If you're looking for an ultimate Wi-Fi 6E router, this Asus GT-AXE16000 vs. TP-Link AXE300 will help.
Since the end of 2022, these two have been the ultimate standalone Quad-bad Wi-Fi machines representing the two popular networking vendors.
Considering Wi-Fi 7 is around the corner, they will likely remain the cream of the crop for their Wi-Fi 6E standards. And that means they will remain relevant for years in the future.
The Netgear Orbi RBRE960 is another quad-band Wi-Fi 6E router, but it's far inferior on all accounts.
That said, picking one out of this pair can be tricky. This post will push you in the right direction, but each router's in-depth review will provide more information. Give them a good read.
Asus GT-AXE16000 vs. TP-Link AXE300: Two (almost) equally excellent routers
The Asus GT-AXE1600 and the TP-Link AXE300 have lots in common.
Both are massive Wi-Fi 6E routers with eight external non-removable antennas. Both have three Multi-Gig ports, high processing power, and feature top-tier Wi-Fi specs. And both come with a robust web user interface and an optional helpful mobile app.
With that, let's check out their hardware specifications.
Asus GT-AXE16000 vs. TP-Link AXE300: Hardware specifications
Model | Asus GT-AXE16000 | TP-Link AXE300 |
Wi-Fi Bandwidth | Quad-band AX16000 | Quad-band AX16000 |
2.4GHz (channel width) | 4ร4 AX: Up to 1148Mbps (20/40MHz) | 4ร4 AX: Up to 1148Mbps (20/40MHz) |
5GHz-1 (channel width) | 4x4 Wi-Fi 6 Up to 4804Mbps (20/40/80/160MHz) | 4x4 Wi-Fi 6 Up to 4804Mbps (20/40/80/160MHz) |
5GHz-2 (channel width) | 4x4 Wi-Fi 6 Up to 4804Mbps (20/40/80/160MHz) | 4x4 Wi-Fi 6 Up to 4804Mbps (20/40/80/160MHz) |
6GHz (channel width) | 4x4 Wi-Fi 6E Up to 4804Mbps (20/40/80/160MHz) | 4x4 Wi-Fi 6E Up to 4804Mbps (20/40/80/160MHz) |
Backward Compatibility | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
Wireless Security | WPA / WPA2 / WPA3 | WPA / WPA2 / WPA3 |
Operation Roles | Router (default) Access Point Repeater AiMesh node (router or satellite) Media Bridge | Router (default) Access Point |
Mesh-ready | Yes (AiMesh) | Yes (OneMesh) |
Gigabit Network Port | 4x LAN | |
Multi-Gig Network Port | 1x 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig LAN WAN/LAN 2x 10Gbps Multi-Gig LAN LAN/WAN | 1x 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig WAN/LAN 1x 10Gbps Multi-Gig LAN/WAN 1ร 10Gbps Multi-Gig/SFP+ Combo LAN/WAN |
LAN Link Aggregation | Yes (LAN ports 1 and 2) | LAN only (LAN2 + LAN3) |
WAN Link Aggregation | Yes (WAN + LAN4) | No |
Dual-WAN | Yes (WAN + USB or any other LAN port) | No |
USB | 1x USB 3.0 1x USB 2.0 | 1x USB 3.0 |
Web User Interface | Yes | |
Dynamic DNS with Remote Access | Yes | |
Mobile App | Asus Router (login account optional) | TP-Link Tether (login account required) |
Processing Power | 2.0 GHz quad-core CPU, 256MB Flash, 2GB RAM | 2.0 GHz Quad-Core CPU, 1GB RAM, 256MB Flash |
Power Intake | 100-240V | |
Power Usage (over 24 hours) | ห 475 Wh | ห 465 Wh |
Antennas | 8x External | |
Dimensions | 10.4 x 10.4 x 2.9 in (26.4 x 26.4x 7.4 cm) | 9.1 ร 9.1 ร 2.7 in (232 ร 232 ร 68 mm) |
Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4kg) | 3.75lbs (1.7kg) |
Firmware Version (at review) | 3.0.0.4.386_48786 | 1.0.3 Build 20220907 |
Release Date | June 2022 | October 2022 |
US Price (at launch) | $699 | $599.99 |
Asus GT-AXE16000 vs. TP-Link AXE300: The differences
Despite the similar hardware specs, the two have some big differences.
First, the TP-Link Archer AXE300 uniquely features a 10Gbps Multi-Gig/SFP+ Combo LAN/WA portโit can work in either form and either WAN or LAN role. This makes it more flexible in terms of device support.
For example, you can use it with an SFP+ Fiber-optic ONT or host an SFP+ NAS server. In this case, the Asus GT-AXE16000 would require a converterโnot a good idea.
On the other hand, the Asus proved to be a much more versatile router that:
- supports Aggregation on both the WAN and LAN side.
- features Dual-WAN with extremely flexible network port configurations.
- has all available operating roles for a router (access point, repeater, media bridge, etc.).
On top of that, while the two are mesh-ready, Asus's AiMesh is much superior to TP-Link's OneMesh.
As a result, the GT-AXE16000 can be a robust Multi-Gigabit mesh member. In contrast, the Archer AXE300 can only handle a few low-end extenders with, for now, no possibility for a mesh with wired backhauling.
Finally, the Asus's USB ports can handle a lot more network storage and other USB-based applications than the TP-Link counterpart. That's always a good thing for those looking to make the most out of their purchase.
Asus GT-AXE16000 vs. TP-Link AXE300: General grading and performance
Asus GT-AXE16000's Rating
Pros
Powerful hardware, quad-band with Wi-Fi 6E support, three Multi-Gig ports (one 2.5Gbps and two 10Gbps)
Stellar performance throughout
Excellent set of game-related, online protection and monitoring features, full AiMesh 2.0 support
Unmatched port flexibility, including interchangeable WAN, Dual-WAN, and LAN/WAN Link Aggregations
Beautiful ROG Aura lighting
Cons
10Gbps ports' sustained rates and NAS performance (when hosting a storage device) could be better
Awkward backhaul band design in a wireless AiMesh setup, no UNII4 (5.9GHz) support, no SFP+
Bulky design, not wall-mount-ready
TP-Link Archer AXE300's Rating
Pros
Top-tier hardware with excellent performance; three flexible Multi-Gig ports and LAN Link Aggregation support
Robust web user interface; lots of network and Wi-Fi settings and a handful of valuable features for home users
Comparatively cheaper than competitors
Wall-mountable; useful optional mobile app; OneMesh-ready
Cons
No option for Gigabit WAN, Dual-WAN, or fast mesh with wired backhauling
HomeShield Pro requires a subscription, mobile app, and login account
Bulky design, the USB port's performance could be better
Asus GT-AXE1600 vs. TP-Link AXE300: Which to get
If you're looking for a standalone router for a demanding home, either of the two will make an excellent choice. Each will give you true Multi-gigabit wired performance and top Wi-Fi throughput on all available bands.
Of the two, the TP-Link AXE300 is the only one that has built-in support for SFP+. If you need this port, it's the sensible choiceโyou won't have to resort to a switch.
However, if you're looking to scale up Wi-Fi coverage later and have the most featuresโincluding game-related onesโwithout having to pay extra, or if you want to get the best USB-based applications, the Asus GT-AXE16000 is the one to pick.
Whether Asus's extras are worth the higher price tag, it's your call. Other matchups on Wi-Fi solutions are available here.
With TP-Link AXE300, if you have remote management enabled it takes over port 80, even if you have port forwarding setup for port 80 to go to a server on the network. I messaged TP-Link support about this and they told me straight out that this is the way it is with the TP-Link AXE300. Do you know if this is true with the Asus AXE1600? I want to be able to have a web server on my network and remote management enabled on the router.
All Asus routers allow you to change this port number, DKC. In fact they force you to when you enable web-based remote access.
I still can’t decide between these two. And both are on sale. I don’t have fiber optic so the ASUS may serve my needs better. Or should I look at the new WiFi 7 gear? Thanks
You got a good hunch there, JJ. I’d go with the Asus. And I don’t think you should wait for Wi-Fi 7. Give it a couple of years.
Thanks!
๐
i have tried both,after having a asus took it back after 1 week to best buy ,horrible performance ,bought the one i was going to because of this dong advice,tp link wasted the asus ,sorry dong but you didnt know this very well,sorry but that was my experience ,even the tp link ax6000 performed better than the asus.
Stop apologizing! It makes you seem dishonest or clueless. ๐
I have a little question, wich hardware to add a aimesh node to asus AXE16000 ?
i want extend wifi an AXE16000 but i don’t know what the best solution to use aimesh.
Thanks
There’s no quick answer to that, Thomas. You should start with this post.
Hi Dong,
If these were setup with their corresponding mesh routers what will be the preferred network or suggestions?
Asus GT-AXE16000 with Et12 mesh VS TP-Link AXE300 with Deco XE200 mesh?
The TP-Link AXE300 is not a mesh router the way the Asus is, B. Read the reviews or follow the related links, for more.
Hi Dong, Just thought I would provide some feedback to you on the AXE 16000 from Singapore
1. DUAL WAN has some issues with a number of ISP’s where it is very unstable to the point it is unusable.
2. There is a known issue with 2.5G WAN slowing upload speed with the workaround requiring that the LAN1 port is reprovisioned as a WAN port. This fixes the poor upload speed but the issue is if you are using a faster connection than 1Gbs you will be limited to 1Gbs. I did read but haven’t confirmed that the 10gbs port also has some issues. I have sent my logs to ASUS so hopefully they can get an update out to fix the 2.5G WAN upload issue
Thanks for the input, Ben.
Fixed. Thanks, Ian.
Tks.. for all you do.
๐
Use of blue & green colors in Performance Matchup table is confusing ie in header, ASUS is green but is bl;ue in the color key at bottom of table.