Tech & Gadgets · Head-to-head
ASUS RT-BE96U vs NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S
Which should you buy? Here's the honest call, pulled from our full The Best Wi-Fi Routers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The ASUS RT-BE96U is the most complete single-box Wi-Fi 7 router, pairing top-tier tri-band speed with deep control and a security suite that costs nothing extra. The Nighthawk RS700S edges it on raw throughput and range, but gates key security behind a subscription.
ASUS RT-BE96U
Buy itA tri-band Wi-Fi 7 powerhouse with deep controls and no paywall on its security suite.
- Full tri-band Wi-Fi 7 (2.4, 5, and 6 GHz) with 320 MHz channels, 4K-QAM, and Multi-Link Operation
- Subscription-free network security and parental controls built in
- Dual 10 Gigabit ports plus AiMesh expandability and an unusually long warranty
- Reviewers report some of the fastest sustained 6 GHz throughput they have measured
- Large footprint with prominent external antennas that dominate a shelf
- Firmware and settings depth can overwhelm first-time router owners
NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S
Buy itThe raw-speed and long-range champion, if you can live with security features behind a subscription.
- Independent testing found class-leading download speed and standout range at distance
- Tri-band BE19000-class hardware with dual 10 Gigabit ports and a fast quad-core processor
- Simple, guided app setup that gets non-experts online quickly
- Its advanced security and some parental controls require a paid subscription
- Tall, bulky tower and a premium price for capability most homes cannot yet saturate
Side by side
| ASUS RT-BE96U | NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Enthusiasts and power users who want maximum control and speed without recurring fees. | Large or busy homes chasing the fastest possible wireless and the longest reach. |
| Price tier | $$$$ · flagship | $$$$ · flagship |
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the ASUS RT-BE96U - A tri-band Wi-Fi 7 powerhouse with deep controls and no paywall on its security suite. Choose the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S instead if large or busy homes chasing the fastest possible wireless and the longest reach.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Wi-Fi Routers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).