Asus RT-AX58U vs TP-Link AX73: Battle of the Budget-Friendly Wi-Fi 6 Routers
What To Know
- 4 GHz band and 1201 Mbps on the 5 GHz band), while the TP-Link AX73 offers speeds of up to 1201 Mbps (300 Mbps on the 2.
- The Asus RT-AX58U has a slight edge in this category, featuring AiMesh support, which allows you to create a mesh network with compatible Asus routers for seamless whole-home Wi-Fi coverage.
- The Asus RT-AX58U features a sleek and angular design with four external antennas, while the TP-Link AX73 has a more compact and rounded design with three internal antennas.
In the realm of home networking, Asus and TP-Link are two of the most renowned names. Their latest offerings, the Asus RT-AX58U and TP-Link AX73, are both budget-friendly Wi-Fi 6 routers that promise to elevate your home connectivity experience. But which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the Asus RT-AX58U and TP-Link AX73 to help you make an informed decision.
Performance: Speed and Range
Both the Asus RT-AX58U and TP-Link AX73 are equipped with Wi-Fi 6 technology, which significantly enhances speed and range compared to previous generations. The Asus RT-AX58U boasts a theoretical maximum speed of 1800 Mbps (574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1201 Mbps on the 5 GHz band), while the TP-Link AX73 offers speeds of up to 1201 Mbps (300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 900 Mbps on the 5 GHz band).
In real-world testing, the Asus RT-AX58U consistently outperforms the TP-Link AX73 in terms of speed and range. This is primarily due to the Asus RT-AX58U’s superior antenna design and use of MU-MIMO technology, which allows it to handle multiple devices simultaneously without compromising performance.
Features: Functionality and Flexibility
The Asus RT-AX58U and TP-Link AX73 offer a range of features to enhance your home network. The Asus RT-AX58U has a slight edge in this category, featuring AiMesh support, which allows you to create a mesh network with compatible Asus routers for seamless whole-home Wi-Fi coverage.
Both routers include parental controls, guest networks, and QoS (Quality of Service) settings, enabling you to manage your network effectively and prioritize bandwidth for specific devices or applications. However, the Asus RT-AX58U offers more advanced features, such as Adaptive QoS, which automatically adjusts bandwidth allocation based on real-time network traffic.
Design and Build Quality
The Asus RT-AX58U and TP-Link AX73 have distinct designs. The Asus RT-AX58U features a sleek and angular design with four external antennas, while the TP-Link AX73 has a more compact and rounded design with three internal antennas.
Both routers are well-built and durable, with sturdy plastic casings. However, the Asus RT-AX58U feels slightly more premium due to its metal accents and larger size.
Software: User Interface and Functionality
The Asus RT-AX58U and TP-Link AX73 use different software interfaces for managing your network. The Asus RT-AX58U features the AsusWRT interface, which is known for its user-friendliness and comprehensive settings options. The TP-Link AX73 uses the Tether app, which is a mobile-based interface that provides a simplified setup and management experience.
Both interfaces are well-designed and easy to use, but the AsusWRT interface offers more advanced features and customization options for experienced users.
Price and Value
The Asus RT-AX58U typically retails for around $120, while the TP-Link AX73 is slightly more affordable, priced around $100. In terms of value, the Asus RT-AX58U offers a better overall package with its superior performance, more advanced features, and premium build quality. However, the TP-Link AX73 is a solid budget option for users who prioritize affordability over top-tier performance.
The Final Verdict: Asus RT-AX58U vs TP-Link AX73
After carefully comparing the Asus RT-AX58U and TP-Link AX73, we conclude that the Asus RT-AX58U is the superior choice for most users. It offers faster speeds, a wider range, more advanced features, and a more premium build quality. While the TP-Link AX73 is a more affordable option, it sacrifices some performance and features to achieve that lower price point.
Ultimately, the decision between the Asus RT-AX58U and TP-Link AX73 depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize performance, features, and build quality, the Asus RT-AX58U is the clear winner. However, if affordability is your primary concern, the TP-Link AX73 is a solid budget option that will still provide a noticeable improvement over older Wi-Fi routers.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which router has better parental controls?
A: Both the Asus RT-AX58U and TP-Link AX73 offer parental controls, but the Asus RT-AX58U provides more advanced options, including website filtering and time limits.
Q: Can I use either router to create a mesh network?
A: Yes, the Asus RT-AX58U supports AiMesh, which allows you to create a mesh network with compatible Asus routers. The TP-Link AX73 does not support mesh networking.
Q: Which router is easier to set up and manage?
A: The TP-Link AX73 has a simpler setup process and a user-friendly mobile-based interface. The Asus RT-AX58U offers more advanced features and customization options, but it may require a bit more technical knowledge to set up and manage.
