Highlights
- The RT-AX88U Pro sports a black and red color scheme with aggressive angles, giving it a gaming-centric appearance.
- The RT-AXE7800, on the other hand, has a more understated design with a white and gray color scheme and curved edges.
- If you’re looking for an exceptional router for gaming and general internet usage, the ASUS RT-AX88U Pro is an excellent choice.
In the realm of high-end home networking, ASUS reigns supreme with its exceptional routers. Two of their most formidable contenders are the ASUS RT-AX88U Pro and RT-AXE7800. Both routers boast impressive specifications and cutting-edge features, making it difficult to choose between them. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of the ASUS RT-AX88U Pro vs. RT-AXE7800 to help you make an informed decision.
Performance: Speed and Coverage
The ASUS RT-AX88U Pro features a powerful 1.8GHz quad-core processor and a tri-band design with a dedicated 5GHz band for gaming. This provides exceptional speeds of up to 6000Mbps, ensuring seamless online gaming and 4K streaming.
The RT-AXE7800, on the other hand, boasts a next-generation 6GHz band along with the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. This allows for even faster speeds of up to 7800Mbps, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive activities such as VR gaming and video conferencing.
In terms of coverage, both routers perform admirably. The RT-AX88U Pro’s four external antennas and range boost technology provide wide coverage throughout your home, while the RT-AXE7800’s six antennas and beamforming capabilities ensure even better signal reach.
Features: Advanced Capabilities
The ASUS RT-AX88U Pro and RT-AXE7800 are packed with advanced features that enhance your networking experience.
ASUS AiMesh: Both routers support AiMesh technology, allowing you to create a mesh network with multiple ASUS routers. This extends your Wi-Fi coverage and provides seamless roaming between devices.
Adaptive QoS: The RT-AX88U Pro and RT-AXE7800 feature Adaptive QoS (Quality of Service), which automatically prioritizes traffic based on your usage patterns. This ensures that latency-sensitive applications such as gaming and video streaming receive the highest priority.
VPN Server: Both routers offer a built-in VPN server, allowing you to create a secure and private network for remote access.
Security: Protection and Privacy
Security is paramount in today’s connected world. The ASUS RT-AX88U Pro and RT-AXE7800 provide robust security features to protect your network and devices.
AiProtection Pro: Both routers include AiProtection Pro, a comprehensive security suite that protects against malware, viruses, and other cyber threats.
WPA3 Encryption: The RT-AX88U Pro and RT-AXE7800 support WPA3 encryption, the latest and most secure Wi-Fi security protocol.
Parental Controls: Both routers offer parental control features to manage internet access for children and set restrictions on specific websites and applications.
Design: Aesthetics and Functionality
The ASUS RT-AX88U Pro and RT-AXE7800 feature sleek and stylish designs that complement any home decor.
RT-AX88U Pro: The RT-AX88U Pro sports a black and red color scheme with aggressive angles, giving it a gaming-centric appearance.
RT-AXE7800: The RT-AXE7800, on the other hand, has a more understated design with a white and gray color scheme and curved edges.
Connectivity: Ports and Options
Both the ASUS RT-AX88U Pro and RT-AXE7800 offer a wide range of connectivity options.
Ethernet Ports: The RT-AX88U Pro has eight Gigabit Ethernet ports, while the RT-AXE7800 has four Gigabit Ethernet ports and two 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports.
USB Ports: The RT-AX88U Pro has two USB 3.0 ports for connecting external storage devices or printers, while the RT-AXE7800 has one USB 3.2 Gen 1 port.
Wi-Fi 6E: The RT-AXE7800 is the only router that supports Wi-Fi 6E, which operates on the less congested 6GHz band.
Price and Value
The ASUS RT-AX88U Pro is priced at around $250, while the RT-AXE7800 retails for around $400. The RT-AXE7800 commands a higher price due to its faster speeds, support for Wi-Fi 6E, and additional 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports.
Final Verdict: The Best Choice for You
Choosing between the ASUS RT-AX88U Pro and RT-AXE7800 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
ASUS RT-AX88U Pro:
- Ideal for gamers and households with heavy internet usage
- Excellent performance and coverage
- Affordable price
ASUS RT-AXE7800:
- Best choice for future-proofing and bandwidth-intensive activities
- Blazing-fast speeds and Wi-Fi 6E support
- Premium price
If you’re looking for an exceptional router for gaming and general internet usage, the ASUS RT-AX88U Pro is an excellent choice. However, if you demand the ultimate in speed and future-proofing, the ASUS RT-AXE7800 is the clear winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which router has better parental controls?
A: Both the RT-AX88U Pro and RT-AXE7800 offer comprehensive parental controls.
Q: Can I use either router as a mesh node?
A: Yes, both routers support AiMesh and can be used to create a mesh network.
Q: Which router has a longer warranty?
A: Both routers come with a 2-year limited warranty.
Q: Can I use both routers simultaneously?
A: Yes, you can connect multiple routers to the same network using the AiMesh feature.
Q: Which router provides better security?
A: Both routers offer robust security features, including AiProtection Pro and WPA3 encryption.