ASUS RT-BE96U: problems, parts and running costs
Checked: 2026-10-19
Summary
The main drawbacks are weak 6 GHz range with distance, a large 8.6 x 13.7 x 13.7 in chassis, and a $699.99 MSRP, with Multi-Link Operation only arriving through a firmware update. Running costs are low: AiProtection Pro security and parental controls are subscription-free. It is a good buy at street prices around $527-630 if you need dual 10 Gbps ports or ASUS AiMesh; at full MSRP the GT-BE98 Pro is the better step-up.
Common problems and fixes
- Weak 6 GHz range — PCMag’s Ekahau heat maps showed strong 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz coverage but weak 6 GHz reach, which PCMag calls a known limitation of 6 GHz transmissions; the band is also indoor-only and needs 6 GHz-capable clients. [2]
- MLO not available at launch — ASUS’s own page said Multi-Link Operation firmware was in development as of September 2023 and would arrive in late 2023 or early 2024; update firmware before counting on it. [1]
- Large, heavy chassis — the router measures 8.6 x 13.7 x 13.7 in and weighs 4.1 lb, which PCMag lists as a con. [2]
- Premium price — the MSRP is $699.99, and PCMag suggests the GT-BE98 Pro for about $100 more if 6 GHz speed is the priority. [2]
- Second USB port is USB 2.0 — PCMag documents one USB 3.2 Gen 1 port and one USB 2.0 port, not two USB 3.0 ports as the seed data claims. [2]
- BE19000 is a physical-rate sum — the headline number adds IEEE physical-layer maxima across three bands (up to 1,376 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, 5,764 Mbps on 5 GHz and 11,529 Mbps on 6 GHz); real throughput is far lower, with PCMag measuring 2,451 Mbps on 6 GHz at close range. [1][2]
- WPA2/WPA3 enterprise only on a single router — enterprise security is unavailable in AiMesh mode. [1]
- USB power limits — USB-powered devices exceeding 5V/500mA (USB 2.0) or 5V/900mA (USB 3.1 Gen 1) need external power. [1]
Parts and consumables
- No replaceable parts or consumables reported.
Yearly running cost
AiProtection Pro security, parental controls and firmware updates carry no subscription. Electricity use and any warranty extension are not quantified in the sources, so a typical yearly figure cannot be computed.
When it is a good buy
At the $699.99 MSRP (PCMag, 2024-05-23) the RT-BE96U is a premium buy; PCMag’s advice is that the GT-BE98 Pro offers faster 6 GHz performance and more multi-gig ports for about $100 more. [2]
At street prices around $527-630, as shown on PCMag’s page at fetch time, the value improves materially for the same tested performance and feature set. [2]
Best fit: homes that need dual 10 Gbps ports, multi-gig internet, ASUS AiMesh with existing ASUS routers, or subscription-free Trend Micro security. [1][2]
[2]
Not recommended for buyers without multi-gig needs, for 6 GHz-dependent setups at distance, or for anyone counting on launch-day MLO. [1][2]