Consumercarts

Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more

ASUS RT-AX3000 vs Linksys MR9600 Max-Stream: Comparison

ASUS RT-AX3000 and Linksys MR9600 Max-Stream differ on speed class: ASUS RT-AX3000 at AX3000, Linksys MR9600 Max-Stream at AX6000 (up to 6Gbps combined), which puts Linksys MR9600 Max-Stream ahead on that measure. They match on wifi standard, router type and mu-mimo/ofdma.

Specs

Specification
ASUS RT-AX3000 (WiFi 6/Standalone Router/Dual-Band/Retail Value Model)
ASUS RT-AX3000
Linksys MR9600 Max-Stream (WiFi 6/Standalone Router/Tri-Band AX6000/Velop Intelligent Mesh)
Linksys MR9600 Max-Stream
WiFi StandardWiFi 6 (802.11ax)WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
Router TypeStandalone RouterStandalone Router
Band ConfigurationDual-BandDual-Band (2.4GHz + 5GHz)
Wired Ports4x Gigabit LAN, 1x Gigabit WAN4x Gigabit LAN, 1x Gigabit WAN, 1x USB 3.0
Special FeaturesASUS Router App, basic AiProtection securityCan extend an existing Velop mesh network as a node
Speed ClassAX3000AX6000 (up to 6Gbps combined)
MU-MIMO/OFDMAYesYes
Mesh SupportAiMesh compatibleVelop Intelligent Mesh compatible

Verdict

ASUS RT-AX3000

6.5 / 10 Expert Rating

A perfectly serviceable budget WiFi 6 router, but there's little here that distinguishes it from ASUS's own cheaper AX55.

Linksys MR9600 Max-Stream

7.5 / 10 Expert Rating

A capable standalone AX6000 router with a genuine upgrade path into Velop mesh, though it lacks multi-gig ports.

More comparisons in Routers