ASUS - RT-AC86U Wifi Router

If you don't want to spend too much then any router will do. If you do however want to get something that will give you all the settings you could dream of then I'd recommend any good old ASUS gaming router. I've had two and what can I say I love messing around with all of the settings. The one I'm using now is the ASUS RT-AC86U there might be a newer model but you cant to wrong with ASUS gaming routers. Gaming routers have more settings, slightly better hardware. I bought my gaming router just to segregate my general wifi devices form my gaming devices. The extra settings make that easy to do.

It's stronger than the Asus AC86U it replaced, which i found to work quite well for the last 7-8 years or so that I've owned it (I got it mid 2017 iirc). Well, except for wifi 7 and 6E stuff in higher bands, it's hard to really say, line of sight helps a lot but I've only really tried wireless vr twice so far and as long as it's LOS the experience was quite good. Say what you will about asus lately, but they make pretty good consumer components, the old ac86u was highly supported both from asus and the aftermarket firmware community, asus seems to be a lot less against that kind of thing than other brands, which I find important.

If you don’t specifically need the 6ghz band the 88U or 86U are better on the 5ghz band which is where most performance devices will connect

My ASUS RT-AC86U has still been going strong and has worked really well for me, I'm actually wondering whether it's time to upgrade myself to something that supports WiFi 6/6E and 6GHz now that I have multiple WiFi 6 series devices

If you have any type of QoS or packet inspection enabled turn it off. Most of these devices cannot do pppoe combined with QoSat gigabit speed. I’ve for many years used this exact asus in access point mode with a Firewalla gold (highly recommended) as router doing pppoe and WiFi easily hits 850 mbps in speed tests with some optimized settings. The Firewalla does packet inspection, qos and more. The asus was flashed with asus-wrt Merlin firmware which I also highly recommend instead of the very buggy standard firmware. There are many ways to get a good system. I now use dedicated access points but the ASUS worked well in access point mode.

I have a couple of Asus Routers (RT-AC68U, RT-AC86U) but both are no longer supported with firmware updates from Asus or Merlin and was interested in a more current router OS for use in 2025. I am using the RT-AC86U running Adguard Home behind my ISP's modem/router but prefer using my own router without the ISP's equipment.

I have been an ASUS user for more than a decade. Had a RT-AC86U until a close lightning killed it. Now I have a RT-AX86U Pro running Merlin firmware. Refer to: https://www.asus.com/us/product-compare?ProductID=26439,25357&LevelId=Networking-IoT-Servers-WiFi-7 Both routers are close from a specifications perspective. However, there are a few differences that may help you decide.

More than a decade ago I needed a router and LinkSys was my choice. I returned it the next day and bought an ASUS RT-AC86U and met my requirements until a near lightning strike took it out. I replaced with an ASUS RT-AX86U which has been fantastic. Both routers used Merlin firmware. Today, you need to understand your requirements and then go to the ASUS website and compare/contrast but before you buy go to https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net to confirm Merlin support. Additionally, choose a router that has features that will future proof your home network.

I have had the ASUS 86U routers for more than a decade. I’d still be using the first one if it wasn’t for lightning. The replacement router an RT-AX86U Pro has been in operation for a couple of years now and I use Asuswrt-Merlin firmware rather than ASUS. Asuswrt-Merlin updates firmware components more frequently as well as redesigns some of it though the core is base on latest ASUS build. I use it in a 1,600 sq ft condo.

Usando o RT-BE92u há um mês e ZERO problemas, zero quedas, Zero reiniciação. É o roteador principal da Minha rede AIMESH com mais dois routers asus, um RT82U e um RT86AC voa. 5 TVs, Gamer XBOX, câmeras, celulares, tablets e outros aparelhos . Tudo funciona sem engasgos ou demora. Consigo jogar COD , com a família todas usando internet, streaming e tudo mais. Ping baixou, upload subiu, antes era 50% do disponibilizado, agora é 100% para down e up.

As others have said.. repeaters suck. There's ethernet over power adapters. Which aren't amazing but do a fairly solid job and can get you 1-200 Mbps - would still need a router on the other end of it. I've definitely seen routers improve wifi range... Asus gt-ax6000 would probably do the job for you I'd say. And it should be in that budget? I changed from some Asus maybe rc-86u or something similar, to an ax6000 and it was very noticeable the extra range. I'm also an Asus fanboy for home networking, however I know they aren't flawless (but the issues I've run into are with a gt-be98 and 2x bt10s in an aimesh setup and for things you're unlikely to use or care about anyway). That's my two cents - and I'm very much not an expert.

I’ve been using two ASUS RT-AC86U routers in AI Mesh mode, 2600 sq ft wood frame 3 level house. Main router sits in basement office and the 2nd is on a second floor at opposite side of space, \~60’ away with 2 walls in between. They’ve been great for many years. Now that I’ve learned ASUS has deemed this model as EOL I’m researching the upgrade path. I’ve ever only used LinkSys and ASUS in my networking journey. I’ve been considering trying TP-Link if I can’t find something that I need with ASUS. Originally I was leaning towards the BE550 or AXE75 or AXE95. Not sure about dedicated mesh systems like Unifi or Orbi, etc. I see varying opinions on TP-Link OneMesh/EasyMesh. Usage is a WFH wife using wifi, 2 teenagers constantly on wifi with phones/tablets/some gaming. I game too but keep the consoles (PS5/Xbox One) hardwired. Also have multi room audio (SONOS & Bluesound) with some wifi devices and most hardwired. I now do have a couple of devices that support 6ghz.All told there’s about 35 devices connected via Ethernet or wireless. Budget is not an issue, I will spend accordingly based on features, reliability, and usefulness. Obviously I’m looking for robust. I know the ”gaming” type of router would likely be the ideal type to go with but I’m not a fan of the starship/Alien facehugger designs. I look towards the seasoned users here to direct me to specific models to consider. I’m leaning towards WiFi 6E or 7 router. Let me know if additional info is needed. Thanks in advance!