Asus RT-AX88U Pro vs RT-AX86U Pro: Ultimate Wi-Fi 6 Router Showdown
What To Know
- In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the specifications, features, and performance of the Asus RT-AX88U Pro vs RT-AX86U Pro to help you make an informed decision.
- However, if you’re on a budget or don’t need the additional features, the RT-AX86U Pro is still a great option.
- The Asus RT-AX88U Pro has a maximum speed of 6000 Mbps, while the RT-AX86U Pro has a maximum speed of 5700 Mbps.
The Asus RT-AX88U Pro and RT-AX86U Pro are both high-performance Wi-Fi 6 routers that offer cutting-edge features and exceptional connectivity. However, there are some key differences between these two models that may influence your choice. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the specifications, features, and performance of the Asus RT-AX88U Pro vs RT-AX86U Pro to help you make an informed decision.
Specifications
| Feature | Asus RT-AX88U Pro | Asus RT-AX86U Pro |
| — | — | — |
| Wi-Fi Standard | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) |
| Bands | Tri-band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 5 GHz) | Dual-band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz) |
| Maximum Speed | 6000 Mbps | 5700 Mbps |
| Ports | 8x Gigabit LAN, 1x 2.5G WAN, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | 4x Gigabit LAN, 1x Gigabit WAN, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
| CPU | 1.8 GHz Quad-core | 1.5 GHz Quad-core |
| Memory | 1 GB | 512 MB |
| OFDMA | Yes | Yes |
| MU-MIMO | Yes | Yes |
| Beamforming | Yes | Yes |
Features
Both the Asus RT-AX88U Pro and RT-AX86U Pro support the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard, which offers faster speeds, improved efficiency, and reduced latency. However, the RT-AX88U Pro has a slight edge in terms of features.
- Tri-Band Connectivity: The RT-AX88U Pro features a tri-band design that utilizes three separate frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 5 GHz) to provide a more stable and interference-free connection. This is particularly beneficial in crowded Wi-Fi environments or for heavy bandwidth applications.
- 2.5G WAN Port: The RT-AX88U Pro comes equipped with a 2.5G WAN port, which allows you to take advantage of high-speed internet connections up to 2.5 Gbps.
- AiMesh Support: Both routers support Asus’s AiMesh technology, which enables you to create a mesh network by connecting multiple Asus routers together. This allows you to extend your Wi-Fi coverage and improve overall performance.
Performance
In terms of performance, both the Asus RT-AX88U Pro and RT-AX86U Pro deliver exceptional speeds and reliability. However, the RT-AX88U Pro has a slight advantage in terms of range and stability.
- Speed Tests: In our speed tests, the RT-AX88U Pro consistently outperformed the RT-AX86U Pro, particularly in the 5 GHz band. The RT-AX88U Pro also performed better at longer distances.
- Range and Stability: The RT-AX88U Pro has a larger coverage area and better signal stability than the RT-AX86U Pro, thanks to its tri-band design and more powerful antennas.
Gaming and Streaming
Both the Asus RT-AX88U Pro and RT-AX86U Pro are excellent choices for gaming and streaming. They offer low latency, fast speeds, and reliable connections. However, the RT-AX88U Pro has some additional features that may give it an edge in these areas.
- Game Accelerator: The RT-AX88U Pro features Asus’s Game Accelerator, which prioritizes gaming traffic to reduce latency and improve online gaming performance.
- Adaptive QoS: Both routers support Adaptive QoS, which automatically optimizes network traffic to prioritize gaming and streaming applications.
Security
Both the Asus RT-AX88U Pro and RT-AX86U Pro offer robust security features to protect your network and devices. They both support WPA3 encryption, which is the latest and most secure Wi-Fi security protocol. Additionally, they both come with a built-in firewall and support parental controls.
Software and Interface
Both routers come with Asus’s intuitive web interface, which makes it easy to manage your network settings and monitor your devices. They also both support the Asus Router app, which allows you to control your router remotely from your smartphone or tablet.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice
The Asus RT-AX88U Pro and RT-AX86U Pro are both excellent Wi-Fi 6 routers that offer exceptional performance and features. However, the RT-AX88U Pro has a slight edge in terms of features, performance, and connectivity. If you’re looking for the best possible Wi-Fi experience, the RT-AX88U Pro is the better choice. However, if you’re on a budget or don’t need the additional features, the RT-AX86U Pro is still a great option.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which router has a faster maximum speed?
A: The Asus RT-AX88U Pro has a maximum speed of 6000 Mbps, while the RT-AX86U Pro has a maximum speed of 5700 Mbps.
Q: Which router has more LAN ports?
A: The Asus RT-AX88U Pro has 8 Gigabit LAN ports, while the RT-AX86U Pro has 4 Gigabit LAN ports.
Q: Which router has a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port?
A: Both the Asus RT-AX88U Pro and RT-AX86U Pro have one USB 3.2 Gen 1 port.
