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ASUS RT-AC86U vs Linksys EA7500: Comparison
ASUS RT-AC86U and Linksys EA7500 differ on coverage area: ASUS RT-AC86U at 2500, Linksys EA7500 at 1500, which puts ASUS RT-AC86U ahead on that measure. They match on wifi standard, router type and band configuration.
Specs
| Specification |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi Standard | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Router Type | Standalone Router | Standalone Router |
| Band Configuration | Dual-Band (2.4GHz + 5GHz) | Dual-Band (2.4GHz + 5GHz) |
| Coverage Area | 2500 | 1500 |
| Wired Ports | 4x Gigabit LAN, 1x Gigabit WAN, 1x USB 3.1, 1x USB 2.0 | 1x Gigabit WAN, 4x Gigabit LAN |
| Special Features | 1.8GHz dual-core CPU, WTFast gaming acceleration, AiProtection Pro security | MU-STREAM beamforming, USB 3.0 port, Linksys app management, budget legacy pick |
| Speed Class | AC2900 (up to 2.9Gbps combined) | AC1900 |
| MU-MIMO/OFDMA | MU-MIMO | MU-MIMO only (pre-WiFi 6) |
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.
Linksys EA7500
5.8 / 10 Expert Rating
A dated but functional budget WiFi 5 router, worth considering only when price trumps every other factor.