What To Know
- The TP-Link Archer GX90 sports a sleek and aggressive design, featuring angular lines and a black and red color scheme.
- The ASUS RT-AX88U, on the other hand, adopts a more understated and elegant approach, with a white and black chassis and four external antennas.
- Both the TP-Link Archer GX90 and the ASUS RT-AX88U offer a range of gaming-specific features to enhance your online experience.
In the realm of online gaming, a reliable and high-performance router is an indispensable weapon. Enter the TP-Link Archer GX90 and the ASUS RT-AX88U, two formidable contenders in the gaming router arena. This in-depth comparison will delve into the key features, performance, and value proposition of these two routers, helping you make an informed decision for your gaming setup.
Design: Aesthetics and Functionality
The TP-Link Archer GX90 sports a sleek and aggressive design, featuring angular lines and a black and red color scheme. Its eight external antennas provide ample coverage and signal strength. The ASUS RT-AX88U, on the other hand, adopts a more understated and elegant approach, with a white and black chassis and four external antennas. Both routers offer ample I/O ports, including Gigabit Ethernet ports, USB 3.0 ports, and a dedicated gaming port.
Performance: Speed and Stability
Speed and stability are crucial for online gaming. The TP-Link Archer GX90 delivers impressive speeds, thanks to its powerful 1.5GHz quad-core processor and support for the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard. It offers up to 4.8Gbps of combined bandwidth, ensuring smooth and lag-free gameplay. The ASUS RT-AX88U also boasts impressive speeds, with a 1.8GHz quad-core processor and Wi-Fi 6 support. It delivers up to 6Gbps of combined bandwidth, providing exceptional performance for demanding gaming sessions.
Features: Gaming Optimization and Customization
Both the TP-Link Archer GX90 and the ASUS RT-AX88U offer a range of gaming-specific features to enhance your online experience. The GX90 features Game Accelerator, which prioritizes gaming traffic for reduced latency and lag. It also supports Game Protector, which provides comprehensive network security to protect your gaming sessions from DDoS attacks and malware. The RT-AX88U boasts Adaptive QoS (Quality of Service), which automatically prioritizes gaming traffic and ensures a stable connection. Additionally, it offers customizable RGB lighting, allowing you to personalize your gaming setup.
Coverage and Signal Strength
Coverage and signal strength are essential for uninterrupted gameplay in large homes or multi-story buildings. The TP-Link Archer GX90 comes with eight external antennas and beamforming technology to extend its range and improve signal quality. The ASUS RT-AX88U also features four external antennas and RangeBoost technology to enhance coverage and penetration. Both routers offer excellent coverage and signal strength, ensuring a reliable connection even in challenging environments.
Security: Protection for Your Network and Gaming Sessions
Security is paramount for any home network, especially when it comes to gaming. The TP-Link Archer GX90 provides robust security features, including WPA3 encryption, a built-in firewall, and parental controls. The ASUS RT-AX88U offers similar security features, including AiProtection Pro, which provides real-time threat detection and blocking. Both routers ensure your network and gaming sessions are protected from malicious attacks and unauthorized access.
Value: Price and Features
The TP-Link Archer GX90 is priced at around $200, while the ASUS RT-AX88U is slightly more expensive at around $250. In terms of value, both routers offer a compelling package of features and performance. The Archer GX90 provides excellent speeds, gaming optimization, and security at a competitive price. The RT-AX88U offers slightly faster speeds, customizable RGB lighting, and enhanced coverage, but comes at a slightly higher cost.
The Verdict: Which Router Is Best for You?
The TP-Link Archer GX90 and the ASUS RT-AX88U are both exceptional gaming routers that deliver high speeds, gaming optimization, and robust security. The Archer GX90 is a great choice for budget-conscious gamers who prioritize value and gaming performance. The RT-AX88U is ideal for those who demand the absolute best in terms of speed, coverage, and customizable features.
Ultimately, the best router for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable gaming router, the TP-Link Archer GX90 is an excellent choice. If you’re willing to invest in the ultimate gaming experience, the ASUS RT-AX88U is the router to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which router has better speeds, the GX90 or the RT-AX88U?
A: The RT-AX88U offers slightly faster speeds, with up to 6Gbps of combined bandwidth compared to the GX90’s 4.8Gbps.
Q: Which router has more coverage and better signal strength?
A: Both routers offer excellent coverage and signal strength, but the GX90 has a slight edge with its eight external antennas compared to the RT-AX88U’s four antennas.
Q: Which router has more gaming-specific features?
A: Both routers offer a range of gaming-specific features, but the GX90 has a dedicated gaming port and Game Accelerator, while the RT-AX88U offers customizable RGB lighting and Adaptive QoS.
