ASUS
ASUS AC3100 WiFi Gaming Router (RT-AC88U)
Bottom line: The ASUS AC3100 WiFi Gaming Router ($107.97 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Eight Gigabit LAN ports - hardwire consoles, NAS, and PC without a separate switch; main trade-off: no Wi-Fi 6, so newer phones and laptops cannot hit their peak rates.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Eight Gigabit LAN ports - hardwire consoles, NAS, and PC without a separate switch
- ✓ 4T4R antennas rated for up to 5000 sq ft of 2.4 GHz coverage
- ✓ WTFast Game Accelerator plus Adaptive QoS for latency-sensitive gaming traffic
- ✓ AiProtection by Trend Micro included for life, no subscription fee
- ✓ OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP clients built in, plus AiMesh node support later
Cons
- ✗ No Wi-Fi 6, so newer phones and laptops cannot hit their peak rates
- ✗ Large 11.8 x 7.4 x 3.3 in chassis needs open shelf space, not a cabinet
- ✗ ASUS lists 5000 sq ft and 1.8 Gbps as best case; real results vary by environment
Manufacturer description
The ASUS RT-AC88U AC3100 gaming router is built for households that outgrow a standard 4-port box. Its headline advantage is port count: eight Gigabit LAN ports let you hardwire a desktop, console, NAS, capture rig, and switch uplink at once without adding hardware. Wireless throughput is rated up to 2100 Mbps on 5 GHz and 1000 Mbps on 2.4 GHz thanks to ASUS 1024-QAM tuning, and the 4T4R antenna design pushes 2.4 GHz coverage claims to roughly 5000 square feet, so upstairs and garage dead zones get a real signal. A 1.4 GHz dual-core processor handles WAN-to-LAN throughput up to 1.8 Gbps and…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored ASUS AC3100 WiFi Gaming Router using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the networking category. ASUS's networking lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for networking of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wired devices can the RT-AC88U handle?
It has 8 Gigabit LAN ports, so eight Ethernet devices connect directly. Link aggregation can team two of those ports for faster NAS throughput.
Is this a Wi-Fi 6 router?
No. The RT-AC88U is an AC3100 dual-band Wireless-AC (Wi-Fi 5) router rated up to 2100 Mbps on 5 GHz and 1000 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, with MU-MIMO support.
How much area does it actually cover?
ASUS rates the 4T4R antenna design at up to 5000 square feet on 2.4 GHz, a 33 percent gain over its prior design. ASUS notes actual performance varies with network and environmental conditions.
Do I have to pay for the security features?
No. AiProtection powered by Trend Micro is included for the life of the router and covers vulnerability detection, malicious-site blocking, and parental controls.
Can I add it to a mesh network later?
Yes, it is AiMesh compatible, so it can pair with other AiMesh-capable ASUS routers as a mesh node. Check the product listing for current warranty terms.
Key Features
- 1024 Qam technology 80 percent faster 5 GigaHertz at up to 2100 Mbps, 66 percent faster 2. 4 GigaHertz at up to 1000 Mbps; utilities: firmware restoration
- 33 percent greater 2. 4 GigaHertz coverage with a 4 transmit, 4 receive (4T4R) antenna design, able to reach our widest ever coverage up to 5000 square feet
- Expansive connectivity options: with exclusively has 8 x Gigabit LAN ports for up to eight Ethernet compatible devices to connect simultaneously
- Powerful 1. 4 GigaHertz dual core processor, faster USB data transfers enjoy up to over 100 MB/s Speed and the router download/UPLOAD speed (WAN LAN throughput) up to 1. 8 Gaps
- Smart Connect automatically chooses the best band available for you, Dimensions: 11. 8 x 7. 4 x 3. 3 inch (WDHP).AC Input : 110V~240V(50~60Hz)
- ASUS Protection powered by Trend Micro ensures your online experience is safe and secure. By combining automatic vulnerability detection, malicious site blocking and parental controls, Protection keeps everyone safe and sound | VPN client : PPTP client, L2TP client, OpenVPN client
Full Specifications
| Brand | ASUS |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Voltage | 19 Volts |
| Coverage | 5000 square feet |
| Frequency | 5 GHz |
| Model Name | RT-AC88U |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Antenna Type | Fixed |
| Connectivity | Wireless, USB, WiFi |
| Model Number | RT-AC88U |
| Built-In Media | 1 |
| Control Method | Voice |
| Item Type Name | Asus RT-AC88U AC3100 Wireless Dual Band (5GHz + 2.4GHz) Gigabit Wi-Fi Router |
| Connection Type | Wireless |
| Controller Type | amazon_alexa, vera |
| Mfr Part Number | RT-AC88U |
| Number of Ports | 8 |
| Special Feature | Alexa Compatible |
| Antenna Location | Business, Gaming, Home |
| Wi-Fi Generation | 802.11ac |
| Full listing title | ASUS AC3100 WiFi Gaming Router (RT-AC88U) - Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Router, WTFast Game Accelerator, Streaming, AiMesh Compatible, Included Lifetime Internet Security, Adaptive QoS, MU-MIMO |
Ready to buy?
ASUS AC3100 WiFi Gaming Router (RT-AC88U) - Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Router, WTFast Game Accelerator, Streaming, AiMesh Compatible, Included Lifetime Internet Security, Adaptive QoS, MU-MIMO is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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