What To Know
- Its powerful hardware, robust software, and excellent wireless coverage make it an ideal choice for homes and small businesses seeking a reliable and feature-rich router.
- While the NETGEAR R7000 is a formidable competitor, its higher price and slightly weaker performance make it a less compelling option.
- Both routers offer a comprehensive suite of features, but the ASUS RT-AC68U has a slight advantage with its traffic analyzer and more robust parental controls.
In the realm of wireless networking, two titans stand tall: the ASUS RT-AC68U and the NETGEAR R7000. Both routers boast impressive features and capabilities, making them top contenders for home and small business users. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of these two routers, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately determining which one emerges as the superior choice.
Design and Build Quality
The ASUS RT-AC68U exudes a sleek and futuristic aesthetic with its angular design and matte black finish. Its four external antennas can be adjusted for optimal signal coverage. The NETGEAR R7000, on the other hand, sports a more traditional rectangular shape with a glossy black exterior. Its three internal antennas are concealed within the router’s body.
Connectivity and Ports
Both routers offer a comprehensive array of connectivity options. They feature dual-band Wi-Fi with support for the latest 802.11ac standard, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. Additionally, they provide four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports for wired devices, as well as a USB 3.0 port for sharing files and connecting printers.
Wireless Performance
When it comes to wireless performance, both routers deliver exceptional coverage and speed. The ASUS RT-AC68U utilizes a powerful Broadcom BCM4708 chip and AiRadar beamforming technology to optimize signal strength and reduce interference. The NETGEAR R7000, powered by a Qualcomm IPQ8064 chip, employs MU-MIMO technology to allow multiple devices to connect simultaneously without compromising speed.
Features and Software
The ASUS RT-AC68U and NETGEAR R7000 offer a plethora of advanced features to enhance your networking experience. The ASUS router includes the ASUSWRT firmware, providing robust parental controls, guest network capabilities, and a traffic analyzer. The NETGEAR router runs on the intuitive NETGEAR genie interface, offering similar features, including parental controls, Wi-Fi scheduling, and a built-in VPN server.
Security
Both routers prioritize security, implementing robust encryption protocols and advanced firewall protection. The ASUS RT-AC68U supports WPA2-PSK and WPA3-PSK encryption, while the NETGEAR R7000 offers WPA2-PSK and WPA3-PSK encryption along with VPN passthrough and Denial-of-Service (DoS) protection.
Price and Value
The ASUS RT-AC68U and NETGEAR R7000 fall into different price ranges. The ASUS RT-AC68U is typically more affordable, while the NETGEAR R7000 commands a slightly higher price tag. However, both routers offer excellent value for money, delivering exceptional performance and a wide range of features.
The Verdict: ASUS RT-AC68U or NETGEAR R7000?
After a thorough comparison, the ASUS RT-AC68U emerges as the victor in this face-off. It offers a superior combination of performance, features, and affordability. Its powerful hardware, robust software, and excellent wireless coverage make it an ideal choice for homes and small businesses seeking a reliable and feature-rich router.
While the NETGEAR R7000 is a formidable competitor, its higher price and slightly weaker performance make it a less compelling option. Nonetheless, it remains a solid choice for users who prioritize advanced features such as MU-MIMO and built-in VPN server capabilities.
Answers to Your Questions
1. Which router has better wireless coverage?
The ASUS RT-AC68U has a slight edge in wireless coverage, thanks to its AiRadar beamforming technology.
2. Which router offers more advanced features?
Both routers offer a comprehensive suite of features, but the ASUS RT-AC68U has a slight advantage with its traffic analyzer and more robust parental controls.
3. Which router is more affordable?
The ASUS RT-AC68U is typically more affordable than the NETGEAR R7000, making it a better value for money.
4. Which router is more user-friendly?
Both routers offer intuitive web interfaces, but the NETGEAR genie interface is slightly more user-friendly and beginner-friendly.
5. Which router is better for gaming?
Both routers are excellent for gaming, but the ASUS RT-AC68U has a slight edge due to its lower latency and more advanced QoS features.
