roughly Asus RT-AX86S vs RT-AX86U vs RT-AX86U professional: Odd Variants will cowl the most recent and most present counsel relating to the world. proper to make use of slowly for that cause you comprehend with out issue and accurately. will accrual your data precisely and reliably
This submit is a fast comparability of the Asus RT-AX86S vs RT-AX86U vs RT-AX86U Professional. Collectively they make for complicated dual-band Wi-Fi 6 choices.
In mid-August 2020, I posted an in depth evaluate of the RT-AX86U and referred to as it “arguably the very best dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router” for good cause: the router has been among the finest.
Issues moved alongside fairly easily till mid-2021, when Asus launched the RT-AX86S, which appears to be like the identical because the RT-AX86U however is a really completely different router on the within. The corporate referred to as them RT-AX86. Serie — bundling each on the identical product web page — making issues much more complicated.
After which in late 2022, Asus did it once more by introducing the RT-AX86U Professional, which is principally the RT-AX86U plus a barely quicker CPU.
I’ve gotten loads of questions on RT-AX86U vs. RT-AX86S after which RT-AX86U vs. RT-AX86U Professional.
Initially, folks appear to need me to inform them that the primary pair is similar, probably to make them really feel higher about shopping for the S on account of availability or value distinction. And with the second pair, many had been confused – rightly so.
This submit will assist with these questions. The underside line is that if the value is similar, then there is no cause to not get the Professional model. The RT-AX86S is an effective alternative for a no-demand residence.
However total, the RT-AX86U is the safer possibility. I cannot take a look at or evaluate the S and Professional variations individually.
Dong’s notice: I revealed this submit for the primary time in February. 3, 2022, and I up to date it on December third so as to add details about the most recent variant, the RT-AX86U Professional.


Asus RT-AX86S vs RT-AX86U vs RT-AX86U Professional: an identical look, however one is a (nearly) fully completely different router
With the bare eye, most of us cannot inform the RT-AX86S from the RT-AX86U, and it is even tougher to inform the RT-AX86U from the RT-AX86U Professional.
All three share the identical form, shade, variety of antennae, and so forth.
And the resemblance goes past the look. In addition they share the identical set of community options and configurations. Along with Asus’ fundamental characteristic set, each embody precious gaming-related options.
I detailed their similarities on this submit about Asus Wi-Fi Stations, however listed here are some highlights of all three:
- AiMesh 2.0 Compatibility: Can perform as a main router or as a satellite tv for pc node in an AiMesh setup.
- AiProtection: Free built-in lifetime on-line safety.
- Versatile port configuration: Each help Twin-WAN, Hyperlink Aggregation (WAN and LAN), and Sport Port.
- Adaptive QoS: Each have a strong QoS characteristic.
- Wi-Fi AX5700 specs: 3×3 AX on the two.4GHz band (861Mbps) and 4×4 AX on the 5GHz band (4804Mbps).
That mentioned, like all of Asus’ Wi-Fi 6 routers, these three routers appear to have extra in frequent than variations.
However whenever you take a more in-depth look, particularly at their {hardware} specs, you may see that they are fairly completely different, particularly within the case of the RT-AX86S.
Asus and your privateness
When turning on some options on an Asus router, you may be met with this scary warning:
“Through the use of AiProtection, Site visitors Analyzer, Apps Analyzer, Adaptive QoS/Sport enhance, Net historical past, you comply with the Pattern Micro Finish Consumer License Settlement. Please notice that Pattern Micro will gather your info by means of AiProtection, Site visitors Analyzer, Apps Analyzer, Adaptive QoS, and Net Historical past.”

When you learn the complete EULA, you’ll perceive what it implies. However since nobody needs to learn that boring however necessary doc, and a few could not recognize its wording, let me put this in easy phrases:
These options solely work as a result of your supplier scans the router’s site visitors. It is like if you wish to be protected in actual life, you may have to have somebody, like a bodyguard, watching over you. In networks, safety requires further connections; There is no option to keep away from it.
I do not declare to know what TrendMicro or Asus do with the knowledge they might have entry to, I do not know, however (personally) I would be extra involved with how and what Fb, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft or Google (in that order) does. with my information, which is collected the second I activate a selected system.
However sure, utilizing these options will inherently trigger privateness dangers. The excellent news is that they’re turned off by default and you’re by no means compelled to show them on.
So whether or not to make use of them or not is your choice. Simply bear in mind, you’ll be able to’t have them each methods. Typically, privateness and safety are a matter of diploma.
Asus RT-AX86S vs RT-AX86U vs RT-AX86U Professional: {Hardware} Specs
Title | ASUS RT-AX86S | ASUS RT-AX86U | RT-AX86U skilled |
wifi know-how | Twin Band AX5700 | Twin Band AX5700 | Twin Band AX5700 |
2.4GHz Wi-Fi Specs (Bandwidth) |
3×3 AX: As much as 861 Mbps (20/40MHz) |
3×3 AX: As much as 861 Mbps (20/40MHz) |
3×3 AX: As much as 861 Mbps (20/40MHz) |
5GHz Wi-Fi Specs (Bandwidth) |
4X4 AX: As much as 4804 Mbps (20/40/80/160MHz) |
4X4 AX: As much as 4804 Mbps (20/40/80/160MHz) |
4X4 AX: As much as 4804 Mbps (20/40/80/160MHz) |
Compatibility with earlier variations | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
PA mode | Sure | Sure | Sure |
AiMesh-ready | Sure | Sure | Sure |
gigabit port | 4x LAN 1x WAN |
4x LAN 1x WAN/LAN |
4x LAN 1x WAN/LAN |
multi-gigabit port | None | 1 × 2.5Gbps LAN/WAN | 1 2.5Gbps LAN/WAN |
Add a hyperlink | Sure (LAN and WAN) |
Sure (LAN and WAN) |
Sure (LAN and WAN) |
Twin WAN | Sure | Sure | Sure |
USB | 1x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0 |
2x USB 3.0 | 1x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0 |
Cellular app | Asus router | Asus router | Asus router |
QoS | Sure | Sure | Sure |
Parental management | Sure | Sure | Sure |
processing energy | 1.8GHz dual-core CPU, 256MB Flash, 512MB RAM |
1.8GHz quad-core CPU, 256MB Flash, 1GB of RAM |
2GHz quad core CPU, 256MB Flash, 1GB of RAM |
Constructed-in on-line safety | Sure (Ai Safety) |
Sure (Ai Safety) |
Sure (Ai Safety) |
Dimensions (with antennae) |
9.52 x 3.93 x 12.79 in. (242 x 100 x 325mm) |
9.52 x 3.93 x 12.79 in. (242 x 100 x 325mm) |
9.52 x 3.93 x 12.79 in. (242 x 100 x 325mm) |
Dimensions (with out antennas) |
9.52 x 3.93 x 6.45 in. (242 x 100 x 164mm) |
9.52 x 3.93 x 6.45 in. (242 x 100 x 164mm) |
9.52 x 3.93 x 6.45 in. (242 x 100 x 164mm) |
Weight | 1.8 lbs (814.5g) | 1.8 lbs (814.5g) | 1.8 lbs (814.5g) |
Launch date (US market) |
September 22, 2021 | August 11, 2020 | Decided |
US value (at launch) |
$250 | $280 | Decided |
RT-AX86S vs RT-AX86U: some game-changing variations
The truth is, flip them round and you will discover that the RT-AX86S would not have a 2.5Gbps Multi-Gbps port on the again. As an alternative, your entire community ports (one WAN and 4 LANs) are all Gigabit.

This extra multi-gigabit port is a major distinction as a result of it permits the RT-AX86U to perform as a satellite tv for pc in a wired multi-gigabit AiMesh setup. You’ll be able to’t do this with the S model. Additionally, you probably have Gigabit and even Gig+ broadband, the U model can totally deal with that.
What’s Gig+?
Live performance+ or Live performance plus, transmits a level of pace larger than 1 Gbps however lower than 2 Gbps. So it is 1.5 Gbps, give or take, and never quick sufficient to qualify as Multi-Gig.
Gig+ typically applies to sustained Wi-Fi 6 or 6E speeds (over a 2×2 160 MHz connection) or Web pace, not native cable connections.
Moreover, the RT-AX86U has far more highly effective processing energy, operating a quad-core CPU and doubling the quantity of RAM. That may certainly translate into higher efficiency and responsiveness.
And eventually, the RT-AX86U has two USB 3.0 ports, whereas one of many S model’s ports is USB 2.0.
RT-AX86U Professional vs RT-AX86U: some minor variations
The RT-AX86U Professional is considerably on the opposite aspect of the RT-AX86U from the RT-AX86S. It is a barely extra highly effective router (with an extra 2 GHz CPU clock pace), however it solely has one USB 3.0 port.


I have not examined the Professional, however it’s protected to say that in precise use, it is more likely to be the identical because the earlier model.
The quicker CPU would not damage, however it will not assist a lot, contemplating the small improve. And the second slowest USB port cancels out any extras the CPU gives.
Meals to go
Asus has not confirmed this, however my opinion is the S on the RT-AX86S it’s quick for “naked”. This new router has loads much less to supply than the RT-AX86U.
Nevertheless, one of these router launch has occurred earlier than.
Years in the past I reviewed the RT-AC88U and thought it was the very best factor ever, primarily due to its 8 Gigabit LAN ports.
Later, Asus launched the RT-AC3100, which shares the identical Wi-Fi specs however has 4 fewer LAN ports. Because the RT-AX88U is an AC3100 router, folks had been confused between the 2 on the time, and possibly nonetheless are as we speak.
Just like the RT-AC3100, I am certain the RT-AX86S is an effective router. When you do not want the Multi-Gig port or do not thoughts the additional processing energy, it will provide you with the identical expertise because the RT-AX86U.
However for those who ask me to say that these two are the identical, the reply is all the time a powerful no. And I would decide the RT-AX86U in a heartbeat, even when it is dearer.
As for the combat between the RT-AX86U and the RT-AX86U Professional, the latter’s notion of “Professional” is a bit arbitrary. There is not a lot else to qualify the {hardware} for the moniker. However that is simply semantics. The 2 are most probably equal in real-world use, and I would not contemplate the Professional if it prices noticeably extra.
Nevertheless, it is price noting that you need to use all three and use them in an AiMesh setup for a big residence; in that case, please join your own home first for finest efficiency. In that case, you already know which one to make use of as your main router.
Searching for different matches in Wi-Fi options? Verify all of them right here.
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Asus RT-AX86S vs RT-AX86U vs RT-AX86U pro: Odd Variants