With so much time spent at home our internet has become more important than ever. We usually donāt give much thought to our internet routers. However, it’s our internet routers that are responsible for our Wi-Fi connection strength, internet speeds, and how many devices we can have connected.
When it comes to playing games online your Wi-Fi speed is paramount to your gaming experience. Games that require fast response times rely on fast and strong internet connections. As a regular online Battle Royale player, I can tell you that network speeds can mean the difference between winning or losing a battle. Today I will be reviewing the Gundam themed Wi-Fi 6 ASUS RT-AX82U and RT-AX86UĀ gaming routers (also available bundled with the Gundam limited edition tumblers for a limited time: RT-AX82U with Tumbler and RT-AX86U with Tumbler).
Gundam themed ASUS AX5400 and AX5700 routers
If you ask me what my favourite childhood action figures were, it would be Gundams. As a child seeing these colourful and powerful robots always put me in a state of shock and awe. So when asked if I would review ASUSās Gundam themed routers, I immediately jumped on the opportunity. Both ASUS routers are themed after the popular 1979 Mobile Suit Gundam series.Ā
ASUS Wireless AX5400 (RT-AX82)
I was speechless when I opened up the box of the AX5400. The design and colour scheme is meant to replicate the iconic Gundam RX-78-2. ASUS even added printing along the top of the router highlighting the Gundam RX-78-2 model number and the Earth Federation branding.Ā
The AX5400 is designed to sit horizontally. Behind the front grill of the router are RGB LEDs. While simple in its implementation, the LEDs create a jaw-dropping wow factor. To change the LEDs thereās a small button on the top of the router. Pressing this will allow you to cycle through colours and effects. Along the back of the router is where you will find four antennae and all of the connectivity options.Ā
ASUS wireless AX5700 (RT-AX86)
The AX5700 is themed after the rivals of the Earth Federation, the Principality of Zeon. The red and black theme is a spot on match for the Zeon MS-06S Gundams. Like its brother, the AX5700 also has matching printing letting you know the Gundam model and allegiance.Ā
When looking at the design, the AX5700 stands up vertically. Unlike the AX5400, the AX5700 doesn’t sport any flashy LEDs. I found myself liking its overall design. The vertical standing design means that its overall footprint is smaller. Because of this I was able to comfortably place the AX5700 on my desk. The more subdued colours also meant that the router blended in, making it look more like a high-tech piece of art.
Before getting into my experiences using these routers, let’s review some of their key specs.
| ASUS AX5400 (RT-AX82) | ASUS AX5700 (RT-AX86) | |
| Wireless Range | 2000 sqft | 2400 sqft |
| Bands | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz |
| Antennas | 4 adjustable antennas | 3 adjustable antennas, 1 internal PCB antenna |
| Maximum Data Rate | 5400 Mbps | 5700 Mbps |
| Wi-Fi 6 | Yes | Yes |
| Processor | 1.5 GHz tri-core | 1.8 GHz quad-core processor |
| Memory | 256 MB Flash, 512 MB RAM | 256 MB Flash, 1GB DDR3 RAM |
| Weight | 740 grams | 814 grams |
While there are slight differences in tech specs, the ASUS AX5400 and AX5700 share a lot in common. For starters they are both dual band routers that support Wi-Fi 6. Both routers also offer four local area network (LAN) ports, and can support up to 100 wireless devices. Speaking of wireless connection, both ASUS routers are mesh-enabled via ASUS AiMesh. While they boast very impressive Wi-Fi coverage, you can easily expand this coverage by adding a second router. In the case of the AX5400 and AX5700, both can be combined to work on the same mesh network.
In terms of specs, the ASUS AX5700 is the more powerful router. It has a 1.8 GHz quad core CPU with 1GB RAM, has a larger 2400 sq ft coverage, and a faster maximum data transfer speed at 5700 mbps. In terms of ports the ASUS AX5700 also has a leg up with its 2.5 gbps WAN/LAN port.Ā
On the other hand, the AX5400 is no slouch. Compared to other Wi-Fi 6 enabled routers, the AX5400 is still one of the fastest available. I should point out that during real world testing I did not notice significant speed differences when using both ASUS routers.
ASUS AX5400 and AX5700 lightning fast wireless with impressive range
As a disclaimer, both routers were tested using my homeās fiber optic internet. On my current plan network speeds are rated at 175 mbps. This means that the maximum network speed of the ASUS routers will be limited by my internet service provider speeds. Despite this, I was still able to identify minor differences when testing the routers.
As a baseline, my ISP provided router had 170 mbps download and 176 mbps upload. When testing the ASUS routers, both were able to output faster network speeds. Despite the average 175 mbps limit of my ISP the AX5700 had speeds of 183 mbps download and 176 mbps upload. On the other hand the AX5400 was slightly lower at 181 mbps download and 171 upload. The speed bump of the AX5700 is likely due to its more powerful specs.
In terms of wireless range. Both routers provide ample wireless coverage. The AX5400 is rated at 2000 sqft while the AX5700 is rated at a slightly larger 2400 sqft. This range will depend on a few factors like walls, obstructions, and interference.
ASUS router user controls
ASUS has made it possible to control your router through your browser, mobile app, or through voice control. The first method is your traditional browser based control. I was pleasantly surprised to find that ASUS would change wallpapers and themes to match the Gundam represented by your router. At a glance, within the browser you have full control over your router. This ranges from simple tasks like changing your Wi-Fi password to more specific tasks like port forwarding.
Because these are gaming routers you also have the option to turn on gaming mode. This mode prioritizes the network speed of the devices that you specify. The result is that during gaming mode that device will always have the top speed regardless of what other devices are on the network.
If you donāt have a computer nearby you can also download the ASUS Router app. This app provides all the same controls as you would find on the web app. In terms of functionality, the mobile app is more polished and smooth. Like the web app, the mobile app will display the Gundam that matches your router.
ASUS has also enabled voice control. At the time of writing this review, only Amazon Alexa is officially supported. As a Google Nest user this was a bit of a letdown for me but Iām keeping my fingers crossed that ASUS will roll out Google Assistant support in future updates. Although you do not have all the same options as the web and mobile apps there are plenty of things you can still do. For example you can use voice commands to turn on/off a guest network, enable game mode, as well as restart the router.Ā
Limited time Gundam tumblers
If youāre a Gundam collector then you’ll love the Gundam tumber. These tumblers ($54.99 value) come free with a purchase of either of the Gundam routers. Each tumbler holds up to 600ml of liquid and is BPA free. The body is made of double-walled steel which can keep your drinks warm for up to six hours, or cool up to 12 hours.Ā
Final thoughts on the ASUS Gundam routers
As far back as I can remember Iāve always looked for creative ways to hide my unappealing boxy routers. On the other hand, the ASUSĀ RT-AX82U and RT-AX86UĀ are routers that you can proudly display. Both routers offer similar functionality and features. They provide more than enough range and signal strength to cover your apartment and most houses. If youāre aiming for the top end speeds and wireless coverage, the AX5700 pulls ahead slightly. And both are available bundled with the Gundam limited edition tumblers for a limited time: RT-AX82U with Tumbler and RT-AX86U with Tumbler.
Canāt decide which one to get? No problem. ASUSās AiMesh means that you can have the best of both worlds and connect both routers on a single network. So what did you think of the ASUS AX5400 and AX5700? Would you put these out for display? If youād like to check out ASUSās other products you can have a look here.
The AX5400 would look great in my living room, high up on a shelf so my toddler wouldn’t mistake it for a toy haha.
Either would work but I would prefer the AX5700
Definitely will choose the Asus AX5700 for the faster processor and more memory. Plus I like the red housing.
Definitely the AX5700 because of the wide square foot coverage. I live in a 3 story house and it has been difficult to get consistent signals to the 3rd floor
AX5700 mostly because zeon had cooler robots
The AX5700 because it is more powerful!
ASUS AX5700 because of its extended range and speed, Got to stay connected even when i wantto move to another room
The AX5400 looks amazing! Thats the one I would get, I have a small enough home that I wouldn’t need an extreme amount of coverage.
ASUS AX5700 because of its extended range and speed.
The ASUS AX5700 would be my choice due to its’ strength and power!
I’d like the RT-AX86U(AX5700) because of the higher speed support and vertical mount.
i would want the 5700 because of the increased coverage it would provide.
ASUS AX5700 as a mom the vertical design =takes us less space. Improved coverage for my family, we have a parent that works from home and a few gamers set up throughout the house.
Iwould prefer the AX5700 for its looks and performance although either would please me
AX5400 simply because it looks cool.
The AX5400 is my favourite design, but I’d have to go with AX5700 for the better specs.
While I love the look of the Gundam Edition ASUS AX5400 router’s exterior, from a hardware specs standpoint, I would favour the ASUS AX5700 router as it offers more range and more processor power.
I’d like the AX5700, much better specs for high performance!
I would prefer the ASUS AX5700 for the power but know my kids would love the LED’s on the AX5400
I like the AX5700 because it is such a cool red colour and we would place it vertically to save space. Plus the processor is slightly faster.
I would have the ASUS AX5700 because it has the superior specs and I would like the best possible.
I like the AX5700: more power and the vertical stand would be nice in a tight closet space.
I am aiming for the top end speeds and wireless coverage, the AX5700 pulls ahead slightly
RT-AX86U are routers that you can proudly display – offer similar functionality and features. They provide more than enough range and signal strength to cover your apartment and most houses.
ASUS AX5400 for lightning fast wireless with impressive range – I am always having issues with connection…
When looking at the design, the AX5700 stands up vertically. I like the design – will suit my desk – .lightning fast wireless
The AX5700 for better range
ASUS AX5700 would be my solid choice. we have 3 gaming areas and one is in the basement and maintaining a strong wifi connection can be spotty at times. The excelling 2400 sqft range would easlity cover all our gaming needs.
ASUS wireless AX5700 because I like that it stand up vertically and also for is quad-core processor.
For the improved coverage throughout my home, the Asus AX5700 would provide the best service to the nearly 40 IoT/Smart Home devices, Asus 15DK Gaming PC, work at home laptops and iOS devices. With its ability to support so many devices, it would provide a lot more reliability than my current router.
Plus it has a really cool red design, to sit next to my gaming setup!
That AX5700 looks SO COOL! That would definitely be the one I want!
Iād pick the ax5700 for the higher range and the ax5400 because I like the colours better but literally anything would be an improvement over what we have currently.
The AX5400 would definitely look better in my home – it matches my whole colour scheme! Plus the range and speed specs are pretty much perfect for my case.
I’d like to have the AX5700 because it has greater range. My cable connection is only available in the basement of my house so I need a router with a strong range and connection.
I would choose the AX5400 because the range difference would not matter in my home, but the colour scheme matches the PS5 and my home theatre better.
Everybody is saying AX5700 but I say AX5400 because RX-78-2, gotta go with the Grand Daddy!
Definitely the Asia AX5400 the LED lights and specs are too good to pass up.
The AX5700 for sure. The range would help my some computer connectivity and the red would match everything else which is important to him because, at 13, he built it himself š
I would go with the ASUS AX5700 because of the increase range
The AX 5700 would be great as we live in a larger house with limited internet rage.
A blessing in disguise.
The AX5700 would be my choice based on the increased range that it provides.
The AX5700 would definitely suit our family’s needs with its increased signal coverage capability. While our home is quite middle-sized, there are quite a few walls and partitions in our home so the extra strength of the AX5700 would definitely help with weak signal issues in the points of our home which are the farthest away from the router.
ASUS AX5700 increase coverage.
We often encounter range issues and the AX5700 would be the ideal solution for our northern rural area.
We often encounter range issues and the AX5700 would be the ideal solution for our northern rural area.
We often encounter range and disconnection issues that either the ASUS AX5400 and AX5700 could surely resolve.
The AX5700 would be my pick. Looks cool, stand vertically, high-speed and lots of coverage.
ASUS AX5400, I would love the extra coverage and I love the design of the router.
I would go with the AX5700 simply because it covers a slightly larger area (my house was built in the early-mid 50’s, half inch of hard plaster over quarter inch drywall) and I need all the oomph I can get to get through the walls.
I would have the ASUS AX5700 as it has a wider range and a more powerful processor which will help me get the best wifi coverage that I need.
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