ASUS ZenWiFi AC (CT8) AC3000 Mesh Wi-Fi System Review

1. Introduction2. ASUS ZenWiFi AC (CT8)3. ASUS ZenWiFi AC (CT8) Administration Interface4. ASUS ZenWiFi AC (CT8) Analysis5. Closing Thoughts6. View All Pages

The ASUS ZenWiFi AC (CT8) has a lot going for it. The management software has absolutely loads of features, as we have come to expect from ASUS routers. Even better, a considerable subset of these are available through the smartphone app, which is fairly unique compared to ASUS's competitors.

The USB 3.1 Gen 1 port on both router and satellite means you can share storage or a printer, and perform network backup of your client devices or use the ZenWiFi as a media server.

In terms of features, the ZenWiFi surpasses any of NETGEAR's Orbi range. However, it doesn't in terms of performance. Although the ZenWiFi can deliver excellent 802.11ac range and very good 802.11n, its throughput can't compete with NETGEAR's in 802.11ac, although it is very fast at medium ranges with 802.11n.

In practice, having serviceable WiFi across a wide area will be what you notice, and the ZenWiFi delivers that, but in pure performance terms it's merely good rather than outstanding.

Overall, then, the ASUS ZenWiFi AC is worth buying for exceptional features and solid WiFi area coverage. It's also very reasonably priced at £280 – noticeably cheaper than NETGEAR's Orbi RBK50. But if you want the ultimate in mesh WiFi performance, there are better, albeit more expensive, options available.

The ASUS ZenWiFi AC (CT8) is available from Amazon.co.uk for £279.99.

Pros:

• Strong 802.11n coverage with good mid-range performance.
• Decent 802.11ac range.
• Tons of management features via Web admin interface.
• Smartphone configuration app has good subset of full feature set.
• USB ports on both router and satellite.
• Reasonable price.

Cons:

• Mediocre 802.11ac performance.

Kitguru Says: The ASUS ZenWiFi AC (CT8) offers a class-leading set of management features with plenty of options also available in the smartphone app for a reasonable price, although there are better mesh WiFi performers available.

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