What To Know
- The ASUS RT-AX56U, on the other hand, has a more traditional router design with a matte black exterior and a subtle pattern.
- The Linksys MR7350 and the ASUS RT-AX56U are both excellent Wi-Fi 6 routers that offer exceptional performance and a wide range of features.
- The ASUS RT-AX56U’s dedicated 6GHz band and Adaptive QoS make it the ideal choice for gaming, as it provides the lowest latency and most stable connections.
The battle for home networking supremacy rages on, and two formidable contenders stand out: the Linksys MR7350 and the ASUS RT-AX56U. These routers promise exceptional performance, advanced features, and seamless connectivity. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into their key specifications, capabilities, and user experiences to determine which one emerges victorious in the Linksys MR7350 vs. ASUS RT-AX56U showdown.
Design and Build Quality
The Linksys MR7350 boasts a sleek and modern design with a glossy black finish and angular edges. Its four external antennas provide wide coverage, while the LED indicators on the front panel offer clear status updates. The ASUS RT-AX56U, on the other hand, has a more traditional router design with a matte black exterior and a subtle pattern. It also features four external antennas but lacks the LED indicators of its competitor. Both routers are well-built and feel sturdy, offering durability and longevity.
Hardware and Performance
Under the hood, the Linksys MR7350 packs a powerful 1.5GHz quad-core processor and 512MB of RAM, providing ample processing power for demanding tasks. The ASUS RT-AX56U counters with a slightly less powerful 1.5GHz dual-core processor but boasts a generous 1GB of RAM, ensuring smooth and responsive performance. Both routers offer Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) connectivity, promising faster speeds, improved coverage, and reduced latency. The Linksys MR7350 supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, while the ASUS RT-AX56U adds a dedicated 6GHz band for even higher speeds and less interference.
Wireless Capabilities
The Linksys MR7350 delivers impressive wireless performance, with speeds reaching up to 4.2Gbps (600Mbps on 2.4GHz and 3.6Gbps on 5GHz). The ASUS RT-AX56U, however, outperforms its rival with a theoretical maximum speed of 5.4Gbps (1200Mbps on 2.4GHz, 2400Mbps on 5GHz, and 1800Mbps on 6GHz). Both routers support advanced features like beamforming, MU-MIMO, and OFDMA, ensuring efficient and reliable connections for multiple devices.
Features and Software
The Linksys MR7350 comes equipped with a user-friendly web interface that provides access to a range of customization options. It includes parental controls, guest network management, and advanced QoS settings. The ASUS RT-AX56U offers an equally intuitive interface with additional features like AiMesh support for mesh networking, Adaptive QoS for optimized traffic prioritization, and a built-in VPN server. Both routers also support mobile apps for remote management and troubleshooting.
Security and Privacy
Security is paramount in today’s connected world, and both the Linksys MR7350 and the ASUS RT-AX56U offer robust protection measures. They support WPA3 encryption, the latest and most secure wireless security protocol, as well as SPI firewall and intrusion detection/prevention systems. Additionally, the Linksys MR7350 offers Trend Micro antivirus and malware protection, while the ASUS RT-AX56U features AiProtection Pro, a comprehensive security suite that includes parental controls and web filtering.
User Experience
Setting up and configuring both routers is a breeze. The web interfaces are well-organized and provide clear instructions. The mobile apps also offer a convenient way to manage your network on the go. In terms of performance, both routers deliver consistent and reliable connections, with minimal dropouts or latency issues. The Linksys MR7350 has the edge in coverage, while the ASUS RT-AX56U excels in speed and features.
Verdict: Which Router Reigns Supreme?
The Linksys MR7350 and the ASUS RT-AX56U are both excellent Wi-Fi 6 routers that offer exceptional performance and a wide range of features. However, the ASUS RT-AX56U stands out as the more versatile and feature-rich option. Its superior speed, dedicated 6GHz band, and comprehensive security suite make it the clear winner in this battle of the networking giants.
What You Need to Learn
1. Which router has better parental controls?
Both the Linksys MR7350 and the ASUS RT-AX56U offer parental controls, but the ASUS RT-AX56U’s AiProtection Pro provides more advanced features, including web filtering and parental scheduling.
2. Can I use my old modem with either router?
Yes, both routers are compatible with most standard cable and DSL modems.
3. Which router is better for gaming?
The ASUS RT-AX56U’s dedicated 6GHz band and Adaptive QoS make it the ideal choice for gaming, as it provides the lowest latency and most stable connections.
4. How many devices can either router support?
Both routers can support over 50 connected devices simultaneously without any significant performance degradation.
5. Which router has a longer warranty?
The Linksys MR7350 comes with a 3-year warranty, while the ASUS RT-AX56U offers a 2-year warranty.
