Its packed with features, including security parameters that dont require a subscription, plus decent parental controls.
The only real downside is the exorbitant price tag, which dents the value proposition.
The two smart-looking nodes seem identical, but note the discreet sticker denoting one as the master.
Otherwise, the setup process is simple via the phone app.
An Insight tab provides suggestions for security and optimization.
The usual networking tools are available, includingGoogleAssistant voice control.
Ultimately, its well-featured and very intuitive.
That raises some serious privacy issues.
All the ports are color coded but that could be confusing to some users.
Theres also a USB 3.0 port, which can be used for file sharing and media serving.
So how does it perform?
On paper, the ZenWiFi BT10 is a tri-band router with 18,000 Mbps worth of throughput.
It scored 1,661 Mbps, 614 Mbps and 370 Mbps, respectively, which is an excellent result.
Then theres the price… Two nodes cost an eye-watering $900 / 779 / AU$2,799.
Still, if you need high-end functionality and speed, its hard to beat.
Until then, were stuck with inflated price tags.
It costs $900 in the US, 779 in the UK and AU$2,799 in Australia.
For some reason, Aussies seem to be getting particularly hard done by in this case.
Most regions sell single nodes, but only a few, it seems, sell the three-node kit.
A tempting alternative is theAsus ROG Rapture GT-BE98.
Setting it up is simple, thanks to the mature, intuitive and well-featured app.
The opening screen displays a wireless internet map and provides a button to manually run a wireless-optimization cycle.
The second tab breaks down which devices are connected along with their IP addresses and the resources theyre using.
The Insight tab offers smart recommendations regarding using secure connections, intrusion prevention and setting up family groups.
The built-in online grid security is called Asus AiProtection and its powered by Trend Micro.
It also powers the parental controls and (mercifully) doesnt require a separate premium subscription unlike other rivals.
The Family tab lets you add people and their devices to customizable and preset groups.
Again, Im very pleased to see Asus provide these features without asking for a subscription fee.
The final tab offers access to other standard router features, including QoS and VPN.
Up close, it managed 1,661 Mbps, which Ive only seen beaten byNetgears Nighthawk 7 RS700S Wi-Fi router.
More impressively, the BT10 managed 370 Mbps, 15 meters away, outside the home in the garden.
Only top-tier three-node mesh systems have rivaled that (and not all do).
Should you buy the Asus ZenWiFi BT10?
It will be a very long time before it feels slow.
But there are plenty of larger buildings that have dead spots due to size or thick walls.
In some cases, that means paying for both parental controls and security software, separately.
Asus deserves credit for keeping it all free.
you might also add cheap nodes using old and cheap Asus routers that are AiMesh compatible.
The price here is anomalously high compared to other regions, even with the usual tax and shipping issues.
You only want basic featuresSome people just want to jump into the internet without much fuss.
If thats the case, then the BT10 is overpowered, over-featured and overpriced for your requirements.
you might save a massive amount of money on a lesser gadget that will still fulfill your needs.
If you could get past the looks, it features similar features and performance in one, less-expensive package.
You also get three nodes to spread the signal even further.
Its a great-value Wi-Fi 7 mesh kit.
