Netgear Nighthawk ax12 vs. Asus RT ax88U – Which one is better?
The Netgear Nighthawk ax12 and Asus RT ax88U are excellent routers as far as wide range transmissions go. They are fast and reliable, but they differ in a number of ways. So which one is better?
Installing a high speed and wide range internet transmission router is one of the best decisions you can make for your home. It makes for seamless connections, especially when you have many devices such as computers, tablets, phones, TVs and gaming consoles.
The Netgear Nighthawk ax12 and Asus RT ax88U are two devices that are built for internet transmission in large homes that have multiple devices. They share a number of similarities, especially as far as performance goes. We did an in-depth research on them to see which one supersedes the other. Here are our findings.
Table of Contents
What is the difference between the Netgear Nighthawk ax12 and Asus RT ax88U?
Model |
Netgear Nighthawk ax12 |
Asus RT ax88U (Winner) |
Dimensions |
12.2 x 2.75 x 1.22 inches |
11.8 x 7.4 x 2.4 inches |
Range |
Large multi-storey homes |
Large multi-storey homes |
Transmission speeds |
2.4 GHz – 1200 Mbps 5 GHz – 4800 Mbps |
2.4 GHz – 1148 Mbps 5 GHz – 4333 Mbps 5 GHz – 4804 Mbps |
Processor |
2.2 GHz Quad-Core |
11.8 x 7.4 x 2.4 inches |
Ports |
1 WAN, 4 LAN, 2 USB |
1 WAN, 4 LAN, 2 USB |
Availability |
Netgear Nighthawk ax12 vs. Asus RT ax88U – How do they compare?
Design and Build
The Netgear Nighthawk ax12 makes for an interesting look. It has upward facing extensions on two side panels that make it resemble a bird in flight. It is an average sized gadget whose measurements are 12.2 inches long by 2.75 inches wide by 1.22 inches wide. It can be set up on a flat surface, and with its measurements, it will occupy only little space. It does not have visible antennas, but there are 8 internal antennas that are convenient for boosting the speed and range of internet signals across wide spaces.
On first glance, the Asus RT ax88U strikes you as a sleek device. It has a rectangular shape and it measures 11.8 inches long by 7.4 inches wide by 2.4 inches deep, making it only slightly smaller than the Netgear Nighthawk ax12. It can also be set up on a flat surface such as a desk or shelf without compromising on space. It has 4 external antennas that work to increase transmission as far as speed and range go.
The Netgear Nighthawk ax12 makes for a better looking router owing to its unique design coupled with the fact that its antennas are tucked away but work effectively none the less.
Performance and Speed
The Netgear Nighthawk ax12 is a powerful router that is meant to support heavy internet use across multiple devices in an expansive home. It operates on a 2.2GHz Quad Core processor to achieve this. Further, it has a 1GB RAM and 512MB flash memory for support. This router supports WiFi6 internet transmission, and it transmits two speeds at 2 bandwidths. A 2.4GHz bandwidth delivers 1200Mbps and a 5GHz bandwidth delivers 4800Mbps. It supports 4K and 8K streaming across 12 devices, and it is powerful enough to cover a large house without any dead zones.
The Asus RT ax88U is a strong contender for some of the most reliable speeds for large multi-storey homes. It has a 1.8GHz quad core processor that works alongside a 1GB RAM and 512MB flash memory. This router is a tri-band gadget that transmits three different speeds. The 2.4GHz bandwidth delivers 1148Mbps and the 5GHz bandwidth delivers 4333Mbps. A secondary 5GHz bandwidth results in 4804Mbps. It also comfortably supports 4K and 8K streaming on several devices at the same time.
The Asus RT ax88U stands out as a better performer since it is a tri-band router that has a slightly higher speed than the Netgear Nighthawk ax12.
Ports and Connectivity
When it comes to ports, the Netgear Nighthawk ax12 comes with one WAN port and 4 LAN ports that support Gigabit transmission. They are ideal for Ethernet connections. It also comes with 2 USB ports. This device comes with a Netgear App that you can download on your mobile device for easy set up and control. For protection, this device comes with the NETGEAR Armor that keeps it from being affected by cyber attacks.
The Asus RT ax88U is a little more accommodative than the Netgear Nighthawk ax12. It has 1 WAN port and 8 LAN ports, meaning that you can connect more devices to it. It has 2 USB ports as well that can connect devices such as printers.
This router also comes with a mobile app that allows you to control it from the comfort of your phone. You can also use this app to set up the router after purchase. For protection, it comes with AiProtect, a software that prevents it from being attacked by viruses and other cyber elements.
The Asus RT ax88U is the winner in this category because it comes with 4 extra LAN ports.
Netgear Nighthawk ax12 vs. Asus ax88U Overview
Netgear Nighthawk ax12 Overview
- Maximum Range : 3500 Sq Ft
- UNLEASH FASTER SPEED, EVEN MORE POWER: Optimal for devices built to support WiFi 6: Playstation 5, iPhone...
This router features a unique build that makes it look like a flying bird. Its 12.2 x 2.75 x 1.22 inches measurements make it an average sized router that does not require too much space. It operates on a 2.2GHz processor, and is a device that transmits internet at 2 speeds. It supports 4K and 8K streaming on up to 12 devices.
The 2.4GHz bandwidth transmits at 1200Mbps while the 5GHzbandwidth delivers a 4800Mbps transmission speed. As far as matters ports go, this router comes with one WAN port, 4 LAN ports for Gigabit transmission and 2 USB ports for other device connections.
It comes with a Netgear App that allows you to control it from your mobile phone. For protection, it has a NETGEAR Armor software that protects it from cyber attacks.
Pros
- It is fast
- It comes with a mobile app
- It has NETGEAR Armor for protection
Cons
- It is expensive
Asus RT ax88U Overview
- 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 sleek looking device is easy to install since its 11.8 x 7.4 x 2.4 inches measurements give it a convenient size. It has 4 external antennas that are great for speed and range boost.
It has a 1.8GHz quad core processor, and it transmits at 3 speeds with the 2.4GHZ bandwidth giving 1148Mbps, the 5GHZ bandwidth giving 4333Mbps and another 5GHZ giving 4804Mbps.
It comes with 1 WAN port, 8 LAN ports for Gigabit transmission and 2 USB ports. It comes with a mobile app for easy control, and AiProtect that protects it from cyber attacks.
Pros
- It is a fast router
- It has many LAN ports
- It comes with a mobile app for easy control
Cons
- It is quite expensive
Verdict: So, which one is better – Netgear Nighthawk ax12 or Asus RT ax88U?
The Asus RT ax88U is the winner in this comparison because it has slightly higher speeds and slightly better range. It also has more LAN ports than the Netgear Nighthawk ax12 that are ideal for your device connections.
FAQs
-
Is the Asus RT ax88U a beam forming router?
Yes, it is. It is a beam forming device that optimizes on internet speed and range.
-
Can I use the Netgear Nighthawk ax12 for gaming?
Yes, this router is actually an excellent device for gaming.
