ASUS RT AX58U WiFi Router Review

Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of wireless technology, upgrading to the latest Wi-Fi standard is a crucial step towards enjoying seamless connectivity and maximizing network performance. The ASUS RT-AX58U Wi-Fi router stands out as a compelling option for those seeking a balance between affordability and performance, making it an ideal choice for medium-sized homes and offices.

The overall speed of this device is up to 3000Mbps, which is serviced in 2 separate frequency bands, one of which is used to communicate high-speed devices such as Game Consoles and the other to communicate clients for routine tasks such as web surfing and checking emails.

Design and Aesthetics: Asus RT AX58U

Upon unboxing the RT AX58U, one is immediately struck by its sleek and modern design. The router’s angular edges and subtle black finish exude an air of sophistication, making it an attractive addition to any home décor. Its compact size (8.82 x 6.06 x 6.3 inches) ensures it doesn’t dominate your living space, while its sturdy build quality instills confidence in its long-term durability. But the RT-AX58U is not just about looks. Asus has made sure it works well too.

Asus RT AX58U (Asus AX3000)

Easy-to-Read LED Indicators:

The front of the RT-AX58U has clear LED lights that show you what’s happening with your network. These lights give you quick updates on things like:

• Power: Is the router turned on and working?
• Internet: Are you connected to the internet?
• Wi-Fi: Are your Wi-Fi networks (both 2.4GHz and 5GHz) working?

This makes it simple to check if everything is okay or if you need to fix something.

Lots of Connections for Your Devices:

The RT-AX58U has different ports for all your devices:

• Ethernet Ports: It has four Ethernet ports for wired connections to things like computers, game consoles, or TVs. This gives you a fast and stable connection. There’s also a separate Ethernet port to connect to your modem and get online.
• USB Port: It also has a USB port, which is handy for sharing files or printers on your network.

Strong Performance Inside:

The RT-AX58U has powerful parts inside to make sure it runs well:

• Fast Processor: It has a fast processor that can handle many devices and lots of internet activity.
• Lots of Memory: It also has a good amount of memory to keep things running smoothly.

Overall, the ASUS RT-AX58U is a great router with a nice design, useful features, and strong performance. It’s perfect for people who want a reliable Wi-Fi network in their home.

Performance and Speed Tests

Support for the 802.11ax (WiFi 6) standard has given this router very favorable capabilities. In this standard the coverage and speed of communication has increased dramatically due to the presence of valuable technologies such as BSS Coloring, MU-MIMO, Beamforming, as well as support for communication channels with a width of 160Mhz.

The heart of the ASUS RT-AX58U lies in its Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, unlocking a new era of connectivity. During our testing, the AX58U consistently delivered impressive performance, consistently exceeding the advertised speeds. On the 2.4GHz band, we recorded download speeds of up to 140Mbps and upload speeds of up to 115Mbps. On the 5GHz band, we achieved even faster speeds, with download speeds reaching 600Mbps and upload speeds reaching 310Mbps.

These results demonstrate the router’s ability to handle even the most demanding tasks, ensuring that you can enjoy uninterrupted streaming, gaming, and web browsing experiences.

Asus AX58U: Real-World Performance Testing

In this review, we evaluate the Asus AX58U’s Wi-Fi performance in a home environment. We test its speed, signal strength, and overall user experience across various locations.

Testing Methodology

We used an iPhone 12 (maximum speed of 110 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 710 Mbps on 5 GHz) as the testing device. Speed tests were conducted using Speedtest.net, and signal strength was measured using the WiFi Analyzer app (reported in RSSI dBm). We tested the router in five locations:

• Near the Router: A few feet away from the router.
• Kitchen: Approximately 30 feet away, through a wall and a door.
• Bedroom: Approximately 50 feet away, through two walls and a door.
• Upstairs: Approximately 75 feet away, upstairs.
• Yard: Approximately 100 feet away, outdoors.

Test Results

Near the Router

The first test, conducted just 15 feet from the router, yielded excellent results. We achieved consistent speeds of 560 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 101 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. The signal strength for both bands was strong (-43 dBm), indicating a stable connection. We were able to stream 4K video, download large files, and play online games without any lag.

Kitchen

Even at 30 feet away, the router’s performance remained impressive. Speeds stayed above 410 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and over 75 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. The RSSI readings were strong (-54 dBm for 5 GHz and -50 dBm for 2.4 GHz), allowing for continued 4K video streaming and large file downloads without noticeable slowdowns.

Bedroom

In the bedroom, approximately 50 feet away, we observed a slight decrease in speeds. However, we still achieved over 225 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 53 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. The signal strength remained good (-65 dBm for 5 GHz and -51 dBm for 2.4 GHz), allowing for HD video streaming and web browsing without major issues.

Upstairs

Moving upstairs (around 75 feet away), the AX58U’s performance showed a further decline, offering speeds of around 170 Mbps on 5 GHz and 34 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. The RSSI readings stayed acceptable (-65 dBm for 5 GHz and -60 dBm for 2.4 GHz). We were still able to stream videos and browse the web without significant slowdowns.

Yard

The farthest test location was the backyard, roughly 100 feet from the router. Here, we saw a further reduction in speeds, but the AX58U held up well, delivering speeds of approximately 100 Mbps on 5 GHz and 25 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. The RSSI readings dipped slightly (-66 dBm for 5 GHz and -62 dBm for 2.4 GHz), but we could still engage in online activities without major disruptions.

Asus RT AX58U Download Speed Comparison-2.4GHz and 5GHz Bands

Range: Ample Coverage for Medium-Sized Homes

The RT-AX58U is designed to provide reliable coverage for medium-sized homes. Its four antennas, positioned strategically around the router, help to distribute Wi-Fi signals effectively throughout the space. Additionally, the router’s Beamforming technology focuses the signal towards connected devices, further enhancing the overall coverage.

Features and Ease of Use

ASUS has packed the RT-AX58U with a plethora of features to enhance your network experience.

• The AiMesh feature allows you to seamlessly expand your Wi-Fi coverage by adding compatible ASUS routers, creating a unified network for your entire home.
• For gamers, the ASUS RT-AX58U features Game Boost technology, which prioritizes gaming traffic to ensure a lag-free gaming experience. Additionally, the Gamer’s Private Network (GPN) further optimizes connections to gaming servers for a more responsive experience.
• The parental control features provide granular control over your children’s online activities. With features like web filtering, time management, and content filtering, you can ensure that your children are safe and responsible online.

ASUS RT-AX58U: Security Features You’ll Love

ASUS RT AX 58U WiFi 6 Router has an commercial-grade security system designed and implemented by Trend Micro Security Company. This feature is called Asus AiProtection and is constantly checking router incoming and outgoing traffic.

This system has valuable IPS capability, which is able to intelligently detect and prevent intrusion into your network quickly. The advanced parental control can also block specific websites and mobile app types.

How AiProtection Keeps You Safe:

• Stops You From Visiting Dangerous Websites: AiProtection blocks websites that try to trick you or give your devices a virus. If you try to go to one of these bad websites, the router will stop you and warn you that it’s not safe.
• Protects You From Infected Devices: If a device on your network already has a virus, AiProtection can detect it. It will then block that device from connecting to the internet, so it can’t spread the virus to other devices.

Testing AiProtection

I tested AiProtection by trying to visit some websites that are known to be dangerous. The router successfully blocked all of them, which is great! I also tested what happens when a device with a virus tries to connect to the network. The router quickly found the infected device and blocked it, keeping the rest of my network safe.

Conclusion

The ASUS RT AX58U (RT AX3000) Wi-Fi router is a solid choice for those seeking a balance between affordability, performance, and ease of use. Its dual-band Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, coupled with its powerful features and intuitive setup, make it an ideal solution for medium-sized homes and offices. Whether you’re a casual user, a gaming enthusiast, or a parent concerned about online safety, it is a solid investment that will enhance your Wi-Fi experience. After rigorous technical testing, we awarded the ASUS RT-AX58U an overall score of 7.5 out of 10, commending its exceptional performance, impressive features, and user-friendly interface.