What to know
- The XT8 also features a dedicated 5 GHz backhaul band, which allows it to create a mesh network with other Asus AiMesh-compatible devices.
- Both the Asus RT-AX92U and XT8 come with the AsusWRT firmware, which offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of customization options.
- The XT8 is more expensive, but it offers a number of advantages over the RT-AX92U, including tri-band support, a dedicated backhaul band, and AiMesh support.
In the realm of home networking, Asus has emerged as a formidable contender, offering a range of high-performance Wi-Fi 6 routers. Two of their most popular models are the Asus RT-AX92U and the XT8. Both routers boast impressive features and capabilities, but which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the specifications, performance, and features of the Asus RT-AX92U vs XT8 to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build
The Asus RT-AX92U sports a sleek and compact design, featuring a black and red color scheme. It has four external antennas that can be adjusted for optimal signal reception. The XT8, on the other hand, has a more futuristic design with eight external antennas that are non-adjustable. Both routers have a sturdy build quality and are designed to handle the demands of a modern home network.
Hardware Specifications
Under the hood, the Asus RT-AX92U is powered by a quad-core 1.8 GHz processor with 512 MB of RAM and 256 MB of flash memory. The XT8 boasts a more powerful quad-core 2.2 GHz processor with 1 GB of RAM and 256 MB of flash memory. The XT8 also features a dedicated 5 GHz backhaul band, which allows it to create a mesh network with other Asus AiMesh-compatible devices.
Wireless Performance
The Asus RT-AX92U supports dual-band Wi-Fi 6 with a maximum theoretical speed of 1.8 Gbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. The XT8 supports tri-band Wi-Fi 6 with a maximum theoretical speed of 1.2 Gbps on the 2.4 GHz band, 2.4 Gbps on the 5 GHz band, and 4.8 Gbps on the 6 GHz band. In real-world tests, both routers deliver excellent wireless performance, with the XT8 having a slight edge due to its tri-band support and dedicated backhaul band.
Features
The Asus RT-AX92U offers a range of features, including AiProtection Pro, which provides advanced security protection against malware and cyber threats. It also supports Adaptive QoS, which automatically prioritizes network traffic for gaming, streaming, and other applications. The XT8 includes all of these features, as well as AiMesh support, which allows it to create a mesh network with other compatible Asus routers.
Software
Both the Asus RT-AX92U and XT8 come with the AsusWRT firmware, which offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of customization options. The firmware includes features such as traffic monitoring, parental controls, and guest network management.
Connectivity
The Asus RT-AX92U has four Gigabit Ethernet ports, one USB 3.0 port, and one USB 2.0 port. The XT8 has the same connectivity options, but it also includes a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, which provides faster wired speeds for devices such as gaming consoles and NAS drives.
Price
The Asus RT-AX92U is available for around $150, while the XT8 is priced at around $300. The XT8 is more expensive, but it offers a number of advantages over the RT-AX92U, including tri-band support, a dedicated backhaul band, and AiMesh support.
Which Router Should You Choose?
The choice between the Asus RT-AX92U and XT8 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly Wi-Fi 6 router with good performance and solid features, the RT-AX92U is a great option. However, if you’re willing to spend more for a more powerful router with tri-band support and mesh network capabilities, the XT8 is the better choice.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re not sure whether the Asus RT-AX92U or XT8 is right for you, there are a few other routers to consider:
- Netgear Nighthawk AX8: A high-performance Wi-Fi 6 router with tri-band support and a dedicated backhaul band.
- TP-Link Archer AX50: A budget-friendly Wi-Fi 6 router with good performance and a range of features.
- D-Link DIR-X5460: A mesh-capable Wi-Fi 6 router with support for the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard.
In a nutshell
The Asus RT-AX92U and XT8 are two of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market. Both routers offer excellent performance, a range of features, and a user-friendly interface. However, the XT8 has a slight edge due to its tri-band support, dedicated backhaul band, and AiMesh support. Ultimately, the best router for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which router is faster, the Asus RT-AX92U or XT8?
A: The XT8 is faster due to its tri-band support and dedicated backhaul band.
Q: Which router has more features?
A: Both routers offer a range of features, but the XT8 has a slight edge with its AiMesh support.
Q: Which router is better for gaming?
A: Both routers are good for gaming, but the XT8 has a dedicated backhaul band, which can provide a more stable and reliable connection for gaming devices.