Netgear AX12 VS Asus AX88U – Which is the better router overall?
Are you are looking for a router that will provide you with stable internet connection and fast throughput speeds at home? Then you should have a look at the Netgear AX12 and Asus AX88U and see how they compare to find out the better one for your needs.
The Netgear AX12 and Asus AX88U are both equipped with great features that enables them to support the latest wireless connection technology. They are even compatible with Wi-Fi 6 enabled devices and guarantee you quality data transmission at all times even under heavy use. These routers also come with high performance bandwidths which provide you with great throughput speeds efficiently. However, they do have a few differences as seen in the table below.
Model |
Netgear AX12 (Winner) |
Asus AX88U |
Processor |
64bit quad-core 2.2GHz, 512MB RAM , 1GB storage space |
1.8 GHz quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, 256MB storage space |
Throughput speeds |
2.4GHz- 1200Mbps, 5GHz- 4800Mbps |
2.4GHz- 1148Mbps , 5GHz- 4333Mbps |
Connectivity options |
4Gigabit LAN, 1Gigabit WAN, (1)5/2.5G/1GMulti-Gig LAN |
8Gigabit LAN, 1Gigabit WAN, 2 USB 3.0 ports |
size |
12.2 x 7.48 x 1.77 inches |
11.8 x 7.4 x 2.4 inches |
No. of antennas |
2 (foldable) |
4 antennas |
Weight |
3lbs |
2.1lbs |
Availability |
Table of Contents
Netgear AX12 vs Asus AX88U- How do they compare?
Design
The Netgear AX12 has a better looking design as compared to the Asus AX88U. The AX12 measures 12.2 x 7.48 x 1.77 inches with 2 foldable antennas giving it a simple and neat look. On the other hand, the Asus AX88U, is slightly smaller as it measures 11.8 x 7.4 x 2.4 inches but has 4 antennas that cannot be folded making it look bulky. Aside from this, the AX12 design offers more practicality as compared to the Asus AX88U. The AX12 is still able to efficiently support great signal strengths even when the antennas are folded, which grants you more options on where you can place the router without having to re-arrange your entire living room.
Performance and speed
The easiest way to determine a good router from a sub- standard router is by looking at their processors and maximum throughput speeds through their respective bandwidths.
The Netgear AX12 has a more powerful processor as compared to the Asus AX88U as it is equipped with a 64bit quad-core 2.2GHz processor with 512MB RAM and 1GB storage space. With such a processor, this router is able to operate efficiently and still attain maximum performance even when multiple devices are connected to it. The Asus AX88U on the other hand uses a 1.8 GHz quad-core processor with 1GB RAM, and storage space of 256MB for firmware settings.
In addition to this, the Netgear AX12 has faster throughput speeds as compared to the Asus AX88U. This is because it has two independent channels, a 2.4GHz channel that provides throughput speeds of upto 1200Mbps and a 5GHz channel that provides 4800Mbps. With this router, you are guaranteed fast internet speeds any time you connect your devices which enhances quality streaming of data throughout. The Asus AX88U router also has two channels, a 2.4GHz channel that provides throughput speeds of up to 1148Mbps and a 5GHz channel that provides 4333Mps.
Connectivity options
It is very essential to have a router that is compatible with a number of external storage devices. In this comparison, the Netgear AX12 is equipped with more connectivity ports as compared to the Asus AX88U router. It comes with 4Gigabit LAN, 1Gigabit WAN, (1)5/2.5G/1GMulti-Gig LANand 2 USB3.0 ports which enables you to connect multiple storage devices and share data through the networks simultaneously. The Asus AX88U on the other hand, has 8Gigabit LAN, 1Gigabit WAN, 2 USB 3.0 ports but does not have Multi-Gig LAN port.
Netgear AX12 vs Asus AX88U- A comparison review
Netgear AX12
- Maximum Range : 3500 Sq Ft
- UNLEASH FASTER SPEED, EVEN MORE POWER: Optimal for devices built to support WiFi 6: Playstation 5, iPhone...
This router measures 12.2 x 7.48 x 1.77 inches and has 2 antennas which you can be folded and still provide you with great performance. It is equipped with a 64Bit quad-core 2.2GHz, 512 MB RAM with a storage space of 1GB which enables the router to operate for a long time and still be able to maintain its efficiency even under heavy use. In addition to this, it comes with a fan that switches on when the router’s temperatures start rising. The fan helps the router maintain cool temperatures for consistent high performance throughout.
The Netgear RAX120 is also equipped with 2 functional bands, a 2.4GHz band that provides throughput speeds of up to 1200Mbps and a 5GHz band that provides throughput speeds of 4800Mbps. These bandwidths provide fast throughput speeds that enable you to stream 4k videos without experiencing any form of lag or buffer making it an ideal router. It also supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology without reducing its performance. You don’t have to worry about having devices that operate on the 802.11ax standard because this router transmits Wi-Fi 6 network data efficiently. This router also comes with Dynamic DNS and QoS settings that enables you to set how the router shall prioritize connected devices. Aside from this, the RAX120 can easily be set up through a web browser as it has a user-friendly interface that is easy to work with.
Pros
- Good build design.
- User- friendly software interface.
- Great throughput speeds.
- Supports Wi-Fi 6 technology.
Cons
- It does not have malware protection.
Asus AX88U
- Next gen Wi-Fi standard 802.11Ax Wi-Fi standard for better efficiency and throughput; ultrafast Wi-Fi...
- Certified for Humans – Smart home made easy for non-experts. Setup with Alexa is simple.
This router is black in colour and measures 11.8 x 7.4 x 2.4 inches with4 antennas that are upright to enhance good quality signal strengths at all times. It is equipped with a 1.8 GHz quad-core processor with 1GB RAM, and storage space of 256MB for firmware settings. This processor enables it to operate efficiently even under heavy use. . The Asus AX88U router also has two channels, a 2.4GHz channel that provides throughput speeds of up to 1148Mbps and a 5GHz channel that provides throughput speeds of up to 4333Mps. These bandwidths guarantee you fast data transmission speeds enabling you to enjoy a smooth internet experience.
This router also comes with AiProtection which protects your devices from harmful networks by denying the device access to that particular website. Another features that is impressive in this router is that it has Qos settings and a bandwidth monitor that helps you keep track of how devices have been using data when connected to the router.You can set up this router step by step through a web browser.
There are two features that make this router stand out, Aimesh technology and Game-boost. The Aimesh technology enables the router to cover more range. Game-boost enables the router to choose the best server for gaming enabling you to enjoy smooth online gaming with low ping. The Asus AX88U has 8Gigabit LAN, 1Gigabit WAN, 2 USB 3.0 ports but does not have Multi-Gig LAN port. The two USB ports are positioned differently as one is on the front of the router and the other one is at the back.
Pros
- It has Aiprotection.
- Good throughput speeds.
- Very useful features such as the bandwidth monitor.
- Powerful processor.
Cons
It does not support Multi-Gig network port
Verdict: So which is the better? The Netgear AX12 or the Asus AX88U?
In this comparison, the Netgear AX12 is the overall winner as compared to the Asus AX88U. This is because it has a more powerful processor which guarantees you maximum efficiency at all times even under heavy use. In addition to this, the AX12 has faster throughput speeds as compared to the AX88U and a wider variety of connectivity options making it the better overall router. It also has a more practical and better looking design.
FAQs
What is the advantage of the bandwidth monitor on the Asus AXX88U?
This feature enables you to keep track of all the devices that are connected to the router and the amount of data being used by each of them.
Can the Netgear AX12 support streaming of 4K videos without buffer?
Yes it can, as it has very reliable bandwidths that provide throughput speeds of up to 4800Mbps which is enough to support 4K video streaming.
