I have tested enough mesh network systems to conclude that they are better than single-unit router, delivering more reliable Wi-Fi coverage at homes. Previously tested the ASUS Lyra, they passed over the new Lyra Trio for review. And unlike most brands who bundle their mesh systems in 3 units or single unit, ASUS Lyra Trio comes in units of 1, 2 and 3, with cheaper per-unit price as the quantity goes up (naturally).
What are the differences between the ASUS Lyra and ASUS Lyra Trio?
Bandwidth
The Lyra has a combined 2200Mbps bandwidth in triple-band 2X2 MIMO config. The Lyra Trio delivers a total 1750Mbps bandwidth in dual-band 3X3 MIMO config. The extra stream aims to compensate for the fewer antennas on the Lyra Trio compared to the first Lyra, allowing more devices to connect to the mesh systems at sustained data speeds. The Lyra Trio antennas are elevated at an angle from the base, which claims to improve signal transmission in both distance and height.
AiProtection: Network Security and Parental Controls
The Lyra Trio supports AiProtection Classic compared to the Lyra’s AiProtection Pro. While all Lyra systems offers lifetime subscription to internet security updates, missing features compared to the Lyra are the intrusion prevention system, content filter, kid-safe preset, and internet activity dashboard. The latter is really useful in real-time and historical tracking the usage traffic activity for every device, so for parents who are looking for detailed usage monitoring, the Lyra Trio lacks this feature, and I find that to be a major feature drawback compared to competitive mesh systems like TP-Link Deco M5. Visit my review on the ASUS Lyra on the feature description and screen shots.
Set Up and Coverage
The Lyra Trio gets set up quickly and reliably without any hiccups, with screen-by-screen guide on the app to ensure clarity in the set up process. The reason for the ease of setup in Lyra Trio is the Bluetooth radio in each unit that connects to the smartphone, instead of using the home Wi-Fi which is unpredictable in the behaviour.
Once connected, I can use the smartphone app to monitor the mesh system even when I am outside the house. In addition, the multi-colour LED indicator on each node tells me the operating statuses. I like to turn off the LED indicator as it is distracting at night, but unlike TP-Link Deco M5, it is not possible to schedule the period to disable LED lights.
An additional advantage of Lyra Trio compared to many other mesh systems is that it also supports web browser access to manage advanced network settings.
Despite a lower hardware specs compared to the original Lyra, the Lyra Trio does not perform too far off in terms of connectivity and coverage. Over the period of review, the dozen connected devices run seamlessly without encountering any Wi-Fi dropouts. The average speed test achieved 230 Mbps, which is good enough for most purposes. When setting up using ethernet backhaul (that is connecting the Lyra Trio directly with network cables), the speed can even be higher.
Verdict
The ASUS Lyra Trio is slightly more affordable than the Lyra, and based on my 2-week experience, I do not face any bandwidth performance issues. My only gripe is the reduced internet activity statistics, which provides great insights into my family members’ usage behaviour. If you are looking for Wi-Fi mesh system in packs of 2, you might want to consider Lyra Trio, which goes for S$329, while the 3-pack retails at S$459, with 3-year warranty, lifetime Internet Security license, and web browser-supported network setup. Shop smart, browse at online sites like Lazada for good prices.
