ASUS
ASUS RT-AX86U
Best high-performance router for serious gamers and demanding households.
Experience next-generation connectivity with the ASUS RT-AX86U AX5700 Wireless Router. Built on the advanced WiFi 6 standard, this router delivers exceptional speed and broad coverage, perfect for demanding households, gaming, and large homes. Its dedicated 2.5G Ethernet port ensures you can fully leverage gigabit internet speeds up to 1.2Gbps. Seamlessly expand your network with ASUS AiMesh compatibility and enjoy advanced control options. Renowned for its reliability and robust feature set, the RT-AX86U offers a superior wireless experience.
$184.75
More RT Series Options
ASUS RT-AXE7800 AXE7800 WiFi 6E Tri-Band Gigabit Wireless Router
$239.99
ASUS RT-BE96U WiFi 7 Tri-Band Gigabit Wireless Gaming Router
$549.99
ASUS RT-BE92U
$249.99
ASUS RT-BE58U WiFi 7 Router
$129.99
ASUS RT-AX92U AX6100 Tri-Band WiFi 6 Router
$176.22
ASUS RT-AX1800S Wireless Router
$59.90
ASUS RT-AX82U
$249.99
ASUS RT-BE55 WiFi 7 Router
$129.99
ASUS RT-N12 D1 Wireless-N300 Router
$59.99
RT-AC68U AC1900 Dual-Band Gigabit Wi-Fi Router
$67.99
Asus RT-BE86U
$249.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
13
/ 669
#13 in Wireless Routers
Price vs Category Average
-63%
Below average
Wireless Standard
6802.11
/ Wi-Fi (ax)
Who it's for
- Power users needing ultra-fast wired and wireless speeds
- Competitive mobile gamers seeking lower latency
- Families wanting free, robust network security and parental controls
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for an affordable home router
- Minimalists preferring a low-profile horizontal design
- Owners of sprawling estates requiring extensive whole-home coverage
Performance breakdown
Gaming Latency
Dedicated hardware acceleration keeps ping low during intense competitive sessions.
Multi-Device Throughput
MU-MIMO technology handles heavy traffic from multiple household devices effortlessly.
Wired Speed Capacity
The 2.5G port removes bottlenecks for ultra-fast gigabit internet plans.
Coverage Scalability
AiMesh support allows for easy expansion across larger home layouts.
Data Sharing Speed
USB 3.2 integration provides snappy file transfers for network-attached storage.
Configuration Depth
Advanced settings offer granular control for power users and network enthusiasts.
Key Specs
Wireless Standard
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Speed Rating
AX5700
Ports
LAN, USB 3.2, 2.5G Ethernet port
Frequency Band
Dual Band
Item Height
12.8 in
Item Width
9.5 in
Circuit Support
Up to 1.2Gbps via 2.5G port
Connectivity
Wireless
Features
- Next-gen WiFi 6 performance
- High-speed 2.5G WAN/LAN port
- Seamless AiMesh whole-home coverage
- Optimized for mobile gaming
- USB 3.2 for fast data sharing
- MU-MIMO technology for multiple devices
- Enhanced network security features
- Alexa voice control integration
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the ASUS RT-AX86U for its exceptional speed and reliable, robust signal coverage. This router excels in demanding scenarios like 4K streaming and intensive online gaming, largely due to dedicated features that minimize latency. Users appreciate the comprehensive ASUSWRT interface, which offers deep customization alongside strong security. The ability to easily expand the network using AiMesh technology is a significant benefit for whole-home coverage. While the initial cost is premium, the consensus is that the router delivers outstanding value through its consistent stability and powerful performance. It is celebrated as a top-tier device that reliably meets high expectations for advanced networking.
Know before you buy
The 2.5G port allows you to take full advantage of high-speed internet plans that exceed the standard 1Gbps limit. It ensures your router isn't a bottleneck for your incoming connection, providing a smoother experience for bandwidth-heavy tasks like 4K streaming and large file downloads.
Yes, this router supports ASUS AiMesh technology, which allows you to connect multiple compatible ASUS routers to create a single, seamless mesh network. This is an effective way to eliminate dead zones and ensure consistent coverage throughout a larger home.
The RT-AX86U is specifically optimized for gaming, featuring a dedicated mobile game mode that prioritizes traffic to your device to reduce lag. Its high-speed processing and WiFi 6 capabilities also help maintain a stable, low-latency connection during intense gameplay.
Thanks to MU-MIMO technology, this router can handle multiple devices at once without significant performance drops. It is designed to efficiently manage traffic for households with many connected smart devices, laptops, and consoles.
Yes, the integrated USB 3.2 port allows you to connect an external hard drive or flash drive. You can then easily share files, photos, or media across your home network with connected devices.
Yes, the RT-AX86U integrates with Amazon Alexa. You can use voice commands to perform basic tasks like enabling the guest network or pausing the internet for specific devices.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.