Main points
- If you’re looking for a high-performance router with excellent Wi-Fi coverage and a wide range of features, the GT-AX6000 is the better choice.
- However, if you’re on a tighter budget and don’t need all the bells and whistles, the RT-AX86U Pro offers a great balance of performance and value.
- The RT-AX86U Pro is an excellent choice for those looking for a powerful and affordable router, while the GT-AX6000 is the ultimate choice for those demanding the best possible Wi-Fi experience.
In the ever-evolving world of home networking, ASUS has consistently pushed the boundaries, delivering top-notch Wi-Fi routers that cater to the demanding needs of modern households. Two of their latest offerings, the RT-AX86U Pro and GT-AX6000, stand out as exceptional contenders in the high-performance router market. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two powerhouses, helping you make an informed decision about which one is the perfect fit for your Wi-Fi needs.
Design and Build Quality
The ASUS RT-AX86U Pro and GT-AX6000 both feature a sleek and futuristic design. However, the GT-AX6000 has a slightly larger and more angular body, giving it a more aggressive appearance. Both routers come with four external antennas that can be adjusted for optimal signal coverage. The build quality of both devices is excellent, with sturdy plastic construction and a solid feel.
Hardware Specifications
Under the hood, the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro and GT-AX6000 pack impressive hardware specifications. The RT-AX86U Pro is powered by a 1.8GHz quad-core CPU, while the GT-AX6000 boasts a more powerful 2.0GHz quad-core CPU. Both routers have 512MB of RAM and 256MB of storage. In terms of connectivity, the RT-AX86U Pro features four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports and a single WAN port, while the GT-AX6000 offers eight Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports and two WAN ports.
Wi-Fi Performance
Wi-Fi performance is the most crucial aspect of any router. The ASUS RT-AX86U Pro supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard and offers a maximum theoretical speed of 574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 4804Mbps on the 5GHz band. The GT-AX6000 also supports Wi-Fi 6 and offers a slightly higher maximum theoretical speed of 1148Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 4804Mbps on the 5GHz band. In real-world testing, both routers delivered exceptional Wi-Fi speeds and coverage, with the GT-AX6000 having a slight edge in long-range performance.
Features
The ASUS RT-AX86U Pro and GT-AX6000 come with a comprehensive suite of features designed to enhance your home networking experience. Both routers support MU-MIMO and OFDMA, which allow them to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, reducing latency and improving overall network efficiency. They also feature advanced security features such as WPA3 encryption and AiProtection Pro, which protects your network from malware and other online threats. Additionally, the GT-AX6000 offers a few exclusive features, including a built-in gaming accelerator and a dedicated DFS band, which can provide improved performance for gaming and other latency-sensitive applications.
Price
The ASUS RT-AX86U Pro has a suggested retail price of $249.99, while the GT-AX6000 is priced at $399.99. The price difference reflects the additional features and slightly higher performance offered by the GT-AX6000.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro and GT-AX6000 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a high-performance router with excellent Wi-Fi coverage and a wide range of features, the GT-AX6000 is the better choice. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and don’t need all the bells and whistles, the RT-AX86U Pro offers a great balance of performance and value.
The Verdict: The Best Asus Wi-Fi Router for Your Needs
Both the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro and GT-AX6000 are exceptional Wi-Fi routers that deliver top-notch performance and a comprehensive suite of features. The RT-AX86U Pro is an excellent choice for those looking for a powerful and affordable router, while the GT-AX6000 is the ultimate choice for those demanding the best possible Wi-Fi experience. Ultimately, the best router for you depends on your individual needs and budget.
Common Questions and Answers
1. What is the difference between the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro and GT-AX6000?
The GT-AX6000 has a more powerful CPU, eight Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, a dedicated DFS band, and a built-in gaming accelerator.
2. Which router has better Wi-Fi performance?
In real-world testing, the GT-AX6000 had a slight edge in long-range performance.
3. What is the price difference between the two routers?
The RT-AX86U Pro has a suggested retail price of $249.99, while the GT-AX6000 is priced at $399.99.