At a Glance
- Both the Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and XT12 feature a sleek and modern design with a white finish and subtle LED accents.
- The Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 is priced at around $350 for a two-pack, while the XT12 is slightly more affordable at around $300 for a two-pack.
- However, if you are on a tighter budget or have a smaller home, the Asus ZenWiFi XT12 is still an excellent option that provides exceptional performance and value.
The Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and XT12 are two of the most popular mesh Wi-Fi systems on the market, offering exceptional coverage, speed, and reliability. However, with their different features and price points, choosing the right one for your home can be a daunting task. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and XT12, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and XT12 feature a sleek and modern design with a white finish and subtle LED accents. However, the ET12 is slightly larger and heavier than the XT12, measuring 5.4 x 5.4 x 1.5 inches and weighing 1.3 pounds compared to 4.9 x 4.9 x 1.2 inches and 1.1 pounds for the XT12.
Coverage and Capacity
The Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and XT12 both offer exceptional coverage, but the ET12 has a slight edge. With its tri-band technology, the ET12 can provide coverage up to 6,000 square feet, while the XT12’s dual-band system covers up to 5,500 square feet. Additionally, the ET12’s additional 5 GHz band can handle more connected devices and provide faster speeds for bandwidth-intensive activities like gaming and streaming.
Speed and Performance
Both the Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and XT12 deliver blazing-fast speeds, but the ET12 once again takes the lead. With its tri-band technology, the ET12 can achieve speeds up to 11,000 Mbps (574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, 2,402 Mbps on each of the 5 GHz bands). The XT12, on the other hand, offers speeds up to 6,000 Mbps (1,148 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, 4,804 Mbps on the 5 GHz band).
Features and Management
The Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and XT12 come with a comprehensive suite of features, including:
- AiMesh support: Both systems can be integrated into an AiMesh network, allowing you to connect multiple Asus routers to create a seamless whole-home Wi-Fi system.
- Smart Connect: Automatically assigns devices to the optimal frequency band for the best performance.
- Adaptive QoS: Prioritizes bandwidth for specific devices or applications.
- Parental Controls: Provides robust parental controls to manage internet access and usage for children.
The ET12 offers a few additional features, including:
- Tri-band technology: Provides a dedicated 5 GHz band for backhaul traffic, improving overall performance and reducing latency.
- OFDMA: Enhances efficiency by allowing multiple devices to share the same channel simultaneously.
- Multi-Gigabit Ethernet ports: Provides faster wired connections for devices like gaming consoles and NAS drives.
Setup and Configuration
Both the Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and XT12 are easy to set up and configure using the Asus Router app. The app provides step-by-step instructions and allows you to customize various settings, including network name, password, and security options.
Price
The Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 is priced at around $350 for a two-pack, while the XT12 is slightly more affordable at around $300 for a two-pack.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and XT12 are both excellent mesh Wi-Fi systems, but the ET12 offers a few key advantages over the XT12, including:
- Superior coverage: The ET12’s tri-band technology provides wider coverage and better signal strength.
- Faster speeds: The ET12’s tri-band technology also enables faster speeds, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive activities.
- Additional features: The ET12 offers a few additional features, such as OFDMA and multi-gigabit Ethernet ports, which can enhance performance and connectivity.
If you have a large home or require the best possible coverage, speed, and features, the Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 is the ideal choice. However, if you are on a tighter budget or have a smaller home, the Asus ZenWiFi XT12 is still an excellent option that provides exceptional performance and value.
Popular Questions
Q: Which system has better coverage, the ET12 or XT12?
A: The ET12 has better coverage due to its tri-band technology.
Q: Which system is faster, the ET12 or XT12?
A: The ET12 is faster due to its tri-band technology.
Q: Which system has more features, the ET12 or XT12?
A: The ET12 has more features, including OFDMA and multi-gigabit Ethernet ports.
Q: Which system is more expensive, the ET12 or XT12?
A: The ET12 is more expensive than the XT12.
Q: Which system is better for large homes, the ET12 or XT12?
A: The ET12 is better for large homes due to its superior coverage and speed.
Q: Which system is better for budget-conscious buyers, the ET12 or XT12?
A: The XT12 is better for budget-conscious buyers.
Q: Can I use both the ET12 and XT12 in the same mesh network?
A: Yes, both systems support AiMesh, allowing you to create a seamless whole-home Wi-Fi system.
Q: How do I set up the ET12 or XT12?
A: You can set up both systems using the Asus Router app.
Q: What is the warranty for the ET12 and XT12?
A: Both systems come with a 2-year warranty.