If you are looking for the best ASUS router, then we have you covered right here. Now, ASUS produces quite a variety of routers – from budget routers to high-end ones and everything in between. If you browse through the available options, you will find WiFi 6 routers, WiFi 6E routers, gaming routers, mesh systems, and much more. With such diverse options, you can be picky, and you are more likely to find a router within your budget.
With that being said, to help you save time on research, we have done the homework. In this guide, we have rounded up what we think are the best ASUS routers available out there.
- BEST ASUS ROUTER
ASUS RT-AX86U Pro (AX5700)
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4 Ghz, 5 Ghz
- Max speed: 5700 Mbps
- LAN ports: 2 x 1 Gbps
- BEST ENTRY-LEVEL ASUS ROUTER
ASUS RT-AX55 (AX1800)
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
- Max speed: 1800Mbps
- LAN ports: 4 x 1 Gbps
- BEST GAMING ASUS ROUTER
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz, 5GHz
- Max speed: 11,000 Mbps
- LAN ports: 4 x 1 Gbps
- BEST MESH ASUS ROUTER
ASUS ZenWiFi AX6600 (XT8 2PK)
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
- Max speed: 6600 Mbps
- LAN ports: 3 x 1 Gbps
How we selected the best ASUS router
For this guide, we have looked at several ASUS routers, compared them, and then selected the ones we thought were the best. The routers have been selected based on specs like speeds, coverage, wireless standards, price, and other aspects. Plus, we are always looking to add more products to our list, so check back for more updates.
Best ASUS router
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4 Ghz, 5 Ghz
- Max speed: 5700 Mbps
- LAN ports: 2 x 1 Gbps
- 5700 Mbps speeds
- Subscription-free network security
- AiMesh-compatible
- Design is bulky and not aesthetically pleasing
- More expensive option from ASUS lineup
If you want the best Asus router for general use, then you should check out the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro router. The dual-band WiFi router can give up to 5700 Mbps speeds, which should be sufficient for online gaming, streaming videos, and other online activities. Plus, as the router is compatible with most ISPs, you should have no trouble getting it up and running – although you might need a modem in some cases.
As far as coverage goes, the router, with its three external antennas, should provide decent coverage. Plus, if you want to expand the area covered, you can always add an AiMesh-compatible unit and expand it. Most ASUS routers have a few gaming-related features, and this one is not an exception. The router offers a Mobile Game Mode, which you can enable to minimize lag and input latency for a better gaming experience.
For security, the Asus router offers subscription-free network security, so you don’t have to shell out extra cash. Plus, with ASUS Instant Guard, you can enable a VPN with one click and get better online privacy.
If you want to get the best ASUS router for general, everyday use, then the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro router is a good fit. The WiFi 6 router can give you up to 5700 Mbps speeds, which should be sufficient for streaming, gaming, and other activities. Plus, you get decent coverage, and you also get AiMesh compatibility if you want to expand the area covered. The router also offers subscription-free network security as well as one-click VPN access for better security and privacy.
What users say
According to Amazon reviews, customers are impressed with this router’s quality, features, and coverage. Reviewers rave about the strong signal, abundance of features, and ability to blanket nearly a whole house with WiFi. One user even stated “as far as performance goes, it is A++”. Some reviewers, however, found the performance and connectivity to be lacking.
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
- Max speed: 1800Mbps
- LAN ports: 4 x 1 Gbps
- Speeds up to 1800 Mbps
- MU-MIMO and OFDMA
- One-click VPN
- No USB ports
If you want an ASUS router within your budget, then you should consider looking at the ASUS RT-AX55 router. To start with, the router can support speeds up to 1800 Mbps, which should be sufficient for most mid-range internet plans. You should be able to use high-speed internet for gaming and streaming without a problem.
Further, the router offers decent coverage on its own. And if you want to expand the coverage, you can add in AiMesh-compatible units. As this router has MU-MIMO and OFDMA, you should be able to keep multiple devices connected. Much like some of the other routers on this list, this one also provides basic network security and parental controls for free. Plus, you also get access to a VPN for more secure and private browsing.
What users say
Amazon customer reviews highlight the user-friendliness, performance, and range of this networking router. Customers appreciate the simple setup process, strong wifi signal that reaches across a large area, and smooth performance that caters to beginners. For example, one user noted “it’s now been about 5 – 6 years with this router and it’s still going strong”. With that being said, reviewers have varying opinions on the signal strength in some corners, overall value for the price, and occasional connectivity issues.
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz, 5GHz
- Max speed: 11,000 Mbps
- LAN ports: 4 x 1 Gbps
- Tri-band Wi-Fi 6
- 11,000 Mbps Speed
- OFDMA and MU-MIMO
- Not appropriate for budget-conscious buyers
- User reviews indicate connectivity is not smooth all the time
If you are looking for a maxed-out ASUS gaming router, then you should check out the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro router. In fact, we think this is one of the best gaming routers available at the moment. To start with, the WiFi 6 router has three bands, which, together, these bands can deliver speeds up to 11,000 Mbps. Plus, the WiFi router also has 160MHz channels, so you should expect efficient performance.
Coming to coverage, this is quite a powerful router, so you should be able to get coverage throughout your house. Plus, with Asus RangeBoost Plus, the router improves signal range, which should give you overall better coverage. And in case you want to expand coverage, you can do so with AiMesh-compatible units.
As this is a gaming router, it comes with several gaming perks. You get a 2.5 G port and a 10 G port, which you can configure for LAN or WAN. Plus, you get Triple-Level Game Acceleration, which, when set up, prioritizes your gaming devices.
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
- Max speed: 6600 Mbps
- LAN ports: 3 x 1 Gbps
- Speeds up to 6,600 Mbps
- Coverage up to 5,500 sq. ft.
- OFDMA and MU-MIMO
- Expansion can be expensive
- Connectivity issues noted from user reviews
If you want to install an ASUS mesh WiFi system, then you should look at the ASUS ZenWiFi XT8 2PK units. The variant we have selected has two ZenWiFi units, which can give you speeds up to 6,600 Mbps. With these speeds, you can make use of high-speed internet for gaming, streaming, and other activities.
Much like some of the best mesh WiFi systems, these two ASUS units can cover up to 5,500 sq. ft. area, which should make it suitable for large homes as well as multi-storeyed homes. Plus, as this is an AiMesh system, you can always add more units to cover more area. To add to this, you get OFDMA and MU-MIMO, so you should be able to keep multiple devices connected.
Installation and getting the mesh system started should be easy with the ASUS Router App. Plus, with the same app, you can manage your network and get a more customized experience. For security, you get lifetime protection with Trend Micro. With this, you should be able to keep the connected devices protected. You can also make use of parental control settings to promote healthy internet habits.
What users say
When looking at customer reviews, this router shines in terms of coverage and ease of setup. Users rave about the extensive wifi reach and strong signals throughout their homes. Some even appreciate the overall quality of the product. In contrast, there’s less consistency in feedback on specific features like signal strength in certain areas, value for the price, connection stability, overall performance, and security features.
Considerations for the best ASUS router
Wireless standard
As your new router will be used at least for a few years, you should try to get all the advanced features, which you think would come in handy. To start with, you need to get WiFi 7, WiFi 6 or a WiFi 6E router, which are both latest wireless standards.
Now, WiFi 6 has been out since 2019, and it’s commonly used. Most of your devices (except quite older ones) will be compatible with WiFi 6.
On the other hand, WiFi 6E was introduced in 2020. A WiFi 6E router has three bands – you get the 6GHz one, which delivers faster speeds and overall less congestion. However, not all devices are compatible with this standard yet, so check the compatibility and then go for a 6E router.
Coverage
Ideally, we want the WiFi router to cover the entire house and deliver a stable connection to every corner. To get that coverage, you need to make sure that the router is capable of covering the area of your house. Usually, the area of coverage is mentioned in the product description in square footage, so you will get an idea.
Security
In addition to the specs mentioned above, you should look for security features like WPA3, basic network protection, parental controls, and other factors that help you get better control of your network.