Battle of the Beasts: ASUS RT-AX86U vs RT-AX86S – Which is the Ultimate Wi-Fi Champion?
What To Know
- However, the RT-AX86U has a slight edge in terms of raw speed, thanks to its use of a 160 MHz channel width on the 5 GHz band.
- However, if you’re on a budget, the RT-AX86S provides excellent value for its price, offering many of the same features as the RT-AX86U at a lower cost.
- If you demand the absolute best performance and are willing to pay a premium, the RT-AX86U is the way to go.
In the ever-evolving world of Wi-Fi technology, ASUS has emerged as a leading innovator, consistently delivering cutting-edge networking solutions. Two of their latest offerings, the ASUS RT-AX86U and RT-AX86S, have captured the attention of tech enthusiasts and home users alike. Both devices boast impressive specs and features, but which one is the ultimate Wi-Fi champion? Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison to find out.
Performance: Speed and Stability
Speed is paramount when it comes to Wi-Fi performance. The RT-AX86U and RT-AX86S both feature dual-band Wi-Fi 6 technology, capable of delivering theoretical speeds of up to 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 4804 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. However, the RT-AX86U has a slight edge in terms of raw speed, thanks to its use of a 160 MHz channel width on the 5 GHz band.
Stability is another crucial aspect of performance. Both routers employ beamforming technology to focus Wi-Fi signals towards connected devices, improving signal strength and reducing interference. Additionally, the RT-AX86U boasts a dedicated gaming band, which can be used to prioritize gaming traffic for a lag-free online experience.
Coverage: Extending Your Wi-Fi Reach
Coverage is essential for ensuring reliable Wi-Fi connectivity throughout your home or office. The RT-AX86U and RT-AX86S both feature four external antennas, providing excellent signal coverage. However, the RT-AX86U has a slightly wider coverage area, thanks to its more powerful amplifiers.
If you have a particularly large space to cover, consider using a mesh Wi-Fi system, such as the ASUS ZenWiFi AX6600. This system consists of multiple nodes that work together to create a seamless and extended Wi-Fi network.
Features: Enhance Your Wi-Fi Experience
Both the RT-AX86U and RT-AX86S offer a range of features to enhance your Wi-Fi experience. These include:
- Adaptive QoS: Prioritizes traffic based on device and application type, ensuring optimal performance for gaming, streaming, and browsing.
- AiMesh Support: Allows you to connect multiple ASUS routers to create a mesh Wi-Fi system, extending coverage and eliminating dead zones.
- Parental Controls: Provides robust parental controls to manage children’s internet access and protect them from harmful content.
- VPN Support: Supports VPN servers and clients, allowing you to access secure networks remotely.
Design: Aesthetics and Functionality
The RT-AX86U and RT-AX86S sport similar designs, with a sleek and angular appearance. Both routers feature a black and red color scheme, giving them a gaming-inspired aesthetic. The RT-AX86U has a slightly larger footprint, but both devices are relatively compact and easy to place.
In terms of functionality, both routers have a variety of ports and buttons, including Gigabit Ethernet ports, USB ports, and a WPS button. The RT-AX86U has an additional USB-C port, which can be used for faster file transfers.
Price: Value for Your Money
The RT-AX86U and RT-AX86S fall into different price ranges. The RT-AX86U is typically more expensive, offering a slightly better performance and feature set. However, if you’re on a budget, the RT-AX86S provides excellent value for its price, offering many of the same features as the RT-AX86U at a lower cost.
Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the best choice between the ASUS RT-AX86U and RT-AX86S depends on your specific needs and budget. If you demand the absolute best performance and are willing to pay a premium, the RT-AX86U is the way to go. For those on a tighter budget who still want a high-quality Wi-Fi experience, the RT-AX86S is an excellent option.
Verdict: The ASUS RT-AX86U emerges as the overall winner in this comparison, offering superior performance, coverage, and features. However, the RT-AX86S provides excellent value for its price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which router has better parental controls?
A: Both the RT-AX86U and RT-AX86S offer robust parental controls, allowing you to manage your children’s internet access and protect them from harmful content.
Q: Can I use either router with a mesh Wi-Fi system?
A: Yes, both the RT-AX86U and RT-AX86S support AiMesh, which allows you to connect multiple ASUS routers to create a mesh Wi-Fi system.
Q: Which router is better for gaming?
A: The RT-AX86U has a dedicated gaming band and supports Adaptive QoS, making it a better choice for gaming.
Q: Does either router support Wi-Fi 6E?
A: No, neither the RT-AX86U nor the RT-AX86S supports Wi-Fi 6E.
Q: Which router has a USB-C port?
A: Only the RT-AX86U has a USB-C port.
