Wi-Fi 8 is upon us, so here are two routers we saw at Computex that should be hitting the shops soon

Last week, TP-Link unveiled two Wi-Fi 8 routers—Archer 9 Ultra and Deco 8 Ultra—at IFA 2026. However, the exact price and release date are still pending, with the availability slated for later this year. It's worth noting that Asus demonstrated a Wi-Fi 8 router, the ROG Rapture GT-BN98, at Computex in June, making it a pioneer in this category. This premium gaming router is packed with features and gaming optimizations, featuring a ROG aesthetic.

Asus also introduced the ZenWiFi BN12, a more mainstream router, at Computex. The specific pricing and availability for these routers remain undisclosed, but review samples of the ROG Rapture GT-BN98 are expected to be accessible soon. The new Wi-Fi 8 standard prioritizes stability under heavy loads rather than merely boosting speed over Wi-Fi 7.

Unlike past Wi-Fi iterations, Wi-Fi 8 aims to improve user experience by addressing real-world issues that can hinder Wi-Fi 7 and its predecessors. This includes enhanced reliability, faster performance at long distances, and better handling of heavy network traffic in crowded environments.

The ROG Rapture GT-BN98 Pro Wi-Fi 8 is designed for gamers, incorporating Wi-Fi 8 advancements along with ROG gaming router features. Its AI-powered Adaptive QoE technology dynamically allocates network resources based on packet content and behavior, prioritizing gaming traffic and preventing bandwidth-hogging applications from disrupting gameplay.

The router also boasts a user-friendly interface displaying comprehensive details about the environment and connected devices. It features dual 10Gbps ports (including game optimization settings) and 2.5Gbps W/LAN ports, ensuring no compromises for Ethernet-connected PCs and devices.

The more affordable Asus ZenWiFi BN12 will be available as a standalone router or a mesh system, featuring MLO backhaul between nodes to eliminate the performance drop-off common in many mesh networks. Both models offer extensive network monitoring tools, VPN integration, multi-SSID operation, and server functionality. Furthermore, they include Asus' triple-level network security, AiProtection, including parental controls, at no additional cost.

However, upgrading to these new routers may not be necessary if you're currently on Wi-Fi 7, as Wi-Fi 8 client devices like phones, laptops, or PCIe/USB adaptors may not be widely available for weeks or even months after router availability.