ASUS designs routers with gamers in mind, and the rest of the users follow. Even if these routers are notoriously expensive, at least two ASUS always make the roundup reviews because of their unparalleled performance. The ASUS RT-AC3200 is in league with these top routers for gamers.
From its humble beginnings in 1989 in Taipei, Asus rose in ranks and became the 5th largest PC vendor in the world. Since then, its products include laptops, tablets, smartphones, desktop computers, and of course, routers, among many other products.
PROS
CONS
HARDWARE & SPECS
Main Features & Benefits
Tri-Band Frequency with Maximum Throughput of 3,200Mbps
The ASUS RT-AC3200 works on a concurrent tri-band frequency with 5GHz wireless bands for faster 1,300Mbps each and a 2.4Ghz wireless band. This router also uses Smart Connect to automatically select the best band to use when one gets congested. Based on speed tests, the Smart Connect increases wireless performance up to 39%.
Whether you are gaming, doing video conferences, or simply chilling out by watching your favorite movies online, this router’s got you covered.
AiRadar Beamforming
AiRadar beamforming uses high-power amplification and exclusive fine-tuning. This lets you connect to faster, clearer, and stronger connections anywhere in the house. The antenna amplifies range and actively seeks your wireless devices connected to it to give it a better connection. With this feature, it has enough range to cover large houses.
Adaptive QoS
Of the three types of QoS, adaptive QoS is the best compared to traditional and dynamic QoS. This kind of QoS prioritizes the best bandwidth based on the app or program you run on your device. Best of all, it supports major gaming consoles, so you get the best gaming experience when connected to this router.
Tested for Compatibility with Various Devices
Unlike other routers that theoretically work with adapters, modems, and game consoles, the Asus RT-AC3200 router passed its compatibility test with most devices, especially for the latest-generation Xbox and PlayStation.
Advanced Security, Parental Controls, and VPN Support
ASUS AiProtection, powered by Trend Micro, protects your network from cyber attacks, malware, and viruses. The virus database is continuously updated, so your network is always protected by actively identifying and blocking malicious sites. It also blocks all common internet-based attacks through its Intrusion Prevention System (IPS). To top it all, it is free for life.
As for parental controls, AiProtection allows you to manage your network with the ASUS router app’s intuitive interface. Kid-Safe Preset has four settings for Pre--K, Kid, Teen, and adult. Each of these presets has a set of filters and restrictions. You can also turn on the content filter for each kid or teen in your network. Also, reserve dinners or weekends for a productive quality time by blocking specific time.
Also, other routers need a paid third-party VPN protection, but this router does not require any. All you need is to create a VPN server within your network or VPN-enable the devices connected to your network.
ASUS Router Mobile App
Control your network with the ASUS Router mobile app. It also allows you to set up your router, manage traffic, troubleshoot connection issues, and update your firmware to keep your router working at tip-top condition every time. Download it through the App Store or Google Play.
Updated Firmware
Your firmware is updated manually depending on your firmware version. You can do both updates through your ASUS Router app or the web interface. This can take some time, depending on your version, so we recommend that you update your firmware just before you shut down your computer for the day.
Better Performance
Most routers need a good processor to keep them working. This router is not the best in speed given that it works only on 1GHz dual-core processor and 256MB DDR3 RAM. But it makes up for what it lacks by optimizing performance with Tuxera for better data management. Tuxera keeps your router at top performance without putting too much data on the processor, boosting the connection speeds.
However, let us reiterate that a good router can enhance your internet connection but not speed it up. If you subscribe to a 100Mbps internet plan, do not expect a better throughput based on your router performance alone. For slower internet connections, settle for routers that suit these speeds best.
User-Friendly Interface
The ASUS RT-AC3200 runs on ASUSWRT graphical user interface, a web-based interface that allows you to access your router through your desktop computer or mobile devices. It has a traffic analyzer that identifies internet bottlenecks so you can control access or prioritize apps and programs.
Aside from the traffic analyzer, it also has a network map to see the devices connected to your network. You can easily disconnect any unauthorized access to your network through the ASUS Router app or the web interface.
AiCloud Access
Newer ASUS routers come with the ASUS AiCloud, your personal storage that you can access through your mobile devices or via a personalized browser URL. You can share photos, videos, and files through the ASUS AiCloud or connect your network with a compatible network to have bigger cloud storage.
Gigabit Ethernet LAN and USB ports
The ASUS RTAC3200 has 4 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports for your wired devices or an Ethernet switch if you don’t think 4 LAN ports is enough. It also has a USB 2.0 port for your printers and a USB 3.0 port for file sharing. It also supports a 3G/4G dongle so you can connect to your mobile phone hotspot as a backup internet when on the go.
Cons
No router, modem, or device is perfect, and the ASUS RT-AC3200 has its share of cons.
Expensive
ASUS routers are notoriously expensive. This router costs nearly $300, which can be wasteful for some users. If you don’t have the budget, there are many alternatives for routers below $100 that will give you good performance.
Does Not Support AiMesh System
If you want a router that supports the AiMesh system, this is not the router for you. However, it has enough coverage for large homes, so you don’t need to set up a mesh system unless you have an overly-large house.
What is the ASUS RT-AC3200 Best For?
This router is best for Gigabit internet plans because if you are on a 100 or even 500Mbps internet plan, you won’t get much from this router. Although it has good compatibility with other devices, you don’t have to spend much on the router.
Intensive Home-Based Work
Given that you are on a Gigabit internet plan, the ASUS RT-AC3200 is an excellent addition to your network if you do bandwidth-hungry programs running on your computer. Design and editing programs eat massive data and need fast internet, so you experience a seamless rendering of your designs. Video and photo editing also need reliable internet, mostly if you upload these files on your sites.
If you also do video conferencing with business associates or employees, you need reliable internet service to stay on top of your game.
Online Gaming
Gamers, both amateur and professional, rely on reliable and buffer-free internet connections. You don’t want your teammates to kick you out of the game because you cannot keep up with them, and you become a liability to your team. For professional gamers, this means losing your contract and thousands of dollars. We recommend connecting to a Gigabit internet plan and getting the best gaming modem and router to keep up.
Heavy Streaming and Downloading
With the advent of SmartTV and IPTV, more people rely on these for entertainment instead of going to movie houses, especially with current restrictions. One thing is common to both; they only work if you are connected to the internet. Imagine you are already at the climax of your horror or thriller movie, and it suddenly buffers? This router ensures you get the best movie experience every time.
Online Education
Online education equals virtual classes and lots of research, downloading information, and uploading school work. Take off the stress from these classes by connecting your devices to the ASUS RT-AC3200. With the tri-band frequency, Adaptive QoS, and AiRadar beamforming, you can be cooped up in the attic but still get the internet you need at a steady speed and drop-free connections.
What Buyers Say About the ASUS RT-AC3200 Router
We scoured the internet to get credible and verified reviews, and here are some constructive ones.
I am an average user, two people at home, 3 computers, 2 phones, ps4, 3 TVs, each with a streaming device attached, and friends who come and hitch on the network. This has more than given us what we needed. I love the app and insights. I love the coverage. And I love the dependably as we both work from home full time. I teach. Spouse renders heavy data sets through 2 VPNs. This is worth the money. I am writing this post on 1/24/21, I bought this in Oct of 2017. Loved every minute!
Quit being cheap. If you have slow internet- it is likely your router. I wouldn't have believed it, but I went from getting 2-3 MBPS on wifi to 45 MBPS immediately (same speed as wired), and the only thing that changed with my wireless router. Yes, my router was old. Don't be cheap. Get this router.
I bought this specifically for the time control in parental control. It only does up to 16 devices, but we only have about 5 to limit to time. I would recommend it. It seems like the only brand that does this with this much detail. I also like that you can see traffic and usages per device attached.
Conclusion
The ASUS RT-AC3200 is an excellent router if you are not intimidated by its stiff price. We’re giving it 4.5/5 stars for its setup, features, and performance. The security features are great, and we couldn’t ask for more with the free lifetime AiProtection powered by Trend Micro.
We recommend the ASUS RT-AC3200 router because of its range and coverage, all boosted by AiRadar beamforming and Tuxera optimization for better processor action. Lastly, we love the tri-band frequency as it means less internet traffic congestion and better internet performance.