WiFi 6 has been with us for a while now, but the adoption of this new wireless standard has been a bit lackluster. And it’s not for lack of clients, WiFi 6 is in new devices for sure. I consider the main reason to be poorer availability, as WiFi 6 has so far appeared mainly in top router models costing hundreds of euros, which only a connoisseur will reach for. But with the arrival of the affordable RT-AX53U, this situation is changing.
Software – General settings and first start-up
You may know the AsusWRT interface from previous reviews of routers from this manufacturer, AX53U offers virtually all the basic elements and settings, although similar to the HW features, even in the SW area it is not equal to its more expensive siblings, and in addition to the already mentioned AiMesh, there are a few advanced features such as Game Boost, IFTTT support, WAN and LAN aggregation, etc. missing here. Still, it is a very good, clear and understandable GUI.
The second option to control the router is with the ASUS Router app, which you can download on both Android and iOS. Considering the entry level price tag and the focus of the router, the simple installation and initial setup of the router is definitely a good step to make life easier for less tech-savvy users. You’ll also appreciate this app if you don’t have a computer at hand and need to set up a secure WiFi network, since the basic one is open.
After a simple setup, where you just create a login to the admin environment and a name and password to the WiFi networks, you get to the main page, where you are met with current information about network load, options for setting WiFi as well as the router itself. A good example is the software update, which even from a smartphone went quickly and smoothly.
I rate the web GUI and the application positively, I’ve been using them for several years now and they are definitely among the best I’ve had the opportunity to try so far. So for this area I give the manufacturer full praise.
