Asus RT-AX1800S Dual Band WiFi 6 Review

When we started testing the ASUS RT-AX1800S, our first impression was that it's extremely easy to set up and start using. We got the network up and running within minutes, which is a huge point in favor of this product, but our evaluations primarily gauge connection throughput, range, and multi-device efficiency. We put this ASUS router through our usual gauntlet of standardized tests to see just how it stacks up against the competition in these crucial metrics.

5 GHz Throughput

Despite being a budget model, the RT-AX1800S scored in the top third of the group in our all-important 5 GHz throughput test. Professional content creators, frequent video callers, and hardcore gamers would find little room for complaint with this router's 5 GHz band.

The only nitpick worth leveraging against the RT-AX1800S in this category is range. The 5 GHz band loses a considerable amount of potency beyond the 35 ft. mark. If you're looking for a router that can support intensive online activity across an entire office or a large household, you might consider a slightly more upscale model or even a mesh system comprised of multiple routers.

Multi-Device Efficiency

Under ideal conditions, the RT-AX1800S can put up a performance that rivals the very best routers on the market. In real everyday scenarios, though, a router needs to be able to support every device used by an entire household of people. The RT-AX1800S can still get the job done, but its multi-device efficiency is just not quite up to the highest standard.

We tested the router's multi-device efficiency by monitoring its 5 GHz connection speed while running 4K video on five devices at the same time, all from 35 ft. away. The average throughput under those conditions was 436 Mbps, which is only 62% of the throughput we measured at the same distance under optimal conditions. While this signal strength is still many times greater than what is needed for everyday tasks, it's worth mentioning that certain other routers have higher rates of multi-device efficiency.

Range

It is becoming increasingly the case that 5 GHz bands are the go-to solution for both close-range and long-range connections to modern routers. However, too many connections across a single band can cause bandwidth congestion. The RT-AX1800S keeps the 2.4 GHz band relevant by offering solid capability across a truly impressive range.

In our range testing, this router was able to support 1080p video streaming with its 2.4 GHz band from 165 ft., making it the farthest-reaching 2.4 GHz router in our entire lineup. Its 5 GHz band had respectable coverage too, also handling simple tasks at up to 165 ft. Just keep in mind that multiple simultaneous users will affect long-distance connectivity — we noticed a drop in efficiency at 100 ft. while trying to stream videos to several devices at once.

2.4 GHz Throughput

While the RT-AX1800S certainly has a 2.4 GHz band that can reach very far, we also found that its strength falls off substantially at a certain point. To put it another way, one person can get a usable 2.4 GHz signal from an impressive distance, but the throughput is not quite robust enough to support multiple devices at 60 ft. or beyond. There are other routers in our lineup that can handle an entire extra person's worth of bandwidth at that range.

Ultimately, though, the RT-AX1800S is highly capable. At close range, its 2.4 GHz throughput is nearly shoulder-to-shoulder with the best premium routers on the market. Even at a range of 35 ft., we were able to enjoy 4K streaming or video calls without buffering or loss in quality.

Should You Buy the ASUS RT-AX1800S Dual Band WiFi 6?

If you're setting up a network for a small or medium home, the RT-AX1800S is a natural choice. Its throughput is strong enough to handle any task you throw at it at close range, and its coverage area is broad enough to support devices from every corner of an average household sufficiently. It's not the most efficient at bearing the load of many devices at once, though, so it's worth looking at other options if you need to support a large family or an entire workplace.

What Other WiFi Router Should You Consider?

The ASUS RT-AX1800S Dual Band WiFi 6 is the quintessential budget router in many ways, but if you're willing to spend a bit more for some extra features, the TP-Link Archer BE230 BE3600 WiFi 7 is another affordable product that runs on newer technology. Our overall favorite router is the ASUS RT-BE58U BE3600 WiFi 7, and it's one that makes up for its extra cost by handling multiple devices with maximum efficiency.