Product review
Wireless routers
We've tested 12 store-bought routers and 10 ISP-supplied models to assess their WiFi performance and security, plus how easy they are to set up.
February 2019
ASUS
RT-AC86U
Price
$419
Score
77
Good
Recommended
Price
$419
Score
77
Good
Recommended
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It has excellent security and the second-best score for fibre speeds. The router is good at channel switching and its 5GHz network is excellent. Its built-in software is geared towards high-speed online gaming, so will easily handle day-to-day home traffic.
Test results
- 73WiFi performance
- 77Ease of use and setup
- 90Security
Good points
- Good WiFi performance.
- Excellent 5GHz WiFi performance.
- Easy to use.
- Very good fibre speed.
- Only some interference on 2.4GHz signal.
- Good for channel switching.
Bad points
- Only OK 2.4GHz WiFi performance.
Model
- Avg price
$419
Speed test results
- Fibre
8.9/10
- WiFi performance 2.4GHz
5.5/10
- WiFi performance 5GHz
9.0/10
- Obstruction 2.4GHz
Moderate interference from obstruction
- Obstruction 5GHz
Noticeable interference from obstruction
- Channel switching ability
Good at channel switching
Specifications
- Fibre
Yes
- WiFi bands (GHz)
2.4 & 5
- Antennas
4
- Antenna placement
One internal, three external on the top
- Dimensions (WxDxH) [mm]
220 x 160 x 83
- Weight (g)
500
Features
- Mesh
- MIMO
Yes
- Beamforming support
- Ethernet LAN ports
4
- USB ports
2
- Media sharing via USB
- DLNA
- Installation wizard
- Quality of Service
- Parental controls
- Parental control features
Time scheduling on devices, website filter, app and keyword filter
- Firewall
- Guest network WiFi
Yes
- WPS support
- 3G/4G passthrough
- VOIP
- Wall mountable
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