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Asus RT-BE88U review

Wi-Fi 7 router priced at $599.

CHOICE Expert Rating

75%
Recommended
What is the CHOICE Expert Rating?
Pros

Pros

  •   Very good close range performance to a single client
  •   You don't need an online account to set it up
  •   Very good parental controls included (URL blocking, scheduling, age-based profiles)
  •   Mobile backup via USB
  •   Handled multi-client streams without interruption
Cons

Cons

  •   Older 2.4GHz test device (LIFX LED bulb) could not be installed on the band-steered network; had to separate the 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks and then re-enable band-steering for it to be installed on the main network, but it includes an IoT network by default to get around this issue
  •   Large and imposing design that may not be suitable for a living area
  •   Band-steering did not select the fastest available band in our difficult range test

Type

Type
Wi-Fi 7
Tri-band router (6Ghz)
Maximum NBN download speed (Mbps)
2000

Recommended products

Recommended
Recommended

Test results

CHOICE Expert rating
75%
Performance score
73%
Ease of use score
78%
Parental controls score
80%
Single client score
84%
Multi client score
76%
Obstructed range score
57%

Sustainability

Shop Ethical rating
C
Annual power consumption (kWh(
131
Warranty (years)
3
Claimed firmware update period
4 years; ends 31 December 2028
Country of origin
Vietnam

Related products

Availability
Tested model

Cost

Price
$599.00
Annual Running Cost
$52.53

Specifications

Antennas
External
Gigabit LAN ports
4
2.5 gigabit Ethernet ports
3
5 gigabit Ethernet ports
0
10 gigabit Ethernet ports
1
USB-2 ports
0
USB-3 ports
1
USB-C ports
0
WAN speed (Gbps)
10
Maximum channel width (MHz)
160
Power cable length (cm)
178
Power button or switch
1
Setup software
App
Weight (g)
1080
Dimensions (HxWxD)
190 x 220 x 395
Website
asus.com/au

Features

Wi-Fi bands
2.4/5
Maximum claimed speeds (Gbps)
1.3/5.7
Free parental controls
Parental controls type
Categorical filtering can be applied from the app
Mesh network support
Mesh network compatability
AiMesh
4/5G backup
VoIP
DLNA
MU-MIMO
Multi link operation (MLO)
Band steering
Guest networks
WPS
Turn LED lights on/off
Wall mountable
USB drive sharing
Web interface available
Default encryption
WPA2/WPA3
VPN
VPN type
Server and client, via app
Orientation
Flat
Scheduling
Offline and online schedules
elias plastiras
User 1000000003029

Elias Plastiras tests a range of technology in the CHOICE computer lab, from laptops to smart home innovations and interconnected devices.  Prior to CHOICE, Elias spent 17 years working for Australian PC World, testing and writing about PCs and other small business gear. Elias tested almost everything in the PC realm, from 56K modems to network printers, as well as more mainstream consumer gear such as media players and PVRs. Elias enjoys testing products in a rigorous fashion, to highlight the good and the bad for the benefit of the consumer.

Elias Plastiras tests a range of technology in the CHOICE computer lab, from laptops to smart home innovations and interconnected devices.  Prior to CHOICE, Elias spent 17 years working for Australian PC World, testing and writing about PCs and other small business gear. Elias tested almost everything in the PC realm, from 56K modems to network printers, as well as more mainstream consumer gear such as media players and PVRs. Elias enjoys testing products in a rigorous fashion, to highlight the good and the bad for the benefit of the consumer.

Peter Zaluzny web
Peter Zaluzny

Peter Zaluzny is a Content producer in the Digital home team. He covers everything from home entertainment and personal safety devices to tech for your car and mattresses. Peter enjoys cutting through the nonsense to help people understand the products they’re considering to buy. He helps consumers make educated, informed decisions. Peter has a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wollongong.

Peter Zaluzny is a Content producer in the Digital home team. He covers everything from home entertainment and personal safety devices to tech for your car and mattresses. Peter enjoys cutting through the nonsense to help people understand the products they’re considering to buy. He helps consumers make educated, informed decisions. Peter has a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wollongong.