ASUS RT AC56U Review | 77 Data compared

The Asus RT-AC56U is a top-performing AC1200 router featuring a powerful dual-core 800 MHz processor, housed in a vertical "Black Diamond" design that saves desk space but lacks wall-mounting options. In tests, it achieved best-in-class total throughput and fast file-sharing speeds, though it relies on hardware acceleration and demonstrated weaker range in the 2.4 GHz band. Despite its impressive performance, the high price point makes it a challenging value proposition against more capable AC1750 alternatives.

The Asus RT-AC56U is a dual-band 802.11ac router providing high-end performance and a snappy ASUSWRT management interface, driven by a dual-core processor and 256MB of RAM. A major strength is its exceptional 5GHz throughput, which delivered impressive speeds of 90.1Mbit/s at 1m in testing. However, the router's 2.4GHz performance is a notable weakness, particularly when used with standard laptop chipsets, where speeds can be disappointing at range. Additionally, the unit’s upright, non-wall-mountable chassis and internal antennas may limit its maximum effective range, say Expert Reviews. The RT-AC56U excels in features, offering USB 3.0 for fast NAS, a print server, and a download manager. Despite its strong value for those upgrading from Wireless-N, competitors like the BT Home Hub 5 were noted as providing better overall performance at the time of the review.

According to Hardware Canucks, the ASUS RT-AC56U is a high-value 802.11ac router featuring a powerful 800MHz dual-core processor and excellent USB 3.0 performance. While it offers strong 5GHz throughput, the 2x2 antenna design limits maximum speeds, and the fixed upright chassis is a notable design con. The paired USB-AC56 adapter provides high-gain, desktop-class performance but is bulky, making it better suited for stationary setups than mobility.

The LanOC review of the ASUS RT-AC56U Gigabit Router highlights its sleek, upright design, featuring a sturdy aluminum base and a fingerprint-resistant "chequered" finish, powered by an 800MHz dual-core processor. Performance-wise, the device offers near-wired Wireless AC speeds at close range and impressive USB 3.0 file transfer speeds for home NAS functionality, all managed through the user-friendly ASUSWRT interface. However, the router's 2x2 internal antenna array restricts its signal range at a distance, and its vertical, non-wall-mountable chassis limits placement options, making it a budget-oriented choice over high-end alternatives.

The Hexus review highlights the ASUS RT-AC56U and RT-AC68U as high-end 802.11ac routers utilizing dual-core processors and 256MB RAM for superior performance. While the RT-AC68U features a 3x3 array with superior range, the more compact RT-AC56U utilizes a 2x2 design; both models feature USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and a "carbon-fibre weave" finish. Testing showed the flagship RT-AC68U delivered record-breaking 5GHz throughput of 79.7MB/s (640Mbps), with pros including exceptional range, though it is constrained by a high price tag of around £190. The smaller RT-AC56U offers a more affordable entry point to 802.11ac with solid 5GHz performance, but a notable con is its reduced range and stability on the 2.4GHz band. Both routers feature the intuitive ASUSWRT interface, complete with AiCloud, VPN support, and strong NAS performance via USB 3.0, though write speeds could be improved. The review ultimately rates both as impressive, future-proof options for enthusiasts, provided they have compatible 802.11ac clients.

The Asus RT-AC56U is characterized by Trusted Reviews as a high-performance, mid-range router featuring a powerful 800MHz dual-core processor, 256MB of RAM, and an intuitive "ASUSWRT" interface. Key strengths include excellent 5GHz wireless performance and exceptional USB 3.0/2.0 speeds for media sharing, providing a strong, cost-effective upgrade over standard ISP routers. Drawbacks identified include a 2x2 antenna configuration, which limits maximum theoretical speeds to 1,167Mbps, and subpar long-range performance compared to higher-end 3x3 models. Additionally, the router lacks wall-mounting capabilities and its design only allows for a fixed, upright orientation, which may hinder placement options. Ultimately, the device is considered a strong, value-focused entry into the 802.11ac market, offering competitive 5GHz throughput. Trusted Reviews

The ASUS RT-AC56U, reviewed by LanOC, is a compact, upright dual-band router featuring an aluminum base, bridging the gap between wired and wireless performance. It provides strong 5GHz Wireless AC speeds and a feature-rich software suite including AiCloud, AiRadar, and a download manager. Pros highlighted include exceptional ease of use for setup and firmware updates, along with versatile USB 3.0 support and 3G/4G dongle compatibility. Performance tests showed Wireless AC speeds nearly matching wired connections when paired with compatible adapters. Cons include limited range as distance increases and a lack of wall-mounting capability due to its vertical, internal-antenna design. Additionally, the review notes the initial scarcity of 5GHz-compatible devices hindered full performance utilization at the time.

The HEXUS.net review evaluates the Asus RT-AC56U and RT-AC68U, dual-core 802.11ac routers featuring a, user-friendly interface, USB 3.0, and 256MB of RAM. The flagship RT-AC68U boasts a 3x3 antenna array and TurboQAM, while the RT-AC56U utilizes a 2x2 setup, with both offering a premium design. In testing, the RT-AC68U delivered superior performance, hitting near 80MB/s at 5GHz, whereas the RT-AC56U showed limited range on the 2.4GHz band. The verdict highlights the RT-AC68U’s top-tier speed despite a high price, and praises the RT-AC56U for providing strong 5GHz performance and good value.