ZenWiFi BD5 Dual-Band WiFi 7 Mesh, 5000 Mbps, 5000 sq.ft (2pk), Dual 2.5G Ports, Security and Parental Controls Included, Smart Home Master SSIDs

Easy to setup and did the job. Worked out of the box and successfully replaced my Spectrum router when plugged directly into the fiber optic modem. Used the same password and everything connected seamlessly.

Setup was a bit rough. Initially I was unable to connect to the primary over HTTP. After resetting the unit, I was able to connect, but after following the instructions the secondary was trying to use wireless to connect to the primary, even though both were connected to the LAN via ethernet. The next day, I found the buried menu page with the switch to use ethernet backhaul. That should be the default behaviour if it's plugged in to ethernet and can reach the primary via the ethernet port. It should at the very least be easier to find. Maybe put it on the same menu page as "backhaul priority". But it's working pretty well now. Legacy (IoT) mode does not support all older devices. Specifically, Slim Devices Squeezebox 2/3 does not work at all. Squeezebox Radio needs the "community firmware" upgrade in order to connect reliably. It doesn't seem like there should be an issue, since both devices support WPA2 security, and the legacy mode of the ZenWiFi is supposed to support WPA2/WPA3.

The units themselves are great. The setup instructions are horrible. We used AI to navigate our setup because the 3 separate instruction sheets were confusing and contradictory. After the setup was complete, we’ve been very happy with the BD5’s look, performance, and security.

Less than 6 months after purchase, there was an internal drive issue that could not be reset. Needed to send into the company and still haven’t heard anything yet. Apparently a rather frequent problem with this mesh router system

The ASUS WiFi router has been a great upgrade for my home network. Setup was quick and easy using the mobile app, and the connection has remained fast and stable throughout the house. Streaming, gaming, and video calls all run smoothly with minimal lag or interruptions. I also appreciate the strong signal range and built-in security features. Overall, this router delivers reliable performance, excellent speed, and solid value for anyone needing dependable home WiFi.

I love love love asus for the xt8. No fuss no muss. It just worked with the occasional update. Then it got hit by lightening. Not asus’s fault. Time to buy a new one. I thought, i’ll upgrade. I bought the asus BD5. The worst idea EVER! It has been a problem ever since i bought it. Box has a slip in it that says STOP! Call us before you return this item. So you call 3 times and the system puts you on hold and it clicks off at the 15 minute mark each time. You email and they say to call. They also say it’s the internet cable company’s fault. You change every cable 10x and still doesn’t work. You go through the setup at least a dozen times. Then it suddenly works and you have no idea why. Your only tools are a reboot, reset, an unwound paperclip and soooooooo much time watching lights. Signal strength says connection Great! with the xt8 Signal strength says connection ok or poor with the bd5 when it works. BTW - both units are in the same exact place they were before. Bd5 says update available. So you update and get the red light. No internet connection. Then you get the white light which means all good. No it does not because when you go to the app you get the orange bar that says “unable to connect to the internet” Value for money - no value at all. I would give ZERO stars if that were an option. These are paperweights that sometimes give you wireless internet. Context Lived with xt8 for 3 years, no issues. Pretty much set it and forget it. Living with bd5 since june 2025 and thoroughly regret the purchase. Now i’m gonna take my paperclip, reset the whole thing again and cross my fingers. Maybe i’ll have wireless internet again one day. The moral of this story is….. Do not buy the bd5. It’s so much more trouble than it’s worth.

Works well, but there are features I still haven’t figured out. Great coverage in my two story home.

Difficult to set up and manage once installed. I do have 42 years of IT experience. I know what I am doing with networks. This router took a ton of time to set up. It is not easy. And then, I reboot the router monthly as a way of making sure everything is updated, cleared and OK. On the fourth month, I could not get the router to come back up. Everything I tried failed. I tried a factory reset but the method for doing that is not simple and you never know if it worked. So, I bought a Netgear Nighthawk. It was set up in less than 1/2 hour. I now have a BD5 shelf ornament. Ease of set-up and management is key for success. Asus isn't there..... and it isn't because I have not owned Asus routers. My previous four routers at two locations were Asus.

Súper recomendable. Lo único es que necesité asesoría para poder quitar el doble NAT que me generaba por el tipo de servicio que uso en México. Pero incluso con el doble NAT las redes wi-fi se hicieron mucho más rápidas y al fin llegó a toda mi casa.