Routers / Compare

ASUS RT-BE88U vs TP-Link Archer BE230

A

Product A: ASUS

RT-BE88U

59 of 90 known

Change ASUS RT-BE88U

Compare the TP-Link Archer BE230 with

Search routers

B

Product B: TP-Link

Archer BE230

64 of 90 known

Change TP-Link Archer BE230

Compare the ASUS RT-BE88U with

Search routers

All 90 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

AASUS RT-BE88U

BTP-Link Archer BE230

General

3 of 9 differ

Series

Not available

Archer1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

RT-BE88U1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Model: RT-BE88U.

Archer BE230, Archer BE36001Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026The support page lists the Archer BE3600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router datasheet under the Archer BE230 downloads, and the maker's end-of-sale list has Archer BE230 and Archer BE3600 (Walmart) rows with the same dates. Tom's Guide and Dong Knows Tech both call the BE3600 the identical router. The datasheet of the BE230 is used.

GTIN / EAN

Not available

Not available

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

27 March 202410Press articlethefpsreview.com/2024/03/27/asus-unveils-rt-be88u-wifi-7-dual-band-router-with-7200-mbps-speeds-and-34-gbps-of-combined-wired-capacityRead 15 October 2026Article of 2024-03-27 reports that ASUS unveiled the RT-BE88U.

Not available

Status

Available2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88uRead 15 October 2026The product page is live, with support, manuals and firmware listed.

Available1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026The product page and the support downloads are live. Firmware 1.2.6 build 20260617 is dated 2026-07-30. The maker's US end-of-sale list (V9) gives an end-of-sale notice date of 2026-08-18 and an end-of-sale date of 2027-02-14 for the US versions, so it is still sold.5Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2026/202609/20260921/US%20EOS_List_Home%20-%20V9.pdfRead 14 October 2026Archer BE230 versions 1.0, 1.6, 1.20 and 1.26 (US) and Archer BE3600 1.6 and 1.26 (USW): end-of-sale notice 2026-08-18, end of sale 2027-02-14. Stored as available until the end-of-sale date passes.

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

Not available

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Not available

Not available

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$39911Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be88u-reviewRead 15 October 2026Hardware table: U.S. Launch Price $399. Dong Knows Tech's article of 2024-06-03 says the router costs $399. Tom's Hardware calls $349.99 the MSRP in its review of 2024-08-26, so the price may have dropped later. The US maker page shows no launch price. No euro launch price was found.

$9911Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-be230-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: U.S. price at launch $99, for the Archer BE230 (Archer BE3600). The Tom's Hardware launch report of 2024-07-23 gives $99 at Walmart too. Tom's Guide later prints a list price of $120. Retailer sale prices are not used.13Press articletech.yahoo.com/general/articles/tp-walmart-tout-first-sub-181914722.htmlRead 14 October 2026The new TP-Link Archer BE3600 is available exclusively through Walmart for $99. Excluding tax, US.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

US11Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be88u-reviewRead 15 October 2026The launch price is a U.S. price.

US10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026US review and US prices.11Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-be230-reviewRead 14 October 2026US launch price.13Press articletech.yahoo.com/general/articles/tp-walmart-tout-first-sub-181914722.htmlRead 14 October 2026US, Walmart.

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Black3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE88U/E27212_RT-BE88U_UM_v2_EAA_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Welcome section: black chassis with gaming-inspired red accents. The page gives no colour name, so it is stored as Black.

Black10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Wrapped in black plastic. The review gives no colour name. The retail listings say Black.

Form factoriMesh system is a product line sold in packs of mesh units, e.g. eero, Deco and Orbi. A standalone router that can join a mesh as an option is a router. A travel router is a pocket-size router sold for travel.

Router2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88uRead 15 October 2026Standalone router that works as the primary AiMesh router or as an AiMesh node, so it is stored as router.

Router1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Standalone router, EasyMesh-compatible.

SegmentiThe maker's own product category, e.g. ASUS ROG is Gaming and ASUS ExpertWiFi is Business. It is not assigned from price or features.

Home2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88uRead 15 October 2026The US page sits under WiFi Routers, ASUS WiFi Routers and is not a ROG or TUF product, so it is stored as home. It has gaming features such as a dedicated gaming port. Other regional ASUS sites list the same model under ASUS Gaming Routers, so the maker's category differs by region.

Home1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Listed under the maker's WiFi routers for homes. The page rates coverage for 3 Bedroom Houses.

Wi-Fi

7 of 14 differ

Wi-FiiThe newest Wi-Fi generation the product supports.

Wi-Fi 71Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Network Standard lists WiFi 7 (802.11be).

Wi-Fi 71Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026

Wi-Fi speed classiThe maker's class name, e.g. BE19000 or AXE11000. It adds up the top link rates of all radios. No single device reaches it. A Wi-Fi 6E class starts with AXE, also when the maker writes AX, so eero's AX5400 is AXE5400. The class is not the model number, so GL.iNet's GL-AXT1800 is AX1800.

BE72001Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Product Segment: BE7200 ultimate BE performance, 1376+5764 Mbps.

BE36001Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026The page names the product BE3600 and shows the total as 3570 Mbps (2882 + 688).

Wi-Fi radiosiOne row per radio in one unit. A quad-band unit with two 5 GHz radios has two 5 GHz rows.

AASUS RT-BE88U

Band	Wi-Fi	Streams	Max channel width (MHz)	Max link rate (Mbps)	Dedicated backhaul
2.4 GHz	Wi-Fi 7	4	40	1,376	No
5 GHz	Wi-Fi 7	4	160	5,764	No

Source1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026WiFi Data Rate: WiFi 7 (802.11be) 5 GHz up to 5764 Mbps and 2.4 GHz up to 1376 Mbps. Transmit / Receive: 5 GHz 4x4 and 2.4 GHz 4x4. Boosts Speed lists 20/40/80/160 MHz bandwidth. The 2.4 GHz channel is stored as 40 MHz, since 1376 Mbps is the 802.11be rate of 4 streams at 40 MHz and Dong Knows Tech prints 20/40MHz for that band. 5764 Mbps is the rate of 4 streams at 160 MHz. There is no 6 GHz radio.13Reviewtomshardware.com/networking/routers/asus-rt-be88u-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 15 October 2026Review published 2024-08-26 on a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router with 4x4 on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz and no 6 GHz. Its iPerf 3.16 results from an Acer Swift Edge 16 with a Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 adapter, uncongested, 5 GHz: above 1.2 Gbps at 6 ft and 958 Mbps at 25 ft. They are not stored, because measured throughput is Tom's Guide only.

BTP-Link Archer BE230

Band	Wi-Fi	Streams	Max channel width (MHz)	Max link rate (Mbps)
2.4 GHz	Wi-Fi 7	2	40	688
5 GHz	Wi-Fi 7	2	160	2,882

Source1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026WiFi Speeds: BE3600, 5 GHz 2882 Mbps (802.11be) and 2.4 GHz 688 Mbps (802.11be). Capacity: 2x2 MU-MIMO, 4 streams, dual-band. Streams per band follow from the rates: 688 Mbps at 40 MHz and 2882 Mbps at 160 MHz are both 2 streams. The widest channels come from the datasheet.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/17286Read 14 October 2026Datasheet Archer BE230_V1: WiFi Speeds 2882 Mbps (5 GHz) + 688 Mbps (2.4 GHz). The reception sensitivity table lists 11be EHT40 on 2.4 GHz and 11be EHT160 on 5 GHz, so 40 MHz and 160 MHz are the widest channels.

Radio bandsiRadios that work at the same time in one unit. Tri-band is 3 and quad-band is 4, also when two radios use the same frequency band.

2=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

2=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

6 GHz band

No=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

No=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

Combined Wi-Fi link rateiSum of the top link rates of all radios in one unit. It is close to the number in the speed class. No single device reaches it.

7,140Mbps=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

3,570Mbps=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

Wi-Fi streamsiSpatial streams of all radios in one unit, e.g. 12 for a tri-band router with 4x4 on each band.

8=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

4=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

Max Wi-Fi channel widthiWidest channel of any radio, e.g. 320 on the 6 GHz band.

160MHz=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

160MHz=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

Wi-Fi featuresiFeatures the maker names for the product. Band steering puts all bands under one network name and moves devices between them, e.g. Smart Connect. Band steering over only some of the bands, such as 2.4 and 5 GHz on a tri-band router, counts. AFC is Automated Frequency Coordination, which allows standard power on 6 GHz. Support that needs a later firmware counts, and the firmware goes in the source note.

Multi-Link Operation (MLO), 4K-QAM, OFDMA, MU-MIMO1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Boosts Speed: OFDMA and 4096-QAM. Wireless row: MU-MIMO. MLO comes from the product page.2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88uRead 15 October 2026Dual-Band Multi-Link: Multi-Link Operation aggregates the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The page also names 4K-QAM.

Multi-Link Operation (MLO), Multi-RU, 4K-QAM, OFDMA, MU-MIMO, Beamforming, Band steering1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Advanced Features: MLO, 4K-QAM, Multi-RUs, EasyMesh-compatible. Capacity lists 2x2 MU-MIMO, OFDMA and Airtime Fairness. Range lists Beamforming.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/17286Read 14 October 2026WiFi 7 Features: MLO, 4K-QAM and Multi-RUs. Smart Connect assigns each device to the best Wi-Fi band, stored as band_steering.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/46774Read 14 October 2026Smart Connect combines the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands and assigns devices between them to balance network demands. Wireless Settings offers OFDMA + MU-MIMO.

External antennasiAntennas outside the case, as the maker counts them.

41Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Antenna: External antenna x 4.

41Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 20264x External Antennas.11Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-be230-reviewRead 14 October 2026Four non-detachable antennas that swivel 180 degrees and tilt up to 90 degrees.

Internal antennasiAntennas inside the case, as the maker counts them.

Not available

Not available

Detachable antennasiThe external antennas screw off and can be replaced. Fixed antennas that only fold or turn do not count.

Yes2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88uRead 15 October 2026Detachable Antennas: the router comes with four detachable antennas that can be repositioned.11Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be88u-reviewRead 15 October 2026The review says the router comes with four detachable antennas.

No10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: number of antennas/removable: 4/No. The text says the antennas swivel but can't easily be replaced.11Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-be230-reviewRead 14 October 2026Four non-detachable antennas.

Coverage of one unit (claimed)iThe maker's claimed area that one unit covers. A square feet claim is converted exactly and rounded to a whole m². A claim for a whole pack is stored separately. An area that a trusted review quotes from the maker counts, and the source note names the review.

279m²2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88uRead 15 October 2026Extendable coverage up to (1pk) 3,000 sq.ft. Converted to 279 m2 (278.7). Tom's Hardware prints the same 3,000 square feet in its spec table. Dong Knows Tech writes about 2,500 sq ft for its own use and the maker figure is used.

Not available

Connected devices per unit (claimed)iThe maker's claimed maximum number of devices one unit serves. A claim for a whole mesh pack is not stored here.

Not available

Not available

Ports and modem

6 of 9 differ

PortsiData ports on the main unit. The power input is not a port. A combo port takes an RJ45 cable or an SFP+ module and is counted once. WAN or LAN means the maker says the port can be either, including auto-sensing ports.

AASUS RT-BE88U

Port	Count	Role	Max speed (Gbps)	Version
RJ45	1	WAN or LAN	10	Not available
SFP+	1	WAN or LAN	10	Not available
RJ45	1	WAN or LAN	2.5	Not available
RJ45	3	LAN	2.5	Not available
RJ45	4	LAN	1	Not available
USB-A	1	Not available	5	USB 3.2 Gen 1

Source1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026I/O Ports: 1 x 10Gbps for WAN/LAN, 1 x 10Gbps SFP+ Port, 1 x 2.5Gbps for WAN/LAN, 3 x 2.5 Gbps for LAN, 4 x RJ45 10/100/1000Mbps for LAN, USB 3.2 Gen1 x1. USB 3.2 Gen 1 is stored at 5 Gbps, the standard rate. The SFP+ role comes from the product page (10G SFP+ WAN/LAN port). The USB connector is not named here. The rear panel photo on the product page shows a blue USB Type-A port.2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88uRead 15 October 2026The page calls the SFP+ port a 10G SFP+ WAN/LAN port and lists one 10G WAN/LAN port and one 2.5G WAN/LAN port as WAN inputs. Up to 34G WAN and LAN capacity and up to 9 LAN ports.3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE88U/E27212_RT-BE88U_UM_v2_EAA_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.3: 10G WAN/LAN1 (Internet) port, 10G SFP+ port with up to 10 Gbit/s, 2.5G WAN/LAN1 port, 2.5G LAN 2 to 4 ports, 1G LAN 5 to 8 ports and one USB 3.2 Gen 1 port.

BTP-Link Archer BE230

Port	Count	Role	Max speed (Gbps)	Version
RJ45	1	WAN	2.5	Not available
RJ45	1	LAN	2.5	Not available
RJ45	3	LAN	1	Not available
USB-A	1	Not available	5	USB 3.0

Source1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Ethernet Ports: 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN, 1x 2.5 Gbps LAN and 3x 1 Gbps LAN. USB Support: 1x USB 3.0. USB 3.0 is the 5 Gbps USB data rate.

Ethernet portsiRJ45 ports of all roles, WAN and LAN.

9=CalculatedFrom Ports

5=CalculatedFrom Ports

Multi-gig portsiWired network ports of 2.5 Gbps or faster, RJ45 or fiber.

6=CalculatedFrom Ports

2=CalculatedFrom Ports

Fastest WAN portiThe fastest port that can take the internet connection.

10Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

2.5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

Fastest LAN portiThe fastest port for wired devices. A port that can be WAN or LAN counts here too.

10Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

2.5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

USB ports

1=CalculatedFrom Ports

1=CalculatedFrom Ports

SFP+ portiA slot for a 10 Gbps fiber or DAC module.

Yes=CalculatedFrom Ports

No=CalculatedFrom Ports

Built-in modemiModems inside the router. A port for an external modem does not count. A fiber slot counts only when the fiber module is in the box.

Not available

Not available

Modem standardsiStandards of the built-in modem as published, e.g. DOCSIS 3.1, VDSL2 35b, GPON or 5G NR.

Not available

Not available

Mesh

2 of 7 differ

Mesh technologiesiMesh systems the unit can join, by the maker's name, e.g. AiMesh, EasyMesh or TP-Link OneMesh.

AiMesh1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026AiMesh: Primary AiMesh Router and AiMesh Node.

EasyMesh1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026EasyMesh: Compatible with EasyMesh.

Units per packiUnits in the box. The base lists every pack size sold. Each pack variant holds its own. A standalone router is 1.

11Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026One router is sold.

11Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026One router is sold.

Coverage of the pack (claimed)iThe maker's claimed area for a whole pack. Each pack variant holds its own claim. The claims of single units are never added up.

Not available

Not available

Identical unitsiEvery unit in a pack is the same model, so any unit can be the router. Not true for systems with a separate satellite model, such as NETGEAR Orbi.

Not available

Not available

Satellite modeliModel number of the satellite when it differs from the router unit.

Not available

Not available

Satellite portsiData ports on one satellite. Only when the satellite differs from the router unit.

Not available

Not available

Ethernet backhauliMesh units can link to each other over an Ethernet cable.

Yes3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE88U/E27212_RT-BE88U_UM_v2_EAA_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Support topics under AiMesh list wired connection between AiMesh routers (Ethernet backhaul).

Not available

Software

5 of 7 differ

ManagementiWays to set up and manage the router. A web interface is a full settings page in a browser on the local network. A status page alone does not count.

Mobile app, Web interface1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026User Interface: WEB ASUSWRT, APP ASUS Router APP.

Mobile app, Web interface1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Management Features: Tether App and Webpage.

Online account requirediSetup and management need an online account with the maker, with no local way around it.

No13Reviewtomshardware.com/networking/routers/asus-rt-be88u-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 15 October 2026Setup ran in the browser at Asuslogin.com, which asked for a wireless SSID and password and then a username and password for the router. No online account was needed.

No3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/46774Read 14 October 2026Quick setup in the web interface says that to use more of TP-Link's cloud service you can log in with a TP-Link ID or click Skip to proceed.

Operating modesiModes the maker lists. Media bridge connects wired devices to another router over Wi-Fi. Extender, range extender and WDS modes count as repeater.

Router, Access point, Mesh node, Repeater, Media bridge1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Operating Mode: Repeater Mode, Media Bridge Mode, Access Point Mode, AiMesh Node Mode and Wireless Router Mode.

Router, Access point1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Wireless Mode: Router Mode and Access Point Mode.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/46774Read 14 October 2026Section 4.4 Set Up the Router as an Access Point.

Network featuresiFeatures the maker lists that work without a paid subscription. An IoT network is a separate network for smart home devices. Dual WAN uses a second internet connection as a backup or to share the load. Only features the maker clearly says are free. Parental controls counts when a free feature pauses or schedules internet access per person or device, such as eero Profiles, even when content filters need a subscription. When the maker's pages contradict each other, leave the feature out.

Guest network, IoT network, VLAN, IPTV, Dual WAN, WAN aggregation, LAN aggregation, QoS, Parental controls, Dynamic DNS1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Guest Network (Support Guest Network Pro), IPTV, LAN Link Aggregation, Dual WAN, WAN Aggregation, DDNS, Parental Control, Adaptive QoS and Traditional QoS are listed. The product page adds an IoT Network and VLAN controls.2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88uRead 15 October 2026Guest Network Pro with an IoT Network, VLAN controls and parental controls.5Maker product pageasus.com/content/aiprotectionRead 15 October 2026The page lists parental controls as part of the subscription-free AiProtection set.

Guest network, IoT network, IPTV, QoS, Parental controls, Dynamic DNS1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Guest Network: 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz. Advanced Features lists an IoT Network. IPTV lists IGMP Proxy, IGMP Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN, so VLAN is not stored. QoS by Device and DDNS (TP-Link, NO-IP, DynDNS) are listed. HomeShield Parental Controls are listed and the basic tier is free (see the HomeShield page).3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/46774Read 14 October 2026Chapters on Guest Network, IoT Network, IPTV (section 16.4) and Dynamic DNS (section 16.6).8Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/homeshieldRead 14 October 2026Basic parental controls (create profile, preset age template, pause the internet) and QoS are listed as free.

VPN serveriProtocols the router can serve, to reach the home network from outside. A paid VPN service is not a VPN server.

WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPsec, PPTP1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026VPN: VPN Server IPSec, Open VPN, PPTP and WireGuard.

OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, WireGuard1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026VPN Server: OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP and WireGuard. The user guide names the L2TP server L2TP/IPSec.

VPN clientiProtocols the router can use to connect to an outside VPN server.

WireGuard, OpenVPN, L2TP, PPTP1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026VPN: VPN Client L2TP, Open VPN, PPTP and WireGuard.

OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, WireGuard1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026VPN Client: OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP and WireGuard.

USB applicationsiWhat the USB port can be used for. Cellular modem is a USB 4G or 5G modem used as an internet connection or backup.

File server, Media server, Time Machine, Cellular modem1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026USB application: AiCloud, Download Master, AiDisk, Media Server, Time Machine, Samba Server and FTP Server. WAN lists a 3G / 4G LTE dongle, and the product page describes 4G / 5G mobile tethering through USB. No printer server is listed, so it is not stored.

File server, Media server, Time Machine1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Supported functions: FTP Server, Media Server, Samba Server.3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/46774Read 14 October 2026Chapter 10 covers USB storage access (Samba, FTP), media sharing and Time Machine in its chapter overview. The body of the chapter has no Time Machine section. Tom's Guide describes a Time Machine backup setting in the web interface.10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026The web interface has a place to set the USB drive up for Time Machine backups.

Security

4 of 5 differ

Wi-Fi securityiEnhanced Open encrypts an open network without a password.

WPA2-Personal, WPA3-Personal, WPA2-Enterprise, WPA3-Enterprise, Enhanced Open (OWE)1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Security: WPA3 Personal, WPA2 Personal, WPA Personal, WPA Enterprise, WPA2 Enterprise, WPA3 Enterprise and Open System & OWE. A footnote says WPA/WPA2 Enterprise is only available on a single router, not under AiMesh.

WPA2-Personal, WPA3-Personal, WPA2-Enterprise1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026WiFi Encryption: WPA, WPA2, WPA3 and WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x).

Security serviceiThe maker's built-in security service by name, e.g. AiProtection Pro, HomeShield, NETGEAR Armor or eero Plus.

AiProtection Pro1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026AiProtection row: AiProtection Pro with router security assessment, malicious site blocking, two-way IPS and infected device prevention and blocking.

HomeShield1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Service Kit: HomeShield.

Security service costiWhat the service costs after any free trial. Basic free means the basic features are free and the full set needs a subscription. When the free and paid tiers share one name, such as HomeShield, it is basic free. NETGEAR Armor has no free tier after its trial, so it is paid. When the paid tier is a separate add-on, such as eero Plus, it is paid.

Free2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88uRead 15 October 2026Page title and section: subscription-free network security with AiProtection Pro powered by Trend Micro.5Maker product pageasus.com/content/aiprotectionRead 15 October 2026ASUS AiProtection is described as a subscription-free, built-in network security solution. The product page links to this page.

Basic free, full paid8Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/homeshieldRead 14 October 2026Basic network security (router and wireless security scan, IoT device identification) is free. IoT protection, web protection and intrusion prevention need Security+, with a 30-day free trial. The datasheet says HomeShield includes basic and advanced features and advanced features need a paid subscription.

Automatic firmware updatesiThe router can install firmware updates by itself.

Yes1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Administration: Auto Firmware Update.

Yes1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Cloud Service: Auto Firmware Upgrade.

Security updates untiliPublished end date of security updates for this model. It is not calculated from a number of years. A published minimum date, such as "at least through" or "or later", counts as the stated date. The source note says it is a minimum and names the region.

31 December 20287Maker product pageasus.com/support/faq/1051929Read 15 October 2026The UK FAQ (Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act) lists RT-BE88U in the group with a product security update period of 4 years, until 31 December 2028, and says extended support may be provided after that date. The date is a minimum and applies to the UK.8Maker product pageasus.com/support/faq/1056369Read 15 October 2026The Australia FAQ (Cyber Security (Security Standards for Smart Devices) Rules 2025) lists RT-BE88U with 4 years, until 31 December 2028, and says extended support may be provided after that date. The date is a minimum and applies to Australia. It matches the UK FAQ.9Maker product pageasus.com/support/faq/1051375Read 15 October 2026The Singapore FAQ (Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme) lists RT-BE88U with an end of support of 30 December 2027 and says extended support may follow. The later UK and Australia date is stored.

3 August 20296Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2026/202609/20260907/Statements%20of%20PSTI%20Compliance_TP-Link.pdfRead 14 October 2026UK PSTI statement, Home Networking, Routers: Archer BE230 V1 has a defined support period of 3/8/2029 (3 August 2029). The statement says the period ends 3 years after the end-of-life date and may be refreshed to extend it, so the date is a minimum. The same list gives Archer BE3600 V1 as 14/2/2030. The statement is for the UK, and the US end-of-sale date is later than the EU one, so the US date may be later.

Smart home

1 of 5 differ

Thread border router

Not available

Not available

Matter controlleriCan add and control Matter devices. Being a Matter device alone does not count.

Not available

Not available

Zigbee hubiA built-in Zigbee radio that controls Zigbee smart home devices.

Not available

Not available

BluetoothiVersion of the Bluetooth radio in the router, often used for setup.

Not available

Not available

Smart home platformsiSmart home and voice platforms the router works with, e.g. Amazon Alexa or Google Home.

Not available

Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Advanced Features: Works with Alexa and Google Assistant.

Hardware

4 of 6 differ

System on chipiMain chip or platform as published, e.g. Broadcom BCM4916 or Qualcomm Networking Pro 620. A chip maker name alone, such as Broadcom, is not stored.

Broadcom BCM491611Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be88u-reviewRead 15 October 2026The review does not name the chip. The SoC comes from WikiDevi and MBReviews.14Spec databasewikidevi.wi-cat.ru/ASUS_RT-BE88URead 15 October 2026CPU/SoC: Broadcom BCM4916, 2.6 GHz, 4 cores.15Reviewmbreviews.com/asus-rt-be88u-wifi-7-router-testRead 15 October 2026Teardown table: quad-core 2.6GHz Broadcom BCM4916KFEBG with two Broadcom BCM6726 Wi-Fi chips.

Broadcom BCM676410Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: Wi-Fi chip Broadcom BCM6764. The text says the router is powered by Broadcom's BCM6764 Wi-Fi chip with a quad-core 2.0 GHz processor. The maker publishes no chip and Dong Knows Tech lists the processor as undisclosed.

CPU cores

41Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Processor: 2.6GHz quad-core processor.

410Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: processor/memory/storage quad-core 2.0 / 512MB / 128MB.

CPU clockiHighest published processor clock.

2.6GHz1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Processor: 2.6GHz quad-core processor.

2GHz10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: quad-core 2.0.

RAMiRouter RAM in GB. When any trusted source prints a GB figure, use it, e.g. 1 GB rather than 1024 MB converted. Convert MB with 1000 MB per GB only when MB is the only figure, e.g. 512 MB is 0.512, and keep the original figure in the source note. Same rule as streaming devices.

2GB1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Memory: 256 MB Flash and 2 GB RAM.

512MB10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026512MB, the only figure printed. Stored as 0.512 GB.

Flash storageiBuilt-in flash memory for the firmware in GB. Convert MB with 1000 MB per GB, as for RAM. A memory card or USB drive does not count.

256MB1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Memory: 256 MB Flash. Stored as 0.256 GB.

128MB10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026128MB. Stored as 0.128 GB.

Cooling faniA fan inside the unit. Passive cooling does not count.

No11Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be88u-reviewRead 15 October 2026The review says the router has no internal fan and a fanless design.

No10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Passive cooling through square holes in the top.11Reviewdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-be230-reviewRead 14 October 2026The router has no fan and ran silently.

Power

2 of 5 differ

Power supplyiHow the main unit gets power. USB is a USB-C power adapter. PoE is power over an Ethernet cable.

External DC adapter1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Power Supply: AC input 110V~240V (50~60Hz) and a power adapter. Package Content lists a power adapter.

External DC adapter1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026The datasheet lists a power adapter in the box, and the user guide describes a power port for the provided adapter.

Rated power inputiDevice input rating as published, in volts and amps.

12 V, 5 A / 19 V, 2.37 A / 19.5 V, 2.31 A1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Power Supply: DC output 12 V with max. 5 A current, 19 V with max. 2.37 A current and 19.5 V with max. 2.31 A current. The manual and the quick start guide list only 19.5 V 2.31 A and 12 V 5 A. The page does not say which adapter ships in which market, so all three are stored.3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE88U/E27212_RT-BE88U_UM_v2_EAA_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.3 notes: DC power adapter (DC output) +19.5V with 2.31A and +12V with 5A.4Maker spec sheet (PDF)dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE88U/E23287_RT-BE88U_one-page_QSG_v2_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications: DC power adapter DC output +19.5V with 2.31A and +12V with 5A.

12 V, 2 A1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Power: 12 V, 2 A (US) and 12 V, 1.5 A (EU). The US figure is stored.

Included adapter outputiRated output of the power adapter in the box. This is not power use.

Not available

24W1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 202612 V times 2 A is 24 W (US adapter). The EU adapter is 12 V, 1.5 A.

Power use (typical, claimed)iThe maker's typical or average power use of one unit. A published range, such as 14 to 16 W, is left out.

Not available

Not available

Power use (max, claimed)iThe maker's maximum power use of one unit. Power given out over PoE is not included. A published range, such as 14 to 16 W, is left out. A figure measured with the power adapter counts.

Not available

Not available

Measured

6 of 6 differ

Wi-Fi throughput (measured)iTom's Guide throughput, one row per test position. Tool, client, direction and walls are in the source note. Other reviewers' results go in source notes only.

AASUS RT-BE88U

Not available

BTP-Link Archer BE230

Distance (m)	Connected to	Throughput (Mbps)
4.572	Main unit	1,138
15.24	Main unit	702.3
22.86	Main unit	205.2
27.432	Main unit	15.5

Source9Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Review of the identical Archer BE3600 (sold as Archer BE230 on Amazon). Keysight IxChariot simulating 10 users, Acer Swift Edge 16 Wi-Fi 7 notebook, 3,500 sq ft home. Rows are 15 ft (4.572 m) 1.138 Gbps, 50 ft (15.24 m) 702.3 Mbps, 75 ft (22.86 m) 205.2 Mbps and 90 ft (27.432 m) 15.5 Mbps. The band is not named and the firmware is not stated. The review also gives 1.234 Gbps with the router and the notebook side by side and 1.103 Gbps over a 15 ft wired link, which are not stored.

Fastest Wi-Fi throughput (measured)iHighest measured row with the client connected to the main unit. Compare only results from the same reviewer.

Not available

1,138Mbps=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi throughput (measured)

Wi-Fi throughput through a wall (measured)iTom's Guide throughput at 25 ft through one wall, with the client on the main unit.

Not available

1,114Mbps9Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Notebook in an adjacent room 25 ft from the router. The text prints 1.114 Mbps next to a 990.1 Mbps result for the MSI Roamii BE Lite, so the unit is a typo for Gbps. Stored as 1114 Mbps. Band not named.

Range (measured)iDistance at which the reviewer's client lost its connection to the main unit.

Not available

28.956m9Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table and text: maximum range 95 feet (28.956 m).

Power use under load (measured)iWall power of the main unit during the reviewer's throughput or saturation test.

Not available

7.7W9Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026During the saturation test with data flowing, the router in Normal power mode used 7.7 watts. The review lists Power-Saving and Ultra Power Saving modes too.

Energy use per day (measured)iEnergy the router used over 24 hours of the reviewer's test use. This is not the power at one moment.

340Wh12Measurementdongknows.com/asus-rt-be88u-reviewRead 15 October 2026Hardware table: power consumption per 24 hours is about 340 Wh. Firmware 3.0.0.6.102.33921. The review does not describe the load.

195Wh12Measurementdongknows.com/tp-link-archer-be230-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: power consumption per 24 hours about 195 Wh as tested. Firmware 1.0.3 Build 20240612 rel.13057(5553).

Dimensions and weight

3 of 4 differ

DimensionsiOne unit in its normal position, with antennas folded flat or removed. Height is bottom to top. For a round unit, width and depth are both the diameter. A size the maker prints with antennas up goes in Dimensions with antennas.

Width300Height60.5Depth188mm(11.8 × 2.4 × 7.4 in)1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Product Dimensions 300*188*60.5, printed without labels or units. Dong Knows Tech prints 11.8 x 7.4 x 2.4 in (30 x 18.8 x 6.04 cm). A height of 60.5 mm is too low for upright antennas, so the figure is the body with the antennas folded or removed. Stored as width 300, depth 188 and height 60.5.

Width272.7Height41.7Depth147mm(10.7 × 1.6 × 5.8 in)2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/17286Read 14 October 2026Published as 10.7 x 5.8 x 1.6 in (272.7 x 147 x 41.7 mm). Stored as width, depth and height. Tom's Guide gives the same inches with the antennas folded flat and adds 5.0 in for the antennas. Dong Knows Tech prints 13.52 x 9.25 x 3.90 in, which does not fit the datasheet and is not used.

Dimensions with antennasiOne unit with its external antennas up, as the maker prints it.

Not available

Not available

WeightiOne unit without power adapter and cables.

1,060g(2.3 lb)1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Product Weight (g) 1060 g. Dong Knows Tech prints 2.23 lbs (1.01 kg).

Not available

Wall mountableiThe maker says the unit can be mounted on a wall.

Not available

Yes3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/46774Read 14 October 2026Section 2.1 shows the router mounted on the wall with two screws 157 mm apart. No bracket is named.10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026Cutouts let the router be wall-mounted without a bracket.

Certifications

1 of 1 differ

Wi-Fi Alliance certification IDiCertificate ID in the Wi-Fi Alliance product finder.

Not available

Not available

FCC IDiFCC ID of the main unit.

MSQ-RTBE70004Maker spec sheet (PDF)dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE88U/E23287_RT-BE88U_one-page_QSG_v2_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026The regulatory notice gives the Industry Canada certificate number 3568A-RTBE7000 for the BE7200 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router. ASUS FCC IDs are the grantee code MSQ plus the same product code, which gives MSQ-RTBE7000. WikiDevi lists the same FCC ID. The FCC database and its mirror sites could not be opened by the agent, so the FCC grant itself was not read.14Spec databasewikidevi.wi-cat.ru/ASUS_RT-BE88URead 15 October 2026FCC ID MSQ-RTBE7000, approved 28 February 2024.

Not available

Other certifications

Not available

FCC, CE, RoHS1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026Certifications: CE, FCC. The datasheet adds RoHS.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/17286Read 14 October 2026Certifications: FCC, CE, RoHS.

In the box

1 of 1 differ

In the boxiItems as the maker lists them for the exact pack.

RT-BE88U WiFi router, RJ-45 cable, Power adapter, Quick Start Guide, Warranty card1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Package Content: RT-BE88U WiFi router, RJ-45 cable, power adapter, Quick Start Guide, warranty card.3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE88U/E27212_RT-BE88U_UM_v2_EAA_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Package contents: RT-BE88U Wireless Router, network cable (RJ-45), power adapter, Quick Start Guide, warranty card.

Wi-Fi 7 Router Archer BE230, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/17286Read 14 October 2026Package Contents: Wi-Fi 7 Router Archer BE230, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide.

Links

Not compared

Product page

www.asus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88uRead 15 October 2026

www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be2301Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-be230Read 14 October 2026

Spec sheet

www.asus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspec1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026

www.tp-link.com/us/document/172862Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/17286Read 14 October 2026

Manual

dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE88U/E27212_RT-BE88U_UM_v2_EAA_WEB.pdf3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE88U/E27212_RT-BE88U_UM_v2_EAA_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026

www.tp-link.com/us/document/467743Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/46774Read 14 October 2026Archer BE230(US)_V1_User Guide.

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

Not available

Not available

Warranty

1 of 1 differ

Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

3years6Maker product pageasus.com/support/api/product.asmx/GetPDWarrantyRead 15 October 2026ASUS US support warranty text for the RT-BE88U Wireless Warranty Policy: the general warranty is 3 years, but it may vary depending on the place of purchase. US site, updated June 2026.

2years7Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/support/replacement-warrantyRead 14 October 2026US warranty page: Wi-Fi routers bought on or after 2023-09-01 have a 2 year warranty. Tom's Guide and Staples give 2 years for the Archer BE3600 too.10Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/tp-link-archer-be3600-reviewRead 14 October 2026The two-year warranty includes lifetime support. US market. Staples lists a 2 year warranty for the Archer BE3600 too.

Both are also in the API. Back to all routers.