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expirediCar2025 posted Nov 18, 2022 02:35 PM
expirediCar2025 posted Nov 18, 2022 02:35 PM

ASUS RT-AX86S AX5700 Dual Band WiFi 6 Gaming Router

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$180

$250

28% off
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Deal Details
Various Merchants have ASUS RT-AX86S AX5700 Dual Band WiFi 6 Gaming Router for $179.99. Shipping is free.
Thanks to Community Member iCar2025 for finding this deal.


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Editor's Notes

Written by Corwin | Staff
  • About this deal:
    • Refer to the forum thread for additional deal ideas and discussion.
  • About this product:
    • Rating of 4.6 from over 270 Amazon customer reviews.
  • About these stores:
    • Best Buy via eBay: 30 day returns | Buyer pays for return shipping
    • Don't have Amazon Prime? Students can get a free 6-Month Amazon Prime trial with free 2-day shipping, unlimited video streaming & more.
    • If you're not a student, there's also a free 1-Month Amazon Prime trial available.
    • Information about Best Buy returns can be found here. -Corwin

Original Post

Written by iCar2025
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Various Merchants have ASUS RT-AX86S AX5700 Dual Band WiFi 6 Gaming Router for $179.99. Shipping is free.
Thanks to Community Member iCar2025 for finding this deal.


Available Merchants:

Editor's Notes

Written by Corwin | Staff
  • About this deal:
    • Refer to the forum thread for additional deal ideas and discussion.
  • About this product:
    • Rating of 4.6 from over 270 Amazon customer reviews.
  • About these stores:
    • Best Buy via eBay: 30 day returns | Buyer pays for return shipping
    • Don't have Amazon Prime? Students can get a free 6-Month Amazon Prime trial with free 2-day shipping, unlimited video streaming & more.
    • If you're not a student, there's also a free 1-Month Amazon Prime trial available.
    • Information about Best Buy returns can be found here. -Corwin

Original Post

Written by iCar2025

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+25
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Model: ASUS RT-AX86S AX5700 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router

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Sort: Lowest to Highest | Last Updated 12/28/2025, 06:33 AM
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Top Comments

Tourist1292
15335 Posts
3540 Reputation
It has been at this price often. This one has no 2.5Gbps port and is a lower model of RT-AX86U.
nvng
321 Posts
52 Reputation
Also 512 MB RAM for the 86S model vs 1GB for the 86U model. May be an issue if you like to flash alternate firmware. Seems like this could impact performance but this is supposition only.

102 Comments

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Nov 21, 2022 04:12 PM
64 Posts
Joined Nov 2017
Jcv911Nov 21, 2022 04:12 PM
64 Posts
Quote from treflip :
Still running the 68u Tmobile. Have about 25 devices with assigned ips and not looking to redo them but am thinking it's time to upgrade… os this the one or would night hawk last longer before next upgrade? I do see some slow down on my phone but figure it's phone usually…
Download the settings and apply to new router
Nov 21, 2022 05:24 PM
970 Posts
Joined Dec 2004
AMurderOfCrowsNov 21, 2022 05:24 PM
970 Posts
Can this or the better model use any of the tomato firmware out there?
Nov 21, 2022 07:09 PM
993 Posts
Joined Jul 2018
Jsz0301Nov 21, 2022 07:09 PM
993 Posts
Quote from AMurderOfCrows :
Can this or the better model use any of the tomato firmware out there?
AX86S/U support merlin. Cant comment on other FW.

Quote from bigant262 :
This or wait for the U version to go on sale?
Do you need a 2.5G port? The CPU/RAM only makes a difference for heavy load VPN, QoS, AI protection, USB server, Traffic monitoring etc.

WIFI performance is typically dictated by the Radio itself, though the CPU can be used in conjunction between radio for layered SW.

The radio itself normally dictates how many clients can connect at once without bogging down. CPN can influence if heavy SW layers are active.

-If you need a 2.5G port, then yes go for the AX86U.
-If you plan on using every SW "feature" then yes, go AX86U. A lot of the SW features are heavy in RAM.
-If you just want a powerful solution that's set and forget with the WIFI performance of AX86U, then AX86S does just that.. Just lacks 2.5G port which will impact 1GBPS+ ISP plans and File transferring between PC/router.


Lower end AX SoCs typically have the same base A7 radio design, though they're limited in MIMO and the CPU/RADIO are marketed as one unit. Low end "Quad Core" and "Tri Core" models are worse than this AX86S with its A53 "Dual Core"

You can think of this AX86S as a superior "quadcore" when comparing to lower end stuff. AX86U is simply quadcore A53 (non factor if you don't use it) + 1 A7 core on each radio. "hexa core"

4x4 + 3x3 MIMO design.. Low end stuff is 2x2 + 2x2 typically.

Mid-High end is 4x4, though 8x8 designs do exist with teamed 4x4 +4x4 radios on 5G band. QCA 12 stream platform.
Last edited by Jsz0301 November 21, 2022 at 02:10 PM.
Nov 21, 2022 07:16 PM
255 Posts
Joined Jan 2010
BigTuna11Nov 21, 2022 07:16 PM
255 Posts
Quote from The1CounT :
Grabbed the new router and stood in checkout line forever. Then just turned in the old router at the register. She called a manager over and they pushed some buttons. Then she took my information and I signed some papers. Then rang up the new router and used my google pay with Disco card for 5% CB.
I did the same, brought an old Linksys router I dug up out of the basement. Went to register with both, no issues. $153.
Nov 21, 2022 08:04 PM
1,145 Posts
Joined Dec 2008
twi1ightNov 21, 2022 08:04 PM
1,145 Posts
Quote from BigTuna11 :
I did the same, brought an old Linksys router I dug up out of the basement. Went to register with both, no issues. $153.
same here, went to pick one up this morning. $164 here with TX tax.
Nov 21, 2022 08:07 PM
1,145 Posts
Joined Dec 2008
twi1ightNov 21, 2022 08:07 PM
1,145 Posts
Quote from Jsz0301 :
AX86S/U support merlin. Cant comment on other FW.



Do you need a 2.5G port? The CPU/RAM difference only makes a difference for heavy load VPN, QoS, AI protection, USB server, Traffic monitoring etc.

WIFI performance is typically dictated by the Radio itself, though the CPU can be used in conjunction between radio for layered SW.

The radio itself normally dictates how many clients can connect at once without bogging down. CPN can influence if heavy SW layers are active.

-If you need a 2.5G port, then yes go for the AX86U.
-If you plan on using every SW "feature" then yes, go AX86U. A lot of the SW features are heavy in RAM.
-If you just want a powerful solution that's set and forget with the WIFI performance of AX86U, then AX86S does just that.. Just lacks 2.5G port which will impact 1GBPS+ ISP plans and File transferring between PC/router.


Lower end AX SoCs typically have the same base A7 radio design, though they're limited in MIMO and the CPU/RADIO are marketed as one unit. Low end "Quad Core" and "Tri Core" models are worse than this AX86S with its A53 "Dual Core"

You can think of this AX86S as a superior "quadcore" when comparing to lower end stuff. AX86U is simply quadcore A53 (non factor if you don't use it) + 1 A7 core on each radio. "hexa core"

4x4 + 3x3 MIMO design.. Low end stuff is 2x2 + 2x2 typically.

Mid-High end is 4x4, though 8x8 designs do exist with teamed 4x4 +4x4 radios on 5G band. QCA 12 stream platform.
I just bought one to replace my two low-end asus rt-55, I was using them in AiMesh mode. this one 86s is better than those two combined. Now I'm not sure what to do with the extra rt-55 I have, I supposed I can use them as nodes but it is not needed for my coverage. Any suggestions? currently have 43 devices connected, no problem so far with just 1 ax86s
Nov 21, 2022 08:58 PM
993 Posts
Joined Jul 2018
Jsz0301Nov 21, 2022 08:58 PM
993 Posts
Quote from twi1ight :
I just bought one to replace my two low-end asus rt-55, I was using them in AiMesh mode. this one 86s is better than those two combined. Now I'm not sure what to do with the extra rt-55 I have, I supposed I can use them as nodes but it is not needed for my coverage. Any suggestions? currently have 43 devices connected, no problem so far with just 1 ax86s
If you need the extra Omph in some rooms, wired backhaul for a system that's superior to eero/nest.

I wouldn't bother with AI mesh for just repeater/extension. Causes more issues than it solves, especially if you game over WIFI.

Maybe sell one unit? if anything, youll only need a second router at best considering you mentioned that the AX86S covers most of your home.
Last edited by Jsz0301 November 21, 2022 at 02:01 PM.

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Nov 21, 2022 09:00 PM
1,145 Posts
Joined Dec 2008
twi1ightNov 21, 2022 09:00 PM
1,145 Posts
Quote from Jsz0301 :
If you need the extra Omph in some rooms, wired backhaul for a system that's superior to eero/nest.

I wouldn't bother with AI mesh for just repeater/extension. Causes more issues than it solves, especially if you game over WIFI.

Maybe sell one unit? if anything, youll only need a second router at best considering you mentioned that the AX86S covers most of your home.
I was using aimesh with wired back haul, I guess I can just wired back haul them just for the heck of it.
Nov 21, 2022 09:01 PM
1,290 Posts
Joined May 2006
FatFreddieNov 21, 2022 09:01 PM
1,290 Posts
Bought a Netgear cable modem for $5 off nextdoor that I used for $27 credit on the router. Not a gamer, but wanted something to replace my 8 year old TP Link Archer C9.
Nov 21, 2022 09:03 PM
993 Posts
Joined Jul 2018
Jsz0301Nov 21, 2022 09:03 PM
993 Posts
Quote from twi1ight :
I was using aimesh with wired back haul, I guess I can just wired back haul them just for the heck of it.

Could help when neighbor interference is high during peak consumption hours.

But like I said, you might only need one extra unit. YMMV.
Nov 21, 2022 09:13 PM
5,948 Posts
Joined Nov 2014
ftee123Nov 21, 2022 09:13 PM
5,948 Posts
Quote from cashmonkey :
What did you end up getting? I cannot decide if this vs the Mesh deal Amazon that starts later in week
Haven't decided yet, waiting for a sale or something
Nov 21, 2022 09:27 PM
1,290 Posts
Joined May 2006
FatFreddieNov 21, 2022 09:27 PM
1,290 Posts
Old fart dummy question: replacing an old wifi 5 router with this. Ethernet cables from cable modem to router, and router to desktop are Cat5. Should I upgrade to Cat6 to get full wifi cabability with the Asus?
Nov 21, 2022 09:45 PM
993 Posts
Joined Jul 2018
Jsz0301Nov 21, 2022 09:45 PM
993 Posts
Quote from FatFreddie :
Old fart dummy question: replacing an old wifi 5 router with this. Ethernet cables from cable modem to router, and router to desktop are Cat5. Should I upgrade to Cat6 to get full wifi cabability with the Asus?
Won't change anything. Most CAT5 supports up to 1000mbps. This has a 1000mbps port limit.

The AX86U with 2.5G port comes with a CAT6 Cable, though some CAT5E does support 2.5G.
Nov 21, 2022 10:05 PM
1,290 Posts
Joined May 2006
FatFreddieNov 21, 2022 10:05 PM
1,290 Posts
Quote from Jsz0301 :
Won't change anything. Most CAT5 supports up to 1000mbps. This has a 1000mbps port limit.

The AX86U with 2.5G port comes with a CAT6 Cable, though some CAT5E does support 2.5G.
Thank you

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Nov 21, 2022 10:24 PM
1,570 Posts
Joined Dec 2008
bcm00reNov 21, 2022 10:24 PM
1,570 Posts
Quote from Livyatan :
Using this link:
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus...Id=6475653

Right below the star rating on the top left of the screen, it says: "Trade in offer." i think this totally means even if it's a sale, you can stack the 15 percent. Why would they have that Trade in offer link (you can press it for a description) if they didn't offer it on sale items? I suggest going back and showing them the page.
I think the manager was just being a jerk. I went to another BB in the area on my way into the office today and they did the deal no problem -- $153 before tax.

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