ASUS RT N66U Review | 77 Data compared

The ASUS RT-N66U "Dark Knight" is a high-performance, dual-band N900 gigabit router featuring three antennas that provide excellent range and signal strength for large homes, superior to standard ISP hardware. It features the intuitive ASUSWRT interface for easy network management, alongside dual USB 2.0 ports that support printer/file sharing and 3G/4G failover. Key pros highlighted include the exceptional, stable performance of the 5GHz band, which is ideal for streaming and gaming. However, noted cons include the unit running hot under heavy loads, occasionally disappointing 2.4GHz close-range performance, and distracting, bright blue LEDs. For more details, visit KitGuru.

The SmallNetBuilder review of the ASUS RT-N66U "Dark Knight" highlights it as a high-performance, simultaneous dual-band N900 router capable of exceptional wireless reach and throughput. A key pro is its superior 5 GHz performance, which maintained strong connections in "dead zone" tests where other routers failed, outperforming competitors like the NETGEAR WNDR4500 and Cisco Linksys E4200V2. Based on a Broadcom platform, the router is lauded for its intuitive ASUSWRT interface, which balances beginner-friendly settings with advanced features like VPN support and detailed traffic monitoring. The hardware, including two USB 2.0 ports for storage/printer sharing and 3G/4G backup capability, makes it a robust, feature-packed consumer choice. Conversely, the review notes initial firmware issues, citing buggy DLNA media servers and some non-functional VPN features at launch. While performance is generally high, tests revealed varied 5 GHz three-stream downlink speeds and internal bottlenecks under heavy, simultaneous wireless and wired load. Additionally, the device lacks a way to turn off its bright blue LEDs. For more details, visit SmallNetBuilder.

The ASUS RT-N66U "Dark Knight" is a high-performance, true dual-band N900 router noted by CNET for exceptional range, reaching up to 300 feet, and stability. It delivers fast 5GHz data rates and features the intuitive ASUSWRT web interface with advanced customization options. Notable features include support for 3G failover, VPN server capabilities, and dual USB 2.0 ports for network storage and printing. While the 5GHz performance is stellar, the 2.4GHz band shows slower-than-expected throughput. Additionally, the router lacks USB 3.0 support and can run warm during heavy, sustained usage. Some initial users reported firmware bugs, which were addressed with updates, and 2.4GHz performance may not meet expectations. Ultimately, the RT-N66U remains a strong choice for large, demanding environments requiring long-range coverage.

The Legit Reviews evaluation of the ASUS RT-N66U "Dark Knight" identifies it as a top-tier N900 router featuring class-leading read speeds for HD streaming and Ai Radar beam-forming for superior range. It is praised for an intuitive, feature-rich interface and versatile USB functionality, though it lacks 802.11ac support and has slightly lower write speeds than some competitors. While delivering excellent performance, the router is noted for higher power consumption, leading to increased operational costs.

The ThinkBroadband review highlights the Asus RT-N66U "Dark Knight" as a high-performance, dual-band N900 router designed for power users, featuring a 600MHz Broadcom CPU, 256MB of RAM, and 32MB of flash, making it ideal for third-party firmware enthusiasts. Its pros include a versatile feature set supporting concurrent 2.4GHz/5GHz networks, a built-in micro SDHC slot for storage, and impressive, versatile wireless range capable of handling streaming services through obstacles. Conversely, the router is hindered by a cramped rear port layout that can cause accidental power-offs, extremely bright blue LEDs, and 5GHz performance that drops significantly behind solid masonry.

a little longer The Expert Reviews assessment of the Asus RT-N66U Dual Band Wireless-N900 Gigabit Router identifies it as a once-robust, feature-rich device that now feels dated compared to modern networking standards. It boasts N900 speeds (up to 450Mbps on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands), a versatile web interface with advanced, guided setup options, and two USB 2.0 ports for storage and printer sharing. While praised for its excellent 802.11n wireless range and "Dark Knight" design, the router lacks modern 802.11ac or Wi-Fi 6 technology. Specific pros highlighted include a capable, user-friendly interface and highly reliable signal strength, making it a functional, if aging, hub for small networks. However, key cons include slow USB 2.0 ports compared to modern 3.0 alternatives, significantly lower throughput than current AC-enabled rivals like the TP-Link Archer C9, and reports of the unit running hot. Additionally, the bright blue status LEDs may prove distracting for some users.

The Asus RT-N66U "Dark Knight" is a high-performance N900 router featuring a 600MHz Broadcom CPU, 256MB of RAM, and three detachable antennas designed for stability, handling up to 300,000 concurrent sessions. Performance tests show stellar dual-band capabilities and a wide signal range capable of 25% better data throughput through obstacles, complemented by the intuitive ASUSWRT interface, robust firewall, and AiCloud support. While praised for its fast performance, excellent coverage, and user-friendly setup, the router has limitations, including running quite hot during heavy usage and relying on USB 2.0 ports rather than faster USB 3.0 standards.

The Asus RT-N66U, customized with Sabai OS, is a specialized, "plug and play" VPN router designed for ease of use, providing instant network-wide security for households. Modified by Sabai Technology, it replaces standard firmware to simplify VPN integration, making it ideal for users seeking to protect multiple devices without complex, manual configurations. Pros include a user-friendly interface that allows for setup in under five minutes, providing robust dual-band wireless speeds (up to 900Mbps) and excellent range that remains stable through walls. It also features two USB 2.0 ports for sharing and supports 3G/4G dongle failover. Key cons involve relatively low VPN throughput speeds, potential struggles with high-bandwidth tasks like 4K streaming, and the high cost of over $599 when pairing with the necessary Sabai VPN Accelerator for better performance. Additionally, the hardware runs hot in warm environments, and 2.4 GHz performance is slower than its 5 GHz capability.

The ASUS RT-N66U "Dark Knight" is a high-performance N900 dual-band router featuring 256MB of RAM and a powerful processor, designed for high traffic and broad signal range across 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. It delivers class-leading wireless throughput, backed by the intuitive ASUSWRT interface, advanced QoS, VPN support, and dual USB 2.0 ports for NAS functionality. Despite its high cost, thermal output under load, and potential 2.4GHz interference in crowded areas, it is considered a premium, feature-rich choice for enthusiasts.

The Asus RT-N66U "Dark Knight" is characterized by Wired as a high-performance router bridging user-friendly setup with advanced features. Notable for its "Black Diamond" design, the unit features a robust 600MHz processor and 256MB of RAM designed to handle heavy tasks like HD streaming and gaming seamlessly. The review highlights exceptional wireless range and signal stability on the 5GHz band, capable of covering large homes, alongside versatile USB 2.0 functionality for NAS or 3G/4G failover. Cons identified include the unit running quite hot, which may affect long-term stability. While performance is generally strong, the 2.4GHz band's close-range throughput was found to be underwhelming in some tests. Additionally, the reliance on USB 2.0 rather than 3.0 was noted as a limitation.

The Asus RT-N66U "Dark Knight" is a top-tier dual-band Wireless-N router, highly regarded for exceptional 5GHz performance and extensive coverage. It features the user-friendly ASUSWRT dashboard, simplifying network management for both novice and advanced users. Pros include incredible wireless range, robust stability under load, and versatile USB 2.0 functionality, such as printer sharing, NAS capabilities, and 3G failover. Despite these strengths, the router has limitations, specifically with mediocre 2.4GHz performance at close range compared to its superior 5GHz speeds. The device is known to run warm during operation and lacks the modern USB 3.0 standard. Additionally, initial firmware bugs and the absence of a comprehensive 3G dongle compatibility list are noted drawbacks.

The ASUS RT-N66U "Dark Knight" is a high-end 802.11n dual-band router noted for exceptional range (up to 150 feet) and solid performance, capable of speeds up to 900Mbps. It features a robust design with three detachable antennas and runs on a Broadcom CPU. Key pros include an intuitive ASUSWRT dashboard, versatile USB 2.0 ports for NAS/printer functionality, and advanced features like VPN support. Conversely, cons include the unit running hot under load, underwhelming 2.4GHz performance at close range, lack of USB 3.0, and real-world speeds that fall short of the theoretical 450Mbps per band.

The ASUS RT-N66U "Dark Knight," reviewed by Legit Reviews (via TechwareLabs), is a top-tier N900 router designed for high performance. It excels with stellar 5GHz wireless speeds, "Ai Radar" beamforming technology for stable, long-range coverage, and extensive customization options, including the ASUSWRT Dashboard. Key pros include the user-friendly interface, support for multiple guest networks, and dual USB 2.0 ports for network-attached storage or 3G/4G failover. The hardware, featuring a 600MHz processor and 256MB of RAM, also supports third-party firmware for power users. Cons include less impressive 2.4GHz performance, significant heat generation under load, and intense blue LEDs. Additionally, the lack of USB 3.0 and the high price relative to newer Wi-Fi 5 alternatives are noted.