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Depending on your age, you may remember a time when wireless routers didn’t exist, and you had to wait for your computer to dial into the network—and nobody could make a phone call at the same time! How things have changed in such a short time. Today, we can connect a huge number of dives to our wireless routers from anywhere in our homes.
We are going to look at two wireless routers, the Asus RT AC68U (also known as the AC1900) vs Linksys WRT1900AC. We will compare their speed, connection, and extra features in order to decide which of the two is the better option. You will also be able to find a comparison chart and some pros and cons of wireless routers.
Let’s start by looking at the few similarities that the Asus RT AC68U and the Linksys WRT1900AC have.
Asus RT AC68U vs Linksys WRT1900AC – Similarities
Quick Glance
Let’s recap the specifications of the Asus RT AC68U and the Linksys WRT1900AC in the following comparison chart.
[amazon table=”1992″]Frequency Bands
With dual frequency bands, the Asus RT AC68U and the Linksys WRT1900AC have both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. This allows for transfer speeds of up to 1.9Gbps.
Smart Apps
Both the Asus RT AC68U and the Linksys WRT1900AC come with their own apps, the Asus Router app and the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi App. With these apps, you can set up the routers and manage all of your settings.
Additional Features
The Asus RT AC68U and the Linksys WRT1900AC enable users to set up parental controls, device prioritization, and provide guest assess.
Compatibility
You can use the Asus RT AC68U and the Linksys WRT1900AC with Windows and Mac. The Asus RT AC68U is ready for Linux use. The Linksys WRT1900AC is open-source and can be modified or Linux.
Now that we have covered all of their similarities, we will now look at what makes the Asus RT AC68U and the Linksys WRT1900AC different.
Differences Between Asus RT AC68U and Linksys WRT1900AC
Appearance
As they are from different brands, there is not a lot in common with their design.
Asus RT AC68U
This is a black wireless router with 3 antennas. It is the smaller of the two at 6.3 x 3.3 x 8.6 inches and it weighs 1.4 pounds.
Linksys WRT1900AC
The design is much more ‘sci-fi’ in black with blue features. There are 4 antennas, which are removable. It is 9.76 x 7.68 x 2.01 inches and weighs a little more at 2.11 pounds.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Ports
The number of ports will determine what you can connect.
Asus RT AC68U
You will find an internet (WAN) port, 4 Ethernet ports a USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports.
Linksys WRT1900AC
At the back of the router, there is an internet port, 4 gigabit Ethernet ports, a USB 2.0 eSATA combo, and USB 3.0.
The Winner Is- The Linksys WRT1900AC
Range
Many choose a wireless router not only for the speed but also for the additional range they can offer.
Asus RT AC68U
The router is ideal for larger homes with a range of up to 3,000 feet. It will support up to 30 devices.
Linksys WRT1900AC
There is no information about the range, but it does come with Beamforming technology. Instead of sending signals out in general directions, it will strengthen signals to specific devices.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Security
Security has to be a concern for all internet users and with cybercrime on the rise, the more protection we have the better.
Asus RT AC68U
AiProtection provides advanced parental controls and will block any malicious addresses and intrusions. You will be alerted if any of your devices have been infected.
Linksys WRT1900AC
There is no information about additional security.
The Winner Is- The Asus RT AC68U
Pros and Cons
Before our final verdict, we have a few pros and cons of wireless routers.
Asus RT AC68U
Pros:
- Excellent wizard to help with the setup
- Handles heavy traffic with no problem
- Noticeably faster internet speeds
Cons:
- Asus customer support is lacking
Linksys WRT1900AC
Pros:
- High-quality antenna connections
- It’s a very stable router
- The design really complements a gaming setup
Cons:
- It’s pricey
The Final Verdict
The main specifics of the Asus RT AC68U and the Linksys WRT1900AC are the same, like the frequency bands and transfer speeds. Even the ports and what’s included is pretty much the same. The design is a personal preference, so we decided not to take this into consideration.
We have a clear winner today, the Asus RT AC68U. The range was very impressive, and we had no issues connecting all of our devices without drops in speed. Really, one of the huge advantages was the additional security which offered further peace of mind, especially if you have kids in the house. But the added bonus was the price. The Asus RT AC68U is more than half the price of the Linksys WRT1900AC. This is a huge difference, and we can’t see enough of a justification for such a difference. The Asus RT AC68U is a great wireless router that comes at a great price!