Highlights
- It includes a dedicated gaming port that prioritizes traffic from gaming devices, as well as a built-in game accelerator that optimizes network settings for smooth online gameplay.
- The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 and the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 are both exceptional Wi-Fi 6E routers that offer blazing-fast speeds, reduced latency, and advanced features.
- However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with solid performance and comprehensive security, the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 is an excellent choice.
In the ever-evolving realm of home networking, the latest and greatest Wi-Fi 6E standard has arrived, promising blazing-fast speeds and reduced latency. Two of the most formidable contenders in this arena are the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 and the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit these two titans against each other to determine which emerges as the undisputed king of Wi-Fi 6E.
Design and Build Quality
The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 sports a sleek and stealthy design, with eight external antennas that give it an aggressive, almost futuristic appearance. The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000, on the other hand, exudes gaming prowess with its angular, RGB-lit chassis and four massive antennas. Both routers are well-built and exude premium quality.
Specifications and Features
Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500
- Wi-Fi 6E tri-band router
- AXE7800 total throughput
- 5.765 GHz (160 MHz), 2.4 GHz (40 MHz), 6 GHz (160 MHz)
- 1.8 GHz quad-core processor
- 1 GB RAM, 512 MB flash storage
- 5 Gigabit LAN ports, 1 2.5 Gigabit LAN port, 1 USB 3.0 port
- OFDMA, MU-MIMO, beamforming
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000
- Wi-Fi 6E tri-band router
- AXE11000 total throughput
- 5.765 GHz (160 MHz), 2.4 GHz (40 MHz), 6 GHz (160 MHz)
- 1.8 GHz quad-core processor
- 1 GB RAM, 256 MB flash storage
- 5 Gigabit LAN ports, 1 2.5 Gigabit LAN port, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 port
- OFDMA, MU-MIMO, beamforming, AiMesh support
Performance
Speed and Coverage
The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 delivers impressive speeds on all bands, with a maximum throughput of 7.8 Gbps. The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000, however, takes the performance crown with its staggering 11 Gbps throughput. In terms of coverage, both routers provide excellent signal strength throughout medium to large homes.
Latency
Latency is crucial for online gaming and real-time applications. The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 boasts superior latency performance, thanks to its dedicated gaming mode and advanced QoS features.
Gaming Features
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 is tailor-made for gamers, with a plethora of gaming-centric features. It includes a dedicated gaming port that prioritizes traffic from gaming devices, as well as a built-in game accelerator that optimizes network settings for smooth online gameplay.
Security
Both routers offer robust security features, including WPA3 encryption, parental controls, and intrusion detection systems. The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 comes with Netgear Armor, a subscription-based security service that provides advanced threat protection.
Ease of Use
Both routers offer user-friendly web interfaces and mobile apps for easy setup and management. The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000, however, has a slightly more intuitive interface and provides more detailed network statistics.
Price
The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 is priced around $300, while the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 commands a premium price of around $500.
Verdict
The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 and the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 are both exceptional Wi-Fi 6E routers that offer blazing-fast speeds, reduced latency, and advanced features. However, each router has its own strengths:
- Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500: Affordable, well-rounded performance, good coverage, Netgear Armor security
- ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000: Blazing-fast throughput, superior latency, gaming-centric features, AiMesh support
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize speed, gaming performance, and advanced features, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 is the clear winner. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with solid performance and comprehensive security, the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 is an excellent choice.
FAQ
Q: Which router has better parental controls?
A: Both routers offer robust parental controls, but the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 has more granular options, including website filtering and device grouping.
Q: Can I use these routers with a mesh network?
A: The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 supports AiMesh, which allows you to create a mesh network with compatible ASUS routers. The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 does not support mesh networking.
Q: Which router has the best warranty?
A: Both routers come with a standard 1-year warranty.