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    The Best Asus Routers

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    The Best Asus Routers

    The best ASUS routers are superior for speedy gaming and all-around fast wired and wireless networking for everything else.

    These are our top three recommendations for most people.

    Note: Prices are subject to change.

    TL;DR: Speedy and loaded with security extras and expandability at an affordable price, the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro checks all the most important boxes.

    Why We Recommend It

    While the Asus RT-AX86U isn’t the latest model in the lineup, it’s a high-quality router that offers first-rate performance and features.

    It supports super-fast Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, and 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands should effectively prevent congestion.

    The RT-AX86U also offers strong coverage, with Asus’s RangeBoost Plus allowing it to reach everywhere in homes exceeding 2,000 square feet.

    Pros

    • Fast Wi-Fi 6 connectivity

    • Supports 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet

    • Free network security tools and built-in VPN

    • Compatible with AIMesh networks

    This AIMesh router is also expandable with compatible routers and comes with a free VPN and an AiProtection Pro lifetime subscription powered by Trend Micro, which can enhance network security.

    While the RT-AX86U lacks an additional 5GHz backhaul channel or Wi-Fi 7 6GHz band, both are still less common technologies in most households.

    • Who else recommends it? Many publications, from CNET to Tom’s Guide, IGN, and Dong Knows Tech, include the Asus RT-AX86U Pro on their lists of the best routers.
    • What do buyers say? Amazon buyers rate the Asus RT-AX86U Pro 4.4 out of 5 stars. Purchasers give it praise for its speed, built-in security features, and seamless setup.

    TL;DR: A low-latency, lightning-fast, and feature-packed router made for gaming, and great for everything else.

    Why We Recommend It

    For gaming enthusiasts, the Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98 PROG is an easy buy. It bundles extremely low latency (to mere milliseconds) with the best coverage, connectivity, and build quality you’ll find on the market.

    But you don’t need to be a die-hard gamer to appreciate the speed and impressive feature list, which includes Wi-Fi 7 and 10-Gigabit Ethernet to support everything from large file downloads to high-speed gaming.

    Cons

    • Very expensive

    • Overkill for most users

    This quad-band router delivers powerful coverage without congestion, and backhaul channels to keep the router running smoothly even when tens of devices are connected simultaneously.

    Plus, its Quality of Service traffic routing ensures that important, latency-dependent tasks like gaming and video calls always get the priority they need.

    The GT-BE98 comes with AIMesh support for expandable coverage if you need it, and throws in a free lifetime subscription to a TrendMicro network security tool for safer networking.

    • Who else recommends it? Outlets like PCMag and Tom’s Hardware give the Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98 PRO high praise for it’s stellar performance.
    • What do buyers say? Amazon shoppers give this product an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars and applaud its incredible, dependable speed.

    Asus RT-AX1800S Dual Band Wi-Fi 6 Extendable Router

    Credit: Amazon

    TL;DR: An affordable dual-band router that’s easy for anyone to set up and use.

    Why We Recommend It

    If you’d like to ditch the router that came from your internet service provider (ISP), the affordable but capable Asus RT-AX1800S is worth a look.

    While it’s modestly priced, this Wi-Fi 6 router is fast enough for 4K streaming and smaller file downloads.

    And the dual-band frequencies for older 2.4GHz gadgets and new devices that use the 5Ghz frequency optimize performance and reduce congestion.

    Pros

    • Strong performance on 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands

    • Supports Gigabit Ethernet

    • Multiple antennas give strong coverage

    • Includes lifetime Trend Micro security subscription

    While you won’t find very robust parental controls on this model, you get four Gigabit Ethernet ports, manual Quality of Service prioritization, and mesh networking expandability with other compatible routers.

    This Asus RT-AX1800S also includes a free VPN and smart home integration with Alexa.

    • Who else recommends it? Tom’s Hardware is also a fan of this budget-friendly router.
    • What do buyers say? Nearly 2,500 Amazon buyers have weighed in to praise this router’s speedy setup and straightforward operation. It holds an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

    How We Chose

    To find the best Asus routers, we looked at some of the company’s top models from the past few years,

    We picked high-performing but affordable models and sought a premium option for those who want to spend more.

    Once we narrowed our picks, we compared them with reviews from third-party testers, and looked at user reviews to ensure that they were great routers for the average user.

    What to Look For

    We recommend ensuring that any router you consider supports Wi-Fi 5 and has at least a single 5GHz band to reduce congestion.

    If you want faster connectivity, look for Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 support (if you have devices that can use it). Buying a router with all the latest technology can be a way to future-proof your network.

    Another aspect to consider is mesh networking. These systems can cover dead spaces or expand the coverage in your home.

    Finally, if you’re a gamer, you may want to find a router with Gigabit Ethernet ports for fast wired performance.

    FAQ

    • Should you buy a Wi-Fi 6 router?

      If you’re in the market for a new router, a Wi-Fi 6 router is a smart investment since many devices use this standard. In most cases, if you have an older router that’s underperforming, you’ll get better performance—especially on busy networks—and even improve your mobile devices’ battery life. 

    • What are the advantages of a gaming router?

      Gaming requires a different network performance known as low latency. Even today’s fast-paced online games don’t need nearly the same bandwidth as 4K streaming, but they require a router to process all the back-and-forth traffic between the gamer and game servers without delay. Gaming routers pack in powerful CPUs that ensure your games run lag-free, so you won’t find your games stalling just as you’re about to make those critical shots. 

    • How many Ethernet ports do you need?

      While devices that don’t include Wi-Fi, like desktop PCs, will naturally need to be plugged in, you’ll likely find that game consoles, smart TVs, and laptops will do just fine on Wi-Fi as long as you have a router that offers the range and bandwidth that you need. Most routers include at least four Ethernet ports, but some of the best Asus routers push that up to eight. Just check that they’re Gigabit Ethernet ports, as all but the most budget-class routers will offer better Wi-Fi performance than Ethernet ports.


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