Quick Overview
- The RT-AX88U features a tri-band design with a maximum theoretical speed of 6000 Mbps, while the Pro boasts a quad-band design with a maximum theoretical speed of 11000 Mbps.
- If you are looking for a high-performance router at a reasonable price, the RT-AX88U is a great option.
- If you are not sure whether the Asus RT-AX88U or Pro is the right router for you, there are a few other options that you may want to consider.
The Asus RT-AX88U and RT-AX89X, also known as the Pro, are two of the most highly acclaimed Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market. Both devices offer exceptional performance, features, and value, making them top choices for home and small business users. However, there are some key differences between the two routers that may make one a better choice for you than the other. In this blog post, we will compare the Asus RT-AX88U vs Pro to help you make an informed decision.
Performance: Speed and Range
When it comes to performance, both the Asus RT-AX88U and Pro deliver blazing-fast speeds and wide coverage. The RT-AX88U features a tri-band design with a maximum theoretical speed of 6000 Mbps, while the Pro boasts a quad-band design with a maximum theoretical speed of 11000 Mbps. In real-world tests, both routers have been shown to deliver speeds that are significantly faster than previous-generation Wi-Fi 5 routers.
In terms of range, both the RT-AX88U and Pro offer excellent coverage. The RT-AX88U has a range of up to 5000 square feet, while the Pro has a range of up to 7000 square feet. This means that both routers should be able to provide coverage for even the largest homes and offices.
Features: Cutting-Edge Technology
Both the Asus RT-AX88U and Pro come packed with a variety of features that make them ideal for demanding users. These features include:
- OFDMA and MU-MIMO: Both routers support OFDMA and MU-MIMO, which are two technologies that allow multiple devices to share the same channel simultaneously. This can significantly improve performance in congested environments, such as homes with multiple smart devices.
- AiMesh: Both routers support AiMesh, which is a proprietary mesh networking technology from Asus. AiMesh allows you to create a whole-home Wi-Fi system by connecting multiple Asus routers together. This can be a great way to extend your coverage and eliminate dead zones.
- Adaptive QoS: Both routers support adaptive QoS, which is a feature that automatically prioritizes traffic based on your usage patterns. This can help to ensure that your most important applications, such as gaming and video streaming, always have the highest priority.
- Parental Controls: Both routers offer robust parental controls that allow you to manage your children’s internet usage. These controls include the ability to set time limits, block specific websites, and monitor your children’s online activity.
Design: Form and Function
The Asus RT-AX88U and Pro have similar designs, but there are some key differences. The RT-AX88U has a more traditional router design, with four external antennas. The Pro, on the other hand, has a more futuristic design, with eight external antennas.
Both routers are well-built and durable, and they both come with a three-year warranty. However, the Pro is slightly larger and heavier than the RT-AX88U.
Price: Value for Your Money
The Asus RT-AX88U retails for around $250, while the Pro retails for around $350. This makes the RT-AX88U a more affordable option, but the Pro offers some additional features and performance benefits that may be worth the extra cost for some users.
Which Router is Right for You?
The Asus RT-AX88U and Pro are both excellent Wi-Fi 6 routers that offer exceptional performance, features, and value. The RT-AX88U is a more affordable option, while the Pro offers some additional features and performance benefits.
Ultimately, the best router for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a high-performance router at a reasonable price, the RT-AX88U is a great option. If you are looking for the absolute best Wi-Fi 6 router on the market, the Pro is the way to go.
Alternatives to Consider
If you are not sure whether the Asus RT-AX88U or Pro is the right router for you, there are a few other options that you may want to consider:
- Netgear Nighthawk AX8: The Netgear Nighthawk AX8 is another excellent Wi-Fi 6 router that offers similar performance and features to the RT-AX88U and Pro. It retails for around $250.
- TP-Link Archer AX6000: The TP-Link Archer AX6000 is a more affordable Wi-Fi 6 router that offers good performance and features. It retails for around $200.
- Linksys Velop MX5300: The Linksys Velop MX5300 is a mesh Wi-Fi system that offers excellent performance and coverage. It retails for around $350.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which router is faster, the Asus RT-AX88U or Pro?
A: The Pro is slightly faster than the RT-AX88U, but both routers offer excellent speeds.
Q: Which router has a better range, the Asus RT-AX88U or Pro?
A: The Pro has a slightly better range than the RT-AX88U, but both routers offer excellent coverage.
Q: Which router is better for gaming, the Asus RT-AX88U or Pro?
A: Both routers are good for gaming, but the Pro offers some additional features that may be beneficial for gamers, such as a dedicated gaming port and a gaming-optimized QoS engine.
Q: Which router is better for streaming, the Asus RT-AX88U or Pro?
A: Both routers are good for streaming, but the Pro offers some additional features that may be beneficial for streamers, such as a dedicated streaming port and a streaming-optimized QoS engine.
Q: Which router is better for large homes, the Asus RT-AX88U or Pro?
A: The Pro has a slightly better range than the RT-AX88U, so it may be a better choice for large homes. However, both routers should be able to provide coverage for even the largest homes.