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We have here three mid-range semi-entry-level Wi-Fi 6 routers that won't break anyone's bank. It's the Asus RT-AX3000 vs. Netgear RAX40 vs. TP-Link Archer AX50 mashup.
While these are similar, they are different enough. And if you're wondering which one you should get, you're at the right place.
Asus RT-AX3000 vs. Netgear RAX40 vs. TP-Link Archer AX50: Similarities
These three routers are very similar in terms of specs. All are dual-band 2x2 Wi-Fi 6 routers with support for the venerable 160MHz channel width. They are the sweet-spot routers considering there are only 2x2 Wi-Fi clients on the market.
All of them also have a full web interface with a similar set of features and settings. Each also has a free app for mobile users. Hardware-wise, they have the usual 4 Gigabit LAN ports, one Gigabit WAN port, and one USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB 3.0) port.
None has a multi-gig network port. But the RT-AX3000 has Dual-WAN while the Archer AX50 has LAN Link Aggregation. The Netgear RAX40 has neither.
They all had similar Wi-Fi coverage in my testing, which is only suitable for a small home. So if you live in one, these routers will give you the best Wi-Fi 6 bang for your buck, costing less than $180 each.
Asus RT-AX3000 vs. Netgear RAX40 vs. TP-Link Archer AX50: Hardware specifications
| Model | RT-AX3000 | RAX40 | Archer AX50 |
| Full Name | Asus RT-AX3000 RT-AX58U Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router | NETGEAR Nighthawk AX4 4-Stream Wi-Fi 6 Router | Archer AX50 AX3000 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router |
| Dimensions | 8.82 x 6.06 x 6.3 in (224 x 154 x 160 mm) | 13.38 x 8.11 x 2.24 in (340 x 206 x 57 mm) | 10.2 × 5.3 × 1.5 in (260.2 x 135.0 x 38.6 mm) |
| Weight | 1.19 lbs (538 g) | 1.32 lb (600 g) | 1.24 lbs (.56 kg) |
| Hardware Specs | 1.5 GHz Tri-core CPU, 256 MB Flash, 512 MB RAM | Dual-core CPU | Intel AnyWAN GRX350, 256MB RAM |
| Wi-Fi Technology | Dual-band AX3000 | Dual-band AX3000 | Dual-band AX3000 |
| 5GHz Wi-Fi Specs | 2x2 AX: Up to 2.4 Gbps (20/40/80/160MHz) | 2x2 AX: Up to 2.4 Gbps (20/40/80/160MHz) | 2x2 AX: Up to 2.4 Gbps (20/40/80/160MHz) |
| 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Specs | 2x2 AX: Up to 600Mbps (2x2 20/40MHz) | 2x2 AX: Up to 600Mbps (2x2 20/40MHz) | 2x2 AX: Up to 600Mbps (2x2 20/40MHz) |
| Backward Compatibility | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Wireless Security | 64/128-bit WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3 | 64/128-bit WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3 | 64/128-bit WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3 |
| Mobile App | Asus Router | Netgear Nighthawk | TP-Link Tether |
| Web User Interface | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bridge Mode | Yes | Yes | No |
| AP Mode | Yes | ||
| USB Port | 1x USB 3.0 | 1x USB 3.0 | 1x USB 3.0 |
| Gigabit Network Port | 4x LAN, 1x WAN | 4x LAN, 1x WAN | 4x LAN, 1x WAN |
| Dual-WAN | Yes (WAN+LAN/USB) | No | No |
| Link Aggregation | No | No | Yes (LAN 2 + LAN 3) |
| Multi-Gig Port | None | None | None |
Asus RT-AX3000 vs. Netgear RAX40 vs. TP-Link Archer AX50: Differences
There are some differences between these routers.
Design-wise, the Netgear RAX40 is better looking, but it's also the bulkiest. The TP-Link AX50 and the Asus RT-AX3000 are a lot more compact, with the latter being the smallest and lightest, but also a bit boring coming in the traditional router design.
The Asus delivered the best performance among the three in my testing and has the most features. That includes the support for the popular AiMesh solution—you can use it with another router to build a Wi-Fi system for a large home.
The Asus has an excellent QoS engine—especially for those working from home --, but its Parental Control feature could use some improvement. The other two's QoS features are a bit hard to configure. The Netgear has no Parent Control, while that of the TP-Link is the most effective.
Asus RT-AX3000 vs. Netgear RAX40 vs. TP-Link Archer AX50: Performance and ratings
These three performed relatively the same in my testing, all having enough power to fully deliver a typical broadband connection. As shown here, they can also work as casual mini NAS servers with modest performance when hosting an external storage device.
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| Name | Asus RT-AX3000 / RT-AX58U's Rating | Netgear Nighthawk RAX40's Rating | |
| Price | - | - | - |
| Rating | |||
| Description | |||
| Statistics | |||
| Buy this product |
Which is a better choice?
Again, these are very similar routers. Any of them can handle a small home with sub-Gigabit Internet.
That said, if you want the most features, including an effective QoS and the best performance, the Asus is the best choice. As the most expensive option among the three, it also has the most to offer - more than enough to justify the extra cost. I'd use it for myself.
The TP-Link Archer AX50 did better than the other two in my testing. However, you will likely not notice the difference between the two in real-world usage.
However, the TP-Link is more affordable and includes an excellent Parental Control feature. So if you're a parent and want to watch over your kids, it will make a slightly better choice than the Netgear.
Looking to compare other Wi-Fi solutions? Check them all out here.
Just to add a comment to the heating concerns from another post: The Archer AX50 runs very hot. Not enough to actually burn your house and/or fingers, but enough to make it unstable. I bought it and it works well for a good couple of days or so, then it simply drops all WiFi connections for no apparent reason. Rebooting it doesn’t help. You need to actually disconnect it from the power outlet for some minutes to let it rest and then reconnect it back (this is highly troublesome, especially for working from home).
I had to stop using it and got an Asus one, the RT-AX3000. Big improvement, no issues, wireless connectivity rock solid.
The Archer AX50 has, unfortunately, a big design flaw over there. It can improve if you use a laptop stand with some fans to make it cooler, but who wants fans spinning all day?
Don, was the TP-Link the TP-Link Archer AX50, or AX3000? Your title and comments mention the AX50, but the specs at the end mentions the AX3000.
The AX50, Tony. The AX3000 has USB 2.0.
You said AX50 does not have Link aggregation but have for 2 LAN ports, also no AP and it have a dedicated menu page just for this.
Have 160 MHz channel support. Indeed does not have Bridge.
AX3000 (217$) is almost 3 times more expensive now than AX50 (81$) in my country.
I did not say what you said I did, Drago. Check out this post and the review of the TP-Link AX50 again. For the difference in price, I think the AX50 is of better value.
Hi,
I’ve just found a repurposed RAX40 on Amazon for $75 – yes, you’ve read that right. 🙂
It’s on its way, it should be more than enough for 500/500 FIOS in a 700sqf apartment (thick walls though), I assume – am I right?
(I have a very expensive ~2 years old Meraki kit but it is hard-capped and no way on Earth I’d spend the money they want for their gigabit-capable gear.)
“More than enough” or not depends on your situation but it should work out.
Would you go with the TP link archer ax50 or the asus RT-AX86U? 2 bedroom 1500 sq ft townhome. Two floors
Definitely the Asus, Jon.
A buddy of mine was Saying I should check out the UniFi Dream Machine. Do you know much of this? Also, would you say the ASUS is the best router around that price point? I’m not wanting to spend more.
Here’s my take on the UDM, Jon. Ubiquiti has no Wi-Fi 6 router yet. “Best” is always subjective.
Wow, your blog has exactly the answers to the questions I’m asking. Really nice job. I did want to ask you about specifics when you say “small” vs “large” house. I’m about to upgrade our house with to gigabit from 75/75 and also remove Verizon TV. This means we’ll be going from coax to ethernet from the ONT. Since I won’t have to use their G1100 router anymore I originally thought I’d go to a mesh network to cover my whole house. But looking online I noticed that the Verizon gateway G1100 only has a 325sq foot range where something like the Asus AX3000 has almost 3000sq foot range. My house isn’t large in terms of sq footage, but has 3 floors (basement, main and 2nd floor). My house also isn’t wired with Cat6 so if the Verizon tech is going to bring ethernet into my house from the ONT it’ll most likely be to the basement. Do you think the Asus router could cover my whole house (1700 sq feet spread across 3 floors)? Or should I go with a mesh network with the main router in the basement and a hub on the main and 2nd floor? Is that overkill? Eventually I’m going to do some wall damage and try to wire Cat6 to at least my main floor and then the main router will be centrally located, but until then what do you think my best option is?
This obviously depends on your house and the materials used in the floors, John, but generally if you can place the router on the main floor, that should be enough. If not chances are you’ll two unit: basement + main floor (wireless) or basement + top floor (wired). More here: https://dongknows.com/how-to-pick-the-best-wi-fi-router-for-your-home/
G1100 is an old AC wifi router, with terrible coverage. Any AX3000 would cover yours better but having three floors is tricky if you have an old-school, big house (eg brownstone or brick townhouse), their floors could be tough to penetrate.
Your best bet is getting an Asus one, put it on the main floor and see how it works across the house. If it’s too slow above and below then just move it down and add another Asus on the top floor, *wired* to the first one and turn on AI Mesh and you’ll be fine.
Greetings Don,
Thanks a lot for the help you are doing through all this great information. I was trying to decide myself without troubling you but could not.
I am trying to update the router to WiFi 6 one
I need
Good parental controls (No need for smart home etc)
Great connectivity
MESH or MESH ready (I don’t think I can get MESH for my budget) – for future needs if I can add a satellite.
Budget max $200
Thanks a lot for your help!
Thanks Dong. I ended up ordering the Asus RT-AC88U.
Good call! It’ll work out. 🙂
Hi Dong,
I just got the Tp Link Ax 50 router but it heats up quite a bit, it performs pretty well but my concern is that the heat is going to end up causing problems later and I will have to buy another router or get this one replaced, my other options is the Asus AX 3000 but that is like double the cost of TP Link.
Just wanted to know if I am being a little paranoid with regards to the heat or is that normal, as it heats up the glass it sits on pretty well.
Thanks
You are, S. Just leave it in the open. It’ll be fine.
Thank you, but was just worried as heat and tech generally dont mix well. Thanks
You’re right, but it’s a matter of degrees. Generally, if you can rest your finger on it for longer than 10 seconds, it’s not hot enough to cause concern.
Got it, thank you very much for your help.
Hi Dong,
Really appreciate the work you put into this. It’s helped me understand networking a lot better than I did before (which wasn’t very much to be honest). As a new homeowner, I’m in the market for a router but am still having trouble deciding which would best suit my needs. Which of these would be the best choice for us?
Asus RT-AC86U
Asus RT-AC88U
Asus RT-AX3000/RT-AX58U
TP-Link Archer AX50
Netgear Nighthawk RAX45 (stripped down version of RAX50)
Something else?
I live in a 1700 sqft 3-story townhome, with attached neighbors on both sides. Currently, the router sits on the second floor, I work from home on the first floor, and bedrooms are on the third floor. There are only 2 of us and we have 500/500 fiber internet. We currently don’t game or have any WiFi 6 capable devices. I don’t think we need mesh, but the option to expand wouldn’t hurt.
Thanks, and Happy Thanksgiving
I can’t be that specific, Kevin, though, I’d go with either of the top two Asus ones. Check out this post instead.
Hi dong, excellent article as always. I was just wondering on two questions. Firstly, what’s the difference between asus tug ax3000 and the normal ax3000?
Secondly, as I am staying in an apartment (100sm). I thought maybe it’s overkill getting better routers like ax88u or ax11000. Would I be losing out a lot of I go for the ax3000 instead given that I don’t play games, no NAS and basically more normal stuff.
Your kind advise appreciated
It seems the TUG is a gamer version of the AX3000 for the Asian market, Chris. It has the same hardware with a gaming firmware and is not available in the U.S or EU. It’s not overkill if you want top speed and lots of features. But, yes, for casual Wi-Fi needs, the AX3000 will do. Check out the full review for more.