What To Know
- In this comprehensive comparison, we will pit the Asus RT-AX86U against the Linksys E9450, examining their key specifications, performance, and value for money to help you make an informed decision about which router is right for your needs.
- The Asus RT-AX86U has a wider coverage area due to its eight high-gain antennas and AiMesh support, which allows you to create a mesh network with other compatible Asus routers.
- However, the Linksys E9450 offers excellent value for money if you are looking for a reliable and feature-rich router at a more affordable price.
In the realm of home networking, the Asus RT-AX86U and Linksys E9450 stand out as two formidable contenders for the title of ultimate Wi-Fi router. Both devices boast an impressive array of features and capabilities, promising to deliver lightning-fast speeds, wide coverage, and robust security. In this comprehensive comparison, we will pit the Asus RT-AX86U against the Linksys E9450, examining their key specifications, performance, and value for money to help you make an informed decision about which router is right for your needs.
Design and Build Quality
Asus RT-AX86U: The Asus RT-AX86U sports a sleek and angular design with aggressive lines and sharp edges. Its black finish gives it a futuristic aesthetic, while the large vents on the sides ensure optimal cooling. The router is made of high-quality plastic and feels sturdy and durable.
Linksys E9450: The Linksys E9450 has a more traditional design, with a rectangular shape and rounded corners. Its matte black finish gives it a professional and understated look. The router is also made of plastic but feels slightly less sturdy than the Asus RT-AX86U.
Hardware Specifications
Asus RT-AX86U:
- Processor: 1.8GHz quad-core CPU
- Memory: 512MB RAM
- Storage: 256MB flash memory
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Wi-Fi Bands: 2.4GHz (up to 574Mbps), 5GHz-1 (up to 1201Mbps), 5GHz-2 (up to 4804Mbps)
- Total Wi-Fi Speed: Up to 6000Mbps
Linksys E9450:
- Processor: 1.5GHz quad-core CPU
- Memory: 512MB RAM
- Storage: 256MB flash memory
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Wi-Fi Bands: 2.4GHz (up to 600Mbps), 5GHz (up to 2400Mbps)
- Total Wi-Fi Speed: Up to 3000Mbps
Performance
In terms of performance, both the Asus RT-AX86U and Linksys E9450 deliver impressive speeds. The Asus RT-AX86U has a slight edge due to its faster processor and Wi-Fi 6E support, which provides access to the newly available 6GHz band. This gives the RT-AX86U a significant advantage in terms of raw speed and reduced interference.
Coverage and Signal Strength
The Asus RT-AX86U and Linksys E9450 both offer excellent coverage and signal strength. The Asus RT-AX86U has a wider coverage area due to its eight high-gain antennas and AiMesh support, which allows you to create a mesh network with other compatible Asus routers. The Linksys E9450 also provides good coverage, but its four antennas may not be sufficient for very large homes or complex layouts.
Features
Asus RT-AX86U:
- AiMesh Support: Create a mesh network with other Asus routers for seamless coverage throughout your home.
- Adaptive QoS: Prioritize network traffic for gaming, streaming, and other bandwidth-intensive activities.
- VPN Server: Host a VPN server to securely access your home network from anywhere.
- Game Accelerator: Boost gaming performance by minimizing latency and packet loss.
- Parental Controls: Set up parental controls to manage internet access and content for your children.
Linksys E9450:
- Intelligent Mesh: Create a mesh network with other Linksys routers to extend coverage and eliminate dead zones.
- MU-MIMO Technology: Allows multiple devices to connect simultaneously without reducing speeds.
- Beamforming: Focuses the Wi-Fi signal towards connected devices for stronger and more reliable connections.
- Smart Connect: Automatically connects devices to the best available Wi-Fi band for optimal performance.
- Guest Network: Create separate guest networks to isolate visitors from your main network.
Value for Money
The Asus RT-AX86U and Linksys E9450 are both priced competitively in the high-end Wi-Fi router segment. The Asus RT-AX86U is slightly more expensive due to its superior performance and feature set. However, the Linksys E9450 offers excellent value for money if you are looking for a reliable and feature-rich router at a more affordable price.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Asus RT-AX86U is the better choice if you are looking for the ultimate Wi-Fi router with the latest technology, fastest speeds, and most advanced features. It is ideal for large homes, gamers, and power users who demand the best possible networking experience.
The Linksys E9450 is a more budget-friendly option that still offers excellent performance and a wide range of features. It is a good choice for medium-sized homes, families, and those who prioritize value for money.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Choice
The choice between the Asus RT-AX86U and Linksys E9450 ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget. If you are looking for the best-performing router with the most advanced features, the Asus RT-AX86U is your best choice. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option that still provides excellent performance and features, the Linksys E9450 is a great value for money.
FAQ
Q: Which router has the faster Wi-Fi speed?
A: The Asus RT-AX86U has a faster Wi-Fi speed of up to 6000Mbps, while the Linksys E9450 has a maximum speed of 3000Mbps.
Q: Which router has a wider coverage area?
A: The Asus RT-AX86U has a wider coverage area due to its eight high-gain antennas and AiMesh support.
Q: Which router has more features?
A: The Asus RT-AX86U has more features, including AiMesh support, adaptive QoS, a VPN server, a game accelerator, and parental controls.
