ASUS RT-AX86U Pro review

ASUS RT-AX86U Pro is the strongest Wi-Fi 6 router on this list for people who game and do not want to pay for security. ASUS lists dual-band Wi-Fi 6 speeds up to 5700 Mbps and a 2.0 GHz quad-core 64-bit CPU. Its 2.5 Gbps port can serve as WAN or LAN, and the router can aggregate two 1 Gbps internet services for up to 2 Gbps. For gaming, a dedicated gaming port prioritizes any wired device plugged into it, Gear Accelerator prioritizes wireless devices, and Mobile Game Mode cuts lag from the ASUS Router app. ASUS includes lifetime free AiProtection Pro powered by Trend Micro, plus parental controls, VPN Fusion and the Instant Guard app for secure connections away from home. AiMesh adds other ASUS routers for whole-home coverage. It has no 6 GHz band, and ASUS's US page showed no price, so its price is pending. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not test the router ourselves.

Who it is for

gamers staying on Wi-Fi 6 who want free security

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 with speeds up to 5700 Mbps
• 2.5 Gbps port usable for WAN or LAN, plus WAN aggregation up to 2 Gbps
• Dedicated gaming port, Gear Accelerator and Mobile Game Mode
• Lifetime free AiProtection Pro powered by Trend Micro, with WPA3 and parental controls
• AiMesh support, VPN Fusion and the Instant Guard VPN app

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Security and parental controls are free for life, with no subscription
• Strength: 2.0 GHz quad-core 64-bit CPU
• Strength: AiMesh links it with other ASUS routers for whole-home coverage
• Weakness: Wi-Fi 6 only, with no 6 GHz band
• Weakness: Dual-band, so it lacks a third band for busy homes
• Weakness: ASUS's US page showed no price, so we could not verify cost

Key facts

• Price checked: Pending, no US price on ASUS's page
• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6, dual-band, up to 5700 Mbps
• Fast port: One 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN
• Security: Lifetime free AiProtection Pro
• Mesh: ASUS AiMesh

Where it ranks

ASUS RT-AX86U Pro is No. 6 in our Best Wireless Routers verdict.