Review: ASUS ZenWiFi Pro XT12

ASUS is one of the foremost brands when it comes to networking products such as routers. The company has created a fan following for itself by offering dependable and performance-based networking products for years. The company has jumped onto the Mesh Wi-Fi bandwagon by launching the very capable ZenWiFi Pro XT12.

This is ASUS’ whole-home mesh WiFi device that is powered by the Tri-Band WiFi 6 AX11000 wireless technology. Since the ZenWiFi Pro XT12 offers support for WiFi 6, you get up to 4X the capacity and 2X the speed of WiFi 5. This is all possible, thanks to advanced technologies such as BSS Color, uplink and downlink OFDMA, and 160 MHz MU-MIMO.

A mesh WiFi is essentially beneficial if your home network provides connectivity to a wide range of networked devices, such as PCs, laptops, smartphones, NAS, and smart home devices. The variant we reviewed was a 2-pack model of the ASUS ZenWiFi Pro XT12, retailing at AED 4200, but currently available for a special price of AED 3899.

It is the first networking product on the market, featuring the latest 2.0Ghz Quad-Core CPU from Broadcom. According to ASUS, the system can provide wireless connectivity for a space of up to 6000 sq. ft.

The ZenWiFi Pro XT12 is also a 12-stream device, with combined total data rates up to 11000 Mbps. The units offer Tri-Band connectivity, including 2.4Ghz, 5Ghz-1, and 5Ghz-2, and 2.5G multi-gig ports for high-speed direct connection from either node, optimal for NAS systems, gaming, or just about any workflow demanding the fastest connection possible. And when all the three are combined, you get 11000 Mbps, which includes 4804 Mbps each for 5Ghz and 1148 Mbps for 2Ghz.

The overall design and build quality is pretty good and will go well with most household aesthetics. And since the device is compatible with ASUS AiMesh, you can easily add extra nodes for improved coverage or new features. In terms of the I/O ports, the ZenWiFi Pro XT12 comes with two both 2.5G LAN ports and two 2.5G WAN ports. You also get a WPS button, a Reset button, a power button, and a power port.

ASUS seems to have optimised the ZenWiFi Pro XT12 really well. It offers extremely good mesh WiFi performance. Our household has three laptops, one PC, four smartphones, two tablets, one Smart TV, and a few IoT devices. Connectivity across the board was solid and we did not encounter a connection drop at any time.

The ZenWiFi Pro XT12 remained really consistent and reliable even in the most demanding situations, by ensuring a smooth and seamless WiFi connection to all connected devices. Like all routers sold by ASUS, the ZenWiFi Pro XT12 runs the signature ASUSWRT software. The web interface, though not pretty, offers boatloads of customisations and advanced settings.

You can also download the ASUS Router app to configure the mesh WiFi as your home network. The app is very easy to use and very user-friendly. I recommend just using the ASUS Router app to configure the system. Most of the key features of the mesh WiFi system can be accessed easily by just using the app.

For a price of AED 4200, the ASUS ZenWiFi Pro XT12 isn’t exactly cheap. However, for that price, you do get one of the best Mesh Wi-Fi systems money can buy. It offers a superb set of features and is filled to the brim with the latest technology including Wi-Fi 6, up to 11000Mbps combined total data rates and 12 streams, smart backhaul options, excellent VPN support, and the free AiProtection and Parental Controls.

So, if you are on the market for the best of the best in terms of Mesh WiFi system, you should definitely consider the ASUS Zen WiFi Pro XT12.

Price: AED 4200
Now available for: AED 3899