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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
ASUS RT-AC86U (WiFi 5/Standalone Router/Dual-Band AC2900/Gaming Enthusiast Classic)
ASUS RT-AC86U
ASUS RT-AX3000 (WiFi 6/Standalone Router/Dual-Band/Retail Value Model)
ASUS RT-AX3000
WiFi StandardWiFi 5 (802.11ac)WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
Router TypeStandalone RouterStandalone Router
Band ConfigurationDual-Band (2.4GHz + 5GHz)Dual-Band
Wired Ports4x Gigabit LAN, 1x Gigabit WAN, 1x USB 3.1, 1x USB 2.04x Gigabit LAN, 1x Gigabit WAN
Special Features1.8GHz dual-core CPU, WTFast gaming acceleration, AiProtection Pro securityASUS Router App, basic AiProtection security
Speed ClassAC2900 (up to 2.9Gbps combined)AX3000
MU-MIMO/OFDMAMU-MIMOYes
Mesh SupportAiMesh compatibleAiMesh 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.

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