Highlights
- The B1, on the other hand, boasts a tri-band AC2200 router with a maximum theoretical speed of 600 Mbps on the 2.
- The RT-AC66U offers a good value for the price, especially if you don’t need the additional features of the B1.
- The RT-AC66U is a good choice for smaller homes or apartments and offers a good value for the price.
In the realm of home networking, finding the perfect Wi-Fi router can be a daunting task. With countless options and features to consider, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Two routers that have consistently garnered praise are the Asus RT-AC66U and the Asus B1. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the key differences between these two devices to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Speed
Both the Asus RT-AC66U and the Asus B1 offer impressive performance and speed. The RT-AC66U features a dual-band AC1750 router with a maximum theoretical speed of 450 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. The B1, on the other hand, boasts a tri-band AC2200 router with a maximum theoretical speed of 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 867 Mbps on each of the two 5 GHz bands.
In real-world testing, the B1 consistently outperforms the RT-AC66U in terms of speed and range. This is largely due to its tri-band design, which allows it to distribute traffic more efficiently across multiple bands. However, the RT-AC66U still provides excellent performance for most users, especially in smaller homes or apartments.
Coverage and Range
When it comes to coverage and range, the Asus B1 has a clear advantage over the RT-AC66U. The B1’s tri-band design and external antennas provide a wider and more stable Wi-Fi signal. It can easily cover large homes or offices, even with multiple walls and obstacles.
The RT-AC66U’s dual-band design and internal antennas provide a more limited range. However, it is still capable of providing good coverage for smaller homes or apartments. If you have a large home or experience dead zones, the B1 is the better choice.
Features and Functionality
Both the Asus RT-AC66U and the Asus B1 offer a wide range of features and functionality. Both routers support MU-MIMO technology, which allows them to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously. They also feature built-in parental controls, guest Wi-Fi networks, and a variety of security protocols.
However, the B1 offers a few additional features that the RT-AC66U does not. These include:
- AiMesh support: The B1 supports AiMesh, which allows you to create a mesh network with multiple Asus routers. This can extend your Wi-Fi coverage even further and eliminate dead zones.
- VPN support: The B1 supports OpenVPN and PPTP VPN services, allowing you to securely connect to your home network from anywhere.
- USB 3.0 port: The B1 features a USB 3.0 port, which allows you to connect an external hard drive or printer to your network.
Design and Aesthetics
The Asus RT-AC66U and the Asus B1 have distinct designs. The RT-AC66U has a more traditional router design with a black plastic body and four external antennas. The B1, on the other hand, has a more modern and sleek design with a white plastic body and eight external antennas.
Ultimately, the design of the router is a matter of personal preference. However, the B1’s more modern and sleek design may be more appealing to some users.
Price and Value
The Asus RT-AC66U is typically priced around $80, while the Asus B1 is typically priced around $150. The RT-AC66U offers a good value for the price, especially if you don’t need the additional features of the B1.
However, if you need the best possible performance, range, and features, the B1 is the better choice. It offers a significant upgrade over the RT-AC66U for a reasonable price premium.
Which Router Is Right for You?
The Asus RT-AC66U and the Asus B1 are both excellent Wi-Fi routers. The RT-AC66U is a good choice for smaller homes or apartments and offers a good value for the price. The B1 is the better choice for larger homes or offices and offers the best possible performance, range, and features.
Ultimately, the best router for you depends on your individual needs and budget. Consider the size of your home, the number of devices you use, and the features you need. With this information, you can make an informed decision and choose the perfect router for your home network.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which router has better range and coverage?
A: The Asus B1 has better range and coverage than the Asus RT-AC66U due to its tri-band design and external antennas.
Q: Which router has more features?
A: The Asus B1 has more features than the Asus RT-AC66U, including AiMesh support, VPN support, and a USB 3.0 port.
Q: Which router is a better value for the price?
A: The Asus RT-AC66U is a better value for the price if you don’t need the additional features of the B1. However, the B1 is the better choice if you need the best possible performance, range, and features.