Wi-Fi6 Gaming Router Asus RT-AX86U Review

[@sebastianrojas7841]

Bro, wtf, your content on your channel is great and very helpful, I really hope you grow more and reach much more, thanks for those review videos, you have helped me with my PC, thanks again, good luck! Greetings from Costa Rica

[@A2KMedia]

hi! thanks for the kind words! This is really appreciated and also glad you find it useful!

[@pacokili]

This is the best review of this Router. Same info as others, but like three times shorter. New subscriber here 👍

[@neilrich05]

Content was great and audio/video quality is outstanding!! Nice job.

[@A2KMedia]

Much appreciated! Thank you for leaving a comment 😇

[@FTech2nd]

Great video of this Wifi 6 router! Pet peeve of mine are routers are getting so huge, they cover a large area of space. Glad this router is standing upright because it covers a small area. I have the routers older vertical brother... RT-AC86U

[@A2KMedia]

Completely agreed, really like the upright options!

[@isaacmihaeli3261]

It's a good idea for saving space. Never thought about it. You all ways learn something new.

[@isaacmihaeli3261]

I just purchased this router, so thanks for the information.

[@A2KMedia]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@DDibert]

I've been fighting AIMesh issues for a few months now in a mixed environment with two RT-AC86Us & one RT-AX86U. I'd use caution until the software matures more.

[@A2KMedia]

any particular issues you could share? We are actually looking to set it up ourselves. on some lower end routers to test.

[@DDibert]

@@A2KMedia I’ve had 5G just not coming up at all on the mesh router‘s and 3G would sometimes fail after a few days. I found on my own turning on and off 5G on each Mesh would resolve the problem until the next reboot. The latest firmware seems to do so much better, which is really nice, so I think they finally fixed most of the problem! :) But the customer support I got during this time was poor. No sincere apology whatsoever or compensation for months of problems. All I asked for was an RX-AX upgrade because of all the issues. They refused, spent more of their time telling me no then it would’ve been for the parts cost of sending me one and making me a promoter. They lost sales due to it. Penny wise and pound foolish from a customer support perspective. I even got an email from the CEO office asking me how happy I was, so I told them, and that went absolutely no where too. They really need to up their game on the customer support side.

[@A2KMedia]

@@DDibert thanks for sharing this!

[@modernwize]

@@DDibert Since 2008 I never rely on Asus warranty. When buying an Asus if you have any issues, just count it as a loss and get ready to buy a new one.

[@tkendr01]

Got one as an upgrade to RT-AC86U. I have one laptop with Wifi 6 wireless adapter.

[@mbacunawa]

Awesome video. Thanks for the info. I just bought this router and love it so far. Big upgrade from my Asus RT-AC1200

[@A2KMedia]

thanks! That is a big upgrade, enjoy!

[@mohammedsalimahmed5230]

@@A2KMedia is it a worthy upgrade from AC2400 (RT AC87U)

[@A2KMedia]

@@mohammedsalimahmed5230 it really depends on your requirements, is your current router struggling and why.

[@mohammedsalimahmed5230]

@@A2KMedia it's mostly to do with gaming. I'm currently gaming on PS5 (WiFi 6 capable) and my brother games on PS4, On top of that there is 12-13 devices connected to the router. Me and my brother always find ourselves lagging in online gaming (ping spikes). Also some of my family members complain of WiFi range on second/third floor. EDIT: CPU1 goes up to 100% usage at times, requiring me to reboot the router. Kinda annoying.

[@A2KMedia]

@@mohammedsalimahmed5230 then you may be due for an update, also check if your existing router can act as an access point, that way you get more coverage and kill two birds with one stone.

[@Tommy_boy007]

I just purchased this router. I paid $250 dollars for it at Best Buy. A couple days the price went up to $280. I like it so far. 👍

[@A2KMedia]

nice score! :)

[@ChaseFisherOfficial]

Really nice video, covered all the points

[@A2KMedia]

Thanks a ton!

[@SolKnightt]

Great video, thanks! What is the app you're using at 5:04 to test WiFi signal, though?

[@A2KMedia]

hey, thanks! on google play store it is called wifi signal strength meter.

[@SolKnightt]

@@A2KMedia Awesome, thank you. Keep up the great work!

[@timkerkhoftoch]

Thanks a lot, great review!

[@A2KMedia]

thanks!

[@drunksquirrel2051]

Got this model as I wasn't very happy with my AX-88U, not to mention it took up a shit ton of desk space that I need for now working at home/covid related. AX86 is definently the new successor the the famous AC86

[@A2KMedia]

Nice! How is your experience over all?

[@tim3172]

This is a good overview but if you'd like some constructive feedback: I'd like to see the local storage speed when connecting USB storage to it. It's surprisingly difficult to find routers that do a full 100MBps through an Ethernet connection. The 2.5 Gb port is actually LAN/WAN. You referred to it as a 'LAN' port separate from the 'WAN' 1Gbps port which (to me) gave the impression you couldn't have a 2.5Gb WAN connection (which you can by setting it in the options). I would also mention this fully supports WPA3 which fixes all of the known vulnerabilities of WPA2. Personally I think it's incredibly disappointing that the latest and greatest WiFi 6 routers and devices can't do 1Gbps. Considering I can pretty easily get 600Mbps of real-world speed out of my AC3100 this looks like a very minor bump.

[@A2KMedia]

Hey Tim, thanks for your feedback. Sorry it seems I have missed out the Wan functionality on the 2.5Gb port. To be fair I can't see a point of that port ever being WAN as then you are limited to 1Gb for the rest of the network except for the wifi, but that does not require more speed as it is - it is far more important to have just good signal to utilise existing speeds. When it comes to choices around 10b, I think its two things: 1. most people are not even using 2.5 Gb yet so they are catering for the market as is 2. differentiate between professional and prosumer items.

[@Reckless2Crypto]

Great review.

[@A2KMedia]

Thank you! We're glad you enjoyed it.

[@wojciechczupta]

I have version RT-AX86U-Pro. Any idea why Samsung mobiles (specifically S22 and S23) don't have internet access through 'Guest Network' unless I open intranet in the guest network (which obviously I don't want to do)? Seams to be know issue, still unresolved. Is the issue on Samsung or Asus side?

[@sdbettas]

i just bought this router and mine doesn't have two usb 3 on the back, one 3 and one older

[@Standard.Candle]

Great wrap up, and the camera upgrade is very noticeable. Lighting is on point too. What lens you using?

[@A2KMedia]

@SirParcival thank you :) We used Sigma 18 - 35mm f1.8 for the A-roll and for B-roll it was Fuji 16mm f1.4. So nice to read this kind of feedback. We constantly keep improvig and it's great to hear what poeple think about the changes and style in general. Thank you once again!

[@Standard.Candle]

@@A2KMedia Very nice! Almost exactly what I would have gotten too ha! The f1.8 for A-roll is the perfect amount of bokeh (just enough dreamy-ness without getting ridiculous), and it looks super sharp considering it's not a prime. I just got my first real lens, an e-mount Sigma f1.4 16mm, they're so amazing for product shots. I'm most jealous of the lighting you have though, I think I can see a soft LED box in your glasses reflection? But the overall effect makes it feel like just pure daylight, very natural. Also, I subbed cause I just love your accent, I can't quite place it, but it's hypnotizing. I wanna say like Welsch/New Zealand, but I have absolutely no ear to place it lol. GG.

[@A2KMedia]

What kind of product shots are you doing? And yeah, our Fuji 16mm f1.4 was our favorite for a long time. Does your Sigma have small minimum focus distance? And you saw it correctly - we do use a Godox light with a big softbox + grid for more focussed light. And just recently we upgraded it to an even bigger light :D Thank you so much for the sub! The accent is from Europe, but you will need to guess the right country :D

[@Standard.Candle]

@@A2KMedia LOL! I'll never guess my dude. Love it tho ^_^ Doing product shots for small commercial items for a business that I run, it's great for that. And yes, it can focus macro shots quite well, even without the adapter. Very jelly of your lighting, the set you're' using has great bounces too, I just put some foam in mine for sound treatment and it's cut down all the light, more control I guess? Just more of a pain to get it right.

[@A2KMedia]

@@Standard.Candle nice! Then it's easy to see why you're so hyped about your lens, it's basically a lens for everything :) Have you tried using mirrors and bouncing light for extra effect?

[@davidvictory9764]

The pro version has 2.5 ethernet port or something. Could u tell me what it does compared to normal version?

[@dimitricandeiracistaro4543]

Greetings from Brazil, good luck amigo

[@A2KMedia]

Hey, thanks!

[@Botio]

I'm glad I got the red one of the AX86U..... looks way better

[@A2KMedia]

the gundam type? :)

[@Botio]

@@A2KMedia Yeah so happy about it ~~~ the only reason updated my router to wifi 6 XD

[@A2KMedia]

@@Botio haha nice!!

[@justanant1]

pls do more testing on the Ruteer :P 5ghZ from more locations, ground floor, 1st floor etc with link speed and internet speed !

[@A2KMedia]

will look into this for the future video, thanks!

[@QuantumBraced]

How does the ax router have better signal considering they're both broadcasting at the maximum legal power limit? I get why speeds are higher with WiFi 6, but why is reception better?

[@A2KMedia]

It would be through better signal targeting that wifi 6 delivers when it breaks down the channels, thus less interference.

[@QuantumBraced]

@@A2KMedia I see. But for that to work, the client must also have WiFi 6, correct?

[@A2KMedia]

Yes.

[@michaelschwader7944]

I have the Nighthawk AX3000. It is ALWAYS dropping connection for the 5G band. When I check the router the 5G light is out and goes back on a few minutes later. Does this have that problem?

[@A2KMedia]

It may just be faulty? did you reach out to manufacturer support?

[@michaelschwader7944]

@@A2KMedia They had me do firmware updates, and it worked for awhile. Until the warranty expired.

[@cheekiangyong8776]

Hi A2K, I have 3 questions 1) Does this WAN (internet ) port supports 2Gbps connection to Internet ? How is this split in router to Gaming port and non gaming ports. 2) Regrading SingTel 1+1G gaming bundle, what happens while gaming console is switch off. full 2Gbps can be utilized for normal internet usage ? 3) On WiFi connection , could this full speed of 2Gbps be utilized or it is limited to 1Gbps only for normal internet usage?

[@A2KMedia]

hey there! here we go: 1. It really depends on how you would like to set this up and other equipment you have to support it. You could set it up to have aggregated 1+1 Gbps connection and then share it over 2.5GBps port to the rest of the network or have two x1 GBps connections. 2. Singtel seems to be marketing the latter as per above, where you make essentially two networks each at x1 GBps to ensure there is plenty of speed across all items. I honestly don't think most people need 1GBps, even less need for 2. 3. depending on the setup as per point 1. Router without internet can support much higher speeds in your local area network, but then rest depends on internet speeds. Hope this makes sense and helps out.

[@attaboyabhi]

very nice review !

[@A2KMedia]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@MAST3RHITAZA]

You said you would return to talking about the gaming port but you didn't mention anything about it and its use in gaming!

[@A2KMedia]

Apologies for not making it more explicit. Gaming port can be utilised within the internal tools with the game profiles

[@MAST3RHITAZA]

@@A2KMedia Sorry as it seems like you might be trying but that is somewhat of a nothing answer.

[@A2KMedia]

@@MAST3RHITAZA what is it you would like to know? Gaming port has special configuration in the router so you can apply gaming profiles and gear accelerator which in turn help manage connection and latency to specific games. check out in the video from about 3:00

[@puky2ns]

Speed test were done on WiFi6 . But, is there any benefit on 2.4 GHz for older devices around home?

[@A2KMedia]

if you have any wifi 6 devices - then standard wifi 4/5 devices will benefit because the frequency will be cleared up, if not then there is limited benefit. We actually have a video about wifi 6 on our channel that goes into detail on this.

[@puky2ns]

@@A2KMedia Right now I don't have any WiFi 6 device :/ I have problem with WiFi in one room and I'm struggling to push some decent Internet there. I'm thinking to add one more Asus (I have RT-AC58U) and to create WDS or just add stronger RT-AC88U or RT-AX58U and solve issue.

[@A2KMedia]

@@puky2ns I'd say getting a second router and making it into a mesh would be best. Check which router would be compatible with yours

[@nazrigates]

Thanks for the tips I'm getting mine in two weeks time and hope both my ps4 nat type change to open

[@A2KMedia]

Nice!

[@nataliaenglerova]

Do u have to connect ur already existing wifi with this or is this its own little router?

[@A2KMedia]

This would be best to replace your existing router to get the most out of your system. if you have an asus router that supports wifi mesh then install this as primary and then you can use your existing one on top to help

[@AhmedLamki90]

Thanks for the review. Will this router going to improve my connection while playing xbox & watching Netflix?

[@A2KMedia]

it really depends on your environment and current set-up. if you have basic router and having bad connection issues over wifi due to signal issues, then it may improve it. That is providing your internet connection is good, but on the other hand if your internet to your house is bad then you are limited b that.

[@bk24708]

I have the eero pro 6 but I dislike it because you can’t do much customization. It is triband though. Since 86u is dual band, do you think it would be fine with streaming two things at once like Netflix and playing ps5? And having 3 Alexa’s and about 5 smart lights. I have 5 computers too but they are not always on.

[@A2KMedia]

depending on your distances and usage. Providing you can get good signal - don't expect any problems

[@gryffindor1985]

Whats the app you use for the signal strength?

[@A2KMedia]

On google play store it is called wifi signal strength meter.

[@norirfantubcub3298]

I have a question is it good for everyday use like watching tv and other stuff? Bc i want to get a new routwr

[@A2KMedia]

it is definitely good for that and much more.

[@chiboglee8]

Do you think it is okay for me not to purchase any wifi extenders or receivers for this? I live in a 3 bedroom flat in sg and im.planning to grt the plan that includes this. Should i get this or the linksys one? Thanks!

[@A2KMedia]

it is really hard to flat out advise on this, there are many variables - providing you place this in the middle of the place you may be ok with just the router.

[@dstjahjono]

Do you think I can extend to my Deco Mesh? currently Deco is the master router, I am not using Singtel standard one.

[@A2KMedia]

I am not sure you could link them up as one big system, I'd recommend reaching out to tp link and check.

[@Duality464]

Will you be able to see real time traffic per device using the ASUS router mobile app instead of looking through webgui?

[@A2KMedia]

yes you can.

[@anant0089]

Do more testing between 1200g and this new router more speed tests.. I got 59u , its same but better than 1200g, I don't think it's much of upgrade to this ax 86u if just looking at 5gz

[@A2KMedia]

ultimately if you don't feel like you need an upgrade - then you probably don't.

[@MrRamar-ec4bm]

What is the number of maximum clients on lan? does it can handle above 150 clients?

[@A2KMedia]

hey, I am not sure about 150 clients - that seems pretty high for a consumer router.

[@mr.ramgoat3101]

I dont get it how does that router get internet u just put it in the power that's it or something else I'd like if someone explain to me

[@A2KMedia]

for this router to get internet, you still need to plug it into your ISP provided modem.

[@manjocunanan6324]

@@A2KMedia does that mean I can't connect this router directly to the ONT?

[@pauldittus4587]

How does the AX86U compare to AX58U and AX82U? Is it worth the upgrade? Or only in certain circumstances?

[@A2KMedia]

for general user - any of the 3 would be good unless you need a specific functionality.

[@jpisaac85]

Can we use 2 ISPs in the dual wan ports and do load balancing?

[@A2KMedia]

technically it may be possible but not something we have tested.

[@nathanmangal5923]

Hi how to set it up

[@A2KMedia]

it depends on what you are trying to do. it comes with a quick start guide which should take you through the process.

[@nathanmangal5923]

@@A2KMedia hi I have my modem really far away from my pc so I want to know if I buy this router if I could just connect the router to the power supply and set it up online so I don’t have to connect a Ethernet cable from the modem to my router then to my pc cuz I don’t want to get wires running through my house

[@A2KMedia]

@@nathanmangal5923 to my best knowledge, most ISP provided modems only work on Ethernet so that would likely not work.

[@megaanton9605]

its with AX86U better Perfomance in VPN (OpenVPN Protokoll) as with AC86U? And how much is difference for it?

[@A2KMedia]

I'd say in VPN your bottleneck will be your ISP speed rather than router.

[@megaanton9605]

@@A2KMedia i have now asus n56u and i will upgrade it for ac86u or ax86u and use vpn client in Router

[@A2KMedia]

@@megaanton9605 I'd say either will be good, but do think into the future if possible. I am seeing many devices picking up wifi 6 now so in the next few years you may need it

[@x2o1975]

What app are you using to measure download speed and the signal strength?

[@A2KMedia]

for local network we use wifi signal meter on android. and for internet speed we use speed test by Ookla

[@x2o1975]

@@A2KMedia Thank you so much! Is there an equivalent app for IOS?

[@A2KMedia]

@@x2o1975 I am sure there are loads, sorry don't use IOS just now.

[@x2o1975]

@@A2KMedia Alright thanks again.

[@quicksxl8769]

I was thinking about ethernet but the only router is far away from my PC, Can i buy a gaming router and connect the ethernet cable to my pc Will it work?

[@A2KMedia]

I am not sure what you mean by this. Will this router work if you plug in your PC using ethernet? yes

[@quicksxl8769]

@@A2KMedia Like the only router i have in my house is far away from my pc room, and if im getting a gaming router with only ethernet cable, without WAN etc Will it still work?

[@A2KMedia]

I think we have some terminology misunderstanding. WAN means wide area network, also known as internet connection. All routers must have this. In your set-up, are you currently connecting via wireless and you want to connect via ethernet? if so, your connection will get much better!

[@marksapollo]

I have this router and am contemplating on keeping it or sending it back, been comparing it to my UniFi Dream Machine.

[@A2KMedia]

it depends what you need at the end of the day.

[@Billyctang]

I have the UDM, how is this in comparison? My problem is that I have a huge thick solid concrete foundation wall that separates my living room (where the router is situated) and bedroom which has poor wifi reception. Wondering if something like the AX86u will give better wifi in the bedroom.

[@marksapollo]

Billyctang The WiFi is slightly better in the Asus, I’ve found the UDM to be a bit buggy, but it has endless options, I think the Asus is a bit better for games too.

[@A2KMedia]

@@marksapollo thanks for the reply, we have got to check them out too!

[@raze2400]

Is this be a major update from my asus tm1900?

[@A2KMedia]

it really depends what your issues with tm1900 are, but it certainly is a higher end router

[@tigerbalm666]

Only 3 ant and Dual Band in 2022???

[@A2KMedia]

Just going to throw it out there, this video is from 2020 :) and for most homes this router has plenty of coverage ;)

[@arrazeenmaju9816]

Hi, Does this router need to put a fan on?

[@A2KMedia]

I don't believe that this router has a fan.

[@arrazeenmaju9816]

@@A2KMedia should i put the fan on router like fan put under the laptop ?

[@A2KMedia]

I don't think so, we used it as is and it's working well.

[@arrazeenmaju9816]

@@A2KMedia ok tq 🙂

[@norirfantubcub3298]

wait you live at Singapore :0 btw im new to this channel

[@A2KMedia]

haha yeah! :)

[@norirfantubcub3298]

Nice man have a good day in Singapore

[@A2KMedia]

thanks! you too

[@HelloWorld-zg3gs]

Did he just say "Alexa, pause wifi on playstation"? Cutting off the kids wifi would lose their place in the online game right?

[@A2KMedia]

yep, you could be doing exactly that. a bit mean but sometimes necessary.

[@Rocky0Road]

Is it worth the price difference for online gaming compared to 82u?

[@A2KMedia]

it really depends on your devices if they support wifi6, also you are better off to wire things up for the best performance.

[@Rocky0Road]

@@A2KMedia with a ps5,

[@A2KMedia]

Are you able to wire it up?

[@Rocky0Road]

@@A2KMedia yes wired connection

[@A2KMedia]

@@Rocky0Road with wired connection you are unlikely to have any noticeable difference between the two.

[@modernwize]

What's your favorite router of 2021?

[@A2KMedia]

everyone has their own unique needs, I really like this one due to high speed wifi 6, this works magic when using VR over wifi.

[@jamessimmons8352]

I’ve been using it for months now. Be sure to install Merlin’s firmware for maximum functionality and security. Google Merlin ASUS firmware.

[@paulkeitch401]

Will this improve my poor virgin internet WiFi...thans

[@A2KMedia]

I would check in with virgin to see if you would be able to replace theirs with this one, if so - then it is definitely better.

[@unsaucy-_-1220]

How do I get this?

[@A2KMedia]

depending on your country it may just be available in store.

[@robertong1104]

Is it worth upgrading from AC86U to this AX86U? What's your advice?

[@A2KMedia]

depends on your use case - do you need a faster wifi in your home?

[@robertong1104]

@@A2KMedia I am currently on a 300Mbps internet subscription and my AC86U has been doing a good job so far, consistently achieving the speed. The only reason that makes me tempted to upgrade is the WIFI6 on AX86U. Is it not worth in this case?

[@A2KMedia]

@@robertong1104 considering you are limited by the 300Mbps connection and not experiencing any issues, then I'd recommend to hold off for now.

[@robertong1104]

@@A2KMedia Thank you for the advice.

[@billt.4422]

Singtel?

[@A2KMedia]

Hey. What did you mean?

[@drunksquirrel2051]

@@A2KMedia wtf is singtel. sounds like a uk thing only

[@kristine9449]

@@drunksquirrel2051 Singaporean multinational telecommunications conglomerate ;)

[@realmadridreal9636]

Does it have BSS coloring anti-interference system for channels ?

[@A2KMedia]

apologies, I am not sure.

[@realmadridreal9636]

@@A2KMedia Maybe it is a standard in Wifi6 already just some companies are making marketing and some mention it and some doesn't. For instance on tp-link archer ax6000 they say "BSS coloring technology".

[@A2KMedia]

@@realmadridreal9636 You are right! it is supposed to be part of the spec.

[@macster1457]

why does this router use 97% of its ram right out of the box?

[@A2KMedia]

I've just checked it - our one is showing 51% ram usage. check if you have an update due?

[@starlee83]

nice

[@chocolatemilk9102]

I have the 82u ASUS router lmao

[@maciejlechpaczkowski8717]

2,4 Ghz poor range ;-] ..........

[@comanuel87]

Asus rt-ax55 lng kaya ko 5,500

[@PVT_MaYhEm]

Absolutely worthless review if you're only going to talk about WiFi performance.

[@A2KMedia]

sorry to not meet your expectations, it is a WiFi router after all. And with standard wired routing there is not much to say, it performs at the expected maximum speed of 1gb/s. Let me know if there is something particular you would like to know?

[@PVT_MaYhEm]

@@A2KMedia Sorry for coming off so harsh, but it also has a 2.5Gbps LAN port, and almost all ASUS Gaming Motherboards as of current generation have a 2.5Gbps LAN Port... missed opportunity for a hardware review.

[@A2KMedia]

@@PVT_MaYhEm not harsh at all, I have mentioned that in the video but it is such a niche feature though. Unless you have a local 2.5gb network for let's say a nas box it is otherwise not needed for 99% of users.