Our Review and Specifications
Range: Top-Range Asus WiFi 6 Wireless Router | Standout Feature: Ultrafast 6000Mbps WiFi Speeds & New Device Notifications | Good To Have: 8 x Gigabit LAN Ports & 256 MB Flash, 1 GB RAM
Finding the perfect ethernet and wireless router in today’s ever-evolving world of networking technology, with a balance of speed, features, security, and versatility has become a challenge.
Released in January 2019, the Asus RT-AX88U, a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router promised to deliver blazing-fast speeds, robust security features, and seamless connectivity for modern homes and offices. Reviewing this device in 2025, it does indeed live up to the hype.
Key Features
New Device Notifications: Get notified when a new or unknown device joins your network. ASUS Router App/Web uses MAC addresses to track your connected devices.
Wi-Fi 6 Support: Next-gen 802.11ax technology for faster speeds and better efficiency.
Operating Modes: Access point, AiMeshnode, Mediabridge, Repeater, Router
WAN Port Aggregation: RT-AX88U supports WAN port aggregation, which combines gigabit WAN and LAN ports to deliver internet speeds of up to 2Gbps
VPN Support: With PPTP, L2TP, OpenVPN or WireGuard VPN on the ASUS RT-AX88U router you can securely access networks without VPN software on each device.
Dual-Band Connectivity: 2.4GHz (up to 1148 Mbps) and 5GHz (up to 4804 Mbps) bands.
8 Gigabit LAN Ports: Plenty of wired connectivity options for gaming consoles, NAS devices, and more.
AiProtection Pro: Free For Life Advanced security powered by Trend Micro.
MU-MIMO and OFDMA: Supports multiple devices simultaneously without lag.
Adaptive QoS: Prioritizes bandwidth for gaming, streaming, and video calls.
AiMesh Compatibility: Create a mesh network with other Asus routers for whole-home coverage.
Smart Home Ready: Control your RT-AX88U by linking your Amazon Alexa for voice commands or IFTTT account to automate repetitive commands.
Build Quality and Design
With a matte black finish, red accents and an angular design language, the Asus RT-AX88U also boasts four external antennas to complete a futuristic look.
While it’s not the most compact router on the market, its industrial build quality ensures durability, making it a stylish addition to any home or office network.
Speed, Reliability and Performance
Packed with speed and the latest technologies, WiFi 6, 1.8 GHz quad-core CPU, 256 MB Flash, 1 GB RAM and Support for 60+ Connected Devices, the front panel houses a USB port, status lights and switches.
The rear panel holds 8 Gigabit LAN ports, a WAN port, 2 USB 3.1 ports for connecting external storage or printers, an On/Off switch and a reset button. This makes it the go-to router for users with multiple wired devices.
The RT-AX88U is built for speed, and it doesn’t disappoint. Wi-Fi 6 support delivers faster wireless speeds, reduced latency, and improved efficiency compared to older Wi-Fi 5 routers.
5GHz Fast Speeds: On the 5GHz band, you can expect speeds of over 1.2 Gbps, making it perfect for 4K streaming, gaming, and large file transfers.
4 Antennas & Excellent Range: The four high-gain antennas provide strong coverage across medium to large homes. Walls and obstacles had minimal impact on signal strength.
MU-MIMO and OFDMA: A combination of OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology, WiFi 6 (802.11ax) provides up to 4X greater network capacity and efficiency to ensure smooth performance even with multiple devices connected simultaneously.
Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or video conferencing, the RT-AX88U handles it all with ease.
Security and Protection
You need not worry about protection. The RT-AX88U’s Free For Life AiProtection Pro suite, powered by Trend Micro is built in to protect your network at all times.
Real-Time Network Protection: Blocks malicious websites and prevents unauthorized access.
Parental Controls: Set time limits and block inappropriate content for specific devices.
Automatic Updates: Ensures your router’s firmware is always updated with the latest security patches.
For home and business networks, this level of security is a major selling point, providing peace of mind without the need for additional software or subscription.
Other Features
An Adaptive QoS feature means any Gamer can trust the RT-AX88U which prioritizes bandwidth for gaming, streaming, and other high-priority tasks.
You also get a Gaming Port that automatically prioritizes traffic for devices connected to it, providing a smooth gaming experience by reducing lag.
AiMesh compatibility on the Asus RT-AX88U makes life easier without sacrificing security by allowing users with a large office or home to create a mesh network using other Asus routers they own.
This ensures seamless connectivity and a whole-home WiFi mesh network you can trust.
Conclusion
The Asus RT-AX88U router is commercial-grade security to future-proof any home and office network thanks to the inclusion of WiFi 6, 1.8 GHz quad-core CPU, 256 MB Flash, 1 GB RAM and support for 60+ devices. If you demand the best from your network, then this is the router for you. A true all-round performer, protector and gatekeeper.
Asus RT-AX88U Wireless Router Specifications
Asus AX88U Router Specifications | |
---|---|
Product Segment | RT-AX88U AX6000 Ultimate AX Performance, For Large Homes & Offices |
Wi-Fi Standard(s) | Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, Backward Compatible 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
CPU Type & Speed | 1.8 GHz 64-bit Quad-Core CPU |
Antenna & Type | 4 x Removable External Antenna, Wired and Wireless |
Ram Size | 1 GB RAM |
ROM Size | 256 MB Flash |
Operating Frequency & Mode(Multiple) | 2.4G Hz / 5 GHz, Accesspoint, AiMeshnode, Mediabridge, Repeater, Router |
Rear Connectivity Port(s) | 1 x Gigabit WAN, 8 x Gigabit LAN, 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 |
Front Connectivity Port(s) | USB 3.1 Gen 1 |
LED Indicator(s) | 1 x Power, 2 x Wi-Fi, 1 x WAN, 1 x LAN, 2 x USB, 1 x WPS |
Security | AiProtection, VPN, Traffic Control, Guest Network |
Dimensions (HxWxD, mm) | 60.5 x 300 x 188 |
Weight (grams) | 1010 (Approx. 1kg) |