Asus ac3200 vs. Netgear r8000 – which has the latest technologies?
If you are a gaming fan then it makes sense to get the fastest router with the highest number of Ethernet ports. This allows you to connect all your consoles without slowing your router down.
When choosing the right router for your office or home it is imperative that you understand the standard the router is operating in. Most modern routers know run on the 802.11ac standard but the most powerful ones now come with 802.11ax. In this review, of the Asus ac3200 and Netgear r8000 we check out some cool features that have made these two routers the most sort after.
Table of Contents
What are the key differences between the Asus ac3200 and Netgear r8000?
Model |
Asus ac3200 |
Netgear r8000 (Winner) |
Dimensions (inches) |
11.4 x 7.4 x 2.3 |
11.5 x 8.8 x 2.2 |
Processor |
1GHz processor |
|
Weight (pounds) |
3.81 |
1.03 |
Wireless standard |
801.11a/b/g/n/ac |
802.11ac |
LAN Ethernet ports |
5 |
5 |
Speed |
For 2.4GHz (802.11n) clocks 86Mbps at 5 feet & 65.7Mbps at 30 feet. For 5GHz band in n mode scores 196Mbps |
Tri-band scores 702.4Mbps at 5 feet and at 140 feet 177.3Mbps |
Availability |
Asus ac3200 vs. Netgear r8000 – How do they differ?
Design
The Netgear r8000 is a massive router measuring 11.5 x 8.8 x 2.2 inches. It is tri-band with one 2.4GHz band and two 5GHz bands. On the outside, the r8000 resembles a gigantic spider with its six foldable antennas. It also comes with four Gigabit Ethernet ports and one each 2.0 & 3.0 USB ports. However, it lacks an e-SATA connection. The Asus ac3200 while not as large as the Netgear r8000 is quite bulky at 11.4 x 7.4 x 2.3 inches. The router is black in color and comes with four external antennas at the back and one each on the sides. The router like the Netgear spots four Ethernet ports, one Gigabit LAN port and a single 3.0 USB port.
Performance and Speed
A 1GHz processor with 128MB of flash memory and 256MB of RAM supports the Netgear r8000. The maximum theoretical throughput speed is set at 3.2Gbps. When put to the test the r8000 clocks 702.4Mbps for its three bands at 5 feet and 302.3Mbps on the 802.11ac. At 140 feet you get 177.3Mbps on the 802.11ac circuitry.
Its 2.4GHz band scores 97.8Mbps at 5 feet and will still give you a range of over 165 feet. When using the 802.11n circuitry the Asus ac3200 clocks 86Mbps for its 2.4GHz band at 5 feet, and at 30 feet clocks 65.7Mbps. For the 5GHz band it clocks 196Mbps close proximity and 160Mbps at 30 feet.
Installation
The Asus RT ac3200 is supported by some of the latest technologies like SmartConnect that enables it to direct any of your connected clients to one of your three bands. It also comes with beamforming technology for optimal signal strength and supports dual WAN.
Installation of the Asus ac3200 is simple and fast. It also gives you the option of five internet connection types – PPoE, Automatic IP (DHCP), PPTP (VPN), Static IP, and L2TP (VPN). Installation of the Netgear r8000 is through its Genie software that is available for both desktop and mobile (Android & iOS). With the software you can check through an intuitive dashboard the number of connected devices, the traffic meter for upload and download speeds and parental control feature to limit the content been surfed by your kids.
Asus ac3200 vs. Netgear r8000 – A Comparison Overview
Asus ac3200 – Overview
- Smart Connect automatically selects the fastest band for all devices individually, based on their demands...
- Built-in USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports for up to 10-times faster data transfers to USB storage devices1,...
The Asus ac3200 combines great internet speed and an innovative router design. This tri-band router from Asus is designed for large homes with multiple users. It will handle your 4K video streaming with ease and the six antennas provide enough coverage to all your rooms.
The ac3200 measures 11.4 x 7.4 x 2.3 inches and this makes it one of the biggest routers in the market. At the front you have nine LED status indicators that show you when you are connected to each of its bands, LAN ports and WPS. The Asus ac3200 is equipped with four Gigabit Ethernet ports, 2.0 USB port, one Gigabit WAN port and power/reset buttons.
The Asus ac3200 is loaded with some of the best router technologies in the market. For example, it has the Adaptive Quality of Service (QoS) feature that allows it to prioritize bandwidth during video and game streaming.
The network map will show you a list of connected clients and devices while the beamforming technology helps in boosting your signal strength. The Asus iProtection is your ultimate defense against malware and viruses while the AiCloud feature allows you to sync your USB drives on cloud.
Pros
- Easy to setup
- Multiple security and gaming features
- Adaptive QoS
- Great throughput speed for 5GHz band
Cons
- Mid-performance for its file transfer
Netgear r8000 – Overview
- Recommended for up to 50 devices: Reliably stream videos, play games, surf the internet, and connect...
- Wired Ethernet ports: plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and other nearby wired devices...
This is an ideal router for those living in large houses where internet consumption is very high. The router is large measuring 11.5 x 8.8 x 2.2 inches. Its six external antennas give the r8000 the feel of a giant spider from outer space. The route all black with 13 status LED lights that you can turn off should they become irritating. The external antennas measure 3.3 inches and can be rotated to an angle of 140 degrees. Reception for the Netgear R8000 is boasted by the use of beamforming technology and you can reserve one of the 5GHz band for you high speed traffic like 4K video streaming or playing online games.
The Netgear r8000 comes with four Gigabit Ethernet ports, one 2.0 and 3.0 USB port which you can use for your printer and computer connections. Setting up the router has been simplified courtesy of Netgear Genie software that allows you to automatically configure the router in minutes. All you have to do is login to “routerlogin.net” and the router will automatically detect any connected devices for you. The Netgear r8000 runs on a 1GHz processor with 128MB of flash memory and 256MB of RAM.
The Netgear supports the use of VPN and comes with the latest internet security protocols like Enterprise encryption/WPA2. It also has Network Address Translation (NAT) firewalls and Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI). The Genie software is the main way through which you monitor your router settings. It is available as a desktop version and app for iOS and Android.
Pros
- Genie software makes it easy to setup
- Six foldable external antennas
- Many customizable options
- Tri-band with fast speeds and range
Cons
Lacks eSATA port
Conclusion: So, Which is better – Asus ac3200 or Netgear r8000?
In this review, the Netgear r8000is our clear winner. This is router is gigantic and offers exceptional internet speeds through its three bands. Its antennas capitalize on beamforming technology for improved internet strength. Installation of the Netgear r8000 has been simplified through its use of the genie software and that shows you all the details to monitor your router.
FAQ
Does the Netgear r8000 come with an anti-virus?
The router operates on the Netgear armor that ensures it detects malware and viruses the moment someone tries to infiltrate your network. The guard will protect all your connected devices including smartphones.
What security feature does the Asus ac3200 have?
The router uses the Asus AiProtection that has been developed by Trend Micro. This offers a multi-stage approach to malware detection and keeps all your connected devices free from threats.