Initially, when WiFi 6 technology was introduced to routers and mesh systems, there was skepticism among users. This was because compatible WiFi 6 adapters were not yet available, hindering the ability to unlock the full potential of the WiFi 6 technology. However, today, there are numerous compatible WiFi 6 adapters available in the market from vendors such as Asus, TP-Link, and others.
Asus wifi 6 Adapters
Asus has released a total of five models of WiFi 6 adapters, including four PCI-E adapters and one USB adapter. These new adapters, in addition to previous legacy WiFi 5-based adapters, unlock the full potential of WiFi 6 networks.
- Asus pce-ax1800: wpa3, and Bluetooth 5.2
- Asus pce-ax3000: Bluetooth 5.0, wpa3 and 160mhz support, two external antennas
- Asus pce-ax58bt: Bluetooth 5.0; wpa3; two external antennas and base with usb extension cable
- Asus Pce-axe58bt: Bluetooth 5.2, magnetized base, 6ghz,
- Asus usb-ax56 usb 3:
What are the differences between these five adapters can be shown on the following simple comparison table.
Table 1 asus wifi 6 adapters
| Asus wifi 6 adapters | Asus pce-ax1800 | Asus pce-ax3000 | Asus pce-ax58bt | Asus pce-axe58bt | Asus usb-ax56 |
| Wifi capacity | Dual band ax1800 | Dual band ax3000 | Dual band ax3000 | Tri-band axe5400 | Dual band ax1800 |
| 600Mbps @2.4GHz | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2,400Mbps @5GHz | 1,200Mbps | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1,200Mbps |
| 2,400Mbps @6GHz | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.2 | N/A |
| Antenna base with usb cable | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
When it comes to choosing a wifi 6 adapter, Asus offers a range of options, from the standard AX1800 to the powerful AXE5400. The Asus AXE58BT is particularly flexible, as it is compliant with any available WiFi network and supports the 6GHz radio band, a new enhancement of WiFi 6 technology known as WiFi 6E.
PCI-e
All of the first four adapters are based on PCI-express technology and need to insert to those desktop computers with available PCI-express slot on their board.
PCI-e (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is a high-speed expansion bus standard that allows for the connection of various hardware components to a computer’s motherboard.
PCI-e adapters are compatible with most desktop computers that have an available PCI-e slot. However, it’s essential to make sure that the adapter is compatible with the computer’s operating system and has drivers available for the specific version of the OS.
It’s worth noting that some newer laptops may also have an M.2 slot that can accommodate a PCI-e adapter with an M.2 form factor. However, compatibility will vary depending on the laptop’s specific model and configuration
Installing a PCI-E adapter can be a bit challenging for those who are not comfortable with technical work. Unlike a USB adapter, installing a PCI-E adapter requires opening the desktop computer case and inserting the adapter into the available compatible PCI-E slot. This process is not as simple as inserting a USB adapter, which can be plugged into a desktop or laptop computer without opening the computer case.
If you prefer a more straightforward installation process, a USB adapter may be the better choice for you. You don’t need to open the computer case to insert the adapter into an available slot. Asus and TP-Link both offer USB WiFi 6 adapters, with only one model available from Asus (Asus USB-AX56) and the Archer TX20U Plus from TP-Link.
Wifi 6e
Asus has only introduced one wifi 6e adapter, the Asus PCE-AXE58BT. In contrast, TP-Link has released two models of Wifi 6e adapters: the Archer TXE75E, which comes with a magnetic base, and the Archer TXE72E, both of which are Axe5400 tri-band models.
All three Wifi 6e adapters are designed as PCI-E adapters, with no USB options available on the market yet. It may not be possible to design a Wifi 6e adapter as a USB model.
Technically, all three Wifi 6e adapters have the same specifications, including the same Axe5400 network segment (2,400Mbps @ 5GHz + 2,400Mbps @ 6GHz + 600Mbps @ 2.4GHz), built-in Bluetooth 5.2, and inclusion of a magnetized antenna base.
When you compare asus wifi 6e adapter pce-axe58t and the other archer wifi 6e adapter (archer txe72e) you can see that this txe72e doesn’t come with magnetized antenna base.
Let’s take archer txe72e with the base and compare it with asus pce-axe58bt.
| Wifi 6e adapter | Asus pce-axe58t | Archer txe72e |
| Axe5400 | Yes | Yes |
| 2,400Mbps @5GHz | Yes | Yes |
| 2,400Mbps @6GHz | Yes | Yes |
| 600Mbps @2.4ghz | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 |
| Magnetized base antennas | Yes | No |
| Price | $79.99 | $59.99 |
Let’s take archer txe75e with the base and compare it with asus pce-axe58bt.
2X2 MU-MIMO
Both of these Asus wifi 6 adapter and archer are based on axe5400 network segment technology with 2×2 MU-MIMO technology ideal in connecting to any of 2×2 MU-MIMO wifi 6 routers or 4×4 MU-MIMO wifi 6 routers such as new deco xe75 pro, or asus zenwifi et8 or linksys atlas axe8400 that also come with 4×4 MU-MIMO.
So if there are two desktop computers with Asus axe5400 adapters connect to 4×4 MU-MIMO wifi 6e routers, technically the router will send two streams data to both computers concurrently at a time, very fast and reduce network latency.
Built-in Bluetooth
Upgrade your Bluetooth experience with the latest Bluetooth technology. While Bluetooth 4.8 (BT 4.8) may be fast enough for some, Bluetooth 5.2 offers twice the speed and four times the coverage of BT 4.8, making it an excellent choice for connecting and transferring data between Bluetooth devices. The ASUS WiFi 6E PCI-E adapter and Archer both come with built-in Bluetooth 5.2, allowing for fast and reliable connections with Bluetooth-enabled devices such as speakers, keyboards, and headphones.
For those seeking the latest and greatest in Bluetooth technology, Bluetooth 5.3 is the way to go. TP-Link Archer txe72e comes with this latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology. This technology can also be found in the latest Bluetooth-based devices such as the iPhone 14 family, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, and Apple AirPods Pro 2, providing users with the best possible Bluetooth experience.”
WiFi 6 or 6E adapters that come with Bluetooth functionality can be used to connect wireless earbuds or Bluetooth speakers. The Bluetooth capability of these adapters allows them to connect to Bluetooth-enabled devices such as earbuds, speakers, and headphones.
However, it is important to note that the Bluetooth range may be limited compared to the WiFi range. Therefore, if you experience connectivity issues, it is recommended to keep the Bluetooth-enabled device within the range of the adapter.
Also, some adapters may have better Bluetooth capabilities than others, such as the latest Bluetooth 5.2 or 5.3 standard, which provides faster and more reliable connections with lower latency. It is recommended to check the specifications of the adapter before purchasing to ensure it meets your requirements.
Antennas
The primary difference between the two models is their external antenna design. While both the Asus PCE-AXE58 T and the TP-Link Archer TXE72 Wifi 6e adapters come with external antennas, the TP-Link Archer TXE27 does not come with a magnetized external base like its twin TXE75 series. With a magnetized antenna base and a longer extension cable, the antenna can be placed at a higher location to improve signal reception.
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Alternative Products
There are few models of wifi 6 / wifi 6e adapters available in the market today from various vendors and one of them is Fenvi. One of Fenvi products is AXE3000Pro AX210NGW.
Fenvi AXE3000Pro AX210NGW is a wifi 6e adapter that is designed to be compatible with PCI-e slots on desktop computers. It supports the latest wifi 6e technology, allowing for faster and more reliable wireless connections, and also comes with Bluetooth 5.2 support.
The Fenvi AXE3000Pro AX210NGW features a tri-band design, supporting the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands. It is capable of achieving speeds of up to 2400 Mbps on both the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands, as well as up to 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.
The adapter also comes with two external antennas that can be positioned for optimal signal reception. Additionally, the Fenvi AXE3000Pro AX210NGW supports WPA3 encryption for enhanced security, and is compatible with Windows 10 operating systems.
Highlights
- Tri-band AXE5400 Wifi 6e adapters (2400 + 2400 + 574)
- Built-in Bluetooth 5.2 Function
- Only for Windows 10 64 bit
- Desktop Gaming Network Adapter with 1.2m High Gain Antenna with magnetic base stand
Cons
- So far not all OS can be supported but Windows 10 64-bit
This Fenvi AXE3000Pro AX210NGW is comparable with Asus pce-axe58t with the same axe5400 network segment, also comes with magnetic base, and also the same built-in Bluetooth 5.2. But if you compare this Fenvi product with TP-Link Archer TXE72, Archer is leading with built-in Bluetooth 5.3 technology.
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Related products
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