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Add to SafariWhen comparing Asus RT-AC3200 vs Plume WiFi, the Slant community recommends Asus RT-AC3200 for most people. In the question“What are the best wireless routers?” Asus RT-AC3200 is ranked 2nd while Plume WiFi is ranked 16th. The most important reason people chose Asus RT-AC3200 is:
The RT-AC3200 is theoretically capable of 3.2 Gbps throughput over its three bands. In real life testing at a close range of 15 feet the RT-AC3200 averages around 510 Mbps. At a distance of 100 feet it averages around 290 Mbps.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Great performance
The RT-AC3200 is theoretically capable of 3.2 Gbps throughput over its three bands. In real life testing at a close range of 15 feet the RT-AC3200 averages around 510 Mbps. At a distance of 100 feet it averages around 290 Mbps.
Pro Uses security software for safer browsing
The RT-AC3200 uses state-of-the-art built-in security software called AiProtection. It detects infected devices and prevents any information getting stolen from those devices. It also blocks malicious websites and provides constant security check-ups.
Pro Great for an office space
You can create up to nine simultaneous guest WiFi networks so visitors of your office can browse the internet without being able to access your files and printers.
Pro Two simultaneous internet service provider connections for redundancy and load-balancing
You can turn one of routers LAN ports into a second WAN port and have two separate internet service provider connections. You can use the second connection for redundancy, or if you’re using up all of bandwidth, it can be divided between both connections.
Pro Can be used as cloud storage
You can connect a flash drive or a hard disk drive to this router and access its files from your phone using Asus AiCloud app or via web browser.
Pro Compact design
Plume WiFi system consists of hexagonal pods. Compared to most routers, Plume pods are very tiny and one can easily fit in the palm of a hand. They're just 2.5 inches across and 1.5 inches deep.
Pro Self improving, adaptive network
Plume WiFi uses cloud-based technology to figure out how you’re using the internet. It checks for interference from other devices and what devices are connected to each pod. It uses this information and over time optimizes its network to achieve the best possible performance.
Pro Fits in with a variety of decors
Pods are available in three colors - champagne, silver, and onyx. This gives you the option to match routers with your interior.
Cons
Con Expensive
At $220 the RT-AC3200 is an expensive router. Unless you have a lot of devices performing demanding tasks, this router might be overkill.
Con There’s no app for remote management
The only way to access router settings and customization features is through a web browser. When compared to other routers in this price range you would get an app for easier network management.
Con Hard to configure for most people
Even though it's one of the most customizable routers on the market, or maybe because of this fact, it's also quite hard to configure even for normal use.
Con Poor range
With six pods, the system can cover a home of 1,800 square feet. Range of a single pod, with clear line of sight, is about 20 to 30 feet. If there are any obstacles, range decreases to about 15 feet. Beyond 15 feet you might lose connectivity.
You’ll need a separate pod for every room and for each pod you'll need a separate outlet. If you have a bigger living room, you might even need two pods.
Con Lacking performance
Plume WiFi is capable of a theoretical combined throughput of 1.2 Gbps. Realistically at a close range of 5 feet and a clear line of sight, the router registers throughput of 230 Mbps. When the distance is increased and there is no clear line of sight, throughput drops to 60 Mbps.
Con Lacks additional features
The Plume Pods lack additional features that are common in other WiFi systems, such as manual bandwidth prioritisation, manually assigning a device to a pod, or measuring the bandwidth usage of Ethernet devices.
