What to know
- The RT-AX88U Pro boasts a sleek and angular design with a distinctive red-and-black color scheme.
- The best choice between the Asus RT-AX88U Pro and the Synology RT6600ax depends on your specific needs and preferences.
- While the RT-AX88U Pro edges out the RT6600ax in performance and features, the RT6600ax offers a more balanced approach with its user-friendly interface and robust security features.
In the ever-evolving world of networking, the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard promises blazing-fast speeds, reduced latency, and enhanced connectivity. As such, two standout routers have emerged as frontrunners in this new era: the Asus RT-AX88U Pro and the Synology RT6600ax. This comprehensive comparison will pit these two powerhouses against each other, examining their key features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Features
Asus RT-AX88U Pro:
The RT-AX88U Pro boasts a sleek and angular design with a distinctive red-and-black color scheme. It features four external antennas, four Gigabit Ethernet ports, a 2.5Gbps WAN port, and a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port.
Synology RT6600ax:
The RT6600ax adopts a more understated approach with its white chassis and four internal antennas. It offers four Gigabit Ethernet ports, a 10Gbps SFP+ WAN port, and two USB 3.0 ports.
Performance
Both routers support Wi-Fi 6E, offering speeds of up to 6000Mbps in the 6GHz band. However, the RT-AX88U Pro has a slight edge in raw performance due to its quad-core 1.8GHz CPU, compared to the RT6600ax’s dual-core 1.8GHz CPU.
In real-world testing, both routers delivered excellent speeds and coverage. The RT-AX88U Pro consistently outperformed the RT6600ax in speed tests, but the difference was not significant in most cases.
Features and Functionality
Asus RT-AX88U Pro:
The RT-AX88U Pro comes equipped with a range of advanced features, including:
- AiMesh support: Allows you to create a mesh network with other compatible Asus routers.
- Game Accelerator: Prioritizes gaming traffic for smoother online gameplay.
- Adaptive QoS: Automatically optimizes network traffic based on device and application needs.
- AiProtection Pro: Provides robust cybersecurity features powered by Trend Micro.
Synology RT6600ax:
The RT6600ax offers a more streamlined feature set, focusing on stability and security:
- SRM 1.3 Operating System: Provides a user-friendly and customizable interface.
- Safe Access: Offers parental controls and content filtering.
- Threat Prevention: Protects against malware, phishing, and other online threats.
Value and Pricing
Asus RT-AX88U Pro:
The RT-AX88U Pro is typically priced around $250-$300. It offers a comprehensive feature set and excellent performance for the price.
Synology RT6600ax:
The RT6600ax is slightly more expensive, retailing around $300-$350. It provides a solid balance of performance, features, and security.
Which Router is Right for You?
The best choice between the Asus RT-AX88U Pro and the Synology RT6600ax depends on your specific needs and preferences.
- For maximum performance and advanced features: The Asus RT-AX88U Pro is the clear winner.
- For stability, security, and a user-friendly interface: The Synology RT6600ax is a great option.
- For a more budget-friendly choice: The Asus RT-AX88U Pro offers a better value for the price.
Conclusion: The Battle of the Wi-Fi 6E Giants
Both the Asus RT-AX88U Pro and the Synology RT6600ax are exceptional Wi-Fi 6E routers that deliver blazing-fast speeds and reliable connectivity. While the RT-AX88U Pro edges out the RT6600ax in performance and features, the RT6600ax offers a more balanced approach with its user-friendly interface and robust security features. Ultimately, the choice between these two routers depends on your individual requirements and budget.
FAQ
Q: Which router has better parental controls?
A: The Synology RT6600ax offers more comprehensive parental controls through its Safe Access feature.
Q: Can I connect both routers to the same network?
A: Yes, you can connect both routers to the same network using a wired or wireless backhaul.
Q: Which router is better for gaming?
A: The Asus RT-AX88U Pro has a dedicated Game Accelerator feature that prioritizes gaming traffic.
Q: Can I use either router as a mesh node?
A: Only the Asus RT-AX88U Pro supports AiMesh, which allows it to be used as a mesh node.
Q: Which router has better cybersecurity features?
A: Both routers offer robust cybersecurity features, but the Synology RT6600ax has a slight edge with its Threat Prevention system.