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ASUS RT-AC86U vs ASUS RT-AX3000: Comparison
ASUS RT-AC86U and ASUS RT-AX3000 differ on speed class: ASUS RT-AC86U at AC2900 (up to 2.9Gbps combined), ASUS RT-AX3000 at AX3000, which puts ASUS RT-AX3000 ahead on that measure. They match on router type and mesh support.
Specs
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi Standard | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Router Type | Standalone Router | Standalone Router |
| Band Configuration | Dual-Band (2.4GHz + 5GHz) | Dual-Band |
| Wired Ports | 4x Gigabit LAN, 1x Gigabit WAN, 1x USB 3.1, 1x USB 2.0 | 4x Gigabit LAN, 1x Gigabit WAN |
| Special Features | 1.8GHz dual-core CPU, WTFast gaming acceleration, AiProtection Pro security | ASUS Router App, basic AiProtection security |
| Speed Class | AC2900 (up to 2.9Gbps combined) | AX3000 |
| MU-MIMO/OFDMA | MU-MIMO | Yes |
| Mesh Support | AiMesh compatible | AiMesh compatible |
Verdict
ASUS RT-AC86U
7 / 10 Expert Rating
An aging but still-capable gaming router whose strong processor and AiMesh support keep it relevant well past most WiFi 5 routers' shelf life.
ASUS RT-AX3000
6.5 / 10 Expert Rating
A perfectly serviceable budget WiFi 6 router, but there's little here that distinguishes it from ASUS's own cheaper AX55.




