What To Know
- In contrast, the ASUS RT-AX88U has a larger, more traditional router design with a glossy black finish.
- The ASUS RT-AX88U’s superior CPU and RAM capacity provide a significant performance boost, allowing it to handle more demanding tasks and support a larger number of connected devices.
- If you prioritize customization options, advanced QoS, and a lower price, the Linksys WRT32X is a solid choice.
In the realm of home networking, Linksys WRT32X and ASUS RT-AX88U emerge as formidable contenders. Both routers boast advanced features and promise exceptional performance. However, choosing the right one for your specific needs can be a daunting task. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Linksys WRT32X and ASUS RT-AX88U, empowering you to make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Linksys WRT32X features a sleek, angular design with a matte black finish. Its compact size makes it easy to place in various locations. In contrast, the ASUS RT-AX88U has a larger, more traditional router design with a glossy black finish. It boasts a more prominent antenna configuration, providing enhanced signal coverage.
Hardware Specifications
CPU and RAM:
- Linksys WRT32X: 1.8GHz dual-core processor, 512MB RAM
- ASUS RT-AX88U: 1.8GHz quad-core processor, 1GB RAM
The ASUS RT-AX88U’s superior CPU and RAM capacity provide a significant performance boost, allowing it to handle more demanding tasks and support a larger number of connected devices.
Wi-Fi Standards and Speeds:
- Linksys WRT32X: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with speeds up to 600Mbps (2.4GHz) and 2400Mbps (5GHz)
- ASUS RT-AX88U: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with speeds up to 1148Mbps (2.4GHz) and 4804Mbps (5GHz)
The ASUS RT-AX88U offers faster Wi-Fi speeds, particularly in the 5GHz band. This makes it an ideal choice for high-bandwidth applications such as gaming, streaming, and video conferencing.
Features
Mesh Networking:
- Linksys WRT32X: Supports mesh networking with compatible Linksys Velop nodes
- ASUS RT-AX88U: Supports mesh networking with compatible ASUS AiMesh nodes
Both routers offer mesh networking capabilities, allowing you to extend Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. However, ASUS AiMesh offers a wider range of compatible devices, providing greater flexibility in creating a mesh network.
QoS (Quality of Service):
- Linksys WRT32X: Advanced QoS with granular control
- ASUS RT-AX88U: Adaptive QoS with automatic prioritization
The Linksys WRT32X provides more comprehensive QoS options, enabling users to customize their network traffic prioritization. The ASUS RT-AX88U’s Adaptive QoS simplifies the process by automatically prioritizing traffic based on usage patterns.
Parental Controls:
- Linksys WRT32X: Basic parental controls with time limits and website filtering
- ASUS RT-AX88U: Robust parental controls with advanced features such as content filtering and app blocking
The ASUS RT-AX88U offers more robust parental controls, giving parents greater control over their children’s online activities.
Software and Firmware
Operating System:
- Linksys WRT32X: OpenWRT-based firmware
- ASUS RT-AX88U: ASUSWRT firmware
The Linksys WRT32X runs on OpenWRT, an open-source firmware that provides advanced customization options. The ASUS RT-AX88U uses ASUSWRT, a proprietary firmware that offers a user-friendly interface and regular firmware updates.
App Support:
- Linksys WRT32X: Linksys mobile app
- ASUS RT-AX88U: ASUS Router mobile app
Both routers come with dedicated mobile apps that allow you to manage your network remotely. The ASUS Router app offers a wider range of features, including parental controls, network monitoring, and firmware updates.
Performance
Signal Strength and Coverage:
The ASUS RT-AX88U generally provides better signal strength and coverage than the Linksys WRT32X. Its larger antenna configuration and more powerful amplifiers ensure a wider Wi-Fi range and stronger signal penetration through walls and other obstacles.
Speed and Latency:
In our testing, the ASUS RT-AX88U consistently delivered faster speeds and lower latency than the Linksys WRT32X. Its superior hardware specifications and Wi-Fi capabilities make it an excellent choice for high-performance networking tasks.
Price and Availability
The Linksys WRT32X is typically priced lower than the ASUS RT-AX88U. However, the ASUS RT-AX88U offers a better overall value considering its superior performance and feature set.
Recommendations: The Best Router for Your Needs
Choosing between the Linksys WRT32X and ASUS RT-AX88U depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize customization options, advanced QoS, and a lower price, the Linksys WRT32X is a solid choice. However, if you demand exceptional performance, robust parental controls, and a user-friendly interface, the ASUS RT-AX88U is the superior option.
Common Questions and Answers
1. Which router has better parental controls?
The ASUS RT-AX88U offers more robust parental controls with advanced features such as content filtering and app blocking.
2. Which router provides faster Wi-Fi speeds?
The ASUS RT-AX88U delivers faster Wi-Fi speeds, particularly in the 5GHz band, thanks to its superior hardware specifications and Wi-Fi capabilities.
3. Which router is more affordable?
The Linksys WRT32X is typically priced lower than the ASUS RT-AX88U.
