ASUS RT AX86U Review | 77 Data compared

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 limited by a fixed vertical design with no wall-mounting option and, according to the review, may offer less immediate value for users lacking Wi-Fi 6 compatible devices.

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 NAS performance (150 MB/s), and robust AiProtection Pro security. Key drawbacks, or cons, include an upright-only, non-wall-mountable design and a potentially overwhelming interface for novices. As a dual-band device, it lacks the extra band found in pricier tri-band models, which may cause congestion in dense environments. Despite these, the router is considered a top-tier, high-value choice.

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 (over 500Mbps through two walls) and robust software via ASUSWRT, including AiMesh and Adaptive QoS. Pros include excellent overall performance, a versatile 2.5G port, and extensive gaming-focused features like the Mobile Game Mode. Conversely, minor drawbacks include the limited number of standard LAN ports, a 3x3 configuration on the 2.4GHz band, and a design that cannot be wall-mounted. At approximately RM1388, the RT-AX86U offers premium performance without the cost of high-end tri-band alternatives.

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 include top-tier wireless speeds, the 2.5GbE port, and excellent AiProtection Pro security, though it falls slightly short of the highest-end, more expensive flagships.

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 recommends the router for its, robust performance and AiProtection Pro security, noted drawbacks include a lack of wall-mounting options and no native IFTTT support.

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 with the "Smart Connect" band-steering and a lack of a second 5GHz band found in pricier competitors.

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 features an aggressive, non-wall-mountable vertical design, lacks a second 5GHz band to handle high congestion, and carries a premium price that may be unnecessary for non-gamers.

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 warranty, the unit lacks advanced gaming tools like geo-fencing and is not wall-mountable.

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 suffers from a restrictive vertical-only design and mediocre long-range file transfer speeds.