Overview

The ASUS RT-ACRH13 AC1300 Dual Band WiFi Router is a versatile and affordable option for home networks, designed to provide reliable wireless coverage. This router supports dual-band WiFi with speeds up to 1300Mbps, making it ideal for activities like streaming and online gaming. It features MU-MIMO technology for simultaneous device usage, ensuring multiple devices can connect without significant drops in speed. Setup is easy thanks to the intuitive ASUSWRT interface, accessible via both a web browser and the mobile app. Whether you're a casual user or have a busy home with multiple devices, this router offers the speed and performance needed.

Features & Benefits

This router offers dual-band 802.11ac WiFi, providing a combined speed of up to 1300Mbps across the 5GHz (867Mbps) and 2.4GHz (400Mbps) bands. With 4 external antennas, users enjoy improved signal strength and wider coverage, ensuring a stable connection throughout the house. The integrated USB 3.0 port allows for easy file sharing across your network, adding a level of convenience for users with external storage needs. Additionally, the built-in parental controls and security features, including WPA2 encryption, help maintain a safe online environment for all users.

Best For

The ASUS RT-ACRH13 router is best for home users looking for a solid and reliable router without breaking the bank. It’s well-suited for families needing secure and easy-to-manage connections, with built-in parental controls to help safeguard children's internet activity. Small to medium-sized homes benefit from its ability to support multiple connected devices, making it an excellent choice for streaming, gaming, and other high-bandwidth activities. Users who want a budget-friendly yet effective router for everyday tasks will find this model an attractive option.

User Feedback

Overall, users find the ASUS RT-ACRH13 router easy to set up, particularly with the mobile app and the web-based interface. Many praise its ability to handle multiple devices, even in larger homes, without compromising on signal strength. However, some customers have mentioned occasional connectivity drops, particularly when connecting certain devices. Parents appreciate the parental controls, which offer a good level of customization for managing children's internet access. While generally positive, some users recommend improving the range on the 2.4GHz band for better overall coverage.

Pros

  • This WiFi router offers easy setup through both the mobile app and web interface, making it ideal for non-technical users.
  • Dual-band WiFi with speeds up to 1300Mbps provides strong and reliable performance for both streaming and gaming.
  • MU-MIMO technology supports multiple devices simultaneously without significant performance drops, making it perfect for households with many users.
  • The 4 external 5dBi antennas improve signal strength and coverage, offering reliable connections in medium to larger homes.
  • Parents appreciate the robust parental control features, which allow for safe browsing and easy monitoring of internet usage.
  • This device is competitively priced, offering good value for those looking for an affordable yet high-performance router.

Cons

  • Some users report occasional connectivity drops, particularly on the 2.4GHz band, which may affect performance in larger homes.
  • While the router offers solid coverage, users with large or multi-story homes may experience weak signals in distant rooms.
  • The setup process can be a bit slow for users with limited technical knowledge, especially if troubleshooting is needed.
  • Occasional firmware bugs have been mentioned by users, though updates are generally provided by ASUS to address them.
  • Not all users found the router’s security features intuitive, with some mentioning the need for better documentation or clearer explanations.
  • Although this router is great for most home use, it may not be powerful enough for users with extremely high internet demands or multiple ultra-high-speed devices.

Ratings

The scores for the ASUS RT-ACRH13 AC1300 Dual Band WiFi Router reflect a thorough analysis of genuine user feedback from various platforms, in multiple languages, and from verified buyers. Spam, bot-generated, and exaggerated reviews were filtered out to ensure only authentic, high-quality feedback was used. While users appreciate the router's solid performance and ease of setup, some have pointed out occasional issues with connectivity drops and signal strength in larger spaces. Both strengths and pain points are captured in the scores, providing a comprehensive view of the product's real-world usage.

WiFi Performance
88%
Many users have praised the dual-band functionality, especially the 5GHz band that provides faster speeds for gaming and HD streaming. The MU-MIMO technology allows multiple devices to connect without sacrificing performance, making it ideal for busy households with multiple users and devices.
However, some users have reported that while the router performs well in smaller homes, it struggles to maintain consistent speeds in larger or multi-level homes, particularly on the 2.4GHz band. A few also noted that the range could be improved for optimal coverage in larger spaces.
Setup and Installation
91%
The setup process is highly rated for its simplicity and user-friendly experience. Both the ASUSWRT web interface and mobile app make it easy for users to get the router up and running quickly, even without much technical knowledge. The guided steps help ensure that all settings are configured properly right from the start.
A small number of users reported issues with the mobile app occasionally not syncing properly, which caused setup to be slightly more time-consuming. There were also a few complaints about the initial connection to the router being unstable during setup, though these were resolved after a restart.
Value for Money
90%
This router offers strong performance and valuable features at an affordable price point. Many buyers feel they are getting great value for money, especially considering the router's dual-band capabilities and parental control features, which are often seen in higher-end models. The inclusion of MU-MIMO and USB file sharing also adds to its versatility.
While the price is reasonable, some users feel that other routers in the same price range offer slightly better coverage or more advanced features. Additionally, there are occasional reports of this device not being as future-proof as some higher-end models, particularly for users with extremely high-speed internet connections.
Signal Coverage
83%
For many users, the external 5dBi antennas provide sufficient coverage for most homes, ensuring reliable signal strength in smaller to medium-sized spaces. Buyers have reported strong performance in areas close to the router, especially when using the 5GHz band for high-demand tasks.
In larger homes, particularly multi-level ones, some buyers experienced weak signal coverage in distant rooms or dead spots. Despite the external antennas, the range did not meet expectations for a more expansive home, leading some users to consider additional range extenders.
Ease of Use (Mobile App)
89%
Users have found the mobile app interface intuitive and straightforward, allowing for easy monitoring and control of the router's settings from anywhere in the home. The app also enables seamless management of connected devices and quick adjustments to parental controls, making it particularly useful for families.
A few users expressed frustration with occasional connectivity issues while using the app, particularly during times of heavy network traffic. Some also noted that certain features, like network diagnostics, could be more detailed for a better troubleshooting experience.
Build Quality
85%
The build quality of this router is generally well-received. It has a compact design that fits neatly into most home setups and is built with sturdy materials. Users appreciate its lightweight and space-saving dimensions, which make it easy to place in various locations around the home.
Some buyers have pointed out that while the router is durable, it does feel somewhat plasticky, especially the antennas. This leads to concerns about its long-term durability, particularly for households with children or pets who may accidentally knock it over.
Parental Controls
92%
Parents appreciate the robust parental control features that allow them to easily block certain websites, set internet time limits, and manage the content their children can access. These controls are highly praised for being intuitive to set up and very effective in restricting internet usage when needed.
While most users are happy with the parental controls, some reported that the feature could be more flexible in terms of device-specific controls. A few also mentioned that some settings, like time limits, occasionally require manual adjustments after router restarts.
Connectivity Stability
75%
25%
For the most part, users find that the router provides stable connectivity in everyday use. The dual-band setup is great for managing multiple devices, and many find that video streaming, browsing, and gaming run smoothly during typical usage times.
However, some users have experienced occasional drops in connectivity, especially when the router is under heavy load or when too many devices are connected. This can lead to frustration, particularly for users who rely on consistent WiFi for work or gaming.
Compatibility
86%
This router is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows PCs, Macs, tablets, and smartphones. Users have found it easy to connect all their devices, and it works seamlessly with popular streaming platforms and gaming consoles.
A few users with older devices mentioned compatibility issues, particularly when trying to connect legacy devices that don’t support the latest WiFi standards. This sometimes leads to slower speeds or unreliable connections for those specific devices.
Security Features
87%
The router's security features, including WPA2, WPA, and WEP encryption, provide a good level of protection for home networks. Many users feel confident in the device’s ability to protect their data and prevent unauthorized access, especially with the easy-to-configure settings.
However, some security-conscious users feel that the router's security features could be more advanced. For example, the lack of newer security protocols like WPA3 leaves it a step behind some newer models, and a few users would prefer more robust protection against modern threats.
Network Speed
84%
The ASUS RT-ACRH13 router is generally praised for its solid speeds, particularly on the 5GHz band, which delivers fast performance for activities like gaming, HD streaming, and file transfers. Many users are happy with the speed on both bands for day-to-day use.
Some users noted that the 2.4GHz band could be slower in certain conditions, especially in areas with heavy interference. A few also mentioned that their speeds did not reach the expected maximum, particularly in larger homes or when too many devices were connected at once.
Long-term Value
79%
21%
The router is considered a good investment for those who need a reliable, budget-friendly option. Many users believe it delivers consistent performance over time without the need for frequent upgrades, making it a solid choice for long-term use.
However, some buyers have expressed concerns about its long-term viability, especially as newer WiFi standards emerge. Users who plan to upgrade to faster internet speeds in the future might find that this router falls short in terms of future-proofing.

Suitable for:

The ASUS RT-ACRH13 AC1300 Dual Band WiFi Router is a solid choice for home users looking for reliable, budget-friendly WiFi performance. It’s particularly ideal for families who need dependable internet for streaming, gaming, and multi-device use. The easy setup process via the ASUSWRT web interface and mobile app makes it a great option for those who aren’t tech-savvy. Parents will also appreciate the comprehensive parental controls to manage their children’s internet usage. Additionally, this router is a strong option for small to medium-sized homes with several connected devices, as its dual-band capabilities allow for smoother browsing and faster speeds during high-demand tasks like HD streaming or online gaming.

Not suitable for:

While this router performs well in most scenarios, it may not be the best choice for users with larger homes or those who need extensive coverage. Some customers have reported weak signal strength in larger spaces, particularly on the 2.4GHz band, which could result in dead spots or slower speeds. Moreover, tech enthusiasts or users looking for the latest WiFi standards, such as WiFi 6, may find that this model lacks the future-proofing they need for higher-speed internet plans or cutting-edge devices. Users with many high-speed devices connected simultaneously may also experience occasional drops in connectivity under heavy load.

Specifications

  • WiFi Standard: Supports 802.11ac WiFi standard for fast and reliable wireless connectivity.
  • Speeds: Offers dual-band WiFi with up to 867Mbps on the 5GHz band and 400Mbps on the 2.4GHz band.
  • MU-MIMO Technology: Equipped with MU-MIMO technology to handle multiple devices simultaneously without slowing down performance.
  • Antennas: Includes 4 external 5dBi antennas for enhanced coverage and stronger signal strength.
  • USB Port: Has a USB 3.0 port for file sharing across connected devices on the network.
  • Security: Supports WPA2, WPA, and WEP encryption standards to ensure secure wireless connections.
  • Parental Controls: Offers built-in parental controls to manage and monitor internet usage on connected devices.
  • Dimensions: Measures 5.8 x 1.4 x 8.1 inches, making it compact enough for most home setups.
  • Weight: Weighs 8.8 ounces, providing a lightweight design that is easy to place or mount.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with Windows, Mac, and tablet devices, offering broad device support for home networks.
  • Setup: Supports easy setup via the ASUSWRT web interface and mobile app for quick installation.
  • Encryption Options: Supports WPA2, WPA, and WEP encryption methods for varying levels of security.
  • Range: Designed to provide reliable coverage in small to medium-sized homes.
  • Ethernet Ports: Equipped with 4 Ethernet ports for wired connections to devices that require stable internet.
  • WiFi Bands: Operates on dual 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, helping to avoid interference from other devices.
  • Network Management: Allows for easy network management and monitoring through the mobile app and web interface.
  • Power: Powered by a standard AC adapter, ensuring efficient operation for typical household usage.
  • Warranty: Includes a standard warranty for protection against manufacturing defects.

FAQ

The setup process for this router is simple and can be done through the ASUSWRT web interface or the mobile app. After plugging in the router, follow the on-screen instructions to configure your network. The mobile app makes it easy for non-technical users to get started quickly.

Yes, the ASUS RT-ACRH13 supports dual-band WiFi with both 2.4GHz (400Mbps) and 5GHz (867Mbps) bands. This allows you to choose the best band depending on your device’s needs, ensuring faster speeds and less interference on the 5GHz band.

MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology enables the router to send data to multiple devices at the same time, rather than sequentially. This reduces wait times and improves performance, especially in homes with multiple users or devices connected simultaneously.

Yes, this WiFi router is well-suited for gaming and streaming due to its high speeds of up to 1300Mbps and dual-band capabilities. It handles heavy traffic well, making it a good choice for activities like HD streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing.

The ASUS RT-ACRH13 features 4 external 5dBi antennas that help improve signal strength and coverage. Many users report strong and reliable coverage even in larger homes, although performance may vary depending on your home's layout and the distance from the router.

Yes, this router offers robust security features including WPA2, WPA, and WEP encryption. Additionally, it includes built-in parental controls, allowing parents to monitor and restrict internet access for specific devices.

This WiFi router is compatible with most devices that support WiFi, including Windows PCs, Macs, tablets, and smartphones. It works well with both older and newer devices, offering flexible connectivity options for a variety of user needs.

Yes, the ASUS RT-ACRH13 includes a USB 3.0 port that allows you to connect external storage devices such as USB hard drives or flash drives. This makes it easy to share files across your network.

The router offers decent coverage for small to medium-sized homes. While the external antennas provide enhanced coverage, some users with larger or multi-story homes report occasional signal issues in distant rooms. Using a range extender may help in these situations.

Some users have mentioned occasional connectivity drops, particularly on the 2.4GHz band, which can affect performance with certain devices. Additionally, firmware updates may occasionally cause minor issues, but ASUS typically releases fixes for these problems.