ASUS ET8 vs ASUS Pro ET12 Comparison | Specs, Speed Tests, Range Tests and Much More ...

[@keshavsfunactivities]

I just got the ET8 and it’s amazingly fast…

[@landpet]

Yes it is

[@antonioterrell354]

The ET8 didn't work out for me in my home unfortunately (an old home made of lath & plaster interior construction), as the range of the new 6 GHz band proved to be way too short to make for any kind of reliable backhaul connection between the nodes unless close together. Or even suitable for fronthaul traffic unless the client is in the same room as one of the nodes. Sent it back and went a step down to the XT8 which is performing very well here. ... The 6 GHz band is just not ready for primetime in my view assuming it ever will be. As the FCC has just placed much too heavy power restrictions on the band to adequately offset its greater natural signal attenuation on those higher frequencies to make it comparable with the lower and higher powered 5 GHz band.

[@KTamas27]

​@@landpet cant you do wired backwhoke on et8 with 2gigabit internet with a 2.5 gig switch if your main router is the 7800megabit)e Asus wifi 6e something router with gray couloir and spider legs, that can aggravate 2 1 gigabit internet wired service connection from the same provider into one?

[@Mhosborn]

If these WiFi 6E systems are using the 6GHz channel for backhaul, doesn't the short range of that frequency limit how far apart the nodes can be? Wouldn't they have to be closer together than with a system using the 5GHz channel for backhaul?

[@landpet]

Excellent question, the short answer is yes but it might not matter. The long answer is, well it depends since they really shouldn't be more than 50 ft apart which 6GHz can handle. Now let's add into the fact that if someone is living in more of a congested area (which may not be the case), like a building, well chances are the neighbors have routers with 5GHz becoming very common. So now there's more of a chance the 5GHz might struggle a bit (even though there are different channels) compared to a 6GHz band which most people don't have now since it's fairly new tech, aka the 6GHz is wide open besides the fact it can tolerate faster speeds.

[@as0791]

Bro youre like reading my mind!! Best router review channel in youtube.

[@landpet]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

[@AgeBoelens]

These reviews are great. Do you know if you could use one ET12 unit as a router and connecting this to one or multiple ET8 units for a mesh system? This way you could possibly get full multi gig wired backhaul to the ET8 units.

[@landpet]

No problem. You can do that because they both support AiMesh

[@Kingofdaslumzxps]

had the same exact question, thanks!

[@bygonebebygones8503]

That range test is super important, many thanks mate !

[@landpet]

No problem

[@Cookies4Wookiees]

ET8 is definitely not 5500

[@blive4]

Great reviews! Can you suggest a router for distance/wall penetration? I recently moved and the plaster on the walls are slowing down my speeds like crazy. Tried the ax88u, ax86u both independently as well as a mesh (wired backhaul) neither can provided enough bandwidth in the garage which is about 20 feet away but there are two exterior walls between. Going to try the ET8 next...

[@LikquidDutch]

ASUS ET8 vs SXK80 Orbi pro ... which would you go with ?

[@landpet]

I haven’t played with the Orbi pro but I do like the ET8

[@Diego-1]

I have a doubt about mesh systems...if i connect the Asus ET8 router to another Asus ET8 by a WIRED BACKHAUL What is the difference between connecting the Asus ET8 router to an Wi-Fi 6E Access point like the NETGEAR WAX630E?

[@clericstorm2009]

Thanks for the helpful video. Helped me make my decision. Like button smashed!

[@landpet]

Thanks!

[@tomconnell7154]

I have a question - I already own the ASUS RT-AX86U - If I purchased the ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 can I use both together as a mesh system ?

[@landpet]

Yes, AiMesh devices work either way each other

[@ted-b]

Great review, can you put goldfish in the tops of the ET12's? 🤣

[@landpet]

Lol, there's an idea

[@kmiks-l2d]

Is the ET12 expandable? I’m assuming a wired connection will make them work better. Also can I connect an unmanaged switch without any issues for hardwired devices, or will there be a connection issue

[@landpet]

Yes you can add more ET12 nodes (not sure what the limit is but I imagine you can get up to 4 or 5 nodes). Yes you can connect an unmanaged switch

[@TerrySmith1953]

Thanks - I'm very much in this market now. One thing I do find interesting is aesthetics. Everyone is falling over them selves to say how good, cool, etc this looks. Do none of you have wives? I'm pretty sure I would get some negative comments about the ET12 with its looming black tower look!

[@king8lopez]

Asus ET8 has too many disconnects, I truly believe it’s a hardware issues since so many people complain about it . ASUS has already discontinued it.

[@landpet]

Thanks for the feedback

[@drec5174]

Nice helpful review. I went with the ET12 since I have 1.5g and needed that 2nd 2.5g port for my 2.5g switch.

[@landpet]

Thanks and great choice!

[@maxwell9557]

Can you mix the ET8 and XT8 together. i.e/ the router is ET8 and the satellites areXT8 because they are cheaper and I need more satelllites?

[@landpet]

You can mix them

[@Kingofdaslumzxps]

quick question, i have fios and am currently plugging in the 1st ET8 to a Verizon Router (I disabled the wifi on their router) and the 2nd ET8 is wirelessly on the other side of the house. So far it works great but i am wondering if i have the most efficient setup? Can i go directly into the ONT and give Verizon back their router? I tried going into the ONT and it just didnt work.

[@landpet]

Yes you can go directly into the ONT, that’s how I test these. You may need to redo the setup, so I would perform a factory reset (this erases all your settings so do keep that in mind if you want to go this route) on the et8, remove the Verizon router and go directly from et8 to the ONT, then go through setup via the asus router app.

[@vijaychacko7122]

Thank you for these videos! You do such detailed testing that helps get the best idea and information for these devices. Super useful when deciding what to buy.

[@landpet]

Thank you very much!

[@hectorruiz1279]

I'm deciding to get 1 or 2pk of the xt12 My interior house space is about 1500sq feet . Do you think I only need one?they're super expensive but I want one so bad lol

[@landpet]

If it's centrally placed you can get away with just one but if you plan on getting just one. You could probably just get a regular router. If it's at one side of your home, then I would definitely recommend getting a 2 pack.

[@EastStandGG]

Hmm need to hear about the firmware experience

[@landpet]

I used the ET8 for some time and it was fine. I've used the ET12 less as of now but no issues so far.

[@samsungtv4u]

Can you use them together to extend range?

[@landpet]

yes

[@TechieZeddie]

On the ET12, If you use it as an AP (disable the router function) can both 2.5gb ports be used for LAN? I would love to use one 2.5gb port for backhaul and the other for a gaming PC in two different rooms. Basically using it like a switch. The 1 gb ports can be used for other devices like my Shield TV and printer. I plan to run an OPNsense router/FW that has 2.5 GB ports.

[@landpet]

I haven't used in access point mode but I imagine you can use both ports. I still think you need to use the WAN port to connect to the actual router.

[@TechieZeddie]

@@landpet that would mean every port is a LAN port, including the one labeled "WAN". Any way for you to test and confirm this? Would be great to use both 2.5gb ports for LAN in AP mode. One to go to my gaming PC, the other to the router as a backhaul or uplink to gateway FW.

[@joffs123]

Thank you for this, and all of your videos. I find them extremely informative and helpful. Can I ask your opinion on something please? Would there be value in establishing a ET12 as a main router, with two ET8s as nodes? Or just go with ET8s throughout? I don’t think my wife would allow the sky scrapers in common areas… 😂

[@landpet]

I would just stick with the same, in fact just as a heads up, if you're going ET8, I personally think the XT9 (looks identical to the ET8) is better. I realize the XT9 is wifi 6 when the ET8 if WiFi 6E but from testing both, the XT9 performs better wirelessly. If you're going wired backhaul, there's not much difference between the two.

[@Stockpile777]

How many devices can be connected to the ET12? I currently have 70. Also can you buy a 3rd router to extend this network?

[@landpet]

I have about 60 devices, no issues with it. 70 should be fine. Yes you can buy a 3rd to extend it.

[@tofu_golem]

Dong from Dong Knows Tech had a good review of these. Basically, the ET12 are amazing if you can run an ethernet cable between them (you'll need 2.5 Gbps switches if there are switches between them). I have had bad results every time I tried to use a router as a NAS. You're better off with any cheapo NAS over sticking a USB drive into a router.

[@josefshopovich7584]

What happens if you connect them wirelessy and not with a cable ?

[@daneldridge]

I have 3 Et-12 's. Ethernet backhaul and the two that are downline are constantly red and offline. I have contacted ASUS once and the support did not fix the issue. I will call ASUS again when I can. Does anyone have any ideas?

[@landpet]

Do you have a modem/router combo? If so, please disable the router portion of the modem/router combo so it won't interfere with the ASUS. Also try updating the firmware, if that doesn't work try a factory reset.

[@daneldridge]

@@landpet Thanks! I’ll try that. Updates are good.

[@samsungtv4u]

Can i use ths et8 and then upgrade my main router to the et12?

[@landpet]

Yes

[@samsungtv4u]

@@landpet thank you for the reply.

[@mikebusch5473]

Loved the review. Explaining was great and a dumbo like me could understand .

[@landpet]

Thanks! Glad it was useful!

[@brightlee214]

Any wifi now in the world is too slow, bullshit network now. I'm waiting the wifi8 or wifi 9, must reach at least 1GBps (GigaByte/s, NOT gigabit) download and upload.

[@landpet]

Yup, the capital letter B refers to bytes vs lowercase b refers to bits. 1 byte = 8 bits.

[@theunkownmr.562]

I purchased the ET12's since I have 2Gbit Internet from AT&T. The wifi6e download speeds are at 1000Gbit and upload at 900+ that's right next to the router though. Also, wall penetration isn't that great when you're using a 6ghz connection. I'm going to need to add another node in my living room to compensate.

[@landpet]

Thanks for the numbers.

[@tommcpherson2749]

Can you add a switch to the main router of the pro ET12, I need to have a few more ethernet connections !

[@landpet]

Yes as long as the order is as follows: modem -> et12 -> switch

[@jamesslaterly8670]

one hell of a review, thank you!

[@landpet]

You’re welcome!

[@littletodger7008]

Outstanding review!

[@landpet]

Thanks!

[@gamecube142001]

I wanted pair these with imesh with ace 1600 that Asus just launched. I worried because this only had three bands and if selected 5gz as backhaul would that mean the 5gz would not be accessible

[@landpet]

The 6GHz is used as the dedicated backhaul from what I remember

[@gamecube142001]

@@landpet ty. I thought you could pick which one. I was going chose the 5gz but just thought would that mean other than band wouldn't be available as satellite is tri band versus the quad band router

[@Topdim79]

So basically, if these two WiFi 6E systems are using the 6GHz channel for backhaul, does that mean that i am not going to be able to connect my Samsung S21 Ultra with 6E and i will have to use the 5Ghz band? So i either have to go wired backhaul or go for the more expensive model, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000, which is quad band, so i guess i can sacrifice one of its 5Ghz band to create a wireless backhaul mesh system?

[@landpet]

There's an option to use as a dedicated backhaul, if that's not selected then you can connect to it. I use wired backhaul so it's available for me and I have good speeds throughout because of the fast backhaul

[@Topdim79]

@@landpet so basically it is what i said, if i want to use them as a wireless mesh and have the 6Ghz band free, for my S21 Ultra, i have to buy the GT-AXE16000 and create a backhaul wireless mesh network, with the second WiFi 5Ghz that it has. Right?

[@stevenziegler2523]

How is ASUS tech support, can they be reached by phone?

[@landpet]

I’ve tried once and yes they can be reached via phone but it’s just for basic troubleshooting.

[@amirhadis1698]

Can you use the ISP provided modem/router combo to do the routing, and then use the ET8 just as APs, to take advantage of their 2.5GB WAN ? Something Like: fiber -> modem/router -> 2.5GB switch -> APs,

[@landpet]

I don't believe so. Does your modem/router support 2.5GB? Even if it did, unless it had 2 or more ports that supports 2.5GB, the secondary ET8 would still be using gig speeds.

[@Diego-1]

Finally!

[@landpet]

Yup!

[@combs1945]

what are the number of devices supported? 100 or 200

[@landpet]

I don’t know, should be more than 100 but I have 60+ devices and they all work fine

[@seldom2bseen]

I have the et8's..now if I purchase et12 single..can I use that as my main router. And use the et8s as my nodes?..then I'll have a 3 aimesh system?

[@landpet]

Yes, you may need to do a reset on the ET8.

[@seldom2bseen]

@@landpet thanks!!..keep up the good work!...it's just with the et8's..I wonder why no 6e being broadcast on the node?..I would think it should..but I've read where asus has trouble at this?..and thanks!!

[@martabrandon]

What kind of range can the backhaul handle? I'm thinking about using these to extend a mesh network to a guest house 150 ft away.

[@landpet]

That’s most likely too far away to place the mesh but if the area is mostly open, you will get a WiFi signal in the guest house even if the et12 is at your main place. Again assuming there are barely any obstacles.

[@martabrandon]

@@landpet Thanks!

[@akizibubu]

hey can the iPhone 13 see the 6G channel or only the 5G wifi 6 channel

[@landpet]

iPhone doesn’t see the 6GHz channel. Only WiFi 6E devices see it and connect to it like the Galaxy S22 Ultra or Pixel 6 Pro

[@PatricSjoeoe]

Do you know why ET8 is not global available?

[@landpet]

No, I’m not sure

[@downs3627]

I have a 4 pack of the 6E asus et8. I only have gigbit service. Should I upgrade to the et1/ or stay with my st8?

[@landpet]

Up to you, probably not worth the upgrade.

[@downs3627]

@@landpet thank you! You earned a subscription brother. Keep up the good reviews.

[@HockeyJock]

Great review! Do you remember if these offer the ability to set the Power Level of the signal?

[@landpet]

Thanks! I can't remember specifically but I believe you can

[@seldom2bseen]

@@landpet yeppirs!!

[@seldom2bseen]

Default is high or performance

[@vijaychacko7122]

Can you please help? Can’t find a straight answer anywhere for this - does Asus ET8 support WPA3?

[@landpet]

Yes

[@landpet]

Any router that supports WiFi 6E supports WPA3. I even want to go as far as and say any router that supports WiFi6 supports WPA3 but I’m not 100% sure on this. Every WiFi 6E router that I’ve reviewed supports WPA3, I think for the 6GHz band, that’s the only option.

[@vijaychacko7122]

Thank you so much!

[@peterh7575]

Were you able to have 6ghz between the two et12 in aimesh mode? I only get 6ghz if I use the ET12 as AP. not aimesh.

[@landpet]

there's an option off the top of my head, it's called dedicated backhaul or something along those lines. That needs to be disabled for you to see the 6GHz from what I remember.

[@peterh7575]

@@landpet oh sorry, i didn't mean that I'd like to use 6ghz for my clients. I only need 6ghz between the 2 ET12 so they can talk to each other at the fastest wifi they can. And if I have aimesh, they only communicate at 5ghz :/ Normal? or a bug?

[@markblow1966]

I’ve just got the ET12 twin pack a week ago to mesh my house but it’s so good not sure I need to mesh at all.

[@landpet]

It’s one of the best

[@billinboston1]

Deciding between eero6 pro and Asus ET8. Mostly want stable and reliable wifi. Is one better than the other in this regard?

[@rubio2415]

Anything Asus. The app has more features. Free freewall. Able to expand an older asus router to a node. And eero want more of your personal data for reasons.

[@gifty1212]

Thanks for the review. Can you create VLans with these mesh systems to segment your network ie for IOT devices?

[@landpet]

No problem! I'm running another router now but I do believe you can with ASUS since they have more options than any other router/mesh

[@WesleyPAnderson]

Thanks for the review, the question I have is do you know the client/IoT limit on either of these routers?

[@landpet]

No problem. I’m not sure, I have 60+ devices and they all work fine. Probably best to ask Asus.

[@mavenaz1975]

How is the handoff? This is the reason I have stuck with nest and or eero.

[@landpet]

It's normal, enough for me to not notice it's happening

[@WhittyPics]

What about XT8 versus ET8?

[@landpet]

I haven’t had the XT8 in a while, i honestly prefer the XT9 over both of these then I would say the ET8.

[@namnta]

Thanks for the informative video👌🏻 Does the et8 support creating a separate ssid for iot ?

[@landpet]

No problem! I forget if it supports that, I don’t have it connected to check. I do know the TP Link Deco XE200 supports it and believe the Orbi RBK863s supports it as well. I mention. In my review video however I will say that typically Asus has more options compared to the other two choices. Just a thought, but you can also use your guest network as your IoT ssid with any mesh system.

[@namnta]

@landpet Can I keep the guest network only working with 2.4 GHz bands? On deco xe75 or in any other mesh.

[@kingggwhite6575]

Avis!!!

[@ornamin3105]

Which one do you think is better in performance? ASUS E12 pro or Orbi RBKE963?

[@landpet]

That's a tough one, they are both amazing but maybe the Orbi is slightly better since it's a quad band which makes the wifi 6E (6GHz) band completely open for devices. I think the ET12 Pro gave slightly better numbers in terms of the actual speed tests at the farther ranges, granted I think they both stopped at around 350 ft. They are both phenomenal.

[@superdtx1733]

Hi @landpet wonder if ET12 pro can be used with ET8 as an AiMesh network? Wonder how it will perform.

[@landpet]

Yes in theory they should work just fine. I haven't tried it so can't say how they will perform.

[@mardenbonilla9276]

@@landpet Can you make a video combining the 2 of them. How to make an access point, etc.

[@ColinCampbell-rd9xl]

@@mardenbonilla9276this would be great

[@feligom1631]

thanks for the review! i have ET8 (2 pack), do you know if I can add ET12 as AiMesh node?

[@landpet]

No problem. You should be able to add the et12

[@seldom2bseen]

I was thinking the same...but what I read..you would want to make the strongest router hook up to the modem..that's my plans...hope it works for us..lol.

[@landpet]

@@seldom2bseen that is preferred , to have the strongest as your main router.

[@V_-4-_VENDETTA71]

Are these two the same as the asus gt ax11000 ?

[@landpet]

No, they are compatible with it but not the same thing

[@alexYQR]

Just wish we could buy either in Canada

[@landpet]

I didn't realize the ET8 is still not available there since it's been available in the states for quite some time.

[@cleonghant]

Can the ET8s be added to a mesh network with the ET12 as the base router? I see the option to buy a single ET12.

[@landpet]

Yes

[@cleonghant]

@@landpet Do you recommend that? Will the performance be similar or should I start fresh with an ET12 set?

[@TMavC5]

@@cleonghant Not sure why you would want to added ET8 to ET12 since the coverage on ET12 is far superior.

[@cleonghant]

@@TMavC5 I was considering it just because I have a pair of ET8s already. If I get one ET12 then I could use the two ET8s as nodes for 3 mesh points.

[@r.d.9399]

Those prices need to come way down.

[@landpet]

Yup, very good but very expensive

[@gotmyonu1027]

Big difference in their specs... Nothing to compare.

[@landpet]

People have been asking for it so I did it but I do agree, it's more of what's the difference you're getting for so might more

[@gotmyonu1027]

@@landpet Thank you for comparing....

[@anonnine]

Thanks for the review

[@landpet]

No problem 👍

[@RJ_Chicago]

I have the ET8. I am overall happy with it. I think your range test is interesting but not that useful. Who is going to go two blocks away and hope they connect to their home Wifi? As for the 2.5G ports, yes, two ports would be nice. I have gotten around that by getting a couple of TRENDnet 2.5G switches which gives me more than enough 2.5G ports. As for the looks of the units. I guess if you like looking at your router than the more expensive unit looks better. But frankly, IMO the best router is the one that is the least visible. Smaller is better IMO. In that regard, I am waiting for your objective review of the ET8 vs Eero Pro 6E. Thanks.

[@landpet]

ET8 is good. The range test is an objective way of testing if it advertised coverage is something doable which is the case in most cases. The real reason I do it is because some people have detached garages, guest houses and the less common which is something like a horse stable that they want to attach some cameras to see if it will reach the wifi signal. I have a whole bunch of the comparisons coming up.

[@RJ_Chicago]

@@landpet Ah. Good point! I hadn’t thought of those extended range use cases.

[@jefferyfarmer8454]

How are you using 2.5g switches with the ET8? I have an xt8 and I’m trying to figure out how to do the same thing

[@freshrust]

Thanks for the review. I need to cover about 6500 sqft. across 3 floors with gigabit internet. Will the ET8 be able to integrate into my current system (3× RT-68u)? Right now there are some weak/dead spots. Will the network speed be limited to my RT-68u, handicapping the ET8 or am I able to roam between them at variable speeds? Thanks so much for your input :)

[@landpet]

Yes the ET8 will work with the RT68U but it's not something I recommend off the bat since the ET8 using the 6 GHz as the backhaul and the 68U doesn't have 6GHz. So the ET8 would need to use the 5GHz for backhaul which I don't even know how and if it supports that (in theory it should since it's AiMesh compatible). I don't recommend mixing old and new technology as the new device can only go as fast as the old device. If you did decide to go this route, I would make the ET8 the main router and have the RT68U be the secondary nodes. I recommend using your best router as the main router.

[@chrisbullock6477]

I'd like to see how the performance is when hooked up to a router like the ASUS GT-AXE11000 and used as mesh extenders.

[@landpet]

Should be pretty good I would imagine with the GT as the main

[@cassandrahelix5383]

These have been very helpful videos thank you. You’ve helped me choose the ET12 for my install. One thing; to be a “mesh” network surely the back haul has to be wireless? Wired backhaul = “roaming network “. Or is that just old language now? Genuinely curious, not trying to start a holy war 😅

[@landpet]

Thanks! Mesh just means 2 or more nodes that work together to create a single network regardless of its wired or wireless backhaul. There needs to be at least one router from this mesh to be considered a mesh network. If there are 2 routers, then only one of those 2 is acting as the router.

[@peterng2641]

hi, thank you again for all your information videos. I am having trouble deciding between the Asus et8 vs tp link xe75 for my new home. it's about 3,000 sq ft and I want to wire backhaul all the nodes. what do you think it's best for me?

[@landpet]

They’re both good but since you plan on using wired backhaul. I would save money and go with the deco XE75

[@DroppingBombs4ever]

I have to ask: 1) were you using a 2.5 modern 2) what category of cable were you using? using a cat 8 cable with a 2.5 modem vs using a 1ghz modem with a cat 5 cable will differ on speed and signal strength.

[@landpet]

My internet is limited to less than gigabit. I have an ONT. I'm using cat 7 cables.