Asus XT8 vs. CT8 – Which router offers a higher bandwidth?
The latest Asus ZenWiFi mesh router is available in two versions, the Asus AX XT8, and the AC CT8. So, how do these two devices compare to each other?
Often, traditional routers prove to be slow as they are not designed to transmit data signals over extensive distances. As a result, many of its users complain of slow internet and even no signal connection.
If you are tired of poor connectivity n your home, perhaps it is time to invest in a mesh network. Mesh systems utilize range-extending satellite devices better to transmit a speedy and consistent signal throughout your home. The Asus XT8 and CT8 are two high-quality products packed with an impressive list of features. In the following table, we compare them and highlight some of their significant differences.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Asus XT8 and CT8?
Model |
Asus XT8 (Winner) |
Asus CT8 |
Speed |
6600Mbps |
3000Mbps |
RAM and flash memory |
512MB RAM and 256MB Flash memory |
256MB RAM and 128MB Flash memory |
Weight |
719g |
730g |
Beamforming and MU-MIMO technology support |
Yes |
Yes |
Asus XT8 vs. CT8 – How do they compare?
Speed
The Asus XT8 is a tri-band mesh system with six unique antenna placement drivers that provide speedy and consistent Wi-Fi connections throughout your house. With a total wireless speed of 6600Mbps, this mesh system has a maximum coverage of approximately six rooms (5500 sq. ft.) Since it has a tri-band design, this device reaches a maximum data rate of 574Mbps on its 2.4GHz band, 4804Mbps on one of its 5GHz band, and 1201Mbps on the other 5GHz bandwidth.
On the other hand, the Asus CT8 is also a tri-band mesh Wi-Fi system with a similar antenna placement as the Asus XT8. With a total wireless speed of 3000Mbps, this tri-band router has total coverage of approximately four rooms (5400 sq. ft.) Its tri-band design gives the router a maximum data transfer rate of 400Mbps on its 2.4GHz frequency, 1733Mbps on one of its 5GHz frequency, and 867Mbps on its other 5GHz frequency.
Therefore, the Asus XT8 is a faster mesh system than the Asus CT8 as it delivers faster speeds.
RAM and flash memory
The RAM and flash memory of a router determines its ability to expand for improved throughput speed and reduced network congestion. As a general rule of thumb, the larger the flash memory size, the larger the device’s ability to carry vast and advanced firmware. For instance, additional memory space on your router provides room for installing ipkg, Optware, and the Right Way installations, as well as Journal Flashing File System (JFFS) that prevents wear and tear of the router’s actual hardware-based memory.
Both the Asus XT8 and CT8 Wi-Fi Mesh systems have the same 1.5GHz quad-core processor. However, the Asus XT8 is more expandable and efficient as it has double the flash memory of the Asus CT8. The XT8 has 512MB RAM and 256MB flash memory, while the CT8 has a 256MB RAM and a flash memory of 128MB.
Design
Both devices have the same dimension measurements of 16cm by 7.5cm by 16.15cm and are available in charcoal and white. Both devices have six antennas and come with one Gigabit WAN port, three Gigabit LAN ports, and one USB 3.1 GEN 1 port.
The key difference between these two mesh systems is that the Asus CT8 is a bit heavier than the Asus XT8 with a total mass of 730g compared to XT8’s 719g.
Asus XT8 vs. CT8- A comparison Review
Asus XT8 review
- Banish WiFi Dead Zone—Tri-band mesh WiFi system with unique antenna placement delivers strong WiFi to...
- Hassle Free Control – 3 steps setup and easy management with ASUS Router App
If you are looking for a high-performing and affordable Wi-Fi 6 mesh system, the Asus XT8 is the perfect option. It is a flexible and brilliant mesh system that comes packed with numerous features and excellent performance.
Available in both charcoal and white, this system consists of two devices, a satellite, and a main router. Both devices have a rounded cuboid shape and similar ports on their rear side of a WAN port and three LAN ports. Either device can serve as the primary router while the other functions as the range-extending satellite.
This system’s setup and configuration are through the Asus Router App and only consist of three hassle-free steps. More so, it has a flexible naming system that allows you to have separate names for its different frequencies or a similar name for everything.
Furthermore, this mesh system comes with an in-built AIProtection Pro with Advanced Parental controls, allowing you to monitor the activities on the network and scan for malware. It also offers simple Quality of Service (QoS) settings, which enable you to prioritize traffic.
Another impressive feature of this mesh system is its vast range and speedy performance. It offers a dedicated four-stream network of 4804Mbps as its backhaul. There are two available streams for clients of 1201Mbps on the 5GHz band and another two streams on the 2.4GHz band with a data rate of 547Mbps.
Pros
- Incredible performance
- Easy to install
- Lifetime network security tools and parental controls
- USB Connectivity
- Full support for Wi-Fi 6
- Tri-band design with dedicated wireless backhaul
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited speeds on the 2.4GHz bandwidth
Asus CT8 review
- Banish WiFi Dead Zone—Tri-band mesh WiFi system with unique antenna placement delivers strong WiFi to...
- Hassle Free Control – 3 steps setup and easy management with ASUS Router App
The Asus CT8 ZenWiFi AC is an exceptional entry-level mesh system that offers coverage for an entire home by having multiple access points. By having one name for the whole coverage area of 55oo sq. Ft. all your devices can easily connect to various channels on the network.
Like the ZenWiFi XT8 version, the CT8 mesh system is also available in white and charcoal and comes as two units, including the main router and the mesh node. Both units have a rounded cuboid shape with a metallic look. The system allows one name for the whole network, and its Smart Connect feature enables devices always to stay connected as they move around the coverage area.
The device also has an AIMesh feature that allows it to form a mesh network by linking multiple wireless routers. Through the Asus Router App, the band assures its users of polished user experience and easy installation steps.
The ZenWiFi CT8 from Asus is a tri-band Wi-Fi network with its second 5GHz band reserved as the backhaul of the mesh system with a maximum speed of 1733Mbps. As a result, its 2.4GHz band offers maximum data transfer rates of 400Mbps, while its first 5GHz band provides a maximum speed of 867Mbps.
Powered by a 1.5GHz Qualcomm Quad-Core CPU, this mesh system comes with a 256MB RAM and a 128MB flash memory. Both units have a Gigabit WAN port, three Gigabit LAN ports, and a USB port for printer and file sharing on the network.
Another impeccable feature of the Asus ZenWiFi AC (CT8) device is that it comes with AIProtection Pro that protects the connected devices from viruses and malware from the internet. It also has an advanced parental control feature, which allows you to block certain web content on a variety of connected devices.
Pros
- Impeccable and stable performance
- It comes with three LAN ports
- Easy to set up
- Full support for WiFi 5
- USB connectivity
Cons
- The Asus Router App does not have an in-built speed test
Conclusion
Depending on your networking needs, both the Asus XT8 and CT8 are excellent products packed with impressive features. If you are looking for a budget-friendly mesh system, the Asus CT8 is the best choice. However, if you are willing to spend the extra buck for exceptional performance, the Asus XT8 is an ideal option.
Final verdict: So which is better, Asus XT8 or CT8?
Despite its high price tag, the Asus XT8 is the better choice between the two systems as it offers WiFi 6 support, impressive performance, as well as robust security tools. It is also user-friendly and comes with top-of-the-line hardware components compared to the Asus CT8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to hardwire one of the units of the Asus XT8 directly to a computer?
Yes, each unit has three LAN ports that allow users to connect directly through Ethernet cables.
Can you use three units of this system instead of two?
Yes, its AIMesh feature allows users to add multiple compatible routers to the mesh network.
