Your router is the gateway to faster internet speeds, and the best ASUS routers can do that while providing excellent security, strong parental controls, and advanced customization features. However, ASUS is also well-known for their gaming routers. These models are packed with features that prioritize game data and connect to servers that enhance performance.
Many factors influence which router is best for your home. Home layout, construction, and how you use the internet all factor into which router will perform best. We tested several of the models included on our list. Among the routers that made it on our best ASUS routers list are those for large homes, gamers, and a budget model with speeds, security, and parental controls far above its price.
— Best Overall: ASUS AX6000 WiFi Gaming Router (RT-AX88U)
— Best for Gaming: ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi 6 AX Gaming Router (GT-AX6000)
— Best Mesh: ASUS ZenWiFi AX 6600 Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System (XT8)
— Best Splurge: ASUS AX6000 WiFi 6 Gaming Router (RT-AX89X)
— Best Budget: ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router
How We Picked the Best ASUS Routers
Finding the right router takes some insight into how you use your internet as well as the unique challenges of your home layout and setup. We picked the routers on our list by considering:
Technology: WiFi 6 is the latest, but many homes aren’t equipped with devices that can take advantage of its fast speeds. For that reason, we looked for models that performed well with previous WiFi 5 technology too.
Security and Parental Control: ASUS offers excellent security features and parental controls. However, there is some variation by model. We looked for those that made safety a priority and simple to customize.
Installation and Setup: A painless installation process is key. We considered step-by-step instructions, whether or not you can use an app or web console, and how easy it is to control the router's functions once setup is complete.
Optimization: QoS and gaming optimization features make the router work for the kinds of activities you do most.
The Best ASUS Routers: Reviews and Recommendations
Best Overall: ASUS AX6000 WiFi Gaming Router (RT-AX88U)
Why It Made The Cut: The AX6000 provides impressive speed, a long list of QoS settings, and built-in malware protection that make it one of the best ASUS routers available today.
Specs:
— Wireless Protocol: 802.11ax
— Processor: 1.8GHz quad-core processor
— Number of Bands: Two
Pros
— Incredibly fast speeds
— Easy installation
— Built-in malware protection
— Strong QoS settings
— Eight LAN ports
Cons
— Expensive
The ASUS RT-AX88U is an impressive WiFi 6 router packed with advanced features. Thanks to the 802.11ax protocol, it enhances throughput speeds and quick file transfers. We like that you don’t need a degree in computer science to install the router or manage the app and/or web console.
Add to that eight LAN ports to connect everything from printers and laptops to game consoles. You can also set up link aggregation, guest networks, and beamforming. The adaptive quality of service (QoS) settings can prioritize data usage for streaming, gaming, or web surfing. There are also gaming settings to reduce lag and latency for online gaming.
The RT-AX88U includes built-in malware protection. However, it also has lifetime ASUS AiProtection. Here, you can block malicious sites and set up two-way IPS, along with many other security functions. AiProtection is also how you access strong parental controls. These controls let you restrict access to certain sites, block adult content, or limit access to entertainment and media content.
The only place the RT-AX88U might make you think twice is on the price. It’s expensive because it’s packed with a host of advanced features.
Best for Gaming: ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi 6 AX Gaming Router (GT-AX6000)
Why It Made The Cut: Triple-level game acceleration optimizes your gaming experience, especially if you have multiple gaming consoles.
Specs:
— Wireless Protocol: 802.11ax
— Processor: 2 GHz quad-core processor
— Number of Bands: Two
Pros:
— Reduces congestion with DFS channels
— Two WAN ports with optional aggregation
— Three advanced options to optimize gaming
— Strong anti-malware and parental controls
— Excellent range
Cons:
— Huge footprint
— Expensive
— Can have connectivity issues
The ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi 6 (GT-AX6000) is among the best gaming routers for serious gamers with competing gaming consoles and multiple users. And in many ways, multi-user homes will get the most benefit from the GT-AX6000.
We tested this router in a 2,700-square-foot home, and it lived up to its Republic of Gamers (ROG) name. ASUS’s game-optimization features are known as their triple-level game acceleration. There are three general ways to improve the AX6000’s already impressive speeds when gaming. You can prioritize your devices based on hardware and software, which comes in handy when you’ve got multiple users and gaming systems running at the same time.
There’s also a Game Boost mode that prioritizes gaming by giving it first dibs on the bandwidth. The triple gaming threat is completed with a VPN feature that connects to the optimal server, even if it’s not the closest one. Additionally, this router supports DFS channels, opening additional bands to reduce traffic congestion.
We’ll admit that gaming was a joy during testing. Speeds were at the top of those available with the internet package and stayed up even when using graphics-heavy games. The range was equally impressive. We set the router up in the front corner of a two-story house, and the signal reached the furthest edge of the upper story. We also can’t talk about this router without mentioning the robust anti-malware and parental controls.
The downsides — you have to make room in your home and budget for this one. The AX6000 is huge and expensive. There were also a few times we had connectivity issues. However, they resolved within a few minutes.
Best Mesh: ASUS ZenWiFi AX 6600 Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System (XT8)
Why It Made The Cut: The XT8’s impressive range, easy installation, and consistent speeds bring the latest technology to large homes.
Specs;
— Wireless Protocol: 802.11ax
— Processor: 1.5GHz quad-core processor
— Number of Bands: Three
Pros:
— Fast, consistent speed
— Easy (though not intuitive) setup
— Good range and coverage
— Strong security and parental controls
Cons:
— Expensive
The ASUS ZenWiFi XT8 may look simple on the outside, but on the inside, each tower is packed with WiFi 6 technology with top speeds and range. We tested the XT8 in a 3,500-square-foot house. The XT8 performed beautifully. Throughput, uplink, and downlink speeds matched that provided by the available internet package.
Setup is easy, though we wouldn’t call it intuitive. We recently tested Netgear routers that use the Orbi app for setup and control, which we found more intuitive. However, the XT8 wasn’t difficult, and the accompanying app let us check real-time speeds. The app also showed which devices were connected to which band.
The XT8’s game boost feature kept up speeds even when several users streamed at once. You can also use the app to prioritize specific devices. For example, you can prioritize laptops and devices used for work. Then you can prioritize game consoles and streaming devices when work is over.
We also loved the range and coverage. It reached every corner of the house, and ASUS claims it can reach up to 5,000 square feet with the router and satellite. The unobtrusive design blends in with home decor rather than standing out as a decorative piece like the ASUS Blue Cave. We also appreciated the ports on both the router and the satellite, providing multiple places for a wired connection.
The only downside has to be the price. It’s expensive, and setup is easy but not intuitive.
Best Splurge: ASUS AX6000 WiFi 6 Gaming Router (RT-AX89X)
Why It Made The Cut: Powerful speeds and advanced features and controls give you the ultimate in custom settings, optimization, and protection.
Specs:
— Wireless Protocol: 802.11ax
— Processor: 2.2GHz quad-core processor
— Number of Bands: Two
Pros:
— Blazing fast speeds
— High-quality materials and build
— Eight gigabit ports and two 10GeB ports
— Advanced controls and features for just about everything
Cons:
— Expensive
— Can have connectivity issues
There isn’t much the ASUS RT-AX89X can’t do when looking at it from a specification standpoint. When it comes to performance, hold onto your hats. It provides blazing fast speeds and a serious amount of ports, with eight gigabit ports and two 10GeB ports, which are wired ports that can transmit data frames up to a rate of 10 billion bits per second.
This thing is a monster in size, and it’s sturdy and well made. On the inside, you get access to WiFi 6 technology and everything that comes with it. Where the AX89X really shines is the 5 GHz speeds, which can be upwards of 2,400 Mbps.
This router also offers excellent control over internet use with controls to prioritize gaming or streaming. It has AiProtection for security and full parental control features that allow you to monitor time usage and filter apps and web browsing.
Overall, it’s the speeds and control over your devices that set this router apart. However, it’s pricey. And like a few other high-end routers, certain units can sometimes be a little glitchy.
Best Budget: ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router
Why It Made The Cut: The AX1800 provides security, control, and optimization features at a reasonable price.
Specs:
— Wireless Protocol: 802.11ax
— Processor: 1.8GHz dual-core processor
— Number of Bands: Two
Pros:
— Easy setup
— Strong security and parental controls
— Optimize for gaming, streaming, and other uses
— Optional voice control
Cons:
— 5GHz speeds are less impressive
The AX1800 barely falls into the budget category, but it’s an affordable router that offers access to the 802.11ax protocol with its extra speed. We tested the AX1800 in a 2,300-square-foot home that posed some structural challenges for the router. It was able to provide excellent short distance speeds on the 2.4GHz band and good but not impressive speeds on the 5GHz band.
What we really liked (for the price) was the option to optimize performance for gaming, streaming, or home office use through the ASUS dashboard. We optimized for streaming, which gave those devices a boost and prevented lag and the dreaded ‘loading’ circle of doom.
The same dashboard is where you complete the setup process, which is fairly easy. We streamed on several devices and did light online gaming within 12 feet of the router. Speeds were near the top for the available internet package. Security and parental controls were other high points. They’re easy to use and let us pick and choose where and when to apply security features.
We noticed speeds slowing down once we got further away and relied on the 5GHz band. The tester home, however, has added insulation and a firewall that’s posed a challenge for other routers as well.
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best ASUS Router
Range
While ASUS may (but sometimes not) include a predicted range for each router, the range is affected by many outside factors. The router's location within the home, for example, can either enhance or limit the range. Central locations work best, but that’s not always possible, especially in multi-story homes. Construction materials like concrete and brick can interfere with the signal, further limiting the range. A home with many connected devices may also experience reduced range.
However, you still want to start by looking for a router that will cover a little more square footage than you need covered. If you have a 2,000-square-foot home, look for a router that will cover around 2,500 square feet. You may also have to consider setting up a mesh system if you have a difficult layout or large home. ASUS has several mesh systems that extend the range of the internet signal. They also have several standalone routers equipped with the ASUS AiMesh system, which allows them to create a custom mesh system by connecting to other standalone ASUS routers.
Internet Protocol
The router’s internet protocol determines the speed and features it can offer. The two most common are 802.11ac and 802.11ax. Most people get all the speed they need on the 802.11ac protocol. This internet protocol houses the standard 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands that are used by most of today’s devices. The 2.4GHz band has better speed and connections at close range, while the 5GHz band offers better speeds at a distance.
The 802.11ac routers may include advanced features like beamforming, which directs the signal to a specific location, or link aggregation, which bundles Ethernet connections into a single link to create a stronger signal. These routers may also have Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology to increase the router's link capacity. More advanced models may even have Multi User MIMO (MU-MIMO) downlink streaming that allows multiple users to establish links at the same time rather than waiting to connect sequentially.
The 802.11ax protocol, also known as WiFi 6, offers greater efficiency with advanced channel sharing capabilities. For example, it includes Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), which boosts throughput by dividing channels into subchannels. Consequently, it can handle more connected devices at greater speeds, especially when it comes to simultaneous multi-user streaming, gaming, and up and downlinking. The technology is also designed to reduce the overall power consumption of the router and connected devices.
Some 802.11ax routers include 6E technology, which opens up the 6GHz band in addition to the 2.4Hz and 5GHz bands. This new band is like an open highway compared to the other two. It’s less crowded so speeds are high and interruptions are low. However, you also have to have devices that contain 6E technology to access the 6GHz band. If you have them, you need a 6E router. If you don’t have them and you buy a 6E router, you’re paying for technology and a 6GHz band you can’t use.
Internet Package
The best routers match the speed available through your internet package. A 300 Mbps internet package doesn’t need a router that can handle 1,000 Mbps. Again, it comes down to buying a router with speeds and technology that you can use. If you have a gigabit internet package, you need an equally fast router with one or several gigabit ports to handle the speeds you’re paying for. On the ASUS website, you can sort routers by internet speeds, ports, and technology to make sure you get a router that fits the technology and speeds available to you.
Security and Parental Controls
ASUS includes some pretty amazing security features and parental controls with many of the routers. With some models, you get AiProtection (the ASUS security suite) for life. Many also include robust parental controls, allowing parents to not only monitor the devices connected to the router but also set time limits and block access to websites and apps.
FAQs
Q: Do Asus routers need a modem?
All routers need a modem. Unless, of course, it’s a modem/router combo. The modem connects the digital signal from the internet service provider (ISP) to the home, while the router connects your devices to that signal.
Q: How long do ASUS routers last?
Most ASUS routers last anywhere from three to five years, which is average for routers of most brands.
Q: Who makes ASUS routers?
ASUS, or ASUSTek Computer Incorporated, manufactures all ASUS routers.
Q: How often should you upgrade your router?
You should upgrade your router every five years at the very least. If you’re adding lots of smart devices and gadgets to your home, you might need to upgrade every two or three years to keep up with the latest technology.
Q: Is an ASUS router better than Netgear?
Some ASUS routers are better than Netgear routers and vice versa. It all depends on the type of router you get and what you need it to do. ASUS is well-known for their gaming routers, while Netgear’s mesh WiFi systems are some of the best on the market. However, you can find exceptions to every generalization. The key is to find a router that can handle the speeds provided with your internet package and that works for the ways in which you use the internet.
Q: Are ASUS routers good quality?
ASUS routers are of excellent quality. Many of their models top “best of” lists, from gaming routers to budget-friendly models.
Q: How much is an ASUS router?
ASUS routers range in price from around $100 to over $400, depending on the model. Some of their most expensive routers have incredibly fast quad-core CPUs, link aggregation for NAS storage, gigabit WAN ports, and access to robust security and parental controls.
Final Thoughts on the Best ASUS Routers
— Best Overall: ASUS AX6000 WiFi Gaming Router (RT-AX88U)
— Best for Gaming: ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi 6 AX Gaming Router (GT-AX6000)
— Best Mesh: ASUS ZenWiFi AX 6600 Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System (XT8)
— Best Splurge: ASUS AX6000 WiFi 6 Gaming Router (RT-AX89X)
— Best Budget: ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router
The ASUS AX6000 WiFi Gaming Router (RT-AX88U) has speed, security, parental controls, and an easy setup that makes it a standout. The QoS settings also let you optimize it for how you use your internet most. At the lower end of the price range is the ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router. It still provides fast speeds with WiFi 6 technology and impressive security and parental control, though the range doesn’t match more expensive routers.
Why Trust Us
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This post was created by a non-news editorial team at Recurrent Media, Futurism’s owner. Futurism may receive a portion of sales on products linked within this post.
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