Netgear nighthawk x8 vs. Asus ac5300 – Which offers the best Wi-Fi coverage?
When it comes to high intensive gaming or 4K video streaming you need the fastest router in the market. The more Ethernet ports you have the better it is for your consoles
The next phase of tri-band routers are massive and come with multiple gigabit Ethernet ports to support all your gaming consoles. These routers are meant for those houses with multiple clients using the Wi-Fi network and bandwidth hungry devices. The Nighthawk x8 and Asus ac5300 belong to these class of routers; here we check out some of the key reasons that make them a darling by gamers.
Table of Contents
What are the key differences between the Netgear nighthawk x8 and Asus ac5300?
Model |
Netgear Nighthawk x8 |
Asus ac5300 (Winner) |
Dimensions |
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 processor |
1.8GHz Quad core processor |
Beamforming |
1024QAM high data rate, standard based beamforming |
Implicit & explicit beamforming |
USB ports |
1 2.0 USB, 1 3.0 USB |
Two USB ports – 3.0 and 2.0 |
Speeds |
1Gbps for 2.4GHz band, 2,167Mbps for 5GHz |
1Gbps + 2,166Mbps + 2,166Mbps |
Availability |
Netgear nighthawk x8 vs. Asus ac5300 – How do they differ?
Design
When it comes to size the Nighthawk x8 is a massive router larger than the Asus ac5300. The router is so massive that it will not fit in most bookshelves and needs to be wall mounted. The Nighthawk comes with four rotating antennas; the best part is they integrated amplifiers so the signal strength is very good. Unlike other routers with very bright LED lights those on the nighthawk are a bit subdued. When it comes to LAN gigabit Ethernet ports the x8 has six while the Asus GT comes with a massive eight ports. You can aggregate two ports for combined speeds of up to 1Gpbs. The Asus eight external antennas are both adjustable and removable. When fully erect they make the router look like a giant spider.
Processor speed
The Asus GT ac5300 is a 4×4 tri-band 802.11ac router that runs on a 1.8GHz quad core processor. This processor is boosted by 256MB of flash memory and 1GB of RAM. Since the Asus uses the 1024 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation technology it is capable of hitting speeds of up to 1Gbps on the 2.4GHz band and 2,167Mbps for the 5GHz band. In addition, the Asus is back by beamforming and MU-MIMO technologies. The Nighthawk operates on a 1.4GHz dual core processor that ensures fast internet speeds.
Installation and technologies
The Asus GT ac5300 shines in its use of various gaming technologies. Firstly, you can have one of your gaming LAN ports getting more bandwidth to support your gaming consoles. Then, there is the GameBoost that will analyze your network and give priority to your gaming consoles. The VPN fusion ensures that you do not experience any latency for your gaming internet connection. The Trend Micro-powered Game Intrusion Protection System (IPS) ensures that your network is protected from malware and viruses. Installation and management of your ROG router is through its gaming console and app. The Nighthawk does support beamforming and MU-MIMO technologies and this ensures consistent and focused signal strength. You can use the x8 as an access point, media server or wireless range extender. The x8 offers lots of customization options through its Genie app for Android and iOS.
Netgear nighthawk x8 vs. Asus ac5300 – A Comparison Overview
Netgear nighthawk x8 – 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 nighthawk is a large router meant for large homes. It boasts of amplified antennas and the latest MU-MIMO technologies. The Nighthawk measures 12.4 x 10.4 x 2.4 inches and this makes it one of the largest routers in the market. Due to its large size the router may not fit in cramped house spaces and so you may need to wall mount it.
When it comes to speed you will not have to worry about slowness anymore. The nighthawk can hit 1Gbps on the 2.4GHz band and 2,166Gbps on the two 5GHz bands. This gives the Nighthawk a total throughput speed of 5.3Gbps. The router comes with a load balancing feature that puts your internet slow devices on one channel hence leaving you with an extra 5GHz band for fast internet loading of videos and games. The Nighthawk 13 LED lights are subdued so you do not have to worry about them lighting up like Christmas lights at night.
The Nighthawk is one of the few routers in the market that have six Gigabit Ethernet ports. You can also combine two of the ports for a single fast-wired connection. The router also comes with a 2.0 USB and 3.0 USB port. When it comes to speed the Nighthawk delivers speeds of 736.8Mbps for its three bands at 15 feet and 641.2Mbps at 5 feet. The x8 can operate as an access point and setting it up is very easy.
Pros
- Multiple LAN ports
- Tri-band router with impressive speeds
- Multiple customizable options
- Also operates as an access point
Cons
- Expensive and bulky router
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 GT ROG Rapture ac5300 is a serious router for those interested in playing high intensive online video games without suffering from low internet connectivity. Besides, the high price the ac5300 delivers impressive internet speeds and range and is one of the first routers to spot eight Gigabit Ethernet ports. This means you can port all your gaming consoles, printers, and computers without the need of a separate switch.
The Asus GT ac5300 looks like a big spider crawling from outer space. It measures 9.6 x 9.6 x 2.5 inches and this makes it one of the largest routers in the market. The color design is like most Asus routers with black and red ASUS logo colors. What makes the router really stand out is its eight adjustable and removable antennas. At the front you have six small LED lights that give you the status for your bands, LAN and WAN connectivity. At the back are the iconic eight Gigabit Ethernet ports, WAN port, two 3.0 USB ports and reset/power buttons. You have the option of combining two LAN ports for a total of 2Gbps of speed.
The 4×4 tri-band 802.11ac runs on a quad core 1.8GHz processor with 256MB of flash memory and 1GB of RAM. Courtesy of 1024 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation technology, the Asus ac5300 is capable of hitting speeds of up to 1000Mbps for the 2.4GHz band and 2,167Mbps for each of the 5GHz bands. You also get better signal strength and transmission courtesy of beamforming and MU-MIMO technologies.
Pros
- Multiple LAN ports
- High processor speeds
- Optimized management features for gaming
- Fast internet speeds
- Works with Alexa voice commands
Cons
- Large footprint
Conclusion: So, Which is better – the Netgear Nighthawk x8 or Asus ac5300?
If you are looking for a gaming router, then the Asus GT ac5300is one of the best gaming routers in the market. This tri-band router offers speeds of 1Gbps for its 2.4GHz band and 2,167Mbps for its 5GHz band. A powerful 1.8GHz quad-core processor runs it. The multiple gaming features and customization options make this router stand out. It is sleek but a bit bulky and suitable for large homes.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the Asus ac5300 smart connect?
This is a technology that keeps alternating bandwidth for the 2.4GHz and 5GHz band so you can get the best signal strength and coverage.
Does the Netgear Nighthawk x8 have QoS?
The Quality of Service feature allows a router to prioritize bandwidth for certain devices like those doing video streaming or games. The x8 uses a dynamic QoS.
