26% OFF
$161.78
$219.99
Updated October 2026
Data from the official Asus site.
2026 verdict
Budget pick against wired powerhouse: the Asus RT-BE88U is the stronger Wi-Fi 7 router of the two, while the Asus RT-BE82U is the lower priced one.
The Asus RT-BE88U reaches 7.2 Gbps against 6.5 Gbps, doubles the 2.4 GHz speed to 1,376 Mbps and offers ten LAN ports, including a 10G port and an SFP+ cage, where the Asus RT-BE82U has four 2.5G LAN ports. Both are dual-band with no 6 GHz radio, and both share the same 5 GHz speed, AiMesh, MLO, WPA3, VPN with WireGuard and a 3 year warranty. The Asus RT-BE82U is much smaller and lighter, at 502 g, and it keeps every port at 2.5G. Choose the Asus RT-BE88U for a wired-first home or small office and the Asus RT-BE82U for a mid-size home on a tighter budget.
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| Feature | Asus RT-BE82U | Asus RT-BE88U | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $161.78 | $319.99 | Asus RT-BE82U |
| Rating | 4.2 | 4.3 | Asus RT-BE88U |
| Max Wi-Fi Speed | 6.5 Gbps | 7.2 Gbps | Asus RT-BE88U |
| LAN Port Count | 4 | 10 | Asus RT-BE88U |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years | Tie |
| Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) | NO | NO | Tie |
| Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | YES | YES | Tie |
| Mesh Wi-Fi | YES | YES | Tie |
| WPA3 Encryption | YES | YES | Tie |
| LAN 2.5 Gbps RJ45 Ports | 4 | 4 | Tie |
| WAN & Failover | Multi-WAN, WAN Failover | Multi-WAN, WAN Failover | Tie |
| USB Storage | FTP, Samba, Time Machine, Media Sharing | FTP, Samba, Time Machine, Media Sharing | Tie |
What the differences mean
Wired ports
The Asus RT-BE88U has ten LAN ports, including a 10G port, an SFP+ cage, four 2.5G and four 1G, plus 10G and SFP+ WAN options. The Asus RT-BE82U has one 2.5G WAN and four 2.5G LAN ports. If you wire a NAS, a switch and a fast PC, this is the difference that matters most.
Top speed and 2.4 GHz
7.2 Gbps for the Asus RT-BE88U against 6.5 Gbps for the Asus RT-BE82U, and 1,376 Mbps against 688 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. The 5 GHz radio is the same on both, so most Wi-Fi 7 phones and laptops will see similar speeds.
Antennas and size
Both have four external antennas, but the Asus RT-BE88U is a 1.06 kg desktop unit at 300 x 188 mm, while the Asus RT-BE82U weighs 502 g and measures 238 x 147 mm. The smaller one is easier to place.
Link aggregation
The Asus RT-BE88U supports LAN link aggregation and the Asus RT-BE82U does not, which only matters if you bond two ports to a NAS or switch.
Which one to buy if
- you have a NAS, a switch and several wired PCs
The Asus RT-BE88U has ten LAN ports, including 10G and SFP+, and supports link aggregation.
- you want Wi-Fi 7 in a mid-size home for less
The Asus RT-BE82U is the lower priced router and shares the same 5 GHz speed as the Asus RT-BE88U.
- you only need four fast wired ports
The Asus RT-BE82U gives you a 2.5G WAN and four 2.5G LAN ports in a small box.
- you have many 2.4 GHz smart home devices
The Asus RT-BE88U runs its 2.4 GHz radio at 1,376 Mbps, twice the Asus RT-BE82U.
26% OFF
$161.78
$219.99
- + Price: $161.78
- - Rating: 4.2 vs 4.3
- - Max Wi-Fi Speed: 6.5 Gbps vs 7.2 Gbps
Winner
9% OFF
$319.99
$349.99
- + Rating: 4.3
- + Max Wi-Fi Speed: 7.2 Gbps
- + LAN Port Count: 10
- - Price: $319.99 vs $161.78
What owners say
Owners of both routers describe the same appeal: an AsusWRT interface that offers per-device rules, segmented networks and a WireGuard VPN, free AiProtection with no subscription, and Asuswrt-Merlin support for enthusiasts. Both groups also mention that the missing 6 GHz band is the trade-off and that wireless reliability is mixed for some. Asus RT-BE82U owners single out how quick setup was, good coverage in a mid-size home and the value of all-2.5G ports, while a few report Wi-Fi dropouts on certain phones and note that tricky layouts may need a second AiMesh node. Asus RT-BE88U owners single out the rare pair of 10G ports, a fast processor with generous RAM and stability, while noting weak signal for some, opinions divided on value and a router that rewards networking knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: Asus RT-BE82U or Asus RT-BE88U?
The Asus RT-BE88U, for its faster top speed and its ten LAN ports. The Asus RT-BE82U is the lower priced option and a fine Wi-Fi 7 pick for a mid-size home.
What is the biggest difference between the Asus RT-BE82U and the Asus RT-BE88U?
The wired side. The Asus RT-BE88U has ten LAN ports with a 10G port and an SFP+ cage, while the Asus RT-BE82U has four 2.5G LAN ports.
Does either the Asus RT-BE82U or the Asus RT-BE88U have 6 GHz?
No. Both are dual-band Wi-Fi 7 routers using 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz only, so if you want 6 GHz you need a tri-band model.
Is the Asus RT-BE88U faster than the Asus RT-BE82U on Wi-Fi?
Slightly. It is rated at 7.2 Gbps against 6.5 Gbps and has a faster 2.4 GHz radio, but the 5 GHz speed is identical.
Who should buy the Asus RT-BE82U?
Value-minded homes that want Wi-Fi 7, 2.5G wired ports and AsusWRT control in a compact router.
Who should buy the Asus RT-BE88U?
Wired-first homes and small offices with a NAS or multi-gig gear that want 10G and SFP+ ports and link aggregation.
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