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The ASUS RT-BE58 Go, first announced at CES 2025, is now available. Among other things, the new router makes Wi-Fi 7 accessible even when you’re out and about.
Most importantly, as an upgrade to the RT-AX57 Go, it comes with a familiar feature set as standard on an ASUS router—you will not need to learn any new tricks to make it work. In more ways than one, it’s the rival to the TL-WR3602BE, and on this front, it offers more features, plus it’s not a TP-Link, a brand that’s been facing the uncertainty of a US government ban.
This preview will give you an idea of what to expect, based on my experience with the RT-AX57 Go. Check back soon for the in-depth review to see how its real-world performance pans out.
ASUS RT-BE58 Go: More than the Wi-Fi 7 version of the RT-AX57 Go
Out of the box, the RT-BE58 Go looks totally different from its older cousin, the squarish RT-AX57 Go. Compared to the previous model, the new travel router now has a smaller design and two external antennas. Still, it’s a much more powerful router that comes with a 2.5Gbps port (plus a Gigabit port) and features dual-band BE3600 Wi-Fi 7, which is the same specs as the ZenWiFi BD4.
On the other hand, the RT-BE58 Go shares a similar design and hardware specs with its presumed competitor, the TP-Link TL-WR3602BE, which was also recently available. The table below compares the two with the RT-AX57 Go as a reference.
Hardware specifications: ASUS RT-BE58 Go vs. RT-AX57 Go vs. TP-Link TL-WR3602BE
 |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Name | TP-Link TL-WR3602BE BE3600 Wi-Fi 7 Travel Router | ASUS RT-BE58 Go BE3600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Travel Router | ASUS RT-AX57 Go AX3000 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Travel Router |
| Model | TL-WR3602BE | RT-BE58 Go | RT-AX57 Go |
| Dimensions | 104 × 90 × 28 mm | 98mm x 94mm x 31mm | 120 x 120x 21.5 mm |
| Weight | 170 g | 232g | 200 g |
| Processing Power | undiscolosed | Quad-core 2.0GHz, 256MB Flash, 1GB RAM | Dual-core 1.3GHz SoC, 256 MB Flash, 512 MB RAM |
| Wi-Fi Technology | Dual-band BE3600 | Dual-Band BE3600 | Dual-band AX3000 |
| 1st Band (2.4GHz) | 2×2 BE: Up to 688Mbps (20/40MHz) | 2×2 AX: Up to 600Mbps (20/40 MHz) | |
| 2nd Band (5GHz) | 2×2 BE: Up to 2882Mbps (20/40/80/160MHz) | 2×2 Wi-Fi 6: Up to 2.4 Gbps (20/40/80/160MHz) | |
| Wireless Security | WPA, WPA2, WPA3 | ||
| Built-in Cellular Modem | None | ||
| Mobile App | TP-Link Tether | Asus Router | |
| Web User Interface | Yes | Yes (open-source AsusWRT) | |
| Networking Features | VPN (Server and Client) Device-based QoS, Dynamic DNS | All ASUS Routers’ Core Features, for example: Advanced VPN (Server or client with InstantGuard) AiProtection Parental Control QoS AiMesh | |
| Operating Roles | Router Mode, USB Tethering Mode, 3G/4G/5G USB Modem Mode, Hotspot Mode (WISP Mode), Access Point Mode, Range Extender Mode, Client Mode | Router Mode, USB Tethering Mode, 3G/4G/5G USB Modem Mode, Hotspot Mode (WISP Mode), AiMesh (router or satellite), Access Point Mode, Range Extender Mode, Client Mode | |
| Firmware Version (at review) | not yet tested | 3.0.0.6.102_22188 | |
| USB Port | 1x USB-C (power) 1x USB 3.0 (cellular tethering and storage) | 1x USB-C (power) 1x USB 3.0 (all USB-related features) | |
| Gigabit Port | 1x LAN | 1x WAN/LAN | 2x LAN/WAN |
| Multi-Gig Port | 1x 2.5Gbps WAN | 1x 2.5Gbps WAN/LAN | None |
| Dual-WAN | Yes (WAN+LAN/USB) | ||
| Link Aggregation | No | ||
| Power Consumption (per 24 hours) | TBD | ≈ 130 Wh | |
| US Launch Price (check street price!) | $139.99 | 159.99 | $129.99 |
A familiar ASUS (travel) router
Despite differences in design and hardware specs, the RT-BE58 Go shares the same ASUSWRT 5.0 firmware as the RT-AX57 Go and the rest of ASUS’s RT series. As a result, it comes with an impressive set of features, similar to those of any ASUS standard router, given its compact physical size. Specifically, you can expect the following, among other things:
- Advanced QoS, Parental Control, AiProtection, and many other settings and features.
- Universal setting restoration—you can restore it with the backup file of most existing ASUS routers, including the RT-AX57 Go. Among other things, you can quickly upgrade to it or easily duplicate your home router’s settings onto it.
- A robust member of the AiMesh ecosystem. The RT-BE58 Go can work as a primary router or a satellite unit in an AiMesh system.
- The router features Guest Wi-Fi Pro with lots of SSID options, including a login portal.
- It supports all available VPN protocols and features, including VPN Fusion (mixing VPN and non-VPN connections on the same network) and Instant Guard.
Additionally, as a travel router, you can expect the additional items from the RT-BE58 Go, as in the case of the previous model:
- USB-C charging that supports the universal Power Delivery standard. You can use any USB-C charger that delivers 18W or more to power it, making it convenient to use on the go.
- Flexible WAN inputs: The router can accept and deliver the Internet access via three main ways, specifically:
- Via the default WAN port. In this standard setup, you connect its WAN port to an Internet source, such as a cable modem, a fiber-optic ONT, or a network port in a hotel room.
- Via the USB port: You can tether a smartphone or host a USB cellular modem. This port can also be used together with the WAN port above to deliver dual-WAN. By the way, the USB port can also charge the device plugged into it.
- Via an existing Wi-Fi network (a.k.a. WISP mode): The router can connect to an existing Wi-Fi network, such as that of a hotel, and then deliver it to its local network via a separate Wi-Fi network and its network ports.
Tip
WISP stands for Wireless Internet Service Provider. It’s an operating mode in which a supported router receives an Internet connection via Wi-Fi and then distributes it to multiple devices via its own Wi-Fi network. It works similarly to a Wi-Fi extender (or repeater) with two added elements:
- The WISP router’s Wi-Fi network is shielded from the existing Internet-providing Wi-Fi network to keep its connected clients safe and private.
- The WISP router can handle an incoming Internet-enabled Wi-Fi connection that requires a particular authentication method, such as a captive portal or via a paid login account.
When you use a public Wi-Fi network or one with ambiguous security, WISP is recommended.
The point is that, while small, the RT-BE58 Go has enough to work as a standard router for a small home, just like any standard-sized standalone router. In this case, can even get a few units to form a mesh Wi-Fi system. When you’re ready to travel, pack it with you, and your home network will tag along.
That said, you can expect this little router to deliver the same experience as any other ASUS dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router. What makes it different is in the real-world performance, which we’ll find out soon.
ASUS RT-BE58 Go's PRELIMINARY Assessment
Pros
Wi-Fi 7 support with a 2.5Gbps WAN port and versatile WAN options
Identical features and network settings as full-size routers managed via a full web user interface, mesh-ready
Compact design, wall-mount-ready, standard USB-C charging
Cons
No built-in cellular modem, SIM slot, or battery option
A bit comparatively expensive
The takeaway
From the look of it, the RT-BE58 Go is very much an enhanced version of the RT-BE57 Go. In many ways, Wi-Fi 7 support is nice to have, but in terms of real-world performance, unless you have faster-than-Gigabit Internet at the location, there’s likely no difference between the two ASUS travel routers.
Compared to the TP-Link TL-WR3602BE, the ASUS RT-BE58 Go has more features—such as the support for Instant Guard and AiMesh, which alone are enough to make up for its slightly higher suggested retail cost—but if getting connected to the Internet is the only thing you care about, there’s also little difference between these two rivals.
That said, looking for a little router to bring on the go for the upcoming holiday season? Consider one of these routers today. Or check back soon to see how the RT-BE58 Go’s performance pans out.
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