Pros
- Unmatched Speed: With a next-gen Wi-Fi 6E standard, enjoy boosted speeds up to 11,000 Mbps.
- Triple-Level Game Acceleration: Optimized traffic handling from your device to the game server ensures a lag-free gaming experience.
- Easy Network Expansion: AiMesh compatibility allows for hassle-free network extension with other AiMesh-compatible routers.
Cons
- Limited Device Support: The 6GHz band is not yet widely supported by all devices, making this feature less useful for some users.
- Steep Price: High-end features come with a high-end price tag, which might not offer great value for users with modest networking needs.
Specifications
- Brand: ASUS
- Frequency band class: Tri-Band
- Wireless communication standard: 802.11ax
- Compatible devices: Laptop, Personal Computer, Tablet, Smart Television
- Frequency: 6 GHz
- Recommended uses: Gaming
- Included components: Router, setup guide
- Connectivity technology: Wi-Fi
- Colour: Black
Our Review
Setting a New Benchmark for Speed and Connectivity
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 is not just a router; it’s a behemoth that promises to redefine your understanding of network speed and connectivity. The device comes equipped with Wi-Fi 6E technology, a ground-breaking advancement that leverages the 6GHz spectrum. This enables the router to offer wider channels for transmitting data, setting new standards for reduced latency and minimal interference. With this, the GT-AXE11000 aims to eliminate all network bottlenecks, whether you’re gaming, streaming, or transferring large files.
During our testing, the blazing-fast speeds were immediately noticeable. Websites loaded like a breeze, and high-definition video streaming was smooth with no buffering. The router’s 2.5G LAN/WAN Port further adds a feather to its cap. All traffic routed through this port is given top priority, ensuring you get the highest possible data transfer rates. In real-world use, this manifested as faster downloads and seamless 4K streaming.
A Gamer’s Paradise: Triple-Level Game Acceleration
If you’re a gaming enthusiast (and lets face it, would you be reading Crosshair Reviews if you weren’t?), you’ll find it hard not to have a bitter sweet relationship with this router, on the positive side, blisteringly fast, but it can be a pain to get everything setup and connected.
The Triple-Level Game Acceleration feature is designed to give gamers an edge over their competition. This ASUS-exclusive technology accelerates game traffic from your device through the router and all the way to the game server. We put this to the test with various online multiplayer games and found a noticeable reduction in lag and latency. The gaming experience felt more responsive, offering a significant advantage during high-stakes competitive gameplay.
Seamless Network Expansion with AiMesh Compatibility
Expanding your home network can often be a complex task involving various devices and complicated settings. The GT-AXE11000 simplifies this process with its AiMesh compatibility. This allows you to effortlessly connect any AiMesh-compatible router to extend your network, creating a seamless roaming environment. The transition from one coverage area to another was smooth, ensuring an uninterrupted online experience, whether you’re walking through your home with a mobile device or setting up a multi-floor coverage in a large space.
The Engineering Behind the Performance
The GT-AXE11000 isn’t all about flashy features; it has a solid engineering foundation that ensures consistent performance. The quad-core CPU processor, a robust cooling system, and an optimized antenna design contribute to its computational prowess. This makes sure that the router can handle multiple devices and data-intensive tasks without breaking a sweat. The device’s engineering focus confirms that it is not just about speed; it’s about delivering a robust and reliable performance that you can count on.
Understanding the Limitations: Compatibility and Price
While the router boasts an impressive set of features, it’s crucial to note that the 6GHz band is still new to the market. As of now, not many devices can utilize this spectrum. Although it’s a glimpse into the future of Wi-Fi technology, you may find this feature less useful if your devices don’t support it. Moreover, all these advanced features come at a premium cost. With a steep price tag, the GT-AXE11000 may be overkill for those who have modest networking needs.
User Experiences: A Mixed Bag
Public opinion on the GT-AXE11000 is varied. Many users have reported that it dramatically enhanced their home network, both in terms of speed and coverage. However, some users have reported issues such as WiFi instability and limitations with the 5-port switch. While our tests didn’t reveal such inconsistencies, it’s crucial to remember that user experience can vary depending on numerous factors like home layout, the number of connected devices, and even the quality of your Internet service.
Conclusion
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 sets a new standard for gaming routers, offering unparalleled speed, triple-level game acceleration, and easy network expansion capabilities. Its engineering is robust, designed to provide a consistent and reliable performance. However, its cutting-edge features might not yet be fully useful to everyone due to limited device compatibility and a high price tag. If you can overlook these minor setbacks and are willing to invest in a router that offers a glimpse into the future of home networking, then the GT-AXE11000 is the router for you.
Our Product Score
While the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 is packed with features that promise a high-quality gaming experience, the steep price and limited device compatibility for the 6GHz band are significant drawbacks. It performs exceptionally well but may not offer value for everyone.
In Summary
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 is undoubtedly a revolutionary product for gamers seeking top-of-the-line speed and low latency, but with some significant drawbacks in terms of price, and some users have reported challenges with connecting to all their Gaming products.
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option with a broader device compatibility, you might want to consider the Netgear Nighthawk AX12.