ASUS RT-AX88U PRO AX6000 Dual Band WiFi 6 Router Review – Pros and Cons

The ASUS RT-AX88U PRO AX6000 Dual Band WiFi 6 Router is a high-performance networking device designed to provide ultrafast speeds and extensive coverage. It supports the latest WiFi 6 (802.11ax) standard, offering speeds up to 6000 Mbps with 160MHz channels, ensuring smooth and lag-free internet experiences.

The router features dual 2.5G ports, with traffic via these ports given top priority, allowing for flexible WAN/LAN network port configurations. This is particularly beneficial for users requiring high-speed wired connections.

At the heart of the RT-AX88U PRO is a powerful 2.0 GHz quad-core 64-bit CPU, enhancing its computational capabilities and ensuring efficient handling of multiple devices and demanding applications.

ASUS RangeBoost Plus technology is incorporated to expand signal range and improve overall coverage, ensuring stable and reliable WiFi connectivity throughout larger homes or offices.

For security, the router is equipped with AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro, providing commercial-grade protection for your home network. Additionally, ASUS Instant Guard offers a one-click sharable secure VPN for added security when accessing the internet away from home.

Pros:

1. Excellent Performance: Users have consistently reported great connection quality with no drops and strong signals on both bands. The router’s performance in terms of speed and stability is highly regarded.
2. Easy Setup: The setup process is straightforward and user-friendly, with options for both web-based and app-based installation. Users appreciate the simplicity and speed of getting the router up and running.
3. Good Aesthetics: The router’s design and the non-intrusive white lights have been positively noted. The router looks modern and fits well in various settings without being an eyesore.
4. Strong Coverage: Users have reported very good coverage across different floors of their houses and even in larger properties. The router’s ability to provide consistent and strong coverage is a major plus.
5. Mesh Compatibility: The ability to use the router in a mesh setup with other ASUS routers like the RT-AX86U Pro for extended coverage has been appreciated, providing flexibility in expanding the network.
6. Feature-Rich: Users have praised the wealth of features available, including support for multiple SSIDs, traffic statistics, USB connectivity for shared drives, and advanced configuration options for networking enthusiasts.
7. Stable Operation: The router has been reported to be extremely stable, with users rarely needing to reset the device. This reliability is highly valued by users.
8. Improved Performance on 2.4GHz Band: Users upgrading from older routers have noted a significant improvement in the performance of the 2.4GHz band, which is particularly beneficial for devices like security cameras that rely on this band.
9. Support for Custom Firmware: The ability to use Merlin aftermarket firmware has been highlighted as a positive feature, offering additional flexibility and features beyond the stock firmware.
10. Compatibility with High-Speed Internet: Users with gigabit internet connections have reported that the router is capable of handling and delivering speeds that match or exceed their service levels, especially when using the 2.5Gbps port.

Cons:

1. Web Interface Limitations: Some users have noted limitations in the stock web interface, which led them to opt for custom firmware like Merlin to unlock additional features and customization options.
2. Price: While many users find the router to be worth the investment, the price point may be considered high by some, especially for those who may not need all the advanced features.
3. Size: A few users have mentioned that the router is relatively large, which might be a consideration for those with limited space.
4. Included Ethernet Cable: One user noted that the included Ethernet cable was only Cat 5e, which may not fully support the 2.5Gbps connection. Users may need to purchase a higher-grade cable separately.

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In conclusion, the ASUS RT-AX88U PRO AX6000 Dual Band WiFi 6 Router is highly regarded for its strong performance, extensive coverage, and rich feature set. While there are a few minor drawbacks, such as the price and size, the overall consensus is that this router is a top-notch choice for users seeking a reliable and high-performing networking solution.