ASUS RT AC66U Review | 77 Data compared

The ASUS RT-AC66U, reviewed by SmallNetBuilder, is an early 802.11ac router resembling the RT-N66U, designed for high-speed performance with compatible devices. Key strengths include very high three-stream N throughput, excellent 5 GHz range, and versatile functionality, such as support for media bridges and multiple USB storage devices. However, at the time of review, the device suffered from firmware instability and offered limited performance gains over older 802.11n routers, with reported issues regarding operating temperatures.

The Hardware Canucks review of the Asus RT-AC66U router and PCE-AC66 adapter highlights a significant leap in wireless performance, leveraging the 802.11ac standard for 1.3Gbps speeds on the 5GHz band. The kit, featuring the PCI-E x1 adapter for desktops, offers high-speed connectivity and is highly praised for its intuitive, fast setup and user-friendly interface. Key pros include this high-speed performance, versatile USB 2.0 ports for sharing, and backward compatibility with 2.4GHz 802.11n. However, the review outlines notable cons, primarily the high cost of entry. A significant design concern is that horizontal placement of the RT-AC66U can lead to overheating, necessitating the use of the vertical stand, while a cramped rear port layout can hinder cable management. Additionally, real-world throughput often falls short of the theoretical maximums, particularly over longer distances.

The PCWorld review concludes the ASUS RT-AC66U is a top-tier 802.11ac router, citing superior 5GHz throughput, extensive feature-rich firmware, and impressive 75-foot, multi-wall range as key pros. While offering exceptional wired and wireless speeds, the router's 2.4GHz performance was slightly behind competitors, and file retrieval from USB drives was relatively slow. The device also carries a premium "top dollar" price tag, making it an investment for early adopters of the 802.11ac standard.

The Asus RT-AC66U is a high-performance AC1750 dual-band router offering excellent throughput, range, and advanced management features like a built-in VPN server. The device features a stylish design with three large, external antennas and includes four Gigabit LAN ports plus two USB 2.0 ports. Installation is simple, and the ASUSWRT dashboard provides extensive control over wireless settings. While performance is top-tier on the 5GHz band, the management interface can be sluggish, and parental controls are somewhat limited compared to competitors. Pros include top-tier 5GHz speeds, robust feature sets, and broad coverage. Cons involve occasional software quirks, such as a slow interface, and limited, basic parental controls.

The Asus RT-AC66U is a high-speed 802.11ac dual-band router lauded for its impressive 5GHz throughput, stylish design, and comprehensive, feature-rich web interface. While offering robust performance and essential tools for power users, the review notes the device is outpaced by the rival Netgear R6300. Cons include a non-intuitive interface layout and "buggy" mobile applications that are prone to crashing, making the setup and management experience less seamless than competitors.

The Asus RT-AC66U is a feature-rich 802.11ac router designed for advanced users, boasting excellent throughput and long-range performance with its three external antennas. Its standout feature is the intuitive AsusWRT user interface, which offers a stylish, "futuristic" design alongside professional-grade functionality like a built-in VPN server and six guest networks. Despite these pros, the router suffers from minor cons, including occasional sluggishness in the management console and potential, though infrequent, connection drops that necessitate a reboot.

The Asus RT-AC66U, evaluated by Trusted Reviews, stands out for its high-performance 802.11ac capabilities and an imposing, textured design with three external antennas. It features an exceptionally user-friendly setup process that automatically launches a configuration wizard, paired with the highly regarded, feature-rich AsusWRT dashboard. Performance-wise, this router set records at the time of testing with impressive close-range 802.11ac speeds of 39.1 MB/s, while also delivering excellent 802.11n performance for legacy devices. Key benefits include this top-tier speed and a highly intuitive management interface, though its design may be considered too aggressive for some environments. Drawbacks highlighted in the review include the absence of USB 3.0 ports, which were already appearing on competing devices, and a somewhat limited, less flexible AiCloud platform for remote access compared to rivals. Additionally, the lack of a dedicated WPS activity light was noted as a minor design oversight, but overall, the router is lauded for its speed and interface.

The ASUS RT-AC66U is a high-performance, 802.11ac dual-band router offering exceptional 5GHz speeds, strong range up to 300 feet, and advanced features like a built-in VPN server and 3G/4G failover. While it provides fast throughput and extensive guest network support, it is known to run hot and commands a premium price for its cutting-edge, future-proof features. Despite being a top performer, its 2.4GHz performance is only moderate compared to its outstanding 5GHz capability.