ASUS RT-AX88U Pro — A High-Performance Router Built to Handle It All

ASUS RT-AX88U Pro - Review

We've tested (and outgrown) a lot of routers. Most of them work fine. Until they don’t.
It starts with buffering. Then random smart home dropouts. Maybe your video calls begin to freeze when someone else opens Netflix. You know the deal.

The ASUS RT-AX88U Pro is built to handle all of that. But it’s not the right choice for everyone.
This is a router with more speed, more ports, and more control than most people will ever use. If your network is constantly under pressure though, it’s one of the best WiFi 6 options still going strong in 2025.

Specs That Matter

Here’s what stands out (and why it might be overkill for some):

• WiFi Standard: 802.11ax (WiFi 6), dual-band

• Max Speeds: 1148 Mbps (2.4 GHz) + 4804 Mbps (5 GHz) = AX6000 total

• Processor: 2.0 GHz quad-core – helpful for VPNs and lots of devices

• Ports:

  • 8 × Gigabit LAN

  • 1 × 2.5G WAN/LAN

  • 2 × USB 3.2 Gen 1

• Security: AiProtection Pro (free lifetime license)

• RAM: 1 GB – more than most routers in this price class

• Mesh Support: Yes (AiMesh)

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What It’s Actually Like to Use

The first thing we noticed? Stability.
Streaming, Zoom, gaming, smart devices, all at once, no hiccups. It’s not just about speed. The router stays consistent, even when real-world use stacks up.

Coverage is strong. It’s not mesh-level, but enough for most medium to large homes. And with the 2.5G WAN port, you’re ready for fiber or multigig plans without bottlenecks.

Who This Router Really Makes Sense For

We’d recommend it if:

• You’ve got 20+ connected devices

• There’s always someone gaming while someone else is on a call

• You want wired LAN ports for consoles, media servers, or workstations

• You’ve already hit the limits of your current router

Setup and Software

Setup via the ASUS app took about 10 to 15 minutes. It’s beginner-friendly, but once inside, there’s plenty of control:

• Advanced QoS

• VPN support

• AiMesh

• Open NAT for gaming

• Traffic monitoring and device-level control

The web interface is a little dated in design, but it’s reliable. ASUS also has a solid track record of firmware updates.

✔ Pros ✔ High-end WiFi 6 speeds with strong multi-device performance
✔ 8 LAN ports + 2.5G WAN gives real flexibility
✔ Free security features that most brands charge for
✔ Expandable via AiMesh, so you won’t need to replace it later

✖ Cons ✖ Physically large, not ideal if you’re short on space
✖ No 6GHz band (WiFi 6E or 7)
✖ Costs more than many people need to spend

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Things That Could Be Better

We’d love to see a version with WiFi 6E support. Even if most people won’t use the 6GHz band yet, it would be a nice layer of future-proofing.

Also, the app and web interface could use a visual refresh. TP-Link is catching up fast in that department.

That said, the core experience is excellent. It does its job. Quietly and consistently.

FAQ

Q: Is this worth it over a cheaper router like the AX55?
Only if you need the extra features: multigig WAN, more LAN ports, stronger hardware. Otherwise, you might not notice much difference in everyday use.

Q: Does it work with gaming consoles?
Yes. It supports Open NAT and has wired LAN, which makes a real difference for online gaming stability.

Q: Should I wait for WiFi 7?
Only if you already have WiFi 7-compatible devices or want the absolute latest tech. For most setups, WiFi 6 is still the smarter choice in 2025.

Q: Can I mount it or hide it away?
Wall-mounting works, but due to its size and external antennas, it performs best in open air for proper airflow and signal strength

Final Take

This isn’t the kind of router you get just because your WiFi might be slow. It’s the one you get when your network is struggling, and you’re done putting up with it.

The ASUS RT-AX88U Pro is fast, stable, and more capable than most home routers. But that also means it's not for everyone. If you won’t use the extra ports, power, or controls, there are better-value options out there.

If you’ve got a busy home and want something that can handle everything without missing a beat, this is a router we trust, and it’s still going strong in 2025.

Price on Amazon: ~$299
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