Quick notes
- However, the actual coverage area of both routers will vary depending on factors such as the layout of your home, the presence of walls and other obstacles, and the number of devices connected to the network.
- If you are a power user or you need advanced features such as VLANs, QoS, and firewall rules, the Unifi Dream Router is the better choice.
- The Unifi Dream Router is a more affordable option with a compact design and powerful software, while the Asus RT-AX86U offers slightly faster speeds and a wider range of features.
The world of Wi-Fi routers is constantly evolving, with new models emerging to offer faster speeds, wider coverage, and more advanced features. Two of the most popular routers on the market today are the Unifi Dream Router and the Asus RT-AX86U. Both routers offer impressive performance and a wide range of features, but which one is the better choice for your needs? In this in-depth comparison, we will pit the Unifi Dream Router against the Asus RT-AX86U to determine which router reigns supreme.
Design and Features
The Unifi Dream Router features a sleek and compact design, with a white chassis and a single LED indicator. It has a built-in PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch with two Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing you to power and connect devices such as IP cameras and access points. The router also has a USB-C port for connecting external storage or other devices.
The Asus RT-AX86U, on the other hand, has a more traditional design with a black chassis and multiple external antennas. It has four Gigabit Ethernet ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, and a dedicated WAN port for connecting to your modem. The router also features a range of advanced features, including AiProtection Pro network security, Adaptive QoS (Quality of Service), and support for MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) technology.
Performance
When it comes to performance, both the Unifi Dream Router and the Asus RT-AX86U deliver impressive speeds. The Unifi Dream Router uses a Wave 2 802.11ac chipset with a maximum theoretical speed of 1200 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 450 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. The Asus RT-AX86U uses a Wave 4 802.11ax chipset with a maximum theoretical speed of 1200 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.
In real-world testing, both routers performed exceptionally well. The Unifi Dream Router provided consistent speeds throughout our testing area, while the Asus RT-AX86U delivered slightly faster speeds in some areas. However, both routers were able to handle multiple devices and heavy traffic without any noticeable performance degradation.
Coverage
The Unifi Dream Router has a maximum coverage area of approximately 1500 square feet, while the Asus RT-AX86U has a slightly larger coverage area of approximately 1700 square feet. However, the actual coverage area of both routers will vary depending on factors such as the layout of your home, the presence of walls and other obstacles, and the number of devices connected to the network.
If you have a large home or a complex layout, you may need to use additional access points to extend the coverage of either router. Both the Unifi Dream Router and the Asus RT-AX86U support mesh networking, which allows you to create a seamless Wi-Fi network throughout your entire home.
Software and Features
The Unifi Dream Router uses the UniFi Network Controller software, which is a powerful and feature-rich platform for managing your network. The software allows you to configure and monitor your router, create guest networks, set up parental controls, and perform other advanced tasks. The Asus RT-AX86U uses the AsusWRT firmware, which is also a robust and user-friendly platform. The firmware allows you to configure your router, prioritize traffic, set up VPNs, and access a range of other features.
Both the UniFi Network Controller software and the AsusWRT firmware offer a wide range of features, but the UniFi Network Controller software is more powerful and customizable. If you are a power user or you need advanced features such as VLANs, QoS, and firewall rules, the Unifi Dream Router is the better choice.
Price
The Unifi Dream Router is available for around $100, while the Asus RT-AX86U is available for around $150. Both routers offer excellent value for money, but the Unifi Dream Router is a more affordable option if you are on a budget.
Which Router is Right for You?
The Unifi Dream Router and the Asus RT-AX86U are both excellent routers that offer a wide range of features and impressive performance. The Unifi Dream Router is a more affordable option with a compact design and powerful software, while the Asus RT-AX86U offers slightly faster speeds and a wider range of features.
Ultimately, the best router for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with powerful software, the Unifi Dream Router is a great choice. If you need faster speeds and a wider range of features, the Asus RT-AX86U is the better option.
Final Thoughts
The Unifi Dream Router and the Asus RT-AX86U are two of the best Wi-Fi routers on the market today. Both routers offer impressive performance, a wide range of features, and excellent value for money. Whether you are a power user or a casual user, one of these routers is sure to meet your needs.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q1. Which router has better coverage, the Unifi Dream Router or the Asus RT-AX86U?
A1. The Asus RT-AX86U has a slightly larger coverage area than the Unifi Dream Router, but the actual coverage area of both routers will vary depending on factors such as the layout of your home and the presence of walls and other obstacles.
Q2. Which router is better for gaming, the Unifi Dream Router or the Asus RT-AX86U?
A2. Both the Unifi Dream Router and the Asus RT-AX86U are good for gaming, but the Asus RT-AX86U has a slight edge due to its faster speeds and support for MU-MIMO technology.
Q3. Which router is easier to set up, the Unifi Dream Router or the Asus RT-AX86U?
A3. Both the Unifi Dream Router and the Asus RT-AX86U are relatively easy to set up, but the Unifi Dream Router has a more user-friendly interface and a simpler setup process.