If you are living in a large home with multiple devices then you need a router that has long range. Top contenders include the Linksys EA9500 and ASUS RT AC5300. In this review, we examine speeds offered by these routers and tell you which is the best.
It is almost impossible to operate modern devices without internet connection. In the age of IoT almost everything in the house is interconnected. If your household is large, then you know the stress of getting a fast Wi-Fi connection with all devices trying to download something. The ISP provider will provide the internet but its your router that will distribute it. Getting the right one will determine your download experience.
If you live in a large house and choose the wrong router then you are not going to get the right coverage. Linksys and ASUS are on the spotlight for producing some innovative routers in the Linksys EA9500 and the ASUS RT AC5300. In this review, we examine the specifications of these beasts routers and we tell you which offers the best performance for a large home.
What are the differences between Linksys EA9500 vs. ASUS RT AC5300?
Model |
Linksys EA9500 (Winner) |
ASUS RT AC5300 |
Dimensions |
10.41 X 12.53 X 2.62 |
24.5 X 6.5 X 24.5 |
Wi-Fi Technology |
AC5400 Tri-band |
AC5300 three band |
Chipset |
Broadcom BCM47094 @1.4GHz |
Broadcom BCM4709CO @1.4 GHz |
RAM |
512MB |
256MB |
Power Supply |
19V /3.42 A |
12 V / 5 A |
Speed range |
Long range 496Mbps
Close range 685Mbps |
Long range 643.6Mbps
Close range 345.2Mbps |
Linksys EA9500 vs. ASUS RT AC5300 – How do they compare
Design
When it comes to design you will notice that the Linksys EA9500 is super large. This is not something you should be expecting to compliment you décor interior. It has eight large antennas and measures 10.41 X 12.53 X 2.62 inches. The antennas each measure five inches and this makes the Linksys pretty bulky. On the top is a small display screen but the rest of the device is covered with holes for ventilation. You also get four non-slip rubber feet for the corners. You will find the device display on the top and this informs you whether MU-MIMO is live or not. Unlike the ASUS AC5300 you get the luxury of two 3.0 USB ports, one gigabit internet port and eight gigabit Ethernet ports.
The eight detachable antennas for the ASUS really stand out when it comes to the design layout. You get the iconic ASUS logo prominently displayed at the center of the router. Something that caught our eyes with the ASUS router design is that you can flip it over and let the router stand on its antennas and it will work perfectly fine. The ASUS comes with beamforming technology that allows it to cover a transmission distance of up to 500 square meters. We found the single 3.0 USB a disappointment as you would have expected more from the behemoth device. You also do not get lights to show you the status of the Ethernet ports.
Interfaces
For the similarities, both rooters come with 1 2.0 and 3.0 USB port. You also get 8 gigabit LAN ports. This enables you to stream your Smart-TV, Blue-ray, and connect various devices with ease. The Linksys has a slight advantage over the ASUS by having more Ethernet LAN ports. The ASUS delivers a higher speed by combining the first two LAN ports so that you get speeds of 2Gbps. It also comes with four Gigabit Ethernet ports.
The ASUS RT AC5300 also comes with an advanced wireless security system called AiProtection. This will protect your connections from possible threats. Powered by Trend Micro, you are assured of superior connectivity protection from virus transmission and other threats. To make your installations faster and easier, ASUS equipped its router with the ASUSWRT user interface.
Connectivity
A 1.4GHz dual-core processor powers the Linksys EA9500. This allows the MU-MIMO tri-band router to offer connectivity speeds of 1000, 2166 and 2166 Mbps speeds. You also get two bands – 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz – and they all work independent of each other. This allows multiple devices with varying download needs to be ported to the router without interfering with each other. Most of the time, very few devices actually need such speeds. The benefit of having the innovative MU-MIMO technology is that in a large home you can have several devices been connected to the router at extremely high speeds and none will cannibalize on the speed of the other. The eight Ethernet ports and two 3.0 USB ports is something you will not find in most routers.
A 1.4GHz dual core processor that comes with a large 512MB memory powers the ASUS RT AC5300 which is quite similar to the Linksys. You also get a 2.0 networking storage functionality. When it comes to Ethernet ports the ASUS just has four. However, the router does come with some innovative gaming options. It comes with a WTFast client that gives it access to GPN. This prevents gaming packets from leaving the system. This hops inefficiency will lead to inconsistencies in the ping and packets. The ASUS RT AC5300 operates on two bands 2.4 and 5 GHz, this enables the router to keep shifting your devices connectivity to the right band for optimal signal strength. The router also comes with an app that enables you to setup and monitor your connectivity options on the go.
Wi-Fi technology
A closer observation of the technologies used on both devices will reveal that they are more similar. You have the latest MU-MIMO technology coupled up with 4X4 data streams. The Asus router however, stands out when it comes to the smart connect technology, this is lacking in the Linksys. The technology allows the devices connected on the router to be connected to the fastest band available. With the technology you do not experience any cases of the slow devices cannibalizing for speeds with the faster devices.
As for the Ethernet ports both come with 8 Gigabit LAN ports. If you are planning on purchasing any of the routers for home use you will find this excessive as four gigabit ports will do. The Asus AC 5300 stands out in the use of teaming network. In the technology, you can aggregate two LAN ports so that you can get up to 2Gbps wired connections. While all the other features are pretty similar the Linksys AC5400 has a slight advantage by having twice the number of LAN ports. Linksys while making every effort to take up the router market is on course in introducing an innovative Linksys velopthree band mesh Wi-Fi system. This technology is said to replace range extender and wireless router. For the appearances both routers are almost similar. They are large meaning you need to allocate lots of space to avoid topping them over.
Linksys EA9500 vs. ASUS RT AC5300 – Overview
Linksys EA9500 – Overview
- Connector Type : USB
- Provides up to 3,000 square feet of Wi-Fi coverage for 25plus wireless devices
At first glance, the Linksys EA9500 appears bulky and you maybe worried about it occupying lots of space. But, this router is packed with great features and offers large homes lots of connectivity options. The device closely resembles the Linksys EA8500 with the key difference that this is a three-band router.
Let’s talk first talk about the size. The EA9500 measures 10.41 X 12.53 X 2.62 inches. You have get eight Gigabit LAN ports each measuring five inches. The router weighs a hefty 60.94 ounces. On top of the router you have a display screen that informs you when the device is booting, MU-MIMO is live and when it is upgrading firmware. Other ports include the Wi-Fi On/Off button, two USB 3.0 ports, reset button, I/O button, and one gigabit internet port (comes in handy when you want to connect to your modem).
When it comes to connectivity this MU-MIMO tri-band gigabit router is capable of delivering speeds of up to 1000 + 2166 + 2166 Mbps. This speeds are delivered through two bands – 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz. The bands run independently. The Linksys EA9500 run by a 1.4GHz dual core processor that is amazingly fast. MU-MIMO stands for Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output and is a technology that allows the router to supply bandwidth to various home devices with varying speeds. What this means is you do not have to compromise the speed of another device if you are at higher speeds. In addition, data transmission is simultaneously rather than sequentially. This technology allows family members to stream data intensive videos without interfering with another’s download.
The setup process for the Linksys EA9500 is very simple – especially when you follow the provided seven step quick start guide. Once you unpack the router, the next thing is to put the antennas in an upright position, power up the router and then hit the power switch. The massive router will then roar to life and you can see the display unit lit up. The Linksys logo shows up as an indication the device is working well.
What we liked:
- 8x adjustable external antennas
- Can deliver varying speeds of up to 1000Mps, 2165Mps
- Beamforming technology
- Easy to setup
- Leverages on latest three band router technology
What we did not like:
- The device is a bit bulky and may not blend well with your interior decor
ASUS RT AC5300 – Overview
- Tri band (Dual 5 GHz, single 2; 4 GHz) with the latest 802; 11AC 4x4 technology for maximum throughput...
- Mu memo technology enables multiple compatible clients to connect at each client’s respective maximum...
Asus has gone out of its way to produce this premium rooter that maximizes on MU-MIMO technology. At 5 GHz it is one of the fastest routers in the market and is ideal for large homes. On the surface, the ASUS AC5300 is massive. The large detachable antennas really stand out. In addition, to this you get a single 3.0 USB port, 2.0 USB and four Gigabit Ethernet ports. Like most routers the Wi-Fi status LEDs are positioned at the front while the WPS, 2.0 USB and Wi-Fi on/off are on the left.
The ASUS AC5300 ensures that all household members are streaming high quality content simultaneously courtesy of NitroQAM technology and a high Wi-Fi Speed of 5334mbps. A 1.4 GHz dual core processor with a memory of 512MB powers the router. This enables the router to balance the tri-band.
Its challenging trying to connect to your router when you have varying device capabilities. With this router you have quick connection for your devices. The Asus will transfer your traffic to either 2.4Ghz or 5GHz hence connecting devices depending on bandwidth and signal strength. The Asus AC5300 uses 4MU MIMO technology which enables multiple connection of devices without any compromise to speed.
The ASUS AC5300 is safe to browse courtesy of an Aiprotection that ensures your connections are protected from hacks and any other cyber threats. Installation of the device is fast and simple. You also have the ASUSWRT user interface. The device even comes with a router app. This enables you to monitor network traffic and setup device.
What we liked:
- AiProtection for secure connections
- Friendly user interface
- Tri-band smart connect for multiple connections
- Improved Wi-Fi coverage
- Built-in game acceleration
What we did not like:
- We would have liked more 3.0 USB ports
Conclusion: So, Which is better:Linksys EA9500 vs. ASUS RT AC5300?
If you are looking for a router that will meet all your Wi-Fi needs then the Linksys EA9500wins in this race. The router physical appearance can be intimidating due to its eight large antennas but it comes with tri-bands of 2.4GHz and 5Ghz. This enables it to operate at very high speeds. It also has more ports than the ASUS.
FAQ
How often should I replace my router?
You will probably be forced to upgrade your router every three to four years. For one technology keeps changing and what was considered to the best router three years ago becomes outdated. Smartphones and IoT also change and this demands faster and more efficient routers.
What is the best router speeds?
Slow router speeds can make internet connectivity a herculean task. It is almost impossible to stream a video with them. For most homes you will need Wi-Fi speeds of 20 Mbps and above for heavy downloads. But, if you are going to be doing some light internet surfing then speeds of around 6 to 12 Mbps are okay.