Highlights
- Key Specs
- Wi-Fi Mesh System: false (A single wireless network consisting of a main router (connected directly to a modem) that connects to a series of satellite modules or nodes placed around the home. Routers with this capability promote stronger, faster wireless signals as well as increase Wi-Fi coverage by reducing interference and eliminating dead zones.)
- Number Of LAN Ports: 6 (Number of devices able to be connected to the Local Area Network (LAN). LAN ports allow wired connections to other networking devices (wireless access points, range extenders, etc.) in order to share the internet connection received through a WAN port.)
- Wi-Fi Speed: 11529 gigabits per second (The maximum rate at which data is transferred between a network device and wireless router.)
- Works With: Amazon Alexa (Compatible with or able to be connected to other smart devices or applications.)
- General
- Brand: ASUS
- Model Number: RT-BE96U
- Product Name: RT-BE96U BE19000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router
- Color: Black
- Security
- Data Encryption: true
- Encryption Type: WPA-Personal, WPA2-Personal, WPA3-Personal, WPA-Enterprise, WPA2-Enterprise (The security protocols or certification programs that protect the Wi-Fi network.)
- Firewall Type: NAT, SPI (The method the firewall uses to filter and process data to increase network security, primarily by blocking malicious traffic requests while allowing legitimate traffic through.)
- Parental Controls: true (Allows user to block unwanted content, signals, channels, networks, etc. from being received or accessed.)
- Network
- Quality Of Service (QoS) Traffic Prioritization: true (Allows a user to manage a device's network performance by configuring the types of traffic that receive top priority for transmission. High priority functions and applications receive maximum network performance, while low priority traffic receives minimum performance.)
- Band Technology: Tri (Refers to the number of frequency bands used to wirelessly transmit an internet signal. For example, dual-band devices may use one 2.4 and one 5 GHz band, while tri-band devices may use one 2.4 and two 5 GHz bands. Multiple bands also provide more flexibility for designating connected devices to specific band use.)
- Ethernet Standard: 10/100/1000/10000 (Each standard is a variation of the IEEE 802.3 set of computer networking technologies known as Ethernet. New versions evolved to include higher bandwidth, different physical media, and other new and improved features. Standards are often denoted by speeds (in Megabits per second). For example, a 10/100/1000 Ethernet port transmits at 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps).)
- Number of Antennas: 8
- Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz, 6.0 GHz (Bands may be grouped into categories such as low- and high-band VHF (Very High Frequency), low- and high-band UHF (Ultra High Frequency), or certain frequency channels (measured in MHz or GHz). Generally, higher frequencies transmit information faster but have shorter range than lower frequencies.)
- Wireless Networking Standard: Wi-Fi 7 (The wireless networking standard used by the device. Each iteration of the standard developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance corresponds to an existing IEEE 802.11 protocol; for example, standard 802.11ac (or AC) is termed Wi-Fi 5. Refers specifically to the standard the device is designed to use, but ultimately determines product interoperability and backward compatibility including previous versions.)
- Wireless Standard: BE, AX, AC, N (The wireless networking protocol used by the device. Each iteration of the protocol is based on the 802.11 standard developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standards Association. Denoted by letters following 802.11 (802.11a, 802.11ac, etc.), each version, published in alphabetical order, encompasses all previous versions.)
- Input/Output Technology: MU-MIMO (Multi-user Multiple-Input Multiple Output) (Generally, multiple-input multiple-output communication technologies allow for more signals to be transmitted at a single time, which can improve the device's overall performance.)
- Number of 2.4Ghz Streams: 4 (A router's streams are like lanes on a highway. The more streams a router has, the less traffic congestion. Because the 2.4 GHz band is used to transmit wireless signals to a wide variety of devices, there is often high amounts of traffic on that stream. But with multiple streams, each can be designated to a specific device for optimal performance. For example, if one 2.4 GHz stream is assigned to one device, such as a desktop computer, it leaves the remaining streams open for guest users, devices that use more data, or devices with specific band compatibility.)
- Number of 5.0Ghz Streams: 4 (A router's streams are like lanes on a highway. The more streams a router has, the less traffic congestion. The 5.0 GHz band provides high speed, short-range data transmission and typically has less traffic than the 2.4 GHz band. With multiple streams, each can be designated to a specific device for optimal performance. For example, if one 5.0 GHz stream is assigned to one device, such as a streaming media player, it leaves the remaining streams open for guest users, devices that need less data, or devices with specific band compatibility.)
- Number of 6.0Ghz Streams: 4
- Wi-Fi Mesh System: false (A single wireless network consisting of a main router (connected directly to a modem) that connects to a series of satellite modules or nodes placed around the home. Routers with this capability promote stronger, faster wireless signals as well as increase Wi-Fi coverage by reducing interference and eliminating dead zones.)
- Ethernet Switch: true (Connects multiple devices to expand the Local Area Network (LAN).)
- Certifications Listings & Approvals
- ENERGY STAR Certified: false (Devices carrying the ENERGY STAR service mark, such as computer products and peripherals, kitchen appliances, and other products, generally use 20% to 30% less energy than required by federal standards.)
- Features
- App Compatible: true (The product can be connected to a program or software application on a mobile device, which then receives collected data from the product.)
- App Name: Instant Guard mobile app
- Beamforming: true (A signal processing technique that enables a router to focus a Wi-Fi signal in a specific direction. The router determines where a connected device in the network is located and projects a stronger signal in that specific direction. This can result in faster and higher quality data transfer as well as reduced signal interference.)
- Integrated Modem: false
- Wireless: true
- Ports
- Number Of WAN Ports: 2 (Number of devices able to be connected to the Wide Area Network (WAN). This type of port may simply be labeled "Internet," and it allows the device to share its internet connection with all devices connected to it via LAN ports.)
- Port Type(s): RJ-45, USB (USB 2.0 connects external drives, gaming controllers, smartphones, MP3 players and other accessories.USB 3.0 transfers data faster than USB 2.0, but only when used with USB 3.0 devices.USB Type-C provides fast speeds and versatile power, featuring connectors with identical ends that plug in upside down or right side up. Adapters allow for video as well as backward compatibility.Thunderbolt provides ultra-high bandwidth for fast data transfer between devices featuring a Thunderbolt or MiniDisplayPort connection.HDMI allows you to connect a projector or display HD media on your HDTV or monitor.Media card slots allow you to transfer photos from your digital camera or camcorder.)
- Number Of LAN Ports: 6 (Number of devices able to be connected to the Local Area Network (LAN). LAN ports allow wired connections to other networking devices (wireless access points, range extenders, etc.) in order to share the internet connection received through a WAN port.)
- Speed
- Wired Speed: 10000 megabits per second (The maximum rate at which data is transferred between a network device and router using an Ethernet cable.)
- Wi-Fi Speed: 11529 gigabits per second (The maximum rate at which data is transferred between a network device and wireless router.)
- Gigabit Ethernet Speed: true (Supports the gigabit Ethernet networking standard, which has a data rate of at least one gigabit per second, or 1,000 Mbps.)
- Compatibility
- Works With: Amazon Alexa (Compatible with or able to be connected to other smart devices or applications.)
- Dimensions
- Product Height: 8.56 inches (The out of box height of the item. Height is measured as the vertical distance from the bottom of the item to the top as it would be primarily used or placed.)
- Product Length: 13.8 inches (The out of box length of the item. Length is measured as the longest dimension of the item.)
- Product Width: 13.8 inches (The out of box width of the item. Width is measured as the horizontal distance from one side of the item to the other as it would be primarily used or placed.)
- Product Weight: 4.12 pounds (The out of box weight of the item.)
- Warranty
- Warranty - Parts: 2 Years
- Warranty - Labor: 2 Years
- Other
- UPC: 197105248861
The RT-BE96U’s dual 10 Gbps ports make it a great choice for servers or NAS devices. These are more convenient than simply combining multiple gigabit Ethernet ports, and they help increase your available bandwidth to avoid data bottlenecks throughout your whole network. Users are also empowered to leverage multiple high-speed internet service providers.
- Next-gen Wi-Fi standard: Ultrafast Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) tri-band Wi-Fi router boosts speeds up to 19,000 Mbps.
- 2.4X higher speed with lower signal delays and interference: 6 GHz with new 320 MHz bandwidth & 4096-QAM.
- Dual 10 Gb ports: Enjoy up to 10X-faster data transfer speeds for bandwidth-demanding tasks with two 10 Gbps WAN/LAN ports.
- Multi-link Operation: Link to multiple bands at the same time to ensure stable internet connections and efficient data transfers.
- Subscription-free Network Security: With commercial-grade AiProtection Pro powered by Trend Micro, plus a one-tap security scan and Safe Browsing
- Disclaimer: Wi-Fi 7 features requires Wi-Fi routers and client devices with Wi-Fi 7-supported operating systems to support the corresponding features.* Firmware support for Multi-link Operation (MLO) on ASUS RT-BE96U is in development and will be released in late 2023 or early 2024.
- ASUS AiProtection: Utilizing the powerful network security solutions and cloud data centers from Trend Micro, it protects your smart home and all connected devices from online threats.
- Parental Controls: Protect your kids online with our robust parental controls offered through a free subscription. You can effortlessly monitor your kids’ online activity and customize settings for each connected device.
Whats Included
- RT-BE96U
- Network Cable (RJ-45)
- Power Adapter
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Card
Q: What kind of security features does this router offer?
A: This router utilizes ASUS AiProtection, powered by Trend Micro, to protect your smart home from online threats. It also includes a one-tap security scan and Safe Browsing features.
Q: Does this router come with parental controls?
A: Yes, it offers robust parental controls through a free subscription, allowing you to monitor and customize settings for online activity.
Q: How many antennas does the ASUS router have?
A: The ASUS router is equipped with 8 antennas.
Q: What is the maximum number of devices that this router can support?
A: This router can support up to 64 connected devices.
Q: Can this router be used to create a mesh network?
A: No, this router is not designed to function as a mesh system.
Q: What is the wireless networking standard supported by this router?
A: This router supports the Wi-Fi 7 wireless networking standard.
Q: Is this router compatible with Amazon Alexa?
A: Yes, this router is compatible with Amazon Alexa.
A: You can add satellites to this router but the 8 it is talking about is the included antennas. This only inlcudes the router pictured.
ASUS - RT-BE96U BE19000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router - Black
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| Pros for ASUS - RT-BE96U BE19000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router - Black | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed, Range, Performance, Setup, Ease of use | There were no pros for this product— | Speed, Range, Setup, Connectivity | Speed, Performance, Setup, Range, Coverage |
| Cons for ASUS - RT-BE96U BE19000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router - Black | |||
| Price, Wifi | There were no cons for this product— | There were no cons for this product— | Price, Size |
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Customers are saying
Customers are enthusiastic about the BE96U Tri-Band Wifi 7 Router's impressive range and ease of setup, with many praising its streamlined configuration process and strong signal. However, some users experienced issues with Wifi 7 connectivity and noted the high price point. Positive feedback also highlighted the router's performance, particularly its ability to handle numerous devices. Despite some connectivity challenges, the overall user experience appears largely positive for those who successfully configured the router.
Customer Images
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
- Rated 5 out of 5 stars
ASUS - BE96U Tri-Band Wifi 7 Router
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
Posted by Mike
- Rated 5 out of 5 stars
RT-BE96U Review - A great upgrade from an RT-AX88U
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!
Posted by Josh
- Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Super fast w/ built-in mesh and wifi 7
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.
Posted by UCLAKerim