Comprehensive review of the Cudy P5 AX3000 WiFi 6 5G dual SIM router

Description

Lightning-Fast Connectivity and Performance

Testing the Cudy P5 router with its Qualcomm Snapdragon SDX62 5G NR modem felt like stepping into the future of connectivity. This device promises 5G NR speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps and didn’t disappoint. I’ve streamed movies in ultra-high definition, hosted video calls without a single buffer, and even gamed online while someone else in the house downloaded hefty files. The 802.11ax WiFi 6 compatibility, with dual-band speeds of up to 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, ensured that multiple devices could connect simultaneously without a hiccup. It’s as if the router anticipated my heavy internet usage and handled it with ease.

Even though this router is a beast for connectivity, it’s not just about speed. The low latency during gaming sessions and the ability to handle time-sensitive tasks like VPN-heavy work projects stood out. Whether I was testing it in the living room or a room further away, its performance remained consistent.

Dual SIM Slots and Failover Reliability

One of the key benefits of this router is its dual SIM functionality. The Cudy P5 allows you to insert two SIM cards, and you can manually choose between them or let the router auto-select for optimal connectivity. This feature is a lifesaver if one network provider fails—your internet won’t drop because the failover system automatically shifts the connection to the second SIM. This functionality proved especially useful during a recent outage when my primary SIM experienced downtime. I barely noticed the switch as the router transitioned seamlessly to the backup.

Additionally, the WAN failover option allows you to configure the WAN/LAN port as a primary internet source while keeping the 3G/4G connections as backup. For anyone who works from home or runs a small business, this dual redundancy feature ensures that you’re always online no matter what.

Customizable Antenna Setup

The detachable cellular antennas are a thoughtful touch, catering to users who need flexibility in their setup. The 4x5dBi cellular antennas and 2x5dBi WiFi antennas greatly boosted the signal quality in my home. I even tried replacing them with an outdoor antenna using the SMA connector, which significantly improved reception in areas with weaker cellular signals. This adaptability makes the router perfect for people in rural areas or places where network strength can be inconsistent.

While the stock antennas worked well indoors, being able to swap them out for more powerful options was a game-changer. It’s clear that the design team considered the needs of users who may not have ideal signal conditions.

Robust VPN Options for Security

The built-in multiple VPN client options really stood out for me. From PPTP and L2TP to OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IPsec, the router supports nearly every major VPN protocol. I tested it with Zerotier VPN, and the setup was straightforward. The encryption ensured that all my online traffic was secure, which is critical for anyone handling sensitive data. The compatibility with 20+ DDNS providers further simplified remote management of my network. It’s not often you find a router that caters so well to security-conscious users.

For someone like me who frequently works remotely, this feature was invaluable. It’s reassuring to know that my data is secure regardless of whether I’m transferring files or simply browsing the web.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the Cudy P5 is practical and functional. Its compact dimensions (19.69 x 19.69 x 11.02 inches) and lightweight build made it easy to place anywhere in my home. The sleek white finish blends well with modern interiors, though I can see how it might stand out in more rustic setups. It doesn’t scream “tech gadget,” which I appreciate—it’s subtle yet effective. The detachable antennas add a level of customization that’s rare in routers within this price range.

It’s worth noting that while the design is user-friendly, the device can get a little warm under heavy usage. This wasn’t a deal-breaker, but I’d recommend placing it in a well-ventilated area.

Positives

• Blazing-fast 5G speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps for seamless streaming and gaming.
• Dual SIM slots and WAN failover ensure uninterrupted connectivity.
• WiFi 6 compatibility with dual-band speeds up to 2402 Mbps and 574 Mbps.
• Customizable antenna setup boosts signal quality and range.
• Comprehensive VPN support for secure data transmission.

Areas of Concern

• Device warms up during prolonged heavy usage, especially in warmer rooms.
• Setup interface could be intimidating for non-tech-savvy users.
• Stock antennas, while decent, may not suffice in areas with very weak signals.

Product Comparisons

Comparing the Cudy P5 to some of its competing products, like the Netgear Nighthawk M5 and Huawei 5G CPE Pro 2, revealed some interesting pros and cons. The Nighthawk M5, while offering comparable 5G speeds, lacks the dual SIM functionality that makes the Cudy P5 stand out for redundancy. On the other hand, the Huawei CPE Pro 2 boasts slightly better WiFi coverage, but its antenna setup isn’t as versatile or replaceable.

Where the Cudy P5 shines is its VPN versatility and signal customization options, making it ideal for users who need security and adaptability. Though it may not have the same brand recognition as these giants, it’s a solid contender with unique features that cater to a specific audience.

Bang for the Buck

This router delivers exceptional value for its features. While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, the combination of 5G connectivity, WiFi 6 speeds, and customization options makes it a worthy investment. Many routers in this category either lack dual SIM capabilities or charge a premium for similar features. If you’re someone who values reliable internet performance and advanced features, this device offers a lot of bang for your buck.

Additional information