Netgear Nighthawk X6 VS Asus RT-AC86U- Which is the better gaming router for long range use?
Online gaming is always most enjoyable when you are using a Wi-Fi router that is able to deliver fast throughput speeds and great range. Both the Nighthawk X6 and Asus RT- AC86U offer gamers these features making them one of most sort after routers today. In this review, we look at their features and find out the more efficient option for gaming.
These two routers boast great performance regardless of the distance between the router and connected devices which makes them ideal for online gaming use even in big houses. Another advantage about the Netgear X6 and Asus RT-AC86U is that they are also equipped with Gigabit Ethernet ports that you can easily connect your gaming console, and enjoy smooth online gaming with your pals. However, they do differ in various ways.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between the Netgear Nighthawk X6 router and ASUS RT-AC86U?
Model |
Netgear Nighthawk X6 (Winner) |
ASUS RT- AC86U |
Wi-Fi spec |
AC3200 |
AC2900 |
No. of antennas |
6 (Not removable) |
4 (3 are removable) |
Connectivity options |
1 WAN/4 LAN, USB 3.0,USB 2.0 |
1WAN/4LAN gigabit ports, USB 2.0, USB 3.0 |
Processor |
Dual Core1 GHz |
Broadcom dual-core 1.8GHz/256MB/512MB |
Wi-Fi chip |
Broadcom BCM4709A0 |
Broadcom BCM4366E |
Peak 802.11 ac performance |
702.4 Mbps |
667.8 Mbps (15ft) |
Range |
165 ft. |
95 ft. |
Size |
11.5 x 8.9 x 2.2 inches |
8.5 x 7.5 x 1.5 inches |
Availability |
Netgear Nighthawk X6 vs ASUS RT-AC86U –How do they compare?
Design
In this comparison, the ASUS RT- AC86U has a more practical design as compared to the Nighthawk X6 router. This is because the Nighthawk X6 measures 11.5 x 8.9 x 2.2 inches with 6 non- removable antennas that makes it look bulky. The RT-AC86U on the other hand is smaller as it measures 8.5 x 7.5 x 1.5 inches and sits up right with 3 removable antennas. Its size grants you more options on where you can be able to place it without having to interfere with the organisation of your living room. In addition to that, you can also remove its antennas which gives it a very nice and simple look.
Performance and speed
A good gaming Wi-Fi router should deliver fast throughput speeds consistently even when multiple devices are connected to it.
The ASUS RT-AC86U has a more powerful processor than the Nighthawk X6. This is because the RT-AC86U router has a Broadcom dual-core 1.8 GHz processor while the latter has a Dual core 1GHz processor. Without a doubt, thisslightly updated version of processor enables the router to operate efficiently at all times even when you connect multiple devices to it. However, the Nighthawk X6 delivers faster internet download speeds and covers more range as compared to the ASUS RT- AC86U. It has a 802.11 ac peak performance speeds of 702.4 Mbps at 15ft and range of 165ft which enables you to enjoy seamless online game play consistently without reducing its internet download speeds. The RT-AC86U on the other hand, has slower 802.11 ac peak performance speeds of 667.8 Mbps at 15ft. and a range of 95 ft.
Netgear Nighthawk X6 vs Asus RT- AC86U- A comparison review
Netgear Nighthawk X6 router
- Recommended for up to 50 devices: Reliably stream videos, play games, surf the internet, and connect...
- Wired Ethernet ports: plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and other nearby wired devices...
The Netgear brand developed a unique design with the Nighthawk X6 as it is a black, parallelogram shaped router with grills and 6 antennas. You have to set it up horizontally because of its 6 antennas that can neither be removed nor folded. Aside from that, this router has 13 LED lights on the front which blink whenever the router is on. These lights inform you what specific channels the router is connected to and can be switched off if you don’t fancy them.
This Wi-Fi router has a 1GHz processor which enables it to operate for very long period of time without heating up. Therefore it allows you to connect your gaming device and enjoy online gaming for as long as you want without having to worry about the efficiency of the router when it’s on for a long time. The Nighthawk X6 has three channels, one 2.4GHz channel and two 5GHz channels which help in speeding up downloading speeds that enable you to enjoy flawless online gaming experience. This Wi-Fi router is tri- band with 3200 Mbps throughput speeds with efficient Wi-Fi coverage of up to 3500 square ft. This makes it an ideal router for anyone who has a medium to large house.
That aside, the Nighthawk X6 router has great connectivity options with two ports, a USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 port which enables you to easily connect external storage devices to it and enjoy sharing data through the networks with minimum effort. It’s also equipped with the genie software that is user friendly. This app shows you which devices are connected to the router and is very easy to operate.
Pros
- User friendly software.
- Great Wi-Fi coverage.
- It can support a lot of devices efficiently.
- Great connectivity options.
Cons
- It does not support e-SATA
ASUS RT-AC86U
- Connector Type : USB
- Dual-band (2.4 plus 5 GHz) AC2900 wireless router with the latest 802. 11AC MU-MIMO technology for data...
The RT-AC86U router measures 8.5 x 7.5 x 1.5 inches with 3 removable antennas. Its small size offers you more practicality and flexibility as compared to other routers as it gives you a wider variety of options on where you can place it. This router is also placed upright enabling to fit in small spaces soon. Performance is key for this router as it is equipped with a 1.8GHz dual- core processor with a Broadcom BCM 4366E Wi-Fi chip. This processor guarantees you maximum efficiency and consistent internet download speeds which is ideal for online gameplay as you will rarely experience internet lag. In additions to its hardware, it has a 256MB RAM and storage space of 512MB.
One feature that makes this route special is the MU-MIMO technology that enables it to operate at its optimum speeds even when there are multiple devices connected to it. This is essential for gamers because you won’t experience any form of lag even when other devices are also connected to the router. The RT-AC86U has 802.11 ac peak performance speeds of 667.8 Mbps at 15ft. and a range of 95 ft. This range works well for big houses. The ASUS router app shows you all the information concerned with the router however, the only way you can set up this router is through the use of a browser.
Pros
- It has a great build design.
- It covers long range efficiently.
- It has good security customizations.
- Great performance.
Cons
- It’s has slow throughput speeds on short range
Verdict: So which is better? The Netgear Nighthawk X6 or the ASUS RT-AC86U?
In this comparison, theNighthawk X6 is the winner for gaming in a large house as compared to the ASUS RT-AC86U. This is because the Nighthawk X6 has faster throughputspeeds and covers more range as compared to the RT-AC86U making it the ideal router if you live in a medium to large house. Reason being, you are assured of seamless internet connection even when your gaming console is far from the router.
FAQs
Is it possible to place the ASUS RT-AC86U router horizontally?
The design of this router doesn’t allow you to place the router horizontally because of the position of its antennas. The correct way of placing it on a table is by placing it upright.
Can the Nighthawk X6 work properly in a large house with thick walls?
Yes it can,as this Wi-Fi router is tri- band with 3200 Mbps throughput speeds with efficient Wi-Fi coverage of up to 3500 square ft. This makes it an ideal router for anyone who has a medium to large house.
