Asus got it right with the RT-56U. This is an all-around great router for home users and it has a friendly price tag.
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90
Conclusion: We like it
If you expect your routers to be ugly and functional, Asus has a response: here's one that's stylish and functional. The RT-N56U provides speedy dual-band data throughput, and should be able to cover your whole home (or at least, say, a three-bedroom apartment). It includes fast Gigabit Ethernet, two USB ports so that you can add a hard drive and printer to your network, and straightforward, browser-based setup software. It can also function as a uPnP media server, streaming files from attached drives across your network (without requiring any configuration or setup), and can make your files available over the internet. Oh, and did we mention that it looks pretty damn hot, too?
90-Day Price History
Critic reviews
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The ASUS RT-N56U takes router styling to a whole new level. It's slim and (we think) good looking; most importantly, it has plenty of features and performs very well. Its simultaneous dual-band Wi-Fi worked well in our tests and produced fast speeds, especially from close range.
Read the full review →Asus has done the unthinkable with its RT-N56U Dual Band Wireless-N router, it's made it look beautiful. ... Asus has spared nothing in the design both technically and aesthetically, and you should be struck by both the shiny exterior case design and the shiny specification lurking below it.
Read the full review →It’s not often that a router can be considered remotely interesting, but the RT-56U is such a rarity. Not only is it attractively designed, it’s also very well featured, and offers exceptional performance. Plus, it’s well-priced considering what’s on offer.
Read the full review →The RT-N56U is a strong performer—its 2.4GHz radio delivered fabulous throughput at range—and it has some great features. Whether you think it’s pretty or pretty ugly, there’s no question that it would be a better value if at least one of its radios supported a guest network.
Read the full review →If you're comfortable with routers that don't have the name Cisco, NETGEAR or D-Link on them and are looking for a less expensive two-radio dual-band router that can also share a USB printer and drive at the same time, you might want to give the RT-N56U a shot.
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Finniecent
Just awesome. Bought it a few months ago in the interest of setting up a media server for our PS3. Was the only router I could find that would support 2TB drives. Has 2 USB ports, so we now have 4TB of network storage. Media server worked perfectly with all PCs, the PS3 and 360 from day one, no...
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henryr01
If you know the difference between an Access Point and a Router, this is the device for you! It looks like Asus pulled all the stops on this one. I couldn't ask for a better AP. The fact that it's dual-band, with separate N and G radios/antenna's means that this is a no compromise Access Point....
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jasoncalacanis
So far it's solid and stunning with awesome range. Much better than my last two linksys and apple access points.
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SirCosmin
One of the best routers I ever had, with its latest firmware you have access to a more friendly interface, faster access to configure settings. Its speed and range are impressive as well. If you get it, you won't be disappointed :)
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GarciaM44
I previously owned the D-Link DIR-655, which I liked and never had much trouble with; however, upgrading to the Asus RT-N56U was a great decision - you don't know what you're missing until you get something better. Hands down the best router/AP I've ever worked with - easy to setup and performs...
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tekchip
I don't have much to write. This thing has been solid, easy to use and fast all day every day.
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CVK
It worked fine out of the box, was easy to setup, range and speed are fine. However, in the last month we have had 3 power outages and every time the N 65 has lost all settings. Not a big deal if I am home but 2 of the three times I was out of town and my non-techie family had to go through...
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sankara
I live a concrete jungle with many many public and private WiFis all around. I have a 24Mbps comcast connection. The last two routers I tried never crossed 7Mbps on a speedtest due to interference from the surrounding WiFis. I now enjoy an uninterrupted full 24Mbps speed thanks to this router....
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How it stacks up
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