ASUS RT-AX57 Go AX3000 WiFi 6 Router review secure travel connectivity insights

Description

Design and Portability

The ASUS RT-AX57 Go is impressively compact, boasting dimensions of just 4.7 x 4.7 x 0.8 inches and weighing a mere 7.4 ounces. It’s so lightweight that I could easily toss it into a backpack or even a jacket pocket without feeling burdened. The sleek white finish gives it a clean, modern look, and it blends seamlessly into any workspace or travel setup. The portability of this router is a definite plus for anyone who’s always on the go, whether for work or leisure. Its travel-friendly design, paired with robust connectivity options, makes it an ideal companion for road warriors like myself.

Performance and Features

This device doesn’t just look good; it performs exceptionally well. I tested its WiFi 6 capability, and the speeds reached up to a blazing 3,000 Mbps. Streaming 4K videos, conducting video calls, and downloading large files simultaneously didn’t cause any hiccups. The 160 MHz channel was particularly impressive, allowing support for up to 70 devices without noticeable slowdowns. For someone like me who juggles multiple gadgets, this is a game-changer.

The tri-mode connectivity is another standout feature. Whether tethering my phone’s 4G/5G connection, creating a private hotspot using the WISP mode, or using it as a standard router, the versatility was unmatched. I found the WISP mode incredibly useful when staying in hotels with sketchy public WiFi; it gave me a secure, private network in minutes.

The VPN capabilities are top-notch as well. With support for up to 30 service providers and multiple protocols, I could securely connect to work networks with ease. Activating the VPN was a breeze, thanks to the one-touch activation feature.

Key Benefits

• Compact and lightweight design perfect for travel.
• WiFi 6 speeds of up to 3,000 Mbps, handling heavy network loads with ease.
• Tri-mode connectivity ensures versatile usage in various environments.
• Advanced VPN features for secure access to private networks.
• Supports up to 70 devices, making it ideal for tech-heavy households or teams.

Subscription-Free Network Security

One of the features that instantly caught my attention was the subscription-free network security, powered by AiProtection Classic. I’ve always been wary of paying monthly fees for network security, so this was a welcome addition. During testing, the one-tap security scan quickly highlighted vulnerabilities, and the Safe Browsing feature added an extra layer of protection against malicious websites. For anyone concerned about online safety, this router offers robust, hassle-free security measures.

Downsides

Despite its many strengths, there are a few areas where the product could improve.

• The mobile app interface, while functional, can feel a bit cluttered for first-time users.
• Public WiFi compatibility in WISP mode sometimes required manual tweaking to connect properly.
• The lack of USB ports for external storage or additional devices was disappointing for a router in this category.

Product Competitors

When comparing this router to others like the TP-Link Archer AX50 or the Netgear Nighthawk AX3000, the differences become clear. The TP-Link Archer AX50 offers comparable speeds and WiFi 6 capabilities, but it lacks the tri-mode connectivity options that make the ASUS model so versatile. On the other hand, the Netgear Nighthawk AX3000 excels in range but doesn’t provide the same level of portability.

Where the ASUS RT-AX57 Go truly shines is in its travel-focused design and VPN features, which are noticeably absent in many competing products. However, the lack of USB ports and occasional connectivity quirks in WISP mode are areas where competitors might have an advantage.

Value for Money

Looking at the features and performance, this router offers excellent value for money. You’re essentially getting a travel router, a secure home network, and a VPN-capable device, all rolled into one compact package. While some aspects could be improved, the overall functionality and feature set make it a worthwhile investment, especially for frequent travelers or remote workers.

Additional information