ASUS AX5400 RT-AX82U WiFi 6 Gaming Router Review

If you’re looking for a top-notch gaming router, today’s your lucky day, because we’ve decided upon a coin-toss to do the ASUS AX5400 review. All jokes aside, the ASUS AX5400 is arguably one of the best routers for gaming out there, and that becomes obvious as soon as you take a look at the asking price.

This is definitely not an affordable router, but it comes loaded with all the technological bells and whistles one can dream of in the current year, features like Dual Band Gigabit Wireless which basically obliterates Wi-Fi dead spots, strong Wi-Fi 6 performance for long-range and so on and so forth.

And while we’re at it, check out this article on the best Wi-Fi router for long-range, especially if you’re on a tight budget and you don’t require all the fancy gaming features. Also, before you go on a shopping spree, make sure you know the difference between 2.4 ghz and 5 ghz Wi-Fi.

Let’s begin with tech specs.

Specs:

• Processor: 1.5 GHz tri-core processor
• Memory: 256 MB Flash, 512 MB RAM
• Ports: RJ45 for 10/100/1000 BaseT for WAN x 1, RJ45 for 10/100/1000 BaseT for LAN x 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 x 1
• Encryption: WPA3-Personal, WPA2-Personal, WPA-Personal, WPA-Enterprise , WPA2-Enterprise , WPS support
• Wi-Fi Technology: OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), Beamforming: standard-based and universal, 1024-QAM high data rate, 20/40/80/160 MHz bandwidth
• Dimensions: 275.5 x 184.4 x 165 mm (WxDxH) with antenna, 275.5 x 184.4 x 65 mm (WxDxH) without antenna
• Weight: 740 g

What it is

The ASUS AX5400 ticks off a lot of boxes for gaming aficionados, making for an ideal router for both gaming and streaming, due to its impressive Wi-Fi 6 performance.

However, this machine does not cost a fortune compared to other brands, and the Asus proprietary app is great for newcomers, and also provides solid security features and parental controls. Moreover, Asus offers a strong web browser interface for advanced users and gamers.

Keep in mind that this is not a ROG product, which means there are better and more expensive Asus gaming routers out there. Even if the RT-AX82U doesn’t’ really play in the same league as ROG routers, you’ll still receive a lot of gaming router for the money asked.

Basically, this router is crafted for casual gaming and video streaming, being significantly faster compared to conventional 802.11ac routers, while providing a comprehensive set of features for smart homes that require fast and reliable Wi-Fi.

Design and features

Even if the router doesn’t wear the ROG logo, it definitely looks like a gaming router, due to its sharply angular design, low profile and the aggressive 4 large antennae that look like they want to stab your enemies, both foreign and domestic. The front panel features a pair of alien eyes, or, to be more precise, 2 small LED panels that can glow in a variety of colors, and you can use the Asus app to choose between plethoras of auras that strobe through different color sequences.

Design-wise, this router looks spectacular, especially if you’re young at heart, but gaming gimmickry aside, the Asus RT-AX82U really means business, featuring dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (aka 802.11ax) with a top speed of 5400Mbps (5.4Gbps).

Before you complain, we know, there are faster gaming routers out there, for example the Asus RoG Capture, which offers 11 Gbps transfer speeds, but we’re not talking about the same price range, i.e. the latter is way more expensive. Now, since the ASUS AX5400 doesn’t come with a modem, it takes care of things via a dedicated Gigabit Ethernet port for connecting to your existing modem or router, so there are zero issues with using your broadband connection.

The router also has 4 extra Gigabit Ethernet ports, which means you can connect your smart TV and your gaming console hassle-free for a lag-free gaming experience. One of the ports is designated as the “gaming port”, which means it has priority over the other devices connected; finally, there’s a “solitary” USB 3.1 port that comes handy for sharing a USB storage device like an external hard disk on your home network, plus a power switch that’s useful for router reboots.

Set-up and performance

The router walks the golden path in regard to striking the perfect balance between ease of use for tech noobs and advanced features for “gosu” gamers. Basically, even if you’re a greenhorn buying his first gaming router, you’ll have zero issues with setting this bad boy up. The retail package even includes a printed manual, but who reads instruction manuals these days, amirite?

You have basically 2 options to set up your router, but the quick and easy way is to go for the app, more precisely the Asus router app for Android and iOS smartphones. The advanced web browser interface is for tech geeks only, but it also offers a more comprehensive way to tinker with your Wi-Fi and network settings.

The Asus Router app starts by offering you the option to set up distinct networks on the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands, or, if one so inclined, to merge the 2 bands together into a single network. This is a nice touch from Asus, and the only complaint we have is that the router’s default network is not password protected for whatever reason.

The Asus Router app has all the features required for a normal user, including setting up a guest network and solid parental controls. There’s even a security feature available, called AiProtection, that protects your home network from hacking attempts via malicious websites or malware, while being absolutely free of charge.

The app also features a Mobile Gaming mode, for prioritizing mobile devices in order to provide maximum performance, as well as specific tasks, like video streaming. The web browser interface is even better in this regard, as it allows you to select other devices for gaming priority, and even use that USB port to set up a hard drive for Time Machine back-ups on a Mac.

Performance-wise, the router really shines considering the price asked, as in we have zero complaints at this price point in terms of data transfer speed, both on the 5 Ghz and the 2.4 Ghz band. Also, the app and the web interface are providing versatile controls and features that are suitable for both non gamers and gamers alike, making the router an excellent option for anyone looking for fast and affordable Wi-Fi.

Firmware Upgrades

It’s a known fact that older firmware may be plagued by security issues, and companies regularly update their devices to stay in touch with the latest security threats. In this regard, Asus did a great job with their router, as the RT-AX82U offers a step in the setup process to upgrade the firmware to the latest version, which is a nice touch.

This cool feature makes sure that all the latest security updates are applied, along with bug fixes.

Final word

The RT-AX82U makes for a solid upper mid-range gaming-focused router, and offers amazing value for money performance-wise, as well as integrated security and ease of use. Buy it if you’re a casual gamer/video streamer, and especially if you’ve got kids, as the router provides solid control features for protecting your kids from unsuited material and things of that nature.

Don’t buy it if you’re on a tight budget and especially if you’re not a gamer, as this router is overkill for “normie” use.