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ASUS RT AX53U Review | 77 Data compared

Avg. price in UK:~£55Avg. price in US:~$80Wi-Fi version:Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Wi-Fi speed:1800 MbpsLAN port speeds:1 GbpsMesh Wi-Fi:yes

ASUS RT AX53U Review: Compare 77 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Routers category and whether it is worth buying.

7.6

Overall score

Score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the router's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best routers on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Score components

90%

7.6

Technical Score

10%

8.3

User score

â–²Better than 73% of routers
7.6

Technical Score

Technical score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the router's technical performance, covering key areas such as Wi-Fi performance, wired connectivity, security, software features, coverage, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare routers based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Score components

26%

6.9

Wireless

20%

5.3

Ports

18%

9.2

Networking

14%

9.2

Security

12%

6.7

Hardware

10%

9.5

Management

â–²Better than 73% of routers
8.3

User score

User score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.
When it matters
When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models
Score components

70%

8.5

User reviews

30%

7.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(634)
amazon
4.1
(146)
amazon
3.9
(108)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(231)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

â–²Better than 70% of routers
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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Verdict

The ASUS RT-AX53U is a budget-friendly AX1800 dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router that delivers total speeds of up to 1800 Mbps, specifically 1201 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. It features a dual-core processor, 256MB RAM, and 128MB flash memory, while its connectivity includes one Gigabit WAN port, three Gigabit LAN ports, and a versatile USB 2.0 port that supports 3G/4G LTE dongles for backup internet. Key advantages include MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies for efficient multi-device handling, built-in AiProtection Classic for network security, and AiMesh compatibility for creating a mesh network. However, its main drawbacks are the inclusion of only three LAN ports instead of the standard four, the lack of 160 MHz channel support, and a USB 2.0 port that offers slower data transfer speeds compared to modern USB 3.0 standards.

Technical Specifications of router ASUS RT AX53U

Technical Score
Technical score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the router's technical performance, covering key areas such as Wi-Fi performance, wired connectivity, security, software features, coverage, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare routers based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Score components:

26%

6.9

Wireless

20%

5.3

Ports

18%

9.2

Networking

14%

9.2

Security

12%

6.7

Hardware

10%

9.5

Management

7.6
ASUS RT AX53U has a technical score of 7.6 points, which is higher than that of 72.8% of products in this category.
User score
User score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.
When it matters
When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models
Score components

70%

8.5

User reviews

30%

7.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(634)
amazon
4.1
(146)
amazon
3.9
(108)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(231)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.3
ASUS RT AX53U has a user score of 8.3 points, which is higher than that of 70.1% of products in this category.
Popularity
Popularity
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the router.
When it matters
When you prefer to choose a router reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 66% of models
Popularity:
ASUS RT AX53U has a popularity score of 7.9 points, which is higher than that of 65.7% of products in this category.
7.9
ASUS RT AX53U has a popularity score of 7.9 points, which is higher than that of 65.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the router's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a router with a good balance between network performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Score components:

60%

7.6

Overall score

40%

10

Price

8.3
ASUS RT AX53U has a value-for-money score of 8.3 points, which is higher than that of 75.5% of products in this category.
Brand name
Asus
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
â–² Better than 65% of models
This router uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is more advanced than 65% of routers and equal to 26.7% of routers.
Wi-Fi bands
2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
Wi-Fi bands
2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
â–² Better than 25% of models
This router supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, which are more versatile than 24.8% of routers and equal to 68.1% of routers.
Wi-Fi speed
1,800 Mbps
Wi-Fi speed
1,800 Mbps
â–² Better than 59% of models
Market range: <0 Mbps – >6k Mbps
This router delivers 1,800 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, which is higher than 59.4% of routers and equal to 3.5% of routers.
Channel widths supported
20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz
Channel widths supported
20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz
â–² Better than 41% of models
This router supports 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz channel width options, which is more than 40.9% of routers and the same as 31.6% of routers.
Show more
Wi-Fi security protocols
WPA3, WPA/WPA2, WPS
Wi-Fi security protocols
WPA3, WPA/WPA2, WPS
â–² Better than 77% of models
This router supports WPA3, WPA/WPA2, WPS Wi-Fi security protocols, which are more advanced than 77.3% of routers and equal to 1.2% of routers.
DoS protection
yes
DoS protection
yes
â–² Better than 13% of models
This router includes DoS protection. 12.8% of routers include DoS protection.
SPI intrusion protection
no
SPI intrusion protection
no
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
This router does not include SPI-based intrusion protection. 94.1% of routers include SPI-based intrusion protection.
MAC address filtering
yes
MAC address filtering
yes
â–² Better than 2% of models
This router supports MAC address filtering. 2.2% of routers include MAC address filtering.
URL filter
yes
URL filter
yes
â–² Better than 3% of models
This router supports URL filtering. 3.4% of routers include URL filtering.
Show more
IPv6 support
yes
IPv6 support
yes
â–² Better than 12% of models
This router supports IPv6. 11.5% of routers are IPv6-ready.
Dynamic routing
no
Dynamic routing
no
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
This router does not support dynamic routing. 52.5% of routers support dynamic routing.
Inter-VLAN routing
no
Inter-VLAN routing
no
â–¼ Worse than 24% of models
This router does not support inter-VLAN routing. 23.5% of routers support inter-VLAN routing.
VLAN tagging
yes
VLAN tagging
yes
â–² Better than 38% of models
This router supports VLAN tagging. 38.2% of routers include VLAN tagging.
QoS
yes
QoS
yes
â–² Better than 3% of models
This router includes QoS controls. 3.2% of routers include QoS controls.
Show more
N. of LAN ports
3
N. of LAN ports
3
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 3 LAN ports, which is fewer than 76.6% of routers and the same as 14.5% of routers.
LAN port speeds
1 Gbps
LAN port speeds
1 Gbps
â–² Better than 27% of models
This router offers 1 Gbps on its LAN ports, which is faster than 27.1% of routers and on par with 59.9% of routers.
N. of WAN ports
1
N. of WAN ports
1
â–¼ Worse than 9% of models
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 1 WAN ports, which is more than 1% of routers and the same as 90.1% of routers.
N. of USB ports
1
N. of USB ports
1
â–² Better than 39% of models
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 1 USB ports, which is more than 39.5% of routers and the same as 39.5% of routers.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
no
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
no
Category Benchmark
This router does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE). 0.5% of routers can be powered over Ethernet.
Show more
Management interface
Web UI, App, CLI
Management interface
Web UI, App, CLI
★ Better than 96% of models
This router uses Web UI, App, CLI for management, which is more advanced than 96.3% of routers and equal to 1.2% of routers.
ASUS Router app
Firmware upgrade method
Web UI, App, Automatic, Utility
Firmware upgrade method
Web UI, App, Automatic, Utility
★ Better than 100% of models
This router supports Web UI, App, Automatic, Utility firmware update methods, which are more convenient than 100% of routers.
Traffic monitoring
yes
Traffic monitoring
yes
â–² Better than 18% of models
This router includes traffic monitoring. 18.1% of routers include traffic monitoring.
Guest Wi-Fi network
yes
Guest Wi-Fi network
yes
â–² Better than 9% of models
This router offers a guest Wi‑Fi network. 8.6% of routers offer a guest Wi‑Fi network.
Captive portal
yes
Captive portal
yes
â–² Better than 77% of models
This router offers captive portal features. 76.7% of routers offer captive portal features.
Show more
CPU clock speed
0.88 GHz
CPU clock speed
0.88 GHz
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
This router runs at 0.88 GHz, which is slower than 56.5% of routers and on par with 0.3% of routers.
RAM capacity
256 MB
RAM capacity
256 MB
â–² Better than 49% of models
Market range: <0 MB – >1k MB
This router has 256 MB of RAM, which is more than 48.7% of routers and the same as 15.4% of routers.
Internal storage
0.125 GB
Internal storage
0.125 GB
â–² Better than 45% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >0.5 GB
This router has 0.125 GB of internal storage, which is more than 45.1% of routers and the same as 22.8% of routers.
Hardware acceleration
yes
Hardware acceleration
yes
â–² Better than 31% of models
This router offers hardware acceleration. 31.4% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
N. of external antennas
4
N. of external antennas
4
â–² Better than 72% of models
Market range: <0 – >10
This router has 4 external antennas, which is more than 71.9% of routers and the same as 17.5% of routers.
Show more

ASUS RT AX53U vs the average router

246810TotalWirelessSecurityNetworkingPortsManagementHardware
  • Supports mesh Wi-Fi
    Mesh Wi-Fi
    yes
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    This router supports mesh Wi-Fi, while the average router does not. 36.4% of routers support mesh Wi-Fi.
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    Wi-Fi security protocols
    WPA3, WPA/WPA2, WPS
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This router supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA3, WPA/WPA2, WPS, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS.
    WPA3, WPA/WPA2, WPS vs WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS
  • Supports automatic failover
    Automatic failover
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This router offers automatic failover, while the average router does not. 24.9% of routers offer automatic failover.
  • Supports OFDMA
    OFDMA support
    yes
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    This router supports OFDMA, while the average router does not. 35% of routers support OFDMA.
  • Better management tools
    Management interface
    Web UI, App, CLI
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    This router uses the management interface Web UI, App, CLI, while the average router uses Web UI, App.
    ASUS Router app
    Web UI, App, CLI vs Web UI, App
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    This router supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Supports captive portal
    Captive portal
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This router supports captive portal, while the average router does not. 23.5% of routers support captive portal.
  • Supports MU-MIMO
    MU-MIMO
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This router supports MU-MIMO, while the average router does not. 47.7% of routers support MU-MIMO.
  • Supports mesh Wi-Fi
    Mesh Wi-Fi
    yes
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    This router supports mesh Wi-Fi, while the average router does not. 36.4% of routers support mesh Wi-Fi.
  • Supports OFDMA
    OFDMA support
    yes
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    This router supports OFDMA, while the average router does not. 35% of routers support OFDMA.
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    This router supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Supports MU-MIMO
    MU-MIMO
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This router supports MU-MIMO, while the average router does not. 47.7% of routers support MU-MIMO.
  • Supports TWT
    Target Wake Time (TWT) support
    yes
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    This router supports Target Wake Time (TWT), while the average router does not. 36.4% of routers support Target Wake Time (TWT).
  • 22% faster Wi-Fi speed
    Wi-Fi speed
    1,800 Mbps
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    Market range: <0 Mbps – >6k Mbps
    This router has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (1800 Mbps vs 1475 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1475 Mbps.
    1,800 Mbps vs 1,475 Mbps
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    Wi-Fi security protocols
    WPA3, WPA/WPA2, WPS
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This router supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA3, WPA/WPA2, WPS, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS.
    WPA3, WPA/WPA2, WPS vs WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS
  • Supports automatic failover
    Automatic failover
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This router offers automatic failover, while the average router does not. 24.9% of routers offer automatic failover.
  • Better management tools
    Management interface
    Web UI, App, CLI
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    This router uses the management interface Web UI, App, CLI, while the average router uses Web UI, App.
    ASUS Router app
    Web UI, App, CLI vs Web UI, App
  • Supports captive portal
    Captive portal
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This router supports captive portal, while the average router does not. 23.5% of routers support captive portal.
  • Flexible firmware updates
    Firmware upgrade method
    Web UI, App, Automatic, Utility
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    This router supports the firmware update methods Web UI, App, Automatic, Utility, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.
    Web UI, App, Automatic, Utility vs Web UI, App, Automatic
  • 2 more external antennas
    N. of external antennas
    4
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <0 – >10
    This router has more external antennas than the average router (4 vs 2). The average router has 2 external antennas.
    4 vs 2
  • 6 newer release date
    Release date
    2021
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This router was released more recently than the average router (2021 vs 2015). The average router release year is 2015.
    December 2021
    2021 vs 2015
  • 1 fewer LAN ports
    N. of LAN ports
    3
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <0 – >5
    This router has fewer LAN ports than the average router (3 vs 4). The average router has 4 LAN ports.
    3 vs 4
  • No dynamic routing
    Dynamic routing
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    This router does not support dynamic routing, while the average router does. 52.3% of routers support dynamic routing.
  • No SPI intrusion protection
    SPI intrusion protection
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    This router does not support SPI intrusion protection, while the average router does. 93.9% of routers support SPI intrusion protection.
  • 25.3% narrower wireless coverage
    Wireless coverage
    139 m²
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <100 m² – >400 m²
    This router has narrower wireless coverage than the average router (139 m² vs 186 m²). The average router offers wireless coverage of 186 m².
    139 m² vs 186 m²
  • 1 fewer spatial streams
    N. of spatial streams
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    Market range: <0 – >10
    This router has fewer spatial streams than the average router (2 vs 3). The average router has 3 spatial streams.
    2 vs 3
  • Lower CPU clock speed
    CPU clock speed
    0.88 GHz
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This router has a lower CPU clock speed than the average router (0.88 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.
    0.88 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz
  • 25.3% narrower wireless coverage
    Wireless coverage
    139 m²
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <100 m² – >400 m²
    This router has narrower wireless coverage than the average router (139 m² vs 186 m²). The average router offers wireless coverage of 186 m².
    139 m² vs 186 m²
  • 1 fewer spatial streams
    N. of spatial streams
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    Market range: <0 – >10
    This router has fewer spatial streams than the average router (2 vs 3). The average router has 3 spatial streams.
    2 vs 3
  • No SPI intrusion protection
    SPI intrusion protection
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    This router does not support SPI intrusion protection, while the average router does. 93.9% of routers support SPI intrusion protection.
  • No dynamic routing
    Dynamic routing
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    This router does not support dynamic routing, while the average router does. 52.3% of routers support dynamic routing.
  • 1 fewer LAN ports
    N. of LAN ports
    3
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <0 – >5
    This router has fewer LAN ports than the average router (3 vs 4). The average router has 4 LAN ports.
    3 vs 4
  • Lower CPU clock speed
    CPU clock speed
    0.88 GHz
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This router has a lower CPU clock speed than the average router (0.88 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.
    0.88 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz

Graphic comparison of ASUS RT AX53U and other routers

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
634 Reviews
amazon
4.1
146 Reviews
amazon
3.9
108 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
231 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about ASUS RT AX53U?

  • Easy setup and user-friendly mobile app for management
  • Excellent value for an entry-level Wi-Fi 6 router
  • Stable wireless performance with good signal coverage for small to medium homes
  • Supports AiMesh for easy network expansion with other Asus routers
  • Includes lifetime free AiProtection for enhanced network security
  • Responsive web interface (ASUSWRT) with granular customization options

What customers dislike about ASUS RT AX53U?

  • Limited to three LAN ports instead of the standard four
  • Lacks support for the 160 MHz band, limiting maximum Wi-Fi 6 speeds
  • Stock firmware can be slow to boot up compared to third-party options
  • Performance may struggle in very dense environments with many high-demand devices
  • Price is often higher than competitors with similar hardware specs (Asus premium)
  • USB port placement is on the rear, which some users find less convenient than front placement

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

H
hwcooling.net
31/12/2021
Summary of the review
Asus RT-AX53U: Cheap router in test, or WiFi 6 for the masses
B
blacktubi.com
06/12/2021
Summary of the review
ASUS RT-AX53U Review: AiMesh WiFi 6 AX1800 Router
M
mbreviews.com
12/08/2022
Summary of the review
Asus RT-AX53U WiFi 6 Router Review: Good only for smaller networks?

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

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