ASUS RT-AX88U PRO AX6000 WiFi 6 Router: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS RT-AX88U PRO is a dual-band WiFi 6 router with a combined speed class of AX6000. It is meant for homes with many connected devices, from phones and laptops to streaming boxes and consoles. It adds two 2.5G ports and a quad-core processor, aimed at busy networks and fast internet plans.

What AX6000 means

AX6000 is a label that adds the maximum theoretical speeds of both bands. ASUS states about 1148 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 4804 Mbps on 5GHz, for a total near 6000 Mbps. This is a 4x4 dual-band design with 160MHz channels and 1024-QAM, both of which raise potential throughput. ASUS says it is 2.3 times faster than 802.11ac 4x4 dual-band routers. These are peak figures: actual speed and coverage depend on network traffic, building materials and the devices you use, and no single device will reach 6000 Mbps.

Dual 2.5G ports

The router has two 2.5G ports, and ASUS says traffic through them gets top priority. Ports can be configured as WAN or LAN, so one can connect to a fast internet line and another to a network storage device or computer. WAN aggregation, listed in the title, combines two WAN connections. A 2.5G port exceeds the 1Gbps limit of ordinary Ethernet, which matters only if your internet plan or devices go beyond that.

Processor and range

A 2.0 GHz quad-core 64-bit CPU handles routing and the extra software features. ASUS RangeBoost Plus is the brand's name for tuning that improves signal range and coverage.

Security and control

AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro, is ASUS's network security suite, and the title lists lifetime internet security. The router supports WPA3, the newer WiFi encryption standard, as long as your devices support it. ASUS Instant Guard provides a one-click shareable secure VPN for when you are away from home. Parental controls, adaptive QoS and port forwarding are also listed. QoS lets you prioritise traffic such as video calls or gaming.

AiMesh

AiMesh support lets you link this router with other compatible ASUS routers into one network, which can extend coverage in a larger home. Check ASUS's compatibility list for the models.

Size

It measures 11.8 x 7.4 x 2.4 inches (about 30 x 19 x 6 cm) and weighs 2.2 lb (about 1 kg).

Who it suits

It suits households with many devices, fast internet plans, or a wired setup that uses 2.5G equipment. If your plan is slower and you have a few devices, much of this capacity may go unused.

What to check before you buy

• Internet plan: check that your modem and plan can use the router's capabilities.
• Your devices: WiFi 6 benefits depend on devices that support it.
• Wired gear: 2.5G only helps if the connected device does as well.
• Coverage: walls and floors reduce range, so a larger home may need AiMesh.
• Security features: check which security features need accounts or terms in the ASUS app.

The short version

• A dual-band AX6000 WiFi 6 router, model RT-AX88U PRO.
• 4x4 design with 160MHz channels, 1024-QAM and a 2.0 GHz quad-core CPU.
• Two 2.5G ports with flexible WAN/LAN set-up.
• WPA3, AiProtection Pro, Instant Guard VPN, parental controls and adaptive QoS.
• AiMesh support for extending coverage.

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