Are you on the hunt for a reliable, high-performance router that can handle all your online demands? If so, an ASUS AC1900 dual band gigabit WiFi router might just be what you need. These routers are well-known for their impressive speed, robust features, and user-friendly interfaces, making them a popular choice for homes and small offices alike. But with several models available, how do you pick the right one?
Don’t sweat it! We’ve done the heavy lifting for you. In this comprehensive ASUS AC1900 dual band gigabit WiFi router review, we’ll dive deep into five top contenders, breaking down their strengths, weaknesses, and what real users think. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer, a 4K streaming enthusiast, or just need a solid connection for your smart home, there’s an ASUS AC1900 router here for you. Let’s get connected!
Why Choose an ASUS AC1900 Dual Band Gigabit WiFi Router?
Before we jump into the individual reviews, let’s briefly touch on what makes the AC1900 standard a great choice. “AC1900” refers to a router that combines theoretical maximum speeds of up to 1900 Mbps across two bands: typically 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. This dual-band capability ensures less interference and faster speeds for your devices. “Gigabit” means it comes with gigabit Ethernet ports, delivering wired speeds up to 10 times faster than standard Ethernet – perfect for gaming consoles, PCs, and smart TVs.
ASUS, as a brand, consistently delivers routers packed with advanced features like AiProtection for security, AiMesh for whole-home Wi-Fi, and the intuitive ASUSWRT interface for easy management. This commitment to quality and features is evident in every ASUS AC1900 dual band gigabit WiFi router review you’ll find.
Our Top 5 ASUS AC1900 Dual Band Gigabit WiFi Router Reviews
ASUS AC1900 WiFi Router (RT-AC68U) – Dual Band Gigabit
The ASUS RT-AC68U is often considered the legendary workhorse of the AC1900 lineup. It’s been a go-to choice for years, revered for its rock-solid stability, impressive range, and powerful dual-core processor that ensures smooth performance even under heavy loads. If you’re looking for a tried-and-true performer with robust security features, this model is a fantastic starting point. It effortlessly balances raw speed with reliable connectivity, making it suitable for a wide range of home network setups.
Key Features:
– Dual band with 802.11 AC 3×3 technology for combined speeds up to 1900 Mbps.
– AiProtection Pro with malicious site blocking, Two-Way IPS, and infected device prevention.
– 1 GHz dual-core CPU for smart multitasking, dedicating separate lanes for Wi-Fi and USB data.
– Multiple WAN connection types, Dual WAN support, and 3G/4G LTE dongle support.
– Effortless router setup with the ASUSWRT web-based interface.
– Monitor and manage your network with the intuitive ASUS Router app.
– Guest network support: 2.4 GHz x 3, 5 GHz x 3.
Pros:
– Excellent stability and long-term reliability.
– Powerful dual-core CPU handles multiple devices and tasks efficiently.
– Comprehensive AiProtection Pro provides top-tier network security.
– Flexible WAN options, including failover support.
– User-friendly setup and management via ASUSWRT and mobile app.
– Good range and coverage for most homes.
Cons:
– Lacks Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) support, being an older AC standard.
– USB 3.0 port placement can be awkward for some accessories.
– May eventually be superseded by newer Wi-Fi 6 models in terms of raw efficiency.
User Impressions:
Users consistently praise the RT-AC68U for its consistent performance and ease of use. Many highlight its durability, noting that it often outlasts newer, flashier models. The robust AiProtection is frequently mentioned as a major benefit for peace of mind. Some advanced users also appreciate its customizability for VPN and other network configurations.
ASUS RT-AX1800S Dual Band WiFi 6 Extendable Router
While not strictly an “AC1900” router, the RT-AX1800S offers a significant upgrade in technology, bringing Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) to your home network. This means not just faster theoretical speeds, but also vastly improved efficiency and capacity, especially in busy network environments with many connected devices. If you’re looking to future-proof your network and take advantage of the latest wireless standard, this “extendable” router is a smart choice, offering excellent performance and solid security with AiProtection Classic.
Key Features:
– New-Gen WiFi Standard – WiFi 6 (802.11ax) supporting MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology.
– Ultra-fast WiFi Speed with 1024-QAM for dramatically faster wireless connections.
– Increased Capacity and Efficiency by communicating with multiple devices simultaneously.
– 4 external antennas and a dual-core processor for strong performance.
– 5 Gigabit ports (1 WAN, 4 LAN) for high-speed wired connections.
– Commercial-grade Security Anywhere with AiProtection Classic, powered by Trend Micro.
– ASUS Instant Guard provides a one-click secure VPN for remote access.
Pros:
– Leverages the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard for superior performance and efficiency.
– OFDMA and MU-MIMO greatly improve multi-device performance and reduce latency.
– Ultra-fast wireless connections thanks to 1024-QAM.
– Strong security features with AiProtection Classic and secure VPN with Instant Guard.
– Excellent wired connectivity with 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
– Extendable (AiMesh compatible) for building a whole-home Wi-Fi system.
Cons:
– While efficient, its AX1800 speed might be perceived as lower than AC1900 in simple numbers (though AX is more efficient).
– Some older devices might not fully benefit from Wi-Fi 6 features.
– No USB ports mentioned for network storage or printer sharing.
User Impressions:
Users migrating to the RT-AX1800S often report noticeable improvements in network stability and speed, especially when multiple devices are active. The Wi-Fi 6 benefits, particularly in congested environments, are frequently highlighted. Its ease of setup and the added security features are also big wins for users looking for a modern, reliable router.
ASUS WiFi Router (RT-AC1900P) – Dual Band Gigabit Wireless
The ASUS RT-AC1900P takes the strong foundation of the AC1900 standard and enhances it, focusing on expansive coverage and seamless whole-home integration with AiMesh. This router is designed to eliminate Wi-Fi dead spots, ensuring a robust connection throughout larger homes. With its powerful antennas, AiRadar beamforming, and comprehensive security, it’s a fantastic choice for users who need reliability across a broad area, or those looking to expand their network with AiMesh.
Key Features:
– Enjoy combined dual-band speeds of up to 1900Mbps, 3X faster than 802.11n.
– Ultrawide Coverage with high-performance antennas and ASUS AiRadar for dead spot elimination.
– Commercial-grade Security with AiProtection, powered by Trend Micro, blocking internet threats.
– AiMesh Supported – connect to other compatible ASUS routers for a powerful whole-home Wi-Fi network.
– Flexible Connectivity Options: 5X Gigabit Ethernet ports, 1X ultrafast USB 3.1 port and 1X USB 2.0 port.
– Memory: 128 MB Flash, 256 MB RAM.
– Guest Network: 2.4GHz x3, 5GHz x3.
Pros:
– Excellent Wi-Fi coverage and range, reducing dead zones.
– Strong network security with AiProtection.
– AiMesh compatibility allows for easy whole-home mesh expansion.
– Generous connectivity with 5 Gigabit ports and both USB 3.1 and USB 2.0.
– High dual-band speeds ideal for streaming and gaming.
Cons:
– Still based on Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) standard, not Wi-Fi 6.
– The 1900Mbps is a combined theoretical speed; individual device speeds will vary.
– Might be slightly pricier than older AC1900 models due to enhanced features.
User Impressions:
Customers frequently praise the RT-AC1900P for its impressive range and signal strength. Those who have implemented AiMesh with this router rave about the seamless roaming and consistent Wi-Fi across their entire property. The added USB 3.1 port is a bonus for users wanting faster network storage.
T-Mobile (AC-1900) By ASUS Wireless-AC1900 Dual-Band
This T-Mobile branded AC1900 router is essentially a rebadged ASUS RT-AC68U, bringing the same robust performance and feature set that has made its ASUS counterpart so popular. It offers the same powerful dual-core CPU, fast dual-band Wi-Fi, and user-friendly ASUSWRT interface. However, there’s a crucial caveat to this particular model: its network lock. While it delivers excellent Wi-Fi, its primary intended use is with the T-Mobile network.
Key Features:
– Dual-band with the latest 802.11ac 3×3 technology for combined speeds of up to 1900 Mbps.
– 1 GHz Dual-core CPU enables smart multitasking by dedicating separate lanes for Wifi and USB data.
– Effortless router setup with the ASUSWRT web-based interface.
– Monitor and manage your network with ease from your mobile device using the intuitive ASUS Router App.
Pros:
– Shares the same high-performance hardware and software as the acclaimed ASUS RT-AC68U.
– Strong dual-band Wi-Fi speeds for demanding applications.
– Powerful dual-core CPU ensures smooth network operation.
– Easy to set up and manage using ASUSWRT and the mobile app.
Cons:
– Crucially, this product is locked to the T-Mobile GSM network. It will NOT work with ANY OTHER carrier besides T-Mobile without potentially flashing custom firmware (which voids warranty and carries risks).
– This network lock severely limits its versatility for most users.
– Not Wi-Fi 6 compatible.
User Impressions:
Users who are on T-Mobile and specifically sought out this router appreciate its performance, finding it to be a capable and stable Wi-Fi solution. However, many reviews are dominated by the frustration of the T-Mobile lock, with some users reporting success with unofficial firmware modifications to unlock it, while others caution against it. For the average user, this limitation is significant.
ASUS AC1900 WiFi Router (RT-AC67P) – Dual Band Wireless
The ASUS RT-AC67P is another strong contender in the AC1900 space, lauded by PCMag readers for its reliability and user-friendliness. This router is designed to deliver fast, secure, and expansive Wi-Fi, with a particular emphasis on optimizing coverage up to 3000 sq ft and enabling full-speed connections for multiple devices simultaneously through MU-MIMO technology. Its super simple 3-step setup and mobile app management make it a breeze to get online.
Key Features:
– PCMag Readers’ Choice Router for 10 consecutive years, known for reliability and ease of use.
– Fast Internet Router with 5G Wi-Fi and 256 QAM technology, delivering up to 1900 Mbps (600Mbps for 2.4GHz, 1300Mbps for 5GHz).
– Secure Router with 6 layers of advanced network security.
– Optimized Coverage with AiRadar Beamforming, extending coverage up to 3000 Sq Ft.
– MU-MIMO technology for full speed on multiple compatible devices simultaneously.
– 3-Step Effortless Setup: Open web browser, Enter ID/Password, Enjoy Wi-Fi in less than 30 seconds.
– Control Your Network Router Anywhere with the ASUS Router App.
Pros:
– Award-winning reliability and user satisfaction (PCMag Readers’ Choice).
– Excellent dual-band speeds perfect for 4K streaming and online gaming.
– Robust 6-layer advanced network security for peace of mind.
– Wide coverage up to 3000 Sq Ft with AiRadar Beamforming.
– MU-MIMO ensures efficient performance for multiple devices.
– Extremely easy and quick 3-step setup process.
– Convenient mobile app for remote management.
Cons:
– Uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) technology, not the newer Wi-Fi 6.
– May not have the same extensive feature set (like AiProtection Pro) as some higher-end ASUS models.
– Specific USB port versions (e.g., 3.0 vs 2.0) are not explicitly detailed in provided features.
User Impressions:
Reviewers consistently highlight the RT-AC67P’s straightforward setup and impressive range. Many appreciate the seamless experience for 4K streaming and online gaming, crediting the MU-MIMO and beamforming for stable connections. The mobile app’s ease of use for managing the network also receives frequent praise. It’s seen as a strong, reliable choice for the average home user.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of home networking can be tricky, but hopefully, this ASUS AC1900 dual band gigabit WiFi router review has shed some light on your options. Each router we’ve looked at brings something unique to the table, from the RT-AC68U’s legendary reliability to the RT-AX1800S’s future-proofing with Wi-Fi 6, and the RT-AC1900P’s expansive coverage capabilities. The RT-AC67P offers a fantastic balance of performance and user-friendliness, while the T-Mobile AC-1900, despite its network lock, performs admirably if you’re within that ecosystem.
Ultimately, the “best” ASUS AC1900 dual band gigabit WiFi router for you depends on your specific needs. Consider your budget, the size of your home, the number of devices you connect, and whether you prioritize the latest Wi-Fi standard or rock-solid, proven performance. All these routers offer excellent network security and the intuitive ASUSWRT interface, ensuring a good user experience.
Our final piece of advice: think about your future needs. While AC1900 routers offer excellent value and performance today, if you plan to upgrade many devices to Wi-Fi 6 in the coming years, opting for a model like the RT-AX1800S might save you from another upgrade down the line. Whichever you choose, an ASUS AC1900 (or equivalent AX) router is a solid investment for a stable and fast home network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What does “AC1900” mean in a router’s name?
A1: “AC1900” indicates the theoretical maximum combined speed of the router across its dual bands: typically 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, using the 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) standard.
Q2: What’s the difference between Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)?
A2: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is the newer standard. While both offer high speeds, Wi-Fi 6 significantly improves efficiency, capacity, and performance in environments with many connected devices, thanks to technologies like OFDMA and enhanced MU-MIMO. Wi-Fi 5 is still very capable but older.
Q3: Do I need a “gigabit” router?
A3: Yes, absolutely! “Gigabit” refers to the wired Ethernet ports, which can transfer data up to 10 times faster than older “Fast Ethernet” ports. If your internet speed is above 100 Mbps or you transfer large files between wired devices, a gigabit router is essential to avoid bottlenecks.
Q4: What is AiProtection?
A4: AiProtection is a suite of network security features powered by Trend Micro, found in many ASUS routers. It provides real-time protection against malicious sites, detects and blocks infected devices, and offers parental controls to keep your network safe and secure.
Q5: Can these ASUS AC1900 routers be used in a mesh network?
A5: Yes, many ASUS AC1900 routers, like the RT-AC1900P and RT-AX1800S, support ASUS AiMesh. This technology allows you to combine multiple compatible ASUS routers to create a seamless, whole-home Wi-Fi mesh system, eliminating dead zones and providing consistent coverage.
Q6: What are the benefits of a dual-core CPU in a router?
A6: A dual-core CPU in a router enhances its ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. This means smoother performance when many devices are connected, when you’re gaming and streaming at the same time, or when processing features like AiProtection or VPN.
Q7: Is the T-Mobile AC-1900 router a good choice for me?
A7: The T-Mobile AC-1900 is essentially an ASUS RT-AC68U in terms of hardware, offering solid performance. However, it’s locked to the T-Mobile GSM network. If you’re not a T-Mobile customer or don’t plan to use it specifically with their services (e.g., as part of a T-Mobile Home Internet setup), it’s generally not recommended due to this severe limitation.
Q8: How easy is it to set up an ASUS AC1900 router?
A8: ASUS routers are known for their user-friendly setup. Most models, like the RT-AC67P, boast a 3-step effortless setup process. You simply connect it, open a web browser, and follow the on-screen prompts. The ASUS Router mobile app also provides a convenient way to manage your network from anywhere.
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