ASUS RT-AX86S AX5700 Dual Band WiFi 6 Gaming Router Expired

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…

Can this or the better model use any of the tomato firmware out there?

This or wait for the U version to go on sale?

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.

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

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.

What did you end up getting? I cannot decide if this vs the Mesh deal Amazon that starts later in week