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ASUS RT-AX86U Pro AX5700 Dual Band Wi-Fi 6 Router $377 Delivered @ Amazon AU

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Pretty good price if you're in the market for AU stock, personally bought the Flint 2 instead - thought it was a bit more value for money (currently also on sale @ $207 on Amazon au) but thought someone would get use out of this one.

Specs thanks to Twix / hamza23:

Processor
2.0GHz quad-core processor

Memory
256 MB Flash and 1 GB RAM

I/O Ports
RJ45 for 10/100/1000 BaseT for WAN x 1
RJ45 for 10/100/1000 BaseT for LAN x 4
Five (5) 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports + one (1) 2.5G/1Gbps multi-Gig port (configurable)
— LAN: 4xGbE (2x port aggregation LAN)
— WAN: 1 GbE
— WAN/LAN: 2.5G/1Gbps multi-Gig port (configurable)
— Multi-Gig: Ability to aggregate two Gigabit LAN ports and two Gigabit WAN ports (configurable) concurrently.
USB 3.2 Gen1 x1, 2.0 x1

Full list of tech specs(asus.com)

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.

Related Stores

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closed Comments

  • +1

    Which is better flint 2 or this?

    • +1

      Flint 2 has 8GB Storage and 1GB RAM, and 2 x 2.5Gbps ports, total of 5 LAN ports. (One of those 5 is 2.5Gbps, and can be either LAN or WAN)

      I've been super happy with my Flint 2, and the ONLY reason I can think of going the Asus would be if you want Asus Mesh. (But maybe see if OpenWRT can do Mesh, then it doesn't really matter maybe?)

      • Does Flint 2 have features like Asus + Merlin?
        At the moment, I am using AC86U with Merlin, and have Skynet, Diversion, etc installed so nice to have features like ad blocking, firewall, etc.

        Been thinking of upgrading since every now and then the router randomly reboots, no idea why.. maybe die soon

    • +1

      FYI they say Flint 3 with Wi-Fi 7 is planned for Q4 this year https://forum.gl-inet.com/t/any-plans-for-wifi-7-device-with…

      Just in case anybody would regret not waiting :)

      • Awemaaaaaaaan I only bought my Flint 2 last month

        • Who knows, it may be hugely delayed, flawed, super expensive etc…

          I’m personally holding out for a solid WiFi 7 router before I upgrade the crappy ISP-provided one we’ve got because it works well enough 90% of the time, just a bit lacklustre.

          If it was at all an issue now then I would upgrade sooner and the Flint 2 looks like a solid choice

          • +1

            @ZJack: I don't think I even have any devices at home that support Wifi 7 :P
            I needed to update cause my route was dying. It would constantly require rebooting a few times per day and be over heating. Super happy with my Flint 2.

    • These ones are so much better (for Asus as they make more money). For consumers flint 2 is much better value, it even has built in Adguard - you can load your own blocklists. With Asus, trendmicro does it, i assume it adds latency as the query has to go to trendmicro and return.

  • The specs on this look much better, no?
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006749715802.html

    • -1

      Share your data with another country?

      • umm debatable, I am still thinking and getting my facts together tbh…

      • Yup.. After going through my Data,(just a wastage of their resources)

      • +1

        Some of those Xiaomi ones you flash OpenWRT firmware which avoid that exposure.

    • How do you get Aliexpress to email you in English?

  • +8

    Picked this up about 6 months ago and love it. Running AsusWRT-Merlin firmware.

    Was genuinely shocked at how much of an upgrade this was compared to my old one. At the furthest point away in my house from the modem (~25m, up a level and through 3 walls) I used to get 10Mbps (from a 100Mbs speed next to modem). With this one I get the exact same speeds (950 Mbps) at both locations. Have tested it out the front of my house for shits and giggles and still get 400Mbps 50m away.

    • +4

      ASUS routers are #1 IMO.
      I have the non Pro connected to 2 XD4S satellites and I get crazy speed all over my 4 bedroom house.

    • +1

      This with Merlin is great. You pay a lot more for Asus, but it's a set and forget device. It just works.

  • -3

    If I'm not mistaken, same spec cheaper here $320.42 on Amazon AU via Amazon Germany. Recommended this one to a friend earlier in the year and it arrived within a week.

    • +1

      AU specs have different wifi radio?

      • +2

        Yes good point, lower TX power output and different bands. See old post HERE with further comments/info. Can't update above comment, hopefully everyone see this.

      • +1

        I'll look in the morning if you haven't found it already, but the last time it was shared yes, the wifi transmit power is throttled. There's a script to change it that was posted in the last thread

    • +3

      Low transmit power as per EU Standards

      • This might be a far fetch, but throwing it out there in case it might help someone…

        I bought a chinese version of Asus RT-AC86U, and it had terrible wifi transmit power (15dB I think).

        Loaded AsusWRT merlin, which introduced config option that allowed me to change wifi region to Australia, and boosted transmit power to 25dB.

        Not sure if the same might work for this model.

        P.S. Command to check transmit power "wl txpwr_target_max"

    • I was also seriously contemplating the German version, there's a thread on Whirlpool about how to change regions to some what fix the gimped transmission power of an EU model.

      Your other option is to order the US version via Amazon.com, also around $320 and I think transmission power comparable to AU.

      • Yeah, I almost pulled the trigger on the German GT-AX6000 which is similar to the RT-AX88U Pro that wasn't released in AU (just the RT-AX88U non pro is available here), but not sure about playing around with the power levels.

  • I'm waiting for the price listing on the WiFi 7 model, better CPU. (not that a 2.0GHz quad core isn't sufficient)

    • +2

      Yep, the new WiFi 7 BE routers look like beasts spec wise. Also have 10Gbps WAN ports and more 2.5Gbps LAN ports, 2.6Ghz CPU and also I think 2GB of RAM instead of 1GB on this WiFi 6 generation. They still only have 256MB of Flash memory, though. Not sure if that is going to be an issue at all at some point, or is that plenty internal memory?

      I've also been looking at Routers the past 2 weeks or so, as I wanted to upgrade the RT-AC68U as that is going to be EoL soon. I wanted to get something cheap to tide me over, but not sure. Main thing I wanted was something that had VPN Fusion and the ability to use OpenVPN and Wireguard clients. Doesn't seem to be any cheap Asus models that do that.

      The other reason I'm looking to move on from the AC68U is because I was using an AC86U for a few years prior, and that had good OpenVPN performance, so I still would have been happy to keep using that for a while longer until BE models were out longer and a bit more stable, but it failed just over a year ago, and I have been using the AC68U ever since (luckily I kept it as a spare).

      I've also been on the fence about ordering the German GT-AX6000 (this is equivalent to the RT-AX88U Pro which doesn't seem to have been released in AU), but not sure if I want to play around trying to get the wireless power levels higher to use in AU.

      • They still only have 256MB of Flash memory, though. Not sure if that is going to be an issue at all at some point, or is that plenty internal memory?

        Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with the flash memory utilization.
        At least with disk space, if you were to ever run out, changing to an alternative boot device would be an option.

        I've also been looking at Routers the past 2 weeks or so, as I wanted to upgrade the RT-AC68U as that is going to be EoL soon.

        I've also got an AC68U, been looking at routers for years for now, even the DIY options, I just haven't pulled the trigger as it means I'd have to do some new RJ45 fits.

        I've also been on the fence about ordering the German

        Those international deals look tempting, it's just hard to know if they'll perform the same as an AU vers.

        • Do you have a price range you're looking at? For me, it's around $300, that's why these German/EU and UK models are tempting, but the wireless power levels are going to be less and not sure if it will provide enough coverage and/or be compatible with all my devices.

          The AU models are ridiculously priced. Fore example the new RT-BE88U is a beast spec wise (it doesn't have 6Ghz, though, which isn't improtant to me) and it's about $615 on Amazon, then older AX models such as the GT-AX6000 ($550 or so) and RT-AX86U Pro ($499) are close to the price of the newer RT-BE88U. Why would anyone buy the older models when the price is close to the newer, much better specced RT-BE88U? If this model in the OP was $299 or so, I'd consider pulling the trigger right now, but otherwise, if buying AU, I think I'd rather wait for a special on the RT-BE88U or wait and see what the pricing and specs are going to be on the RT-BE86U.

          Also, I'd like something with at least a 2.5Gb WAN port, but not sure if a router with a 10Gbit WAN port would be better. Not sure what speeds we'll get in AU eventually.

          Darn, just did a search to see when the RT-BE86U is due out, and I just saw the specs of the RT-BE86U on the US website, and it will have the faster processor, but only 1GB of RAM compared to the 2GB the BE88U has.

  • +1

    is it worth the $170 premium over the flint 2? Which OS is better?

    Heard good things about asus and this always seems like a popular router here.

  • Have RT-AC88U connected to NBN modem and then RT-AC86U connected in mesh.

    Would be it be worthwhile changing the AC88U to this RT-AX86U? Or I would need to change both routers in the mesh

    • What issues are you currently facing?

    • +1

      It really depends. AC is Wifi 5, AX is Wifi 6.

      Any AC routers in your AiMesh would still work, but will be a bottleneck if any Wifi 6 devices are connected to it and needs/benefits from the Wifi 6 transfer speeds.

      Having said that, if you're not really having any current issues then I wouldn't bother changing yet. If you do decide later that you want to upgrade, you could go with something like the XT12 which has tri-band and dedicated wireless backhaul for the mesh, or wait for Wifi 7 routers to be more worthwhile once more Wifi 7 devices start being more mainstream.

      If it's just a single router in your network I'd definitely just upgrade to the AX86U Pro at this price.

      • Not having any issues with my set-up but i thought would provide better speed for all connected devices.

        • +1

          In that case, get itttt 😅

          The AC86U and AX88U are already around 10 years old and end of life even though they are still pretty solid.

          • +1

            @tabz: I was going to make the AX86U my main router and the AC86U connected in mesh mode.

            From this review the guy says to do what I am wanting to do https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=H19eTy4nuOk&pp=ygUOQXg4NnUgdnM…

            • +1

              @GerrardLFC: Set up the AX86U and it has made a difference to my network. Before with my Ultra fast plan it would show max speed 350-400 over wifi. Now it shows 950-1000. If the device connects to the mesh AC86U it still shows 350-400 speed.

    • +1

      Have the RT-AC88u and it's a bloody good router for 7 years old. Picked it up for free off gumtree. Admittedly Wifi 6 & 7 will be nice to have along with slightly more range.

  • +1

    Already gone. Damn, I wanted it and that was a great price. Thanks for sharing

    • Still in stock on my screen, try again

      • Sorry, to be clear it's in stock but at $477 for me now

        • Just checked and it's still showing as $377 for me too.

        • Its because Amazon largely suck now and wont ship lots of items to non capital cities so your seller would be a 3rd party seller hence you see a different price

          • @donkcat: I live in a non capital city and every item which i've been purchasing from seller amazon.com.au has been shipping to me. As in make sure that it's either sold and shipped from seller amazon.com.au or one which is fulfilled by Amazon (as in ships from an Amazon warehouse).

      • Still $377 for me too

    • They can be found cheaper on AliExpress, if you're willing to wait.

      • Aren't those in AliExpress a bit dodgy? Just an honest question

    • +1

      Guessing you're Tasmanian by your username.
      I'm Tasmanian, worked fine for me, purchased it just now. I've been after one for a while.

      • That's so weird. And frustrating. I'm 10 minutes drive from the Hobart CBD!.

        I just signed out, changed my address to the next suburb over and got offered it for $100 cheaper. I'm just going to get it sent to my parents. Thank you!

        • +1

          I mean I don't live in Tassie, but 10 mins away in Melbourne will probably only get you about 500m down the road…

          • +1

            @deeeno: I used to live in Moonie Ponds… racing season was the worst! Much better down here, it gets me 15km

  • Near all time low
    Been waiting a while to get this and pair with xt8

  • I'm currently hanging in there to see how much the new RT-BE86U will be released for. I'm in the market for a 2nd device to expand the wifi coverage at my property and I currently have a non pro RT-AX86U.

    • +1

      Why not just get 2 satellites like I did? Either the XD4S or XD5 will do the job perfectly.

      https://www.amazon.com.au/ASUS-XD4S-Coverage-Subscription-Fr…

      • Because I want a router with multiple high speed lan ports and the new RT-BE86U would fit the bill for my use case exactly. I'll then move my existing RT-AX86U to be the mesh node closer to where I want the expanded wifi coverage.

      • wow great idea! im currently using a stock modem connected to some TP Link deco's i received from Aussie Broadband when i signed up years ago but finally pulled the trigger for a new modem with this deal. Can i ask for the general layout of your home and if it was easy to set up both the router and mesh system?

        • Very easy setup. Open the ASUS Router app and it guides you through the process. 4 bedroom single storey house. Router is in my bedroom, 1 satellite in the family room and another in the living room. I could have purchased a 3 pack to put 1 in another bedroom but it just isn’t necessary. Everyone is happy. I’m getting more than adequate speed around the house. You won’t be disappointed with this router, they’re brilliant.

          • @Maths Debater: Thanks! Seems my home is quite similar. Do you think the router by itself would provide enough coverage throughout for your home?

            • @givemethebestdeals: I tried that and don’t recommend it, the speed was less than ideal. You need a mesh system if your house is as big as mine.

  • Given that you can get AC wifi routers for $20-$40 second hand, what is the use case for these? Are people watching 4k video and having issues with slower gear? Transfering large files? I literally picked up a used Telstra modem and AC-68U for $40 last week on FB marketplace. I hate the ASUS software so I give up the mesh to install Advanced Tomato.

    • I guess it all comes down to your personal circumstances and what you are attempting to achieve with the hardware. For example, I own a non-pro version of this router and it's wifi coverage of my property is incredible. To give you an idea, it's 2.4Ghz range lets me get a strong signal at my neighbors place across the road, both my house and his are set back from the road so it's kinda wild that works so well. The 5Ghz range of the router covers my own property front to back, side to side with no issues and no extenders or other Asus devices acting as mesh nodes. I previously had to have 3 RT-AC68U's in mesh mode to achieve the same result. I also personally don't run Asus' stock firmware, I run the Asuswrt-Merlin firmware and it works perfectly for my needs.

      • geez thats a huge jump for something that hasn't had much of a bump in form factor.

        My AC88u still goes well but another 10m of range would be very handy to get to the garage.

        • form factor

          This is one of the big reasons I really like the 86U. I keep mine sitting on top of an 8 port switch and it just keeps everything condensed into a nice space. It's perfect if you want to keep it on a desk or bench or something without losing much desk space. Great device and I have sworn by it ever since I bought it.

    • If you need to ask you dont need it

  • +3

    Still rocking with RT-AC86U

    • Mine died after UPS ran out of battery. :( had to bin it, couldnt resuscitate it

      • So the UPS killed your router. What a crap UPS to do that.

    • Same I got two of them. Don't have Gigabit internet nor Ethernet wired around house forget about this Wifi 6 sht

    • Noice, still awesome routers.

      Would still be running my converted TM-AC1900s but I wanted better wifi for my Quest 3.

      The new routers (main node: ax6000) have better range which was a nice bonus.

  • +2

    Bit of an impulse purchase.

    Going to dump iiNet as my ISP and may as well ditch their stock modem so can use this with a new ISP.

    Good timing :)

  • Took the plundge and got the flint 2

    Where do I start how do I best config it?

  • -1

    The flint 2 is better than this and cheaper. I tried both and the range of the flint 2 is better as well. Asus is a great router through, and very nice software.

  • Still expensive wait till $299 or when my AiMesh setup is dead.

  • -1

    Back in stock at $316.07 :)) Amazon Germany
    https://www.amazon.com.au/ASUS-RT-AX86U-Pro-AiProtection-For…

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