First time I've added an external router so only comparing to ISP stuff. Build quality is nothing to write home about. I think the unit's size is just to accommodate the aerials as it feels like there's only electronics in its middle section and the sides are empty so it's a weird sort of hollow. Runs a bit warm in the middle part where the electronics are located but nothing major. I assumed at this price it would have a USB port so its lack of one is a bit disappointing ableit I'd probaby never use it.
I have around 15-20 devices connected at any one time between wired/wireless. I seem to permanently be using around 80-85% of the RAM, the CPU never seems to go above 15% on any one of its four cores and that's with four people streaming TV/games at once.
Setup was a piece of cake, just needed my ISP login details then connected up to my ISP modem/router set to bridge mode. The options screen on PC and Android app are very clear and easy to use to access features like parental control and see what's connected. I can't really see anything to improve there - more functions than I will ever need. You can set up 5 VPN profiles (i.e. multiple locations) and switch on/off via the app or PC which is good if you have a smart TV that can't run a VPN on its own. I only wish it was possible to be able to select certain devices to bypass the VPN as the missus might get cross if iplayer doesn't work (I understand some older Asus routers have a custom firmware that achieves this but this one's new and it's not yet supported).
In terms of the wi-fi signal, it is definitely better than my Technicolor ISP router. It was always acceptable but devices would switch between router and an extender at the back of the house (my router is unfortunately by the front door in a fairly large house). Nothing selects the extender now but I haven't gained much straight line distance so still lose signal a little way into the garden. Two floors above the router my phone on 2.4GHz shows a 57Mpbs Link Speed and I've seen speed test results of between 30-40Mbps depending on devices (my connection is around 80Mbps). One floor above the router a 5GHz signal is only showing 3/4 signal strength in Windows. It's more than adequate (around 48Mbps on a test) but I'm seeing the same strength from a neighbour's router and I'd expect to see a 'full' icon.
I'm happy with the device and have no regrets. I'm in a house with a loft conversion and the signal is good throughout despite its less than optimal positioning. Were it not for needing a signal to a detached garage I'd have no need for any extender at the back of the house now.
I haven't any alterantives to compare it to but my gut feeling is that it should be maybe £15-20 cheaper given the cheap feel or the hardware and lack of USB compared to cheaper alternatives.
EDIT - I bought another router to use as an Access Point for an Oculus Quest 2 which I prefer to use two floors up from this router. I got a Tenda AC1200 which is only £40. If all you want is better wifi then get the Tenda. At less than half the cost it produces a stronger wifi signal. It also has a USB port and ability to schedule the wi-fi to turn off which I thought was handy. It doesn't come close to the features of the Asus but for the average user it will be a great buy.
| Wireless Type | 802.11ax |
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