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phoinix | Staff 23.3K Views
May 26, 2025 7:09 AM

ASUS RT-AX86U Pro Wi-Fi 6 AX5700 Dual Band Gaming Router w/ AiMesh

$170

$200

15% off
+ Free Shippingat Amazon
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Deal Details
Amazon has ASUS RT-AX86U Pro Wi-Fi 6 AX5700 Dual Band Gaming Router w/ AiMesh on sale for $169.99. Shipping is free.

Asus has ASUS RT-AX86U Pro Wi-Fi 6 AX5700 Dual Band Gaming Router w/ AiMesh on sale for $169.99. Shipping is free.

Thanks to Deal Hunter phoinix for sharing this deal.

Features:
  • Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
  • Up to 5665 Mb/s Throughput
  • 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz (Dual-Band)
  • 3 x External / 1 x Internal Antenna
  • 4 x Gigabit Ethernet LAN Ports
  • 1 x Gigabit Ethernet WAN Port
  • 1 x 2.5G Ethernet LAN/WAWN Port
  • Link Aggregation Support
  • AiProtection Pro, Instant Guard & VPN
  • Works with ASUS Router App

Editor's Notes

Written by powerfuldoppler | Staff

Original Post

Written by phoinix | Staff
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Amazon has ASUS RT-AX86U Pro Wi-Fi 6 AX5700 Dual Band Gaming Router w/ AiMesh on sale for $169.99. Shipping is free.

Asus has ASUS RT-AX86U Pro Wi-Fi 6 AX5700 Dual Band Gaming Router w/ AiMesh on sale for $169.99. Shipping is free.

Thanks to Deal Hunter phoinix for sharing this deal.

Features:
  • Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
  • Up to 5665 Mb/s Throughput
  • 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz (Dual-Band)
  • 3 x External / 1 x Internal Antenna
  • 4 x Gigabit Ethernet LAN Ports
  • 1 x Gigabit Ethernet WAN Port
  • 1 x 2.5G Ethernet LAN/WAWN Port
  • Link Aggregation Support
  • AiProtection Pro, Instant Guard & VPN
  • Works with ASUS Router App

Editor's Notes

Written by powerfuldoppler | Staff

Original Post

Written by phoinix | Staff

Community Voting

Deal Score
+47
Good Deal
Visit Amazon

Top Comments

munkle
2KComments
339Reputation
I have this router and it's pretty good but I'm not sure I'd recommend spending $170 on it now as this is outdated out of the box. You can get a rt-be92 for $220. Sure it's $50 more but it's not outdated out of the box, Wi-Fi 7 is supported in most new phones now and good chunk of laptops, and it's got 2.5g ports all around instead of just one, and you get 6ghz support as well.
Go to Comment
Meowmixes98
1.5KComments
71Reputation
I have this router and it is spectacular.
Go to Comment
shadowx360
691Comments
210Reputation
The range on this is a night and day upgrade over the AC68U from T-Mobile if you ever need more coverage. AI Mesh is also a lot more stable.


You explicitly have to go in and enable cloud functions like management via an app if you are interested in using them. Otherwise cloud features are disabled by default. But I find the ASUS app management very useful for fixing internet problems for family members because I don't have to drive over to restart or update the router or change their router settings. I just connect their router to my account during setup and use the app to fix their issues.


Feature-wise, that TP-Link is several leagues above this but TP-Link has a very spotty history with updates. They sell you the latest and greatest for cheap and then move on. Eventually updates may trickle down to older models but even security updates take a long long time to arrive, and they stop sending out updates very quickly. The TP-Link AXE7800/AXE95 you linked is only guaranteed to get updates through September 2026 [tp-link.com] (TP-Link does not disclose update support period for the North American market but is required by law to disclose it for Singapore. Hard to imagine they would update it for North America much longer than that). TP-Link also plays games by saying they will support products for X number of years after they stop selling them, so they just release a new revision number with pretty much the exact same hardware after a year or so, so the old model is no longer being sold and thus no longer counted for support. Asus is something you buy once and use it for 10 years. For example, one of the posters here said they're still using the AC68U, which was released in 2013. Asus finally stopped providing updates for it last year, in 2024. In the end, Asus ends up being cheaper for me to own because I don't have to buy a new router every 3 years just to get security updates. I still have an AC86U from 2018 that is still getting regular updates.
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46 Comments

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May 26, 2025 8:54 PM
273 Comments
Joined Jul 2011
pp65May 26, 2025 8:54 PM
273 Comments
How is this compared to the TP-Link Archer AXE7800 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Multi-Gig Router, 2.5 Gbps Port at costco @ 159.99 (Item 1683304)?
https://www.costco.com/tp-link-archer-axe7800-tri-band-wi-fi-6e-multi-gig-router-25-gbps-port.produc... [costco.com]
May 26, 2025 9:33 PM
598 Comments
Joined Oct 2010
beerdudeMay 26, 2025 9:33 PM
598 Comments
Quote from bluetrep View quoted comment :
Still running $30 t mobile branded Asus router a/c. no reason to upgrade it since my internet is only 500Mbps
Me to but ausu stop supporting it
1
May 26, 2025 9:49 PM
2K Comments
Joined Aug 2014
RoutefinderMay 26, 2025 9:49 PM
2K Comments
Quote from byonik View quoted comment :
I have this router as well as an RT-AX88U Pro. I use the AX86U as my router and I use the AX88U as my AI Mesh AP with a 2.5Gb wired backhaul. They both work great, but the RT-AX86U Pro is a little faster for some reason. I have Xfinity with 1200Mb/s service, and I get full line speed from my AX86U @160MHz channel width to my iPhone one room away from the router. Great router.
This guy is so funny. Because AX86U Pro has upgraded hardware. That's why it has better performance.
1
2
May 26, 2025 10:09 PM
799 Comments
Joined May 2009
JoKeR_May 26, 2025 10:09 PM
799 Comments
Looking to get this for my aunt and uncle for their home but I was wondering if this is cloud based? I'm looking for something that isn't cloud connected
2
May 26, 2025 10:15 PM
11 Comments
Joined Jan 2017
OasisWindMay 26, 2025 10:15 PM
11 Comments
Quote from Meowmixes98 View quoted comment :
I have this router and it is spectacular.
Yes, I got this years ago, and it was the best option for me.
May 26, 2025 10:23 PM
691 Comments
Joined Nov 2012
shadowx360May 26, 2025 10:23 PM
691 Comments

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank

Quote from bluetrep View quoted comment :
Still running $30 t mobile branded Asus router a/c. no reason to upgrade it since my internet is only 500Mbps
The range on this is a night and day upgrade over the AC68U from T-Mobile if you ever need more coverage. AI Mesh is also a lot more stable.

Quote from JoKeR_ View quoted comment :
Looking to get this for my aunt and uncle for their home but I was wondering if this is cloud based? I'm looking for something that isn't cloud connected
You explicitly have to go in and enable cloud functions like management via an app if you are interested in using them. Otherwise cloud features are disabled by default. But I find the ASUS app management very useful for fixing internet problems for family members because I don't have to drive over to restart or update the router or change their router settings. I just connect their router to my account during setup and use the app to fix their issues.

Quote from pp65 View quoted comment :
How is this compared to the TP-Link Archer AXE7800 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Multi-Gig Router, 2.5 Gbps Port at costco @ 159.99 (Item 1683304)?
https://www.costco.com/tp-link-archer-axe7800-tri-band-wi-fi-6e-multi-gig-router-25-gbps-port.produc... [costco.com]
Feature-wise, that TP-Link is several leagues above this but TP-Link has a very spotty history with updates. They sell you the latest and greatest for cheap and then move on. Eventually updates may trickle down to older models but even security updates take a long long time to arrive, and they stop sending out updates very quickly. The TP-Link AXE7800/AXE95 you linked is only guaranteed to get updates through September 2026 [tp-link.com] (TP-Link does not disclose update support period for the North American market but is required by law to disclose it for Singapore. Hard to imagine they would update it for North America much longer than that). TP-Link also plays games by saying they will support products for X number of years after they stop selling them, so they just release a new revision number with pretty much the exact same hardware after a year or so, so the old model is no longer being sold and thus no longer counted for support. Asus is something you buy once and use it for 10 years. For example, one of the posters here said they're still using the AC68U, which was released in 2013. Asus finally stopped providing updates for it last year, in 2024. In the end, Asus ends up being cheaper for me to own because I don't have to buy a new router every 3 years just to get security updates. I still have an AC86U from 2018 that is still getting regular updates.
Last edited by shadowx360 May 26, 2025 at 03:45 PM.
2
May 26, 2025 10:57 PM
143 Comments
Joined Sep 2009
aniljMay 26, 2025 10:57 PM
143 Comments
Quote from shadowx360 View quoted comment :
The range on this is a night and day upgrade over the AC68U from T-Mobile if you ever need more coverage. AI Mesh is also a lot more stable.You explicitly have to go in and enable cloud functions like management via an app if you are interested in using them. Otherwise cloud features are disabled by default. But I find the ASUS app management very useful for fixing internet problems for family members because I don't have to drive over to restart or update the router or change their router settings. I just connect their router to my account during setup and use the app to fix their issues.Feature-wise, that TP-Link is several leagues above this but TP-Link has a very spotty history with updates. They sell you the latest and greatest for cheap and then move on. Eventually updates may trickle down to older models but even security updates take a long long time to arrive, and they stop sending out updates very quickly. The TP-Link AXE7800/AXE95 you linked is only guaranteed to get updates through September 2026 [tp-link.com] (TP-Link does not disclose update support period for the North American market but is required by law to disclose it for Singapore. Hard to imagine they would update it for North America much longer than that). TP-Link also plays games by saying they will support products for X number of years after they stop selling them, so they just release a new revision number with pretty much the exact same hardware after a year or so, so the old model is no longer being sold and thus no longer counted for support. Asus is something you buy once and use it for 10 years. For example, one of the posters here said they're still using the AC68U, which was released in 2013. Asus finally stopped providing updates for it last year, in 2024. In the end, Asus ends up being cheaper for me to own because I don't have to buy a new router every 3 years just to get security updates. I still have an AC86U from 2018 that is still getting regular updates.
I heard about the AC68U not getting updates but was looking at their download page and I see one from March 2025 (https://www.asus.com/us/networkin...me=RTAC68U)

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May 26, 2025 11:29 PM
2K Comments
Joined Jun 2010
caoticoMay 26, 2025 11:29 PM
2K Comments
Quote from konoplya View quoted comment :
I've had Merlin on my old tmobile branded Asus router, but i had to do that to get it off tmo firmware
I assume you're talking about what was effectively an ac68u but branded t-mobile. I ran a couple of those for several years in aimesh with merlin. Very good routers, but I bought the one in the OP a few weeks ago, and wifi speeds went way up. If you have more than 300 mbps down, you'll see a difference upgrading to this one. Note that if you have a fiber optic line that does better than one gigabit, this only has one 2.5 gbps ports. You'd want to get the ac88u pro or the be86u or similar for more 2.5 gbps ports, at least, that is, if you are running multiple wired connections or doing a aimesh nodes with backhaul.
Last edited by caotico May 26, 2025 at 05:14 PM.
1
May 26, 2025 11:33 PM
4K Comments
Joined Dec 2008
konoplyaMay 26, 2025 11:33 PM
4K Comments
Quote from caotico View quoted comment :
I assume you're talking about what was effectively an ac68u but branded t-mobile. I ran a cojoke of those for several years in aimesh with merlin. Very good routers, but I bought the one in the OP a few weeks ago, amd wifi speeds went way up. If yih have more than 300 mbps down, you'll see a difference upgrading to this one. Note that if you have a fiber optic line that does better than one gigabit, this only has one 2.5 gbps ports. You'd want to get the ac88u pro or the be86u or similar for more 2.5 gbps ports.

Edit: this is if you are running wired connections from this or doing am aimesh node with backhaul.
Yeah I already have this router, it's good
May 26, 2025 11:59 PM
3.6K Comments
Joined Jun 2017
NikonShrMay 26, 2025 11:59 PM
3.6K Comments
Have 2...one replaced under warranty and bought a backup...been rock solid running stock firmware !
1
May 27, 2025 12:03 AM
273 Comments
Joined Jul 2011
pp65May 27, 2025 12:03 AM
273 Comments
Thank you for the information on TP link update. This indeed is a concern.


Quote from shadowx360 View quoted comment :
The range on this is a night and day upgrade over the AC68U from T-Mobile if you ever need more coverage. AI Mesh is also a lot more stable.


You explicitly have to go in and enable cloud functions like management via an app if you are interested in using them. Otherwise cloud features are disabled by default. But I find the ASUS app management very useful for fixing internet problems for family members because I don't have to drive over to restart or update the router or change their router settings. I just connect their router to my account during setup and use the app to fix their issues.


Feature-wise, that TP-Link is several leagues above this but TP-Link has a very spotty history with updates. They sell you the latest and greatest for cheap and then move on. Eventually updates may trickle down to older models but even security updates take a long long time to arrive, and they stop sending out updates very quickly. The TP-Link AXE7800/AXE95 you linked is only guaranteed to get updates through September 2026 [tp-link.com] (TP-Link does not disclose update support period for the North American market but is required by law to disclose it for Singapore. Hard to imagine they would update it for North America much longer than that). TP-Link also plays games by saying they will support products for X number of years after they stop selling them, so they just release a new revision number with pretty much the exact same hardware after a year or so, so the old model is no longer being sold and thus no longer counted for support. Asus is something you buy once and use it for 10 years. For example, one of the posters here said they're still using the AC68U, which was released in 2013. Asus finally stopped providing updates for it last year, in 2024. In the end, Asus ends up being cheaper for me to own because I don't have to buy a new router every 3 years just to get security updates. I still have an AC86U from 2018 that is still getting regular updates.
May 27, 2025 12:48 AM
24 Comments
Joined Nov 2008
ButtBeefMay 27, 2025 12:48 AM
24 Comments
Quote from pp65 View quoted comment :
How is this compared to the TP-Link Archer AXE7800 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Multi-Gig Router, 2.5 Gbps Port at costco @ 159.99 (Item 1683304)? https://www.costco.com/tp-link-archer-axe7800-tri-band-wi-fi-6e-multi-gig-router-25-gbps-port.produc... [costco.com]
One more point about TP-Link - FWIW, I was considering getting one but when investigating I found a bunch of articles (arstechnica.com, wired.com, Forbes, Bloomberg, etc.) about concerns of Chinese backing TP-Link and potential security issues and numerous articles about a potential US ban. Given all that I went with the ASUS...
2
May 27, 2025 2:43 AM
273 Comments
Joined Jul 2011
pp65May 27, 2025 2:43 AM
273 Comments
Quote from ButtBeef View quoted comment :
One more point about TP-Link - FWIW, I was considering getting one but when investigating I found a bunch of articles (arstechnica.com, wired.com, Forbes, Bloomberg, etc.) about concerns of Chinese backing TP-Link and potential security issues and numerous articles about a potential US ban. Given all that I went with the ASUS...
Thank you. I ordered the TP-link from costco this morning but now I will order this from Amazon and will cancel the costco order.
I have AMEX $30 off offer on amazon, which helps too
2
May 27, 2025 3:38 AM
675 Comments
Joined Nov 2014
hoxuantuMay 27, 2025 3:38 AM
675 Comments
Quote from Quyle85 View quoted comment :
Its a good router. After 4 1/2 years i upgraded to their next iteration which was the BE86U. The ventilation on that shouldve been the same on this. This one its at an angle, while the BE86U had it along the flat bottom.

I dont understand why manufacturers do not run cooling fans for the modem/routers and think that a heat sink would just be enough.

I highly recommend using usb fans like from ac infinity on your equipment.
How do you attach AC Infinity fan to your router?

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May 27, 2025 5:52 AM
408 Comments
Joined Dec 2007
bobdobMay 27, 2025 5:52 AM
408 Comments
Quote from konoplya View quoted comment :
I've had Merlin on my old tmobile branded Asus router, but i had to do that to get it off tmo firmware
As long as you wiped the T-mobile certs, you can run stock Asus firmware. I use stock on the mesh nodes and merlin on the main router.
1

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