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This GT-AX11000 vs. GT-AXE11000 matchup aims to clarify that a Wi-Fi 6E tri-band router is very different from a Wi-Fi 6 counterpart. These are two different tri-band routers entirely, despite the fact they are similar in more ways than one—both are from Asus, after all.
Note: Wi-Fi 6E is still in the early stage—the only adapter you can install on a computer now is the Intel AX210 requires a special software driver for the 6GHz to work. However, within this post's scope, the comparison between the two, including their (Wi-Fi 6) performance, makes sense.
Asus GT-AX11000 vs. GT-AXE11000: Similarities
Just look at their names. The two differentiate only by the letter E. So yes, they have a lot in common.
Both are massive routers with eight big fat antennas sticking up from the sides. Both come with the same number of ports—five Gigabit and one 2.5Gbps—and share almost exactly hardware specs.
They also share the AsusWRT web user interface, the Asus Router mobile app, and almost the exact set of features, among the most comprehensive on the market.
The two support Asus's popular AiMesh and can work together to form a mesh system, though that's not recommended—more below.
And finally, both routers are top-tier gaming routers. They have a lot of game-related features, including the big Aura RGB color-changing programmable light on top.
GT-AXE11000 vs. GT-AX11000: Hardware specifications
| Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 | Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | GT-AXE11000 | GT-AX11000 |
| Wi-Fi Technology | Tri-Band AXE11000 | Tri-Band AX11000 |
| First Band | 2.4GHz 4x4 Wi-Fi 6 Up to 1148Mbps | 2.4GHz 4x4 Wi-Fi 6: Up to 1148Mbps |
| Second Band | 5GHz 4x4 Wi-Fi 6 Up to 4804Mbps | 5GHz 4x4 Wi-Fi 6: Up to 4804Mbps |
| Third Band | 6GHz 4x4 Wi-Fi 6E Up to 4804Mbps | 5GHz 4x4 Wi-Fi 6: Up to 4804Mbps |
| Backward Compatibility | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Wi-Fi 6E (6GHz) Support | Yes | No |
| AP Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Mesh-ready | Yes (AiMesh 2.0) | Yes (AiMesh 2.0) |
| 160MHz Channel Support | Yes | Yes |
| Number of 160MHz Channels | 7x on one 6GHz band 2x on one 5GHz band | 2x on two 5GHz bands |
| Gigabit Network Port | 4x LAN, 1x WAN | 4x LAN, 1x WAN |
| Multi-Gig Network Port | 1x 2.5Gbps LAN/WAN | 1x 2.5Gbps LAN/WAN |
| LAN Link Aggregation | Yes (LAN ports 1 and 2) | Yes (LAN ports 1 and 2) |
| WAN Link Aggregation | Yes (WAN + LAN4) | Yes (WAN + LAN4) |
| Dual-WAN | WAN + USB/LAN4/2.5Gbps | WAN + USB/LAN4/2.5Gbps |
| USB | 2x USB 3.0 | 2x USB 3.0 |
| Mobile App | Asus Router | Asus Router |
| Processing Power | 1.8 GHz quad-core CPU, 256MB Flash, 1GB RAM | 1.8 GHz quad-core CPU, 256MB Flash, 1GB RAM |
| Dimensions (excluding antennas) | 10.4 x 10.4 x 2.9 in (26.4 x 26.4x 7.4 cm) | 9.5 x 9.5 x 2.4 in (24.1 x 24.1 x 6.1 cm) |
| Weight | 3.94 lbs (1.79 kg) | 3.8 lbs (1.73 kg) |
GT-AX11000 vs. GT-AXE11000: Differences
That letter E is definitely not short for extra in this case. The GT-AXE11000 is not about having more than the GT-AX11000. These are two different routers almost entirely, from the design to how they work.
Design and game-related things
Design-wise, the GT-AXE11000 is a tad larger and heavier. Its antennas are now no longer detachable, which is a good thing—you don't have to worry about assembling them. It also has more hardware buttons, including one that automatically boosts the Gaming features.
Speaking of the games, the GT-AXE1100's 2.5Gbps LAN/WAN port now also works as the Game Port that automatically prioritizes a wired client for gaming. On top of that, it's the first from Asus that include the support for Outfox, via a 90-day trial, in the place of the WTFast gamer VPN.
Different tri-band routers
What's most significant is the fact these two belong to two different types of tri-band routers.
The GT-AX11000 is a traditional tri-band (2.4GHz + 5GHz + 5GHz). It has an additional 5GHz-2 band for extra bandwidth on the 5GHz frequency.
On the other hand, the GT-AXE11000 has no extra band. Instead, it has one band for each frequency, including 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz. In other words, its band configuration is a necessity. That enables the router to work with all existing (2.4GHz and 5GHz) clients, plus upcoming 6GHz ones.
That said, the GT-AX11000 is an excellent router when you have lots of 5GHz clients. But it can't work with the new and upcoming 6GHz ones. The GT-AXE11000 doesn't provide any extra bandwidth for existing clients. However, if you have 6GHz ones, you can enjoy the new cleaner frequency.
Asus AiMesh: GT-AXE11000 vs. GT-AX11000
The difference between these two is most acute in a mesh setup, where you can use multiple routers to form a Wi-Fi system.
Specifically, the GT-AX11000 dedicates its 2nd 5GHz band (the 5GHz-2) as the backhaul link when working with another traditional tri-band router.
The GT-AXE11000 has no dedicated backhaul band. For this reason, it's more like other dual-band AiMesh router. So you'd best use it in a mesh when you have already gotten your home wired.
GT-AXE11000 vs. GT-AX11000: Performance and ratings
The two routers share similar performance levels, both as single routers and mini NAS servers. Note that I tested the GT-AX11000 much earlier using a significantly older firmware.
Asus GT-AX11000's Rating
Pros
Fast and reliable Wi-Fi performance with an excellent range
Lots of useful features for home users
Unique and effective settings for online gaming
Multi-Gig network port, Dual-WAN, Link Aggregation
Mesh ready
Cons
Expensive
Bulky design, loose antennas, non-wall-mountable
Fewer LAN ports than the previous model
Long boot-up time, buggy (at launch), fluctuating Wi-Fi throughputs
Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000's Rating
Pros
Tri-band with Wi-Fi 6E support
Excellent 5GHz and 2.4GHz performance
Excellent set of game-related, online protection and monitoring features, full AiMesh 2.0 support
2.5Gbps LAN/WAN port, Dual-WAN, and LAN/WAN Link Aggregations
Cons
Expensive
Wi-Fi 6E is not fully available
Only one 2.5Gbps port, no 10Gbps port
Bulky design, not wall-mountable, buggy firmware (at launch)
GT-AXE11000 vs. GT-AX11000: Which to get
For existing 5GHz and 2.4GHz clients, either of these two will work well as a single router. They are very similar, in fact. Sure the GT-AX11000 has more bandwidth on the 5GHz band, but in most cases, you'll experience no difference. That's just the nature of tri-band.
But if you have 6GHz clients, even just one, the GT-AXE11000 is a must-have. The other doesn't have support for this frequency at all.
If you decide to go with full wireless in a mesh setup, then the GT-AX11000 is a better choice. Use the GT-AXE11000 only if you opt for a wired backhaul. That is, if you want to make sure your investment is worth it—it will work in a wireless setup.
Looking to compare other Wi-Fi solutions? Check them all out here.
This is my current setup and it works fine. You can even use the 6ghz band if you choose to enable it.
There’s no 6GHz band in the GT-AX11000, Liam.
Ops! I misread for two AXE11000!
No worries. That happens. 🙂
Hello.
Question for the GT-AX11000.
If I buy 2, make a wired backhaul for the mesh will the 2nd 5ghz be available for wifi devices? I read some brand does not release the backhaul for wifi devices when using wires…
Thank you
Yes, you can make that band available even when you use the wireless backhaul. More in this post.
I just purchased the gt-axe11000 and now im seeing there is an axe16000 at ces. You have any additional Dong on what the difference is between the 11000 and the 16000, feel like I just spent 500 dollars for nothing.
You have to wait for that, you’re ahead of me. 🙂
The 10Gbps port seems big to leave out of the comparison. If read between the lines the AXE is best used for dedicated gaming and if I want it in my mesh – wire it?
There’s no 10Gbps port to leave out, Rick. The two are equally good for gaming and yes, wiring is a must with the AXE.
Thanks. One clarification – the AX11000 would be the suitable mesh master if I run both? I’ve got lots of devices and serious gamers.
You don’t need both for that, just one as the primary router. The rest can be any router. More here.https://dongknows.com/best-aimesh-routers-and-combos/
Hey Dong this isnt true at all.
Their are MAJOR mesh issues with certain routers and having two of an identical router for mesh is ideal imo – way less issues.
Example – AX11000 tri band with a AX92U Tri band, used together causes massive issues due differences in bands, widths, etc.
I strongly believe using two of the same is ideal also for firmware updates.
Make sure you follow the rules and read before you commit, Alex. 🙂
You don’t need both for that, just one as the primary router. The rest can be any router. For gaming, wiring is a much. More here.https://dongknows.com/best-aimesh-routers-and-combos/
Not seeing much of a difference but should I smart connect tri band or 5g or disable?
It depends on what you want, D. It’s just a matter of convenience.
I tried them all but only thing I noticed is lost some devices connected per each selection. I left it disabled. I don’t mind connecting each device to the appropriate signal.
Also should I enable or disable 802.11ax mode?
You should if you have AX (Wi-Fi 6) clients.
I do have a couple. But I thought asus ax11000 does not support wifi6. The new axe11000 will sometime which I might upgrade later on.
You mistake Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, Derek.
Only difference is extended numbers of usable wireless bands.
Thanks for the excellent reviews, Dong. I’ve learned a ton here.
I have a quick question for you: I have a 1G internet connection and have been using the first-gen Linksys Velops for many years and now looking to upgrade.
I will be using 1 router and 2 nodes but can hardwire only one of them and the 2nd will need to be wireless.
I had narrowed this down to getting 3 Asus AX92U units (after agonizing over Orbi and Ubiquiti) – but am wondering if I might be better served by 1 AX11000 + 2 AX92U as nodes (one wired, one wireless). I noticed in one of your reviews that you had used that configuration.
Would appreciate your thoughts if there are any advantages to the latter setup or should I just get 3 AX92Us.
Thanks
Ahmed,
First off, here’s what you can expect from the 1Gbps Internet. The RT-AX92U will work out well if you have wired backhaul, or you need to turn on its 5GHz-2 band for clients. Else, it’ll be quite slow for your broadband speed. Check out the review for more.
A question regarding backhaul on the older GT-AX11000 model ….
I already have one of the routers and am very happy with it.
Though, my house is large and 3 stories and despite being such a good router it doesn’t quite reach all corners.
This may seem overkill, but at the moment I can get a great deal (almost too good to refuse) on a second GT-AX11000 to create an AiMesh network. If I buy it then I would set it up to use wired backhaul.
My question is, even though you set these routers up to use wired backhaul is the 2nd 5GHz band still disabled / unavailable for normal use?
I’m unclear on this and have read on some forum that it does indeed get disabled / unavailable for normal use despite using wired backhaul.
True or False?
And if true, why?
If it is true, then in my mind that partially defeats the purpose of the using wired backhaul.
No, the 2nd 5GHz band is NEVER disabled, it’s just used as the dedicated backhaul by default — and you can always make it NOT dedicated and use it for clients. More here. You’ll have no issue at all in your case.
Thanks for the reply.
Well, I went ahead a bought the 2nd GT-AX11000 it’s all working fine.
Ethernet backhaul enabled.
The range and signal strength throughout the house, and even outside in the yard is fantastic.
I’ve read your post AiMesh in 2021 as well.
Both devices are running the latest firmware and I’m impressed with the changes made with AiMesh 2.0. They’re headed in the right direction.
As per 2nd 5GHz being “disabled”/reserved for backhaul …. the SSID is hidden and a suffix of “_dwb” has been added to my given SSID. I presume that stands for Dedicated Wi-Fi Backhaul and that this is normal procedure.
So, I went about un-hiding it connecting to it with a couple of devices just as a basic functionality test. All was well.
Interesting though was that by using the WiFi Analyzer app on my Android phone to check channels, signal strength, SSID names etc. I discovered that the 2nd 5GHz channel on the node was still hidden.
Only the router was broadcasting the SSID.
I guess it doesn’t really matter, as once one’s devices are setup with the SSID and correct credentials the device will connect to the hidden one if need be. Would it not?
Just an interesting observation, I thought.
However, It did make me wonder if changing other wireless settings for the router would have no effect on the node, so I tried changing channels.
The router changed immediately and after a delay of maybe 20 seconds the node changed too. Still with hidden SSID, though.
Just got my preorder axe11000. My question is, axe11000 is sold out everywhere… and I would like to aimesh it- should I get another axe11000 or should I simply just get a ax11000 for it? Not a lot of devices are WiFi 6E compatible. Most of the ones that will use 6E are higher end stuff like the main gaming computer, streaming, etc., all on the top floor, and the lower stuff will be on the first floor using the older bands 2.5/5/6. Would I lose any speed if I mixed the two, or moreso- what would be the benefit if I should another axe11000 for AiMesh instead?
You want to use wired bakchaul with this one, Liam. It’s basically a “dual-band” router — it’s not a good idea to use it with any router in a wireless mesh setup though that works. More here. Also check out my review of the AXE for more on its AiMesh.
Hello,
I notice you mentioned that the AXE-11000 only supports 1 160 MHz channel in the 5 GHz band, while the Ax11000 supports two.
Which 160 MHz channel specifically does the Axe11000 support? And any reason why it doesn’t support two? (Or even three? I thought the FCC opened up new 45 MHz of new channels in the 5.9 GHz band… to create a third 160 MHz channel.
See: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-367827A1.pdf)
I find that channel 100/104 tend to be the cleanest channels for either 80 MHz or 160 MHz in my radio environment. No one else uses it. Except for the occasional radar.
Actually, that was a typo, Joey. If fixed it. Thanks. Generally, you should expect no more than two 160MHz channels for various reasons. More here.
Hello Dong,
Thanks for you hard work and production of great information.
Have you heard anything about Asus bring AXE 6ghz mesh nodes to the market in 2021?
That could ensure that an entire house is covered with 6ghz using the AXE…Your thoughts?
I know we are far from a market flood of devices that can take advantage of the 6ghz, but when purchasing a router this expensive, one would hope that it can last 4 to 5 years in terms of relevancy. I don’t see another evolution of wifi arriving anytime soon.
You can get two GT-AXE11000 units, the way I did in the review, G. But sure, chances are you’ll find more 6GHz broadcasters from the vendor.
thanks, I forgot the AXE doesnt really have “3 bands” for normal use at this point..
to “mesh” with an AXE router, do you have to use “AXE” components exclusively, or, can you use a regular “AX” product with an”AXE”?
You can use all AiMesh routers together, Mike. But generally, consider the GT-AXE11000 a “dual-band” router. More here.