ASUS RT-AX59U (AX4200) Dual Band WiFi 6 Extendable Router
ASUS RT-AX59U (AX4200) Dual Band WiFi 6 Extendable Router, Subscription-free Network Security, Instant Guard, Advanced Parental Controls, Built-in VPN, AiMesh Compatible, Smart Home, SMB, Wall Mou
Free Parental Controls
Gain insight into your kids’ online activity and customize settings for different age groups with the RT-AX59U’s robust parental controls – with no subscription fee. You can also flexibly schedule internet access with one click, or grant extra online time for your kids to reward their good behavior.
Make Free WiFi Secure Anywhere
When you are away from home, the ASUS Instant Guard mobile app gives you one-click secure internet access via your router*, thanks to its encrypted VPN tunneling technology. It can even let you easily share this private network connection with your family and friends through a URL link.
VPN Your Way
Enjoy secure VPN connections to your favorite streaming services or games with the RT-AX59U. Through both the ASUS Router app and the web interface, you can easily manage your VPN connections, including OpenVPN and WireGuard, to meet more of your VPN scenarios. You can also run both a VPN and an ordinary internet connection simultaneously with VPN Fusion, without interfering with the browsing experience of other users.
 |  |  |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless Communication Standard | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, IPv4, IPv6 | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, IPv4, IPv6 | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, IPv4, IPv6 | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, IPv4, IPv6 | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, IPv4, IPv6 | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, IPv4, IPv6 |
| I/O ports | 1 x 1G WAN, 3 x 1G LAN, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 2.0 | 1 x 1G WAN, 4 x 1G LAN, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | 1 x 1G WAN, 3 x 1G LAN, 1 x USB 2.0 | 1 x 1G WAN, 4 x 1G LAN, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | 1 x 2.5G WAN/LAN, 4 x 1G LAN, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | 1 x 1G WAN, 4 x 1G LAN, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 2.0 |
| Frequency Band Class | Dual-Band | Dual-Band | Dual-Band | Dual-Band | Dual-Band | Dual-Band |
| Antenna | Internal antenna x 5 | External antenna x 4 | External antenna x 4 | External antenna x 4 | External antenna x 4 | External antenna x 3, Internal PCB antenna x 1 |
| Memory | 128 MB Flash, 512 MB DDR4 RAM | DDR3 512 MB NAND 256 MB | 128 MB Flash 256 MB RAM | DDR3 512 MB NAND 256 MB | 256 MB Flash 512 MB RAM | 256 MB Flash 512 MB RAM |
| Control Method | App/Web GUI | App/Web GUI | App/Web GUI | App/Web GUI | App/Web GUI | App/Web GUI |
| Size | 152 x 61 x 204 mm / 476 g | 224 x 154 x 160 mm / 538 g | 190 x 126 x 45 mm / 346g | 275.5 x 184.4 x 165 mm / 740 g | 265 x 178 x 186 mm / 547 g | 242 x 100 x 164 mm (without antenna) / 814.5 g |
| Weight: | 1.05 kg |
| Dimensions: | 25.8 x 17.9 x 10.7 cm; 1.05 Kilograms |
| Brand: | ASUS |
| Model: | RT-AX59U |
| Manufacture: | Asus |
| Dimensions: | 25.8 x 17.9 x 10.7 cm; 1.05 Kilograms |
Smaller and lighter than I thought it would be which is good as intended to wall mount. If you’re familiar with the Asus interface then it’s business as usual. Can’t comment on range as it’s in a garage which is tin lined
I used it as a mesh network node using WIFI connection to the main WIFI router, if you are already using the Asus WIFI router and want to extend the WIFI coverage, it won’t be disappointed. Simply plug in the power supply (close to your WIFI router first), using Asus mobile apps to join to your existing network and wait for few minutes, done. Relocate to your place which you want to extend the WIFI signal, enjoy.
The form of this router is much more aesthetically pleasing than the 58, and with VPN mentioned in the description and the user manual, I went for the AX59
It’s a really neat little unit. The netgear had been hidden away out of sight because it was an ugly brute, but the AX59 is the size of a hardback novel and sits quietly on the shelf with just a glowing white light to show that it’s working.
Setup was simple, plug in the router cable and go to 192.168.50.1 from your laptop and you start the setup routine which asks you how you intend to use the router.
With the wifi setup, it was time to test the reception (with the router placed in the same place as the netgear for comparison). The signal strength in the upstairs bedroom that would normally drop out was really strong, and I got 36mpbs on the download test (60mbps line), through two thick brick walls. Sitting next to it I am getting -31dbm.
There are 4 ethernet ports on the router, one for Wan and three for normal use. In my setup, the wan port connects to my ISPs router. No special setup was required here. One port connects to an upstairs switch to provide low latency for gaming.
You can configure the IP address range the router uses for devices if you need to change it.
The other reason I needed a new router was for builtin VPN, specifically the Wireguard client. This is found under VPNFusion and allows you to either manually configure the client or import a config file. I used a config file and the VPN connected straight away. After that, the only thing to do was to add devices to it. This means that only the devices you want to use the VPN will do so, so you can have your phone/laptop using it, but not your games consoles.
When you add a device and apply the settings, the UI logs you out which is a little annoying. Also, to add or remove devices, you have to turn off the VPN. Otherwise it works, and Wireguard only adds around 10ms to the latency, barely noticeable.
There is so much more that this router can do that I haven’t used or will need to use.
Took a while researching but wanted wifi6, mesh upgradability, coverage, gigabit, decent chipset and non-Chinese. Works good after 24 hours. Used only off a 4g connection by wan (dhcp) so can’t vouch for speeds (max throughout 60/20mbps), but it took that nicely and the app made setup easy. Guest network setup is a doddle, as is separating 2.4ghz and 5ghz to support iot devices. Hasn’t reduced speed from the 4g router it draws Internet from – very happy and plain sailing so far.
Wi-Fi reaches the far end of my garden from my upstairs office so very pleased with that.
Lots of security features; though I had to re-install firmware to get the encryption standard to recognise properly.
Simply set the Virgin kit to work on modem mode and wire this beast to it. There are plenty of videos on YouTube explaining how to do it all if you are not confident enough.
This was so good that I purchased 2. Nice compact size, good coverage and fast. Conneceted a second with a wireless mesh system and worked well. Suitable for most small to medium sized homes. If in doubt, plug two together and created an Asus AIMesh for free.
Now to some technical stuff :-
1)Initial setup , note the WAN and wifi details of your old router, then disconnect and replace with the ASUS inc connecting the WAN cable – install the ASUS APP and scan the QR code on the base -a few minutes later and you’re up and running.
2) I’d recommend checking default settings by running the scan function on AiProtection / Router Security Assessment.
3) Took me a couple of hours but I fairly quickly got an IPSec VPN server setup configured with two clients (Win 11 Laptopn & Ipad).
4)Traffic Analyser is really useful but it needs enabling first.
5) It’s running way way cooler than my old Technicolour router so I suspect energy usage is much improved.
All in all thus far – excellent!!
The Asus software covers security, priority, firewall, secondary Wi-Fi networks. It’s got everything you will ever need.
Amazing router coming from virgin media superhub. I was undecided whether to go with ASUS or Tp-link but I have made the right decision by choosing ASUS. The setup was flawless, the speeds are great and connection is steady. Happy days!
This was purchased to improve our home WiFi connection as our aging Virgin home hub 3 was struggling. Simple to set up, switched the home hub to modem mode and have had excellent results so far.
Bought this to add a quick hardwired extension from an Asus XT9.
Perfect from the start, simply turned it in on, selected “Add a Node” from the Asus app and waited a few minutes while it configured itself.
That’s it, fully up and running!
Plugged it in via Ethernet from my main unit and it quickly switched to ethernet backhaul, giving me full access to all the wireless bands.
Nothing else to say really, signal is incredibly strong thanks to the additional antenna Vs other models and the processor easily keeps up with the 32+ devices connected.
This is a great router at a fantastic price point. It’s powerful, easy to set up and has a great user interface (app). If you want the benefit of WiFi 6, and have the devices to do so, don’t hesitate. This router easily provides excellent coverage for our 1200sq/ft apartment which has a number of solid brick walls. My old router used to struggle in the same circumstances. You can spend a lot more on a WiFi 6 router of you want but I struggle to fault this one. Great product!
I’m using this router with BT Full Fibre 900Mbps broadband. I’ve boxed up the BT hub they supplied and stored it away.
I now have a number of WiFi 6 devices at home that prompted me to purchase this router. I have to say it hasn’t disappointed me. It was easy to set up, even for me with my limited IT knowledge. The difference it’s made to my network is a joy to behold, even my partner noticed the difference and she isn’t IT savvy.
I’d recommend this router without hesitation.
Router went down in price by 15 since I bought it which is a good price for this. This replaced my bt smart hub 2. Set up was a doddle. I used the same personalised ssid that I had on my bt router with the same password and all my devices connected. I separated the 5ghz channel which is essential. Macbook air gets 700mb download on a 1ghz connection. The coverage is amazing. Even at the bottom of the garden I don’t lose much speed. Best purchase I made.
For the narrowish. longish and very cramped with walls and staircases (seen by German/Danish eyes) “victorian” houses this router’s wifi barely reaches the back (Kitchen) of the house. A repeater / booster solved that problem. Using the repeater / booster with the Hub 3 alone (setting it back to router mode) does not work — the (“real” or dedicated) router was necessary.
If someone has feedback to this review with info on a router with better reach – would be appreciated.
The current router i am reviewing is i think with typical reach. Actually i do not know.
No dropouts at all with this, and is working well with some TP Link powerline adapters (using for older devices, not due to WiFi issues). I set it to our original SSIDs/passwords from the previous router, however this had some unexpected side effects so I would recommend taking the time to just go round every WiFi device, forgetting the old network and then rejoining this new one. The only device that threw a strop was a Nokia 6 Android phone – it took a full factory reset to get it to connect to the new WiFi for the first time (it would save the connection but not connect, no error message either) but now it’s fine.
Get really good download/upload speeds, and only a slight difference in latency between the WiFi and LAN.
The interface in the browser is much better than our old router, lots more info and settings if you like to dabble. Not using the advanced security software as the privacy statement didn’t sit well with me, so can’t rate that.
Hopefully this has future-proofed our network for some time to come! I bought this used and apart from it needing a factory reset, it was a bargain – looks brand new. Haven’t thought about it since it was setup, surely a good sign.
For averaging anywhere from 22 to 28 clients on this device (10 on ethernet, remaining on WiFi) The signal is consistent and excellent, the performance with with AC devices is much better than my previous Netgear R7000P always getting between 95 to 100% of my maximum broadband speed via the 5GHz bandwidth and decent ranges.
The GUI interface is excellent although some of the terms used may be a bit advanced for most people.
BT TV also is working excellently with the multicast routing under IPTV settings, no drops, no error messages.
A moumental upgrade from the original superhub provided by the folks at virgin media. I actually get the speed (and sometimes more) than i pay for! very easy to use and was up and running in 10 minutes or so.
Unfortunately for me specifically, the signal strength was not vastly improved as i envisaged it would be. As a result of this, I am thinking of a AI mesh system or maybe even upgrading to a higher end model in the asus range!
But would certainly recommend for those with a standard broadband router to upgrade (especially virgin media!)
The device feels solid and well built, small and compact the materials doesn’t feel cheap which is nice for a 200 product.
Compared to the Virgin super hub 3, the signal quality is much better with significant improvement to connection integrity without dropping out within a reasonable range. With The super hub 3 I often have buffer screen and sometimes freezes in connection, even dropping out within a reasonable range.
Compared to super hub 3, the range improves by about 20% but connection is flaky on the outer edges as expected, but I would’ve expected more for 200.
Data carried across connection improved as well, though I’d say can be better.
Setting it up was alittle bothersome without very clear instructions. Basically you have to set Virgin super hub to modem mode, then attach WAN to WAN on super hub and the ASUS router. Turn ASUS router on and set it up via app or Ethernet (the app didn’t work for me). Turn both super hub and router off, then turn router on and wait for 3 minutes for initialisation then Virgin super hub back on. Then it should work.
It’s a hassle if you don’t know the particular order and had me scratching my head for about an hour frustrated as any different order would result in failure to setup.
Overall it’s a nice device, but I expected more from it due to the hefty price tag; the range can be better and maybe a larger data transfer rate, also better setup procedure.
I would recommend getting this only on a decent discount or if you have money to throw
Needed to replace the VM hub3 because the wifi was spotty and getting lag when playing on mobile games. This was easy to install and set up (took less than 30mins). Later on I added an external HDD to it. That took some tinkering with the settings and a bit of online research but its working now.
Interface is easy to use.
Good product.
The setup was simple, just logged onto my ISP router and changed to modem mode then connected the RT-AX58U. Followed the easy quick start guide and connected to the router in a browser. Everything is straight forward and self explanatory.
The wi-fi signal reaches all corners of an extended semi-detached house and I haven’t placed the router particularly centrally (in fact it’s in a cabinet with metal mesh doors.) I only have about a dozen devices connected at the moment, including phones, laptops, consoles, and TV. There has been no lag on anything since installation, a change from waiting for a page to load on my phone.
Some big pluses about this router: Manage device access and times they are allowed to connect; in-built online protection; guest network; wifi6; the phone app is useful for a quick glance at the settings and usage. There are many more that I am yet to try out but I’ll be making the most of the features.
All in all, happy with this addition to my home network.
I bought this as the broadband router wifi that I had through my provider kept on crashing out. The Asus router is a great product, the features in the software are very good, particularly like the parental control and malware software detection. Being able to restrict adult and other specific types of content to specific devices in your home is great if you have kids. In the past I have always been underwhelmed by this kind of support in routers.
The wifi 6 performance is excellent in both coverage and speed (reasonably large home), I have about 30 devices across both 2.4ghz and 5ghz, and it has been very stable (Cameras, Alexas, Chromecasts, Laptops, Phones, Android TV boxes etc). I use with 300mbps broadband and there is no contention that I can see. Highly recommend.
Had been looking to improve my home’s Wi-Fi signal from EE’s supplied Super Hub router. While EE doesn’t provide a simple modem mode like Virgin Media routers, after a bit of effort I managed to get the ASUS RT-AX58U router working with it. So far I’m extremely pleased by it; a definite stronger signal all round my house, and my 802.11AX compatible devices have been finally been able to stretch their legs. Especially impressed with connection to the Oculus Quest 2, as I’m finally able to use Virtual Desktop streaming from my PC without any stutters at all. To top it off, the device is quite small and understated compared to some other ‘gaming’ routers, which is something I consider another positive!
I was hesitant to jump into wifi6 as we dont have anything to test that side of things but otherwise this router has been brilliant for the last few months, zero issues and a familiar asus interface made it a breeze to set it all up.
So far we havent used the advanced features, but it has a wider wifi coverage than the previous one and has been rock solid which is what matter the most, especially in recent months since I have to remote onto work machines from home to perform my day job.