What To Know
- The RT-AC86U has a 1GbE WAN port and four 1GbE LAN ports, which are suitable for most users but may not provide the same level of speed and bandwidth as the Dream Machine Pro.
- The Unifi Dream Machine Pro is a comprehensive networking solution that combines a router, switch, and security gateway into a single device.
- However, if you are on a budget or do not need the advanced features of the Dream Machine Pro, the Asus RT-AC86U is a solid choice that offers good performance and a wide range of customization options.
The world of networking has evolved significantly in recent years, with new technologies and devices emerging to meet the ever-increasing demands of connected homes and businesses. Two of the most popular networking solutions on the market today are the Unifi Dream Machine Pro and the Asus RT-AC86U. Both devices offer robust features and impressive performance, but which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison blog post, we will delve into the key differences between the Unifi Dream Machine Pro and the Asus RT-AC86U, helping you make an informed decision about which device best suits your specific needs.
Performance and Speed
Performance is a crucial consideration when choosing a networking device. The Unifi Dream Machine Pro boasts a powerful quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM, providing ample processing power for handling multiple devices and heavy network traffic. It also features a 10GbE WAN port and four 1GbE LAN ports, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity for wired devices.
On the other hand, the Asus RT-AC86U is equipped with a dual-core processor and 512MB of RAM. While this is still sufficient for most home and small office applications, it may struggle to keep up with demanding tasks or a large number of connected devices. The RT-AC86U has a 1GbE WAN port and four 1GbE LAN ports, which are suitable for most users but may not provide the same level of speed and bandwidth as the Dream Machine Pro.
Features and Functionality
The Unifi Dream Machine Pro is a comprehensive networking solution that combines a router, switch, and security gateway into a single device. It offers a wide range of features, including:
- Advanced firewall and intrusion detection
- Network monitoring and analytics
- Guest network management
- VPN server
- PoE support for powering devices over Ethernet
The Asus RT-AC86U is primarily a router, but it also includes some additional features such as:
- Parental controls
- Quality of Service (QoS)
- USB port for network storage or printer sharing
- AiMesh support for creating a mesh network with compatible devices
Design and Build Quality
The Unifi Dream Machine Pro has a sleek and modern design with a compact form factor. It can be mounted on a wall or placed on a desk, making it easy to fit into any home or office environment. The device is made of high-quality materials and feels sturdy and well-built.
The Asus RT-AC86U has a more traditional router design with a large footprint and multiple external antennas. It is not as compact as the Dream Machine Pro, but it is still relatively easy to place in most locations. The RT-AC86U is made of plastic and feels somewhat less durable than the Dream Machine Pro.
Software and User Interface
The Unifi Dream Machine Pro is managed through a web-based interface or the Unifi Network mobile app. The interface is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to configure and manage the device. The Dream Machine Pro also supports advanced features such as VLANs and RADIUS authentication, which are typically found in enterprise-grade networking equipment.
The Asus RT-AC86U is managed through a web-based interface or the Asus Router mobile app. The interface is not as intuitive as the Dream Machine Pro‘s, and it can be more challenging to configure advanced settings. However, the RT-AC86U does offer a wider range of customization options for users who want to fine-tune their network.
Price and Value
The Unifi Dream Machine Pro is priced significantly higher than the Asus RT-AC86U. The Dream Machine Pro retails for around $379, while the RT-AC86U can be purchased for around $179.
The higher price of the Dream Machine Pro reflects its more powerful hardware, comprehensive feature set, and enterprise-grade capabilities. If you need a high-performance networking solution with advanced features and management capabilities, the Dream Machine Pro is worth the investment.
However, if you are on a budget or do not need the advanced features of the Dream Machine Pro, the Asus RT-AC86U is a solid choice that offers good performance and a wide range of customization options.
Recommendation
Ultimately, the best networking device for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If you need a high-performance networking solution with advanced features and enterprise-grade capabilities, the Unifi Dream Machine Pro is the best choice. However, if you are on a budget or do not need the advanced features of the Dream Machine Pro, the Asus RT-AC86U is a solid choice that offers good performance and a wide range of customization options.
The Ultimate Decision
Choosing between the Unifi Dream Machine Pro and the Asus RT-AC86U is a matter of weighing your specific needs and budget against the features and capabilities of each device. If you need the best possible performance, advanced features, and enterprise-grade capabilities, the Unifi Dream Machine Pro is the clear choice. However, if you are on a budget or do not need the advanced features of the Dream Machine Pro, the Asus RT-AC86U is a solid choice that offers good performance and a wide range of customization options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which device has better performance?
A: The Unifi Dream Machine Pro has better performance due to its more powerful hardware and advanced features.
Q: Which device is more affordable?
A: The Asus RT-AC86U is more affordable than the Unifi Dream Machine Pro.
Q: Which device is easier to use?
A: The Unifi Dream Machine Pro has a more user-friendly interface than the Asus RT-AC86U.
Q: Which device offers more advanced features?
A: The Unifi Dream Machine Pro offers more advanced features, such as a firewall, intrusion detection, and VPN server.
Q: Which device is better for large homes or offices?
A: The Unifi Dream Machine Pro is better for large homes or offices due to its more powerful hardware and advanced features.
