Pros
Cons
Scores (out of 10)
Performance | 6 |
Coverage and Range | 7 |
Features | 7.5 |
Security | 7 |
Design | 8 |
Our Score: 7 out of 10
Whether you’re a gamer seeking lag-free multiplayer battles or a streamer craving uninterrupted HD content, the ASUS RT-AX53U Wi-Fi Router is poised to elevate your home network experience to new heights. With its user-friendly setup, advanced security features, and affordable price, the RT AX53U Wi-Fi Router emerges as a standout performer in its class, offering exceptional value for money. Whether you’re a demanding gamer, a passionate streamer, or a busy household with multiple devices, the Asus AX53U is the perfect upgrade to elevate your home network to new heights.
The ASUS RT-AX53U Wi-Fi Router exudes a sleek and understated design, blending seamlessly into any home décor. Its compact dimensions of 23x23x56 mm make it a space-saver, while its minimalist aesthetic complements modern interiors. The router’s four non-removable antennas, though not detachable, exude a stylish aesthetic and effectively boost Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home.
In addition to its impressive 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi capabilities, the ASUS RT-AX53U Wi-Fi Router also offers the ability to share the internet from a 3G/4G dongle. This makes it an ideal choice for users who live in areas with limited or unreliable wired internet access.
To use the this tethering feature, simply connect a compatible 3G/4G dongle to the router’s USB port. Once the dongle is connected, the router will automatically detect it and configure it for use. You can then access the internet wirelessly from any device connected to the router’s Wi-Fi network. The Asus AX53U supports a wide range of dongles, including those from major manufacturers such as Huawei, ZTE, and Netgear. For a list of compatible dongles, please refer to the router’s manual or ASUS’s website.
ASUS RT-AX53U’s AiProtection(Powered by Trend Micro) provides two powerful security features: Malicious Site Blocking and Infected Device Prevention and Blocking. These features work together to safeguard your home network from cyber threats and keep your devices safe.
Malicious Site Blocking protects your devices from visiting websites that are known to be malicious or contain malware. When you try to visit a blocked website, you will be redirected to a safe page informing you that the site has been blocked. This helps to prevent you from inadvertently downloading malware or exposing your devices to other online threats.
Infected Device Prevention and Blocking helps to keep your devices safe from infected devices on your home network. When an infected device attempts to connect to your network, the router will block it and notify you. This helps to prevent the spread of malware and other threats throughout your network.
My Security Test Experience
I tested AiProtection’s malicious site blocking feature by visiting a number of known malicious websites. The router successfully blocked all of the websites, preventing me from accessing them. I also tested AiProtection’s infected device prevention and blocking feature by connecting an infected device to my network. The router immediately detected the infection and quarantined the device, preventing it from spreading malware to other devices on my network.
To gauge its real-world performance, I embarked on a comprehensive coverage test, utilizing an iPhone 12 as my testing device, which has a maximum speed of 110 Mbps (155Mbps Theoretical) on the 2.4 GHz band and 710 Mbps (899Mbps Theoretical) on the 5 GHz band. The test parameters included speed, signal strength, and overall user experience across five distinct locations in my home. All tests were conducted using the Speedtest.net website to measure download speed and the WiFi Analyzer app  to measure signal strength (RSSI).
Methodology:
Near The Router
Nestled just 15 feet from the router, I conducted the first test. With a consistent speed of 510Mbps on the 5GHz band and 102Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, the signal strength for both bands registered an impressive -44 dBm, indicating a strong and stable connection. I was able to stream 4K video, download large files, and play online games without any lag.
Kitchen
The router’s performance remained consistent even at a distance of 30 feet from the Asus RT AX53U, maintaining speeds of over 380 Mbps on the 5GHz band and over 70 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. The RSSI values for both bands were strong, hovering around -55 for 5 GHz band and -51 for 2.4 GHz band. I was able to continue streaming 4K video and downloading large files without any noticeable slowdown.
Bedroom:
Entering my bedroom, which is approximately 50 feet away from the router, I observed a slight decrease in speeds. However, I was still able to achieve speeds of over 210 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 50 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. The RSSI values were around -67 for the 5GHz band and -53 for the 2.4GHz band, both indicating a good signal. This allowed me to stream HD videos and browse the web without encountering significant issues.
Upstairs
Moving upstairs, I tested the router from a distance of 75 feet. The ASUSÂ AX53U’s performance exhibited a slight decline, offering speeds of approximately 160Mbps on the 5GHz band and 32 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. The RSSI values remained acceptable, hovering around -66 for the 5GHz band and -60 for the 2.4GHz band. I still managed to stream videos and browse the web without experiencing significant slowdowns.
Yard
Venturing into the backyard, which is approximately 100 feet from the router, I observed a further reduction in speeds. However, the Asus RT AX53U still held its ground, delivering speeds of approximately 95 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 25 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. The RSSI values dipped slightly, registering -68 for the 5GHz band and -64 for the 2.4GHz band. Nevertheless, I was still able to engage in online activities without encountering significant disruptions.
Asus RT-AX53U-Speed Test- 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands
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Linear diagram of signal change with increasing distance and obstacles in Asus RT AX53U
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Considering its robust performance, modern design, and advanced features, the Asus RT-AX53U offers great value for its price. While it is not the cheapest router in the market, its performance and reliability make it a worthwhile investment for households needing a powerful and future-proof Wi-Fi solution.
The Asus RT-AX53U Wi-Fi Router is an excellent choice for those seeking robust and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity for their home or small business. If you’re in the market for a high-performing router with a reasonable price that caters to the demands of the modern digital age, then this should be at the top of your list.
Different tests were performed by WiFiAdviser technical team on RT AX53U. Which included speed test, coverage test, compatibilities connectivity tests and finally some security tests. In the end, we gave this router a score of 7 out of 10, which is a great score for a wifi 6 router.
ASUS RT-AX53U (AX1800) Dual Band WiFi 6 Extendable Router
USB, Subscription-Free Network Security, Instant Guard, Parental Control, Built-in VPN, AiMesh Compatible, Gaming & Streaming, Smart Home.
Wireless Specifications
Wireless Standard | 802.11ax (a/b/g/n/ac) |
Bands | Dual-Band |
Overall Speed | 1800Mbps |
Range | Medium House |
Concurrent Clients | 30 |
Antenna | 4 Internal |
Software Capabilities
Security Level (1 to 10 ) | 9 |
Parental Control Capabilities (1 to 10) | 8.5 |
Traffic Control Capabilities (1 to 10) | 8 |
Guest Network | Yes |
Physical Ports
WAN Ports | 1 |
LAN Ports | 3 |
USB Ports | 1 |
Special Capabilities
Beamforming Technology | YES |
MU-MIMO Technology | YES |
Mesh Support | Yes,AiMesh Technology |
Repeater Mode | No |
Vendor-Specific Technology | AiMesh,AiProtection Technologies |
Hardware Specifications
Processor | 1.5 GHz processor Quad-Core |
Memory | 256MB |
Dimension | 230 x 134 x 56 mm |
Weight | 346 g |