What To Know
- The ASUS RT-AX56U, on the other hand, boasts a more angular and aggressive design, with a black and red color scheme.
- The Linksys MR7350 offers a sleek design, solid performance, and a user-friendly interface at a budget-friendly price.
- The ASUS RT-AX56U, on the other hand, boasts a wider range of features, including advanced parental controls and VPN support, but comes at a slightly higher cost.
In the realm of home networking, the battle for Wi-Fi supremacy rages on. Two formidable contenders, the Linksys MR7350 and ASUS RT-AX56U, stand out as top contenders in the mid-range router market. To help you make an informed decision, we delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two routers, exploring their features, performance, and value proposition.
Design and Build
The Linksys MR7350 exudes a sleek and minimalist design, with a matte black finish and subtle LED indicators. Its compact and vertical form factor allows for easy placement in any home setting.
The ASUS RT-AX56U, on the other hand, boasts a more angular and aggressive design, with a black and red color scheme. Its larger size and prominent antennas create a more noticeable presence in a room.
Hardware Specifications
Under the hood, both routers feature powerful hardware configurations. The Linksys MR7350 utilizes a quad-core processor with 512MB of RAM, while the ASUS RT-AX56U employs a triple-core processor with 256MB of RAM.
Wireless Performance
Both routers support the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, which offers faster speeds and reduced latency. The Linksys MR7350 features a 4×4 MIMO configuration with a maximum theoretical speed of 1.8 Gbps on the 5GHz band and 600 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band.
The ASUS RT-AX56U, on the other hand, boasts a 2×2 MIMO configuration with a maximum theoretical speed of 1.2 Gbps on the 5GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band.
Range and Coverage
The Linksys MR7350 utilizes beamforming technology to optimize signal strength and coverage, while the ASUS RT-AX56U employs ASUS AiMesh technology for seamless whole-home Wi-Fi.
In real-world testing, both routers provide solid coverage throughout a typical home. However, the Linksys MR7350 generally offers a slightly wider range and more consistent signal strength.
Features and Software
The Linksys MR7350 comes equipped with a suite of features, including parental controls, guest networking, and QoS settings. It is managed through a simple and intuitive web interface.
The ASUS RT-AX56U offers a more comprehensive feature set, including VPN support, traffic monitoring, and advanced parental controls. It also benefits from the ASUSWRT software platform, which provides a wide range of customization options.
Price and Value
The Linksys MR7350 typically retails for around $120, while the ASUS RT-AX56U is priced at approximately $150. Both routers offer excellent value for money, considering their performance and feature set.
Final Note: Deciding the Victor
The Linksys MR7350 and ASUS RT-AX56U are both exceptional Wi-Fi routers that cater to different needs and preferences. The Linksys MR7350 offers a sleek design, solid performance, and a user-friendly interface at a budget-friendly price. The ASUS RT-AX56U, on the other hand, boasts a wider range of features, including advanced parental controls and VPN support, but comes at a slightly higher cost.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific requirements and budget. If you prioritize affordability, ease of use, and a strong signal, the Linksys MR7350 is an excellent option. If you demand advanced features, comprehensive customization, and a slightly wider range, the ASUS RT-AX56U is a worthy investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which router has better parental controls?
A: The ASUS RT-AX56U offers more comprehensive parental controls, including content filtering, time limits, and device blocking.
Q: Can I use either router as a mesh node?
A: Only the ASUS RT-AX56U supports mesh networking through ASUS AiMesh technology.
Q: Which router is better for online gaming?
A: Both routers offer low latency and support QoS settings, but the ASUS RT-AX56U may have a slight edge due to its triple-core processor.
