ASUS ZenWiFi XT9 Full Review | Unboxing, Speed Tests, Range Tests, App and More ...

ASUS XT9 Unboxing and Review. This budget ASUS XT9 mesh WiFi 6 System performs very well. Full review containing mesh wifi explanation, speed tests, range tests, ASUS router app and web interface. Hosting my own speed test server to test the max speeds of this ASUS XT9 Pro. This tri band ASUS Wifi 6 AX7800 system works well in just about every category. The best mesh wifi 2023?
Product Links
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ASUS ZenWiFi XT9 (AX7800): amzn.to/3manTsN
Netgear 8 Port 10G Multi-Gig Unmanaged Switch: amzn.to/3ezpCkx
ASUS ZenWiFi ET8 (AXE6600): amzn.to/3eufXf6
ASUS ZenWiFi ET12 (AXE11000): amzn.to/36VghCv
ASUS ZenWiFi XT8 (AX6600): amzn.to/2QPMu6i
ASUS ZenWiFi AX Mini XD4 (AX1800): amzn.to/3czJ9Rl
16 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch: amzn.to/3frkSi8
8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch: amzn.to/3waDJDP
Network (Ethernet) Cables: amzn.to/3w9czNH
Cable Modem: amzn.to/3dmUnrg
Video Links:
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Network 101: Home Networks Explained: • Network 101 | Simplifi...
ASUS Pro ET12 Review: • ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 ...
ASUS ET8 Review: • ASUS ET8 Unboxing and ...
ASUS XT8 Review: • ASUS ZenWiFi AX XT8 Un...
ASUS XD4 Review: • ASUS ZenWiFi AX Mini (...
How to Pick a Router/Mesh WiFi: • How to pick a Router o...
Timeline
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00:00:00 - ASUS XT9 Full Review
00:00:21 - What is a Mesh WiFi?
00:01:13 - ASUS XT9 Unboxing
00:02:53 - ASUS XT9 Testing Environment
00:03:33 - ASUS XT9 Internet Speed Test
00:04:16 - ASUS XT9 Local Speed Tests - Single Router
00:05:00 - ASUS XT9 Local Speed Tests - Wired Backhaul
00:05:27 - ASUS XT9 Local Speed Tests - Wireless Backhaul
00:05:39 - ASUS XT9 Range Tests
00:06:06 - ASUS Router App
00:07:18 - ASUS XT9 Review

[@landpet]

ASUS ZenWiFi XT9 (AX7800): amzn.to/3manTsN

[@Mr_Shymoniak]

In your testing I need a recommendation please because you have tested both systems I’m looking at. Do you recommend the xt9 system or the gt6 system. I need the best mix of range of the two nodes (wireless backhaul only) and signal strength of wifi on my property. I don’t really care about the gaming stuff of the gt6 but apparently it has better range? Please and thank you. Great work keep it up

[@sigjudge]

I bought 2 XT9 double packs to cover 1,300 sq ft three floor building. I have a RT-AX89X left over from a secondary setup to extend the WiFi signal to the garden should I need it. Thanks for all the information. Unfortunately Unii-4 isn't approved in the UK but I see there are ways of enabling it through Merlin which may be a possibility.

[@kelleybarrymedia]

Great video as always! Would you be able to review/test high end routers like the TP-Link AXE300 or Asus Rapture AXE16000? Would love to hear your thoughts on these compared to one another or against mesh systems.

[@landpet]

Thanks! I have a few mesh systems reviews lined up among other videos, I'll see if I can possibly do those in the future. I did have some interest in those and I did want to compare it to the Netgear RAXE500 I reviewed as well.

[@kelleybarrymedia]

@@landpet that would be great! I have found the speeds on the AXE300 beat everything else including the ET12 and Asus AXE16000. The only downside is the lack of mesh support for the router.

[@ronincell]

Great in-depth analysis! Any plans to review the new ET9? Looks like it's the XT9 but a 6 Ghz band instead of one of the two 5 Ghz bands. I'd be really interested to see if the 6e makes any improvements in real world testing.

[@TheMRBowing]

After watching your review, bought the xt9. Watched a lot of other reviews online, but the amazing speed wireless confinced me to buy this set. Bought an open box, with a great discount. Will be getting it tomorrow. Have to wait with installing, first my isp have to switch. The xt9 might be overkill, but the tri-band makes it a lot more stable in the network. Thanx for your hard work in getting people informed about mesh systems!

[@CarsonReed7]

How is it still?

[@edgardomarenzi8458]

Great Video!!

[@landpet]

Thanks!

[@anonnine]

Thanks for the review

[@landpet]

No problem 👍

[@superedge99]

I use the XT9 as a wireless node in my mesh system that uses the Asus 16000xe as the main router. I am getting another XT9 to use in another area and will be using wired back haul. I think this is a low key BEAST for use as a mesh node. Asus is very hard to beat, but isn't for someone that just wants to set it up and be completely hands off, I had to do a bunch of settings changes to make my system work with the TP-Link Kasa smart bulbs and switches that I use. Now that I have my mesh network all set up I am very happy with how this pieced together system is performing, and I shouldn't have to mess with it until WIFI 8 comes along.

[@landpet]

Thanks for the info, yes ASUS is pretty insane

[@CarsonReed7]

How is it still?

[@superedge99]

@@CarsonReed7 still going strong, just have the 16000 and the two XT9 nodes. No complaints.

[@edisonm8654]

Great content just subbed, im torned between the et8 and xt9, currently using an asus ax87u but have dead spots in my home. Which 1 would you go for? Thanks

[@landpet]

Thanks! XT9 had better speeds overall, both very good though

[@FrobroX]

@@landpet I was wondering this too. Ended up just getting the XT9 yesterday, and was wondering if I was short sighted not getting 6E, not that I have many devices with support.

[@modasij]

I can't see that this has a VDSL port for FTTC use. Might have to configure it in AP mode and create a mesh that way.

[@CarsonReed7]

How is the long run?

[@abduktedtemplar]

Have you considered doing any long term testing of the devices? I hate spending big bucks on a router that seems to slow down overtime and based on many reviews of different routers, this appears to be an alarming common issue.

[@landpet]

I have done some long term testing in the past but it's difficult for me to do since I'm constantly testing new routers/mesh systems. I already have several lined up, next one is the Dynalink 6E which I'm currently testing, after that is the standard Wyze mesh, the list goes on. My long term testing would be 2 to 3 months, there are a ton of routers constantly coming out. That's why I try to at least run them for a week or two sometimes longer before I get the results otherwise I could just hook them up and run the tests immediately but I wouldn't know much about any drops.

[@GRIFF22]

Excellent review. With ASUS mesh systems, can you force connect a satellite to another satellite rather than the router to create 'topology'?. Netgear have removed this feature, and TP LINK via the Deco app allows it.

[@landpet]

unfortunately, I don't know

[@JamesNHurling1]

Would love to see your speed and range differences for XT8 vs XT9 as they both have uni4 for backhaul (160hz) but one only the XT9 has 160hz on both 5G channels. Does this make any real life difference using a wifi 6/ax phone/laptop/desktop(with wifi card)? I have 950 mega bits per sec up and and down on symmetrical fttp (here in the uk) and currently have the Asus Rt-ax92u router which I'm hoping to add 2 x XT8 or 2 x XT9 and would like to know if the XT9 is really worth the extra money. I never have more than 10 devices connected at once (at least not yet). Just trying to maximize my wifi speed throughout the house (at least in the 3 upstairs rooms and one downstairs room). Trying to avoid running wires if I don't have to, wireless backhaul is a preference. Would love to know your thoughts and feedback. TIA! Love your channel! Thanks for all your videos!

[@landpet]

I don't have the XT8 anymore but the XT9 has amazing wireless backhaul speeds considering the price and you should be able to add your AX92u to it as well.

[@Viviko]

Just got mine. :)

[@landpet]

Nice!

[@Leo-Dk]

Great video❤..is it possible to connect external hdd to watch movies like NAT server?

[@landpet]

Yes but it may lag, not exactly super fast just as a heads up

[@Leo-Dk]

Thanks for reply👍..should I buy xd5 som is on retail price right now or xt9 for a double price??? Is it worth to go for xt9?

[@landpet]

@@Leo-Dk XT9 is better for wireless backhaul. If you're doing wired, XD5 is fine.

[@ferrari5109]

I am currently using Asus RT-AX86U as my primary router, and I am looking for devices to create AiMesh for my house. Which device do you recommand to createAiMesh with Rt-AX86U router? Should I just get a second RT-AX86U or pair of XT8/ET8/XT9 might be better options?

[@landpet]

If you’re running wired backhaul, it won’t matter. If you’re running wireless backhaul, I would get the XT9 and use one of those as your main router and add the your 86U as a node.

[@keshavsfunactivitiesshortz]

I have 2 ET8 and happy with it. Going for the 3rd one for my basement. Do you think ET8 or XT9?

[@landpet]

I'd get the same et8

[@luckycatdad8369]

I just want to make sure I understood the last thing you said in the video, since I have 1.5gb fibre optic internet you're saying using the wireless backhaul would be better since the Ethernet is capped at 1gb?

[@landpet]

Even wireless backhaul, you will most likely still be capped to about a gig with this thing. If you're running wired backhaul and don't need a lot of options, check out the new Deco X55 Pro that has 2 2.5Gbps ports. Again, ASUS has way more customization and will offer much better wireless backhaul speeds.

[@luckycatdad8369]

@@landpet thanks for the reply. My current Orbi mesh system already has wired backhaul setup so swapping the system out and maintaining wired backhaul is easy. I like the Asus because it looks like they will offer even more customization options than the already pretty good Orbi system. I'll take a look at the Deco system as well though.

[@colinmsmall]

I have an XT8, I’ve had it for years. I use wired backhaul. What would compel someone to upgrade to the XT9 other than better wireless backhaul?

[@landpet]

I remember the XT8 being a great mesh, I don't see a need to upgrade aside from the wireless backhaul. The important thing is if you're getting great speeds, then there's typically not much of a reason to upgrade aside from going to a new standard like WiFi 6E or WiFi 7 but since they're both WiFi 6, you won't notice much of a difference.

[@wazkayani]

How does it compare to the Orbi 6e with wired/wireless backhaul (only have 500Mb internet).

[@landpet]

The Orbi 6E is better but for those internet speeds, there won't be much of a difference. I would save the money and get this.

[@ryannorton1278]

ET8 or XT9, which is better? I have a 2000 square foot house with gigabit internet. Want the best wifi connection but I can see myself spending more than I need too because I’m excited to spend money on the new house. Need wireless back haul so tri-band is what I’m looking at

[@landpet]

I think overall the XT9 is better than the ET8 even though the ET8 does support WiFi 6E.

[@jshepp22]

If I already have a main unit for my router like the ROG Ax11000, can I use these two to just extend the connection or does one of these need to be my main router?

[@landpet]

You can use them to extend the network, it doesn’t need to be a router

[@Tman3801]

@landpet Which would perform better between this unit and the Asus ROG GT6?

[@landpet]

I can’t remember the specifics, they’re both really good

[@mrmovieman_collectorbuff]

Can you explained: if I plug my pc directly to my modem I get 1600mbps. Great. Now if I plug my zenwifi mesh router. The 2.5WAN port is detected and working but the wifi speed test is only between 200-500mbps. When I plug to normal port on the modem 1gbps wan than sometimes I can reach 700mbps. So what da heck?

[@user-gr4qk2ix1e]

How many Clients can be connected at same time? I have over 80 devices and my Deco XE75 Pro lose connection many times! Im looking for some better option.. Greetings from Mexico!

[@landpet]

This is better than the XE75 Pro however I do like the XE75 Pro and I also have around 80 devices and has no issues with dropping connections. Do you by any chance have another router or modem/router combo? Another wifi signal can be causing these issues

[@Dizloll]

Should I get this or the google mesh in a 3 pack because if I get this one I’d only get 1 and put it in my room and use Ethernet for my pc and ps5

[@landpet]

for wireless backhaul, this is far superior

[@doingstuff76]

Why does it seem that cable modems die after 3 years of service? I had one and went out in 21 and I had to replace that replacement a couple weeks ago. Why? We only stream KZbin etc and my dl is about 300mps

[@CryptolockerMD]

Sounds like you are using a combo modem/wireless gateway. ALL of them are trash, but especially what ISPs give you. Buy your own modem, watch reviews. heat and ventilation is a factor as well.

[@pokerchartshq8673]

I've had a horrible experience with the XT9 - incredibly unstable. It has now completely stopped working - resetting does nothing. The one positive is the 1 year warranty in which getting a refund through Amazon was an incredibly easy process. Still regret the many hours I spent on troubleshooting this though. Apparently a lot of Redditors are having similar issues.

[@landpet]

Well that sucks. Mine was a positive experience. Did you by any chance have a modem/router combo that was enabled at the same time? Or another router in the network that was enabled? If so, that can hurt signals and cause drops.

[@Alex-if4wh]

How many devices can connect to this without issue and is it worth paying extra for the xt9 vs the xt8?

[@landpet]

I don’t have a side by side comparison between the two since I tested the XT8 a long time ago using different methods and it was tested in a different location but based on how this performed better than the ET8, I would say the XT9 is solid

[@Alex-if4wh]

@@landpet thanks man. Do you know how many devices the xt9 can handel over wifi? I'm surprised they don't advertise it, love your videos by the way.

[@MrSarb1]

Recently got the XT9 and have 900mb but the WiFi is so hit and miss I find, unless you’re in the same room I get about 50% less speed which is pretty poor, their support is non existent unless I’m doing something wrong not impressed. Wired backhaul is brilliant but again good speeds in one room.

[@landpet]

just depends how thick your walls are and how much interference there is.

[@huseyinalskan5539]

Change wifi channel.

[@marcrisale]

Do you have a different set up than with the old Asus XT8? Almost triple the range is to much.

[@landpet]

Not sure I understand the question, this is just a better version of the XT8. ET8 is another good option but XT9 did better in my testing

[@marcrisale]

@@landpet what I mean is if you have a different set up, if not they’ve made such an improvement as the coverage is 3 times greater

[@WhittyPics]

My XT8 node won't connect anymore. It isn't 2 years old yet. I tried resetting it but it still won't connect to the router. I have thought about trying to switch them.

[@landpet]

Did you try factory resetting both and starting a fresh install? If that doesn't work, unless there's something else wrong where you're using an Ethernet cable that's gone bad or something then maybe it's done

[@danodee77]

Compared to the Deco XE75 Pro, what to pick?

[@landpet]

Tough decision, they are both amazing. This has more options, more ports and supports external drives. The deco is more budget friendly, less options but has all the important ones and gives out amazing performance as well. It really depends on your situation but maybe the Deco has a slight lead because of the price advantage.

[@realahhjittleyang]

how much ms does it provide? thinking of buying

[@landpet]

Are you referring to ping? That depends on your ISP, this in general will try to keep ping to a minimum. Great router for the price, the deco be63 you asked about is better if you need something more powerful.

[@Dnest10]

I just received mine yesterday. I have similar cap for internet speeds but I’m only getting about 450-550 😩 I have no idea what I’m doing wrong

[@landpet]

Make sure the WiFi 6 is enabled in the wireless settings on the web interface. It also depends what device you're testing with, test with something that supports WiFi 6 or 6E. Also don't put the router behind stuff or near other electronics, the more open area, the better and typically higher up is also better for router placement.

[@Dnest10]

@@landpet thanks so much for your help! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@jameiealehandro]

how can you be getting such speeds for wifi 6e if this router doesn't support wifi 6e ??

[@landpet]

Technically wifi 6 can support those speeds so my assumption is that my iPhone is capped where my wifi 6e devices must have the hardware to go faster even when connected to a wifi 6 router. I demo this with my Asus ROG rapture which is also a wifi 6 mesh but gets crazy speeds on my test your wifi speeds video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3-seXSji9Cio80

[@geheimnisvoll]

that range! geez

[@landpet]

One of the best I've tested, I think the ASUS ET12 is the best mesh for range (same distance but better speeds)

[@geheimnisvoll]

@@landpet im extremely grateful for all your range tests, im going to be looking at them in the future when its time to upgrade my mesh again. It's the only channel I found with them but I also stopped looking when i saw yours because they were exactly what i wanted to know.

[@landpet]

@@geheimnisvoll I appreciate it! Range to me is a very important test just like speed tests. It paints a better picture of the router.

[@atinwoodsman]

Curious, how many walls at 100 feet?

[@landpet]

100 ft is outside, it needs to pass through 2 walls but one of these two walls has a window. Theres also a few other minor obstructions

[@stow8619]

should I opt for this or the et12?

[@landpet]

They’re both good, the main reason to for the et12 over this is if you have internet speeds faster than gigabit (up to 2.5Gbps) or planning on getting it soon enough

[@stow8619]

@@landpet would the et12 be better for a multilevel house?

[@andrewwardle-bu9yx]

dont know why i would upgrade ? am on virgin media and pay for 512mb/s i do a speed test with my pc which is plugged into the router and i get 488mb/s then i use some older orbi rbk 50 ( 2 orbis which i have run cable to 2nd unit ) and my samsung mobile speed test i get 440mb/s so am getting near full speed on my wifi so why would i ever upgrade ?

[@landpet]

no point if you're getting good speeds and good range.

[@juliusyong6563]

What's the reason that caused my WiFi connected but it mentioned that I don't have any Internet.

[@landpet]

It could be a number of things, most likely you need to restart your modem. Being connected doesn't necessarily mean you are connected to the internet. It just means your connected to the router. The router needs to connect to the modem to be able to provide internet access. I made this video that explains how a home network works: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2Gld6t3Z954i7s

[@StickyGeko]

Xt9, gt6 or xt12

[@landpet]

whichever has the biggest sale. XT9 and GT6 are fantastic. I haven't tried the XT12 but imagine that one is very good as well.

[@StickyGeko]

@@landpet in the UK Xt9 is £299 and gt6 £350 (both 2 units) I see a lot of people complaining on amazon

[@Stealther]

I won’t buy a 6e mesh router without multiple 2.5G back haul ports. Period.

[@amirhadis1698]

Use them as APs not router ! That way you can utilize the 2.5gb port on all of them

[@landpet]

As access points, they would be good but if you're buying it by itself and you plan on running wired backhaul. I would also opt for 2 2.5Gb ports like the ET12.

[@alsayedfakhri4597]

@@amirhadis1698 would you not need a multi gig switch somewhere?

[@amirhadis1698]

@@alsayedfakhri4597 Yes! Your ISP provided gateway should have a multi gig port(use it as the router), hook that up to the 2.5 gig switch, and then connect the APs to the switch,

[@chingonbass]

what's a good mesh for shitty cable speeds of 500down and 20 up? Something I can backhaul wired.

[@landpet]

If you don't need crazy range, you can even get something like a TP-Link Deco X20 (granted they do have less options than Asus). I'm going to test the XD5 within the next few weeks, that would also be a good choice. If you're running wired backhaul for those speeds, there's not much point in spending extra. There's not going to be much of a difference (maybe a little more range from the more expensive ones) but even the cheaper ones will have fairly good range.

[@chingonbass]

@@landpet ok this helps. I'll look into it, thank you kindly