Asus Rt-ac86u Vs Rt-ax86u Pro

In the ever-evolving world of networking, ASUS has consistently stood out as a pioneer, delivering cutting-edge routers that empower users with unparalleled connectivity. The ASUS RT-AC86U and RT-AX86U Pro are two such devices that have captivated the attention of tech enthusiasts and home networkers alike. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit these two Wi-Fi powerhouses against each other to determine the ultimate winner in the battle of wireless superiority.

Wi-Fi Standards: The Foundation of Wireless Connectivity

The ASUS RT-AC86U is equipped with the 802.11ac standard, offering theoretical speeds of up to 1733Mbps on the 5GHz band and 867Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. This makes it an excellent choice for households with multiple devices streaming HD video, gaming online, or engaging in other bandwidth-intensive activities.

In contrast, the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro boasts the latest 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) standard, which significantly enhances both speed and efficiency. With a maximum theoretical speed of 1201Mbps on the 5GHz band and 574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, the RT-AX86U Pro is capable of delivering blazing-fast and lag-free connections for even the most demanding applications.

Coverage and Range: Extending Your Wi-Fi Reach

Both the ASUS RT-AC86U and RT-AX86U Pro feature four external antennas, providing excellent coverage and signal strength throughout your home or office. However, the RT-AX86U Pro has a slight edge in this area due to its enhanced Beamforming technology, which focuses the Wi-Fi signal towards connected devices, improving both range and stability.

Performance: Unlocking the True Potential of Your Network

When it comes to performance, the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro shines brighter than its predecessor. The combination of the 802.11ax standard, OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), and MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) technologies enables the RT-AX86U Pro to handle multiple devices simultaneously without sacrificing speed or stability.

In real-world testing, the RT-AX86U Pro consistently outperforms the RT-AC86U in terms of both download and upload speeds, making it the ideal choice for households with a large number of connected devices or for users who require maximum bandwidth for gaming or streaming.

Security: Protecting Your Network from Threats

Both the ASUS RT-AC86U and RT-AX86U Pro offer robust security features to safeguard your network from unauthorized access and malicious attacks. They support WPA2-PSK and WPA3-PSK encryption protocols, which provide strong protection against brute-force attacks. Additionally, they feature built-in firewalls and intrusion detection systems to block unwanted traffic and prevent potential threats.

Features: Enhancing Your Wireless Experience

Beyond their core capabilities, both the ASUS RT-AC86U and RT-AX86U Pro offer a range of additional features to enhance your wireless experience. These include:

• AiMesh Support: Both routers support AiMesh, allowing you to create a seamless whole-home Wi-Fi system by connecting multiple ASUS routers together.
• Parental Controls: The routers provide comprehensive parental controls, enabling you to set time limits, filter content, and monitor your children’s online activity.
• Guest Network: You can create separate guest networks to provide secure internet access to visitors without giving them access to your main network.
• Traffic Analyzer: The routers offer a built-in traffic analyzer that provides detailed insights into your network usage, helping you identify potential bottlenecks or security issues.

Verdict: The Ultimate Choice

After thoroughly comparing the ASUS RT-AC86U and RT-AX86U Pro, it’s clear that the RT-AX86U Pro emerges as the superior choice. With its faster speeds, enhanced coverage, and advanced features, the RT-AX86U Pro is the ideal choice for households that demand the best possible Wi-Fi experience.

However, if you’re on a budget or don’t require the absolute latest in Wi-Fi technology, the ASUS RT-AC86U is still a solid option that will provide reliable and fast connectivity for most users.

Beyond the Comparison: Additional Considerations

In addition to the factors discussed above, here are a few other considerations to keep in mind when choosing between the ASUS RT-AC86U and RT-AX86U Pro:

• Price: The ASUS RT-AX86U Pro is typically more expensive than the RT-AC86U.
• Availability: The RT-AX86U Pro is a newer device and may not be as widely available as the RT-AC86U.
• Future-proofing: The RT-AX86U Pro supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, which is expected to become more prevalent in the future.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. Which router has faster speeds, the RT-AC86U or RT-AX86U Pro?

The ASUS RT-AX86U Pro has faster speeds thanks to its support for the 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) standard.

2. Which router has better coverage and range?

Both routers have excellent coverage and range, but the RT-AX86U Pro has a slight edge due to its enhanced Beamforming technology.

3. Which router is more secure?

Both routers offer robust security features, including WPA2-PSK and WPA3-PSK encryption protocols, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.

4. Which router has more features?

Both routers offer a range of features, including AiMesh support, parental controls, guest networks, and traffic analyzers. However, the RT-AX86U Pro has a few additional features, such as OFDMA and MU-MIMO.

5. Which router is the best choice for gaming and streaming?

The ASUS RT-AX86U Pro is the best choice for gaming and streaming due to its faster speeds, lower latency, and support for the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard.