Finding the sweet spot between gaming performance and value in today's router market can feel like an impossible task. Enter the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro, a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 gaming router that promises to deliver exceptional speeds and gaming-focused features without breaking the bank. After spending weeks putting this router through its paces in my home network, I've discovered a capable performer that excels in several key areas whilst falling short in others.
The RT-AX86U Pro sits in an interesting position within ASUS's gaming router lineup. It's not the flagship model, but it's certainly not entry-level either. With its AX5700 rating, dedicated gaming port, and comprehensive security features, it targets users who want serious gaming performance without the premium price tag of higher-end models.
During my testing period, I used the router to handle everything from 4K streaming across multiple devices to intensive online gaming sessions. The results were largely impressive, though some aspects left me questioning whether you might be better served looking elsewhere in this competitive price bracket.
Design and Build Quality
The RT-AX86U Pro follows ASUS's established gaming router design language with its angular, origami-inspired aesthetic. Measuring 242 x 170 x 110mm, it's more compact than many gaming routers, making it easier to find a suitable spot on your desk or shelf. The matte black finish with subtle red accents gives it a distinctly gaming-focused appearance without being overly flashy.
The router features three external antennas that can be adjusted and rotated for optimal signal positioning, supplemented by an internal antenna for additional coverage. I found the build quality to be solid, with no flex or cheap-feeling plastics. The vertical orientation is space-efficient, though you'll need to account for the additional height once the antennas are attached.
Heat management proved excellent during my testing. Even during extended periods of heavy usage, the router remained cool to the touch thanks to strategically placed ventilation slots. The front-mounted LED indicators provide clear status information, though they can be quite bright in dark rooms – thankfully, there's a button to disable them when needed.
Connectivity and Ports
One of the RT-AX86U Pro's standout features is its comprehensive port selection. The router includes a 2.5Gbps WAN port alongside a standard 1Gbps WAN port, giving you flexibility for future-proofing your internet connection. Four gigabit LAN ports provide ample wired connectivity, with one designated as a 'gaming port' that supposedly prioritises traffic for connected devices.
The single USB 3.0 port is useful for network-attached storage or sharing a printer across your network. I tested the USB 3.0 port with an external drive and found transfer speeds to be respectable for this price range. It's worth noting that the Pro version sacrifices the second USB port found on the standard RT-AX86U in favour of the slightly faster processor. The multi-gig WAN capability is especially valuable if you have a fast fibre connection, as many routers in this price bracket lack this feature.
Performance and Range
Performance is where the RT-AX86U Pro truly shines, though with some caveats. In my 120-square-metre home, I achieved peak speeds of approximately 850Mbps at close range, which is excellent for a dual-band router. The 5GHz band delivered consistently strong performance throughout the ground floor, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive tasks like 4K streaming and large file downloads.
Range performance was particularly impressive for a standalone router. I maintained usable speeds of around 200Mbps at 15 metres distance through multiple walls, which is more than adequate for most streaming and browsing needs. The support for 160MHz channels and Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) helped maintain strong performance even in my congested neighbourhood with numerous competing networks.
However, being a dual-band router means it lacks the 6GHz band found in newer Wi-Fi 6E models. This isn't necessarily a dealbreaker, but it does mean you won't get the benefits of that less congested spectrum if you have compatible devices. For most users in 2024, this won't be a significant limitation, but it's worth considering for future-proofing.
Gaming Features and Performance
The gaming credentials of the RT-AX86U Pro are mixed. The dedicated gaming port genuinely does seem to provide priority for wired devices – I noticed more consistent latency when gaming on a PC connected to this port compared to the standard LAN ports. The Mobile Game Mode, accessible through the ASUS Router app, is a nice touch for smartphone gaming, reducing latency with a simple tap.
However, the router lacks some advanced gaming features found in competitors. There's no ping heat map for identifying the best gaming servers, nor does it offer geo-fencing capabilities to block distant servers automatically. The Adaptive QoS system works well for prioritising gaming traffic, but the interface could be more user-friendly for those wanting granular control.
For competitive gaming, I found the router performed admirably. Latency remained consistent during online matches, and the ability to aggregate dual WAN connections means you could theoretically achieve up to 2Gbps of internet bandwidth if you have multiple high-speed connections available.
Security and Software
One area where the RT-AX86U Pro genuinely excels is security. The inclusion of AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro, provides commercial-grade network security with lifetime free updates. This is a significant advantage over competitors that charge annual subscription fees for similar protection. The system blocked several malicious websites during my testing and provided detailed reports on network security status.
The latest WPA3 security protocol is supported, along with comprehensive parental controls that allow you to manage internet access times and content filtering for different devices. The ASUS Router mobile app makes managing these features straightforward, though the web interface offers more granular control for advanced users.
One unique advantage of the Pro version is its support for VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) configuration, allowing advanced users to create isolated network segments. This feature is particularly valuable for business users or those wanting to separate IoT devices from their main network for security purposes.
AiMesh compatibility is another strong point, allowing you to expand your network using other ASUS routers. This provides a clear upgrade path if you need better coverage in the future without replacing your entire networking setup.
Setup and Configuration
Setting up the RT-AX86U Pro proved refreshingly straightforward. Using the ASUS Router mobile app, I had the router configured and running in under ten minutes. The app guided me through each step clearly, from detecting my internet connection to setting up the network name and password. A firmware update was automatically installed during setup, ensuring I had the latest features and security patches.
For those preferring web-based configuration, the browser interface offers extensive customisation options. The layout is logical, though it can feel overwhelming if you're not familiar with networking terminology. Advanced users will appreciate the depth of options available, including detailed wireless settings and the ability to run the router in various modes.
Value and Competition
At around £220-250, the RT-AX86U Pro sits in a challenging position. You can find routers with similar top speeds for significantly less money, such as the TP-Link Archer BE550 which offers Wi-Fi 7 capabilities. Alternatively, for a similar price, you could opt for a mesh system that provides better whole-home coverage.
However, the RT-AX86U Pro's value proposition becomes clearer when you consider the included security features and build quality. The lifetime AiProtection Pro subscription alone would cost £70 annually with some competitors. Add the two-year warranty, VLAN support, and the comprehensive feature set, and the pricing becomes more justifiable.
The router's energy efficiency is also noteworthy, consuming approximately 11 watts during normal operation. This translates to roughly £12 per year in electricity costs, which is reasonable for a router in this class.
Final Verdict
The ASUS RT-AX86U Pro is a capable router that delivers solid performance and excellent security features. I found it particularly well-suited to homes that need reliable gaming performance without the complexity of a full mesh system. The combination of strong wireless performance, comprehensive security, and gaming-focused features makes it a compelling choice for the right user.
However, the lack of Wi-Fi 6E support and advanced gaming features like ping mapping may give some users pause. If you're primarily interested in raw performance and don't need the gaming bells and whistles, there are more cost-effective alternatives available.
Ultimately, I'd recommend the RT-AX86U Pro to users who value long-term security support, want solid gaming performance without paying flagship prices, and appreciate the flexibility of AiMesh expansion. It's not perfect, but it strikes a reasonable balance between features, performance, and price that many users will find appealing.