If you’re an avid online, multiplayer gamer, you understand the importance of having a strong, dependable internet connection. LAN parties are no longer the norm, so most gamers rely on their home Wi-Fi, which is heavily impacted by the quality of their router. The Asus TUF AX5400 Gaming Router is the perfect solution.
This $400 router looks like something out of a Transformer Decepticon layer. Its sleek, futuristic design will make a statement in any gaming setup. Not to mention, plenty of LED lighting adds extra gaming flair. The hard, black shell and six antenna sticking out the back have the Michael Bay seal of approval. And it performs just as well as you’d imagine some alien tech would.
Asus TUF AX5400 Review
First off, the router has a massive coverage area thanks to those powerful antennas — delivering fast, stable connections even in large homes or multi-story buildings. It’s been so long since I experienced a dead spot anywhere in my home, unlike my old Belong router where those abounded. It even extends far enough outside my apartment allowing me access at the pool area, which is almost 20m away.
Thanks to the new Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) technology in Wi-Fi 6, signals can travel much farther than with Wi-Fi 5. It also boasts a 5400Mbps speed and a 4×4 Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) configuration with separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz antennas to reduce interference. The antennas can even use beamforming to focus signals directly towards your devices – how cool is that? Even better, if you have an old Asus router, you can easily set up a mesh network using the AI Mesh feature with just a touch of a button.
The TUF AX5400 has a great Game Boost mode that prioritizes gaming traffic for the best connection. Of course, your mileage will vary depending on your NBN connection but with my 100Mbps, I was super satisfied. I could happily play Destiny 2 while the wife streamed 4K Disney+ on the big screen and the kids binged TikToks on their phones — and no one complained about slow or dropped interent. You can customize the router to prioritize certain devices or types of traffic using the Asus Router App for iOS and Android makes it easy to manage the router settings.
The TUF AX5400 isn’t just about speed though — it’s also packed with features to optimize your gaming experience and protect your network. It has a powerful 1.8 GHz quad-core processor, which ensures smooth and stable performance even when you’re pushing the limits. This processor enables the onboard AI smarts that make this router appealing.
Speaking of features, my favorite has to be the security and parental controls which provide an extra layer of protection for your home network. It’s called AiProtection Pro and it offers 24/7 network monitoring that filters out malicious traffic, blocks dangerous websites and prevents infected devices from spreading their malware across other devices. It’s an absolute necessity for households with multiple devices, as it ensures that each device remains safe and secure.
Not only does it provide a layer of protection, but it also offers other features that make it an essential part of any home’s security strategy. It also includes a built-in VPN server which allows users to connect to the internet securely from any device, no matter where they are. With the amount of connected devices in the home today, AiProtection Pro is the perfect solution for ensuring a safe and secure home network.
AI Protect Pro has some great Parental Controls, allowing you to create family groups, limit access to specific websites, and manage device bandwidth. I feel much more secure for my kids since setting up this router. Even more impressive is that AI Protection Pro is completely free to owners of the TUF AX5400 – forever. You don’t have to pay for updates or anything. It’s incredible and probably enough of a reason to justify the cost of this router.
Verdict
I was initially skeptical about the value of a “gaming router,” but after weeks of using the Asus TUF AX5400, I’m a believer. I play online shooters like Call Of Duty Warzone or Apex Legends, but I certainly had no problems playing Destiny 2. I’m very impressed with its overall network performance and wealth of extra features. The AI Protection Pro and the Asus Router App, which allows me to control my entire network with ease, are particularly noteworthy. If you’re in the market for a new router, I highly recommend considering the TUF AX5400.
Asus Australia kindly loaned PowerUp the TUF AX5400 for the purpose of this review
