ASUS AX3000 WiFi 6 Router RT-AX57 review for gaming and streaming performance

Description

First Impressions and Design

I set up the ASUS RT-AX57 WiFi 6 router not expecting much beyond a standard experience, but I was pleasantly surprised by its sleek and compact design. The black finish and slim profile make it easy to blend into any modern home setup without looking out of place. It’s not bulky, which is a big plus for those who don’t want their tech to dominate their desk or shelf space. The dimensions of 9.06 x 5.28 x 2.2 inches make it compact, and at just 13.1 ounces, it’s lightweight enough to move around if needed. While it doesn’t stand out visually compared to some of its flashier competitors, I appreciated the understated aesthetics.

The build quality feels solid, though the plastic casing didn’t scream “premium.” That said, it doesn’t feel cheap either. The ventilation design ensures that the router runs cool, even when multiple devices are connected and streaming simultaneously. Ports and indicators are clearly laid out, making the setup process straightforward.

Performance and Connectivity

Testing its performance was where this router truly started to shine. With WiFi 6 (802.11ax) support, I noticed a significant bump in speed and efficiency compared to my older router. The dual-band technology splits connections between 2.4GHz (574 Mbps) and 5GHz (2402 Mbps), ensuring that both older and newer devices can connect seamlessly. Streaming 4K content and online gaming felt smoother, with minimal buffering or lag, even when multiple devices were in use.

The router’s ability to handle OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) and MU-MIMO (multi-user, multiple-input, multiple-output) technology really stood out. This meant that even with several people in the house using the network simultaneously—whether for gaming, video calls, or streaming—there was no noticeable slowdown. It’s designed to manage high traffic environments, and it does so impressively well. If you’re like me and have a mix of smart home devices and work gadgets, this router will handle them without breaking a sweat.

Positives

The key benefits of this router are evident once you start using it. Some standout features include:

• Impressive speed and capacity: With up to 3000 Mbps total networking speed, it’s built for heavy use.
• Advanced security features: The AiProtection Classic, powered by Trend Micro, adds a layer of protection to your home network. I felt more secure knowing that malicious sites and vulnerabilities were actively blocked.
• Expandable network capabilities: The compatibility with AiMesh allows you to create a seamless network by adding other ASUS routers.
• Efficient multi-device usage: Thanks to MU-MIMO and OFDMA, the router handles multiple devices without congestion.
• Ease of setup: The ASUS app makes installation and configuration a breeze, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy.

Network Security and Parental Controls

One of the features I found particularly useful was the built-in security suite. As someone who works from home and shares the network with family, the AiProtection Classic feature gave me peace of mind. It actively monitors threats and blocks potential intrusions, which is a must-have in today’s digital age. I tested the parental controls out of curiosity, and they’re more robust than I expected. Setting schedules, filtering content, and monitoring usage for connected devices was simple and intuitive, a definite bonus for families.

The ASUS Instant Guard feature was another welcome addition. It essentially acts as a one-tap VPN for secure browsing when connected to public WiFi. While I didn’t expect to use it much, it ended up being incredibly handy during trips to cafes and coworking spaces.

Negatives

Despite its strengths, there are a few shortcomings worth mentioning:

• Limited range: While the signal was strong in most areas of my home, it struggled in some distant corners. Adding an AiMesh-compatible router solved this, but it’s an extra cost to consider.
• Plastic build: Although the design is sleek, the material doesn’t feel as premium as some competing models.
• No USB ports: This was a disappointment for me, as I often use routers with USB ports for shared storage or printers.
• App dependency: While the app is user-friendly, some advanced settings are easier to configure on a browser interface, and the app doesn’t always provide the same depth.

Market Rivals

Compared to other routers in the same price range, the ASUS RT-AX57 performs admirably. For instance, Netgear’s Nighthawk AX4 offers similar speeds but lacks the seamless mesh network expandability of AiMesh. On the other hand, TP-Link Archer AX50 has a comparable feature set and is slightly better in terms of build quality, but it doesn’t include lifetime security, which the ASUS router does.

Where this router excels is in its combination of performance and security features. Its ability to handle multiple devices with minimal congestion puts it ahead of many similarly priced competitors. That said, if you’re looking for greater range out of the box, some competitors like the Eero Pro 6 might be worth considering, although they come at a higher price point.

Price Performance

When evaluating the price performance, I’d say this router strikes a great balance between affordability and features. While there are cheaper options on the market, they often lack the advanced technologies like OFDMA or the lifetime security features included here. More expensive models may offer slight improvements in range or additional ports, but for the average household, this router provides true value for the investment. It’s especially suited for gamers, streamers, and households with a lot of smart devices.

If you value security, speed, and multi-device support, this product delivers more than enough to justify its cost. While it’s not perfect, its strengths far outweigh its limitations, making it a solid choice for most users.

Additional information