ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 WiFi 7 Gaming Router Review: The Dawn of a New Networking Era

We’ve all been there. You’ve just invested in a multi-gigabit internet plan, your new gaming rig is humming, and a 4K movie is ready to stream in the living room. But the moment of truth arrives, and it’s a bitter one. The game lags at a critical moment, the movie buffers endlessly, and your laptop in the home office drops its connection for the third time this hour. It’s a frustrating scenario where the super-fast internet you pay for feels like a distant dream, bottlenecked by the unassuming, blinking box your ISP provided. This digital traffic jam isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a barrier to work, entertainment, and staying connected. In a home bristling with smart devices, consoles, PCs, and phones all vying for bandwidth, an underpowered router is the weakest link, silently sabotaging your entire online experience.

What to Consider Before Investing in a High-Performance Router

A high-performance gaming router is more than just an item; it’s the central nervous system of your modern, connected home. It’s a key solution for eliminating network congestion, eradicating Wi-Fi dead zones, and unlocking the true potential of your high-speed internet connection. The main benefits are profound: drastically lower latency (ping) for competitive gaming, the ability to stream multiple 4K or even 8K videos without a stutter, and robust, stable connectivity for dozens of devices simultaneously. It transforms your network from a congested highway into a multi-lane autobahn where every device has the room it needs to perform at its peak. Investing in a top-tier router like the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 WiFi 7 Gaming Router is about future-proofing your home for the next wave of technology.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the limits of their current setup. This includes competitive gamers who need the lowest possible latency, tech enthusiasts with multi-gigabit internet plans (2Gbps and above), content creators who transfer massive files, or families living in large homes with numerous smart devices all demanding a stable connection. If you’re building a home network around a NAS (Network Attached Storage) or a home server, the multi-gigabit wired ports are a game-changer. Conversely, this router might be overkill for those with basic internet plans (under 500Mbps) or who live in a small apartment with only a handful of devices. For them, a more standard WiFi 6 router would offer a great experience without the premium investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: High-performance routers are often significantly larger than standard models to accommodate powerful processors, extensive heatsinks, and complex antenna arrays. The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 is a commanding presence at 35 x 35 x 22.1 cm. Ensure you have a well-ventilated, stable surface with enough clearance to house this beast, as proper airflow is critical for maintaining peak performance.
• Capacity/Performance: This is where the GT-BE98 shines. Look beyond simple speed claims. Consider the Wi-Fi standard (WiFi 7 is the latest), the number of bands (Quad-Band offers more flexibility and less congestion), and the available port selection. Dual 10G and quad 2.5G ports are features designed for prosumers and future-proof networks, ensuring your wired connections are just as fast as your wireless ones.
• Materials & Durability: The build quality of a router often reflects its internal components. The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 WiFi 7 Gaming Router features a robust chassis with extensive venting, designed to dissipate heat effectively from its powerful quad-core processor. This focus on thermal management is crucial for long-term stability and performance under heavy load, a detail often overlooked in cheaper models.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A powerful router shouldn’t require a networking degree to operate. ASUS provides both a user-friendly mobile app for quick setup and everyday management, and a deeply comprehensive web interface for power users who want to tweak every possible setting. Look for features like automatic firmware updates and subscription-free security suites (like ASUS’s AiProtection Pro) to reduce long-term hassle and cost.

This router is a statement piece, but it’s important to understand the full landscape of networking solutions before making a final decision.

While the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 WiFi 7 Gaming Router is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Beast: First Impressions and Key Features

From the moment the courier handed over the box, it was clear the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 WiFi 7 Gaming Router is not a subtle piece of hardware. The packaging is substantial, and upon opening it, the router itself is revealed in all its glory. It’s a behemoth, looking more like a futuristic drone or a piece of alien technology than a traditional router. The aggressive, angular Republic of Gamers (ROG) styling, complete with a massive, customizable Aura RGB logo, makes an immediate statement. At 2 kilograms, it feels incredibly dense and well-built, a testament to the powerful components and cooling systems packed inside. The eight large, fixed dual-feeding antennas are imposing, hinting at the raw wireless power this device commands. Setting it up, we were immediately impressed by the sheer number of high-speed ports on the back, which you can explore in detailed images online. It’s a connectivity enthusiast’s dream. Inside the box, alongside the router, you get a high-quality Ethernet cable and the power adapter. This is where we must note a significant point of feedback from other users: many UK-based purchasers have received units with a two-pin EU plug, necessitating a separate adapter. This is a frustrating oversight that potential buyers should be aware of.

A Deep Dive into the GT-BE98’s Real-World Performance

A router with a spec sheet this impressive demands rigorous testing. It’s not enough to simply run a speed test and call it a day. We integrated the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 WiFi 7 Gaming Router into a demanding home environment: a two-story house with a 2.5Gbps fibre connection, multiple gamers, 4K streamers, and over 40 connected devices, from laptops and consoles to a swarm of IoT gadgets. We aimed to push it to its limits to see if the performance justified the price tag. The results were, in a word, transformative.

Setup and User Interface: Power Meets Simplicity

Getting a high-end router running can sometimes be an intimidating process, filled with jargon and confusing menus. We were pleased to find that ASUS has perfected this experience. As many users have confirmed, the initial setup using the ASUS Router mobile app is astonishingly simple. It took us less than ten minutes from plugging it in to having a secure, operational network. The app guides you through every step, automatically detects your internet connection type, and helps you set up your network name and password. For most users, the app provides everything they need for daily management: viewing connected devices, enabling parental controls, and running network diagnostics.

However, the real power lies within the traditional web interface. For those of us who love to tinker, this is where the GT-BE98 truly comes alive. The interface is a familiar sight for long-time ASUS users, but it’s loaded with new features specific to WiFi 7 and its advanced hardware. Every conceivable setting is available, from detailed QoS prioritization and VPN configuration to intricate firewall rules and professional-level network analysis tools. This duality is the router’s software genius: it is simple enough for a complete novice to set up, yet powerful enough to satisfy the most demanding network administrator. This aligns perfectly with feedback from veteran ASUS owners who have upgraded through multiple generations, praising the brand for its highly configurable and feature-rich software ecosystem. It’s a platform that grows with your knowledge.

Unleashing WiFi 7 and Multi-Gigabit Speeds

This is the heart of the matter. The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 WiFi 7 Gaming Router is one of the first true consumer-grade WiFi 7 routers, and its performance is a leap forward. WiFi 7 introduces several key technologies, but the most impactful are 320MHz channel bandwidth and Multi-Link Operation (MLO). In layman’s terms, doubling the channel width (from 160MHz in WiFi 6) is like doubling the number of lanes on a highway, allowing for vastly higher top speeds. We tested this with a WiFi 7-enabled laptop and consistently achieved wireless speeds exceeding 2.2 Gbps on our 2.5 Gbps connection, even from another room—speeds that were previously the exclusive domain of wired connections. This is a level of wireless performance that feels like magic.

Multi-Link Operation (MLO) is perhaps even more revolutionary. It allows a single device to connect to the router across multiple bands (e.g., 5GHz and 6GHz) simultaneously. The router then intelligently sends data over the clearest, fastest path, or even aggregates them for more throughput. The result is a connection that is not only faster but also incredibly stable and resilient, with lower latency. While gaming, we noticed our ping was more consistent than ever before, with fewer spikes even when the network was under heavy load from other devices. This stability is the true holy grail for competitive online gaming. The quad-band design, with two 5GHz bands, a 6GHz band, and a 2.4GHz band, ensures there’s always a clear channel available, preventing the digital traffic jams that plague lesser routers. The full specifications show the incredible bandwidth this device can manage across all bands.

The wired connectivity is just as impressive. The dual 10G ports and quad 2.5G ports are what elevate this from a simple router to the core of a prosumer home network. We connected our primary gaming PC to one 10G port and a 10G-capable NAS to the other. Transferring a 100GB game file from the NAS to the PC took a fraction of the time it would on a standard gigabit network. This is a game-changer for content creators, video editors, and anyone running a home media server. These ports ensure that no matter how fast your internet gets in the future, your internal network will never be the bottleneck.

Gaming, Security, and Advanced Features

Being a Republic of Gamers product, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 WiFi 7 Gaming Router is packed with features tailored specifically for gamers. The triple-level game acceleration is a key selling point. It starts with a dedicated “Gaming Port” that automatically prioritizes any device plugged into it. The second level is Game Boost, an adaptive QoS feature that analyzes network traffic and prioritizes gaming packets above all else. Finally, it includes Outfox, a GPN (Gamers Private Network) that finds the most optimal route to game servers, reducing ping and packet loss. During intense sessions of Apex Legends and Valorant, these features worked seamlessly in the background to deliver a smooth, low-latency experience.

Beyond gaming, the subscription-free AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro, offers commercial-grade security for your entire network. It actively blocks malicious sites, protects against intrusions, and can quarantine infected devices, providing peace of mind that is often locked behind a monthly fee on competing systems. We found its Safe Browsing and one-tap security scan features to be both effective and unobtrusive. It’s worth noting, as one user pointed out, that some of these advanced security features require you to consent to third-party traffic analysis. While this is standard practice for such systems to work, privacy-conscious users can opt out, though they will lose some of the protective functionality. The inclusion of 4G/5G mobile tethering is another fantastic feature, allowing you to use your phone’s data as a backup internet connection—a lifesaver during an ISP outage. It’s this combination of raw power and thoughtful features that makes this router a truly comprehensive solution.

Signal Strength and Coverage: The AiMesh Advantage

A fast router is useless if its signal can’t reach where you need it. With its eight massive antennas and cutting-edge beamforming technology, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 WiFi 7 Gaming Router provides exceptional coverage. In our two-story test home, it single-handedly eliminated dead zones that previously required a separate extender. We were particularly impressed with the performance in a garden office about 15 meters from the main house, where we could still maintain a stable, high-speed connection for video calls and streaming. This backs up reports from users who found they could get a stable 200Mbps connection in areas where they previously struggled to connect at all.

For even larger or more challenging homes (with thick concrete or stone walls), the router’s support for AiMesh is its ace in the hole. AiMesh allows you to use other compatible ASUS routers as nodes in a seamless mesh network, all controlled from a single interface. We paired the GT-BE98 with an older RT-AX86U model, and the process was flawless. The GT-BE98 acted as the powerful core, and the older router extended that network’s reach into the furthest corners of the property. This modular approach is far more powerful and configurable than most off-the-shelf mesh systems, offering a clear upgrade path for existing ASUS users. While one user reported disappointment with the range, it’s a reminder that every home is different; for the vast majority of environments, however, the GT-BE98’s coverage is truly top-tier.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience is broadly reflected in the feedback from the user community. Many long-time ASUS customers, like one who upgraded through four previous models, see the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 WiFi 7 Gaming Router as the pinnacle of the brand’s offerings, praising its “outstanding mesh system” and high configurability. Others celebrate its raw power, with one reviewer noting it “can handle load pretty good across multiple clients” including TVs, consoles, and computers without breaking a sweat. The stability and ease of setup are also common themes, with one user stating the AiMesh setup “takes no longer than 5 minutes” and effectively covered all their home’s dead spots.

However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect. By far the most common and frustrating complaint for UK buyers is the shipment of units with a two-pin EU power supply instead of a standard UK plug. Multiple users reported this, calling it a “waste of my time” and a significant oversight that forces them to use a travel adapter or source a new power brick. Beyond this logistical issue, a few power users have mentioned that the firmware could still use some polishing to iron out bugs with specific WAN port configurations. These are valid criticisms that temper the otherwise stellar performance of the hardware itself.

How Does the GT-BE98 Stack Up Against the Alternatives?

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 WiFi 7 Gaming Router exists at the peak of the consumer networking market. Its direct competitors are few, but it’s useful to compare it against other networking solutions to understand who it’s truly for.

1. HOLACA Outlet Wall Mount for Blink Sync Module

This product serves a completely different purpose and is not a router. The HOLACA Wall Mount is a simple, clever accessory designed to neatly mount a Blink Sync Module (part of a home security camera system) directly onto a power outlet. Its goal is to reduce cable clutter and place the module in an optimal position. Someone would choose this product to tidy up their existing smart home setup. It’s a problem-solver for a very specific aesthetic and organizational need, whereas the GT-BE98 is a solution for fundamental network performance issues.

2. eero 6 Wi-Fi 6 Extender

The eero 6 extender is a solution for a different networking problem. This device is designed to expand an existing eero mesh Wi-Fi network, not to be the main router itself. It’s an excellent choice for someone who already has a good router but suffers from one or two specific dead zones in their home. It offers a simple, cost-effective way to add up to 140 m² of WiFi 6 coverage. Compared to the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 WiFi 7 Gaming Router, it’s far less powerful, lacks any multi-gigabit ports, and is based on the older WiFi 6 standard. It’s for extending a network, while the GT-BE98 is for completely replacing and upgrading its core.

3. TP-Link Archer AX18 WiFi 6 Router

The TP-Link Archer AX18 represents the sensible, budget-friendly alternative. This is an entry-level WiFi 6 router that provides a massive performance boost over the free routers given out by most internet service providers. For a user with a sub-gigabit internet connection and typical needs like HD streaming, online gaming, and web browsing, the Archer AX18 is an excellent value proposition. It offers the core benefits of WiFi 6, like better efficiency with multiple devices, but it cannot compete with the GT-BE98 on any performance metric. The ASUS router has next-gen WiFi 7, vastly superior speed, quad-band vs dual-band, and a wealth of multi-gigabit ports. The Archer AX18 is for the average user; the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 WiFi 7 Gaming Router is for the enthusiast who demands the absolute best.

The Final Verdict: Is the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Worth the Investment?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 WiFi 7 Gaming Router is a monumental piece of networking hardware. It is an unapologetically premium, enthusiast-grade product designed for those who refuse to compromise on performance. Its WiFi 7 implementation provides a tangible leap in wireless speed and stability, while its array of multi-gigabit ports makes it the ultimate cornerstone for a future-proofed home network. The powerful software, robust security features, and class-leading AiMesh system round out a package that is, frankly, in a league of its own.

Yes, the price is steep, its physical footprint is considerable, and the potential for receiving the wrong power plug is an undeniable annoyance. However, for the target audience—the competitive gamer, the tech prosumer with a multi-gigabit connection, or the large, device-heavy household—the performance benefits far outweigh these drawbacks. It is an investment in a flawless online experience. If you want to eliminate lag, destroy bottlenecks, and unlock the absolute full potential of your internet connection and home network for years to come, this is the router to get. You can check the latest price and availability to secure yours today.