Quick notes
- The ASUS RT-AC66U and RT-AC66U B1 are two popular routers from ASUS that offer a range of features for home and small office networking.
- The ASUS RT-AC66U and RT-AC66U B1 both offer fast Wi-Fi speeds, with the RT-AC66U B1 having a slight advantage in terms of performance.
- The RT-AC66U B1 is a good option for users who are looking for a more powerful router with the latest Wi-Fi technology and additional features.
The ASUS RT-AC66U and RT-AC66U B1 are two popular routers from ASUS that offer a range of features for home and small office networking. While they share some similarities, there are also some key differences between the two models. In this blog post, we’ll compare the ASUS RT-AC66U vs RT-AC66U B1 in terms of their design, performance, features, and more.
Design
The ASUS RT-AC66U and RT-AC66U B1 have a similar design, with a sleek black exterior and four adjustable antennas. However, the RT-AC66U B1 is slightly smaller and lighter than the RT-AC66U, making it a more compact option for smaller spaces.
Performance
The ASUS RT-AC66U and RT-AC66U B1 both offer fast Wi-Fi speeds, with the RT-AC66U B1 having a slight advantage in terms of performance. The RT-AC66U B1 supports the latest Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) standard, while the RT-AC66U supports the older Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) standard. This means that the RT-AC66U B1 can provide faster speeds and a more stable connection, especially in crowded environments.
Features
The ASUS RT-AC66U and RT-AC66U B1 offer a range of features, including:
- Guest network: Allows you to create a separate network for guests, so they can access the internet without having access to your private network.
- Parental controls: Allows you to set limits on internet access for your children, including blocking certain websites and setting time limits.
- Quality of Service (QoS): Allows you to prioritize certain types of traffic, such as gaming or video streaming, so that they get the best possible performance.
- AiProtection: ASUS’s security suite that protects your network from malware and other threats.
The RT-AC66U B1 also offers a few additional features that are not available on the RT-AC66U, including:
- MU-MIMO: Allows the router to communicate with multiple devices at the same time, improving performance for devices that support MU-MIMO.
- AiMesh: Allows you to create a mesh network with other ASUS routers, extending the range of your Wi-Fi coverage.
Connectivity
The ASUS RT-AC66U and RT-AC66U B1 both offer a range of connectivity options, including:
- Gigabit Ethernet ports: Four gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections to your devices.
- USB ports: One USB 2.0 port and one USB 3.0 port for connecting external storage devices or printers.
Firmware
The ASUS RT-AC66U and RT-AC66U B1 both run on ASUS’s RT-AC66U firmware, which is a user-friendly and feature-rich firmware. The firmware offers a range of customization options, including the ability to set up guest networks, parental controls, and QoS.
Price
The ASUS RT-AC66U and RT-AC66U B1 are both available at a similar price point. The RT-AC66U is typically slightly less expensive than the RT-AC66U B1, but the price may vary depending on the retailer.
Which Router is Right for You?
The ASUS RT-AC66U and RT-AC66U B1 are both excellent routers that offer a range of features for home and small office networking. The RT-AC66U is a good option for users who are looking for a budget-friendly router with good performance. The RT-AC66U B1 is a good option for users who are looking for a more powerful router with the latest Wi-Fi technology and additional features.
Alternatives to Consider
If you are looking for alternatives to the ASUS RT-AC66U and RT-AC66U B1, here are a few other routers to consider:
- TP-Link Archer A7: A budget-friendly router with good performance and a range of features.
- Netgear Nighthawk R7000: A powerful router with the latest Wi-Fi technology and a range of advanced features.
- Linksys WRT3200ACM: A high-performance router with a range of customization options and a powerful processor.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which router is faster, the ASUS RT-AC66U or the RT-AC66U B1?
A: The RT-AC66U B1 is slightly faster than the RT-AC66U, as it supports the latest Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) standard.
Q: Which router has more features, the ASUS RT-AC66U or the RT-AC66U B1?
A: The RT-AC66U B1 has a few additional features that are not available on the RT-AC66U, including MU-MIMO and AiMesh.
Q: Which router is better for gaming, the ASUS RT-AC66U or the RT-AC66U B1?
A: The RT-AC66U B1 is a better choice for gaming, as it supports MU-MIMO and has a more powerful processor.