My internet speed should be 180 Mbps which I am getting around 140 Mbps because of my old router. I am not sure which model I should pick. The Blue Cave or RT-AC68U? Thanks
I have been doing significant research into finding an appropriate replacement for my Asus AC2400. I refuse to buy any other brand because of the firmware! It’s ease of navigation and versatility, plus custom versions are available make it the best on the market. Other brands can also disable your lan when there is lots of the internet, which is unacceptable.
One thing of note that was not mentioned in the article, is that blue cave on the list for an Asus AiMesh update later in the year! And will have updated extenders that should seemlessly expand your range.
One, key performance point for this router is the 4×4 mumimo which is also offered in the top end routers costing almost 2x as much. Especially, if you are a gamer. I am also really impressed with the 2.4Ghz range throughput! It makes that band useful again!
The biggest drawback to this router is fixed internal antennas, so where you place it in the home is more critical. I highly recommend a more centralized location.
I think for the price, it is really a bargain as it is $60 cheaper than when initially released. Although there is a cheaper version of the AC3100 with only 4 gb ports running around on the internet. I feel the style and smarthome funtionality of this router put it in for a blue ribbon.
My new Blue Cave is working flawlessly. I was thinking since it was new Intel chip might have a few flaws, but its been running perfectly since day 1, a few days ago. Wireless is great (both bands) and I have two 8 port switches on 2 of the Ethernet ports, and all devices on them working great.
Wireless coverage has been excellent (not scientific details here), throughput it great. I have home office as well, so i’m a heavy user. xfinity speed test shows over the mbps that i should receiving even on AC wireless. Long distance i’m not sure yet, but its pretty long, i was down the block before my phone said disconnecting from wifi.
However one issue i noted tonight (Tuesday March 20, 2018) is the entire router failed on both wifi and wired and it was reset last Saturday (i tell it to reset every week) , so it wasn’t up that long. All the wifi connection ceased, all wired connections failed, couldn’t even see router on its default ip address, but no error light on router. Once restarting the router (via just unplugged replugging) everything is back up fine, but its should never just fail only being up for a few days. And i don’t have kids to not as heavy night use as some people. I’ve never had a router just quit all of sudden during use like that. I didn’t feel particularly hot but it was warm as usual.
I compared Asus Blue Cave performance/speed/coverage with other modems like Asus AC3200, ASUS AC88U on this website. What I observed is that Blue Cave has better performance/speed/coverage than these high end and costlier routers.
Is it correct? Is my reading correct? Am I missing something?
AC88U is an older generation product. I would choose between AC86U and Blue Cave, depending on the best offer that I can get. Also, AC86U has some gaming features that might be interesting (but only if you are a gamer).
13 Responses to “ASUS Blue Cave review: Different looks, great performer!”
My internet speed should be 180 Mbps which I am getting around 140 Mbps because of my old router. I am not sure which model I should pick. The Blue Cave or RT-AC68U? Thanks
Both are great choices. Pick the one with the best price in your area.
I have been doing significant research into finding an appropriate replacement for my Asus AC2400. I refuse to buy any other brand because of the firmware! It’s ease of navigation and versatility, plus custom versions are available make it the best on the market. Other brands can also disable your lan when there is lots of the internet, which is unacceptable.
One thing of note that was not mentioned in the article, is that blue cave on the list for an Asus AiMesh update later in the year! And will have updated extenders that should seemlessly expand your range.
One, key performance point for this router is the 4×4 mumimo which is also offered in the top end routers costing almost 2x as much. Especially, if you are a gamer. I am also really impressed with the 2.4Ghz range throughput! It makes that band useful again!
The biggest drawback to this router is fixed internal antennas, so where you place it in the home is more critical. I highly recommend a more centralized location.
I think for the price, it is really a bargain as it is $60 cheaper than when initially released. Although there is a cheaper version of the AC3100 with only 4 gb ports running around on the internet. I feel the style and smarthome funtionality of this router put it in for a blue ribbon.
For now there is no news about AiMesh support for this router model.
My new Blue Cave is working flawlessly. I was thinking since it was new Intel chip might have a few flaws, but its been running perfectly since day 1, a few days ago. Wireless is great (both bands) and I have two 8 port switches on 2 of the Ethernet ports, and all devices on them working great.
Glad to hear that. Enjoy your new product!
Hi Dave
How is your experience with performance, speed and coverage for short and long distance?
Wireless coverage has been excellent (not scientific details here), throughput it great. I have home office as well, so i’m a heavy user. xfinity speed test shows over the mbps that i should receiving even on AC wireless. Long distance i’m not sure yet, but its pretty long, i was down the block before my phone said disconnecting from wifi.
However one issue i noted tonight (Tuesday March 20, 2018) is the entire router failed on both wifi and wired and it was reset last Saturday (i tell it to reset every week) , so it wasn’t up that long. All the wifi connection ceased, all wired connections failed, couldn’t even see router on its default ip address, but no error light on router. Once restarting the router (via just unplugged replugging) everything is back up fine, but its should never just fail only being up for a few days. And i don’t have kids to not as heavy night use as some people. I’ve never had a router just quit all of sudden during use like that. I didn’t feel particularly hot but it was warm as usual.
I compared Asus Blue Cave performance/speed/coverage with other modems like Asus AC3200, ASUS AC88U on this website. What I observed is that Blue Cave has better performance/speed/coverage than these high end and costlier routers.
Is it correct? Is my reading correct? Am I missing something?
You are not missing anything. It is a newer router, with newer hardware. It is natural that it is faster than older routers.
Is it better to buy this one or AC86U/AC88U? What is your recommendation?
I mainly care about performance, speed and coverage.
AC88U is an older generation product. I would choose between AC86U and Blue Cave, depending on the best offer that I can get. Also, AC86U has some gaming features that might be interesting (but only if you are a gamer).
This is about the only review on Blue Cave I can find, and good one. Well done. And, good answers above too. Thanks for doing this.