Tech & Gadgets · Head-to-head
ASUS RT-BE96U vs NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, 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 tri-band speed with deep control and a security suite that costs nothing extra. The Nighthawk RS700S is rated for up to 19 Gbps and 3,500 sq. ft., 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
- Eight external antennas with 4x4 radios on each of the three bands
- Large footprint with prominent external antennas that dominate a shelf
- Firmware and settings depth can overwhelm first-time router owners
NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S
Buy itNETGEAR's flagship BE19000 tower, if you can live with security features behind a subscription.
- Tri-band BE19000 with 4x4 radios on each band, rated for up to 3,500 sq. ft. by NETGEAR
- 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 tower design and a premium price for capability most homes cannot yet saturate
Side by side
The 7 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| ASUS RT-BE96U Our pick | 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 |
| Wireless bands | Tri-band (2.4/5/6 GHz) | Tri-band (2.4/5/6 GHz) |
| Antennas and wireless class | 8 external antennas, 4x4 on all three bands | 8 internal antennas, 4x4 on all three bands, up to 3,500 sq. ft. |
| Multi-gig wired ports | 10G WAN/LAN, 10G LAN, plus 1G ports | 10G internet, 10G LAN, plus four 1G ports |
| Control & customization | Very deep | Moderate |
| Built-in security | Included, no fee | Subscription for full features |
| Ease of setup | Moderate | Easy |
| 2026 U.S. buyability | Widely available | Widely available |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the ASUS RT-BE96U if
enthusiasts and power users who want maximum control and speed without recurring fees.
Know before buying: large footprint with prominent external antennas that dominate a shelf.
Pick the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S if
large or busy homes chasing the fastest possible wireless and the longest reach.
Know before buying: its advanced security and some parental controls require a paid subscription.
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).