Asus ZenWiFi XT8 vs Eero Pro 6: Specs, Features, and More
By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2023
When it comes to choosing a mesh Wi-Fi system, there are countless options on the market. Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) is perhaps the most popular, recommended by many for its advanced features and excellent performance.
Eero Pro 6 is a strong contender that shouldn't be overlooked. As an official Amazon product, it offers seamless compatibility with Alexa, impressive performance, and advanced features at an affordable price.
In this article, we'll compare the Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) and the Eero Pro 6 in several key areas to help you make an informed decision.
| Specs | Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT 8) | Eero Pro 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 (2-Pack) | $299.99 (2-Pack) |
| Color | White, black | White |
| Wi-Fi Protocol | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Frequency Band | Tri-Band | Tri-Band |
| Maximum Range (2 Routers) | 5500 sq. ft. | 3500 sq. ft. |
| Data Transfer Rate | 6600Mbps | 1000Mbps |
| Processor | 1.5GHz Quad-Core | 1.6GHz Quad-Core |
| RAM | 512 MB | 1 GB |
| Storage | 256 MB | 4 GB |
| Number of Ports | 3 LAN, 1 WAN, 1 USB | 1 USB-C, 2 LAN/WAN |
| Ethernet Backhaul Support | Yes | Yes |
| Parental Control | Yes, free for lifetime | Yes, free trial for 30 days |
| Network Security | Yes, free for lifetime | Yes, free trial for 30 days |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT | Alexa, Zigbee, Thread |
Key Takeaways
The primary difference is Asus XT8 has better coverage of up to 5500 sqft and a faster speed of up to 6.6 Gbps compared to the Eero Pro 6 with 3500 sqft coverage and 1 Gbps speed. XT8 also offers parental controls and internet security for free, while Eero Pro 6 requires a subscription for these features.
Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8)
More Costly, More Capability
✓ 5500 sq. ft. coverage and 6.6Gbps speed
✓ 1.5GHz Quad-Core, 512 MB RAM, 256 MB storage
✓ Parental control and internet security for free
✓ Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
Eero Pro 6
Affordable for Basic Functionality
✓ 3500 sq. ft. coverage and 1Gbps speed
✓ 1.6GHz Quad-Core, 1 GB RAM, 4 GB storage
✓ Advanced features require subscription
✓ Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Zigbee, Echo devices
#1 Price
Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8)
Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) is generally more expensive at $349.99 for 2 packs, compared to Eero Pro 6 which costs $299.99 for 2 packs. However, the price difference decreases when you purchase an additional unit for coverage expansion in the future, with the Asus costing $209.99 and the Eero costing $199.99, each for one unit.
#2 Technical Specs
Eero Pro 6
In terms of technical specs, the Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) is more powerful in many ways. With 2 routers, it provides Wi-Fi coverage of up to 5500 sq. ft. or approximately for 6 rooms, and it boasts a high speed of up to 6600 Mbps, perfect for streaming 8K movies and playing online games. The Eero Pro 6 on the other hand covers only up to 3500 sq. ft. with 2 routers and supports speed only up to 1000 Mbps.
However, Eero Pro 6 provides more RAM of 1 GB and storage of 4 GB, compared to ZenWiFi AX with only 512 MB RAM and 256 MB storage. Eero Pro 6 is also powered by a 1.6 GHz Quad-Core processor, while the ZenWiFi AX is powered by a 1.5 GHz Quad-Core processor.
Both mesh routers support Wi-Fi 6 and are backward compatible with earlier Wi-Fi standards. Additionally, with tri-band support, both Asus ZenWiFi AX and Eero Pro 6 broadcast a 2.4 GHz band, a 5 GHz band, and a separate 5 GHz band for the backhaul connection between their routers, providing faster and more reliable connections compared to dual-band routers.
#3 Design
Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8)
With a dimension of 6.3 x 6.4 x 3.0in and a weight of 1.61lb, the Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) is bigger and bulkier, compared to the Eero Pro 6 which has a dimension of 5.6 x 5.4 x 1.9in and a weight of 1.49lb. However, both look sleek and modern, with a minimalist design that blends well with any home decor.
Furthermore, the Asus ZenWiFi AX was designed not only for looks but also performance. Its vertical housing holds 6 antennas and a circuit board optimized for stronger Wi-Fi signals, specially designed vents to increase airflow, and a double heatsink to help dissipate heat, ensuring reliable operation.
With its bigger design, the Asus ZenWiFi AX provides more ports. It has 3 LAN ports, one 2.5G/1G WAN port, and a USB 3.0/2.0 port. Eero Pro 6 on the other side features only 1 USB-C port and 2 WAN/LAN ports.
#4 Features
Eero Pro 6
Both Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) and the Eero Pro 6 offer parental control settings, such as blocking apps and filtering content. Both mesh systems also provide internet security, protecting your devices from malicious sites and other online attacks. However, for Eero, you will require an additional Eero Plus subscription to access those features. In contrast, ZenWiFi requires no subscription to access all of its features, including the Advanced Parental Controls and Internet Security by Trend Micro.
Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8)
Another advantage that the Asus ZenWiFi has over the Eero Pro 6 is its flexible network naming. You can set a separate name (SSID) for each frequency band, making it easier to identify which band you're connected to, and also set up a guest network with a separate SSID. If you have smart home devices that are compatible only with a certain band, this can be helpful so the devices can connect to the right network without interference. In contrast, Eero uses a single SSID that allows devices to live on both the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies simultaneously, so you can't separate the bands, though it allows for a separate SSID for a guest network.
When it comes to compatibility with smart home services, Eero Pro 6 has more advantages. It works with Alexa, provides support for Thread, and can double as a Zigbee smart home hub to connect to compatible smart home devices. Some Amazon Echo devices also have Eero built-in, meaning that they can turn into Eero mesh Wi-Fi extenders and further improve coverage in your home. On the other hand, Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.
#5 Setup
Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8)
Setting up the Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) and the Eero Pro 6 is relatively easy. Their respective apps, the Asus Router App and Eero App, will walk you through the entire process with easy to follow step-by-step guide.
Both routers also support Ethernet Backhaul setup, which means you can use Ethernet cables to connect the routers instead of relying on wireless backhaul. This is especially useful if you want to ensure the fastest possible connection between the routers.
Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) vs Eero Pro 6
Final Thoughts
Eero Pro 6
Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) provides better coverage and speed, is compatible with wider smart home services, and offers advanced features for free. While Eero Pro 6 has some limitations and requires subscription for some features, it's still a great choice for those on a budget who don't require advanced features.
If you like to read more about Wi-Fi Mesh Systems, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Wi-Fi Mesh Systems in Singapore (2023)
Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) vs Orbi AX6000 (RBK852): Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Routers Comparison
Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) vs Google Nest WiFi Pro: Which is the Better Wi-Fi Mesh System?
Google Nest WiFi Pro vs TP-Link Deco XE75: Best Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Routers Comparison
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