Published 2026-04-20 by James Maxwell
The Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 is a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh system aimed at power users who need blanket, high-speed coverage across large homes or demanding multi-device environments. It sits at the premium end of the market, competing with systems like the Netgear Orbi 970 and TP-Link Deco BE85, and it’s currently available in the UK starting around £600 for a two-pack.
That price tag needs context. Budget mesh systems like the TP-Link Deco XE75 start at around £180, while mid-range options such as the Eero Pro 6E hover around £250. The BQ16 is not for everyone. It’s built for homes where dead zones, 4K streaming on multiple screens, and dozens of connected devices are daily realities.
The Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 earns strong praise for its real-world performance, particularly its ability to maintain fast, stable connections across large floor plans without the speed drop-off that plagues cheaper mesh systems.
T3’s review describes the BQ16 as “spectacular” for demanding users, highlighting its Wi-Fi 7 multi-link operation (MLO) as a genuine technical step forward. MLO allows the router to combine multiple frequency bands simultaneously rather than switching between them, which reduces latency and improves throughput in congested environments. That matters if you’re running a home office alongside a household of streamers and gamers.
The Asus app gets consistent credit for being well-organised and accessible, which is notable at this price point. Premium routers have historically paired expensive hardware with confusing software.
The main criticism is the price. At around £600 for a two-pack, the BQ16 costs significantly more than the TP-Link Deco BE85 (around £400 for a two-pack), which offers comparable Wi-Fi 7 speeds for most households. The BQ16 pulls ahead in range and sustained throughput, but whether that gap justifies a £200 premium depends entirely on your home size and usage.
The BQ16 is the headline act, but it sits within a competitive field. Here’s how the key Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems compare at time of writing:
The Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 is worth a specific mention. As the previous Asus flagship, it’s now available at a lower price since the BQ16 launched, and it remains a solid Wi-Fi 6E system for homes that don’t yet have Wi-Fi 7-capable devices. If your hardware isn’t Wi-Fi 7 ready, the ET12 at ~£450 is arguably the smarter buy right now.
The Netgear Orbi 970 beats the BQ16 on raw range but costs around £800 for a two-pack, and its software has historically been more frustrating to manage. For most demanding home users, the BQ16 lands in a sensible middle ground.
The BQ16 is available from several major UK retailers, though stock and pricing vary. At time of writing, Amazon UK and Ebuyer are the most competitive sources, with prices sitting around £580-£620 for the two-pack. Scan.co.uk also carries the BQ16 and is worth checking if you’re buying alongside other networking gear, as they sometimes bundle accessories.
John Lewis stocks the system and includes its standard two-year guarantee, which adds peace of mind for a product at this price. You’ll typically pay a small premium over Amazon for that, around £10-£20, but for a £600 purchase the extended guarantee is worth considering.
We’re tracking live prices across all major UK retailers on Shopping.co.uk. Compare all prices on Shopping.co.uk to see the current best deal before you buy.
Currys has carried Asus mesh systems previously but stock on the BQ16 has been inconsistent at launch. Check availability before making a trip.
The BQ16 is worth buying now if your home needs it. Homes over 250 square metres, properties with thick walls or multiple floors, and households running 30-plus connected devices simultaneously are exactly the use case this system was built for.
For everyone else, the value case is harder to make. Wi-Fi 7 device adoption is still in its early stages across UK homes. Most laptops, phones, and smart home devices sold in 2024 and early 2025 are Wi-Fi 6 or 6E, meaning you won’t see the full benefit of the BQ16’s Wi-Fi 7 capabilities straight away. Buying now is partly an investment in future-proofing.
One limitation to flag: the BQ16 currently ships as a two-pack only in the UK. If you want to expand the mesh by adding a third node later, check pricing and availability for individual units before committing, as that flexibility affects long-term value.
Prices on premium mesh systems do drop, typically around Black Friday and during summer sales. Asus products at this tier have historically seen discounts of 10-15% in major sale periods, based on Shopping.co.uk price tracking data. If you’re not in urgent need, waiting until November could save you £60-£90.
At around £600 for a two-pack, the BQ16 is priced fairly for what it delivers, but it’s £150-£200 more than the TP-Link Deco BE85, which will satisfy most households without the extra outlay.
Best place to buy: John Lewis — the two-year guarantee on a £600 networking purchase is worth the small premium over Amazon, and their returns process is straightforward if you have setup issues.
**vs. the previous model:** The Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 is now available for around £100-£150 less than the BQ16, and if your devices are Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7, it remains a capable system. The BQ16 is the better long-term buy, but the ET12 is better value today if you’re not ready to use Wi-Fi 7.
Our take: Buy the BQ16 if you have a large home and a growing device count; everyone else should consider the Deco BE85 or wait for Black Friday pricing.
What is Wi-Fi 7 and do I need it?
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) is the latest wireless standard, offering faster maximum speeds and lower latency than Wi-Fi 6E. Most devices sold before 2025 don’t support it, so the benefit is mainly future-proofing unless you have recent Wi-Fi 7 phones or laptops.
How many nodes does the BQ16 two-pack cover?
Asus states the two-pack covers up to approximately 5,500 square feet (around 510 square metres), making it suitable for large detached homes or multi-storey properties. Smaller homes will likely find a single node or a cheaper system sufficient.
Is the Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 compatible with existing Asus routers?
The BQ16 works within the Asus AiMesh ecosystem, meaning it can connect with other compatible Asus routers to extend your network. Check Asus’s official AiMesh compatibility list before mixing nodes.
Does the BQ16 require a subscription?
Basic features are free. Asus does offer an AiProtection Pro security subscription for enhanced parental controls and network protection, but it’s optional rather than required for the core mesh functionality.