ZenWiFi Duel: Asus ET12 vs ET8 – Discover the Wi-Fi Kingpin for Your Home
What To Know
- The ET12 and ET8 boast a sleek and modern design, with both routers sporting a cylindrical shape and a white finish.
- The ET12 has a more powerful hardware setup and a wider range, making it the better choice for larger homes or homes with multiple users.
- The ET8, on the other hand, is more affordable and compact, making it a great option for smaller homes or those on a budget.
Are you in the market for a top-notch mesh Wi-Fi system to upgrade your home network? The Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and ET8 are two excellent options that offer cutting-edge features and exceptional performance. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between these two routers, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget.
Design and Build
The ET12 and ET8 boast a sleek and modern design, with both routers sporting a cylindrical shape and a white finish. However, there are subtle differences in size and weight. The ET12 is slightly larger and heavier, measuring 11.6 x 6.6 x 6.6 inches and weighing 2.2 pounds. The ET8, on the other hand, is more compact and lightweight, measuring 9.8 x 4.9 x 4.9 inches and weighing 1.5 pounds.
Hardware and Performance
Under the hood, the ET12 packs a more powerful hardware setup compared to the ET8. It features a quad-core processor with a clock speed of 1.5 GHz, while the ET8 has a dual-core processor clocked at 1.2 GHz. This difference in processing power translates into faster performance, particularly for demanding applications like 4K streaming and online gaming.
In terms of memory, both routers come with 512MB of RAM. However, the ET12 has a larger flash storage capacity of 128MB compared to the ET8’s 64MB. This means that the ET12 can store more firmware updates and system logs.
Wi-Fi Coverage and Speed
Both the ET12 and ET8 support the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, which offers significantly improved speeds and coverage compared to previous generations. However, the ET12 has a slightly better range and can cover larger areas with its Wi-Fi signal.
The ET12 features a tri-band configuration, with one 2.4GHz band and two 5GHz bands. This allows it to provide dedicated channels for different types of traffic, reducing congestion and improving overall performance. The ET8, on the other hand, has a dual-band configuration, with one 2.4GHz band and one 5GHz band.
Mesh Networking Capabilities
Both the ET12 and ET8 support mesh networking, which allows you to create a seamless and robust Wi-Fi network throughout your home. The routers can automatically connect to each other and form a single, unified network. This eliminates dead zones and ensures that you have a strong and stable connection in every corner of your house.
Features and Functionality
The ET12 and ET8 offer a wide range of features to enhance your home networking experience. These include:
- AiMesh Support: Both routers support AiMesh, which allows you to connect them to other Asus routers to create a more powerful and flexible mesh network.
- AiProtection Pro: This advanced security suite protects your network from malware, viruses, and other online threats.
- Adaptive QoS: The routers automatically prioritize traffic based on your needs, ensuring that critical applications like video conferencing and online gaming have the highest priority.
- Parental Controls: You can set up parental controls to manage your children’s internet access and protect them from inappropriate content.
Pricing and Availability
The Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 is priced at $399.99, while the ET8 is priced at $299.99. Both routers are available for purchase from major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Newegg.
Final Verdict
Both the Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12 and ET8 are excellent mesh Wi-Fi systems that offer exceptional performance and coverage. The ET12 has a more powerful hardware setup and a wider range, making it the better choice for larger homes or homes with multiple users. The ET8, on the other hand, is more affordable and compact, making it a great option for smaller homes or those on a budget.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you want the best possible performance and coverage, the ET12 is the way to go. If you’re looking for a more affordable option that still offers great performance, the ET8 is a solid choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which router has a better range?
A: The ET12 has a slightly better range than the ET8.
Q: Which router has more features?
A: The ET12 and ET8 offer a similar range of features, but the ET12 has a slightly more powerful hardware setup.
Q: Which router is more affordable?
A: The ET8 is more affordable than the ET12.
