Verdict: The ASUS ZenFWiFi XD4 Mini might be small, but this tri-mesh system gives fantastic coverage as well as WiFi 6 capabilities. It’s easy to set up, relatively unobtrusive, and has enough bandwidth for data-hungry wireless solutions such as wireless VR applications.
The only downside here is that it’s a little pricey, with MSRP for the dual-pack coming in at Php 11,899, and the triple pack coming in at Php 17,660.
If you’re still struggling to get your high-speed internet to every corner of your house, ASUS may be able to help. Their small but powerful ZenWiFi XD4 Mini mesh network delivers excellent coverage with very minimal fuss and has support for next-gen WiFi 6.
Pros:
- Small, unobtrusive design
- Excellent coverage
- Easy to setup
Cons:
- A little pricey
- Limited LAN ports
Design
The ZenWiFi XD4 Mini lives up to its name: the actual satellite hubs are tiny compared to other WiFi mesh systems we’ve used in the past. If you didn’t know what you were looking for, you’d probably mistake them for Bluetooth speakers, allowing them to disappear in the background unlike some of ASUS’ crazier designs.
The design is clean and efficient – no crazy antennas here or alien-like designs.
Unlike ASUS’ other mesh routers though, there’s only a single LAN port available on the back aside from the WAN port, which limits the number of devices you can connect to it. There’s also no USB port on them as well, which means you won’t be able to share files that way to other devices connected to the wireless network.
Our review unit came in grey, but there’s also a white variant as well that’s a little more prominent visually if you’re into that.
Setup
One thing I really like about ASUS’ networking products is the truly hassle-free, app-based setup they use. You simply have to download the ASUS app for their routers, plug in the routers, and follow the process. The app is fairly comprehensive when it comes to router settings too, allowing you to separate the 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks if you wish.
The app also gives you real-time traffic stats, as well as who is currently connected to the network at any given time. You can also utilize ASUS’ advanced security features as well as parental controls all through the app, which makes it easier to configure for people who aren’t networking savvy.
Performance
ASUS advertises coverage of around 4800 sq. ft. if you purchase the three-pack, which is insanely large floor space, especially for Filipino homes. Even if you account for the reduced coverage that’s caused by concrete walls and other obstructions, the three-pack is still pretty overkill for a typical 1-story, 3 bedroom bungalow here in the Philippines.
ASUS sent over the three-pack for our review, but currently, our 4-bedroom home is easily getting by with just two, with the first one in the living room and the other one in the farther bedroom.
As far as performance goes, the ZenWiFi XD4 Mini managed to deliver my plan’s advertised speeds, regardless of where I was in the house.
Even if you don’t have faster than 100Mbps Fiber connections, having a WiFi 6-capable router like the ZenWiFi XD4 Mini allows you to have plenty of bandwidth for data-hungry devices, like the Oculus Quest 2 when used together with a PC.
The Oculus Quest 2 is able to stream games from Steam VR wirelessly, though its network requirements are pretty brutal and require a WiFi 6 capable wireless network to take advantage of the buttery-smooth 90Hz refresh rate that the Oculus Quest 2 delivers.
Because of the ZenWiFi AX Mini, I’m able to stream games from my main PC in my bedroom to the much more spacious (and clutter-free) living room, which gives me a lot more room to move around, which leads to a better VR experience overall.
Wrap-up and verdict
Even if you don’t have blazing-fast internet, there’s still plenty of reasons to buy the ZenWiFi XD4 Mini.
It’s a whole lot cheaper than the more expensive ZenWiFi AX while still bathing your home in sweet, sweet WiFi 6.
The two-pack is more than enough to completely blanket most typical Filipino homes, though multi-story pads might require the three-pack to be safe.
It’s a bit of an expensive splurge for sure, but if you’re looking at investing in a VR setup, for example, it’s a godsend.
The two-pack for the ZenWiFi XD4 Mini is priced at Php 11,899, while the three-pack is priced at Php 17,660.
