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ASUS RT-AX86U Pro vs Google Nest WiFi Pro: Comparison
What is the difference between ASUS RT-AX86U Pro and Google Nest WiFi Pro?
They are built to different briefs, and wifi standard shows it, ASUS RT-AX86U Pro WiFi 6 against Google Nest WiFi Pro WiFi 6E. Device type is not the same on both, Gaming Router on the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro versus Mesh System on the Google Nest WiFi Pro. There is a split on wifi generation as well, WiFi 6 on the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro versus WiFi 6E on the Google Nest WiFi Pro. There is a split on spatial streams total as well, 7 on the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro versus 6 on the Google Nest WiFi Pro.
Who each one is for
Take the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro for gaming households that want console and mobile game prioritization on a mid-range budget. Avoid it for buyers who need tri-band or WiFi 7 for a large device count. Take the Google Nest WiFi Pro for households already invested in Google Home, or anyone wanting the simplest possible mesh setup, independently confirmed the easiest option in current comparisons. It is the wrong buy for Apple HomeKit households wanting router-level firewall integration, the Velop MX5503 is the right choice for that ecosystem need. Our rating of the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro (7.5/10): the mid-range gaming pick, with console and mobile traffic prioritization plus a 2.5G port. Our rating of the Google Nest WiFi Pro (8/10): the simplest mesh system to live with, and the natural choice inside a Google Home household.
Frequently asked questions
Do the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro and Google Nest WiFi Pro differ on supports 6ghz?
Yes. Supports 6GHz reads No on the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro versus Yes on the Google Nest WiFi Pro.
Is the WPA3 Support the same on the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro and Google Nest WiFi Pro?
It is. Both are listed at Yes, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
WiFi Standard
- ASUS RT-AX86U Pro
- WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
- Google Nest WiFi Pro
- WiFi 6E (802.11ax)
Brand
- ASUS RT-AX86U Pro
- ASUS
- Google Nest WiFi Pro
Router Type
- ASUS RT-AX86U Pro
- Standalone
- Google Nest WiFi Pro
- Mesh System
Model Number
- ASUS RT-AX86U Pro
- RT-AX86U Pro
- Google Nest WiFi Pro
- Nest WiFi Pro
Band Configuration
- ASUS RT-AX86U Pro
- Dual-Band
- Google Nest WiFi Pro
- Tri-Band (includes 6GHz)
Device Type
- ASUS RT-AX86U Pro
- Gaming Router
- Google Nest WiFi Pro
- Mesh System
WiFi Generation
- ASUS RT-AX86U Pro
- WiFi 6
- Google Nest WiFi Pro
- WiFi 6E
Supports 6GHz
- ASUS RT-AX86U Pro
- No
- Google Nest WiFi Pro
- Yes
Aggregate WiFi Speed
- ASUS RT-AX86U Pro
- 5700 MbpsBest
- Google Nest WiFi Pro
- 5400 Mbps
Speed Class
- ASUS RT-AX86U Pro
- AX5700Best
- Google Nest WiFi Pro
- AXE5400
Spatial Streams Total
- ASUS RT-AX86U Pro
- 7
- Google Nest WiFi Pro
- 6
5GHz Streams
- ASUS RT-AX86U Pro
- 4
- Google Nest WiFi Pro
- 2
WAN Port Speed
- ASUS RT-AX86U Pro
- 2.5GbEBest
- Google Nest WiFi Pro
- 1GbE
Max LAN Port Speed
- ASUS RT-AX86U Pro
- 2.5GbEBest
- Google Nest WiFi Pro
- 1GbE
LAN Port Count
- ASUS RT-AX86U Pro
- 4 ports
- Google Nest WiFi Pro
- 2 ports
WPA3 Support
- ASUS RT-AX86U Pro
- Yes
- Google Nest WiFi Pro
- Yes
Mesh Ecosystem
- ASUS RT-AX86U Pro
- AiMesh
- Google Nest WiFi Pro
- Nest WiFi
Which one should you pick?
Choose ASUS RT-AX86U Pro if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Google Nest WiFi Pro if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Verdict
ASUS RT-AX86U Pro
7.5 / 10 Expert Rating
The mid-range gaming pick, with console and mobile traffic prioritization plus a 2.5G port.
Google Nest WiFi Pro
8 / 10 Expert Rating
The simplest mesh system to live with, and the natural choice inside a Google Home household.