The RT-AC86U router from Asus is great for online gamers or those who like to live stream content. With transfer speeds up to 2900 Mbps, and dual-band wireless support, this AC2900 router is the best router in its segment. It has several ports for connectivity and also works with the ASUS Router app as well as the ASUSWRT User interface. For another high-quality router, you might also want to read our D-Link DIR 644 whole home router 1000 review.
Why We Like It – Asus RT-AC86U Review
The Asus RT-AC86U is a powerful wireless router that has been designed primarily with gamers in mind. It supports 4K live streaming and does it without any lag or buffering. The router also features AIProtection for ultimate security and is backed by Trend Micro Smart Home Network. Compare it to the Option GlobeSurfer III 3G router – isn’t mobile, but it sure is fast.
- 5GHz quad stream gaming router
- High coverage area and AiProtection network security
- 2900 Mbps data transfer speed
- 2.4GHz wireless band not so great
Performance
This Asus wireless router uses the revolutionary MU-MIMO technology to offer high-speed Wi-Fi connection speeds for multiple devices, helping it compete with the best gigabit router. It features a 1.8GHz 32-bit dual-core processor to improve connectivity via the 4 Gigabit LAN ports, and a USB 3.1 Gen1 port. The router is great for online gaming thanks to the WTFast Game Accelerator and adaptive QoS. The NitroQAM technology provides afast 5GHz quad-stream with speeds of up to 2917 Mbps, which is what you need when streaming 4K games. This router is a beast compared to devices such as the Eero Pro Mesh Wi-Fi System (2nd Gen) Router. Read our ASUS ROG Rapture AX11000 review to learn more about this product.
Design
The RT-AC86U router Asus was designed for maximum coverage, but also to attract gamers or live streamers. It features three external antennas that can offer good range even in very large homes, and has four Gigabit LAN ports at the back. The design of the router has it standing on its front, while all the ports are placed behind. It also gets sharp design elements on the front and an LED off button to cut out the lights. If the aggressive design isn’t to your liking, then check out the Netgear Orbi RBK23 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi System Router.
Value
If you’re looking for a new wireless router with 5GHz wireless band that offers high-speed transfer speeds, then the RT-AC86U is an amazing value for money. The router is perfect for very large homes and especially if you’re an online gamer. It can stream 4K content and games without any lag or buffering, while also providing a high level of security. This router has AiProtection that protects all your smart home devices, and supports AiMesh Whole Home. The TP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System Router is another good router for smart connected homes. For a router with an LCD screen, check out our Belkin N1 Vision wireless router review.
Asus RT-AC86U Review Wrap Up
We conclude this router review by talking about the pros and cons. The Asus RT-AC86U is a great router for online gamers thanks to the 5GHz quad stream technology, 2900 Mbps transfer speeds, the high coverage area, and security features. However, the 2.4GHz band doesn’t work as well as it should, and is something that Asus should look into. For another 5GHz router that offers one of the top most performances, have a glimpse of our review on the 9 most compelling features of the Netgear ac1900 nighthawk 5ghz smart wifi router.
