ASUS RT-AX88U PRO Router Review
High-Performance WiFi 6 with Advanced Features
- Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Verdict
- Comparisons
- Design
- Performance
- Features
- Setup
- Connectivity
- Security
- Conclusion
The ASUS RT-AX88U PRO is a high-performance WiFi 6 router designed to meet the demands of modern connected homes and power users. Building upon the success of its predecessor, this upgraded model introduces dual 2.5G ports, offering enhanced wired connectivity options for devices that require higher data speeds. With its AX6000 dual-band capability, the router delivers impressive wireless throughput of up to 6000 Mbps, ensuring smooth 4K streaming, lag-free gaming, and efficient handling of multiple connected devices. Featuring advanced technologies like OFDMA and MU-MIMO, the RT-AX88U PRO optimizes network efficiency in dense environments. The router also incorporates ASUS's signature AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro, providing robust security for all connected devices. For those seeking expanded coverage, the RT-AX88U PRO supports AiMesh technology, allowing seamless integration with other compatible ASUS routers to create a whole-home mesh network. While it may be more than necessary for basic home setups, this router is an excellent choice for tech enthusiasts and households with demanding networking requirements.
ASUS RT-AX88U PRO Router Review: Verdict
Pros
- Excellent WiFi 6 performance
- Dual 2.5G ports for faster wired connections
- Comprehensive security features
- AiMesh support for whole-home coverage
- Powerful quad-core CPU
Cons
- Higher price point than standard WiFi 6 routers
- May be overkill for basic home networking needs
The ASUS RT-AX88U PRO stands out as a high-performance WiFi 6 router that delivers on its promises. With its AX6000 dual-band capability, this router offers impressive wireless speeds up to 6000 Mbps, ensuring smooth 4K streaming and lag-free gaming experiences. The inclusion of dual 2.5G ports is a significant upgrade, providing faster wired connections for devices that demand higher data speeds.
One of the router’s strongest suits is its comprehensive security features. The AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro, offers robust protection for all connected devices, making it an excellent choice for security-conscious users. Additionally, the support for AiMesh technology allows for seamless integration with other compatible ASUS routers, providing whole-home coverage for larger spaces.
While the RT-AX88U PRO excels in performance and features, it’s important to note that it may be more than necessary for basic home setups. The router’s advanced capabilities and higher price point make it better suited for tech enthusiasts, power users, or households with demanding networking requirements. However, for those who can utilize its full potential, the RT-AX88U PRO offers a future-proof solution that can handle the most demanding network tasks with ease.
Check Price
| Style | Model Number | |
| WiFi 6 | AX6000 | Dual 2.5G Ports | RT-AX88U PRO | |
| WiFi 6 | AX6000 | RT-AX88U | |
| WiFi 6E | AXE7800 | RT-AXE7800 | |
| WiFi 7 | BE7200 | Dual 10G Ports | RT-BE88U |
ASUS RT-AX88U PRO Router Review: Compared To Other Routers
Pros
- Dual 2.5G ports offer superior connectivity options
- AiMesh support for whole-home coverage
- Comprehensive security features with AiProtection Pro
- Excellent multi-gig sustained rates
Cons
- Higher price point than some competitors
- May be overkill for basic home networking needs
The ASUS RT-AX88U PRO stands out in the competitive WiFi 6 router market with its dual 2.5G ports, offering superior connectivity options compared to many rivals. When pitted against the NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX120, the ASUS model provides more comprehensive security features through AiProtection Pro and better AiMesh support for whole-home coverage. While the TP-Link Archer AX6000 matches the ASUS in WiFi speed, it falls short in advanced features and flexible connectivity options.
Compared to the Linksys MR9600, the RT-AX88U PRO offers faster speeds, more LAN ports, and advanced features like AiMesh support and lifetime internet security. However, the ASUS router’s higher price point and advanced capabilities may be excessive for basic home setups, making it more suitable for tech enthusiasts and power users. The RT-AX88U PRO’s excellent multi-gig sustained rates and comprehensive feature set make it a top contender for those seeking high-performance networking solutions, despite its premium positioning in the market.
ASUS RT-AX88U PRO Router Review: Design and Build Quality
Pros
- Sleek and modern design with bronze accents
- Sturdy construction with high-quality materials
- Wall-mountable for flexible placement options
- Excellent ventilation for efficient cooling
- Multiple status LEDs for easy monitoring
Cons
- Large footprint may require ample desk space
- Limited color options available
The ASUS RT-AX88U PRO boasts a sophisticated design that seamlessly blends form and function. Its sleek black exterior is accented with bronze elements, giving it a premium look that stands out from typical router designs. The device features a robust build quality, with sturdy plastics and well-constructed antennas that feel solid and durable.
Practicality is at the forefront of the RT-AX88U PRO’s design. The router offers flexible placement options, including wall-mounting capabilities, allowing users to optimize their network setup. Multiple status LEDs provide easy monitoring of various functions, a thoughtful feature that enhances user experience. The router’s ventilation system is well-engineered, ensuring efficient cooling even during intensive operations.
While the RT-AX88U PRO’s design is impressive, it does come with a few considerations. The router’s substantial size may require a significant amount of desk space, which could be a challenge in more compact setups. Additionally, the limited color options may not appeal to all users seeking to match their home decor. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall design and build quality of the RT-AX88U PRO reflect ASUS’s commitment to creating a high-performance, visually appealing networking device.
ASUS RT-AX88U PRO Router Review: Performance and Speed
Pros
- Impressive WiFi 6 speeds up to 6000 Mbps
- Dual 2.5G ports for faster wired connections
- Excellent multi-gig sustained rates
- Strong performance for network storage tasks
Cons
- WiFi range may not cover larger homes without mesh
- Actual speeds may vary based on network conditions
The ASUS RT-AX88U PRO delivers exceptional performance, leveraging the latest WiFi 6 technology to provide blazing-fast speeds. With its AX6000 dual-band capability, this router offers a combined wireless throughput of up to 6000 Mbps, ensuring smooth 4K streaming, lag-free gaming, and efficient handling of multiple connected devices. The 2.4GHz band provides speeds up to 1148 Mbps, while the 5GHz band reaches an impressive 4804 Mbps, making it 2.3 times faster than previous-generation routers.
One of the standout features of the RT-AX88U PRO is its dual 2.5G ports, which significantly enhance wired connectivity options. These ports prioritize traffic and offer flexible WAN/LAN configurations, allowing users to fully utilize high-speed internet connections beyond 1 Gbps. In testing, the router demonstrated excellent multi-gig sustained rates, consistently delivering speeds over 2000 Mbps in a double NAT setup, showcasing its ability to handle demanding network tasks with ease.
The router’s performance extends beyond just speed, with impressive coverage and stability. Users report sustained internet speeds of over 300 Mbps at distances up to 60 feet, even with obstacles like walls in between. This robust coverage makes the RT-AX88U PRO suitable for medium to large homes, though very large spaces may benefit from additional mesh nodes. The router also excels in network storage tasks, leveraging its 2.5G LAN port to deliver above-average performance when hosting USB storage devices, making it a versatile option for home network setups.
ASUS RT-AX88U PRO Router Review: Features and Functionality
Pros
- Dual 2.5G ports for flexible high-speed connections
- AiProtection Pro provides robust network security
- AiMesh support for whole-home coverage
- Advanced QoS for traffic prioritization
- Comprehensive parental controls
Cons
- Complex interface may overwhelm casual users
- Some advanced features require technical knowledge
The ASUS RT-AX88U PRO AX6000 router boasts an impressive array of features designed to meet the demands of modern connected homes. At its core, the router leverages WiFi 6 technology to deliver blazing-fast speeds up to 6000 Mbps, ensuring smooth 4K streaming and lag-free gaming experiences. The standout feature is the inclusion of dual 2.5G ports, which offer flexible WAN/LAN configurations and prioritize high-speed traffic, making it ideal for users with multi-gig internet plans or those requiring fast local network transfers.
Security is a top priority with the RT-AX88U PRO, featuring ASUS AiProtection Pro powered by Trend Micro. This commercial-grade security suite provides real-time protection against internet threats, malware, and hacking attempts. The router also includes advanced parental controls, allowing users to easily monitor and manage online activities, set time limits, and filter content for connected devices. For those concerned about privacy, the built-in VPN server and VPN client support offer additional layers of security and anonymity.
The router’s functionality extends beyond basic networking with its support for ASUS AiMesh technology. This feature allows users to create a seamless whole-home mesh network by pairing the RT-AX88U PRO with other compatible ASUS routers. The Adaptive QoS (Quality of Service) feature intelligently prioritizes network traffic, ensuring optimal performance for bandwidth-intensive applications like video conferencing and online gaming. Additionally, the router’s powerful 2.0 GHz quad-core CPU enables smooth operation of these advanced features, making it a versatile centerpiece for demanding home and small office networks.
ASUS RT-AX88U PRO Router Review: Setup and Configuration
Pros
- User-friendly ASUS Router app for easy setup
- Quick Start Guide provides clear instructions
- Multiple setup options including web GUI and mobile app
- AiMesh support for expandable whole-home coverage
Cons
- Advanced features may require technical knowledge
- Initial setup can be time-consuming for novice users
The ASUS RT-AX88U PRO offers a streamlined setup process that caters to both tech-savvy users and beginners. The router comes with a Quick Start Guide that provides clear, step-by-step instructions for initial configuration. Users can choose between setting up the router via a web-based interface or the user-friendly ASUS Router mobile app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices.
The setup process begins by connecting the router to your modem and powering it on. For wireless setup, users can easily connect to the default network SSID printed on the product label. The ASUS Router app guides users through the configuration process, including creating a new network name and password, setting up internet connection types, and configuring basic security settings. This approach simplifies the setup for most users, making it accessible even for those with limited technical expertise.
For more advanced users, the web-based interface offers additional customization options and detailed settings. This includes configuring advanced features like AiMesh for whole-home coverage, setting up VPN servers, and fine-tuning network security options. While these advanced features provide great flexibility, they may require some technical knowledge to fully utilize. The router’s dual 2.5G ports also offer flexible WAN/LAN configurations, allowing users to optimize their network setup for high-speed internet connections or local network performance.
ASUS RT-AX88U PRO Router Review: Connectivity Options
Pros
- Dual 2.5G ports for flexible high-speed connections
- WAN aggregation support for ultra-fast internet
- Multiple LAN ports for wired device connections
- AiMesh support for whole-home coverage
Cons
- Limited USB ports for external device connectivity
- No 10G port option for extreme networking needs
The ASUS RT-AX88U PRO shines in its connectivity options, catering to both high-speed wired and wireless connections. The standout feature is its dual 2.5G ports, which offer flexible WAN/LAN configurations. These ports prioritize high-speed traffic, making them ideal for users with multi-gig internet plans or those requiring fast local network transfers.
For those seeking even faster speeds, the router supports WAN aggregation, allowing users to combine a 2.5G port with a 1G port to achieve up to 3.5 Gbps of WAN bandwidth. This feature is particularly useful for households with ultra-high-speed internet connections. Additionally, the router boasts multiple 1G LAN ports, ensuring ample connectivity for various wired devices throughout the home or office.
On the wireless front, the RT-AX88U PRO leverages WiFi 6 technology to deliver impressive speeds up to 6000 Mbps. This capability, combined with its AiMesh support, allows users to create a seamless whole-home mesh network by pairing it with other compatible ASUS routers. While the router excels in many areas, it’s worth noting that it has limited USB ports for external device connectivity, which may be a consideration for users with multiple peripherals.
ASUS RT-AX88U PRO Router Review: Security and Parental Controls
Pros
- Robust AiProtection Pro powered by Trend Micro
- Advanced parental controls with content filtering
- Built-in VPN server for secure remote access
- Lifetime free network security updates
Cons
- Complex interface for advanced security features
- Some security features may impact network performance
The ASUS RT-AX88U PRO excels in providing comprehensive security features and parental controls. At the heart of its security suite is AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro, which offers commercial-grade protection against internet threats, malware, and hacking attempts. This robust system continuously updates its security database, ensuring that connected devices remain protected against the latest cyber threats without any subscription fees.
Parental controls on the RT-AX88U PRO are notably advanced, allowing users to create multiple profiles for different family members. Parents can easily set up content filtering, schedule internet access times, and even monitor online activities. The router’s user-friendly interface makes it simple to customize these settings, providing a safe online environment for children while maintaining flexibility for adults.
For users concerned about privacy and remote access, the RT-AX88U PRO includes a built-in VPN server. This feature allows secure access to the home network from outside, enhancing both security and convenience. Additionally, the router supports ASUS Instant Guard, which provides one-click secure VPN connections when users are away from home, adding an extra layer of protection for mobile devices on public networks.
ASUS RT-AX88U PRO Router Review: Conclusion
The ASUS RT-AX88U PRO stands out as a powerhouse in the WiFi 6 router market, offering a compelling blend of performance and features. Its AX6000 dual-band capability delivers impressive speeds up to 6000 Mbps, ensuring smooth 4K streaming and lag-free gaming. The inclusion of dual 2.5G ports sets it apart, providing flexible connectivity options for users with multi-gig internet plans or those requiring fast local network transfers.
While the RT-AX88U PRO excels in many areas, its advanced capabilities and higher price point make it better suited for tech enthusiasts and power users rather than those with basic networking needs. However, for those who can utilize its full potential, this router offers a future-proof solution with its comprehensive security features, AiMesh support for whole-home coverage, and powerful quad-core CPU. The ASUS RT-AX88U PRO is a top contender for users seeking a high-performance, feature-rich networking solution.