What to know
- If you’re looking for a high-performance gaming router with a sleek design and a range of gaming-specific features, the TP-Link Archer GX90 is an excellent choice.
- However, if you need a router with even faster speeds, more wired connectivity options, and a wider range of advanced features, the ASUS RT-AX88U is a better option.
- The TP-Link Archer GX90 has a more futuristic and angular design, while the ASUS RT-AX88U has a more traditional router design.
If you’re a serious gamer, you know that having a high-quality router is essential for a lag-free, immersive gaming experience. Two of the top contenders in the gaming router market are the TP-Link Archer GX90 and the ASUS RT-AX88U. Both routers offer impressive features and capabilities, but which one is right for you?
Head-to-Head Comparison: TP-Link Archer GX90 vs ASUS RT-AX88U
To help you make an informed decision, let’s take a closer look at the key features and differences between these two gaming routers:
1. Design and Aesthetics
The TP-Link Archer GX90 boasts a sleek, futuristic design with angular lines and a matte black finish. It features a large, illuminated TP-Link logo on the top and eight external antennas that provide wide-range coverage.
The ASUS RT-AX88U, on the other hand, has a more traditional router design with a black and red color scheme. It has four external antennas and a subtle LED indicator on the front panel.
2. Hardware Specifications
Both routers are equipped with powerful hardware that can handle the demanding requirements of online gaming. The TP-Link Archer GX90 features a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, 512MB of RAM, and 128MB of flash storage. The ASUS RT-AX88U has a slightly faster 1.8GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and 256MB of flash storage.
3. Wireless Performance
The TP-Link Archer GX90 supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, which offers faster speeds and improved efficiency compared to previous Wi-Fi generations. It provides dual-band wireless connectivity with a maximum theoretical speed of 2402Mbps on the 5GHz band and 574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band.
The ASUS RT-AX88U also supports Wi-Fi 6 and offers similar wireless speeds. However, it features an additional 160MHz channel width on the 5GHz band, which can provide even faster speeds for compatible devices.
4. Gaming Features
Both routers come with a range of gaming-specific features to enhance your online gaming experience. The TP-Link Archer GX90 has a dedicated gaming mode that prioritizes gaming traffic and reduces latency. It also supports Game Protector, which provides protection against DDoS attacks and other online threats.
The ASUS RT-AX88U also has a dedicated gaming mode, as well as Aura RGB lighting that allows you to customize the router’s appearance. It also supports ASUS ROG Game Boost, which optimizes the router’s settings for gaming and provides real-time traffic monitoring.
5. Wired Connectivity
Both routers offer a range of wired connectivity options for connecting your gaming consoles, PCs, and other devices. The TP-Link Archer GX90 has four Gigabit Ethernet ports, while the ASUS RT-AX88U has eight Gigabit Ethernet ports.
6. Software and Features
The TP-Link Archer GX90 comes with a user-friendly web interface that makes it easy to manage your router’s settings. It also supports the TP-Link Tether app for mobile device management.
The ASUS RT-AX88U has a more advanced web interface that provides more detailed control over the router’s settings. It also supports the ASUS Router app for mobile device management.
7. Price and Availability
The TP-Link Archer GX90 is available for around $199, while the ASUS RT-AX88U is slightly more expensive at around $299. Both routers are widely available from online retailers and electronics stores.
Which Router Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best router for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a high-performance gaming router with a sleek design and a range of gaming-specific features, the TP-Link Archer GX90 is an excellent choice.
However, if you need a router with even faster speeds, more wired connectivity options, and a wider range of advanced features, the ASUS RT-AX88U is a better option.
In a nutshell: The Ultimate Gaming Router
Both the TP-Link Archer GX90 and the ASUS RT-AX88U are top-of-the-line gaming routers that offer an exceptional gaming experience. Whether you choose the GX90 for its sleek design and affordability or the RT-AX88U for its blazing-fast speeds and advanced features, you can’t go wrong with either of these routers.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Which router has a better design?
The TP-Link Archer GX90 has a more futuristic and angular design, while the ASUS RT-AX88U has a more traditional router design. Ultimately, the best design is a matter of personal preference.
2. Which router is faster?
The ASUS RT-AX88U has slightly faster wireless speeds than the TP-Link Archer GX90, especially on the 5GHz band. However, both routers provide plenty of speed for online gaming and other demanding applications.
3. Which router has more gaming features?
Both routers offer a range of gaming-specific features, but the TP-Link Archer GX90 has a dedicated gaming mode and Game Protector, while the ASUS RT-AX88U has Aura RGB lighting and ROG Game Boost.