• TWEAK
• Hardware
• Network

ASUS ZenWiFi BT10

Before we go any further, we need to look at the specifications that I found on ASUS' website.

Specifications of ASUS ZenWiFi BT10

HARDWARE FEATURES

• Processor: 2.0 GHz quad-core CPU
• Interface: 1x 10G WAN/LAN / 1x 10G LAN / 1x1G WAN/LAN / 1x USB 3.0
• Button: Reset, WPS, Power On/Off.
• Dimensions: 159 x 72 x 186 mm
• Antenna: 8 Internal antennas
• ASUS AiMesh: Yes
• Primary AiMesh Router: Yes
• AiMesh node: Yes

WIRELESS FEATURES

• Wireless Standards : IEEE 802.11 be/ax/ac/n/a/g/b
• Frequency:

• 6GHz
• 5GHz
• 2.4GHz

• Signal Rate:

• 11529Mbps (6GHz)
• 5764Mbps (5GHz)
• 1376Mbps (2.4GHz)

• Wireless Security:

• WPA
• WPA2
• WPA3
• WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x)
• WPS Support

About ASUS ZenWiFi BT10

ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 is a powerful WiFi 7 router designed for seamless networking experiences. With Multi-Link Operation (MLO), devices can establish connections across multiple bands simultaneously, providing improved speed and stability. The AI-Boosted Smart AiMesh technology optimizes network performance by intelligently distributing connections between connected devices and improving signal strength. The router supports tri-band with a dedicated 6GHz band and has advanced security features via AiProtection Pro. With dual 10G ports and flexible compatibility, it is ideal for gaming, streaming, and IoT.

When you purchase ASUS ZenWiFi BT10, the following are included in the box: the ZenWiFi BT10 devices themselves, an RJ45 network cable for connection, a power adapter, a warranty card, and a quick start guide to help you get started.

ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 has a sleek and minimalist design that fits perfectly into modern homes. The router is compact and comes in a matte finish, making it discreet and elegant without compromising on functionality. It features a vertical chassis that optimizes the placement of the eight internal antennas for maximum signal coverage. LED indicators on the front provide a quick status update without being too intrusive. The aesthetic design is combined with ventilation openings that ensure effective heat dissipation, making it as practical as it is visually appealing.¨

ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 is equipped with an LED indicator on the front that communicates different statuses through colors and light patterns. When the router is connected to the Internet, the indicator glows white. During system optimization, it changes to green. If the WPS function is enabled and searching for a device to pair with, it flashes blue. A red indicator signals a lack of Internet connection. During startup, the light pulses green, and when the device is ready for setup, it glows blue. In the event of an error condition, such as rescue mode, the indicator will be magenta. These visual cues make it easy to monitor the router's status.

On the bottom of the ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 router, you'll find a label with important information, including the default Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password, which are required for initial setup. There's also a QR code that can be scanned with the ASUS Router app to simplify the setup process. By scanning this QR code with the app, you can quickly configure the router without manually entering network information.

ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 is equipped with a variety of ports that allow you to connect various network devices and peripherals. The router has two 10GBase-T RJ-45 ports, one of which can function as a WAN/LAN port and the other is dedicated to LAN, both supporting up to 10 Gbps connections. In addition, there is a 1000Base-T RJ-45 port that can be used as a flexible WAN/LAN port with a speed of up to 1 Gbps. The router also includes a USB 3.0 port, which allows for the connection of external storage drives. This combination of ports ensures versatile and future-proof connectivity.

The test

To set up the router, it can either be done via an app on the phone or via browser.

You can also download the app here:

ASUS Router App for Android

ASUS Router app for iOS

Once the setup is in place, we'll move on to the test. We'll look at how the ROG GT-BE98 works with coverage, and how much speed we can squeeze out of it in practice. The network at home is set up with fiber optic that goes into one end of the house. The most optimal is of course to have the router placed in the middle of the house, which is not the case here. Therefore, we'll also test how the router will be when it needs to be caught at the far end of the house.

To test the ROG GT-BE98, I use the following testing method and programs:

• Speedtest.org app on Pixel 8 measured at distances under 1 meter, 5 meters, and 20 meters.
• Speedtest.org wireless with ASRock Z890 Taichi with 5 meters distance and wired.

The connection is tested on a 1000/1000 fiber connection, with a permanently mounted router, where the internet is distributed to our test unit.

To start, we look at the router when it's wired to the test computer. The ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 excels with a maximum measured speed of 950 Mbps. This performance places it marginally above competitors like the ASUS ZenWiFi Pro XT12, Netgear Orbi RBKE963 and ASUS ROG Rapture GT6, which all come in close at 948-949 Mbps.

At the same time, I also noted the ping. Where we end up with a result of 4, which is in the middle of the tested devices.

In this test, wireless speeds were measured on a desktop computer placed five meters from the primary node, and the ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 emerged as the best performing device. With a speed of 931 Mbps, the ZenWiFi BT10 outperformed all other routers, including the Netgear Orbi RBKE963 at 872 Mbps and the ASUS ZenWiFi XT9, which reached 928 Mbps. This performance shows how the ZenWiFi BT10 manages to maintain impressive speeds even at a distance where many routers experience a drop in performance. The router’s superior technology ensures stable and high performance, making it ideal for demanding tasks such as gaming and streaming at longer distances from the primary node.

In this test, conducted with a phone placed approximately one meter from the primary node, the ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 delivered an outstanding wireless speed of 944 Mbps. This places the router as the best in its class and demonstrates its ability to deliver impressive performance at short distances. The ZenWiFi BT10 outperforms competitors such as the Netgear Orbi RBKE963 and ASUS ROG Rapture GT6, which achieved 919 Mbps and 906 Mbps, respectively. This performance highlights the router’s efficiency and superior technology, making it ideal for high-intensity tasks such as gaming and streaming, where speed and stability are essential. The ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 sets the standard for wireless connections in this category.

In the test, which measured wireless speeds on a phone placed five meters from the primary node, the ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 delivered an impressive performance of 875 Mbps. Although it was surpassed by the Netgear Orbi RBKE963 (900 Mbps) and the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 (914 Mbps), the ZenWiFi BT10 still demonstrates solid performance and competitive speeds at this distance. The router demonstrates its ability to handle demanding tasks such as streaming and gaming, even over longer wireless connections.

In this test, conducted with a phone placed approximately 20 meters from the primary node, the ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 achieved an excellent wireless speed of 934 Mbps. This makes it the best router in the test, surpassing the Netgear Orbi RBKE963, which reached 921 Mbps, and far ahead of other competitors such as the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 and ASUS ZenWiFi XT9, which delivered 285 Mbps and 366 Mbps, respectively. Here, the ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 demonstrates its ability to maintain stable and high performance over long distances, where many other routers see significant drops in speed. This test cements the BT10's position as a premium solution for large homes or offices where distances between devices and the router play a crucial role.

In this test, where upload speeds were measured wirelessly on a phone approximately 5 meters from the primary node, the ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 achieved a superior speed of a whopping 705 Mbps. This result places it significantly ahead of the competition, with the next best device, the Google Nest WiFi, reaching 383 Mbps, and other popular models such as the Netgear Orbi RBKE963 and ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 delivering 281 Mbps and 289 Mbps, respectively. The ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 demonstrates its ability to handle upload-intensive activities such as cloud backups and video conferencing with stable and high performance. This performance shows that the ZenWiFi BT10 is a premium solution for users looking for fast and reliable wireless connections for both download and upload.

In this test, power consumption was measured using a wattmeter to assess the energy efficiency of various routers. The ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 showed a moderate power consumption of 9.39 watts, placing it among the more energy-efficient devices in its class. Compared to the Netgear Orbi RBKE963, which used a whopping 16.3 watts, the ZenWiFi BT10 is significantly more energy-efficient while still delivering high performance. The router also manages to stay below the power consumption of the ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and Pro XT12, both of which are 11 watts. The ZenWiFi BT10 thus balances performance and energy efficiency, making it an eco-friendly choice for users who want to reduce their energy consumption without compromising on network quality.

Price

ASUS ZenWiFi BT10, I have been able to find at a price of 1000$. Which must be said to be a high price. But if we look at performance and we are dealing with the latest technology. Then the price can possibly be justified.

If you want to read about ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 on ASUS' website, you can click on the banner above.

Conclusion

The ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 impresses as one of the most advanced routers on the market, but also comes with a high price of 1000$. Throughout the test, the router shows its strength with impressive performance and advanced features that make it suitable for demanding network tasks. When wired to the test computer, it delivers a top measured speed of 950 Mbps, which places it marginally above competitors such as the Netgear Orbi RBKE963 and ASUS ZenWiFi Pro XT12. With a ping of 4, it is in the middle of the field, which is still satisfactory.

At short distances over wireless, the ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 shows its superior performance, especially at 1 meter, where it delivers 944 Mbps, and again at 5 meters on a desktop computer, where it achieves 931 Mbps. Although the competition is close, the BT10 cements its place as a top-performing device. At longer distances, such as 20 meters, the router does not disappoint either. Here, it performs 934 Mbps, placing it ahead of competitors such as the Netgear Orbi RBKE963 and far ahead of models such as the ASUS ZenWiFi XT9, which only reaches 366 Mbps.

The upload speeds are also a big plus for the BT10. At 5 meters over the wireless connection, a speed of 705 Mbps is measured, which is more than twice as fast as most competitors. This makes the router ideal for tasks such as cloud backups and video meetings, where upload is important. The power consumption is 9.39 watts, which places it among the more energy-efficient devices. Although it is not the most power-efficient router, it balances performance and consumption in a way that makes it attractive to both demanding and environmentally conscious users.

The benefits of ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 are many. It is easy to set up, has a user-friendly app, and integrates advanced technologies such as Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and WiFi 7. The dual 10G ports ensure future-proofing and maximum flexibility, and it can be integrated with AiMesh, making it suitable for larger homes or offices. The performance is consistently high over both short and long distances, making the router ideal for streaming, gaming, and other demanding tasks.

The downsides are worth noting, however. The price tag of over $1000 may put off many consumers, especially those with more basic networking needs. The lack of external antennas may also be a drawback for those who prefer adjustable solutions to optimize the signal. Furthermore, while the performance is outstanding, the router's full potential may be overkill for smaller households.

Overall, the ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 delivers a premium experience with cutting-edge technology and solid performance. The price is justified by its capabilities, especially for enthusiasts and those with high-end networking needs. The ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 scores a 9 out of 10 for its combination of performance, technology, and future-proofing. It’s a router that truly sets the standard for next-generation networking.

Benefits

• Easy setup
• User-friendly app
• Advanced technology with MLO and WiFi 7
• 10G WAN/LAN port + 10G LAN port
• Can be integrated with AiMesh
• High performance

Disadvantages

• Price
• No external antennas

Score: 9