ASUS RT-AX82U (AX5400) Dual Band WiFi 6 Extendable Gaming Router, Gaming Port, Mobile Game Mode, Aura RGB, Included AiProtection Pro Security, Instant Guard, VPN, AiMesh Compatible

Update 7/16/24: it seems to be holding up. Purchased in September 2023. Came with firmware 3.0.0.4.386.50224 installed. It’s been through a few firmware updates and is now on 3 0.0.4.388.24231. No drops or latency spikes seen. Strong, consistent wifi signal too. Only time will tell me how reliable it is at this point .
10/14/23: My initial experience with this product? It’s flying along (and even looks like a spaceship). At first I tried an RT-AX58U which has great 5 ghz speeds but some devices were stuck getting 60-70 mbps download speeds over 2.4 ghz. Too bad because I liked the lower power consumption of that model (most of the time at 6 watts or lower power consumption). Now I also have aan RT-AX88U which performs really well on both 2.4 and 5 ghz but consumes on average 8-9 watts and frequently peaks just over 10 watts. Because I’m trying to lower electricity costs in my home, I eventually tried this model (which was overlooked previously because of its lights. Not into the rgb thing). I should’ve gone with this model in the first place! Those same devices are getting 107-110 mbps download speeds over 2.4 ghz. In fact, performance is very close to the RT-AX88U! Of course performance over 5 ghz is stellar like both the RT-AX58U and RT-AX88U where my phone that supports wifi 6 gets 370+ mbps and my older phone that supports wifi 5 gets 360+ mbps download speeds. I’m still on a Spectrum 300 mbps plan so this is great for what I have! Upload speeds are only 12 mbps on all devices which is expected with a coaxial cable connection. Power consumption is right where I want it at 6-7 watts most of the time (heavy streaming of 4k and 1080p content on 2-3 devices with a mixture of work devices and phones making up the remainder of the workload here). Ultimately this review is much earlier than I’d normally write one so I can’t comment on longevity. Will update later about that. So far I’m impressed!

The ASUS RT-AX82U is a top-tier gaming router that not only excels in gaming performance but also provides an excellent all-around experience for anyone looking to upgrade their home network. As part of ASUS’s lineup of Wi-Fi 6 routers, it combines cutting-edge technology with a sleek design that stands out in any setup.

Performance

The RT-AX82U shines where it matters most: speed and stability. With support for Wi-Fi 6, this router delivers faster speeds, lower latency, and better efficiency across multiple devices. Whether you’re gaming, streaming in 4K, or juggling several smart devices, it handles heavy traffic with ease. During tests, I experienced blazing-fast download and upload speeds with virtually no lag, even when multiple devices were connected. The 4,800 Mbps on the 5 GHz band ensures a smooth gaming experience without disruptions.

Gaming Features

This router is optimized for gaming, and it shows. With the Mobile Game Mode feature, you can prioritize your mobile gaming traffic with just a tap, ensuring low latency and smooth gameplay on your smartphone. ASUS’s Game Acceleration automatically prioritizes gaming traffic, giving you an edge in competitive gaming by minimizing ping and preventing lag spikes. The Game Port is also a great addition, allowing you to prioritize traffic from a specific device plugged into the LAN port.

Customization and RGB Lighting

The ASUS RT-AX82U isn’t just about performance it also looks great. The customizable Aura RGB lighting adds a touch of flair to your gaming setup. You can choose from a variety of colors and lighting patterns to match your mood or setup, and while it’s an aesthetic feature, it gives the router a premium feel.

Ease of Use

Setting up the RT-AX82U is straightforward thanks to the ASUS Router App. The interface is intuitive, and even for those unfamiliar with networking setups, you’ll have your router configured in minutes. The app also provides useful features like real-time traffic monitoring, parental controls, and the ability to set up guest networks easily.

Security

ASUS has also integrated AiProtection Pro powered by Trend Micro, which offers real time network security and protection against malware, viruses, and other online threats. With frequent updates and no subscription fees, this is a huge plus for those looking for peace of mind.

Verdict

The ASUS RT-AX82U is an exceptional choice for both gamers and those who need a fast, reliable, and secure Wi-Fi connection. With Wi-Fi 6 technology, excellent gaming features, and robust security, it offers a comprehensive package that’s hard to beat at this price point. Whether you’re an avid gamer or just someone looking for a high-performance router, the RT-AX82U delivers in spades.

This router is perfect for anyone looking for the best balance between gaming performance and overall home network speed and reliability.
Looking forward to getting the Asus Rog Rapture next.

This router has the performance to match it’s futuristic looks.
I upgraded to this from my old Asus AC86U and I was not dissapointed!

With work from home the new norm during these times, the upgrade has helped tremendously with connectivity issues possibly caused by the growing number of devices connected all at once. I also noticed slight improvements to latency when gaming.

The coverage is great all on it’s own but I took it to another level by pairing this with my old router.
The ASUS feature is a godsent that doesn’t render my old router useless. I now basically have my whole home covered in WiFi with 2 routers working hand in hand. I can’t recommend this more.

I bought this as my main router to use, and down the road to purchase another ASUS router to create an AiMesh wireless system.

Make sure it’s Aimesh compatible by searching on ASUS website.

This router looks like a spaceship, and I love the shape, as I have a thing for NASA and space craft.

As for the GUI settings, it’s a make or break experience that will dictate, whether it’s positive, or negative.

I own about 10-12 devices I plan on connecting to this router (and the other ASUS router via Aimesh) on my 500Mbps cable line (thinking of upgrading to Gigabit speeds (1Gbps) one day…. no hurry.

500Mbps is overkill for a single person, heck, I even think 150-300Mbps is enough for one.
If you have a family of 3-6 people, then sure grab the 500Mbps service.

Again, whatever your needs are, most users are happy with 150, some need 300/500, then there’s those who want only the best, and fastest – 1Gbps, even 2Gbps is now available via pure fibre, holy moly!

As some of us know, the Galaxy Note 10 Plus/S10/Fold and iPhone 11/12/Macbook Pro/Mini (M1 chip) was the first devices to get the Wi-Fi 6 AX standard, and the performance is beyond satisfying!

I personally get 1.2 Gps (1200Mbps) from this AX5400 router on my Note10+
It’s been stable, reliable, and the speeds are insane.

Streaming content, whether it’s in 1080P/4K/8K, plays flawlessly.
Again, this is from the system settings I have tweaked over again, and again.

It took me 4-5 factory resets to make it right to my satisfaction.
Remember to save the settings to your mobile device, or your computer.

Everyone will have different outcomes, but one thing for sure, is to make it work for your needs.

Make sure your MODEM is in BRIDGE MODE, when connecting a router to it.

Power on the ASUS router, and don’t just plug in the Ethernet Cable (default cable is usually a Cat6, some users have Cat7).
I personally use Cat8 (latest cable) and it can handle some serious data bandwidth.

Should log you in automatically to the router via your smartphone, tablet, HDTV, or computer (first time) or type in manually if you need, router.asus.com or 192.168.1.0 or 192.168.1.1

When prompted to insert the cable to the WAN port (pay attention by looking at the colour, it’s usually blue, sometimes even red (depends on brand/model of router).
The LAN port(s) are usually yellow.
The router will automatically detect the modems connection.
Enter the routers SSID, and password ( and please, don’t use some lousy passwords people).

For those who can’t remember passwords, use a password manager on your computer/smartphone (lots of apps available for Android/ iOS/Windows or just temporary, on paper).

Once the SSID and password is done, click next, and enter the routers login name, and password (to prevent someone from accessing the routers GUI)
Many people don’t set this up, and you’re just asking for trouble.
If someone (like a hacker or just a rotten person) logs in the router, they will have access to your router, and they will lock you out, even the modem, altogether.
Their intentions is never good, and it’s such an inconvenience.

Once you have successfully setup the router, I would spend some time to learn how to use it by viewing YouTube, or Google.
There’s a ton of info on the net.

Make sure to document all the login/passwords for your modem, router, and it’s login page.

Once that’s all done, enjoy it, I sure am!

Hope this helps someone out there!

Fue muy facil de configurar y lo que mas me gusta es que ASUS actualiza constantemente su firmware

Lo uso como base para un sistema de malla con AIMESH y me ha funcionado excelente
le he conectado un buen de aparatos tanto en red RJ45 como Wi.FI y funciona perfecto
El alcance es de casi 5 metros con varias paredes de block y ladrillo

Excelente producto