ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Hands-on Review

Being the first gaming router with quad-band Wi-Fi 7 in the world, the Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98 is noteworthy. With speeds of up to 25 Gbps, it ensures a notable boost in network capacity and throughput. This router is made especially to satisfy the needs of gamers who need cutting-edge features and optimal performance.

By utilizing cutting-edge design and technology, the ROG Rapture GT-BE98 maximizes the capabilities of Wi-Fi 7, outperforming its predecessors with 160% quicker speeds. It has upgraded hardware, a new 320MHz bandwidth, 4096-QAM, twin 10G ports, and quad 2.5G ports to provide dependable and quick connections. It also has AURA RGB lighting, AiMesh support, ASUS Triple-level Game Acceleration, Mobile Game Mode, subscription-free network security, and an extensive VPN feature set.

Highlights

• Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with new 320MHz channels in the 6 GHz band and 4096-QAM significantly increases network capacity and throughput, with speeds of up to 25 Gbps
• Multi-link Operation links to multiple bands at the same time to ensure stable internet connections and efficient data transfers
• Dual-feeding antennas boost coverage by providing high efficiency and significantly enhanced signal strength
• Wired connectivity and flexibility with dual 10G ports and quad 2.5G ports
• Subscription-free network security with commercial-grade AiProtection Pro powered by Trend Micro, plus a one-tap security scan and Safe Browsing
• Comprehensive VPN features
• Support for AiMesh extendable routers 

Specifications

View full specifications here.

Packaging

The ROG Rapture GT-BE98 arrives in stylish black package featuring silver accents and the ROG logo. Router specifications, features, and illustrations are displayed on the back. Opening it will reveal the router, complete installation instructions, warranty details, a power supply, and an RJ-45 cable.

• GT-BE98 quad-band gaming router
• RJ-45 cable
• Power adapter
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty card

Design

The ROG Rapture GT-BE98 boasts a bold and futuristic design, crafted from durable high-quality plastic. Its massive size accommodates eight dual-band antennas, ensuring exceptional signal reception and transmission when placed horizontally.

Highlighted by the illuminated ROG logo and customizable LED lighting, the router features sharp edges, transparent cutouts, and a glossy finish with matte textures, catering specifically to gaming enthusiasts. The top panel offers a glimpse of advanced circuitry and heatsinks, adding to its appeal. As a gaming router, the GT-BE98 comes with a striking look.

LED indicators on the front offer clear status updates for internet, LAN, Wi-Fi, and power, facilitating easy monitoring and troubleshooting.

At the back, a well-organized set of ports includes a power switch, power supply connector, USB ports for file sharing, and various LAN options for versatile connectivity.

Featuring 3x 2.5Gbps LAN ports, 1x 2.5 Gigabit WAN port, and a 10 Gigabit WAN/LAN Port at the center, alongside two additional LAN ports on the right—one dedicated for gaming at 10Gbps and the other for LAN at 10/100/1000Mbps.

The router’s dedicated gaming ports automatically prioritize connected devices, ensuring fast and stable connections without complex configurations. Simply connect your gaming PC or console to the special LAN port, and enjoy a fast and stable connection that ensures you remain at the forefront of the queue for seamless gaming experiences.

Software & Setup

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 offers cutting-edge Wi-Fi 7 technology for superior gaming and streaming performance. Featuring ASUS AiMesh and AiProtection Pro, it extends coverage and ensures robust network security.

Gamers will appreciate dedicated features like adaptive QoS and prioritized LAN ports, enhancing gaming sessions and reducing latency. The router supports NVIDIA GeForce Now for enhanced gaming compatibility.

With triple-level game acceleration and AiCloud for remote access, it delivers optimized performance and convenience. Lifetime free AiProtection Pro offers comprehensive network protection, including WPA3 security and parental controls, accessible via the mobile app for easy network monitoring and management.

The ROG Rapture GT-BE98 also includes a lifetime free subscription to AiProtection Pro, which offers complete network protection. Enhanced Parental Controls, the most recent version of the WPA3 security protocol, and more security measures are all included to protect your network. Network management is made convenient with the router’s mobile app, which offers an easy-to-use interface for keeping an eye on network activity and guaranteeing a secure online environment.

Features & Performance

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 offers outstanding performance and a seamless networking experience with its impressive array of features. Wi-Fi 7 proves especially beneficial for handling multiple connections, with the 6GHz band reaching speeds of up to 11,529 Mbps. Equipped with beamforming antenna technology and OFDMA, it provides extensive range and coverage.

Its quad-band Wi-Fi 7 capability delivers a total bandwidth of up to 25Gbps across the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands, ensuring exceptional performance for all connected devices. During testing on a 512 Mbps fiber network with several devices connected, maximum connection speeds were easily achieved within a 5 to 10-meter range, with minimal interference.

Throughout testing, the ROG Rapture GT-BE98 consistently delivered exceptional performance, stability, and ease of use. It provided fast and reliable connectivity, even at considerable distances from the router. It’s worth noting that signal range may vary depending on home layout.

ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Review Verdict

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 is a heavy-duty Wi-Fi 7 router designed for gamers seeking top-tier performance. Despite its higher price and large size, its exceptional capabilities, comprehensive features, and reliability justify the investment for those prioritizing seamless gaming and streaming experiences.