Netgear ac5300 vs. Asus ac5300 – Which offers more Ethernet connections?
Having a router that is tri-band enables you to enjoy uninterrupted internet connections coupled with fast connectivity. These routers however, tend to be bulky but come with multiple Ethernet ports.
If you are not a networking guru then purchasing a router can be a challenging task. You have all these specifications, which to a normal person sound foreign. If you have multiple devices in your house then having a router with more than 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports and that is tri-band makes a lot of sense. In this review, we examine to large routers – Netgear ac5300 and Asus ac5300 and tell you which is the best.
Table of Contents
What are the key differences between Netgear ac5300 vs. Asus ac5300?
Model |
Netgear ac5300 |
Asus ac5300 (Winner) |
Dimensions (inches) |
12.4 x 10.4 x 2.4 |
9.6 x 9.6 x 2.5 |
Ethernet ports |
6 |
8 |
Processor |
1.4GHz dual core |
1.8 GHz dual core |
No. of USB ports |
2.0 USB, 3.0 USB |
Two 3.0 USB, one 2.0 USB |
Speed |
At 15 feet delivers 736.8Mbps and 641.2Mbps at 5 feet for its three bands |
For 2.GHz at close test scores 128Mbps at 30 feet 75Mbps. 5GHz scores 601Mbps at close proximity and 330Mps at 30 feet |
Availability |
Netgear ac5300 vs. Asus ac5300 – How do they differ?
Design
Compared to the Asus ac53009.6 x 9.6 x 2.5 the Netgear is larger measuring 12.4 x 10.4 x 2.4 inches. The Netgear comes with four external antennas and four amplified internal ones. This helps maximize your Wi-Fi coverage in the house. It also comes with six Gigabit Ethernet ports and the ability to aggregate two for double the speed. The Netgear has plenty of vents to cool down the router and you can view the status of your connectivity through 13 white LED lights. The Asus 5300 comes with eight adjustable and removable antennas and eight Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports with the option of aggregating two ports for enhanced speeds. You also get two 3.0 USB ports and a WAN port, the Netgear comes with one 3.0 USB port and one 2.0 USB port.
Performance
Both routers are tri-band and are capable of delivering 1Gps for the 2.4GHz band and 2,1667Mbps for the two 5GHz band. This gives them a total theoretical speed of 5.3Gbps. Both routers support beamforming technology for more focused signal strength and MU-MIMO for simultaneous data streaming. A dual core 1.4GHz processor powers the Netgear while the Asus uses a 1.8 GHz quad-core processor with 258MB of flash memory and 1GB of RAM.
Speed and technologies
The Asus ac5300 is optimized as a gaming router. It comes with various gaming enhancing features like GameBoost that enables it to give priority to gaming traffic from your consoles, it also supports a Gaming Private Network (GPN) which optimizes your gaming titles. To protect your from malware and viruses the Asus ac5300 comes armed with the Trend Micro-powered game intrusion protection system (IPS) and a dedicated ROG gaming center web console. When put through various tests, the Asus scores 128Mbps for its 2.4GHz band for close proximity and 75Mbps at 30 feet. For the 5GHz band it scores 601Mbps at close proximity and 330Mbps at 30 feet. The Netgear performs well in various throughput tests scoring 736Mbps for its three bands at 15 feet and 641.2Mbps at 5 feet.
Netgear ac5300 vs. Asus ac5300 – A Comparison Overview
Netgear ac5300 – Overview
- Get fastest speeds available up to 5.3Gbps. Up to 1,000 Mbps @ 2.4GHz 1024 QAM. Up to 2,166 Mbps @ 5 GHz...
- Tri-band WiFi/Quad Stream/MU-MIMO delivers more WiFi to your devices. Smart Connect intelligently selects...
The Netgear ac5300is designed to meet all your internet and networking needs. It is for those people who live in large homes and have bandwidth intensive devices. The Netgear ac5300 is a tri-band router armed with the latest MU-MIMO technologies for simultaneous streaming and built-in amplified antennas. You also get six high speed LAN ports for porting a host of devices.
The ac5300 is a very large router measuring 12.4 x 10.4 x 2.4 inches. This means you will need to be crafty in identifying space to place it. The router has a decent amount of vents to prevent it from overheating. Internet connectivity is through the routers four rotating antennas and four internal ones dedicated to the 5GHz. The signal strength in the ac5300 does not disappoint courtesy of the integrated amplifiers. You can monitor the status of your router through the Netgear’s 13 LED lights.
Unlike most routers in the market that come with standard four Gigabit Ethernet ports, the Netgear comes with six ports. In case, you want to take your transfer speed a notch higher you can aggregate two ports for 4K video streaming or video gaming. At the back, you have a 2.0 USB port and 3.0 one. When it comes to speeds, you get 1Gbps from the 2.4GHz band and 2,166Gbps from the 5GHz frequency, this gives it a total theoretical speed of 5.3Gbps. When put to test the router delivers 736.8Mbps for its three bands at a distance of 15 feet, and 641.2 Mbps at 5 feet.
Pros
- More LAN ports
- Very high throughput speeds
- Amplified antennas for better performance
- Multiple customization options
- Multiple air vents to prevent overheating
Cons
Bulky in design and is pricier than most routers in the market
Asus 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...
The Asus ac5300 is a behemoth of a router that is geared for those committed to bandwidth intensive gaming and video streaming. This tri-band router comes with a eight Gigabit Ethernet ports and a host of gaming software. You also get protection from malware and viruses.
The Asus ac5300 is a large router measuring 9.6 x 9.6 x 2.5 inches and is black in color with the standard red colors for the logo and strips. The Asus router looks like a crawling alien with its eight removable and adjustable antennas. You get to know the status of your bands, WAN, LAN and WPS activity through front edge LED lights. At the rear you have your 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports, WAN port, and two 3.0 USB ports. If you need more connectivity from the LAN ports you can pair two for aggregation linking and this will give you a combined speed of 1Gbps.
A 1.8GHz dual core processor powers the router. This is supported by 256MB of flash memory and 1GB of RAM. The 802.11ac 4×4 tri-band router is capable of delivering 1Gbps on its 2.4GHz band and 2,167Mbps for its 5GHz band. The router also comes with MU-MIMO for simultaneous data streaming and beamforming for focused transmission of signals. When it comes to gaming this, router is on a class of its own, you game boost for gaming traffic prioritization and it supports gamers private network (GPN), Trend Micro-Powered Game Intrusion Protection System (IPS) for malware and virus protection.
Pros
- Many gaming related features
- 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- High speed throughput performance
- Works with Alexa voice commands
- Fast dual processor chip
Cons
- Bulky and expensive
Conclusion: So, Which is better – Netgear ac5300 or Asusac5300?
If you are serious about gaming then the Asus GTac5300is our winner. The router is tri-band clocking a maximum theoretical speed of 5.3Gbps. It comes with the latest gaming customization options plus innovative router technologies like beamforming and MU-MIMO. The router has eight adjustable antennas and is one of the only router in the market to spot 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
FAQ
How many Ethernet ports does the Asus GTac5300 have?
The Asus GTac5300 is one of the few routers in the market to feature 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports with the option of combining two to get total speeds of 2Gbps.
Is the Netgear ac5300 bulky?
The Netgear ac5300 is a router designed to meet internet needs for large homes. This means it is large and bulky, though you can mount it on a wall.
