Linksys vs. Asus – An indepth comparison

Linksys and ASUS routers are two well-rated routers. Read on for the subtle differences that exist between them to help you make a pick.

Whether you are a tech-guru or an amateur, finding the best Wi-Fi system for your home can be quite the chore. This is because there are many reasonably priced yet premium quality options in the market. To help you make the right choice for all your connectivity needs, this article has narrowed down to Linksys and Asus as the top options.

For both Linksys and Asus routers, there are many to-notch devices designed by these manufacturers. Some of the highly rated Linksys routers include Linksys LRT214 Gigabit VPN route and Linksys EA7500 (dual-band). The top Asus routers on the other hand include Asus AC1900 and RT-AX88U. This article has narrowed down to Linksys Max-Stream and Asus RT that broadly represent the features of all Linksys and Asus routers.

What are the differences between Linksys and Asus router?

Linksys vs. ASUS- How do they compare?

Firmware Updates

For Linksysrouters they go on automatic updates overnight with every release in the industry. Currently, Linksys features the latest Wi-Fi technology like Dynamic Frequency Selection and advanced band steering. It also has Open VPN Server that basically allows users to securely and remotely access all the resources shared within the network.

This VPN feature comes in handy to retrieve needed information that is within the home local area network even if you are not within the area. For Asus routers, on the other hand, you might have to do the upgrading process manually. This can be done simply by going to the router.Asus.com website.

If there are any new firmware versions for your router, you will see a pop-up message on the right corner of the site. If there are any pending updates, simply click update now then wait for download and installation. You can choose to have the updates running overnight so that there is minimal interference with the Wi-Fi system.

Technology

For ultra-fast speeds, both Linksys and Asus are designed with certain specifications. For example, they both boast of MU-MIMO technology (multiple-user, multiple-input, multiple-output). This makes it possible for you to have many connected devices experiencing the same fast speeds at the same time. Linksys also has advanced Beamforming which enhances the coverage and performance of the router. In Max Stream AC4000, for example, Beamforming extends and also improves the performance and coverage area for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Linksys also works with Amazon Alexa for comfortable voice controls.

Asus routers on the other hand are built to be high performance. They have OFDMA technology, built-in WT-Fast and adaptive QoS. All these are recent advancements. They also have commercial-grade security and smart home control options. You can also use Amazon Alexa for voice commands wherever you are.

Design

Linksys and Asus routers are stylish and modern looking. Asus routers primarily come in a sleek, black color. Linksys, on the flipside, are usually stark white and in a small tower-like shape.

Regarding their hardware features, Linksys like AC4000 has 6 antennas, 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 1.8GHz quad-core processor. Together, these enhance the coverage and speeds you experience with these routers. For example, the antennas ensure that even a large sized home is able to receive the Wi-Fi signals. The Ethernet ports, on the other hand, are specially designed to be much faster than the standard Ethernet ports that are usually used with consoles, Smart TVs and printers.

Asus routers, they are mainly built to provide stable and reliable Wi-Fi connections throughout. For Asus-RT, it is fitted with 4 antennas and 8 LAN ports that enhance the overall experience of all connected devices. Weighing 5.25lbs and measuring 7.4 x 2.4 x 11.8 inches, Asus-RT is rather lanky compared to Linksys that come in compact sizes as well.

Security

Linksys are designed with cyber-security protection. In EA9300, for example, there is a strong DoS protection and SPI firewall. One way in which they work is by filtering only known devices through the network. This protects you from cyber threats like hackers, malware, spam and viruses.

Asus routers are also heavily protected against cyber-attacks. The Asus-RT for instance, is designed with Air Protection Security which is powered by TrendMicro. This system offers all the protection you need against malware, viruses and all other threats. It does this by blocking such internet security breaches on all your connected devices.

Performance in speed tests

When tested, Linksys Max Stream has the maximum throughput of 626.5Mbps when within 5 feet of the router. For ASUS routers, latest versions can do theoretical speeds of 2167Mbps on its 5GHz band.

Accessories

With the Linksys app, for example, you can do device prioritization for the device you want to receive the fastest Wi-Fi signals.  The app also makes installation and setting-up of your Wi-Fi system easy and quick.

Asus also has its own app that comes in handy for easy network management. You can download it on Google Play or on the App Store to remotely control your Wi-Fi router. The app also provides real-time monitoring and regular security scans to check on any vulnerability within the network.

Linksys vs. Asus- A comparison overview

Linksys

Linksys routers are also well-reviewed because of the fast access they offer you. Even with many devices connected to the same system, Linksys routers are able to deliver to each on an equal basis. This is made possible by the MU-MIMO technology. It basically means multiple-user, multiple-input and multiple-output whereby the router is able to seamlessly handle all the requests made to it.

Other Linksys routers also offer the option of device prioritization. This allows you to select which device should take precedence in case of heavy traffic. For instance, one router might be overwhelmed with different users playing online games, video chatting and streaming HD movies. Yet another noteworthy feature of Linksys is that they support the latest Wi-Fi generation. Combined with its MU-MIMO technology and airtime fairness, you get to experience ultra-fast speeds with routers like the Max Stream AC4000.

Another quality feature of Linksys routers is the easy setup and installation process through the Linksys mobile app. Once you download it to your smartphone or tablet and you have signed in, you can easily follow through on how to have all your devices connected to the Wi-Fi system. This app is available to both Android and iOs devices at no extra cost. The app also gives you added controls. For example, you can run a comprehensive speed test through the app.

Thirdly, Linksys are also developed with Smart Connect features such that the router is able to gauge for itself which band frequency to use for which device. It is also compatible with Amazon’s Alexa. You can now use voice controls to remotely manage your network. For example, you can tell Alexa to turn off your guest network system.

Like all other products, Linksys routers have their fair share of imperfections. First, an example is EA7500 which does not have any additional tools to monitor the status of your network. Other than by running the speed test through the app, there is no other way to know the network performance of your router. This is quite the drawback as troubleshooting is more hectic because of it. To add, the USB port is not compatible with all printer devices. It is only compatible with 3 particular printer models, thereby locking out a huge number of other printers.  Some users have also complained that the customer support system is amateur at best.

What we like 

• Offers fast yet reliable speeds over large spaces as well
• Easy set-up through the Linksys app
• Wall mounting options are available
• Can handle many connected devices without unnecessary congestion

What we don’t like

• Needs more tools for monitoring your network status
• USB ports are compatible with certain printers

Asus

Asus routers have been in the market for quite some time and they have released many outstanding products including Asus RT-AX and AC3100. This article has narrowed down to Asus-RT as it broadly has all the trademark features of Asus routers.

First, it is a dual-band router that is able to do impressive speeds of more than 6,000Mbps. In fact, the 2.4GHz can deliver a networking speed of 1148Mbps and the 5GHz speed of 4,804Mbps.

It also has cyber-security features to protect you from all kinds of threats. The Air Protection Lifetime Security as powered by Trend Micro is one of the security features the Asus-RT has installed in its system. This Air Protection offersprotection against malware, hackers and viruses. The Asus router app also does regular security scans to check if the network is compromised in any way.

Asus routers are also widely compatible with existing and new Wi-Fi models. The Asus-RT for example, is compatible with the latest wireless protocol 802.11ax and next-generation Wi-Fi 6. Regarding its set-up Asus routers are compatible with a wide range of Wi-Fi devices. For Asus-RT, it has 8 Gigabit LAN ports and it is also compatible with next-generation Wi-Fi 6 and wireless 802.11ax.

Another good feature of Asus routers is that the latest ones are fitted with OFDMA technology as well. This enhances the signal range you were already experiencing with the fairly recent 802.11ax. You get to experience better range as each channel on the system is divided into smaller, more manageable sub-channels.

802.1ax is quite really the next phase of home Wi-Fi routers for its ability to handle complex and extra-demanding wireless environments. For instance, nowadays people are into 8K streaming, virtual reality and online gaming. All these tasks are resource intensive and need a router designed to keep up with such heavy environments.

If you have multiple devices, the Asus-RT is able to keep up with all your demands as it has 8 Gigabit ports. In fact, you can decide to have an all-LAN party at your home and this will be possible because of the numerous ports in this router. To add, Asus-RT is intelligent enough to save the battery life of your device. It does this through the Target Wake Time system which is simply scheduling intervals for data transmission between devices. This allows your router to be on sleep-mode when there no devices waiting for a router signal.

What we like

• Offers fast and reliable speeds
• Designed with latest technology like OFDMA
• Keeps up with demanding environments

Conclusion

This article has analyzed two popular Wi-Fi router brands. These are the Linksys and Asus routers. While they are quite distinct from each other, they do share some similarities, For example, like Linksys, Asus-RT is also equipped to give you high performance online gaming.

It does this through the advanced Quality of Service (QoS) and the built-in WT-Fast. Both these features work together to ensure fastest and shortest possible route between your server and gaming device is the path that is taken. This is easily a double boost at your online gaming play.

They also have other noteworthy features shared between them. To select the right one for you, there is need to look at the subtle differences highlighted in each as well as your overall budget.

Verdict: So, which between Linksys and ASUS is the better router?

While Linksysand Asus routers are both impressive, Linksys is a better router. This is because it offers fast speeds at a reliable and stable connection. They are also highly-popular among many Wi-Fi router users.

Frequently asked question

1. Is there a need to have a router that has faster speeds than your internet service plan?

If your internet speeds are capped at say, 200MBps, the overall speeds you experience with these ultra-fast routers might not be drastically improved. Consider going for lower-generation Wi-Fi routers or upgrading with your Internet Service Provider. You need not splurge on these high-end routers if you will not be able to experience them at their optimum.