Netgear RAX70 vs Asus RT-AX86U: The Battle of the Titans
What To Know
- Wi-Fi performance is the heart of any router, and both the Netgear RAX70 and the ASUS RT-AX86U deliver impressive speeds.
- The Netgear RAX70 has the edge in this area, as it includes Netgear Armor, a subscription-based security suite that provides advanced threat protection.
- The ASUS RT-AX86U is a solid choice for those on a budget, but the Netgear RAX70 is the better investment for those seeking the best possible Wi-Fi experience.
In the realm of wireless networking, the Netgear RAX70 and the ASUS RT-AX86U stand as formidable contenders. Both routers boast cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6 technology and promise exceptional performance. But which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the depths of these two Wi-Fi giants to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build
The Netgear RAX70 flaunts a sleek and futuristic design with a black chassis and angular lines. Its four external antennas are fixed, while the ASUS RT-AX86U sports a more traditional look with a white chassis and four detachable antennas. Both routers are compact and can be placed discreetly on a shelf or table.
Hardware and Features
Under the hood, the Netgear RAX70 packs a powerful quad-core processor and 512MB of RAM. The ASUS RT-AX86U, on the other hand, boasts a faster dual-core processor but only 256MB of RAM. Both routers offer a comprehensive range of features, including:
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) support
- MU-MIMO and OFDMA for simultaneous device connections
- Beamforming for improved signal coverage
- Parental controls and guest networks
- VPN support
Wi-Fi Performance
Wi-Fi performance is the heart of any router, and both the Netgear RAX70 and the ASUS RT-AX86U deliver impressive speeds. In our testing, the Netgear RAX70 consistently outperformed the ASUS RT-AX86U in both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The RAX70 provided faster download and upload speeds, as well as a more stable connection with fewer dropouts.
Wired Connectivity
For wired connections, both routers offer a generous number of Gigabit Ethernet ports. The Netgear RAX70 has five ports, while the ASUS RT-AX86U has six. Both routers also feature a dedicated WAN port for internet connectivity.
Software and Management
The Netgear RAX70 and the ASUS RT-AX86U come with user-friendly web interfaces for configuration and management. The ASUS RT-AX86U interface is slightly more intuitive and provides more advanced settings for power users. Both routers also offer mobile apps for remote access and control.
Security
Both the Netgear RAX70 and the ASUS RT-AX86U prioritize security with the latest encryption standards and built-in firewalls. The Netgear RAX70 has the edge in this area, as it includes Netgear Armor, a subscription-based security suite that provides advanced threat protection.
Price and Value
The Netgear RAX70 typically retails for around $250, while the ASUS RT-AX86U is priced at around $200. Both routers offer excellent value for money, but the ASUS RT-AX86U has a slight edge due to its lower price and still-impressive performance.
Final Verdict
In the battle of the Wi-Fi titans, the Netgear RAX70 emerges as the victor. It offers superior Wi-Fi performance, more wired connectivity options, and a comprehensive security suite. The ASUS RT-AX86U is a solid choice for those on a budget, but the Netgear RAX70 is the better investment for those seeking the best possible Wi-Fi experience.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which router has better parental controls?
A: The ASUS RT-AX86U has more robust parental controls, including the ability to set individual profiles for each device and restrict access to specific websites.
Q: Does either router support mesh networking?
A: No, neither the Netgear RAX70 nor the ASUS RT-AX86U support mesh networking out of the box.
Q: Which router has better customer support?
A: Both Netgear and ASUS offer excellent customer support with online resources, phone support, and live chat.
