What to know
- In the ever-evolving realm of home networking, ASUS stands tall as a pioneer, offering a plethora of high-performance routers.
- While the RT-AX86S provides a great balance of value and performance, the RT-AX86U emerges as the superior choice for larger homes or users who demand the absolute best in Wi-Fi connectivity.
- The ASUS RT-AX86U has a slightly more advanced user interface with additional features such as traffic monitoring and parental controls.
In the ever-evolving realm of home networking, ASUS stands tall as a pioneer, offering a plethora of high-performance routers. Among their latest offerings, the ASUS RT-AX86S and RT-AX86U have emerged as formidable contenders, captivating the attention of tech enthusiasts and home users alike. This comprehensive comparison aims to delve into the intricacies of these two routers, scrutinizing their specifications, features, and performance to help you make an informed decision for your home network.
Specifications: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | ASUS RT-AX86S | ASUS RT-AX86U |
| — | — | — |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Maximum Speed | 5700 Mbps | 5700 Mbps |
| Bands | Tri-band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 5 GHz) | Tri-band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 5 GHz) |
| Antennas | 6 external antennas | 6 external antennas |
| Ports | 1 x Gigabit WAN port, 4 x Gigabit LAN ports, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 port | 1 x Gigabit WAN port, 4 x Gigabit LAN ports, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 port |
| Dimensions | 10.5 x 7.4 x 2.5 inches | 10.5 x 7.4 x 2.5 inches |
| Weight | 2.8 pounds | 2.8 pounds |
Features: Unlocking the Potential
ASUS AiMesh Support: Both routers support ASUS AiMesh, allowing you to create a seamless, whole-home Wi-Fi network by combining multiple compatible ASUS routers.
MU-MIMO and OFDMA: Both devices utilize MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies, enabling them to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, improving overall network efficiency.
Target Wake Time (TWT): This feature optimizes power consumption by scheduling device wake-up times, reducing network congestion and extending battery life for connected devices.
ASUS Adaptive QoS: Prioritizes network traffic based on user-defined rules, ensuring smooth streaming, gaming, and video conferencing experiences.
Performance: Putting the Routers to the Test
In terms of performance, both routers deliver exceptional Wi-Fi coverage and speed. The tri-band design allows for dedicated channels for different types of devices, minimizing interference and maximizing performance. However, there are subtle differences between the two models.
The RT-AX86U boasts a slightly faster maximum speed of 5700 Mbps compared to the RT-AX86S’s 5700 Mbps. This difference is primarily due to the RT-AX86U’s use of a faster 5 GHz radio.
In real-world testing, both routers provide excellent coverage and speeds throughout a typical home. However, the RT-AX86U may have a slight edge in larger homes or areas with multiple devices connected.
User Interface: Ease of Use and Control
Both routers feature the user-friendly ASUSWRT interface, which offers a comprehensive range of configuration options. However, the RT-AX86U has a slightly more advanced interface with additional features such as traffic monitoring and parental controls.
Security: Protecting Your Network
Both the RT-AX86S and RT-AX86U come equipped with the latest security features, including WPA3 encryption, firewall protection, and malware blocking. Additionally, they support ASUS AiProtection Pro, a robust security suite that provides real-time threat detection and prevention.
Which Router is Right for You?
The choice between the ASUS RT-AX86S and RT-AX86U ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
ASUS RT-AX86S:
- Ideal for smaller homes or apartments
- Excellent value for money
- Provides solid performance and coverage
ASUS RT-AX86U:
- Suited for larger homes or areas with multiple devices
- Slightly faster maximum speed
- More advanced user interface with additional features
The Verdict: A Superior Choice for Home Networking
Both the ASUS RT-AX86S and RT-AX86U are exceptional Wi-Fi 6 routers that offer robust performance, comprehensive features, and user-friendly interfaces. While the RT-AX86S provides a great balance of value and performance, the RT-AX86U emerges as the superior choice for larger homes or users who demand the absolute best in Wi-Fi connectivity.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which router has a faster maximum speed?
A: The ASUS RT-AX86U has a slightly faster maximum speed of 5700 Mbps compared to the RT-AX86S’s 5700 Mbps.
Q: Do both routers support ASUS AiMesh?
A: Yes, both the RT-AX86S and RT-AX86U support ASUS AiMesh, allowing you to create a seamless whole-home Wi-Fi network.
Q: Which router has a more advanced user interface?
A: The ASUS RT-AX86U has a slightly more advanced user interface with additional features such as traffic monitoring and parental controls.
Q: Are both routers equipped with the latest security features?
A: Yes, both the RT-AX86S and RT-AX86U come equipped with the latest security features, including WPA3 encryption, firewall protection, and malware blocking.
Q: Which router is better for larger homes?
A: The ASUS RT-AX86U is better suited for larger homes or areas with multiple devices due to its slightly faster maximum speed and more advanced features.