ASUS

RT-AC86U Wifi Router

ASUS RT-AC86U Wifi Router

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Overall

#124 in

WiFi Routers

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

Sentiment score62% positive
8
2
3

Top Pros

Top Cons

Last updated: Jun 2, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit IconBMWtooner
6 months ago

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.

Reddit Iconcodrook
8 months ago

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

Reddit IconFloatingEyeSyndrome
about 1 month ago

Got the Asus ac86u recently for 30Dollars. Can instal Merlin's firmware with some extra features other than my isp crap one. I save ram and processing power by tuening off their gaming related stuff and traffic log stuff. Check what models are currently supported by the latest alternative firmwares if you want to tinker with it.

Reddit Iconfreddy91761
about 1 month ago

I had an Asus RT-AC86U router and it was EOL. I went with a UDR7. It made a big difference. Better wifi performance. Go with UDR7

Reddit IconLingonberryNo2744
6 months ago

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.

6 months ago

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.

6 months ago

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.

Reddit IconNo-Result-948
10 months ago

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.

Reddit IconRiash
4 months ago

I’ve got an ASUS RT-BE86U router currently on FIOS and it keeps dropping the connection. I’ve tried everything I can think of to fix it including trying Merlin and have had no luck. Wife is not happy as she works from home once or twice a week and going down because of the router is unacceptable. I’m ready to toss it and get something else. My apartment is about 1,000 square feet laid out like a rectangle. Requirements: \-must be reliable. \-capable of multiple SSID’s for 2.4 and 5ghz networks, as well as multiple guest SSID’s without lan access. I keep separate networks for WFH, Smart Devices, Visitors, and Main network. Nice to haves: \- 6ghz capability. Don’t know if 6ghz will reach the back rooms, might need two units in that case. \-ability to track data usage by device. Makes troubleshooting a little easier but isn’t necessary. \-VLAN capability. I don’t use it at the moment but i might in the future. Anyone have any suggestions?

4 months ago

Thanks for the reply. I’m getting WLC_SCB_DEAUTHORIZE errors in the system log and the router requires reboots several times a day. Never had this issue with the old ASUS RT-AC86U. I’d go back to it but it’s dead which is why I bought the BE version thinking it’s be a straight upgrade. When the router decides to stop working both wired and wireless clients lose connection. I’m pretty sure it’s the router. I’ve tried ASUS and Merlin firmware and multiple factory resets and reprogramming from scratch. I can’t justify spending any more time on this router when my wife needs something dependable to do her job. You’re correct it could be FIOS, but I’m doubtful. Obviously if a new router has the same issues I’ll be forced to reassess.

Reddit IconRobbinYoHood
5 months ago

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.

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