Yeah, the ASUS RT-BE96U is definitely on the expensive side, but it packs some of the newest tech that could make it worth it if you're wanting to stay ahead.

It supports WiFi 7 (802.11be), which means it can handle faster speeds and lower latency, especially with its tri-band setup that includes a 6GHz band. The manufacturer says it can push a 320MHz bandwidth and 4096-QAM modulation, which basically means it can move a lot of data quickly.

From what we've seen, professional reviewers are pretty impressed with how it performs. Dong Knows Tech mentioned it's one of the first true WiFi 7 routers out there and highlights its new 2x2 connection for a big performance boost.

RTINGS and Tom's Guide also note that it uses the 6GHz band well for great speeds and overall performance.

That said, WiFi 7 is still pretty new, so the full benefits might not be obvious until more devices support it. Also, some feedback from our research suggests there might be some firmware bugs, so it could be worth waiting for more stable updates to get the most out of it.

All in all, if you're looking to future-proof your network and don't mind the investment, the ASUS RT-BE96U could be a solid choice. Just keep in mind you might run into some early adoption quirks.

Setting up the ASUS RT-BE96U is pretty easy. You don't need to be a tech whiz to get it going. The manufacturer claims it has an intuitive setup process using the ASUS Router app.

This app walks you through everything step-by-step, from connecting cables to configuring your network settings. Most people can get everything up and running within 15-30 minutes. And if you prefer not to use the app, there's a web-based setup option too, which allows for more in-depth customization.

According to our research, many folks had a positive experience with the setup. For instance, someone mentioned that upgrading from their older ASUS model (the AX86U) was seamless, and they didn't experience any drop in coverage in their 2,500 square foot home when the router was placed centrally.

This shows how well it performs in similar-sized homes. The router also supports AiMesh, which lets you extend your Wi-Fi coverage by adding other compatible ASUS routers.

This can be a lifesaver if you're dealing with dead zones or weak signals in certain parts of your home.

Overall, the ASUS RT-BE96U makes setting up your home network pretty straightforward. With the app-guided setup, strong performance, and the option for extended coverage via AiMesh, it's a solid choice for a modern home network.

The ASUS RT-BE96U has some cool features, but there are mixed feelings about its reliability, especially when it comes to WiFi disconnecting. The manufacturer claims it supports advanced technologies like MU-MIMO and 4096 QAM, which should help it manage multiple devices better, like your phones, tablets, gaming consoles, and smart TVs, all at once.

That said, in theory, these features should give you a smoother and more stable connection for each device on your network.

Professional reviews generally give it a thumbs up for handling demanding online activities and keeping strong performance across its multiple bands, which is great if you have a lot of heavy network use.

But according to our research, the real-world performance can be hit or miss. Some folks have run into issues with the WiFi disconnecting and needing to reset the router often. These issues seem to come from software bugs, and keeping the firmware updated is usually necessary to keep things stable.

So, while the ASUS RT-BE96U has a lot going for it on paper, you might need to do some hands-on management to keep everything running smoothly.