ASUS RT-BE58U WiFi 7 Router Review Fast Speeds, Security, and Smart Features

Description

Unboxing and First Impressions

The ASUS RT-BE58U WiFi 7 Router immediately grabbed my attention with its sleek, modern design. With compact dimensions of 7.6 x 2.3 x 9.37 inches and a weight of just 1.01 pounds, it’s surprisingly lightweight and doesn’t take up much space. Setting it up was straightforward, and I appreciated the clear instructions included in the box. The four 1G ports alongside the 2.5G port give a sense of flexibility, and the commercial-grade network security features truly piqued my interest. It promises a lot on paper, but I wanted to see if it delivered on its claims.

Performance and Speed

Using this router has been a game-changer for my household. The WiFi 7 technology, boasting speeds of up to 3600 Mbps, is no joke. Streaming 4K content, gaming online, and juggling multiple connected devices simultaneously felt incredibly smooth. The 4K-QAM feature enhances transmission speed on a single frequency band by 1.2 times, and I could genuinely feel the difference compared to my previous router. Moreover, the Multi-Link Operation (MLO) was impressive, allowing connections to multiple bands simultaneously, ensuring stable internet even during heavy data transfers. This was particularly noticeable when I hosted a virtual meeting while my kids streamed videos in another room – no interruptions or buffering issues.

Smart Features and Usability

What stood out to me was the Smart Home Master functionality. Managing multiple devices became effortless with the ability to create up to three SSIDs. I set up a dedicated IoT network for my smart home gadgets, a kid’s network with parental controls, and a separate VPN network for work-related activities. The parental controls are robust and easy to configure, allowing me to monitor and restrict access to certain websites for my children. The USB port for 4G LTE and 5G tethering adds another layer of versatility, ensuring connectivity options even if the primary internet connection falters.

Commercial-Grade Security

AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro, adds peace of mind. Its one-tap security scan and Safe Browsing features actively protect against potential threats. I noticed fewer phishing attempts and suspicious pop-ups while browsing, which is a relief, especially with younger users in the house. The router’s ability to secure both personal and IoT devices makes it a standout choice for anyone concerned about cybersecurity.

Key Benefits

• Ultra-fast speeds with WiFi 7 and 4096-QAM, ideal for heavy internet users.
• Multi-link operation (MLO) ensures smooth connectivity across multiple bands.
• Smart Home Master simplifies managing IoT devices and multiple networks.
• Robust parental controls and commercial-grade security for safe browsing.
• Compact design that fits seamlessly into any home or office setup.

Areas for Improvement

Despite its many advantages, I did notice a few minor drawbacks.

• The initial setup process, while straightforward for tech-savvy users, could be daunting for beginners.
• The price point might feel steep compared to other routers with slightly fewer features.
• Firmware updates, while important for security and performance, were a bit frequent and required manual intervention at times.
• It lacks WiFi 6E support, which some might expect for backward compatibility.

Market Rivals

Comparing the ASUS RT-BE58U to competitors like the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 and the TP-Link Archer AXE300, a few distinctions emerge. The ASUS router excels in multi-device management with its multiple SSIDs and IoT-specific features, something the others don’t emphasize as heavily. However, the Netgear model offers slightly broader WiFi coverage, and the TP-Link router is known for its user-friendly app interface. That said, the ASUS RT-BE58U feels like the better option for users prioritizing network security and managing complex smart home setups.

Value Proposition

When weighing its features against the cost, this router offers excellent value for money. It’s not the cheapest option on the market, but considering its ultra-fast speeds, secure browsing options, and versatile connectivity, it justifies its price. For households with multiple users, smart home enthusiasts, or even small offices, the ASUS RT-BE58U proves to be a solid investment. You might find cheaper alternatives, but they likely won’t deliver the same combination of reliability, performance, and security.

Additional information