ASUSRT-AX86U Pro (AX5700) Dual Band WiFi 6 Extendable Gaming Router, 2.5G Port, Gaming Port, Mobile Game Mode, Port Forwarding, Subscription-free Network Security, VPN, AiMesh Compatible

Why did you pick this product vs others?:Great router for the price, had it for about 5 months now and does everything flawlessly. Previous router had a issue with the primary router at home and this one did not. I really like having a app to monitor/troubleshoot connection issues, network monitoring, and remote access. The Wifi 6 is very efficient as well, my phone maxes out at 5 and is still 5 times faster than The previous tenda AC1200I will be looking forward to the mesh networking in the future as well.Signal strength:Good range, better distance on both frequencies compared my previous router, especially in a older building with a good chunk of interference.Stability:100% stable, dosent force update which is also great.Value for money:Although there are others at a equal or lesser price price point i have been using asus laptops, motherboards and other items from them and they typically don't fail. And the one time i did have an issue about 15 years ago they're customer service was great and resolved the problem.Looks:Clean, vertical style take up less space.

I recently upgraded my home network setup and added the ASUS AX86U as an AI Mesh device to complement my main router, the AX88U Pro. The results have been outstanding, particularly when compared to my old AC68U router.The AX86U integrates seamlessly into the AI Mesh system, working flawlessly with the AX88U Pro. The speed improvements are instantly noticeable across the board. My internet speeds, as well as home LAN speeds, have seen a significant boost. Streaming 4K content, online gaming, and even heavy downloading happen without a hitch, with zero lag or buffering issues.The AI Mesh feature is a standout. It blankets my entire home with strong, reliable Wi-Fi, eliminating any dead zones and providing a smooth, uninterrupted connection no matter where I am. The setup was straightforward, and the AX86U's performance as part of this mesh system is nothing short of exceptional.If you're looking to upgrade your home network, pairing the AX88U Pro with the AX86U as an AI Mesh device is a winning combination. The performance, ease of setup, and reliability make it a no-brainer. This upgrade has been well worth it! Highly recommended.

Fast, Reliable, and a Must-Have for Home Assistant AutomationI recently upgraded to this ASUS RT-AX86U Pro to replace the standard router from my ISP, and the difference is night and day. Not only is it incredibly fast with my Google Fiber service, but it unlocked a level of network control I was looking for, specifically for my Home Assistant setup.In terms of raw performance, this router is a beast. The Wi-Fi 6 speeds are excellent throughout my house, and the 2.5G WAN port handles my gigabit internet without breaking a sweat. Everything feels snappier, from streaming 4K video to general web Browse.But the real reason I chose this specific model was for its well-known integration with Home Assistant. The setup was incredibly easy; Home Assistant’s native ASUSWRT integration found the router immediately. My goal was to be able to programmatically control internet access for my kids' devices. With this router, I've created automations in Home Assistant that disable internet access for their tablets automatically after a certain time of night or when they've reached a daily limit. It works flawlessly. The ability to toggle access for any device on my network from a dashboard or script is a game-changer for smart home parenting.Beyond that, the AiProtection security features are a great bonus without requiring a subscription, and knowing I can easily expand with another ASUS router using AiMesh in the future is a big plus.Pros:* Excellent Wi-Fi 6 speed and coverage.* 2.5G port is perfect for multi-gig internet like Google Fiber.* Seamless integration with Home Assistant for advanced automation.* Powerful, subscription-free network security features.* Stable and reliable performance.Cons:* The web interface is packed with features, which could be a bit intimidating for a total beginner (but it's perfect for enthusiasts).If you're just looking for a fast and reliable router, this is a fantastic choice. But if you're a Home Assistant user looking to take your network automations to the next level, this router is an absolute must-have. It’s powerful, flexible, and has performed exactly as I'd hoped.