ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE12000 WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router, vs NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router - Router

Overview of the ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE12000 and NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S

The ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE12000 is priced at $399.99, while the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S costs $599.99, making the ASUS model about 33% cheaper. Both routers are designed for high-performance usage, particularly in gaming, streaming, and handling multiple devices. However, they offer different features and specifications that may appeal to different users.

Speed and Performance

The ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE12000 offers tri-band throughput of up to 12,000 Mbps, while the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S boasts wireless speeds of up to 19 Gbps. This makes the NETGEAR router faster, providing an advantage for activities like real-time gaming and 4K streaming. Additionally, the ASUS router features a powerful quad-core 2.0GHz CPU, ensuring robust performance, while the NETGEAR uses Broadcom’s advanced WiFi 7 chips for enhanced capabilities.

Coverage Area

When it comes to coverage, the ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE12000 is designed to cover up to 3,000 square feet, whereas the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S has a slightly larger coverage area of 3,500 square feet. This difference of 500 square feet may be significant for larger homes, making the NETGEAR a more suitable option for extensive areas. Both routers utilize advanced antenna designs to deliver their respective ranges effectively.

Wired Connectivity

The ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE12000 excels in wired connectivity with a wired capacity of up to 20G, offering one 2.5G WAN port and seven 2.5G LAN ports. In contrast, the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S includes a single 10 Gig internet port along with four 1 Gig LAN ports. This gives the ASUS router a significant edge for users who require high-speed wired connections, particularly in gaming or heavily networked environments.

Gaming Features

The ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE12000 is specifically designed with gamers in mind, featuring ROG-exclusive Game Acceleration to streamline connections through dedicated SSIDs. This setup is ideal for gamers looking to optimize their online experience. Meanwhile, the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S supports real-time gaming and high-definition streaming, but lacks the specialized gaming optimizations found in the ASUS model, making it less tailored for dedicated gamers.

Security Measures

Both routers provide a suite of security features, but they differ in their approaches. The ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE12000 includes commercial-grade Triple-level Network Security with AiProtection Pro, ensuring comprehensive protection for all connected devices. Conversely, the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S comes with NETGEAR Armor, which offers enhanced protection against hackers and malware, along with a one-year subscription included in the price. This makes the NETGEAR attractive for users prioritizing online safety.

Design and Build Quality

The ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE12000 has a robust design, emphasizing cooling and performance, while the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S features a sleek body and high-performance antenna design, resulting in a smaller footprint. The aesthetic differences may appeal to varying user preferences, but both routers are built to handle demanding applications with reliability.

Price Comparison

At $399.99, the ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE12000 is significantly more affordable than the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S, which retails for $599.99. This price difference of $200 means that the ASUS router is approximately 33% cheaper, making it a more appealing choice for budget-conscious consumers who still want high performance without compromising on essential features.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE12000 and the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S depends largely on your specific needs. If you prioritize speed and coverage and are willing to invest more for superior performance, the NETGEAR is a strong contender with its faster speeds and larger coverage area. However, if you’re looking for a more cost-effective option that still delivers excellent performance and gaming features, the ASUS router stands out as a better value with its lower price and solid specifications.