Netgear Nighthawk vs. Asus RT ac68u – Choosing a quality wireless router
Though both Netgear Nighthawk and Asus RT ac68u have been in the industry for long, they are still relevant routers that outdo most modern routers. Find out how these two routers compare.
Since we installed a router in our home, some of our rooms have always struggled to get the internet. You could not stream videos from our bedroom, which is located on the upper floor. We also discovered that some of our devices struggled to stay connected for long. Such issues made us start looking for a better wireless router. We came across Netgear Nighthawk and Asus RT ac68u and decided to compare them. This is what we discovered.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Netgear Nighthawk and Asus RT ac68u?
Name |
Netgear nighthawk (Winner) |
Asus RT ac68u |
Ethernet ports |
4 |
5 |
Speed |
Download speed-150 Mbps
Upload speed-40 Mbps |
Download speed-160 Mbps
Upload speed-50 Mbps |
Weight |
1.8 pounds |
1.4 pounds |
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Netgear Nighthawk vs. Asus RT ac68u- How do they compare
Ports
Even though both routers have a lot of common features, the number of Ethernet ports in them is not the same. While Netgear Nighthawk comes with 4 Ethernet ports, Asus RT ac68u has five of them.
Asus RT ac68u, therefore, provides more room for you to connect numerous wired devices.
Security
A good router should secure your network properly to prevent you from any threats. Netgear Nighthawk does a good job since it supports WPA2 security protocols. It also offers VPN support and features a double firewall. This router can prevent you from DoS attacks. The Netgear Armor also lets you enjoy antivirus protection. Feel free to run scans so that you can quickly identify any possible threats or flaws. Asus RT ac68u, on the other hand, utilizes WPA2-AES encryption.
Netgear Nighthawk is, therefore, more secure since it has numerous security features.
Performance
Asus RT ac68u and Netgear Nighthawk are dual-band routers that can deliver maximum speeds of 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. We conducted real tests on both routers and discovered some differences in their performance. Netgear Nighthawk offered speed rates of up to 430 Mbps at 15 feet on the 5 GHz band. On the other hand, Asus RT ac68u recorded rates of 400 Mbps on the 5 GHz channel from the same distance.
Netgear Nighthawk is, therefore, a higher-performing router since it delivers faster speeds.
Netgear Nighthawk vs. Asus RT ac68u – A comparison overview
Netgear Nighthawk
- Fast wifi performance: Get up to 1800 square feet wireless coverage with AC1900 speed (Dual band up to...
- Recommended for up to 30 devices: Reliably stream videos, play games, surf the internet, and connect...
One of the things that make people choose Netgear Nighthawk is its unique design. This router features a plastic study case and has some sharp angular lines. Unlike in other routers, the matte finish prevents it from fingerprints. It also comes with at least three external antennas that you can detach from the body. The antennas not only complement the cool design but also optimize the wifi signal. Due to the jet-like design of this router, you can only position it upright to get an excellent signal from it. The base also contains some rubber components that prevent it from slipping.
Like other router models, Netgear Nighthawk features LEDs and ports such as USB, WAN, and LAN ports. You can use the included 3.0 and 2.0 USB ports to connect different devices to it. This router not only makes use of TurboQAM technology but also has impressive hardware. It features a 1GHz dual-core processor and RAM of 256 MB.
We found the Netgear Genie interface to be simplified. This enables you to set up the password and username of your home network. You can also keep track of different statistics from Netgear Genie and configure your router accordingly. Most users also like the inclusion of numerous features in Netgear Nighthawk. It contains not only an in-built VPN server but also QoS settings, parental controls, and openDNS.
The maximum speed rates that this router can deliver are 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz channel and 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz channel. Most users choose this router since it offers stability and extensive coverage. You can enjoy streaming videos while using this router without experiencing any connection problems. The router also lets you manage your network both locally and remotely.
Pros
- It comes with an enhanced QoS feature
- Offers consistent speeds
- Includes LEDs and numerous ports
- Great coverage
Cons
- Some people find it to be cumbersome.
Asus RT ac68u
- Dual band with the latest 802; 11 AC 3x3 technology for combined speeds of up to 1900 Mbps
- 1 GigaHertz dual core CPU enables smart multitasking by dedicating separate lanes for Wi Fi and USB data;...
If you are looking for a user-friendly router, you should consider this model. This is a dual-band router that makes use of the 802.11 ac technology. You can use this router at home or in a small office. It comes with advanced features that make it perform well. This router can support multiple devices and help you eliminate dead zones in a home.
Most users like the sharp design of this model. It contains some decorative diamond patterns and a logo from the company. Since it is a compact router, you don’t need a lot of space for it. It is a lightweight router that features a non-removable stand. On the front part of this router, you should notice at least ten LEDs that show you the status of the USB device connections and wireless bands.
Asus RT ac68u includes 5 Ethernet ports and 2 USB ports consisting of a 2.0 and 3.0. These USB ports can support printers, external drives as well as mobile broadband devices. Just like Netgear Nighthawk, this router features TurboQAM technology. It also makes use of a Broadcom wireless controller.
The manufacturer includes a quick start guide to help you set up the router easily. One of the concerns that most internet users have is hacking threats. Eliminate such worries by choosing this router since it ensures that your network is secure. It works with a solid encryption system that can prevent you from any security issues. The management interface is also quite stylish. You should expect to see most of the standard features found in quality routers here. For instance, it offers Quality of Service and parental controls.
Pros
- It has a polished management interface
- Comes with advanced features
- Easy to set up
Cons
- The stand is non-removable
- You don’t get notifications for new firmware
Conclusion
Asus and Netgear are multinational companies that have been making routers for years. A wireless router sends data packets to the right destination. Most customers are torn between choosing routers from these companies since they both produce quality products. Understanding the differences between various models can, however, simplify your search.
Verdict: So, which is better? Netgear Nighthawk vs. Asus RT ac68u
We took our time to compare both of these models and found a lot of similarities compared to differences. Both are quality routers that utilize advanced technology, which boosts their performance. Despite this, we found Netgear Nighthawk to be better than Asus RT ac68u since it delivers higher speeds and is more reliable. We liked the inclusion of parental controls and OpenVPN, which facilitates secure surfing. The addition of dynamic QoS in this router enables us to enjoy better gaming and streaming.
FAQs
Which mobile app does Netgear Nighthawk use?
The circle. Through this app, you can set a particular number of hours for devices connected to your network to access the internet.
Can Asus RT ac68u cover a big house?
Yes. This is designed for homes and offices since it offers extensive coverage.
