What To Know
- With a coverage area of up to 6,000 square feet per unit or 12,000 square feet for a two-pack, the ET12 provides even more extensive coverage.
- If you have a smaller home or apartment, the ET8 offers excellent coverage and performance at a more affordable price.
- Both the ET8 and ET12 are suitable for gaming, but the ET12 has a slight edge due to its faster speeds and link aggregation feature.
In the realm of home networking, mesh Wi-Fi systems have emerged as the champions of seamless and reliable internet connectivity. Among the leading contenders in this arena are the ASUS ZenWiFi ET8 and ET12. Both devices promise exceptional performance and coverage, but which one is the true king of the mesh? This comprehensive guide delves into the nitty-gritty details of the ASUS ZenWiFi ET8 vs ET12 to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
ASUS ZenWiFi ET8: The ET8 boasts a sleek and modern design with a white finish and subtle LED indicators. Its compact size allows for discreet placement in any room.
ASUS ZenWiFi ET12: The ET12 takes on a more angular design with a black finish. It is slightly larger than the ET8 but still maintains a relatively low profile.
Hardware Specifications
ASUS ZenWiFi ET8:
- Tri-band Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps
- 5 GHz (low): 1201 Mbps
- 5 GHz (high): 4804 Mbps
- 1024-QAM modulation
- OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access)
- MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple-Input Multiple-Output)
ASUS ZenWiFi ET12:
- Tri-band Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps
- 5 GHz (low): 1201 Mbps
- 5 GHz (high): 4804 Mbps
- 1024-QAM modulation
- OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access)
- MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple-Input Multiple-Output)
- 160 MHz channel bandwidth
Coverage and Performance
ASUS ZenWiFi ET8: The ET8 offers impressive coverage of up to 5,500 square feet with a single unit or 11,000 square feet with a two-pack. Its tri-band Wi-Fi 6 technology ensures fast and stable speeds throughout your home.
ASUS ZenWiFi ET12: With a coverage area of up to 6,000 square feet per unit or 12,000 square feet for a two-pack, the ET12 provides even more extensive coverage. Its 160 MHz channel bandwidth enhances the performance of compatible devices, delivering ultra-fast speeds.
Features and Functionality
ASUS ZenWiFi ET8:
- AiMesh support for seamless roaming and network management
- Parental controls with time limits and content filtering
- QoS (Quality of Service) prioritization for gaming and streaming
- Guest network for secure access for visitors
ASUS ZenWiFi ET12:
- AiMesh support
- Parental controls
- QoS
- Guest network
- Link aggregation for combining multiple Ethernet ports for faster speeds
Setup and Management
Both the ASUS ZenWiFi ET8 and ET12 can be easily set up using the ASUS Router app. The app provides a user-friendly interface for configuring your network, creating guest accounts, and adjusting settings.
Price and Value
ASUS ZenWiFi ET8: The single-unit ET8 retails for around $200, while the two-pack is priced at $300.
ASUS ZenWiFi ET12: The single-unit ET12 is slightly more expensive at $250, with the two-pack costing $400.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the ASUS ZenWiFi ET8 and ET12 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you have a smaller home or apartment, the ET8 offers excellent coverage and performance at a more affordable price. For larger homes or demanding applications, the ET12 provides even more extensive coverage and enhanced performance with its 160 MHz channel bandwidth.
The Verdict: The King of Mesh Wi-Fi
In the ASUS ZenWiFi ET8 vs ET12 battle, both devices are exceptional performers. However, the ASUS ZenWiFi ET12 emerges as the ultimate victor due to its slightly larger coverage area, enhanced performance, and additional features such as link aggregation. If you demand the absolute best mesh Wi-Fi experience, the ASUS ZenWiFi ET12 is the clear choice.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: What is the difference between the ASUS ZenWiFi ET8 and ET12?
A: The main difference is the coverage area and performance. The ET12 offers a larger coverage area and enhanced performance thanks to its 160 MHz channel bandwidth.
Q: Which one is better for gaming?
A: Both the ET8 and ET12 are suitable for gaming, but the ET12 has a slight edge due to its faster speeds and link aggregation feature.
Q: Can I use the ASUS ZenWiFi ET8 and ET12 together in the same network?
A: Yes, both devices support AiMesh, allowing you to create a seamless and unified mesh network.
