Review Summary

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 brings an elite level of performance to the router market, specifically tailored for gamers and power users looking for ultra-fast speeds, extended coverage, and advanced customization. With WiFi 7 support and a quad-band setup, this router is equipped to handle high-bandwidth activities, heavy device loads, and seamless gaming experiences. Here’s an in-depth review after thoroughly testing the GT-BE98’s capabilities and features.

Design & Build Quality

The GT-BE98 boasts an aggressive design aesthetic typical of ASUS’s ROG series, with sharp angles, RGB lighting, and a bulky form factor that communicates its high-performance ambitions. It features an array of eight antennas that help deliver the router’s impressive range and multi-device capabilities. While it takes up a fair amount of space, the router’s build quality feels premium and durable, well-suited to households or gaming setups where design and performance both matter.

Performance & WiFi 7 Technology

The standout feature of the GT-BE98 is its WiFi 7 support, offering theoretical speeds of up to 25,000 Mbps across its four bands (2.4 GHz, two 5 GHz bands, and a 6 GHz band). In real-world testing, the router delivered remarkable speeds, particularly in the 6 GHz band, which minimizes interference and provides ample bandwidth for gaming and 4K/8K streaming.

Our testing confirmed that this router excels at supporting high-demand applications simultaneously, with no noticeable lag or performance drops even with multiple devices connected. Whether streaming, gaming, or downloading large files, the GT-BE98 maintained impressive speeds and stability. However, to fully experience its WiFi 7 potential, compatible client devices are needed, something to consider for users whose current devices might only support WiFi 6 or earlier.

Gaming Features

True to its ROG lineage, the GT-BE98 offers a suite of gaming-focused features. Game Acceleration prioritizes gaming traffic, reducing latency, while the Game Dashboard provides real-time monitoring for pings, traffic, and connected devices. The Game VPN functionality is a thoughtful addition, allowing for secure, low-latency connections to different regions.

For cloud gaming enthusiasts, the router supports NVIDIA GeForce NOW with optimized routing for smoother game streaming. During testing, these gaming features had a noticeable impact on reducing lag, particularly in competitive online games, where even slight delays can affect gameplay. The 10 Gbps WAN/LAN port, along with a 2.5 Gbps LAN port, also makes this router future-proof for high-speed internet connections and local networks.

AiMesh & Extendable Coverage

One of the key highlights of the GT-BE98 is its AiMesh compatibility, allowing users to link multiple ASUS routers to create a seamless, extendable mesh network. In testing, adding an extra ASUS router expanded coverage significantly without sacrificing speed or stability. This feature makes the GT-BE98 an excellent choice for larger homes or multi-floor buildings, as it allows users to eliminate dead zones and maintain a strong connection throughout the area.

The AiMesh setup was straightforward and performed reliably in our tests, making it easy to manage and monitor network activity across different devices and rooms.

Software & User Interface

ASUS’s ROG UI provides a highly customizable interface for power users, with options to monitor real-time traffic, manage device priority, and set up complex network rules. The ASUS Router app complements the web-based interface, allowing users to manage settings and monitor the network from a mobile device. The software is detailed and feature-rich, though the interface may seem overwhelming for beginners. For tech-savvy users, however, the level of customization offered is exceptional.

Security Features

The GT-BE98 is equipped with ASUS AiProtection Pro powered by Trend Micro, which includes parental controls, advanced threat detection, and network protection against malware and vulnerabilities. The addition of WPA3 encryption further enhances security, providing peace of mind for users who handle sensitive data. During testing, AiProtection performed reliably, blocking potential threats and providing insights into network activity, making it a valuable feature for households concerned about cybersecurity.

Power Consumption

While the GT-BE98’s performance is impressive, it’s worth noting that the router draws a considerable amount of power, especially when all features are enabled. Users focused on energy efficiency may find this a drawback. However, given its performance and features, the power usage is expected for a high-end, feature-packed router.

Overall Score: 4.5/5

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 is an exceptional router for gamers, streamers, and heavy internet users who want the best in speed, range, and functionality. With WiFi 7 support, quad-band connectivity, extensive gaming features, and AiMesh compatibility, this router meets the demands of modern households and gaming environments. While it’s overkill for casual users and may come at a premium price, those seeking top-tier performance and future-proof technology will find it worth the investment.