ASUS RT-BE92U BE9700 Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router, Supports New 320MHz Bandwidth & 4096-QAM, MLO, AI WAN Detection, AiMesh Support, Subscription-Free Network Security & Comprehensive VPN Features vs TP-Link Dual-Band AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Router Archer AX55 | Wireless Gigabit Internet Router for Home | EasyMesh Compatible | VPN Clients & Server | HomeShield, OFDMA, MU-MIMO | USB 3.0 | Secure by Design

Performance and Speed: WiFi 7 vs. WiFi 6

The ASUS RT-BE92U BE9700 delivers significantly faster speeds with its tri-band WiFi 7 (802.11be) technology, supporting up to 9700 Mbps across all bands. This is enabled by new 320MHz channels in the 6 GHz band and 4096-QAM modulation, which increase network capacity and throughput. In contrast, the TP-Link Archer AX55 operates on dual-band WiFi 6, offering a combined speed of 3000 Mbps—2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. While the Archer AX55 provides solid gigabit performance for most households, it lacks the future-proofing and higher bandwidth capabilities of WiFi 7. The RT-BE92U’s support for Multi-Link Operation (MLO) allows devices to connect to multiple bands simultaneously, reducing latency and improving stability during high-demand tasks like 4K streaming or online gaming.

Network Capacity and Connectivity

The ASUS RT-BE92U BE9700 supports up to 20G of wired capacity, making it ideal for users with extensive wired device setups or those needing robust Ethernet backbones. It also features a USB port designed for 4G LTE and 5G mobile tethering, enabling always-on internet access through AI WAN detection. The TP-Link Archer AX55 includes a USB 3.0 port as well, but no mention is made of mobile tethering or AI WAN detection. Both routers support MU-MIMO and OFDMA, which improve multi-device performance, but only the RT-BE92U explicitly enables MLO for simultaneous multi-band connections. The Archer AX55’s four high-gain external antennas and Beamforming technology enhance coverage, yet the RT-BE92U leverages Smart AiMesh support for seamless mesh networking across multiple nodes, expanding reach without sacrificing performance.

Security Features and Protection

The ASUS RT-BE92U BE9700 comes with subscription-free network security powered by Trend Micro’s AiProtection Pro, including one-tap security scans and Safe Browsing protection. It also offers comprehensive VPN features and IoT Network management, ensuring end-to-end security for connected devices. The TP-Link Archer AX55 includes TP-Link HomeShield, a premium security service that provides basic network security, IoT device identification, parental controls, and quality of service. However, advanced features require a paid subscription, unlike the RT-BE92U’s fully included suite. Both routers offer secure-by-design principles, but the ASUS model stands out with its commercial-grade, no-subscription security stack, while the TP-Link solution relies on optional upgrades for full functionality.

Smart Home Integration and Management

The ASUS RT-BE92U BE9700 functions as a Smart Home Master, allowing users to set up to three SSIDs for different device groups—ideal for separating smart home devices from personal devices. It includes instant VPN connections and convenient parental controls, simplifying network management. The TP-Link Archer AX55 supports Alexa voice control, enabling users to manage their router via voice commands. It also integrates with EasyMesh for scalable Wi-Fi coverage and includes basic parental controls and QoS settings. While both routers offer user-friendly interfaces, the RT-BE92U provides more granular control over network segmentation and security, whereas the Archer AX55 focuses on voice integration and ease of setup for casual users.

Price and Value Comparison

The ASUS RT-BE92U BE9700 is priced at $226.99, which is about 17% more than the TP-Link Archer AX55’s current price of $65.98. Over the past 30 days, the RT-BE92U has averaged $207.55, while the Archer AX55 has averaged $72.87—making the TP-Link nearly $7 cheaper on average. Despite the significant price gap, the RT-BE92U offers next-generation WiFi 7, 320MHz bandwidth, MLO, and subscription-free enterprise-level security. The Archer AX55 remains an excellent budget option for users who don’t need cutting-edge speeds or advanced security features. For those prioritizing long-term value and future-proofing, the RT-BE92U justifies its higher cost with superior tech and ongoing protection.

Future-Proofing and Scalability

The ASUS RT-BE92U BE9700 is built for the future with full WiFi 7 support, including 320MHz channel width and 4096-QAM, ensuring compatibility with upcoming devices and applications. Its AiMesh support allows for easy expansion with additional nodes, maintaining consistent performance across large homes. The TP-Link Archer AX55, while compatible with EasyMesh, operates on older WiFi 6 standards and lacks the bandwidth headroom for future high-throughput demands. The RT-BE92U’s 20G wired capacity and AI WAN detection further future-proof the network against evolving connectivity needs. For users planning long-term investments in smart home infrastructure, the RT-BE92U offers far greater scalability and longevity.

Which should you buy?

Choose the ASUS RT-BE92U BE9700 if you demand top-tier performance, future-ready WiFi 7 speeds up to 9700 Mbps, advanced security without subscriptions, and expandable mesh networking. It’s ideal for power users, gamers, and households with heavy bandwidth usage. Opt for the TP-Link Archer AX55 if you’re on a tight budget, need reliable dual-band WiFi 6 performance, and want basic security and Alexa integration. At $65.98, it’s about 70% cheaper than the ASUS model and ranks #9 in bestseller rank, indicating strong market acceptance for its value proposition. If your priority is cutting-edge tech and long-term reliability, the ASUS RT-BE92U BE9700 is worth the investment. If you need a capable, affordable router for everyday use, the TP-Link Archer AX55 delivers solid performance at a fraction of the cost.