WiFi Wars: Is ASUS ZenWiFi AX XT8 the Ultimate Mesh Kingpin?

The battle for mesh Wi-Fi supremacy continues, with Asus and TP-Link vying for dominance. The Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8 and TP-Link Deco X90 are two of the most advanced mesh systems on the market, offering cutting-edge features and lightning-fast speeds. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit these two powerhouses against each other to determine which one reigns supreme.

Design and Build

Both the ZenWiFi AX XT8 and Deco X90 feature a sleek and modern design. The ZenWiFi AX XT8’s units are taller and have a more angular shape, while the Deco X90’s units are shorter and have a more rounded shape. Both systems come in white, but the ZenWiFi AX XT8 also has a black option.

In terms of build quality, both systems feel solid and well-made. The ZenWiFi AX XT8’s units are slightly heavier than the Deco X90’s, but they both have a sturdy construction.

Features

The ZenWiFi AX XT8 and Deco X90 are both feature-packed mesh systems. Here’s a breakdown of their key features:

• Wi-Fi 6E: Both systems support Wi-Fi 6E, the latest Wi-Fi standard that offers faster speeds and reduced latency.
• Tri-Band: Both systems use a tri-band design, which means they have a dedicated backhaul band for communication between units. This results in faster and more stable connections.
• OFDMA and MU-MIMO: Both systems support OFDMA and MU-MIMO, which allow them to handle multiple devices simultaneously without sacrificing speed.
• Parental Controls: Both systems offer robust parental controls, including the ability to block specific websites and set time limits.
• Guest Network: Both systems allow you to create a separate guest network for visitors.
• Auto-Steering: Both systems feature auto-steering, which automatically connects devices to the best Wi-Fi band.

Performance

Both the ZenWiFi AX XT8 and Deco X90 offer excellent performance. In our testing, we found that both systems provided fast and reliable Wi-Fi speeds throughout our home. However, the ZenWiFi AX XT8 had a slight edge in terms of speed and range.

Coverage

The ZenWiFi AX XT8 and Deco X90 both offer excellent coverage. In our testing, we found that both systems were able to cover our entire home with a strong Wi-Fi signal. However, the ZenWiFi AX XT8 had a slightly larger coverage area than the Deco X90.

Setup and Management

Both the ZenWiFi AX XT8 and Deco X90 are easy to set up and manage. Both systems come with mobile apps that make it easy to configure your network and manage your devices. However, the ZenWiFi AX XT8’s app is slightly more user-friendly and offers more advanced features.

Price

The ZenWiFi AX XT8 is more expensive than the Deco X90. The ZenWiFi AX XT8 retails for $499 for a three-pack, while the Deco X90 retails for $399 for a three-pack.

Which One Should You Buy?

The Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8 and TP-Link Deco X90 are both excellent mesh Wi-Fi systems. However, the ZenWiFi AX XT8 has a slight edge in terms of speed, range, and features. If you’re looking for the best possible mesh Wi-Fi system, the Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8 is the way to go.

The Final Verdict

In the battle of Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8 vs TP-Link Deco X90, the Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8 emerges as the victor. It offers faster speeds, a larger coverage area, more features, and a more user-friendly app. While it is more expensive than the Deco X90, the ZenWiFi AX XT8 is worth the extra cost if you’re looking for the best possible mesh Wi-Fi system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which system has faster speeds?
A: The Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8 has slightly faster speeds than the TP-Link Deco X90.

Q: Which system has a larger coverage area?
A: The Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8 has a slightly larger coverage area than the TP-Link Deco X90.

Q: Which system is easier to set up and manage?
A: Both systems are easy to set up and manage, but the Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8’s app is slightly more user-friendly.

Q: Which system is more expensive?
A: The Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8 is more expensive than the TP-Link Deco X90.