The Asus RT-BE58 Go is a compact, portable router that packs a punch despite its small size. It's a versatile device that can be used at home or on the go, offering a range of features that make it a powerful tool for anyone looking to improve their internet connectivity. In this review, we'll take a closer look at the RT-BE58 Go's capabilities and explore why it's a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable, flexible router solution.
A Compact, Yet Powerful Router
The RT-BE58 Go is a palm-sized router that's designed to be portable and easy to use. It comes with a clean, understated design that looks stylish, and a sliding switch on the side that lets you toggle between two saved profiles: one for home use and another for travel. The device is fully featured and supports Wi-Fi 7, making it a powerful router that can handle a wide range of tasks.
The router comes with a variety of accessories, including two foldable antennas, an Ethernet cable, and a USB-C power adapter with interchangeable international plugs. A sticker on the device lists the default Wi-Fi credentials and local admin login details, making it easy to set up and use. The setup process is straightforward, and the Asus Router app makes it even easier to configure the device.
Versatile Operating Modes
The RT-BE58 Go supports several operating modes, including wireless repeater, media bridge, and access point. It can be connected directly to a modem or another router via Ethernet or linked wirelessly to an existing router over Wi-Fi. It also supports USB tethering to a 4G or 5G mobile phone, allowing you to create a Wi-Fi network on the go. If you already have an AiMesh-compatible Asus router, the RT-BE58 Go can be added to extend your existing network, with devices automatically switching to the strongest available node.
Impressive Performance
The RT-BE58 Go performed admirably in both home and travel settings. When used as a wireless repeater, it created a new wireless network that delivered a noticeably stronger signal in areas with weak or no signal. When used as a high-speed wired Wi-Fi access point, it provided a rock-solid Wi-Fi connection that delivered the full speed of the broadband plan, even in areas far from the primary router.
The router's small size made it easy to carry around, and it was particularly useful for creating a fast, robust Wi-Fi network for demonstrating a Meta Quest VR system streaming from a gaming laptop. The router's versatility and portability made it a great choice for anyone looking to improve their internet connectivity on the go.
Security and Control
The RT-BE58 Go supports a wide range of VPN services and protocols, including OpenVPN, IPSec, WireGuard, and PPTP. Parental controls are also available, allowing you to block access to certain websites or schedule access on a per-device basis. Port forwarding settings are accessible through both the Asus Router app and the web-based interface, giving you complete control over your network.
Conclusion
The Asus RT-BE58 Go is a powerful, versatile router that's designed to be portable and easy to use. It offers a range of features that make it a great choice for anyone looking to improve their internet connectivity, whether at home or on the go. With its compact size, impressive performance, and versatile operating modes, the RT-BE58 Go is a router that comfortably punches above its weight.
