The Tool Desk
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Find the firmware version for your exact router
Firmware and security fixes are model-specific. Before downloading anything, identify the router’s full model name and hardware revision if ASUS distinguishes one for your device. Open that model’s ASUS support page and find the relevant entry in ASUS’s Product Security Advisory. Note the firmware version ASUS identifies for your model and the issue. Do not use a package or version listed for a similar-looking router.
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The title of the security issue matters: if you are checking a particular vulnerability, compare against its advisory entry rather than assuming that any update—or an update for another model in the same family—addresses it. ASUS maintains the advisory and support pages, so consult the current entry for your device.
Choose an update method
ASUS documents three routes: the ASUS Router app, WebGUI update functions, and manual firmware upload. The available menus and options vary by model and software version. Use the method your router supports.
#1 Best Overall
- New-Gen WiFi Standard – WiFi 6(802.11ax) standard supporting MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology for better efficiency and throughput.Antenna : External antenna x 4. Processor : Dual-core (4 VPE). Power Supply : AC Input : 110V~240V(50~60Hz), DC Output : 12 V with max. 1.5A current.
- Ultra-fast WiFi Speed – RT-AX1800S supports 1024-QAM for dramatically faster wireless connections
- Increase Capacity and Efficiency – Supporting not only MU-MIMO but also OFDMA technique to efficiently allocate channels, communicate with multiple devices simultaneously
- 5 Gigabit ports – One Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports, 10X faster than 100–Base T Ethernet.
- Commercial-grade Security Anywhere – Protect your home network with AiProtection Classic, powered by Trend Micro. And when away from home, ASUS Instant Guard gives you a one-click secure VPN.
ASUS Router app
In the app, the documented path is Settings > Firmware Upgrade > Check Firmware Version. If the app offers an update, choose Upgrade Now and follow the prompts. See ASUS’s Router App update FAQ for the documented flow.
WebGUI automatic or prompted update
Sign in to the router’s WebGUI and open Administration > Firmware Upgrade. Use the update check or prompted update option available on your model. ASUS also supports scheduling automatic updates on some devices; if you use that feature, choose a time when the network is not in use. See the WebGUI firmware update FAQ for model-dependent details.
Rank #2
- Ultrafast WiFi 7 – WiFi 7 (802.11be) dual-band extendable router boosts speed up to 6500 Mbps, with 4096-QAM increasing a single frequency band’s transmission speed by 1.2 times
- Five 2.5GbE Ports – 2.5GbE ports prioritize traffic, optimizing wired internet connectivity for maximum performance
- Hassle-free AiMesh Extendable Network – AiMesh extendable routers enable whole home seamless roaming with rich, advanced features
- Multi-link Operation – Link to multiple bands at the same time to ensure stable internet connections and efficient data transfers
- Commercial-Grade Network Security – AiProtection Pro powered by Trend Micro, plus a one-tap security scan and Safe Browsing
Manual firmware upload
Manual upload is a fallback when an update has not been applied for some time or the router cannot connect to ASUS’s update server. Download firmware only from the support page for the exact device, then extract the archive. ASUS’s instructions describe a .trx file for covered devices, but file formats and procedures can vary; follow the product-specific instructions rather than assuming every router uses that format. ASUS’s manual firmware upgrade FAQ explains the process.
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- Open the update controls. In the WebGUI, sign in and go to Administration > Firmware Upgrade. If using the app, follow its firmware-upgrade prompts.
- For manual installation, select the extracted file for the exact model. Confirm that the selected file is the intended firmware package before starting the upload.
- Start the update and wait for it to complete. Do not turn off the router during the upload or update. ASUS materials describe a reboot after installation; follow the on-screen or model-specific instructions and allow the router to return to service.
- For AiMesh, check each device that needs updating. A manual update applies only to the selected router or node. Select the appropriate firmware for each applicable device.
A computer can connect to the router by Wi-Fi or a wired connection, according to ASUS’s update instructions. An Ethernet connection is optional, not a requirement for installation or verification.
Rank #3
- Beyond-fast WiFi 7 (802.11be) with new 320MHz channels in the 6 GHz band and 4096-QAM significantly increases network capacity and throughput, with speeds of up to 30 Gbps
- Multi-link Operation links to multiple bands at the same time to ensure stable internet connections and efficient data transfers
- Cutting-edge external dual-feeding antennas boost coverage by providing high efficiency and significantly enhanced signal strength
- Maximized wired connectivity and flexibility with dual 10G ports and quad 2.5G ports
- Triple-Level Game Acceleration - The GT-BE98 Pro boosts your PC gaming traffic every step of the way, from your PC gaming port all the way to the game server.
Verify that the security fix is installed
- Sign in again after the router restarts. Wait for it to return to service, then open the router interface and note the firmware version it displays.
- Compare that version with ASUS’s entry for the same model and issue. Use the Product Security Advisory and your model’s support page. The version must match the guidance for that device; a restart or completed upload is not enough to establish that the specific fix is present.
- If it does not match, or no fix is listed for your device, consult ASUS’s model-specific support information. Do not infer that the issue is resolved from a different model’s firmware listing.
When the security issue is CVE-2023-39780
For CVE-2023-39780 specifically, ASUS’s June 4, 2025 statement recommends updating to the latest firmware, performing a factory reset, and setting a strong administrator password. ASUS said that updating and using a strong administrator password can prevent future exploitation, and included a factory reset in its recommendations. Follow the full ASUS statement for this vulnerability; do not treat a factory reset as a universal requirement for every firmware update or security issue.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If ASUS does not provide an update for the router
If your router cannot be updated, ASUS’s general advisory recommends disabling WAN or AiCloud remote access and resetting the device to defaults as risk-reduction steps. Follow the applicable instructions for your model and consult ASUS support for guidance about the specific issue. ASUS’s general guidance is to keep routers updated with the latest firmware, but the correct target version depends on the device and advisory.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- New-Gen WiFi Standard - Supporting 802.11ax WiFi standard for better efficiency and throughput.
- Ultra-fast WiFi Speed - RT-AX3000S supports 1024-QAM for dramatically faster wireless connections. With a total networking speed of about 3000Mbps — 574 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 2402 Mbps on the 5GHz band.
- Increase Capacity and Efficiency - Supporting not only MU-MIMO but also OFDMA technique to efficiently allocate channels, communicating with multiple devices simultaneously
- Easy Extendable Network - Enjoy seamless roaming with rich, advanced features by adding any AiMesh-compatible router.
Rank #4
- Blazing-fast WiFi 7 tech boosts throughput up to 7200Mbps with Multi-Link Operation and 4096-QAM.
- Bolster your wired network capacity up to 34G with one cutting-edge 10G SFP+ port and one standard 10G WAN/LAN port.
- Establish always-on internet through AI WAN detection, versatile WAN configuration options, and a convenient USB port ready for 4G LTE and 5G Mobile tethering.
- Unleash demanding WiFi 7 and 10G network applications with a powerhouse quad-core 2.6GHz 64-bit CPU.
- Easily establish up to five SSIDs with Guest Network Pro for easy IoT device setup and management, instant VPN connections, and convenient parental controls.
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