Practical Experience: I Tried the Asus ZenWiFi XD5.
A highly configurable Wi-Fi 6 mesh system at a reasonable price, although the speeds are solid rather than outstanding.
Asus has launched its ZenWiFi XD5 mesh system, which is presented as a more affordable and less maximalist alternative to other models on the market, such as the TP-Link Deco XE200. This system offers a suitable Wi-Fi 6 network at a good price, implementing two or three stations that are compact enough to integrate into the home without drawing too much attention.
The design of the XD5 stations is modern and attractive, featuring a rounded cubic shape and a subtle spiral pattern on top. Although each unit has a multicolor LED to indicate status, this detail is not visible from all angles due to its concealed location on the bottom.
In terms of specifications, the ZenWiFi XD5 is a dual-band mesh system that uses a 5GHz connection for both communication with devices and connection between stations. Its capacity is rated at 2.4 Gbps, thanks to its 2x2 MIMO technology and support for 160 MHz channels. The 2.4GHz band, on the other hand, has a nominal speed of 574 Mbps, making it suitable for devices that do not require high speeds.
To evaluate its performance, one station was installed in a studio and another in the adjacent bedroom. According to Asus, two units can cover up to 325 m², and adding a third expands this coverage to 465 m², although effectiveness will depend on the layout and materials of the home. After conducting speed tests in several locations, download rates ranged between 34 and 40 MB/s. Although these figures do not reach the maximums offered by other more expensive systems, they are sufficient for everyday activities like video calls or streaming on Disney Plus.
In terms of software, the ZenWiFi XD5 system benefits from the same firmware as its more expensive models, with management available through the Asus Router mobile app or the web portal. Both options provide a clear and accessible experience, although switching between them can be confusing. In addition to basic setup, it includes advanced features such as traffic management and QoS options, along with a configurable firewall. It also offers parental controls and network security scanning, all at no additional cost, which is a significant attraction compared to competitors that often charge for such features.
Asus's VPN module is also present, allowing secure connections and the setup of up to 16 external VPN servers, facilitating global traffic routing. The only notable drawback is the absence of USB ports, which in previous models allowed for the sharing of storage devices or printers. Additionally, it only has two Ethernet ports limited to gigabit speeds, which might be insufficient for more complex networks that require both wired and wireless connections.
Although there are more affordable mesh options that offer similar performance, such as the Huawei Mesh 3 or the Mercusys Halo H80X, the Asus ZenWiFi XD5 stands out for its versatility and ease of setup, making it a highly attractive choice for those seeking more comprehensive control over their Wi-Fi network.