WIRED names Asus RT-BE58U best Wi-Fi router for 2026
The publication’s updated guide, based on testing more than 50 systems, highlights the impact of US regulatory bans on foreign-made hardware.
WIRED has released its updated guide to the best Wi-Fi routers for 2026, naming the Asus RT-BE58U as the top pick for most users. The recommendation follows extensive testing of more than 50 systems in a busy family home, where the Asus device demonstrated reliable performance and an affordable price point. The guide also designates the Netgear Nighthawk RS300 as the best midrange option and the TP-Link Archer BE230 as the best budget choice.
The updated recommendations come amid significant regulatory shifts in the United States. The US Federal Communications Commission announced a ban on new foreign-made consumer routers in March 2026, citing national security concerns. Under these rules, only Netgear and Eero have currently secured the necessary Conditional Approval exemptions to sell new routers in the US market. Existing routers can continue to be sold and updated with firmware until at least 1 January 2029.
The Asus RT-BE58U was praised for its ease of setup and ability to cover a 1,600-square-foot home with fast connectivity. While it is a dual-band router that lacks the 6-GHz band, it offers other Wi-Fi 7 benefits such as multi-link operation and enhanced security. The device includes network security and parental controls at no extra cost, a feature WIRED noted is increasingly rare as many manufacturers move to subscription models.
For consumers seeking midrange performance, the Netgear Nighthawk RS300 was highlighted for its fanless design and excellent speed on 5-GHz and 6-GHz bands. The TP-Link Archer BE230 was selected as the budget pick, though the reviewer noted that initial issues with band steering were resolved after further testing. The guide also includes a dedicated section for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 6 routers, acknowledging that older standards remain viable for many households.
The regulatory landscape adds complexity for buyers, particularly regarding TP-Link. The company is currently under investigation by US Commerce, Defense, and Justice departments regarding potential vulnerabilities in its routers. While TP-Link has stated it is cooperating with the investigation and that its manufacturing is based in Vietnam, it must still apply for a Conditional Approval to continue selling new units in the US.
WIRED also updated its recommendations for travel and mobile connectivity, naming the Asus RT-BE58 Go as the best travel router and the Netgear Nighthawk M7 as the best 5G mobile hotspot. The guide emphasises that while Wi-Fi 7 is the latest protocol, older standards can still serve average families well, provided devices support the respective bands.
