What To Know
- In the realm of home networking, the Linksys WRT32X and the ASUS RT-AX88U stand as two formidable contenders in the Wi-Fi 6 router market.
- The RT-AX88U runs on ASUSWRT, a proprietary firmware that offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features, including AiMesh support, parental controls, and traffic monitoring.
- However, the RT-AX88U has a slight edge in terms of hardware specifications and features, making it a more appealing option for users who demand the best possible Wi-Fi experience.
In the realm of home networking, the Linksys WRT32X and the ASUS RT-AX88U stand as two formidable contenders in the Wi-Fi 6 router market. Both devices boast impressive features and capabilities, making it crucial for consumers to understand their differences before making an informed decision. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of these routers, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately helping you choose the one that best suits your specific needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Linksys WRT32X adopts a sleek and futuristic design with a black chassis and sharp angles. Its compact size makes it easy to place on a desk or shelf. The ASUS RT-AX88U, on the other hand, is larger and heavier with a more traditional rectangular shape. It features a black and gray color scheme and has an angular design with sharp edges. Both routers have sturdy construction and are well-built, ensuring durability and longevity.
Hardware Specifications
Under the hood, the Linksys WRT32X and the ASUS RT-AX88U pack powerful hardware configurations. The WRT32X utilizes a dual-core 1.8GHz processor, while the RT-AX88U boasts a quad-core 1.8GHz processor. Both routers have 512MB of RAM and 256MB of flash storage. However, the RT-AX88U has an additional 512MB of flash storage, providing more space for firmware updates and additional features.
Wireless Performance
At the heart of any router is its wireless performance. The Linksys WRT32X supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard with a theoretical maximum speed of 1.2Gbps on the 2.4GHz band and 2.4Gbps on the 5GHz band. The ASUS RT-AX88U also supports Wi-Fi 6, offering theoretical speeds of up to 1.2Gbps on the 2.4GHz band and 4.8Gbps on the 5GHz band. In real-world testing, both routers deliver impressive wireless speeds and coverage, ensuring fast and reliable internet connectivity throughout your home.
Wired Connectivity
In addition to wireless connectivity, both the Linksys WRT32X and the ASUS RT-AX88U provide a range of wired connectivity options. The WRT32X features four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, one Gigabit Ethernet WAN port, and one USB 3.0 port. The RT-AX88U takes it a step further with eight Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, one Gigabit Ethernet WAN port, and two USB 3.0 ports. This expanded wired connectivity allows for multiple wired devices to be connected, such as gaming consoles, smart TVs, and network storage devices.
Features and Software
Both the Linksys WRT32X and the ASUS RT-AX88U offer a comprehensive suite of features and software. The WRT32X comes with OpenWrt, a popular open-source firmware that provides a high level of customization and control. The RT-AX88U runs on ASUSWRT, a proprietary firmware that offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features, including AiMesh support, parental controls, and traffic monitoring.
Gaming and QoS
For gamers and users who prioritize online gaming, the Linksys WRT32X and the ASUS RT-AX88U offer dedicated features to enhance gaming performance. The WRT32X supports DumaOS, a gaming-optimized firmware that provides features such as ping optimization, bandwidth allocation, and geo-filtering. The RT-AX88U has a built-in gaming mode that prioritizes gaming traffic and reduces latency, ensuring a smooth and lag-free gaming experience.
Price and Value
The Linksys WRT32X has a retail price of around $250, while the ASUS RT-AX88U costs around $300. Both routers offer excellent value for money, providing a wide range of features and high performance. However, the RT-AX88U has a slight edge in terms of hardware specifications and features, making it a more appealing option for users who demand the best possible Wi-Fi experience.
The Verdict: Linksys WRT32X vs. ASUS RT-AX88U
Choosing between the Linksys WRT32X and the ASUS RT-AX88U depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize customization and open-source firmware, the WRT32X is an excellent choice. However, if you value a wider range of features, a more user-friendly interface, and the best possible Wi-Fi performance, the RT-AX88U is the superior option. Ultimately, both routers offer exceptional value and will significantly enhance your home networking experience.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
1. Which router has better wireless range?
Both routers provide excellent wireless range, but the ASUS RT-AX88U has a slight advantage due to its increased antenna count and more powerful amplifiers.
2. Can I use either router with a mesh Wi-Fi system?
The Linksys WRT32X does not support mesh Wi-Fi, while the ASUS RT-AX88U does. This means that the RT-AX88U can be used as part of a mesh network to extend Wi-Fi coverage throughout larger homes.
3. Which router has better parental controls?
The ASUS RT-AX88U has more comprehensive parental controls than the Linksys WRT32X. It allows parents to set up profiles for each child, manage screen time, and filter inappropriate content.
4. Can I use either router with a VPN?
Both routers support VPN connections. The WRT32X allows you to set up a VPN server directly on the router, while the RT-AX88U supports VPN passthrough.
5. Which router is better for gaming?
Both routers offer gaming-optimized features, but the Linksys WRT32X has a slight edge with its DumaOS firmware, which provides more advanced gaming-specific settings.
