ASUS RT-AX86U Pro Review: Fast But Flawed Verdict
Digging into hundreds of user reviews, the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro Dual Band WiFi 6 Gaming Router emerges as a high-performance device praised for speed, stability, and robust security—but marred by divisive experiences with its AiMesh system and privacy concerns tied to advanced features. Across Reddit, Trustpilot, and Newegg, its average sentiment lands around 9.2/10, with gamers and power users calling it “super fast and stable” while others warn “AiMesh sucks” or “Trend Micro collects too much data.”
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ultrafast WiFi 6 speeds up to 5700 Mbps | AiMesh roaming instability for some users |
| Strong gaming prioritization via Gaming Port & Gear Accelerator | Privacy concerns with Trend Micro–powered features |
| Commercial-grade security with lifetime AiProtection Pro | Only one 2.5G port limits multi-gig wired setups |
| Excellent range and coverage | Setup complexity for advanced features |
| Regular firmware updates for long-term security | Bulky design may not fit well in compact spaces |
| Flexible VPN options including WireGuard and OpenVPN | No wall-mounting option |
| Stable performance under heavy loads | Premium price compared to some competitors |
Claims vs Reality
ASUS markets the RT-AX86U Pro as delivering “ultrafast WiFi 6 dual-band speeds up to 5700 Mbps” and “lag-free mobile gaming with one tap.” Reddit user u/Buildapc*** agreed on raw speed: “Super fast and stable. Kind of wish I went for this one since it has a more ‘adult’ look.” Reports from Newegg back this up: “Good WiFi range, stable, QoS seems to be working properly.”
The claim of “seamless whole-home mesh” via AiMesh is more contentious. While ASUS touts “say goodbye to WiFi dead zones,” Reddit users repeatedly challenge this. One user warned: “Unless a lot has changed… AiMesh sucks… when you move around and it switches your connection it just drops and never comes back until you cycle WiFi.” This suggests that while AiMesh may work in fixed positions, roaming handoffs can be unreliable.
Finally, ASUS promotes “commercial-grade security” via AiProtection Pro powered by Trend Micro. While effective at blocking malicious content, multiple Newegg reviewers raise privacy issues: “URLs and other traffic data sent to Trend Micro… they use some of this info for marketing.” Users who value privacy either disable these features or explore third-party firmware like Asuswrt-Merlin.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Gamers benefit most from the dedicated gaming port and Gear Accelerator, which automatically prioritizes devices for low-latency performance. A verified buyer on Trustpilot noted: “Plugging into the gaming port gave me a fast, stable connection that’s always at the head of the queue.” For mobile gamers, the one-tap mode in the ASUS Router app is seen as a genuine improvement—Reddit user u/Buildapc*** said it “minimises lag and latency for mobile gaming.”
The router’s VPN flexibility is a standout for remote workers and privacy-conscious users. One Reddit comment highlighted: “Runs OpenVPN to easily access entire network and is rock stable… AES-NI enabled makes VPN substantially faster.” WireGuard support adds speed for modern VPN protocols.
Long-range coverage is another strength. TechSpot’s review notes “good performance and coverage… robust parental controls,” with users reporting strong signal in large homes. Newegg buyers appreciate its “good WiFi range” and “stable” performance even under heavy loads.
Common Complaints
The most recurring frustration is with AiMesh roaming. Multiple Reddit accounts describe dropped connections when moving around the house: “It wasn’t really mesh… it would try to switch you even if stationary… resulted in unresponsiveness every single time.” For users seeking flawless roaming, AiMesh may require careful tuning or might be best avoided in favor of single-router setups.
Privacy concerns with Trend Micro integration appear across Newegg and Reddit. Newegg’s top critical review warns: “Trend Micro expressly states they use some of this info for marketing.” For privacy-focused buyers, enabling AiProtection Pro means trading some control over data.
Hardware limitations also draw comment—specifically, the single 2.5G port. While officially marketed as “true 2Gbps wired and wireless speeds,” Reddit’s networking community points out: “It’s only one port so that’s an ok feature at best.” Multi-gig LAN setups will require compromises.
Divisive Features
The design receives split opinions. Provantage notes it’s “bulky… may not fit well in compact spaces,” while others prefer its understated look compared to RGB-heavy gaming routers. Reddit user u/Buildapc*** said: “Kind of wish I went for this one since it has a more ‘adult’ look.”
Adaptive QoS is praised for smoothing traffic—TechSpot found it “full-featured with device prioritization”—but some users avoid it due to Trend Micro data collection. There’s a clear divide between those prioritizing functionality and those prioritizing privacy.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot ratings sit at 4.6/5 from hundreds of reviews, and long-term Reddit users cite ASUS’s track record for firmware updates. A Newegg network engineer praised: “Regular updates that fix security vulnerabilities (and sometimes adds features)… still receives firmware updates years later.”
However, ASUS’s history includes occasional security mishaps—Reddit threads reference past firmware vulnerabilities and a malware incident affecting thousands of PCs. While these have been fixed, veteran users caution that “it just presents a pattern… sloppy at best.”
Alternatives
Several users compare the RT-AX86U Pro to the GT-AX6000, noting “almost identical hardware… extra 2.5G WAN port and funky gamer branding and RGB.” For those needing dual multi-gig ports, the GT-AX6000 may be preferable. Others mention TP-Link mesh setups as more reliable for roaming, though potentially lacking ASUS’s advanced gaming prioritization.
Price & Value
eBay listings show prices between $223.56 and $537.40 depending on region, with discounts up to 30% off. Reddit discussions suggest that while premium, the router’s longevity and firmware support justify its cost for power users. For resale, ASUS routers with ongoing updates tend to hold value, especially in enthusiast circles.
Buying tips from the community:
- Look for sales around major tech events.
- If AiMesh is not critical, the non-Pro RT-AX86U variant may suffice at lower cost.
- Consider Merlin firmware to retain features without Trend Micro data sharing.
FAQ
Q: Does AiMesh work reliably with the RT-AX86U Pro?
A: Reports are mixed. Some find it stable when stationary, but many Reddit users report dropped connections during roaming, making it less suitable for those needing seamless movement across nodes.
Q: Can I run a VPN for my entire network on this router?
A: Yes. Users praise its ability to run OpenVPN and WireGuard at high speeds thanks to AES-NI hardware acceleration, making it ideal for whole-network tunneling.
Q: Is the 2.5G port enough for multi-gig setups?
A: For single-device multi-gig use, yes. However, with only one 2.5G port, you can’t fully build multi-gig LAN without extra hardware.
Q: How does parental control perform?
A: Strong features allow blocking sites, scheduling access, and filtering explicit content. TechSpot calls it “robust,” and users find it easy to manage via the app.
Q: Are there privacy risks with AiProtection Pro?
A: Enabling it sends traffic data to Trend Micro, which may be used for marketing. Some users disable it or use third-party firmware to avoid data sharing.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a gamer, remote worker, or tech enthusiast seeking fast WiFi 6 speeds, strong device prioritization, and flexible VPN options in a single router setup. Avoid if you require flawless mesh roaming or are uncomfortable with Trend Micro’s data policies. Pro tip from the community: Pair it with Merlin firmware to keep the hardware’s strengths while mitigating privacy concerns.
