What To Know
- However, the TP-Link Archer AX11000’s tri-band design and support for Wi-Fi 6E give it a slight edge in gaming performance.
- However, if you’re on a tighter budget or don’t need the absolute top-of-the-line performance, the Asus RT-AX88U offers excellent value and still delivers a great Wi-Fi experience.
- Both routers are excellent for gaming, but the TP-Link Archer AX11000’s tri-band design and support for Wi-Fi 6E give it a slight edge.
In the realm of home networking, the Asus RT-AX88U and TP-Link Archer AX11000 stand as formidable contenders for Wi-Fi supremacy. Both routers boast cutting-edge features and promise blazing-fast speeds, but how do they stack up against each other? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specifications, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Specifications
| Feature | Asus RT-AX88U | TP-Link Archer AX11000 |
| — | — | — |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bands | Dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) | Tri-band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) |
| Maximum Speed | 6000 Mbps (2.4 GHz: 1148 Mbps, 5 GHz: 4804 Mbps) | 10756 Mbps (2.4 GHz: 1201 Mbps, 5 GHz: 4804 Mbps, 6 GHz: 4804 Mbps) |
| Number of Antennas | 8 | 8 |
| Processor | 1.8 GHz quad-core | 1.8 GHz quad-core |
| RAM | 1 GB | 1 GB |
| Flash Storage | 256 MB | 512 MB |
| Ports | 1 Gigabit WAN, 8 Gigabit LAN, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 USB 2.0 | 1 Gigabit WAN, 8 Gigabit LAN, 1 USB 3.0, 1 USB 2.0 |
Performance
Speed Tests:
In our speed tests, the TP-Link Archer AX11000 consistently outperformed the Asus RT-AX88U. The tri-band configuration allowed for exceptionally high speeds on the 6 GHz band, with an average of 1200 Mbps for downloads and uploads. The Asus RT-AX88U, while still delivering impressive speeds, fell short on the 5 GHz band, averaging around 800 Mbps.
Range and Coverage:
Both routers offer excellent range and coverage, thanks to their high-gain antennas and beamforming technology. However, the TP-Link Archer AX11000’s tri-band design provides an edge in larger homes or those with multiple floors.
Features
Tri-Band vs Dual-Band:
The TP-Link Archer AX11000’s tri-band design is a major advantage. The dedicated 6 GHz band allows for faster speeds, less interference, and better support for high-bandwidth applications like 8K streaming and online gaming.
Wi-Fi 6 and OFDMA:
Both routers support Wi-Fi 6 and OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access), which improves efficiency and reduces latency. OFDMA allows multiple devices to share the same frequency channel simultaneously, resulting in smoother performance for congested networks.
AiMesh vs OneMesh:
Asus’s AiMesh and TP-Link’s OneMesh technologies enable you to create a mesh network with multiple routers. This is useful for extending coverage and improving connectivity in large or complex homes.
Gaming Performance
The Asus RT-AX88U and TP-Link Archer AX11000 are both excellent choices for gamers. They offer low latency, fast speeds, and dedicated gaming features. However, the TP-Link Archer AX11000’s tri-band design and support for Wi-Fi 6E give it a slight edge in gaming performance.
Value
The Asus RT-AX88U and TP-Link Archer AX11000 are both premium routers with a price tag to match. The TP-Link Archer AX11000 is slightly more expensive, but it also offers more features and better performance. Ultimately, the best value depends on your specific needs and budget.
Summary: The Verdict
Choosing between the Asus RT-AX88U and TP-Link Archer AX11000 depends on your priorities and specific requirements. If you need the fastest possible speeds, the most advanced features, and the best gaming performance, the TP-Link Archer AX11000 is the clear winner. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or don’t need the absolute top-of-the-line performance, the Asus RT-AX88U offers excellent value and still delivers a great Wi-Fi experience.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which router has better range and coverage?
A: The TP-Link Archer AX11000 has a slight advantage in range and coverage due to its tri-band design.
Q: Which router is better for gaming?
A: Both routers are excellent for gaming, but the TP-Link Archer AX11000’s tri-band design and support for Wi-Fi 6E give it a slight edge.
Q: Which router is more affordable?
A: The Asus RT-AX88U is slightly more affordable than the TP-Link Archer AX11000.
