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Review Summary
2024-12-09T19:00:00
Perfect size, footprint, and good looks. Love the gorgeous box it arrived in. The Web-based settings page is nicely developed and thorough. The included, free, security protection by Trend Micro beats the competition. I plan to use my prior ASUS RT-AC68 as a mesh unit ... this should be easy to set-up using the web-based settings page. No problems linking our NAS back-up, our Ooma VOIP phone line, our Epson printer, the smartphone, and streaming to our TV's. This WiFi6 router lives up to the ASUS reputation and the excellent reviews by the tech pros.
JustaUrthMan
2023-10-25T20:00:00
My wife, (or should I say my wifi) are very happy with this unit. So much faster than the old one we had. It was fairly easy to set up , just follow the instructions and get the phone app first....could not have been better...
Mikeheart23
2023-10-12T20:00:00
This is my second router from asus. It has alot of features for setup. The distance for wifi reception has improved over all.
Rebockone1
2023-09-15T20:00:00
I have had this installed now for a few months and it works very well with my systems.It covers all over my house with no problems,
Casey N.
2023-01-15T19:00:00
I bought it a month ago. i like the design about this router also working very well. I am so happy change to this product
JoJo L.
2023-01-15T19:00:00
I purchased this item a few days ago & have not had a chance to connect it yet. It is a lot faster than my other unit according to the the instructions & date information.
BruceEscar
2023-01-10T19:00:00
I received new ASUS WiFi router from ASUS store online. 3 ASUS technicians and a supervisor could not connect the AiMesh node to another ASUS router. It was escalated to upper level tech support, who never responded. Later learned from another ASUS agent, it was not escalated. ASUS use to make great products and provide awesome service.
Cliff
2022-11-22T19:00:00
I bought this router to form an AiMesh network. I have had as n RT-AV68U for several years. The number of devices we use with our be wifi has increased and we are using some at a greater distance from the single ones location. Performance was not so good at times at the other end of the house. So I decided the new router would become the main touter and the older one would be a node. I updated the firmware on the old one, then removed it and connected the new RT-AC86U. I used the Android App as my setup tool. That was very simple and the process proceeded with no issues at all. Well done ASUS! I placed the old one near the other end of the house and followed the AiMesh instructions. Once again I used the App as my tool. Again, setup was simple and the node came online with no problems. I have used both the App on my phone and the web browser based interface for checking on operations. Both sre easy to use. Both show me which devices are connected to the main router or to the node. The portable devices switch seamlessly between the RT-AC86U and the RT-AC68U. Performance is now much better with the node now sharing the load. I am quite pleased.
DonlikesASUS
2022-01-16T19:00:00
I recently upgraded from the AC1900 router (AC68u) to the AC86U. It's a beast and reliable. I've got mesh set up using the older AC68u and so far only had to do 1 reset when the satellite wasn't working. Only 1 thing I need to investigate further is using the USB 3.0 port for media streaming. Overall it's awesome and the range is great
Harpssssss
2021-04-11T20:00:00
I bought this router to install in my 1000 sqft apartment, have 20 devices connected to it. Its working great, speed is amazing. Its been a month now and nver had a glitch or slowness. This router offers a wide area coverage, I still can access the wifi from the parking lot. This router support VPN and I use to connect to home network and devices when I am away from home. Overall great router.
anoop89461
2021-03-26T20:00:00
I bought this router a few months ago because my last one was very old and i had to keep restarting it every day. This router has been great. It is perfect for my house and was easy to set up.
NowHouse12
2021-01-20T19:00:00
2nd router purchase of my life , recently bought my first router 4 months ago from Netgear it was been a nightmare since day one. I finally said enough was enough and went with this router , have not had a single problem since day one with the ASUS router. The web interface is way nicer and the app is very user friendly and offers many features Netgear did not.
Budtheboy420
2021-01-05T19:00:00
I bought a pair of these units. Devices in the house constantly dropped the signal. After about 3 calls to tech support, both were sent back via FedEx, at ASUS expense. After a month, they were replaced - AT DIFFERENT TIMES. I needed both for my MESH network, so receiving them 10 days apart was not helpful. The replacement units have been fine. They have been in service for about 2-3 full months. No dropped signals. I'm running 3 TV's, 3 tablets, 3 laptops, 4 cell phones, 4 Nest Thermostats. So far so good. It took a lot of time and a lot of sweat to get here.
Murray W.
2020-12-03T19:00:00
Strong router, easy to set up and maintain. Called support for support and got immediate help to resolve my issue.
onemikeone
2020-10-16T08:18:22
Good looking unit arrived well packed, stands 6.5in tall (12.5in with antennas straight up) and 9 in wide. Great upgrade from the asus 1200 with easy setup interface. Great strong throughput even in a high traffic environment in the 2.4ghz and 5Ghz. when teleconferencing. This unit allows AI mesh. Price factor influenced my purchase.
ALFREDO S.
2020-10-15T20:00:00
This router is fast and easy to setup. The app is a great feature. It's nice and intuitive. I'm able to control and prioritize devices from the app.
North_of_56
2020-10-15T20:00:00
I've purchased this router about a month ago and am satisfied with the results, we have multiple gaming devices, tablet, phones etc and it's running smoothly. The spectrum provided router was no longer up to par and ASUS delivers. This review qualifies me for a warranty extension.
Drewskii20
2020-09-05T20:00:00
bought 3 and use 2 as nodes for wifi extension. Perhaps overkill, but our wifi coverage is excellent. Fairly straightforward set up.
Skgardner8
2020-06-15T20:00:00
Had this router for about 6 months , haven't had any problems . Great speeds , able to stream multiple devices with no slow down , everything on wifi but my xbox with no hiccups.Got a little warm so i put two small fans on the back , no big deal but worth mentioning .
OverTime247
Accidents happen. Protect your favorite Adorama products and purchase a protection plan to stay covered from accidental damage, mechanical or electrical failures, and more.
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Enjoy your gear without fear. We have you covered!
When regular use of your product over time results in mechanical or electrical failure.
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Our claims process is simple & easy and our customer service team is happy to help.
Adorama Protect powered by Extend is available for purchase to customers in the United States. Not available for international or U.S. territories purchases. Plans on open box items do not cover pre-existing damage.
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Browse our FAQ
IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, IPv4, IPv6
AC2900 ultimate AC performance: 750+2167 Mbps
Very large homes
802.11a : 6,9,12,18,24,36,48,54 Mbps
802.11b : 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps
802.11g : 6,9,12,18,24,36,48,54 Mbps
802.11n : up to 450 Mbps
802.11ac : up to 1734 Mbps
1024QAM (2.4GHz) : up to 750 Mbps
1024QAM (5GHz) : up to2167 Mbps
3x External antenna
1x Internal 3dBi antenna for Wi-Fi
MIMO technology
2.4 GHz 3 x 3
5 GHz 4 x 4
1.8 GHz dual-core processor
256 MB Flash
512 MB RAM
Beamforming: standard-based and universal
1024-QAM high data rate
20/40/80 MHz bandwidth
2.4 GHz / 5 GHz
64-bit WEP, 128-bit WEP, WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK, WPA-Enterprise , WPA2-Enterprise , WPS support
Access control: Parental control, Network service filter, URL filter, Port filter
UPnP, IGMP v1/v2/v3, DNS Proxy, DHCP, NTP Client, DDNS, Port Trigger, Port Forwarding, DMZ, System Event Log
IPSec Pass-Through
PPTP Pass-Through
L2TP Pass-Through
PPTP server
OpenVPN server
PPTP client
L2TP client
OpenVPN client
Internet connection type: Automatic IP, Static IP, PPPoE(MPPE supported), PPTP, L2TP
Router setup wizard; Firmware restoration; Device discovery; printer setup utility
1x RJ45 for Gigabits BaseT for WAN, 4x RJ45 for 10/100/1000/Gigabits BaseT for LAN
1x USB 2.0
1x USB 3.0
MU-MIMO
Traffic Analyzer
Adaptive QoS
WTFast Gamers Private Network
AiProtection
Parental Control
Guest Network: 2.4 GHz x 3, 5 GHz x 3
Mac OS Backup
Enhanced media server (AiPlayer app compatible):
Image: Jpeg
Audio: mp3, wma, wav, pcm, mp4, lpcm, ogg
Video: asf, avi, divx, mpeg, mpg, ts, vob, wmv, mkv, mov
AiCloud personal cloud service
3G/4G data sharing
Printer Server:
Multifunctional printer support (Windows only)
LPR protocol support
Download Master:
Support bt, nzb, http, ed2k
Support encryption, DHT, PEX and magnet link
Upload and download bandwidth control
Download scheduling
AiDisk file server: Samba and FTP server with account management
IPTV support
Roaming Assist
WPS Button, Reset Button, Power Button, Wireless on/off Button, LED on/off Button
1x Power
2x Wi-Fi
1x WAN
1x WPS
4x LAN
AC Input: 110V-240V(50-60Hz)
DC Output: 19 V with max. 1.75 A current
Windows 10
Windows 8
Windows 7
Mac OS X 10.6
Mac OS X 10.7
Mac OS X 10.8
Linux
Wireless router mode
Access point mode
Media bridge mode
8.7 x 6.3 x 3.3" (220 x 160 x 83.8mm) (Without Bezel)
1.9 lbs (862g)
889349624609
Most excellent router
By JustaUrthMan
Perfect size, footprint, and good looks. Love the gorgeous box it arrived in. The Web-based settings page is nicely developed and thorough. The included, free, security protection by Trend Micro beats the competition. I plan to use my prior ASUS RT-AC68 as a mesh unit ... this should be easy to set-up using the web-based settings page. No problems linking our NAS back-up, our Ooma VOIP phone line, our Epson printer, the smartphone, and streaming to our TV's. This WiFi6 router lives up to the ...
View full Review
A wonderful piece of equipment
By Mikeheart23
My wife, (or should I say my wifi) are very happy with this unit. So much faster than the old one we had. It was fairly easy to set up , just follow the instructions and get the phone app first....could not have been better...
Furiously Fast. Powerfully Equipped.
ASUS RT-AC86U is the ultimate choice for gaming, with blistering 2917Mbps Wi-Fi speeds, MU-MIMO technology and powerful game-boosting features including the WTFast game accelerator and Adaptive QoS.
Ultrafast Wi-Fi with NitroQAM and 5GHz Quad-Stream Technology
Whether you're gaming online in a heated competition or streaming a live event in 4K UHD, lag and buffering are simply not an option. NitroQAM (1024-QAM) technology delivers the ultimate 5GHz quad-stream (4x4) speeds of up to 2167Mbps, giving RT-AC86U combined total speed of 2917Mbps. So everyone on your network can enjoy smooth streaming and low-latency online gaming!
Powerful Hardware, Ultimate Performance
With the increasing popularity of 5GHz Wi-Fi devices, a router needs to deliver the maximum 5GHz bandwidth possible, with reliable long-range performance. RT-AC86U has an extra internal 5GHz antenna to provide the ultimate 5GHz quad-stream performance, while RangeBoost significantly improves mid- to long-distance Wi-Fi coverage. Additionally, RT-AC86U's top-of-the-line 1.8GHz 64bit dual-core processor brings its computational capability to the next level, enabling USB data transfers of up to 110MB/s and router download/upload speeds (WAN-LAN throughput) of up to 1600Mbps.
Double Gaming Boost
Enjoy low-latency online gaming with boosted internet and home network performance!
Free Game Accelerator Inside
Ping time and variance are critical technical parameters that affect responsiveness in online gaming, and their values depend heavily on the route game packets take to and from their destination. The Gamers Private Network (GPN) from WTFast automatically performs route optimization, choosing the most efficient route for game packets, resulting in consistently-lower ping time and minimal packet loss. With RT-AC86U this optimization is free for accelerating one selectable device at a time, so you can enjoy the results on supported competitive multi-player online games.
Adaptive QoS - Prioritize Your Game
Boost your gaming bandwidth with Adaptive QoS (Quality of Service), which allows you to easily prioritize gaming packets and activities. You can even assign full dedicated bandwidth while gaming under gamer solo mode, making RT-AC86U the perfect ally for low latency gaming anywhere in your home. It supports major consoles including PlayStation3, PlayStation4, PS4 Pro, PlayStationVita, Wii U, 3DS and Xbox One.
Multiple Capacity Wi-Fi with Revolutionary MU-MIMO Technology
MU-MIMO gives every compatible device its own dedicated full-speed Wi-Fi connection, so that multiple devices can connect at the same time without slowing down the network.
In fact, RT-AC86U is able to connect to multiple MU-MIMO-compatible clients at each device's maximum speed simultaneously, unlike standard single-user MIMO where individual devices have to wait for sequential transmissions.
Unbeatable Coverage
With ASUS innovative antenna design and the new Range Boost technology, both Wi-Fi range and signal stability improve dramatically. AiRadar further focuses Wi-Fi signal on your devices, making your Wi-Fi faster, clearer and stronger.
AiProtection, Your Digital Playground is Protected
RT-AC86U incorporates ASUS AiProtection, a commercial-grade network security system powered by Trend Micro Smart Home Network. With AiProtection, all connected devices are protected, even if they have no antivirus capability of their own - such as IoT devices.
AiProtection blocks common internet-based attacks before they reach the network, and if an infected device is detected on the network, AiProtection instantly blocks it to prevent it sending any personal information to malicious servers.
Fortified Frontline Network Security
Networking is only half the equation when it comes to game performance. As AiProtection is integrated in RT-AC86U and powered by the router, even if a device's security software isn't turned on - to get around blocked games, for example - AiProtection still protects the network from attacks and intrusions, for added peace of mind.
Powerful Whole-home Wi-Fi System. The Way You Want.
In most cases, your RT-AC86U can deliver smooth, reliable Wi-Fi to every part of your home. But Wi-Fi coverage can be affected by many factors - room layout, construction materials, and even furnishings. ASUS AiMesh is an innovative new router feature that fixes these problems: it creates a whole-home Wi-Fi network using multiple ASUS routers. AiMesh is powerful, flexible and you can use a mix of ASUS router models - protecting your investment! AiMesh gives you time-saving central control, and seamless roaming capability. AiMesh is Wi-Fi you can rely on - for all your devices, all the time!
Turn your ASUS routers into whole-home Wi-Fi system with a simple firmware update
Mix and match preferred models from selected ASUS routers
Create a Wi-Fi network with either a single SSID or multiple SSIDs
All router features works across the entire Wi-Fi system
ASUS Router APP, Control Your Network Anywhere
In your increasingly mobile-enabled life, having control over your network via an app is more important than ever. The new ASUS Router APP is built from the ground-up to be both intuitive and robust, all without needing to boot up a PC.
One-click Game Boost
Easy Router Setup
Real-time Traffic Monitering
Clever Network Diagnosis
Effortless Guest Wi-Fi Sharing
Handy Firmware Update
ASUSWRT, Easily Control Your Network
RT-AC86U features the enhanced, intuitive ASUSWRT user interface, which gives you easy access to both the 3-step web-based installation process and a wealth of robust advanced options
Connectivity Options
RT-AC86U has four Gigabit LAN ports, USB 2.0 port and USB 3.0 (USB 3.1 Gen 1) port. Smart TV, game consoles, NAS storage devices and more can now have their own dedicated ports, making RT-AC86U your digital home hub.
Your Sharing Center
With built-in USB 3.0 (USB 3.1 Gen 1) and USB 2.0 ports, you can connect USB-enabled devices, such as external storage drives, printers, or a 3G/4G dongle to your ASUS router and share them conveniently with other users via Wi-Fi. And with USB 3.1 Gen 1, you can enjoy up to 10X faster data transfer speeds.