OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Routers Methodology v3.0
Routers Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Routers Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Routers Methodology v3.0

ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 review: 77 specs compared

Avg. price:~£970Wi-Fi version:Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)Wi-Fi speed:25000 MbpsLAN port speeds:?Mesh Wi-Fi:yes

ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 Review: Compare 77 technical specifications, 12 expert and video reviews and 3 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Routers category and whether it is worth buying.

ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16
8.5/10

Overall score

Score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 94% of models
Score components

40%

8.9

Technical score

25%

8.5

Reviews score

25%

8.4

List score

10%

7.4

Sentiment score

★Better than 94% of routers
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the router's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a router with a good balance between network performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components

70%

8.5

Overall score

30%

5.4

Price

▼Worse than 91%
8.9

Technical score

Technical score
8.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 98% of models
Score components

26%

9.8

Wireless

20%

6.7

Ports

18%

9.6

Networking

14%

9.9

Security

12%

8.7

Hardware

10%

8.4

Management

★Better than 98%
8.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.7 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 77% of models

80%

8.4

Average grade

20%

8.8

Popularity

Grades by review (12)
7 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 5 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 77%
8.4

List score

List score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (3)
List score: in 3 of 80 lists (4%)
▲Better than 87%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16

Based on 6 · 5

Reviewers praise the wide coverage and strong security, but find the app and software frustrating.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16

Based on 14 owners sharing their experience in online comments

21%positive29%mixed50%negative

Owners praise the speed and solid performance after setup, but connection problems and difficult smart device setup remain common.

What owners dislike

  • Connections drop for some owners, often after firmware updates, with Apple devices and smart plugs losing Wi-Fi until power cycled or reset.8
  • Smart plugs, Sonos and other smart devices often fail to connect or drop out until a separate IoT network or 2.4 GHz setup is used.6
  • Some owners report problems after firmware updates, such as a red LED with no internet, and a fix needing a factory reset of the routers.4
  • Some owners say the router needs rebooting every few days or weekly to avoid slowdowns and stutters.4
  • Some owners cannot get the router online; the LED stays red and the app reports no internet even after a factory reset.3
  • Some owners see slow speeds and inconsistent negotiation with devices, fixed sometimes by unplugging and replugging the cable.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Routers model ranking

Ranked #28 of 524 models in Routers (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of router ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16

Technical score
Technical score
8.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 98% of models
Score components:

26%

9.8

Wireless

20%

6.7

Ports

18%

9.6

Networking

14%

9.9

Security

12%

8.7

Hardware

10%

8.4

Management

8.9
Reviews score
8.5
List score
8.4
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the router's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a router with a good balance between network performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components:

70%

8.5

Overall score

30%

5.4

Price

7.6
Brand name
ASUS
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
This router uses Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), which is more advanced than 88.2% of routers and equal to 11.8% of routers.
Wi-Fi bands
2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz
This router supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz Wi-Fi bands, which are more versatile than 90.4% of routers and equal to 9.6% of routers.
Wi-Fi speed
25,000 Mbps
Market range: <0 Mbps – >6k Mbps
This router delivers 25,000 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, which is higher than 99.4% of routers and equal to 0.2% of routers.
Channel widths supported
20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz + 160 MHz + 320 MHz
This router supports 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz + 160 MHz + 320 MHz channel width options, which is more than 94.3% of routers and the same as 5.3% of routers.
Show more
What reviewers say
Wi-Fi security protocols
WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WPS
This router supports WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WPS Wi-Fi security protocols, which are more advanced than 78.9% of routers and equal to 6.3% of routers.
DoS protection
yes
This router includes DoS protection. 9.8% of routers include DoS protection.
SPI intrusion protection
yes
This router includes SPI-based intrusion protection. 4.7% of routers include SPI-based intrusion protection.
MAC address filtering
yes
This router supports MAC address filtering. 1.7% of routers include MAC address filtering.
URL filter
yes
This router supports URL filtering. 2.6% of routers include URL filtering.
Show more
What reviewers say
IPv6 support
yes
This router supports IPv6. 8.8% of routers are IPv6-ready.
Dynamic routing
yes
This router supports dynamic routing. 54% of routers support dynamic routing.
Inter-VLAN routing
?
VLAN tagging
?
QoS
yes
This router includes QoS controls. 2.4% of routers include QoS controls.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of LAN ports
3
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 3 LAN ports, which is fewer than 66% of routers and the same as 18.2% of routers.
LAN port speeds
?
N. of WAN ports
?
N. of USB ports
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 1 USB ports, which is more than 40.1% of routers and the same as 41.5% of routers.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
no
This router does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE). 1.7% of routers can be powered over Ethernet.
Show more
What reviewers say
Management interface
Web UI, App
This router uses Web UI, App for management, which is more advanced than 29.7% of routers and equal to 60.9% of routers.
Firmware upgrade method
Web UI, App, Automatic
This router supports Web UI, App, Automatic firmware update methods, which are more convenient than 71.9% of routers and equal to 27.2% of routers.
Traffic monitoring
yes
This router includes traffic monitoring. 13.9% of routers include traffic monitoring.
Guest Wi-Fi network
yes
This router offers a guest Wi‑Fi network. 7.3% of routers offer a guest Wi‑Fi network.
Captive portal
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU clock speed
?
RAM capacity
2048 MB
Market range: <0 MB – >1k MB
This router has 2048 MB of RAM, which is more than 94.9% of routers and the same as 4.4% of routers.
Internal storage
0.25 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >0.5 GB
This router has 0.25 GB of internal storage, which is more than 71.9% of routers and the same as 16.8% of routers.
Hardware acceleration
yes
This router offers hardware acceleration. 24.9% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
N. of external antennas
?
Show more
What reviewers say

ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 vs the average router

246810TotalWirelessSecurityNetworkingPortsManagementHardware
  • 14.29x faster Wi-Fi speed
    This router has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (25,000 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,750 Mbps.
    25,000 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    This router supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    This router supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WPS, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP.
    WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WPS vs WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP
  • More Wi-Fi bands
    This router supports more Wi-Fi bands than the average router (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz). The average router supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands.
    2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
  • 8x more RAM
    This router has more RAM than the average router (2048 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.
    2,048 MB vs 256 MB
  • 3.98x wider wireless coverage
    This router has wider wireless coverage than the average router (740 m² vs 186 m²). The average router offers wireless coverage of 186 m².
    740 m² vs 186 m²
  • Supports mesh Wi-Fi
    This router supports mesh Wi-Fi, while the average router does not. 45.2% of routers support mesh Wi-Fi.
  • Supports automatic failover
    This router offers automatic failover, while the average router does not. 31.2% of routers offer automatic failover.
  • 10.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.7 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 77% of models

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    8.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (12)
    7 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 5 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.5 vs 7.7
  • 14.29x faster Wi-Fi speed
    This router has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (25,000 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,750 Mbps.
    25,000 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    This router supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • More Wi-Fi bands
    This router supports more Wi-Fi bands than the average router (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz). The average router supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands.
    2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
  • 3.98x wider wireless coverage
    This router has wider wireless coverage than the average router (740 m² vs 186 m²). The average router offers wireless coverage of 186 m².
    740 m² vs 186 m²
  • Supports mesh Wi-Fi
    This router supports mesh Wi-Fi, while the average router does not. 45.2% of routers support mesh Wi-Fi.
  • Supports OFDMA
    This router supports OFDMA, while the average router does not. 41.5% of routers support OFDMA.
  • Wider channel widths
    This router has a higher supported channel width than the average router (20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz + 160 MHz + 320 MHz vs 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz). The average router supports channel width of 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz.
    20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz + 160 MHz + 320 MHz vs 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz
  • Supports TWT
    This router supports Target Wake Time (TWT), while the average router does not. 42.6% of routers support Target Wake Time (TWT).
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    This router supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WPS, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP.
    WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WPS vs WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP
  • Supports automatic failover
    This router offers automatic failover, while the average router does not. 31.2% of routers offer automatic failover.
  • Supports dynamic routing
    This router supports dynamic routing, while the average router does not. 46.1% of routers support dynamic routing.
  • 8x more RAM
    This router has more RAM than the average router (2048 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.
    2,048 MB vs 256 MB
  • 12 more internal antennas
    This router has more internal antennas than the average router (12 vs 0). The average router has 0 internal antennas.
    12 vs 0
  • 2x more internal storage
    This router has more internal storage than the average router (0.3 GB vs 0.1 GB). The average router offers 0.125 GB of internal storage.
    0.25 GB vs 0.125 GB
  • 5 years newer release date
    This router was released more recently than the average router (2024 vs 2019). The average router release year is 2019.
    2024 vs 2019
  • 1 fewer LAN ports
    This router has fewer LAN ports than the average router (3 vs 4). The average router has 4 LAN ports.
    3 vs 4
  • 10.21x more expensive
    ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 is more expensive than the average router (£970 vs £95).
    £970 vs £95
  • 6.6% worse value for money
    ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 has worse value for money than the average router (7.58 vs 8.1).
    7.58 vs 8.08
  • 166.6 mm higher height
    This router is taller than the average router (218 mm vs 51.4 mm). The average router is 51.4 mm tall.
    218 mm vs 51.4 mm
  • Narrower DFS range
    This router has fewer supported DFS channels than the average router (52-64 + 100-140 vs 52-64 + 100-144). The average router supports 52-64 + 100-144 DFS channels.
    52-64 + 100-140 vs 52-64 + 100-144
  • 10.21x more expensive
    ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 is more expensive than the average router (£970 vs £95).
    £970 vs £95
  • 6.6% worse value for money
    ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 has worse value for money than the average router (7.58 vs 8.1).
    7.58 vs 8.08
  • Narrower DFS range
    This router has fewer supported DFS channels than the average router (52-64 + 100-140 vs 52-64 + 100-144). The average router supports 52-64 + 100-144 DFS channels.
    52-64 + 100-140 vs 52-64 + 100-144
  • 1 fewer LAN ports
    This router has fewer LAN ports than the average router (3 vs 4). The average router has 4 LAN ports.
    3 vs 4
  • 166.6 mm higher height
    This router is taller than the average router (218 mm vs 51.4 mm). The average router is 51.4 mm tall.
    218 mm vs 51.4 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

7.0
GrumpyMan's REVIEWS
≈ estimated
08/02/2026
Long-term test · unboxing, speed tests and app setup
Verdict
ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 is a decent router, but Wi-Fi 7 mode had to be switched off for older devices.
10
JK Chavez
✓ explicit
05/12/2024
Hands-on review · mesh roaming, gaming and design tests
Verdict
ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 has excellent design and mesh performance, with wireless backhaul that keeps speed close to the main router.
9.0
1side0
≈ estimated
16/11/2024
Hands-on review · setup walkthrough and speed tests
Verdict
ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 is recommended for large multi-storey homes and gamers, with strong speeds, low latency and easy setup.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.5
gadgetguy.com.au
✓ explicit
09/03/2025
Hands-on review · Wi-Fi 7 mesh
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 is a Wi-Fi 7 mesh system that is easy to set up and suits smart homes, though download speeds sometimes fell short.
8.0
lesterchan.net
≈ estimated
11/11/2024
Real-world test · Wi-Fi 7 mesh
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 is a fast Wi-Fi 7 mesh pair that reaches 800–950Mbps with MLO enabled, though MLO and WPA3 must be switched on by hand.
8.0
hardwareluxx.de
✓ explicit
12/03/2025
Lab test · Wi-Fi 7 mesh
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 is a fast, expandable Wi-Fi 7 mesh system with three 10 Gbit/s ports, but its web interface and app look dated.
9.4
connect.de
✓ explicit
27/01/2025
Lab test · Wi-Fi 7 mesh router
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 is a strong Wi-Fi 7 mesh system and router for fast internet lines and 10-gigabit networks, though it draws a lot of power.
8.0
galaxus.fr
✓ explicit
03/02/2025
Lab test · Two-floor coverage
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 pair covers a 178 m² two-floor flat with just enough reach, offering very fast upstairs speeds but weak signal on the lower balcony.
9.0
es.root-nation.com
≈ estimated
16/01/2025
Hands-on review · Four-band Wi-Fi 7
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 is a compact Wi-Fi 7 mesh pair with 10Gbps ports and up to 740 m² of coverage, suited to smart homes.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16

  • Quad-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh rated at 25 Gbps
  • Two 5 GHz bands alongside 2.4 and 6 GHz
  • Dual 10G ports for multi-gig lines and wired devices
  • Covers up to 8,000 sq ft, about 740 m², with the kit
  • Twelve internal antennas and 2 GB of RAM
  • 4G or 5G mobile tethering plus automatic failover
  • VPN server, parental controls and security included

What customers don't like about ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16

  • Premium price far above ordinary mesh kits
  • Overkill for flats and small homes
  • Only one USB port
  • Tall 218 mm units need shelf space

Verdict

The ZenWiFi BQ16 is a premium quad-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh system, sold as a two-pack in the listing, for large homes. It is rated at 25 Gbps with two separate 5 GHz bands alongside 2.4 and 6 GHz, and the kit covers up to 8,000 square feet, roughly 740 square metres. Dual 10G ports suit multi-gig internet and wired devices. Twelve internal antennas and 2 GB of RAM drive the radios. One USB port, a VPN server, automatic failover and 4G or 5G mobile tethering give the system extra resilience. Security and parental controls are included, and Smart Home Master SSIDs separate smart-home devices. It costs premium money, and a small home gains little from this much hardware. It fits large houses with multi-gig internet and many devices.

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