Asus ac3100 vs ac88u – Which router is worth the money?
The Asus ac3100 and Asus ac88u may look almost similar and they have very identical features and functions. Which one is better? Read the Asus ac3100 vs ac88u comparison to find out.
On the surface level, the Asus RT-AC31000 and the ac88u are very similar. Embellishments aside, it is difficult to tell these devices apart. In fact, the Asus RT ac 3100 is a seemingly stripped down versions of the Asus ac88u with some extra features. How do the two routers compare performance and function wise? Read on to find out.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Asus AC3100 and AC88u?
Model |
Asus Wireless AC3100 Gigabit Router (RT-AC3100) |
ASUS Dual-Band (AC3100) RT-AC88U (Winner) |
Processor |
1.4Ghz dual core processor |
1.4Ghz dual core processor |
Wi-FI technology |
Dual-band (802.11ac) |
Dual- Band (802.11ac) |
MU-MIMO |
yes |
yes |
Throughput Speed |
2617mbps on the 5Ghz band
1000Mbps on the 2.4Ghz band |
2617mbps on the 5Ghz band
1000Mbps on the 2.4Ghz band |
Memory |
128 MB Flash 512 MB RAM |
128 MB Flash 512 MB RAM |
Ports |
1 WAN port
4 LAN |
1 WAN port
8 LAN |
Asus AC3100 vs AC88u – How do they differ?
Design
The Asus RT-AC88U is a fairly good looking router designed for gamers. It has 4 removable antennas, one located on each side and two at the rear side. Ports, and LED indicators are distributed on the form and back end of this model. The Asus ac3100 is very similar in design to the ac88u. It also features 4 removable antennas, two at rear and two on the sides.
At first glance, there is not much difference in designed between the two routers design wise. The only give away is the red embellishment on the antennas of the Asus art ac88u.
Hardware and throughput speeds
The Asus RT-AC88U utilizes a Broadcom 1.4GHz dual core processor and NitroQAM technology. These two features enable the router to deliver an expected combined throughput speed of 3167mbps on both bands. The 2.4 GHz band can sustain speeds of up to 1000mbps while the 5 GHz band can sustain 2167mbps as the maximum throughput speeds, as does the Asus ac3100.
With a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band, the Asus RT-AC88U is designed to deliver blazing throughput performance. The router can sustain speeds of around 97mbps at close proximity and close to 75mbps at around 30 feet. On the 5 GHz band, the Asus rt-ac88u can deliver speeds of up to 537mbps at close proximity and 302mbps at around 30 feet.
The Asus ac3100 is also a dual band router with both 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz band. When tested, the router has speedy throughput test scores. On the 5 GHz band, the Asus rt-ac88u can deliver speeds of up to 500mbps at close proximity and 295mbps at around 30 feet.
The two routers have similar hardware features and are designed to reach total combined speeds of 3167mbps. However, the Asus AT AC88U can deliver slightly more speed on both its 5 GHz and 2.4ghz band when tested.
Ports
The Asus RT-AC88U is equipped with 8 RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet ports, a WAN port, A power Jack, and A 2.0 US PORT. Additional power buttons, WPS button and reset buttons are also located in the rear of the router.
Conveniently, the USB 3.0 Port is located at the front of the Asus router, behind the small panel. The ass ac3100 on the other hand is equipped with 4 RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet ports, a power jack, one 2.0 USB port, a USB 3.0 port and a WAN port
The Asus RT ac88u had 4 more LAN ports than the Asus ac3100 which means it offers better connectivity options.
MU-MIMO
Both these devices use MU-MIMO technology that serves multiple Wi-FI users simultaneously without messing bandwidth. Its adaptive quality of services allows you to easily prioritize online activities like gaming. You can use it to assign or dedicate bandwidth to your gaming for low latency and lag while you are playing.
Both the Asus ac3100 and the Asus rt-ac88u are MU-MIMO enabled. This means you can stream multiple clients simultaneously on both routers.
Asus AC3100 and AC88u Comparison overview
The Asus ac3100 overview
- Ultra-fast 802.11ac Wi-Fi router with a combined dual-band data rate of 3167 Mbps for low latency online...
- Broadcom NitroQAM technology boosts 5 GHz data rates up to 2167 Mbps and 2.4 GHz up to 1000 Mbps
The Asus RT-AC 32OO is powered by a 1.4 GHz dual core processor, 512mb RAM and 128mb flash. The router is compatible with an IEEE 802.11 standard and can reach combined speeds of 3176mbps on its 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. It has 4 adjustable antennas that feature Airadar beamforming technology which supports data transmission at a maximum distance of 5000square feet.
The ac3100 also has capability to support more simultaneous connections through the MU-MIMO technology. Thanks to the NitroQAM (1024-QAM) technology, the RT can deliver high speeds for downloads, live event 4k UHD streaming and gaming without lagging or buffering.
Its game boost page allows you to connect to WTFast Gamer Private Network to accelerate your online gaming. This router also has AiProtection features which utilized the smart home network solution monitor to detect viruses and malware as well as block malicious or dangerous sites. Trend micro ensures the user’s online experience is safe and secure.
Pros
- Has beamforming technology
- Good transmission range
- Has NitroQAM (1024-QAM) technology
- Is MU-MIMO enabled
Cons
- Middling file transfer speeds
Asus RT ac88u overview
- 1024 Qam technology 80 percent faster 5 GigaHertz at up to 2100 Mbps, 66 percent faster 2. 4 GigaHertz at...
- 33 percent greater 2. 4 GigaHertz coverage with a 4 transmit, 4 receive (4T4R) antenna design, able to...
The Asus RT ac88u is a dual band router with a great set of features and 802.11 enabled. The router uses MU-MIMO technology that allows multiple simultaneous Wi-FI clients without messing with the bandwidth. To use this feature, your device must be MU-MIMO compatible.
The router is designed with several Gigabit LAN and USB ports for wired connectivity. With Asus RT-AC88U, installation is a breeze thanks to its intuitive setup wizard. As soon as you power the router, and connect it to PC and internet, a web based console with wizard and manual configuration option pops up.
The router comes with multiple management features that are accessible through its user friendly web interface on a Smartphone. With the interface, users have access to network map for accessing guest network pages, and Adaptive quality of service for bandwidth prioritization. Other settings include traffic analyzer with daily client usage graphs, wired and wireless network clients for outgoing and incoming data packets as well as the game boost page.
Pros
- The router has 8 fast gigabit LAN ports
- Speedy Wi-FI throughput performance
- It is MU-MIMO enabled
Cons
- Is expensive
- Middling file transfer speeds
Conclusion: So, which one is better: Asus AC3100 and AC88u?
The Asus rt-ac88u dual band router is the winner between the two. While they have very similar design and features, the Asus RT ac88u had 4more LAN ports to increase connectivity and user access. The router has a faster throughput performance, MU-MIMO data streaming and a user friendly interface that offers extensive management features, some of which you cannot find on the Asus ac3100.
FAQ
What major design differences does the Asus ac88u and Asus ac3100 have?
At first glance, the routers look almost similar, except the Asus ac88u has red embellishments on its antennas while the Asus ac3100 is entirely lack. The Asus ac88u has 8 LAN ports while the Asus 3100 only has 4 LAN ports.
How many USB ports does the Asus Ac88u have?
The Asus ac88u has 2 USB ports, one at the back and the other on the front left part of the router.
