Battle of the Wireless Titans: ASUS RT-AC59U V2 vs. RT-AC68U
What To Know
- 11ac standard, but it offers tri-band connectivity with speeds of up to 1300Mbps on the 5GHz-1 band, 867Mbps on the 5GHz-2 band, and 300Mbps on the 2.
- The ASUS RT-AC59U V2 is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized homes that require a reliable and affordable router for basic networking tasks and casual gaming.
- The RT-AC68U is better for online gaming due to its tri-band connectivity and faster speeds, which provide a more stable and lag-free gaming experience.
In the realm of home networking, ASUS has established itself as a formidable force, offering an array of routers that cater to diverse needs. Two such routers that have garnered significant attention are the ASUS RT-AC59U V2 and the RT-AC68U. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two routers, shedding light on their key features, performance, and suitability for various scenarios.
Design and Build Quality
The ASUS RT-AC59U V2 sports a sleek and compact design with a glossy black finish. Its four external antennas protrude outwards, providing ample coverage. The RT-AC68U, on the other hand, adopts a more robust and angular form factor with a matte black finish. It features six external antennas, promising even wider coverage. Both routers have ample ports for wired connectivity, including Gigabit Ethernet ports and USB ports.
Hardware Specifications
Under the hood, the RT-AC59U V2 is powered by a dual-core processor with 128MB of RAM. This provides it with adequate processing power for handling basic networking tasks and casual gaming. The RT-AC68U, however, boasts a more powerful dual-core processor with 256MB of RAM, making it more suitable for demanding applications like online gaming and streaming.
Wireless Performance
The ASUS RT-AC59U V2 supports the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard, offering dual-band connectivity with speeds of up to 867Mbps on the 5GHz band and 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. The RT-AC68U also supports the 802.11ac standard, but it offers tri-band connectivity with speeds of up to 1300Mbps on the 5GHz-1 band, 867Mbps on the 5GHz-2 band, and 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. This additional 5GHz band provides greater flexibility and reduced interference, resulting in more stable and reliable wireless connections.
Features and Functionality
Both the RT-AC59U V2 and the RT-AC68U come equipped with a range of advanced features to enhance the user experience. These include:
- ASUS AiProtection: Protects the network from malicious attacks and unauthorized access.
- ASUS AiMesh: Allows users to create a mesh network for seamless roaming and wider coverage.
- ASUSWRT: Provides an intuitive user interface for easy router management and configuration.
- MU-MIMO: Improves network efficiency by allowing multiple devices to receive data simultaneously.
Performance Comparison
In terms of performance, the RT-AC68U consistently outperforms the RT-AC59U V2 in both wired and wireless connectivity tests. The tri-band connectivity of the RT-AC68U provides greater bandwidth and reduces interference, resulting in faster and more stable internet speeds. Additionally, the more powerful processor and increased RAM of the RT-AC68U enable it to handle more demanding tasks with ease.
Suitability and Recommendations
The ASUS RT-AC59U V2 is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized homes that require a reliable and affordable router for basic networking tasks and casual gaming. Its compact size and sleek design make it suitable for discreet placement in any room.
The ASUS RT-AC68U, on the other hand, is ideal for larger homes and demanding applications. Its tri-band connectivity, powerful processor, and increased RAM make it a top performer for online gaming, streaming, and heavy internet usage. It is also well-suited for creating mesh networks for seamless coverage throughout the house.
Recommendations: Deciding the Winner
The ASUS RT-AC68U emerges as the clear winner in this comparison. Its superior hardware specifications, tri-band connectivity, and enhanced performance make it the ideal choice for demanding networking needs. While the RT-AC59U V2 offers a more budget-friendly option, it may not be sufficient for users who require a high-performance router.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which router has better range and coverage?
A: The RT-AC68U has better range and coverage due to its tri-band connectivity and six external antennas.
Q2: Can I use the RT-AC68U to create a mesh network?
A: Yes, the RT-AC68U supports ASUS AiMesh, allowing users to create a mesh network for seamless roaming and wider coverage.
Q3: Which router is better for online gaming?
A: The RT-AC68U is better for online gaming due to its tri-band connectivity and faster speeds, which provide a more stable and lag-free gaming experience.
