one this morning and tried setting it up once I got home. Using a wired connection I could never get the unit to see anything attached via ethernet on any port. I included a picture of both status lights being dark even though every port was filled. Then I tried using the app and surprisingly wifi worked so I could connect but not at first. I had to make multiple attempts before I could connect to the unit. Then it took multiple tries to get to the settings menu because it would stop responding and drop me out. Normally a new Asus router will immediately connect and offer the setup to me. I could never get it to behave right even after multiple reset attempts so I ended up taking it back for a refund. Its a shame because I love Asus routers and ended up putting my ax88u back on the network until I can figure out what router to try next.

The customization and speeds of this router are on another lvl. Im wifi 7 ready with this.

Overall this product was amazing and everything I ever dreamed. Amazing features, cutting edge tech, and the interface to manage it all was VERY consumer friendly. Sadly I had to return it, as this specific router had an issue with my ISP and Network set up. I have Xfinity, and use their modem to get free unlimited data, so I have to have the modem in bridge mode to use this router. For some reason, having the equipment set up like that causes the router to lose connection to the WAN IP address after any reboot. Reconnecting the WAN IP required me to reboot both the modem and router repeatedly until it happened to reconnect the WAN IP. Looking up this model, the issue seems to be a known issue but has never been addressed or fixed. Really disappointed as I really loved this router, and would have given it 5 stars otherwise. If you use a ISP that runs off fiber instead of coax, then it may be worth a try.

Internet has never performed better, all my outside cameras work without interference, had to build a shelf do to it's size.

No hiccups. Handles all requests and improved gaming ping perfectly.

Incredible wifi 7 make sure you set it up properly

To start, this is my 7th ASUS router. I have an AiMesh set up in my rental house and I have a WIFI6 setup currently in my house. So, I decided to jump early and future proof my house since it was prewired with CAT7 throughout. Now, whoever did the cabling must have forgot how to count because some of the runs are over 328 feet causing a different problem (which I have corrected). So, the main router is the ASUS GT-BE98 pro which runs my guest network and my gaming room upstairs and I run this ASUS BE-96U hardwired on the other side of the house as a AiMesh unit. No matter what I do or how I set it up, once these two units are connect in AiMesh, the 5Ghz band will NOT connect on the BE-96U. I can see the broadcast, nice and strong, but fails to connect on every unit in my house that is capable. I set up this unit as a stand alone router, works fantastic! I want the main router, however, to be the 98 pro since it has the 4 2.5G ports and the 2 10G ports. I use the 2.5G LAN option, run this BE-96U off one of the 10G ports and run the gaming room off the gaming 10G port and the speeds are consistently at 1-1.4Gbps download on WIFI. Now, I have done a work around for the 5Ghz issue. I turned off, for now, the signal at the mesh unit and run a second mesh unit in the adjacent room only emitting the 5Ghz signal using a RT-AX86U Pro for that. This set up is working flawlessly IF you leave channel selection on Auto. I almost forgot, if you change the 5Ghz channel to whatever you choose and deselect auto DFS, the router will reinstate the auto DFS almost immediately and you lose 160Mhz. It will usually stay at 40/80Mhz and slower wifi speeds. So, since I do not have close neighbors, leaving it on Auto channel doesn't bother me (much). LOL. So, hopefully ASUS will iron out the kinks as I love the range and signal strength of these two units. WIFI6E is fairly strong through out the house as well, rarely switching to the 5Ghz band. I will update if needed but I am happy with what I have set up and await a fix to this issue in future firmwares.

Cons: Yes, it is expensive. Yes, it is rather big in comparison to other routers. Pros: It is very fast. Fastest router on all three bands that I have owned. Extremely low latency. Best range on all three bands that I have owned. Handles 35 devices with ease. For a router that is so capable, it is shockingly easy to set up. I tend to buy a new WIFI router roughly every two years. I have owned quite a few routers, most were highly regarded models. I had a LUXUL Epic 3 that had amazing range on the 5g band. My last router was a Linksys MR7500 tri-band with 6E. The Linksys was a super solid router that was very fast on the 6g band. But the speeds and range on the 5g and 2.4g bands was only average. I was surprised it was not faster and had better range. Two professional reviews mentioned it. Looking at previous reviews for this ASUS, if people had problems setting up this router, they would most likely have setup issues with any router. I had it positioned, connected and working on all three band in 10 to 15 minutes. I can't imagine a router being easier to do the basic setup on and get it working. The phone app and computer app both work great. There might be a better home use router on the market tomorrow but for today I can't imagine a better router. It's very fast, has great range and very easy to setup. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED