At a Glance
- The RT-AX1800S has a slightly larger footprint than the RT-AX55, but both devices are relatively compact and can be easily placed on a desk or shelf.
- The ASUS RT-AX1800S and RT-AX55 both offer excellent Wi-Fi performance, but the RT-AX1800S has a slight edge due to its 4×4 MU-MIMO technology and higher AX1800 Wi-Fi speeds.
- If you’re on a budget, the RT-AX55 is a solid choice that will still provide you with a significant upgrade over your old router.
The world of Wi-Fi is constantly evolving, with new technologies and standards emerging to keep up with the ever-growing demand for faster and more reliable internet connectivity. Among the latest advancements is Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax, which promises significant improvements in speed, range, and efficiency.
If you’re looking to upgrade your home network to Wi-Fi 6, two of the top contenders in the market are the ASUS RT-AX1800S and RT-AX55 routers. Both devices offer a range of features and capabilities, but there are some key differences that set them apart. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the ASUS RT-AX1800S vs RT-AX55 and help you decide which one is the right choice for your needs.
Key Features
ASUS RT-AX1800S
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- AX1800 Wi-Fi speeds (up to 1800 Mbps)
- 4×4 MU-MIMO technology
- OFDMA and 1024-QAM modulation
- AiMesh support
- Lifetime subscription to AiProtection Pro
- 4 Gigabit LAN ports
- 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 port
ASUS RT-AX55
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- AX1500 Wi-Fi speeds (up to 1500 Mbps)
- 2×2 MU-MIMO technology
- OFDMA and 1024-QAM modulation
- AiMesh support
- Lifetime subscription to AiProtection Pro
- 4 Gigabit LAN ports
- 1 USB 2.0 port
Design and Build Quality
Both the ASUS RT-AX1800S and RT-AX55 feature a sleek and stylish design with a matte black finish. The RT-AX1800S has a slightly larger footprint than the RT-AX55, but both devices are relatively compact and can be easily placed on a desk or shelf.
The build quality of both routers is excellent, with sturdy plastic construction and well-fitting components. The antennas on the RT-AX1800S are slightly longer than those on the RT-AX55, but they can be adjusted or folded down for a more compact profile.
Performance
The ASUS RT-AX1800S and RT-AX55 both offer excellent Wi-Fi performance, but the RT-AX1800S has a slight edge due to its 4×4 MU-MIMO technology and higher AX1800 Wi-Fi speeds. In real-world tests, the RT-AX1800S delivered faster speeds and a more consistent signal than the RT-AX55, especially in areas with multiple devices connected.
Both routers support OFDMA and 1024-QAM modulation, which helps to improve efficiency and reduce latency. This makes them ideal for gaming, streaming, and other bandwidth-intensive activities.
Features
The ASUS RT-AX1800S and RT-AX55 both come with a range of features to enhance your networking experience. These include:
- AiMesh support: Both routers support AiMesh, which allows you to create a mesh network with multiple ASUS routers to extend your Wi-Fi coverage and eliminate dead zones.
- Lifetime subscription to AiProtection Pro: Both routers come with a lifetime subscription to AiProtection Pro, which provides advanced security features to protect your network from malware, viruses, and other threats.
- 4 Gigabit LAN ports: Both routers have 4 Gigabit LAN ports, which provide wired connectivity for your devices.
- USB port: The RT-AX1800S has a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, while the RT-AX55 has a USB 2.0 port. This allows you to connect external storage devices or printers to your network.
Price
The ASUS RT-AX1800S is typically priced around $150, while the RT-AX55 is priced around $100. The RT-AX1800S offers better performance and features, but the RT-AX55 is a more affordable option for those on a budget.
Which One Should You Choose?
The ASUS RT-AX1800S is the better choice if you’re looking for the best possible Wi-Fi performance and features. It offers faster speeds, a more consistent signal, and more advanced features than the RT-AX55. However, the RT-AX55 is a more affordable option for those on a budget who don’t need the most cutting-edge features.
Ultimately, the best decision for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for the best possible Wi-Fi experience, the ASUS RT-AX1800S is the way to go. If you’re on a budget, the RT-AX55 is a solid choice that will still provide you with a significant upgrade over your old router.
Other Considerations
In addition to the key features and differences discussed above, there are a few other factors to consider when choosing between the ASUS RT-AX1800S and RT-AX55:
- Coverage: The RT-AX1800S has a slightly larger coverage area than the RT-AX55, making it a better choice for larger homes or offices.
- Number of devices: The RT-AX1800S can handle more connected devices than the RT-AX55, making it a better choice for families or businesses with multiple devices.
- Advanced features: The RT-AX1800S has a few more advanced features than the RT-AX55, such as support for IPv6 and VPN passthrough.
Key Points: The Ultimate Wi-Fi Upgrade
Whether you choose the ASUS RT-AX1800S or RT-AX55, you’ll be getting a significant upgrade over your old router. Both devices offer excellent Wi-Fi performance, a range of features, and a lifetime subscription to AiProtection Pro. The RT-AX1800S is the better choice for those who want the best possible Wi-Fi experience, while the RT-AX55 is a more affordable option for those on a budget.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which router is faster, the ASUS RT-AX1800S or RT-AX55?
A: The RT-AX1800S is faster than the RT-AX55, with AX1800 Wi-Fi speeds compared to AX1500 Wi-Fi speeds.
Q: Which router has a larger coverage area?
A: The RT-AX1800S has a slightly larger coverage area than the RT-AX55.
Q: Which router can handle more connected devices?
A: The RT-AX1800S can handle more connected devices than the RT-AX55.
Q: Which router has more advanced features?
A: The RT-AX1800S has a few more advanced features than the RT-AX55, such as support for IPv6 and VPN passthrough.
Q: Which router is more expensive?
A: The RT-AX1800S is typically more expensive than the RT-AX55.