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ASUS RT AX86U Review | 77 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£260
  • Avg. price in US: ~$210
  • Wi-Fi version: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
  • Wi-Fi speed: 5700 Mbps
  • LAN port speeds: 2.5 Gbps
  • Wireless coverage: 186 m²

ASUS RT AX86U review. Compare 77 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among routers and if it is worth buying.

8.4

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the router's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best routers on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

8.3

Technical Score

10.0%

9.4

User score

Excellent
8.3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the router's technical performance, covering key areas such as Wi-Fi performance, wired connectivity, security, software features, coverage, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare routers based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

26.0%

8.2

Wireless

20.0%

7.2

Ports

18.0%

8.9

Networking

14.0%

9.9

Security

12.0%

7.8

Hardware

10.0%

8.2

Management

Excellent
9.4

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.

When it matters: When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(661)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(2885)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Exceptional
  • 8.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    33.0%

    10

    Wi-Fi speed

    28.0%

    9.6

    CPU clock speed

    22.0%

    10

    RAM capacity

    17.0%

    1.9

    Maximum connected devices

  • 6.2
    Travel

    Score components:

    40.0%

    5.8

    Weight

    30.0%

    10

    Wi-Fi speed

    20.0%

    4.0

    Cellular modem type

    10.0%

    1.0

    SIM slot

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The ASUS RT-AX86U is a high-performance dual-band WiFi 6 gaming router featuring an AX5700 speed rating, delivering up to 4804 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 861 Mbps on 2.4GHz. It is powered by a 1.8 GHz quad-core processor with 1GB of RAM and 256MB of flash memory, supporting 160MHz channels for maximum throughput. Its versatile connectivity includes a dedicated 2.5Gbps multi-gig port (configurable as WAN or LAN), four Gigabit LAN ports with a designated gaming port, and two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. Main pros include exceptional close-range performance, robust gaming features like Mobile Game Mode and NVIDIA GeForce Now optimization, and lifetime free AiProtection Pro security. However, notable cons include its vertical-only stand design that lacks wall-mounting options, relatively large physical footprint, and middling file transfer speeds compared to some high-end competitors.

Technical Specifications of router ASUS RT AX86U

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the router's technical performance, covering key areas such as Wi-Fi performance, wired connectivity, security, software features, coverage, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare routers based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

26.0%

8.2

Wireless

20.0%

7.2

Ports

18.0%

8.9

Networking

14.0%

9.9

Security

12.0%

7.8

Hardware

10.0%

8.2

Management

8.3
ASUS RT AX86U has a technical score of 8.33 points, which is higher than that of 94.4% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.

When it matters: When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(661)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(2885)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.4
ASUS RT AX86U has a user score of 9.41 points, which is higher than that of 99% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the router.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a router reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
10
ASUS RT AX86U has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 63.5% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the router's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a router with a good balance between network performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

8.4

Overall score

40.0%

9.2

Price

8.6
ASUS RT AX86U has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.6 points, which is higher than 93.4% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Asus
Wi-Fi version
What it is: Identifies the Wi-Fi generation the router supports, such as Wi-Fi 5, 6, 6E, or 7.
When it matters: When newer phones, laptops, and consoles need the latest Wi-Fi efficiency and speed features.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
ASUS RT AX86U uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). 65% of routers use this Wi-Fi standard.
Wi-Fi bands
What it is: Lists which wireless frequency bands the router can use, such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz.
When it matters: When you need to balance range, speed, and congestion across different types of client devices.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz

2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
ASUS RT AX86U supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands. 25% of routers use the same band setup.
Wi-Fi speed
What it is: The advertised maximum wireless throughput rating of the router under supported conditions.
When it matters: When several users stream, download, and game at once and you want more wireless headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >2700 Mbps

5,700 Mbps
ASUS RT AX86U delivers 5,700 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, which is higher than 88% of routers and equal to 0.3% of routers.
Channel widths supported
What it is: Lists the Wi-Fi channel widths the router can use, such as 20, 40, 80, or 160 MHz.
When it matters: When you want the option to trade peak speed against stability in crowded wireless environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz

20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz + 160 MHz
ASUS RT AX86U supports 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz + 160 MHz channel width options, which is more than 72.7% of routers and the same as 24.8% of routers.
Show more
Wi-Fi security protocols
What it is: Lists the wireless security standards the router supports, such as WPA2 or WPA3.
When it matters: When you want stronger wireless protection without locking out older devices that still need compatibility.

Importance: HIGH

WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WPS
ASUS RT AX86U supports WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WPS Wi-Fi security protocols. 79.1% of routers use this security setup.
DoS protection
What it is: Provides defenses intended to reduce the impact of denial-of-service traffic against the router or network.
When it matters: When exposed services or remote access make resilience against traffic floods more important.

Importance: HIGH

yes
ASUS RT AX86U supports DoS protection. 11.1% of routers include DoS protection.
SPI intrusion protection
What it is: Uses stateful packet inspection to track sessions and block suspicious unsolicited traffic more accurately.
When it matters: When the router needs a stronger first line of filtering on an internet-facing connection.

Importance: HIGH

yes
ASUS RT AX86U supports SPI intrusion protection. 3.7% of routers include SPI-based intrusion protection.
MAC address filtering
What it is: Lets the router allow or block devices based on their MAC addresses.
When it matters: When you want an extra device-level access rule beyond passwords and network names.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
ASUS RT AX86U supports mac address filtering. 1% of routers include MAC address filtering.
URL filter
What it is: Allows the router to block or allow access based on website addresses or domain rules.
When it matters: When you need to restrict specific sites for children, guests, or work-policy reasons.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
ASUS RT AX86U supports URL filter. 1.9% of routers include URL filtering.
Show more
IPv6 support
What it is: Support for the newer IPv6 internet addressing standard alongside the older IPv4 system.
When it matters: When your internet provider or network already uses IPv6, or you want the router to stay compatible as IPv6 use becomes more common.

Importance: HIGH

yes
ASUS RT AX86U supports IPv6. 10.9% of routers are IPv6-ready.
Dynamic routing
What it is: Supports routing protocols or dynamic route updates instead of relying only on static route entries.
When it matters: When the router sits in a more complex network with changing paths between multiple subnets.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
ASUS RT AX86U supports dynamic routing. 46.8% of routers include dynamic routing.
Inter-VLAN routing
What it is: Allows the router to pass traffic between separate VLANs under controlled rules.
When it matters: When you need segmented networks to communicate selectively instead of staying fully isolated.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
ASUS RT AX86U supports inter-vlan routing. 78% of routers include inter-VLAN routing.
VLAN tagging
What it is: Lets the router mark traffic with VLAN tags for segmented or ISP-specific network setups.
When it matters: When you separate guest, office, IoT, or ISP-required traffic into different network segments.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
ASUS RT AX86U does not support VLAN tagging. 63% of routers include VLAN tagging.
QoS
What it is: Provides quality-of-service controls that prioritize some traffic over less important traffic.
When it matters: When calls, gaming, and downloads compete and you want latency-sensitive traffic protected.

Importance: HIGH

yes
ASUS RT AX86U supports QoS. 2.7% of routers include QoS controls.
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N. of LAN ports
What it is: Measures how many LAN ports the router includes. A higher count expands direct connectivity for matching devices.
When it matters: When you run a home office with NAS, TV boxes, and desktops, having more LAN ports avoids extra switches and keeps latency lower on wired links.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 4 ports

5
ASUS RT AX86U has 5 LAN ports, which is more than 93.1% of routers and the same as 2.5% of routers.
LAN port speeds
What it is: Lists the Ethernet speeds available on the router’s LAN ports, such as Gigabit or multi-gig.
When it matters: When wired transfers to NAS, desktops, or access points need more than basic Ethernet speeds.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 1 Gbps

2.5 Gbps
ASUS RT AX86U offers 2.5 Gbps on its LAN ports, which is faster than 87.7% of routers and on par with 7.9% of routers.
Includes LAN-capable combo ports.
N. of WAN ports
What it is: Shows how many separate WAN uplink ports the router provides for internet connections.
When it matters: When you use dual internet lines, backup WAN, or load balancing between multiple external links.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 1 WAN port

2
ASUS RT AX86U has 2 WAN ports, which is more than 91.3% of routers and the same as 6.2% of routers.
N. of USB ports
What it is: Shows how many USB ports the router includes for storage, printers, or modem accessories.
When it matters: When you plan to share storage, attach a printer, or use USB-based network extras.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 1 USB port

2
ASUS RT AX86U has 2 USB ports, which is more than 79.3% of routers and the same as 20.4% of routers.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
What it is: Power over Ethernet support, meaning the router can receive power, deliver it, or be part of a PoE-based installation.
When it matters: When you want cleaner installation with fewer separate power cables, especially in ceilings, walls, racks, or remote locations.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
ASUS RT AX86U does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE). 0.5% of routers can be powered over Ethernet.
Show more
Management interface
What it is: Shows how the router is configured and monitored, such as web UI, app, or command-line tools.
When it matters: When setup depth and day-to-day admin convenience are part of the buying decision.

Importance: HIGH

Web UI, App
ASUS RT AX86U is managed via Web UI, App. 33.4% of routers use this management method.
ASUS Router app
Firmware upgrade method
What it is: Describes how router firmware updates are installed, such as automatic OTA, web UI, or manual upload.
When it matters: When you want security fixes and new features applied with less maintenance friction.

Importance: HIGH

Web UI, Automatic
ASUS RT AX86U uses Web UI, Automatic firmware updates. 35.4% of routers use this update method.
Traffic monitoring
What it is: Lets the router track bandwidth usage by device, app category, or time period.
When it matters: When you need to find which devices or activities are causing slowdowns or high data use.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
ASUS RT AX86U supports traffic monitoring. 17.5% of routers include traffic monitoring.
Guest Wi-Fi network
What it is: Lets the router create a separate wireless network for visitors or less-trusted devices.
When it matters: When guests need internet access without reaching private devices on the main network.

Importance: HIGH

yes
ASUS RT AX86U supports guest Wi-Fi network. 8.6% of routers offer a guest Wi-Fi network.
Captive portal
What it is: Supports a login or acceptance page that users must pass before getting internet access.
When it matters: When guest networks, rentals, cafes, or managed access points need a sign-in page.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
ASUS RT AX86U supports captive portal. 76.4% of routers include captive portal features.
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CPU clock speed
What it is: Shows the operating frequency of the router processor, often listed per core.
When it matters: When routing, encryption, QoS, and many active clients can put heavier load on the CPU.

Importance: HIGH

4 x 1.8 GHz
ASUS RT AX86U runs at 4x1.8 GHz, which is faster than 87% of routers and on par with 4.3% of routers.
RAM capacity
What it is: The amount of working memory available for sessions, routing tables, and running router services.
When it matters: When many devices, VPN tunnels, or advanced features need the router to stay responsive under load.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=512 MB

1,024 MB
ASUS RT AX86U has 1,024 MB of RAM, which is more than 88.3% of routers and the same as 9.4% of routers.
Internal storage
What it is: The built-in storage available for logs, apps, shared files, or other local router functions.
When it matters: When the router runs extra services and needs space for logs, packages, or shared content.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8 GB

0.25 GB
ASUS RT AX86U has 0.25 GB of internal storage, which is less than 51% of routers and the same as 13.3% of routers.
Hardware acceleration
What it is: Uses dedicated hardware paths to offload routing, NAT, encryption, or switching tasks from the main CPU.
When it matters: When heavy routing or security features would otherwise reduce throughput on the processor alone.

Importance: HIGH

yes
ASUS RT AX86U supports hardware acceleration. 18.6% of routers include hardware acceleration.
N. of external antennas
What it is: Shows how many antennas are mounted externally on the router.
When it matters: When you want stronger adjustable coverage or plan to aim antennas for difficult room layouts.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 3 antennas

3
ASUS RT AX86U has 3 external antennas, which is more than 58.4% of routers and the same as 13.3% of routers.
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ASUS RT AX86U vs the average router

  • 3.93x faster Wi-Fi speed
    ASUS RT AX86U has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (5,700 Mbps vs 1,450 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,450 Mbps.
    What it is: The advertised maximum wireless throughput rating of the router under supported conditions.
    When it matters: When several users stream, download, and game at once and you want more wireless headroom.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2700 Mbps

    ASUS RT AX86U has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (5,700 Mbps vs 1,450 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,450 Mbps.5,700 Mbps vs 1,450 Mbps
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    ASUS RT AX86U supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WPS, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS. 0.00% of routers support WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WPS.
    What it is: Lists the wireless security standards the router supports, such as WPA2 or WPA3.
    When it matters: When you want stronger wireless protection without locking out older devices that still need compatibility.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASUS RT AX86U supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WPS, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS. 0.00% of routers support WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WPS.WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WPS vs WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS
  • Supports Mesh Wi-Fi
    ASUS RT AX86U supports mesh Wi-Fi, while the average router does not. 37.3% of routers support mesh Wi-Fi.
    What it is: Supports mesh networking so multiple nodes can work together as one Wi-Fi system.
    When it matters: When one router alone cannot cover every floor or room reliably.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASUS RT AX86U supports mesh Wi-Fi, while the average router does not. 37.3% of routers support mesh Wi-Fi.
  • Supports Automatic failover
    ASUS RT AX86U supports automatic failover, while the average router does not. 24.5% of routers offer automatic failover.
    What it is: Can switch to a backup internet connection automatically if the primary line fails.
    When it matters: When uptime matters and the network cannot stop every time the main WAN drops.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASUS RT AX86U supports automatic failover, while the average router does not. 24.5% of routers offer automatic failover.
  • Faster LAN ports
    ASUS RT AX86U has a higher LAN port speed than the average router (2.5 Gbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.
    Includes LAN-capable combo ports.
    What it is: Lists the Ethernet speeds available on the router’s LAN ports, such as Gigabit or multi-gig.
    When it matters: When wired transfers to NAS, desktops, or access points need more than basic Ethernet speeds.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 1 Gbps

    ASUS RT AX86U has a higher LAN port speed than the average router (2.5 Gbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.2.5 Gbps vs 1 Gbps
  • Supports OFDMA support
    ASUS RT AX86U supports OFDMA, while the average router does not. 35% of routers support OFDMA.
    What it is: Supports OFDMA, which divides Wi-Fi channels more efficiently among multiple active clients.
    When it matters: When many small, busy devices share the network and contention needs to stay lower.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASUS RT AX86U supports OFDMA, while the average router does not. 35% of routers support OFDMA.
  • 1 more WAN ports
    ASUS RT AX86U has more WAN ports than the average router (2 vs 1). The average router has 1 WAN ports.
    What it is: Shows how many separate WAN uplink ports the router provides for internet connections.
    When it matters: When you use dual internet lines, backup WAN, or load balancing between multiple external links.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 1 WAN port

    ASUS RT AX86U has more WAN ports than the average router (2 vs 1). The average router has 1 WAN ports.2 vs 1
  • 5 more spatial streams
    ASUS RT AX86U has more spatial streams than the average router (7 vs 2). The average router has 2 spatial streams.
    What it is: Shows how many parallel Wi-Fi spatial streams the router can use for wireless data transmission.
    When it matters: When modern clients need higher throughput from wider multi-stream Wi-Fi connections.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: 4 spatial streams

    ASUS RT AX86U has more spatial streams than the average router (7 vs 2). The average router has 2 spatial streams.7 vs 2
  • 3.93x faster Wi-Fi speed
    ASUS RT AX86U has a higher Wi-Fi speed than the average router (5,700 Mbps vs 1,450 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,450 Mbps.
  • Supports Mesh Wi-Fi
    ASUS RT AX86U supports mesh Wi-Fi, while the average router does not. 37.3% of routers support mesh Wi-Fi.
  • Supports OFDMA support
    ASUS RT AX86U supports OFDMA, while the average router does not. 35% of routers support OFDMA.
  • 5 more spatial streams
    ASUS RT AX86U has more spatial streams than the average router (7 vs 2). The average router has 2 spatial streams.
  • Supports MU-MIMO
    ASUS RT AX86U supports MU-MIMO, while the average router does not. 47.8% of routers support MU-MIMO.
  • Wider channel widths
    ASUS RT AX86U has a higher supported channel width than the average router (20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz + 160 MHz vs 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz). The average router supports channel width of 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz.
  • Supports TWT
    ASUS RT AX86U supports target wake time (TWT), while the average router does not. 36.8% of routers support target wake time.
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    ASUS RT AX86U supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WPS, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS. 0.00% of routers support WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WPS.
  • Supports Automatic failover
    ASUS RT AX86U supports automatic failover, while the average router does not. 24.5% of routers offer automatic failover.
  • Supports Inter-VLAN routing
    ASUS RT AX86U supports inter-VLAN routing, while the average router does not. 22.2% of routers support inter-VLAN routing.
  • 295,904 more NAT sessions
    ASUS RT AX86U has more concurrent NAT sessions than the average router (300,000 vs 4,096). The average router supports 4,096 concurrent NAT sessions.
  • Faster LAN ports
    ASUS RT AX86U has a higher LAN port speed than the average router (2.5 Gbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.
  • 1 more WAN ports
    ASUS RT AX86U has more WAN ports than the average router (2 vs 1). The average router has 1 WAN ports.
  • 1 more LAN ports
    ASUS RT AX86U has more LAN ports than the average router (5 vs 4). The average router has 4 LAN ports.
  • 1 more USB ports
    ASUS RT AX86U has more USB ports than the average router (2 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.
  • Supports link aggregation (LACP)
    ASUS RT AX86U supports link aggregation (LACP), while the average router does not. 14.6% of routers support link aggregation.
  • Supports Captive portal
    ASUS RT AX86U supports captive portal, while the average router does not. 23.8% of routers support captive portal.
  • 768 MB GB more RAM
    ASUS RT AX86U has more RAM than the average router (1,024 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.
  • Higher CPU clock speed
    ASUS RT AX86U has a higher CPU clock speed than the average router (4x1.8 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.
  • Suitable for gaming
    ASUS RT AX86U is suitable for gaming, while the average router is not. 37.2% of routers are designed for gaming.

Total
Overall
Wireless
Security
Networking
Ports
Management
Hardware
  • 34 fewer connected devices
    ASUS RT AX86U supports fewer connected devices than the average router (30 vs 64). The average router supports 64 connected devices.
  • No VLAN tagging
    ASUS RT AX86U does not support VLAN tagging, while the average router does. 62.8% of routers support VLAN tagging.
  • Limited firmware updates
    ASUS RT AX86U supports the firmware update methods Web UI, Automatic, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic. 0.00% of routers support the firmware update methods Web UI, Automatic.
  • No VLAN tagging
    ASUS RT AX86U does not support VLAN tagging, while the average router does. 62.8% of routers support VLAN tagging.
    What it is: Lets the router mark traffic with VLAN tags for segmented or ISP-specific network setups.
    When it matters: When you separate guest, office, IoT, or ISP-required traffic into different network segments.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASUS RT AX86U does not support VLAN tagging, while the average router does. 62.8% of routers support VLAN tagging.
  • Limited firmware updates
    ASUS RT AX86U supports the firmware update methods Web UI, Automatic, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic. 0.00% of routers support the firmware update methods Web UI, Automatic.
    What it is: Describes how router firmware updates are installed, such as automatic OTA, web UI, or manual upload.
    When it matters: When you want security fixes and new features applied with less maintenance friction.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASUS RT AX86U supports the firmware update methods Web UI, Automatic, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic. 0.00% of routers support the firmware update methods Web UI, Automatic.Web UI, Automatic vs Web UI, App, Automatic
  • 2.89x more expensive
    ASUS RT AX86U is more expensive than the average router (£260 vs £90).
    ASUS RT AX86U is more expensive than the average router (£260 vs £90).£260 vs £90
  • 34 fewer connected devices
    ASUS RT AX86U supports fewer connected devices than the average router (30 vs 64). The average router supports 64 connected devices.
    What it is: The vendor’s stated upper limit for how many client devices the router can support at once.
    When it matters: When the network must handle many phones, TVs, smart-home devices, and PCs together.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=128 devices

    ASUS RT AX86U supports fewer connected devices than the average router (30 vs 64). The average router supports 64 connected devices.30 vs 64
Total
Overall
Wireless
Networking
Management

Graphic comparison of ASUS RT AX86U and other routers

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
661 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
2885 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about ASUS RT AX86U?

  • Exceptional low-latency performance ideal for gaming
  • High throughput speeds, especially on the 5GHz band
  • Includes a versatile 2.5Gbps multi-gig port for WAN or LAN
  • Robust feature set including AiMesh support and lifetime security (AiProtection Pro)
  • Compact vertical footprint that stays stable on surfaces
  • Easy setup process via the feature-rich ASUS Router mobile app

What customers dislike about ASUS RT AX86U?

  • Upright design cannot be wall-mounted
  • SmartConnect feature can occasionally be sluggish when switching bands
  • Long-range performance (2.4GHz) can drop off significantly compared to competitors
  • Vertical orientation might require more height clearance in tight spaces
  • Price point is considered high for non-gamers or average users
  • Only 4 standard Gigabit LAN ports, which may be limiting for heavy wired setups

Expert reviews

M
mbreviews.com
08/04/2021
Asus RT-AX86U WiFi 6 Router Review

The ASUS RT-AX86U is a high-performance AX5700 Wi-Fi 6 router featuring a 1.8 GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and a versatile 2.5GbE port for multi-gigabit WAN/LAN functionality. It delivers exceptional, stable throughput for both Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5 clients, with specialized, low-latency gaming features and robust AiMesh support. While praised for performance, the router is...Read more

D
dongknows.com
11/08/2020
ASUS RT-AX86U Review: A Terrific Router!

The Asus RT-AX86U AX5700 is a high-performance dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router featuring a 1.8 GHz quad-core processor and speeds up to 5700 Mbps. Designed for gamers and power users, it includes a 2.5Gbps multi-gig port for future-proof connectivity and a dedicated gaming port for prioritizing traffic. Pros include exceptional wireless throughput over 1250 Mbps at close range, excellent...Read more

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blacktubi.com
04/12/2020
ASUS RT-AX86U Review: High performance AX5700 WiFi 6

The ASUS RT-AX86U is a high-performance AX5700 Wi-Fi 6 router, serving as a powerful, feature-rich upgrade to the RT-AC86U. It boasts a 1.8GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and a dedicated 2.5G WAN/LAN port for multi-gigabit speeds, matching hardware found in more expensive flagship models. The router shines in real-world testing, offering exceptional long-range 5GHz performance...Read more

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tweaktown.com
09/09/2020
ASUS RT-AX86U AX5700 Wi-Fi Router Review - TweakTown

The ASUS RT-AX86U AX5700 is a high-performance, mid-range Wi-Fi 6 router featuring a Broadcom BCM4908 quad-core platform, 1GB of RAM, and a versatile 2.5GbE multi-gig port suitable for high-speed WAN or NAS applications. It delivers exceptional throughput, with 5GHz speeds reaching 1325 Mbps and 2.4GHz hitting 348 Mbps, alongside strong NAS performance from its USB 3.0 ports. Pros...Read more

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eteknix.com
21/03/2021
ASUS RT-AX86U WiFi 6 Gaming Router Review - eTeknix

The ASUS RT-AX86U is a high-performance AX5700 WiFi 6 router featuring a 1.8 GHz quad-core processor and versatile 2.5Gbps WAN/LAN port, specifically designed for gamers and power users. Delivering up to 4805 Mbps on the 5GHz band, the unit offers exceptional wireless speeds along with optimized gaming features like the Gear Accelerator and Mobile Game Mode. While eTeknix highly...Read more

C
cnet.com
12/11/2024
Asus RT-AX86U Review: The Best Wi-Fi Router for Gamers

The Asus RT-AX86U is highlighted as a top-tier Wi-Fi 6 router for gamers and power users, offering impressive 1.8 Gbps close-range speeds and consistent, low-latency performance. Key features include a 2.5 Gbps multi-gig WAN port for future-proofing, robust AiMesh support, and free AiProtection Pro security. While delivering excellent performance, the review notes inconsistencies...Read more

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techradar.com
21/08/2020
Asus RT-AX86U review - TechRadar

The Asus RT-AX86U is a high-performance, mid-range Wi-Fi 6 router offering strong dual-band speeds, impressive range, and specialized,,, gaming features including a dedicated wired port and mobile boost mode. It provides excellent value through free, robust Trend Micro security and comprehensive parental controls, plus user-friendly physical design elements. However, the device...Read more

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tomsguide.com
15/02/2024
Asus RT-AX86U router review - Tom's Guide

The Asus RT-AX86U is praised as a top-tier Wi-Fi 6 router, offering excellent throughput, strong signal penetration, and a 2.5Gbps multi-gig port at a competitive price. Key advantages include free, lifetime AiProtection Pro security, a dedicated Gaming Port, and robust, customizable performance for heavy network loads. While offering a vertical, space-saving design with a two-year...Read more

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pcmag.com
08/10/2020
Asus RT-AX86U AX5700 Router Review - PCMag

The ASUS RT-AX86U AX5700 is a high-performance Wi-Fi 6 router featuring a 2.5Gbps port, link aggregation, and specialized gaming features like a dedicated port and mobile game mode. It delivers exceptional close-range throughput and includes free AiProtection Pro for robust, subscription-free security and parental controls. While offering strong overall performance, the router...Read more

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