Main points
- The RT-AX55 offers a maximum theoretical speed of 1800 Mbps (1200 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 600 Mbps on the 2.
- 4GHz band), while the RT-AX57 delivers a blazing-fast 2400 Mbps (1600 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 800 Mbps on the 2.
- The ASUS RT-AX55 and RT-AX57 both use a combination of beamforming and MU-MIMO technology to improve coverage and range.
In the realm of wireless networking, the ASUS RT-AX55 and RT-AX57 stand as formidable contenders. Boasting cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6 technology, these routers promise blazing-fast speeds, extended coverage, and enhanced security. But which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of the ASUS RT-AX55 vs RT-AX57, exploring their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The ASUS RT-AX55 and RT-AX57 share a sleek and modern design. Both routers feature a black casing with angular lines and a matte finish. The RT-AX55 is slightly smaller, measuring 9.2 x 5.9 x 1.7 inches, while the RT-AX57 is a bit larger at 11.2 x 7.3 x 2.3 inches. Both routers have four external antennas that can be adjusted for optimal signal strength.
Hardware Specifications
Under the hood, the ASUS RT-AX55 and RT-AX57 differ in their hardware capabilities. The RT-AX55 is powered by a dual-core 1.5GHz processor and 256MB of RAM, while the RT-AX57 boasts a more powerful quad-core 1.8GHz processor and 512MB of RAM. This increased processing power and memory allow the RT-AX57 to handle a larger number of devices and provide faster speeds.
Wireless Performance
When it comes to wireless performance, the ASUS RT-AX55 and RT-AX57 both support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which offers significantly faster speeds and lower latency than previous Wi-Fi standards. The RT-AX55 offers a maximum theoretical speed of 1800 Mbps (1200 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 600 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band), while the RT-AX57 delivers a blazing-fast 2400 Mbps (1600 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 800 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band).
Coverage and Range
The ASUS RT-AX55 and RT-AX57 both use a combination of beamforming and MU-MIMO technology to improve coverage and range. Beamforming focuses the Wi-Fi signal towards connected devices, while MU-MIMO allows the router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously. The RT-AX57 has a slightly larger coverage area than the RT-AX55, extending up to 2,000 square feet compared to 1,500 square feet.
Features and Functionality
Both the ASUS RT-AX55 and RT-AX57 offer a range of features to enhance your home network. These include:
- AiMesh Support: Allows you to create a mesh network with other compatible ASUS routers to extend your coverage even further.
- Adaptive QoS: Prioritizes network traffic to ensure that gaming and streaming applications have the best possible performance.
- Parental Controls: Provides robust parental controls to manage your children’s online activity.
- VPN Support: Allows you to connect to a VPN to protect your privacy and access region-locked content.
Security
The ASUS RT-AX55 and RT-AX57 both offer advanced security features to protect your network from threats. These include:
- WPA3 Encryption: The latest and most secure Wi-Fi encryption standard.
- Firewall Protection: Blocks unauthorized access to your network.
- Malicious Site Blocking: Prevents your devices from accessing malicious websites.
- AiProtection Pro: ASUS’s proprietary security suite that includes intrusion detection, malware blocking, and parental controls.
Price and Value
The ASUS RT-AX55 is available for around $100, while the RT-AX57 is priced at around $150. Both routers offer excellent value for money, but the RT-AX57 provides better performance and features for a slightly higher price.
Verdict: The Ultimate Choice
The ASUS RT-AX55 and RT-AX57 are both excellent Wi-Fi 6 routers that offer fast speeds, extended coverage, and robust security features. However, the RT-AX57 emerges as the clear winner due to its more powerful hardware, faster speeds, and larger coverage area. If you need the best possible Wi-Fi performance for your home or small office, the ASUS RT-AX57 is the router for you.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which router has a longer range, the RT-AX55 or RT-AX57?
A: The RT-AX57 has a slightly larger range, extending up to 2,000 square feet compared to 1,500 square feet for the RT-AX55.
Q: Does either router support mesh networking?
A: Yes, both the RT-AX55 and RT-AX57 support AiMesh, which allows you to create a mesh network with other compatible ASUS routers.
Q: Which router is better for gaming?
A: The RT-AX57 is better for gaming due to its faster speeds and more powerful processor, which can handle a larger number of devices and reduce latency.