AX6000 vs. AC3000- Selecting the best suited router for home and office use
Going for the best router entails considering a number of factors like the chipset, nodes and maximum speeds. Take a look at this guide on AX6000 vs. AC3000 which analyzes these two top routers to find out which suits your needs.
AX6000 and AC3000 are two quality Wi-Fi routers with many similarities. For example, they are both compatible with Alexa for remote voice controls. To help you pick between the two, there is need to look at the subtle differences between them.
This guide has been specifically created to be a one-stop read on the comparison between AX6000 and AC3000. Ultimately, the right Wi-Fi router for you depends on your budget and your needs. If you are a heavy gamer or you like streaming 4K movies, you ought to go for a system that is able to keep up with such demanding tasks. The size of your home also largely matters.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between AX6000 and AC3000?
Model |
AX6000 (Winner) |
AC3000 |
Specs |
1.8GHz quad-core processor, Ultra Connectivity,(1) 2.5Gbps WAN port, 8 LAN ports (Gigabit), 2 USB 3.0 ports in both Type A and Type C |
1.8GHz quad-core processor
3.0 USB port, 5 Ethernet ports, Tri-band & MU-MIMO technology |
Speeds |
Up to 5,952Mbps combined (4804+1148Mbps) |
Up to 3GBps combined |
Mounting |
Yes |
Yes |
AX6000 vs. AC3000- How do they compare to one another?
Working Principles
AX6000 is a dual-band router with the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. It also has 8-ports that enhance its overall performance when many devices are connected to the system. In terms of compatibility, it works well with all Wi-Fi devices including older ones as well.
AC3000 on the other hand is a tri-band router with one 2.4GHz band and two 5GHz frequency bands. Together, these work to deliver good performance and fast speeds.
They are both designed with the 1.8GHz quad-core processor.
Hardware and Software
In terms of general design, AX6000 and AC3000 have some similarities. They both have minimalistic stylish designs. For the software specs, AX6000 is one of the most advanced routers as it uses the latest 802.11ax network protocol. This ensures seamless streaming of 8K and 4K movies, virtual and online gaming as well as other tasks like accessing smart devices. Nonetheless, it is compatible with all existing and new Wi-Fi 6 devices like the latest smartphones and tablets.
To add, AX6000 is designed with both OFDMA and BSS coloring technology for even better efficiency. For its hardware specs, AX6000 weighs 3.5lbs and measures 10 x 12 x 4 inches. It is quite lanky, yet stylishly designed to be non-imposing wherever it is placed in your home or office.
The AC3000 weighs 2.43lbs and measures 11.63 x 8.92 x 2.14 inches. It primarily comes in white and in a compact size. This makes it a good fit for all kinds of homes and offices. Its other specs include 5 Ethernet ports that work together for seamless connection. It also has a 3.0 USB port that comes in handy for wired devices. AC3000 also has tri-band technology and MU-MIMO (multiple-user, multiple-input and multiple-output).
Coverage
Theoretically, AX6000 provides long range coverage because of its 8 high-gain antennas as well as using the latest 802.11ax network standards. On paper, this dual-band router should offer stable coverage for multi-story houses as well. In case the coverage offered by AX6000 is not enough, always keep in mind there are many credible router extenders that can boost the coverage of your AX6000. Its compatibility with all existing and new Wi-Fi devices like the iPhone 11 further add to how well this router can work.
For AC3000, it largely depends on the pack you go for. The double-pack for instance, offers coverage of up to 3,500 square feet. More units translate in wider coverage as the 3-pack can offer up to 7,500 square feet of coverage.
Another plus with the AC3000 is that it comes with an additional satellite (RB50Y). This satellite is designed to make sure the router’s coverage hits the outdoors as well. You can therefore be assured of wide coverage once the whole system is set up. The RB50Y extends by adding an additional three bands. Some of the quality features of this satellite include its explicit Beamforming, extended guest options and the quad-core processor. It also ensures security of your system by using encryption with PSK and 802.11i. RB50Y is also wall-mountable if you so wish to have it included.
Speeds
Boosted by 1024 QAM, AX6000 is a truly fast dual band router. It delivers a combined speed of 5,952 Mbps (4804 on the 5GHz band + 1148 on the 2.4GHz band). AX6000 is also able to keep up with this fast data transfer speed even when multiple devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi system. This is because it incorporates OFDMA which enhances the capacity of a router to handle more devices at the same time.
AC3000 on the other hand, can offer stable speeds of up to Gbps. This is because it has three frequency bands that are able to complete the speeds you already enjoy with your internet service provider. In case you feel like this router is lagging with increased buffering times as well, consider doing the speed test through the Nighthawk app. Together, the three-bands should be able to deliver the aforementioned 3Gbps.
Performance on speed tests
For AX6000 it can deliver more than 600Mbps on its 5GHz band because its modern models support the fast 802.11ax standard. AC3000 is also fast within 5 feet it has a throughput speed of 549.93Mbps. At 15 feet and 50 feet, it is still as fast delivering 543.50Mbps and 478.29Mbps each. At 150 feet within the router, you can still get speeds of up to 187.54Mbps.
Accessories
Beyond the hardware and software specs that each Wi-Fi router comes with, AX6000 and AC3000 have additional features. For AC3000, you can install the Nighthawk app to enjoy a wide array of functions like parental controls and running speed tests. You can also pause and restart the Wi-Fi router remotely through the App.
AX6000 also offers parental control features and active content filtering. On the parental controls, you can set online time limits for your children. You can also control the websites that all connected devices can access. It also allows for content filtering which works by setting guidelines according to the user’s age. You can use this to ensure your children only access age-appropriate content. Process of installation is simple through Bluetooth and the Tether app.
AX6000 vs. AC3000 – Overview and Key features
AX6000
- High Speed WiFi 6 Interent Router: AX6000 Dual Band Wi-Fi speed boosted by 1024QAM deliver wireless speed...
- Highly efficient: OFDMA increases average throughput by 4x in high density scenarios, compared with an...
With combined speeds of up to 5,952Mbps, AX6000 is one of the fastest Wi-Fi routers in the markets. Its high speed is because of the 1024QAM chipset and the ultra-powerful 1.8GHz 64-bit quad core processor. Other specs as to its hardware features include the 8 high-gain antennas and 1GB RAM. Together, these work to ensure you can enjoy seamless streaming of 4K movies as well as online gaming even with all the players in one room. Secondly, AX6000 is efficient and built to withstand constant cyber threats. It is designed with the built-in TP Link Homecare security that is all the protection you need from viruses, malware and other threats.
To add, AX6000 offers parental controls and advanced QoS (quality of service). The parental control features allow you to set time limits for your children. You can also filter certain websites that you do not want to be accessed by any device connected to the system. This is made available through the app that has other important functions as well. For instance, you can do cloud management through the app as well as set-up your system using Bluetooth. For conservation of power, you can also set the target wake time for the router. This improves overall performance. AX6000 also works with Alexa for remote voice controls.
Finally, another pro with AX6000 is that it won the JD Power Award for meeting customer expectations to their satisfaction. It carried this award in 2017 and 2019.
For its drawbacks, AX6000 has a few. First, it reboots with every change to its settings. The Quality of Service (QoS) also cannot be switched off if you want. Another drawback with AX6000 is that you might have to wait for second generation products to have all the stated features working in full mode. For instance, UL OFDMA and UL MIMO are not officially working in previous and current products in the market. If you are a tech-geek and an enthusiast on Wi-Fi routers, this drawback can be a deal breaker.
What we like
- Affordable price
- Received customer satisfaction award (JD Power) in 2017 and 2019
- Able to keep up with many devices connected at the same time
- Compatible with all kinds of Wi-Fi devices
What we don’t like
- Reboots after every change to settings
AC3000
- 3.0Gbps—Fast combined WiFi speed for uninterrupted streaming
- Tri-Band MU-MIMO—Simultaneous streaming to more devices
With Alexa voice control options and speeds of up to 3.0 Gbps, AC3000 is an advanced Wi-Fi router. It is designed to keep up with the resource intensive tasks of today’s tech world. For instance, if more than one user is streaming 4K movies and another is playing intense online games like Terminator, there is need for well-equipped bands. In AC3000, the tri-band frequencies work together to ensure simultaneous tasks run without any lags. This is also enhanced with MU-MIMO (multiple-user, multiple-input, multiple-output) technology that is designed to keep up with any additional traffic.
In terms of its system specifications, it is designed with the 1.8GHz quad-core processor and it has 3.0 USB port. It is also compatible with Microsoft 7, 8, Vista, MACOS and Google Chrome 11.0.
Thirdly, installing and managing the AC3000 router has been made easier with the Nighthawk app that gives the user many options. For setting up, the app has clear instructions that are easy to understand for even novices. The app also enables the owner to pause and restart the Wi-Fi if need be. For instance, a parent can easily pause the Wi-Fi during dinner time and bed time for discipline. You can also run speed tests through the app to check if the Wi-Fi is running at its optimum speeds.
Yet another plus is the good technical support system. If your AC3000 fails within 90 days of purchase, you can hand it in for repairs or replacement. However, the downer with this is that if your product fails within that period but for some reason you did not report it, you will have to part with some money for support.
What we like
- Proper ventilation so that device does not heat up during use
- Strong signal strength throughout the home
- Fast data transfer speeds for all kinds of tasks
What we don’t like
- Recent software versions have some bugs that need to be fixed
Conclusion
To help you choose between AX6000 and AC3000, this guide has been designed to give you detailed comparison of the two. Even their outward designs are strikingly different with AX6000 mostly in black while the Netgear AC3000 is white and compact sized.
They also share some similarities like their mobile apps as well as the high performance you get with each.
Verdict: Which is better between AX6000 and AC3000?
While these two are quality products, AX6000 is the better product for a few reasons. It offers stable and reliable speeds as well as wide coverage. To add, its company won the highest customer satisfaction award last year. That does say a lot on the good ratings of the AX6000.
Frequently asked questions
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As these routers come with additional satellites, how many do you need?
The number of satellites you might need for your home or office depends on two factors. These are: the materials used to construct your building as well as your general layout. If your home was built with mostly wood or other light materials, you can easily get away without buying additional satellites.
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Does the number of wired connected devices affect the proper working of either router?
No. Both AX6000 and AC3000 have their maximum capacity figures that include the number of wired connected devices. Therefore, both routers are able to keep up with a large number of connected devices including wireless and wired ones.
