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ASUS RT-BE96U vs TP-Link Archer A6

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Product A: ASUS

RT-BE96U

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B

Product B: TP-Link

Archer A6

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All 90 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

AASUS RT-BE96U

BTP-Link Archer A6

General

2 of 9 differ

Series

Not available

Archer1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026

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

RT-BE96U, 90IG0890-MX1A1V1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Model RT-BE96U.5Maker product pageeshop.asus.com/ca-fr/90ig0890-mx1a1v-rt-be96u.htmlRead 15 October 2026ASUS Canada shop (French): part number 90IG0890-MX1A1V for the RT-BE96U. It is the Canada part number. The US part number was not found.

Archer A61Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026The page opens on hardware version V6 and also offers V4 at https://www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6/v4/. The two differ. V4 prints 400 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, OneMesh, a 1.2 GHz CPU and no VPN, while V6 prints 300 Mbps, EasyMesh and OpenVPN, PPTP and WireGuard. TP-Link's download list also names V2, V3, V4.60, V6.60 and V6.80. Only V6 is stored.

GTIN / EAN

1971052488616Retailer pageavadirect.com/RT-BE96U-IEEE-802-11be-Tri-Band-2-4GHz-5GHz-6GHz-1376-5764-11529-Mbps-6xRJ45-1-x-USB-3-2-Gen-1-1-x-USB-2-0-Retail-Wireless-Router/Product/16479460Read 15 October 2026Product data on the listing: gtin12 197105248861, mpn RT-BE96U.

Not available

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

Not available

Not available

Status

Available2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be96uRead 15 October 2026The US product page is live with a Where to buy link. Tom's Guide lists it at Amazon, Best Buy and ASUS.

Available1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026The US page is live in October 2026 with a Buy Now link to Amazon. The US V6.80 download page lists only the user guide and no firmware.

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

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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

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

$699.9910Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be96u-be19000-tri-band-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 15 October 2026Hardware table: US Price (at launch) $699.99. Tom's Guide and Tom's Hardware say the price is $700. US price, tax not included.

Not available

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.

Not available

Not available

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Black3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE96U/E22794_RT-BE96U_UM_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.1 describes a black chassis with gaming-inspired red accents. Retailers list the colour as Black.

Black1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026The product photos show a black unit. The page gives no colour name.

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-be96uRead 15 October 2026Standalone extendable 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-a6Read 16 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-be96uRead 15 October 2026The US page sits under ASUS WiFi Routers and is not a ROG, TUF or ExpertWiFi product. Some regional ASUS sites and retailers file it under gaming routers.

Home1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026Listed under the maker's WiFi routers.

Wi-Fi

11 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-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Network Standard lists WiFi 7 (802.11be).

Wi-Fi 51Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 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.

BE190001Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Product Segment: BE19000 ultimate BE performance, 1376+5764+11529 Mbps. The three rates add up to 18669 Mbps.

AC12001Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026

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-BE96U

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
6 GHz	Wi-Fi 7	4	320	11,529	No

Source1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026WiFi Data Rate: 6 GHz up to 11529 Mbps, 5 GHz up to 5764 Mbps and 2.4 GHz up to 1376 Mbps, all WiFi 7. Transmit / Receive: 4x4 on 6 GHz, 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz. Boosts Speed lists 20/40/80/160/320 MHz in total. The widths per band are 40 MHz at 2.4 GHz, 160 MHz at 5 GHz and 320 MHz at 6 GHz. Tom's Hardware prints the same widths per band in its spec table, and they give the printed rates with 4 streams.

BTP-Link Archer A6

Band	Wi-Fi	Streams	Max channel width (MHz)	Max link rate (Mbps)	Dedicated backhaul
2.4 GHz	Wi-Fi 4	2	40	300	No
5 GHz	Wi-Fi 5	2	80	867	No

Source1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026Page: Wi-Fi 5, 5 GHz 867 Mbps (802.11ac) and 2.4 GHz 300 Mbps (802.11n). The page prints no streams or channel widths. The datasheet's sensitivity table lists 11ac VHT80 as the widest 5 GHz channel and 11n HT40 as the widest 2.4 GHz channel. 867 Mbps at 80 MHz is 2 streams, since 1 stream gives 433 Mbps and 3 streams 1300 Mbps. 300 Mbps at 40 MHz is 2 streams, since 1 stream gives 150 Mbps. The page and the datasheet give four antennas, two per band. The 2.4 GHz radio is 802.11n, so Wi-Fi 4.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/product-overview/2026/202601/20260116/Archer%20A6(EU&US)6.0_Datasheet.pdfRead 16 October 2026Wireless: 867 Mbps on 5 GHz + 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. Reception sensitivity table: 11ac VHT80 MCS9 on 5 GHz and 11n HT40 MCS7 on 2.4 GHz, the widest channels listed.

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.

3=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

2=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

6 GHz band

Yes=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.

18,669Mbps=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

1,167Mbps=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.

12=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.

320MHz=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

80MHz=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-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Boosts Speed: OFDMA and 4096-QAM. Wireless row: MU-MIMO. MLO comes from the product page, see its entry. Multi-RU and puncturing text sits in the page source only inside an HTML comment, so those two are not stored. AFC is not named. Smart Connect is not named by ASUS.2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be96uRead 15 October 2026Multi-link Operation: links to multiple bands at the same time. A footnote says MLO firmware was in development as of September 2023 and due in late 2023 or early 2024. Dong Knows Tech did not have MLO in its first firmware. The page also names 4K-QAM and 320 MHz channels.

MU-MIMO, Beamforming, Band steering1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026Page lists Beamforming, MU-MIMO and Airtime Fairness. The datasheet adds Smart Connect, stored as band_steering. The page names no OFDMA or TWT, which Wi-Fi 5 does not have.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/product-overview/2026/202601/20260116/Archer%20A6(EU&US)6.0_Datasheet.pdfRead 16 October 2026Features: MU-MIMO. Smart Connect intelligently switches each device's connection to the optimum available Wi-Fi band.

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

81Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Antenna: External antenna x 8.7Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/asus-rt-be96u-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec table and design text: eight external antennas.

41Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026Page: 4x Fixed High-Performance Antennas.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/product-overview/2026/202601/20260116/Archer%20A6(EU&US)6.0_Datasheet.pdfRead 16 October 2026Antennas: 4 External Antennas.

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

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

No7Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/asus-rt-be96u-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec table: number of antennas and removable: 8/No. The review says the antennas can be rotated and angled but cannot be removed.10Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be96u-be19000-tri-band-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 15 October 2026The review says the antennas are not detachable.

No1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026The page calls the four antennas fixed.

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.

502m²7Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/asus-rt-be96u-reviewRead 15 October 2026Review text: capable of covering up to 5,400 square feet. Converted to 502 m2 (501.68). Tom's Hardware prints the same figure in its spec table. ASUS prints no area on its US pages, so the claim is quoted from the reviews and may come from the retail box.9Reviewtomshardware.com/networking/routers/asus-rt-be96u-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Wi-Fi Coverage 5,400 square feet.

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-BE96U

Port	Count	Role	Max speed (Gbps)	Version
RJ45	1	WAN or LAN	10	Not available
RJ45	1	WAN or LAN	1	Not available
RJ45	3	LAN	1	Not available
RJ45	1	LAN	10	Not available
USB-A	1	Not available	5	USB 3.2 Gen 1
USB-A	1	Not available	0.48	USB 2.0

Source1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026I/O Ports: 1 x 10Gbps for WAN/LAN + 1 x RJ45 10/100/1000Mbps for WAN/LAN, 3x RJ45 10/100/1000Mbps for LAN, 1 x 10Gbps for LAN, USB 3.2 Gen1 x1 and 2.0 x1. The manual names the same ports. USB 3.2 Gen 1 is stored at 5 Gbps and USB 2.0 at 0.48 Gbps, the standard rates. ASUS does not print those rates. The 10 Gbps ports are 10GBASE-T per Dong Knows Tech.3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE96U/E22794_RT-BE96U_UM_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.3: 10GE WAN/LAN1 port, 1GE WAN/LAN1 port, LAN 2~4 ports, 10GE LAN port, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 port and one USB 2.0 port.

BTP-Link Archer A6

Port	Count	Role	Max speed (Gbps)
RJ45	1	WAN	1
RJ45	4	LAN	1

Source1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026Page: 1x Gigabit WAN Port and 4x Gigabit LAN Ports. The page lists no USB port.

Ethernet portsiRJ45 ports of all roles, WAN and LAN.

6=CalculatedFrom Ports

5=CalculatedFrom Ports

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

2=CalculatedFrom Ports

0=CalculatedFrom Ports

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

10Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

1Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

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

10Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

1Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

USB ports

2=CalculatedFrom Ports

0=CalculatedFrom Ports

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

No=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

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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-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026AiMesh: Primary AiMesh Router and AiMesh Node.

EasyMesh1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026Page: EasyMesh-compatible.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/product-overview/2026/202601/20260116/Archer%20A6(EU&US)6.0_Datasheet.pdfRead 16 October 2026Highlights: EasyMesh-Compatible.

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-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026One router is sold.

11Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026

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.

Yes10Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be96u-be19000-tri-band-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 15 October 2026The review used an RT-AX89X as a satellite node over a 10 Gbps backhaul link, as an alternative to a wireless 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-be96u/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-a6Read 16 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.

No3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE96U/E22794_RT-BE96U_UM_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Setup runs in the web GUI. The manual asks for a router login password and no ASUS account.10Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be96u-be19000-tri-band-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 15 October 2026The pros line says there is no vendor-required login account.

No3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/111858Read 16 October 2026TP-Link Cloud Service chapter: a user who does not want to register a TP-Link ID now may click Skip, and the web page accepts the router password. The guide is shared by several models.

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-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Operating Mode: Repeater Mode, Media Bridge Mode, Access Point Mode, AiMesh Node Mode and Wireless Router Mode.3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE96U/E22794_RT-BE96U_UM_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 3.3.1: wireless router mode, access point mode, repeater mode, media bridge and AiMesh node.

Router, Access point1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026Working modes: Router Mode and Access Point Mode.

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, 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-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Listed: Guest Network, Parental Control, Dual WAN, WAN Aggregation, DDNS, IPTV, LAN Link Aggregation, Adaptive QoS and Traditional QoS. IoT Network comes from the Tom's Hardware review. VLAN is not listed.3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE96U/E22794_RT-BE96U_UM_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 3.14: Dual WAN and WAN Aggregation (WAN port plus LAN 4 port, up to 2 Gbps), DDNS and IPTV in section 3.10.4. Section 3.8 covers the guest network.9Reviewtomshardware.com/networking/routers/asus-rt-be96u-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 15 October 2026Software section: Guest Network Pro has presets for Kid's Network, IoT Network and a standard Guest Network. The review does not mention a fee.

Guest network, IPTV, QoS, Parental controls, Dynamic DNS1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026Page lists a 5 GHz and a 2.4 GHz guest network, IPTV (IGMP Proxy, IGMP Snooping, Bridge, Tag VLAN), Parental Controls (URL Filtering, Time Controls), QoS by Device and DDNS (TP-Link, NO-IP, DynDNS). Tag VLAN is part of the IPTV settings, so VLAN is not stored. The page names no HomeShield.

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-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026VPN: VPN Server IPSec, Open VPN, PPTP and WireGuard.

OpenVPN, PPTP, WireGuard1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026VPN Server: OpenVPN, PPTP, WireGuard.

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-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026VPN: VPN Client L2TP, Open VPN, PPTP and WireGuard.

OpenVPN, PPTP, WireGuard1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026VPN Client: OpenVPN, PPTP, 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, Printer server, Cellular modem1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be96u/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. The manual adds the printer server, see its entry. The Time Machine note says macOS 26 no longer creates new backups on USB drives.3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE96U/E22794_RT-BE96U_UM_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 3.13 covers AiDisk, the servers center and 3G/4G. Section 4.3 sets up a printer server with ASUS EZ Printer Sharing or LPR.9Reviewtomshardware.com/networking/routers/asus-rt-be96u-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 15 October 2026The USB Applications tab shares files from a USB drive, sets up a printer server, uses a smartphone as internet backup and uses a drive for Time Machine backups. The pros list smartphone tethering and wireless Time Machine backups for Mac users. Time Machine runs over the USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port.

Not available

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-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Security: WPA/WPA2/WPA3 Personal, WPA/WPA2/WPA3 Enterprise and Open System & OWE. A footnote says WPA/WPA2 Enterprise is not available under AiMesh mode.

WPA2-Personal, WPA3-Personal, WPA2-Enterprise1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026WiFi Encryption: WPA, WPA2, WPA3, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x).2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/product-overview/2026/202601/20260116/Archer%20A6(EU&US)6.0_Datasheet.pdfRead 16 October 2026Wireless security: WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK encryptions and WPA3.

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-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026AiProtection row: AiProtection Pro with Router Security Assessment, Malicious Site Blocking, Two-Way IPS and Infected Device Prevention and Blocking.

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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-be96uRead 15 October 2026The page heading says Subscription-Free Network Security with AiProtection Pro powered by Trend Micro. Parental controls come through a free subscription.

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Automatic firmware updatesiThe router can install firmware updates by itself.

Yes1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Administration: Auto Firmware Update.

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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.

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Smart home

None of 5 known

Thread border router

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

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

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

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

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Hardware

5 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.

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CPU cores

41Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Processor: 2.6GHz quad-core processor.10Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be96u-be19000-tri-band-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 15 October 2026Processing Power: quad-core 2.6GHz CPU, 256MB flash, 2GB DDR4 RAM.

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CPU clockiHighest published processor clock.

2.6GHz1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Processor: 2.6GHz quad-core processor.

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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-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Memory: 256 MB Flash and 2 GB RAM.10Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be96u-be19000-tri-band-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 15 October 2026Hardware table: 2GB DDR4 RAM.

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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-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Memory: 256 MB Flash. Stored as 0.256 GB.

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

No2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be96uRead 15 October 2026The cooling section shows a vent on top, a full-size aluminum plate, three aluminum heatsinks and a 2 cm stand, with air moving through by convection. It lists no fan.10Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be96u-be19000-tri-band-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 15 October 2026The review says the router seemed to have no internal fan, though the reviewer did not open it.

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Power

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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-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Power Supply: AC Input 110V~240V (50~60Hz) with an external DC output. The manual describes a bundled AC adapter that plugs into the Power (DCIN) port.

External DC adapter1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026Power: 12 V, 1 A. The datasheet lists a power adapter in the box.

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

19 V, 3.42 A or 19.5 V, 3.33 A1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Power Supply: DC Output 19 V with max. 3.42 A current, or 19.5 V with max. 3.33 A current. The manual lists the same two ratings. Stored as the DC input of the router.3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE96U/E22794_RT-BE96U_UM_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.3 notes: DC Output +19V with 3.42A current and +19.5V with 3.33A current.

12 V, 1 A1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026Power: 12 V, 1 A.

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

64.98W1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 202619 V times 3.42 A is 64.98 W. The second listed adapter, 19.5 V times 3.33 A, is 64.94 W. ASUS does not say which one is in a given box.

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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.

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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.

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Measured

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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-BE96U

Distance (m)	Band	Connected to	Throughput (Mbps)
4.572	6 GHz	Main unit	1,948
15.24	5 GHz	Main unit	392.7
22.86	Not available	Main unit	402.1
27.432	Not available	Main unit	31.4

Source8Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/asus-rt-be96u-reviewRead 15 October 2026Tom's Guide, published 2024-04-19. Keysight IxChariot set to simulate 10 data-hungry users, client the Wi-Fi 7 Acer Swift Edge 16 notebook. Firmware is not stated. Rows are 15 ft (4.572 m) 1.948 Gbps over 6 GHz, 50 ft (15.24 m) 392.7 Mbps over 5 GHz, 75 ft (22.86 m) 402.1 Mbps and 90 ft (27.432 m) 31.4 Mbps. The review names the band only for the first two rows. It also reports 2.685 Gbps with the router next to the notebook, which is not stored. The through-wall test is in its own field. Tom's Hardware ran iPerf 3.16 with the same client and measured over 3 Gbps on 6 GHz at 6 ft with no other traffic. That result is not stored because measured throughput is Tom's Guide only.

BTP-Link Archer A6

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

1,948Mbps=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi throughput (measured)

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

1,810Mbps8Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/asus-rt-be96u-reviewRead 15 October 202625 ft room and a wall: 1.810 Gbps. Same IxChariot setup and client.

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

32.004m8Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/asus-rt-be96u-reviewRead 15 October 2026The review says the router had a range of 105 feet (32.004 m) and moved 31.4 Mbps at 90 feet. The spec box also says 105 feet.

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

20.1W8Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/asus-rt-be96u-reviewRead 15 October 2026The review says the router used 20.1 watts while data was moving during the saturation test and has no power-saving idle mode. The spec box gives $24.10 of electricity per year.

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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.

375Wh11Measurementdongknows.com/asus-rt-be96u-be19000-tri-band-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 15 October 2026Hardware table: power consumption per 24 hours about 375 Wh (as tested). Firmware 3.0.0.6.102_32872. The review does not describe the load.

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Dimensions and weight

4 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.

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Width215Height32Depth117mm(8.5 × 1.3 × 4.6 in)1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026Dimensions (W x D x H): 8.5 x 4.6 x 1.2 in (215 x 117 x 32 mm). The four fixed antennas are not part of this size.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/product-overview/2026/202601/20260116/Archer%20A6(EU&US)6.0_Datasheet.pdfRead 16 October 2026Dimensions (W x D x H): 8.5 x 4.6 x 1.2 in (215 x 117 x 32 mm).

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

Width350.6Height217.6Depth350.6mm(13.8 × 8.6 × 13.8 in)1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Product Dimensions 350.6*350.6*217.6, printed without units or labels. Tom's Guide gives a body of 13.8 x 13.8 x 3.0 inches and says raising the antennas adds 5.6 inches of height. Dong Knows Tech prints 13.8 x 13.8 x 8.57 in (350.6 x 350.6 x 217.59 mm) as with antennas. So 217.6 mm is the height with antennas up and 350.6 mm is both the width and the depth. The body height alone is only printed rounded, so it is not stored.

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WeightiOne unit without power adapter and cables.

1,870g(4.1 lb)1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Product Weight 1870 g. Dong Knows Tech and Tom's Hardware print 4.12 lbs, the same weight. ASUS does not say whether the adapter is included.

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

No7Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/asus-rt-be96u-reviewRead 15 October 202610Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be96u-be19000-tri-band-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 15 October 2026The review says the router is not wall-mount-ready and lists a bulky design that is not wall-mount-ready among the cons.

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Certifications

1 of 1 differ

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

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FCC IDiFCC ID of the main unit.

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Other certifications

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FCC, CE, RoHS1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026Certifications: FCC, CE. The datasheet adds RoHS.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/product-overview/2026/202601/20260116/Archer%20A6(EU&US)6.0_Datasheet.pdfRead 16 October 2026Certification: CE, FCC, RoHS.

In the box

1 of 1 differ

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

RT-BE96U 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-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Package Content: RT-BE96U WiFi router, RJ-45 cable, Power adapter, Quick Start Guide, Warranty card. The manual lists the same items.3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE96U/E22794_RT-BE96U_UM_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.2: RT-BE96U Wireless Router, network cable (RJ-45), power adapter, Quick Start Guide, warranty card.

Wi-Fi Router Archer A6, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026Package content: Wi-Fi Router Archer A6, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/product-overview/2026/202601/20260116/Archer%20A6(EU&US)6.0_Datasheet.pdfRead 16 October 2026Package contents: Wireless Router Archer A6, 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-be96u2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be96uRead 15 October 2026

www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a61Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026

Spec sheet

www.asus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be96u/techspec1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be96u/techspecRead 15 October 2026

static.tp-link.com/upload/product-overview/2026/202601/20260116/Archer%20A6(EU&US)6.0_Datasheet.pdf2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/product-overview/2026/202601/20260116/Archer%20A6(EU&US)6.0_Datasheet.pdfRead 16 October 2026Archer A6 (EU and US) hardware version 6.0 datasheet, copyright 2026.

Manual

dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE96U/E22794_RT-BE96U_UM_WEB.pdf3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE96U/E22794_RT-BE96U_UM_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026English user guide E22794, first edition October 2023.

www.tp-link.com/us/document/1118583Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/111858Read 16 October 2026Wi-Fi Router User Guide (For Web), the only manual on the US V6.80 download page. The guide covers many TP-Link routers.

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.

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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.

3years4Maker product pageasus.com/support/api/product.asmx/GetPDWarrantyRead 15 October 2026ASUS US support warranty text, Wireless Warranty Policy updated June 2026: the general warranty is 3 years, but it may vary depending on the place of purchase. The ASUS Canada shop also says three years. Tom's Guide printed two years in 2024. US market.

2years4Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/support/replacement-warrantyRead 16 October 2026US warranty page: products purchased on or after 9/1/2023, Wi-Fi Router, 2 years.

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