Asus ROG Rapture GT6 Review

While many people tuck their routers out of sight and out of mind, the Asus ROG Rapture GT6 is meant to be displayed out in the open. Like other gamer-focused hardware from Asus, this mesh system features all the angular design elements and customizable lighting effects that make your play area feel like a futuristic mecha cockpit.

Node Speed

The Asus ROG Rapture GT6 is a mesh system, which means that it uses extension nodes to provide WiFi signals over a longer range. While it would be ideal to stay close to the main router and connect to it directly, the Rapture is still able to provide very fast connection speeds via nodes. This system is also capable of beamforming, a technology that lets you direct the signal in a concentrated “beam” rather than spreading it thin across a circular area. This can give you an edge if you're able to beam the signal from node to node without any walls or other obstructions in the way.

There are less expensive mesh systems that are capable of faster node speeds than the Rapture, but what sets this one apart is its signal stability. This is such a great router for gamers because it rarely drops the signal, and its throughput is much less likely to dip below 100 Mbps. With a good setup, you'll never have to worry about failed inputs or lag spikes while playing online.

The reason the Rapture is so stable is its emphasis on achieving excellent backhaul performance. Backhaul refers to the system's ability to communicate between nodes — a crucial aspect of all WiFi mesh systems, but one that often feels like an afterthought. A typical dual-band mesh system will use its 5 GHz frequency for this communication. The Rapture, on the other hand, is a tri-band system that uses a second 5 GHz channel specifically for backhaul.

Range

Using the extension node, we were able to connect to the Asus ROG Rapture GT6 system from a total of 110 feet away from the main router. This is one of the more impressive distances out of all the WiFi mesh systems we tested. It's an excellent choice for facilitating high-speed gaming in a multi-level house, or you can even use it to host an outdoor LAN party without anyone worrying about slowdown.

We test the signal strength of each mesh system at a range by evaluating how well it can buffer 4K videos. We were able to stream one 4K video to our device immediately, even at max range. When attempting to scrub through a second 4K video on a separate device, we observed that it would buffer back and forth — the signal was only able to support the playback of a single 4K video at that extreme distance. Ultimately, the ideal placement of the node for optimal signal range is about 50-55 feet from the main router.

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Router Speed

Being located near the main router will provide much faster speeds than if you rely on the extension nodes. For your most extreme gaming moments, consider playing in the same room where you set up the Rapture router. Under the most optimal conditions, we measured a maximum download speed of 877 Mbps, which is notably short of true gigabit speed, but more than enough even for hardcore competitive players.

The further you go from the router, the more extreme the speed drop-offs become. The signal remains usable at 35 feet, but any further than that and you'll achieve much better results by connecting to a well-placed extension node instead.

Ease of Setup

If you're looking for a router that you can simply plug in and start using, be aware that this Asus system can take at least 25 minutes to get everything set up. There are a lot of interfaces to navigate and settings to configure, but of course, this also means that you have a great deal of control over how the system manages your network. Overall, it's worth noting that there are other WiFi mesh systems with a much more straightforward setup process.

Conveniently, you can set different SSIDs (public names) for each frequency on your network. This makes it easy to tell the different channels apart when connecting a new device, and it can help you differentiate your network from those of your neighbors. The Rapture also makes it easy to monitor your network and tell which connected devices are yours and which ones belong to a different household member.

This system also features top-notch security and access controls. It has free built-in parental control features, which are becoming more and more rare in new routers. It also comes with lifetime AI-powered security enhancements at no extra cost. These enhancements include a two-way intrusion prevention system and will dynamically block malicious websites.

Jitter and Latency

Any high-end router or mesh system must minimize jitter (erratic interruptions) and latency if it wants to be a viable product. The consistency and reliability of the Asus ROG Rapture GT6 are simply stellar, as it almost entirely eliminates all ping and packet loss that would contribute to latency issues. Even as the newer WiFi 7 technology continues to improve, the Rapture shows that there is still plenty of reason to invest in a WiFi 6 product.

Should You Buy the Asus ROG Rapture GT6 Wifi 6?

The Asus ROG Rapture GT6 is certainly the most stable and reliable WiFi mesh system we've tested. We recommend buying it if you're a fan of fast-paced online games where the slightest delay or missed input can mean instant death. Keep in mind, though, that the Rapture isn't quite capable of supporting true gigabit download speeds. If you're paying for a gigabit plan from your ISP, or if you have a house full of people constantly playing online games or livestreaming, then you might need a system with an even higher throughput. For most individuals, and even most families, this system will more than satisfy all your gaming needs.

What Other WiFi Mesh System Should You Consider?

The biggest downside to the Asus ROG Rapture GT6 is arguably its price tag. If you aren't a gamer who needs every conceivable advantage, then you can likely have a great experience with the affordable TP-Link Deco BE23 BE3600.

We recommend the eero 6+ if you're looking for the perfect balance between cost, performance, and signal coverage range.