Given how quickly wireless technology is developing, Wi-Fi 7 has become the next big thing, promising lower latency, faster speeds, and better connectivity for more devices. A recent addition to ASUS’s array of Wi-Fi 7 mesh routers, the ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 is aimed at consumers who require a high-performance, whole-home Wi-Fi system without breaking the bank.
The goal of the ZenWiFi BT10 is to provide seamless connectivity across wide areas with its tri-band technology, AI-driven optimizations, and strong security features. But does it really live up to the hype, considering that a two-pack system costs RM3688 ? To determine whether it’s the best option for you, let’s examine its setup process, performance, design, and practical usability in detail.
Design and Build: Minimalist Yet Functional
The sleek, contemporary style of the ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 makes it a perfect fit for any home or workplace environment. With eight internal antenna for better signal dispersion without sacrificing style, the BT10 has an antenna-free exterior, in contrast to conventional routers with large antennas.
Weight wise, while I did not weight it, the ZenWiFi BT10 is indeed slightly heavier compared to any of the conventional routers in the market, and this is due to the inclusion of the multiple antenna inside the router embedded surrounding the chassis along with high end components inside. Color wise it is only available in a neutral matte finish, fitting well with most interiors
The compact size ensures that it doesn’t take up much space, and the lack of external antennas means it looks less intrusive compared to other high-end routers. However, some users might miss the flexibility of adjustable antennas for manual signal adjustments.
Performance and Features: Cutting-Edge Wi-Fi 7 Technology
The ZenWiFi BT10 is powered by the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, offering a total bandwidth of up to 18 Gbps across its tri-band frequencies:
- 2.4 GHz Band: Handles older devices and long-range connectivity
- 5 GHz Band: Optimized for most modern devices, offering a balance of speed and range
- 6 GHz Band: Delivers ultra-fast speeds with reduced congestion, ideal for gaming and high-bandwidth applications
- Multi-Link Operation (MLO): An advanced feature that enables numerous simultaneous wireless frequency connections on a single access point for supported WiFi 7 clients.
Real-World Speed and Coverage
In real-world speed tests, the BT10 consistently delivers up to 1.2 Gbps in optimal conditions under 2.4 GHz speeds. Under 5Ghz channel it can go up to Around 6.5 Gbps, making it ideal for gaming and 4K/8K streaming while at 6Ghz channel, speeds can peak up to 7 Gbps, but performance can vary based on interference and device compatibility.
While these speeds are impressive, the router’s range depends on placement. During tests in a 2,500 sq. ft. home, one router covered two floors effectively, while the second unit ensured full-speed performance across all areas.
Port Selection and Connectivity
One area where the ZenWiFi BT10 differs from high-end competitors is its port selection. It includes:
- Two 10 Gbps Ethernet ports for ultra-fast wired connections
- One Gigabit LAN port per unit
While the 10 Gbps ports are a great addition for those needing high-speed wired connections, the lack of more Gigabit LAN ports might require additional switches for users with multiple wired devices.
Setup and User Experience: Smooth but Requires Tweaking
Setting up the ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 is straightforward, thanks to:
- Pre-synced mesh units, eliminating the need for manual pairing
- ASUS Router App, which guides users step-by-step
- Web-based interface for advanced settings
If you have any existing ASUS AiMesh compatible routers, you can pair it with the main BT10 unit as well, expanding connectivity towards even a broader space, and that includes almost all of ASUS Wifi6 and WiFi 5 AiMesh compliant routers.
Software Features
The ASUS Router App offers several useful tools:
- AiProtection Pro: Free network security suite powered by Trend Micro
- Parental Controls: Includes time scheduling and content filtering
- QoS (Quality of Service) Settings: Prioritizes devices based on activity (e.g., gaming, streaming)
While the app is feature-rich and user-friendly, advanced users may prefer the web interface for deeper customization.
Gaming and Streaming Performance
For gamers and content creators, low latency is key. The ZenWiFi BT10 excels in minimizing lag, especially on the 6 GHz band, where interference is low. There is also a dedicated game mode whereby the ZenWiFi BT10 can detect most game titles and optimize bandwidth allocation for a smooth low ping connection using Adaptive QoS.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Next-gen Wi-Fi 7 speeds
- Easy setup with pre-synced units
- Excellent for gaming and high-bandwidth tasks
- AiProtection and parental controls for security
- Minimalist, compact design
Cons:
- Limited Ethernet ports for users with multiple wired devices.
- High price tag (RM3688 for two-pack) but the investment is worthwhile
Final Verdict: Is the ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 Worth It?
The ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 is a high-performance Wi-Fi 7 mesh system that delivers exceptional speeds, low latency, and strong security features. It’s ideal for gaming, 8K streaming, and large households with multiple connected devices. However, its limited port selection, lack of AFC (Applicable for some regions), and high price point may deter some users.
For those ready to embrace Wi-Fi 7 and need top-tier performance, the ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 is an excellent choice. If ASUS adds AFC support and more LAN ports in future updates, it could easily become one of the best Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems available.