Asus Rt-ac87u Vs Netgear Nighthawk R7000

Deciding on the ideal WiFi router for your home network can be a daunting task with the plethora of options available. Two of the most popular and highly-rated routers on the market are the ASUS RT-AC87U and the Netgear Nighthawk R7000. Both routers boast impressive features, but which one is the better choice for your specific needs? In this comprehensive blog post, we will delve into a detailed comparison of the ASUS RT-AC87U vs Netgear Nighthawk R7000, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and key differences to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Speed

Both the ASUS RT-AC87U and Netgear Nighthawk R7000 are equipped with the latest 802.11ac Wave 2 technology, offering theoretical maximum speeds of up to 1733 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 867 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. In real-world testing, both routers deliver excellent performance, providing fast and stable connections even for demanding applications such as 4K streaming and online gaming.

Coverage and Range

Coverage and range are crucial factors to consider when choosing a router for your home. The ASUS RT-AC87U boasts a slightly larger coverage area compared to the Netgear Nighthawk R7000, thanks to its four external antennas. However, both routers can effectively cover a large home or office, providing reliable connectivity throughout.

Features and Functionality

The ASUS RT-AC87U and Netgear Nighthawk R7000 come packed with a wide range of features to enhance your networking experience. Both routers support MU-MIMO technology, which allows them to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, improving overall network efficiency. Additionally, they both offer advanced features such as parental controls, guest networks, and VPN support.

Ports and Connectivity

The ASUS RT-AC87U and Netgear Nighthawk R7000 provide ample connectivity options. Both routers come with four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, a WAN port, and a USB 3.0 port. The USB port can be used to connect external storage devices or printers to your network.

Design and Aesthetics

The ASUS RT-AC87U and Netgear Nighthawk R7000 have distinct designs. The ASUS RT-AC87U features a sleek and angular design, while the Netgear Nighthawk R7000 has a more aggressive and gamer-centric look. Both routers are relatively large, so it’s important to consider their size when choosing a placement location.

Price and Value

The ASUS RT-AC87U and Netgear Nighthawk R7000 are both premium routers, and their prices reflect that. The ASUS RT-AC87U is typically priced slightly higher than the Netgear Nighthawk R7000. However, both routers offer excellent value for money, providing a high level of performance and features for the price.

The Verdict: Which Router is Right for You?

Choosing between the ASUS RT-AC87U and Netgear Nighthawk R7000 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize coverage and range, the ASUS RT-AC87U is the better choice. If you’re looking for a feature-rich router with a more aggressive design, the Netgear Nighthawk R7000 is a solid option. Both routers offer excellent performance, so you can’t go wrong with either choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which router has better security features?
A1: Both the ASUS RT-AC87U and Netgear Nighthawk R7000 offer robust security features, including WPA2 encryption, parental controls, and guest networks.

Q2: Can I use either router to create a mesh network?
A2: Yes, both the ASUS RT-AC87U and Netgear Nighthawk R7000 can be used as part of a mesh network, allowing you to extend your WiFi coverage throughout your home.

Q3: Which router is better for gaming?
A3: While both routers offer low latency and fast speeds, the Netgear Nighthawk R7000 is slightly better suited for gaming due to its more aggressive design and features such as Game Mode.