If you’re searching for a reliable Wi-Fi 6 router for your home, you’ve probably seen both the Asus RT-AX1800S and the Linksys MR7350 show up in your research. Both promise faster speeds, better coverage, and support for the latest wireless devices. But which one is really better for your needs? This guide will give you a clear, honest comparison of these two popular routers. We’ll focus on speed, features, real-world performance, and what matters most for different types of users. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or just want stable connections for your family, you’ll find practical advice and answers here.
Overview Of The Asus Rt-ax1800s And Linksys Mr7350
Both the Asus RT-AX1800S and Linksys MR7350 are Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) routers aimed at home users. Wi-Fi 6 is the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering higher speeds, better handling of multiple devices, and improved range compared to older Wi-Fi 5 routers.
The Asus RT-AX1800S is known for its value, offering many advanced features at a lower price point. It’s often chosen by users who want more control over their network.
The Linksys MR7350 highlights simplicity and mesh capability. It’s designed to be easy to use, and can become part of a larger mesh network if you buy more Linksys devices.
Let’s break down the main specifications side by side for a quick look.
| Feature | Asus RT-AX1800S | Linksys MR7350 |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| AX Speed Rating | AX1800 | AX1800 |
| Bands | Dual-band | Dual-band |
| Ethernet Ports | 4 LAN + 1 WAN | 4 LAN + 1 WAN |
| USB Port | Yes (1x USB 3.2 Gen 1) | No |
| Mesh Support | No | Yes (Linksys Intelligent Mesh) |
| Parental Controls | Yes | Yes |
| App Support | Asus Router App | Linksys App |
| Target Audience | Power users, small families | Simple setup, mesh seekers |
Design And Hardware
How a router looks and feels might seem unimportant, but it affects where you can place it and how well it works. Let’s look at their build and hardware choices.
Asus Rt-ax1800s
The Asus RT-AX1800S has a classic, angular design with four external antennas. These antennas can be moved to optimize signal direction. The router feels solid and is a little wider and taller than the Linksys, so it may need more shelf space. The external antennas usually provide better range and signal strength, especially for bigger homes.
On the back, you’ll find four Gigabit LAN ports, one Gigabit WAN port, and a USB 3.2 port. This USB port is useful for connecting a printer or external hard drive for file sharing or backups. Many routers at this price skip the USB port, so it’s a real advantage.
Linksys Mr7350
The Linksys MR7350 has a sleeker, lower-profile design with two external antennas. It’s easy to fit on a shelf, TV stand, or even wall-mount. The antennas are adjustable but fewer, which can impact range in large or complicated homes.
You get four Gigabit LAN ports and one Gigabit WAN port, but no USB port. For most users, this isn’t a dealbreaker, but if you want to share files over your network, it’s a missing feature.
The Linksys MR7350’s main hardware advantage is its mesh support. You can buy more Linksys mesh devices and expand your network easily, making it a good choice for homes with Wi-Fi dead spots.
Wireless Performance
Speed and stability are key reasons people upgrade their router. Both the Asus RT-AX1800S and Linksys MR7350 are rated AX1800. This means a total theoretical speed of up to 1,800 Mbps (574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz + 1,201 Mbps on 5 GHz), but real-world speeds are always lower.
Asus Rt-ax1800s Real-world Speed
In most homes, the Asus RT-AX1800S can deliver:
- Up to 600 Mbps on the 5 GHz band within one room
- Around 350-500 Mbps through one or two walls
- 100-200 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band at longer distances
The four antennas help maintain strong signal across multiple rooms. Users report that streaming 4K video and online gaming are smooth even with several devices connected. The router handles 20–30 devices at once without much slowdown, which is enough for a small family or a smart home with cameras and speakers.
Linksys Mr7350 Real-world Speed
The Linksys MR7350 also performs well:
- Up to 550 Mbps on the 5 GHz band close to the router
- 300-450 Mbps through walls
- 80-180 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band further away
The biggest difference is consistency. The MR7350 sometimes drops speed when many devices are active, but for most homes with moderate usage, it’s still fast and reliable. Its mesh support means you can add more nodes to boost speed in problem areas.
Range And Dead Spots
Both routers cover a medium-sized home (about 1,500–2,000 square feet) with a strong signal. The Asus RT-AX1800S, with its four antennas, often reaches a bit farther, especially in homes with thick walls. The Linksys MR7350’s mesh feature means you can solve range issues by adding another Linksys mesh router or node—something Asus doesn’t offer at this price.
Features And Software
Today’s routers are more than just “boxes for Wi-Fi. ” Features like parental controls, guest networks, and app management matter. Here’s how the two compare.
| Feature | Asus RT-AX1800S | Linksys MR7350 |
|---|---|---|
| Parental Controls | Yes, robust options | Basic controls |
| Guest Network | Yes | Yes |
| QoS (Quality of Service) | Yes, customizable | Basic |
| App Management | Asus Router App & web | Linksys App & web |
| VPN Support | Yes (server & client) | No |
| Firmware Updates | Manual & automatic | Automatic |
| USB File Sharing | Yes | No |
| Smart Home Integration | Alexa support | Alexa support |
Parental Controls
If you need to manage what your kids can access, the Asus RT-AX1800S is ahead. It lets you block websites, set schedules for device use, and monitor traffic in detail. The Linksys MR7350 offers basic parental controls—mainly blocking sites or pausing Wi-Fi for devices—but fewer options.
Guest Network
Both routers let you create a guest network. This is useful for visitors, so they can use your internet but not access your personal devices. Setup is easy on both models.
Quality Of Service (qos)
QoS helps you prioritize certain types of internet traffic. For example, you can make sure video calls or gaming get more bandwidth than file downloads. The Asus RT-AX1800S offers more customization, letting you pick which devices or apps get priority.
The Linksys MR7350’s QoS is simpler and less flexible.
App And Web Management
Both Asus and Linksys offer mobile apps for setup and management. The Asus Router App is powerful, letting you see connected devices, check speed, and change settings easily. The Linksys App is designed for beginners—very easy to use, but with fewer advanced options.
Vpn Support
This is a big difference. The Asus RT-AX1800S supports VPN server and client modes. You can securely access your home network from anywhere, or route your home devices through a VPN for privacy. The Linksys MR7350 does not support VPN connections out of the box.
Firmware Updates
Both routers receive firmware updates for security and performance. The Linksys MR7350 does this automatically, which is simple for non-technical users. The Asus RT-AX1800S lets you choose: manual or automatic updates.
Usb File Sharing
With the Asus RT-AX1800S, you can plug in a USB drive and share files across your home. It’s a small but handy feature for backups or media streaming. The Linksys MR7350 does not have a USB port.
Smart Home Integration
Both routers work with Amazon Alexa, so you can control your Wi-Fi with voice commands.
Setup Experience
Setting up a new router should not be stressful. Both models aim to make installation easy, but they take different approaches.
Asus Rt-ax1800s Setup
You can set up the Asus RT-AX1800S via web browser or the Asus Router App. The app walks you through the process step-by-step. Advanced users will appreciate the web interface, which gives full control over every setting. If you want to tweak your network, Asus is the better choice.
One thing beginners sometimes miss: Asus’s extra features can make the interface a bit overwhelming if you just want basic Wi-Fi. But the Quick Setup gets you online in about 10 minutes.
Linksys Mr7350 Setup
The Linksys MR7350 is designed for simplicity. Using the Linksys App, you can set up your router in under 10 minutes. The app finds your internet connection, suggests the best Wi-Fi settings, and helps you name your network. It’s nearly impossible to make a mistake.
This makes it a good pick for people who don’t want to deal with technical details.
A non-obvious tip: The Linksys MR7350 asks for a Linksys cloud account during setup. You can skip this, but if you use it, you can manage your network from anywhere.
Security And Privacy
Both routers support WPA3 encryption, the latest Wi-Fi security standard. This helps keep your network safe from hackers and unwanted guests. Here’s how they compare on security tools:
- Asus RT-AX1800S: Includes AiProtection (powered by Trend Micro), which blocks malware, phishing sites, and suspicious devices. It also has strong parental controls and guest network isolation. You can run a VPN for extra privacy.
- Linksys MR7350: Supports WPA3, automatic firmware updates, and guest networks. Parental controls are basic, and there’s no built-in malware protection like Asus offers.
A key insight: If you have smart home devices (cameras, thermostats), the Asus’s extra security tools can help keep them safe from outside attacks—a feature often overlooked by beginners.
Mesh Networking And Scalability
If you have a large home or areas with weak Wi-Fi, mesh networking is a powerful solution. It lets you add more routers or “nodes” to extend coverage.
Linksys Mr7350 Mesh Support
This is one of the MR7350’s main strengths. It supports Linksys Intelligent Mesh. You can add more Linksys mesh routers or Velop mesh nodes and they work together seamlessly. This is great for:
- Multi-story homes
- Houses with thick walls
- Families who want one network for the whole property
Mesh means fewer dead zones and smooth roaming as you move around.
Asus Rt-ax1800s Mesh Support
The RT-AX1800S does not support mesh networking. If you need more coverage, you’ll have to use Wi-Fi extenders, which are less seamless and sometimes slower than true mesh systems.
A common mistake: Some buyers assume all Wi-Fi 6 routers can do mesh. Asus does offer mesh on more expensive models (called AiMesh), but the RT-AX1800S does not support this.
Price And Value
Price is always important. At the time of writing:
- Asus RT-AX1800S usually sells for $70–$100
- Linksys MR7350 usually sells for $80–$120
Prices change often, so check before you buy. The Asus is often cheaper, especially if you can live without mesh.
What Do You Get For Your Money?
- Asus RT-AX1800S: More advanced features, USB file sharing, strong security, better parental controls. Best value for power users or anyone who wants full control.
- Linksys MR7350: Super simple setup, mesh-ready, reliable for average homes. Best value for people who want easy Wi-Fi and may expand coverage later.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choosing between these routers comes down to your needs. Here’s practical advice for common situations:
- For tech-savvy users or small offices: Choose the Asus RT-AX1800S. Its advanced settings, USB port, and VPN support give you more control and flexibility.
- For families with kids: The Asus’s strong parental controls and security tools protect your kids better than the Linksys.
- For large homes or future mesh upgrades: Pick the Linksys MR7350. Its mesh support means you can add coverage easily.
- For beginners or renters: The Linksys is easier to set up and manage, with less chance of confusion.
- For people who want to share files or printers: Only the Asus offers USB sharing in this price range.
- For those who move often: The Linksys’s mesh system adapts easily to new layouts and home sizes.
A non-obvious insight: If you already have Linksys mesh products, the MR7350 slots right in. But if you like to “tinker” or want features like VPN, Asus is the better long-term bet.
Pros And Cons
Summing up, here’s a clear look at strengths and weaknesses for each router.
| Router | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Asus RT-AX1800S | – Advanced features – USB port for sharing – Strong parental controls – VPN support – Better range for price |
– No mesh support – More complex setup for beginners – Bulkier design |
| Linksys MR7350 | – Mesh-ready – Very simple setup – Sleek design – Automatic firmware updates |
– No USB port – Basic parental controls – Fewer advanced settings |
Final Thoughts
The Asus RT-AX1800S and Linksys MR7350 are two of the best budget Wi-Fi 6 routers available. They share many basic features and similar performance, but differ in important ways that matter depending on your home and tech needs.
If you want advanced controls, extra security, and a USB port, the Asus RT-AX1800S is a fantastic value. If you prefer easy setup and the option to build a mesh network as your needs grow, the Linksys MR7350 is the better pick.
The best advice: Think about your real needs—how many devices you have, whether you plan to expand coverage, and if you want to manage your network closely or just want Wi-Fi that works. Either way, you’ll be future-proofing your home with Wi-Fi 6.
For more details about Wi-Fi 6 standards and what they mean, you can check the IEEE 802.11ax Wikipedia page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Main Difference Between Asus Rt-ax1800s And Linksys Mr7350?
The main difference is mesh support. The Linksys MR7350 supports mesh networking, letting you add more routers for better coverage. The Asus RT-AX1800S does not. Asus offers more advanced features and a USB port, while Linksys is simpler and more expandable.
Which Router Is Better For Gaming?
The Asus RT-AX1800S is generally better for gaming because it has better QoS controls, lower latency, and a USB port for fast file sharing or network storage. Its firmware also lets you prioritize gaming devices and monitor bandwidth more closely.
Can I Use Either Router With My Existing Internet Provider?
Yes, both routers work with any standard cable, DSL, or fiber modem. You simply connect your modem to the router’s WAN port. They support all major ISPs, but you may need to update your login details for some providers.
Which Router Is Easier To Set Up For Beginners?
The Linksys MR7350 is easier for beginners. The Linksys App guides you through setup with clear steps. The Asus RT-AX1800S is also easy, but its extra features can make the interface feel more complex.
Do These Routers Support Wpa3 Security?
Yes, both the Asus RT-AX1800S and Linksys MR7350 support WPA3 encryption, giving you the latest protection for your wireless network and devices.
