Asus AC1900 RT-AC68U
Score: 77/100
TP-Link Archer BE230
Score: 79/100Rankings
The TP-Link Archer BE230 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router delivering up to 3.6 Gbps total throughput with four antennas, MLO and two 2.5 Gbps ports, ideal for medium-size homes. However, it lacks a 6 GHz band and its 5 GHz range drops off beyond short distances. Best for gamers and streamers in smaller spaces who need fast wired connections.
The ASUS RT-AC68U is a dual-band Wi-Fi 5 router offering solid performance with AiMesh support and robust security features. It lacks MU-MIMO and modern Wi-Fi 6/7 capabilities, limiting future-proofing. Ideal for budget-conscious households seeking reliable range and parental controls.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1,900 Mbps | 3,600 Mbpsbest | |
3 | 4best | |
2 | 4best | |
0.256 GBbest | — | |
4best | 4best | |
0.128 GBbest | — | |
1best | 1best | |
2best | 1 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(2) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Wi‑Fi 7 |
Frequency Bands | Dual Band | 2.4 GHz,5 GHz |
Design(1) | ||
Antenna Count | 3 | 4 |
Performance(3) | ||
Maximum Wireless Speed (Mbps) | 1900 Mbps | 3600 Mbps |
Processor | Dual-core Broadcom BCM4708C0 1.0 GHz | Quad-core |
CPU Cores | 2 | 4 |
Features(1) | ||
MU‑MIMO | false | true |
Ports(1) | ||
USB Ports | 2 | 1 |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the RT-AC68U for its enduring performance, noting its iconic design, strong real-world speeds, extensive configurability, and the addition of AiMesh and AiProtection Pro. However, they point out the absence of MU-MIMO, the underwhelming USB 3.0 performance, and the fact that it is built on the now-dated Wi-Fi 5 standard.
Everyday users appreciate the router's easy app-based setup, reliable range up to 45 feet, useful USB sharing and guest network features, and the peace of mind from built-in security. Recurring complaints focus on the sluggish USB 3.0 performance, the router's bulky footprint, and the lack of modern Wi-Fi 6 capabilities.
Professional reviewers consider the Archer BE230 a high-performance Wi-Fi 7 router for close-range, bandwidth-intensive use cases, praising its fast 5 GHz speeds, robust 2.4 GHz signal, 2.5 Gbps ports, and superior VPN and USB performance. However, they point out the critical omission of a 6 GHz band and the steep drop-off of 5 GHz throughput at longer distances, which limits its suitability for large or multi-story homes without mesh expansion.
Everyday users value the router's ability to deliver gigabit-level speeds near the device, its strong 2.4 GHz coverage for IoT gadgets, and the convenience of the Tether app. The most common criticism revolves around limited long-range 5 GHz coverage and the lack of a 6 GHz band, prompting many to consider adding EasyMesh nodes for broader coverage.
“still pretty epic”
“amazing performance”
