Asus RT-AC68P vs. Asus RT-AC68U – Which is a better home router?
The Asus range of routers is quite expansive, and these two are great devices for home connections. Seeing as they look like two peas in a pod, would it be safe to assume that they perform in the exact same way?
If you were to buy the Asus RT-AC68P and the Asus RT-AC68U and unbox them, you would hardly be able to tell them apart. They feature the same physical build, and operate within the same parameters, delivering near similar speeds and range. So, is it a case of clever marketing, or is there a difference between them at all? We decided to set them up and test them out to see what they were about.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between the Asus RT-AC68p and Asus RT-AC68P?
Model Name |
Asus RT – AC68P |
Asus RT – AC68U |
Dimensions |
8.67 x 3.28 x 6.3 inches |
8.66 x 3.28 x 6.3 inches |
Range |
3,000 square feet |
3,000 square feet |
Transmission speed |
600Mbps at 2.4GHz
1300Mbps at 5GHz |
600Mbps at 2.4GHz
1,300Mbps at 5GHz |
Processor |
1.4GHz Dual Core |
800MHz Quad Core |
Ports |
1 WAN, 4 LAN, 2 USB |
1 WAN, 4 LAN, 2 USB |
Asus RT – AC68P vs. Asus RT – AC68U – How do they compare?
Design and Build
Since routers are ideally made to handle all things technology, it is only natural that they feature incredible futuristic designs. However, it is not uncommon to find some that spot loads of simplicity, and yet others, a nice level of elegance. The Asus RT-AC68P is not one to write home about, especially where design is concerned. Bearing a subtle rectangular shape that boarders on a square, this router may strike you as casual and non-chalant in a sense. To install it, you have to set it up on a wall, a characteristic that proves quite helpful where space is little and where spaces that appear cluttered are unwelcome. Surprisingly, when set side by side, the Asus RT-AC68P and Asus RT-AC68U look exactly the same. There is almost no way of telling them apart. Just like its look-alike, the Asus RT-AC68U is made to be installed up on a wall which helps to save up on space.
The Asus RT-AC68P and Asus RT-AC68U share a similar look, build, dimensions and even method of mounting, setting them on equal footing in this regard.
Speed and Performance
Even though we all like a router that looks good, we like even better a device that does a stellar job where speed and range of transmission are great. The calm and collected Asus RT-AC68P drops this cool demeaner to unleash its fast internet transmission. Impressively, it is a mesh router that has the capacity to connect to other similar routers for a more comprehensive range of transmission. Installed in a house that covers an area of 3,000 square feet, this router is able to comfortably transmit speeds that reach 1,900Mbps in all rooms on all levels of the home. In similar regard, the Asus RT-AC68P does a stellar job where speed and range are concerned. This gadget, also a mesh router, transmits speeds that clock a cumulative speed of 1,900Mbps over a range of 3,000 square feet.
Since both routers have the same transmission speed and cover the same range, none is placed above the other where speed and performance are concerned.
Ports and Connectivity
While many routers come fitted with ports for enhanced connectivity, it is not always a guarantee that these ports will be many. This comes as something of a disappointment since more ports mean more wired connections. The Asus RT-AC68P gains a big advantage over many router devices of its caliber for its many ports. On the back, the router has 1 WAN, 4 LAN and 2 extra ports for USB connections. In similar regard, the Asus RT-AC68U offers just as much accommodation, bringing 1 WAN port, 4 LAN ports that support ethernet connections and 2 USB ports.
Once again, the Asus RT-AC68P and Asus RT-AC68U bear similar characteristics, offering the same number of ports.
Asus RT-AC68P vs. Asus RT-AC68U – A comparison Overview
Asus RT-AC68P Overview
- The world's fastest Wi-Fi router, with combined dual-band data rates of 1900Mbps for three times faster...
- Broadcom TurboQAM technology increases wireless-N data rate to 600Mbps for 33% faster performance
Asus has a long history of creating reliable high-performance devices, and the Asus RT-AC68P is no exception. While it does not bear much visual appeal, it actually performs quite well. This particular router runs on the 802.11ac standard, making it a Wi-Fi 5 device. Wi-Fi 5 routers transmit some of the best speeds currently, and they prove efficient for home connections.
Inside the Asus RT-AC68P is a 1.4GHz Dual Core processor, working alongside a 256MB RAM and 128MB flash memory. On top of this, it is a dual band transmitter, sending internet signals from two different bandwidths. The first bandwidth, a 2.4GHz band, delivers theoretical throughput of up to 600Mbps while a second, larger 5GHz band delivers maximum speeds of 1,600Mbps. This results in a combined throughput of 1,900Mbps.Three external antennas ensure that speed and range are constantly at their best.
As with a majority of Asus routers, the Asus RT-AC68P comes with a mobile app which, when downloaded to your phone, gives you complete control of the router via your mobile device. With this app, you will be able to accomplish a myriad of tasks including (but not limited to) switching the router on and off, running speed tests, activating parental controls and also managing guest networks. For security, the router comes with a software called AiProtect that prevents it from being affected by cyber attacks. This software stays valid through the router’s lifetime.
Pros
- Transmits at really fast speeds
- Covers a decently wide range
- Has three antennas for boosted range and speed
- Comes with multiple ports
- Comes with mobile app
- Lifetime of AiProtect
Cons
- It is not the best looking
Asus RT-AC68U Overview
- Dual band with the latest 802; 11 AC 3x3 technology for combined speeds of up to 1900 Mbps
- 1 GigaHertz dual core CPU enables smart multitasking by dedicating separate lanes for Wi Fi and USB data;...
Even though this router leaves a lot to be desired where looks are involved, we are quite happy with the level of reliability it offers, particularly where speed, range and security are concerned. Also a Wi-Fi 5 router, it operates on the 802.11ac standard.
For power, this router relies on an 800MHz Quad Core processor that combines effort with a 256MB RAM and 128 MB flash memory. Since it is a dual band router, it transmits internet from two bands, with a smaller 2.4GHz band transmitting 600Mbps and a larger 5GHz band transmitting 1,300Mbps speeds. This results in cumulative 1,900Mbps throughput. For excellent range and zero down-time, three antennas ensure that all rooms on all levels of the home enjoy comprehensive coverage.
This router also offers a pleasant degree of user friendliness since you can control it from the convenience of your phone from wherever you are, so long as you have an internet connection. This way, you can switch it on and off, manage guest networks, run speed tests and activate parental controls. The AiProtect software also protects this router from potentially harmful cyber-attacks.
Pros
- Transmits at high speeds
- Covers great range
- Comes with many ports
- Easy to use and control
- Comes with AiProtect
Cons
- Design is not particularly great
Verdict: So, which one is better – Asus RT AC68P or Asus RT AC68U?
When all characteristics and features are considered, these two routers are essentially one and the same. However, the Asus RT AC68P comes with a significantly larger processor than the Asus RT AC68U which may give it an upper hand where reliability and multiple high-speed connections are concerned. For this reason, it stands out just a tad higher than the Asus RT AC68U.
FAQs
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Is the Asus RT AC68U backward compatible?
Yes, it is.
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Does the Asus RT AC68P support beamforming?
Yes, this router supports beamforming.