Asus RT‑AC88Uby Asus

TECHWALLA
VERDICT
Clearly above average. Only a couple of issues keep this from being best in class.
87 %
TECHWALLA SCORE
based on the following sites
  • 90%
  • 90%
  • 89%
  • 78%
  • Show More Reviews

PROS

  • The Asus RT-AC88U router delivers super-fast Wi-Fi performance.
  • The RT-AC88U has eight Gigabit Ethernet ports, a big plus for connected homes with systems that require wired connections to routers.
  • The lavish feature bundle includes a number of tweaks that should appeal to advanced users, media streamers, and gamers.

CONS

  • It's pricey for a consumer router.
  • Some performance features won't work with most legacy gear.
  • Many users won't need or know how to use all its bells and whistles.
The Asus RT-AC88U dual-band Wi-Fi router supports the fastest version of the current 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard with MU-MIMO technology in a 4x4 antenna configuration. It has eight Gigabit Ethernet ports rather than the four ports most Wi-Fi routers have, a USB port, and a slew of other features designed primarily with gamers in mind. At $300, it is one of the priciest consumer Wi-Fi routers on the market, but it is one of the most capable.
Name Asus RT‑AC88U AC3200 Ultra Wi-Fi DIR-890L/R Router Nighthawk X6 Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router AirPort Extreme (2013) Linksys EA9200 AC3200 Tri-band Smart Wi-Fi Wireless Router OnHub
Manufacturer Asus D-Link Netgear Apple Linksys Google
Techwalla Score
87%
81%
80%
77%
72%
71%
List Price $300 $310 $300 $199 $300 $200
90%

The RT-AC88U offers a wealth of management options in a thoughtfully designed user interface and delivers blazing throughput on both the 2.4…

The RT-AC88U offers a wealth of management options in a thoughtfully designed user interface and delivers blazing throughput on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. It's our top pick for high-end routers.

Read Full Review
90%

You'll pay a lot for the Asus RT-AC88U, but it has everything you'd want in a router. If you have the money, this is the router to get.

You'll pay a lot for the Asus RT-AC88U, but it has everything you'd want in a router. If you have the money, this is the router to get.

Read Full Review
89%

Build quality of this router is solid from the internal components to the external design, and on that note, I have always enjoyed the level…

Build quality of this router is solid from the internal components to the external design, and on that note, I have always enjoyed the levels of edgy design ASUS has used with its products and with the 88U this has never been more pronounced.

Read Full Review
78%

While current wireless client devices can't fully utilise all the wireless tech, the router is still crammed full of innovative features tha…

While current wireless client devices can't fully utilise all the wireless tech, the router is still crammed full of innovative features that will appeal to many, especially PC gamers. For the rest of us, these advanced features aren't going to be worth the price premium today.

Read Full Review

ASUS fanbois have been all worked up about the RT-AC88U, judging from SNBForums discussions. But neither our chamber nor real life tests pro…

ASUS fanbois have been all worked up about the RT-AC88U, judging from SNBForums discussions. But neither our chamber nor real life tests provide reason for such excitement, at least on the basis of wireless performance.

Read Full Review

Overall, the Asus RT-AC88U is the new benchmark for 4x4 MU-MIMO routers. Its package of chart-topping performance, next-gen features, eight …

Overall, the Asus RT-AC88U is the new benchmark for 4x4 MU-MIMO routers. Its package of chart-topping performance, next-gen features, eight LAN ports, and a full-featured software package for both the desktop and mobile is going to be tough to beat.

Read Full Review

TOP RATED Smart Home

VIEW ALL