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[Prime] ASUS RT-AX86U Pro AX5700 Dual Band Wi-Fi 6 Router $350 (Was $463) Delivered @ Amazon AU

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[Prime] ASUS RT-AX86U Pro AX5700 Dual Band Wi-Fi 6 Router $350 (Was $463) Delivered @ Amazon AUAffiliate
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Twix on 08/10/2024 - 11:39 amazon.com.au (1333 clicks)
Last edited 11/10/2024 - 16:31 by 1 other user
This post contains affiliate links. OzBargain might earn commissions when you click through and make purchases. Please see this page for more information.

A good deal at $376.99 for AU stock on the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro AX5700 Dual Band Wi-Fi 6 Router.

Update: It's now $350.

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

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.
This is part of Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale for 2024
Computing ASUS Prime Big Deal Days Wireless Router

Related Stores

Amazon AU
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closed Comments

  • aussiebg on 08/10/2024 - 12:01
    +3

    I purchased Flint 2 from amazon last nifht for $207? That one recieved very good review. I was struggling between AUversion of this RTAX86U and now is on sale $367. Anyone can comment Whether the $160 higher worth it? Thanks.

    • Veroldin on 08/10/2024 - 13:03

      They are both almost same wifi speeds. Both wifi 6. The Asus might have better features, idk. It doesn't seem like it's worth it.

    • shutuptakemymoney101 on 08/10/2024 - 14:20
      +1

      Flint 2 isn't a mesh router, that's a deal breaker for some.
      Flint 2 can't load Merlin firmware, that's a deal breaker for some.

      If you don't need the above features, I think the Flint 2 will serve you just as well with a chunk of money still left in your wallet. When my current ASUS RT-AX86U dies I'm looking to replace it with a Flint 2 (or Flint 3 when released) instead.

      • rookie317 on 08/10/2024 - 16:52
        +4

        "mesh" is a marketing gimmick, usually used by manufacturers to describe their proprietary roaming functionality. Since Flint 2 runs on a reskinned OpenWrt, it's trivial to setup a second OpenWrt router as AP and 802.11r. More here.

        Sure, both Merlin and OpenWrt are open source, but Merlin can only run on Asus routers, whereas OpenWrt can run on just about anything including custom hardware. I wouldn't call "can't load Merlin" a deal breaker, OpenWrt is arguably more developed, granular and feature-rich, unless you need some Asus specific features.

        The Flint 2 beats the AX86U in raw specs, coupled with OpenWrt I don't see any world where the AX86U wins.

        • shutuptakemymoney101 on 08/10/2024 - 17:01
          +1

          You'll have to fight the 'Mesh' thing out with 'admon' the GL.iNet moderator who states Mesh is not supported on the Flint 2.

          https://forum.gl-inet.com/t/i-want-mesh-on-mt6000-flint-2/36…

          Merlin not being a deal breaker, well I'll let you fight that out with @Redhab who has posted below:

          "Merlin is the reason I pay more for specific Asus routers"

          • rookie317 on 08/10/2024 - 20:39

            @shutuptakemymoney101: I'll be honest, I don't have a Flint 2, it could very well be a problem with the Gl.inet implementation of OpenWrt. You could flash the Flint 2 with official OpenWrt firmware in any case. I have setup several OpenWrt wired "mesh" with a mix of random devices (TP-Link, Banana-Pi, Asus, etc), it's simply a matter of setting the nodes to AP, enable 802.11r and fine tune settings. Here's a good walkthrough. With regards to your forum link, I suspect here lies the problem:

            The biggest problem: The device does not have - as far as I know - enough bands to communicate with another device at the same time while providing roaming and mesh Wi-Fi to the clients. So you would stick with f.e. 5 GHz for mesh interconnection only, but the clients can only use 2.4 GHz. Pretty useless in that case.

            He was describing a wireless backhaul, meaning, with the Flint 2 being dual band, it has to dedicate an entire 5Ghz band to backhaul making it pretty much useless. That is not a concern with a wired backhaul.

            As for Merlin, yes that's what I said, "unless you need some Asus specific features". I've setup Merlin, pfsense, OpenWrt, Unifi and Omada, I have yet found a must-have feature of Merlin. I'm not against Asus/Merlin, they are open source, free, customizable and user friendly, that's much more than many other consumer manufacturers. But Merlin, attempting to be a firewall, router, switch and AP, cannot compare to dedicated stack like pfsense, openwrt, Unifi.

            • whyisave on 09/10/2024 - 06:36

              @rookie317:

              You could flash the Flint 2 with official OpenWrt firmware in any case

              Does OpenWRT on Flint2 bring more 'features'
              or is the bundled OS, good enough to use ?

              EDIT:
              An answer was given here

              • rookie317 on 09/10/2024 - 12:38
                +2

                @whyisave: OpenWrt brings more granular controls to you, GL.inet brings a more user friendly, simplified webUI + a phone app. I think for 90% of people, the bundled firmware is good enough. It's worth to note that OpenWrt is built towards device agnostic, while GL.inet implementation is built for, well, GL.inet devices. That also means OpenWrt uses only open source driver/firmware for components like SoC, while GL.inet use closed sourced driver/firmware for potentially better compatibility, security and performance. As usual, there're pros and cons to either approach.

                The good thing is, you can easily switch between them and decide for yourself.

        • rumblytangara on 08/10/2024 - 19:26

          "mesh" is a marketing gimmick, usually used by manufacturers to describe their proprietary roaming functionality. Since Flint 2 runs on a reskinned OpenWrt, it's trivial to setup a second OpenWrt router as AP and 802.11r. More here(openwrt.org).

          Wut? That quoted paragraph seems really off-base.

          I don't give a rat's about fast roaming because running around with a laptop, phone or tablet whilst on a voice or video call isn't a big deal to me.

          From mesh, I want the nodes to sensibly communicate with each other because my current place can't be hardwired without taking a jackhammer to the walls and floors.

          The vast majority of people I've spoken to about mesh vs hardwired vs repeaters or whatever are more concerned with basic coverage than fast roaming (sure, roaming does come into it, but it's strictly secondary.)

        • OzFrugie on 17/10/2024 - 01:01

          Does openwrt have adblocker like diversion on merlin? And other addons via entware or amtm or equivalent?

    • Pashka on 08/10/2024 - 14:22

      I also bought the Flint 2 from Amazon back in January/February this year. Was looking to update my Asus RT-AC88U router with an Asus RT-AX88U Pro Router but came across the Flint 2 which had the same specs but nearly half the price.

      Very Happy with the Flint 2 performance especially the WiFi range, incredible through brick walls etc.

      The RT-AX86U was a down grade from the Asus RT-AX88U Pro so you and I have done very well.

  • Lawagetas on 08/10/2024 - 12:03
    +5

    Oops. I didn't realise the URL I used in the previous comment has OBZ's affiliate link still on it.

    But - I think the AX6000 model for $6 more is a better option:
    https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CBT6K4D4?th=1
    https://www.asus.com/au/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/…

    The AX6000's MU-MIMO is 4x4 for both 2.4ghz and 5.0ghz.
    and it has 2.5gbe
    For $6 more I think that's well worth it.

    But someone else should input here because I know very little about this topic.

    • lastkey on 08/10/2024 - 12:17
      +5

      You’re right about wifi specs. But AX-6000 has 512mb RAM which might create bottlenecks. AX86 has 1gb. So each of these has a con.

    • wangasm on 08/10/2024 - 12:29
      +5

      From what I can see, the RT-AX86U Pro has:

      • Double the RAM (1GB)
      • Supports Merlin Firmware (TUF-AX6000 does not)
      • More compact size

      This may or may not matter to some people

      • RedHab on 08/10/2024 - 13:48
        +1

        Merlin is the reason I pay more for specific Asus routers.

        • Pashka on 08/10/2024 - 14:23
          +1

          However Merlin is NOT available to ALL Asus routers.

    • utsc on 08/10/2024 - 15:13
      -1

      I wait for a similar deal for GT-AX6000 if you don't need a new router today
      Significantly better router at a lower price but no custom firmware option - Majority of the users should be fine with Asus firmware, especially the ability to update firmware automatically via the app unlike custom firmware's which require manual updates

      ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 Dual-Band Router (EU Stock) $276.83 Delivered @ Amazon DE via AU
      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/844413

  • get-innocuous on 08/10/2024 - 12:13
    +3

    Good router, delivers 700Mbit to my pc and strong coverage over my 3x3 townhouse no problem (gigabit nbn).

    • rumblytangara on 08/10/2024 - 12:24

      Is the router positioned on the middle floor?

      I'm curious as to how good these things are at floor penetration. My own observations is that wifi is limited to getting through a single floor or ceiling only.

      • wangasm on 08/10/2024 - 13:05
        +3

        I'm in a 3 storey townhouse with this router on the bottom floor (no other network devices/mesh etc). On the top floor I still get full Wifi6 5Ghz signal and can reach full internet speed (900mb-1gbps). Note this is using my phone and could be dependant on device.

    • Pest85 on 08/10/2024 - 12:32
      -2

      3m * 3m? quite a small townhouse.

    • atwilliams on 08/10/2024 - 12:37

      How far is the PC away from the router and how many walls / floors / ceilings does the signal have to pass through?
      (Important info to put your speed into context)

      • get-innocuous on 08/10/2024 - 12:55
        +2

        The router is central to the house (deliberately so; took some negotiations with nbn to get it that way) to ensure good speeds. It’s also a relatively open plan house.

        Distance is only maybe 8m and only 1 wall for the pc. Perhaps a more useful comparison is I can get 500mbps reliably from every corner of the house on my iPhone, including through floors and several walls.

  • serpserpserp on 08/10/2024 - 12:17

    Anyone know how to block YouTube at a device/MAC address level on this thing? Was expecting better customization of Internet filtering.

      • serpserpserp on 08/10/2024 - 13:10

        That is just applying their blanket settings to a device. You can't tailor it to have black/whitelist for certain sites for certain devices.

    • botchie on 08/10/2024 - 12:58

      settings - firewall - block url - type youtube, save - done

      • serpserpserp on 08/10/2024 - 13:09

        That is at a router level, not device level unfortunately.

        There is also no firewall option in the app

        • botchie on 08/10/2024 - 13:13

          ah yeah, you cant just block it on a specific device, its all or nothing unfortunately,
          they should fix this as you can have VPN tunnel data to USA for the TV for eg (if you wanted USA netflix)
          blocking a site should be much simpler

    • h4lcyon on 08/10/2024 - 14:12

      You can do it, but it requires custom firmware (https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net/) + some addons like diversion.

      • serpserpserp on 08/10/2024 - 15:56

        Oh sweet, I take it that the app to control the router will then be out of date and I'll have to only make changes via the web interface?

        • h4lcyon on 08/10/2024 - 15:59

          I've never used the app, but if you still wanted to use it I'm pretty sure it will work with the above firmware.

          The add-ons like diversion will only be available via the web interface or SSH.

  • manpigbeer on 08/10/2024 - 12:20
    +3

    Im waiting for wifi 6e modems to come down in price for that exclusive 6ghz. Currently have a Telstra Gen 3 its 4.8Gbps wifi i got for $30 on marketplace and an old RT-AC86U which i use exclusively for quest 3.

    • LordM00 on 09/10/2024 - 11:02

      Because I wanted 6 GHz I recently got the tp-link XE75 Pro, which is cheaper than this… Is there some big reason why you should get this modem instead? Better range maybe?

  • orly on 08/10/2024 - 12:23
    +1

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/870083

    This or the TP link deal?

    • ihfree on 08/10/2024 - 12:31
      +3

      This¹

      1. This recommendation may not suit your personal needs.

    • atwilliams on 08/10/2024 - 12:39
      +1

      Depends on your home layout. i.e distances, and number of walls / floors / ceilings between the router and where you will use your devices.

      Larger home, the mesh will probably give more consistent performance regardless of location
      Smaller home / apartment. No need for the mesh. Router with wifi should be fine.

      • orly on 08/10/2024 - 12:49
        +1

        Seems like there's only upside to using the TP link then? Ie potentially better WiFi signal coverage at a cheaper price?

        • atwilliams on 08/10/2024 - 13:08
          +2

          Do you have a gigabit NBN connection, or local (in home) media server? If not, both of these options are a higher spec than your needs, as you would not be running them close to their stated throughput. Go with a cheaper option instead.

          • Soled Out on 08/10/2024 - 13:25

            @atwilliams: any recommendation? Something like TP-Link AX3000 Dual Band would be good enough for youtube, netflix and causal online gaming? thanks in advance.

          • orly on 08/10/2024 - 13:29

            @atwilliams: Nope neither of that so cheaper option it is then..tyvm!

          • LordM00 on 09/10/2024 - 11:03

            @atwilliams: The TP link has the 6 GHz band, which could be an advantage if you're in a place with lots of interference, such as an apartment (I think).

            • rumblytangara on 09/10/2024 - 17:07

              @LordM00: From the casual but slightly obsessive home testing I've done, even a highly saturated 5GHz chunk of spectrum on Wifi5 gets you pretty damn good throughput.

              My last place had perhaps a dozen competing WAPs within range and I'd still see 450Mbps throughput on a regular basis. Distance between the AP and the client device was the most important factor.

              I've never tested 6GHz, my main interest would be whether using it would result in more stable latency figures than raw throughput.

        • atlas on 08/10/2024 - 13:28
          +1

          The way I've been reading about it - this would make an excellent router. If you then need to expand wifi coverage and have ethernet backhaul, this again is an excellent option that you can pair with things like the Asus XD4.

          • atwilliams on 08/10/2024 - 13:45
            +1

            @atlas: Absolutely. The hard wired port options and specs in general are really good for a router, just way beyond what 90%+ of people actually need.

            In terms of the question above, the TP-Link AX3000 should be fine for a <250mbps NBN connection in a smaller house / apartment. For the casual gaming, if that's via a console, you might consider wiring (via ethernet) for greater reliability.

    • dufflover on 08/10/2024 - 13:58

      FWIW as an old fashioned power user (but admit certainly old of date knowledge as well) the whole idea of app-only customisation requiring their servers just to configure your own network doesn't sit well with me.

      • h4lcyon on 08/10/2024 - 14:13
        +4

        You don't need to use the app, there is also a web portal and SSH, I've never used the app.

        • dufflover on 08/10/2024 - 14:18
          +2

          hmm ok. Can't remember which person or post it was in (was an OzB post but is consistent with quick skim online hits)
          e.g. https://community.tp-link.com/en/home/forum/topic/651444
          so maybe I just got misinformed then

          • Twix on 08/10/2024 - 14:25
            +3

            @dufflover: Asus has a mobile app and fully functional web settings.

            TP-Link Deco primarily uses the Deco mobile app and has limited web settings.

  • lyychee on 08/10/2024 - 12:40
    +4

    I have had mine ASUS RT-AX86U Zaku edition for 3 solid years.
    best purchase ever =)

  • BargainHunterJohnnyB on 08/10/2024 - 12:42

    How does this compete against the ax56u?

  • kungfuman on 08/10/2024 - 12:54

    thats not a bad deal actually.

  • Binchicken22 on 08/10/2024 - 13:26
    +3

    I love my ASUS router wifi 5 router, it's been rock solid and was supported with security updates for years (stopped now)… But I can't believe a router that's 2 wifi generations behind is still going for $375 and that's considered a "bargain".

    • TommyGun on 08/10/2024 - 13:55
      +2

      Yer this is disappointing on this router. Its the same price its been before a bunch of times. With the new model out now I would have thought this will be the going rate of this router in the near future. I can't believe we still get shafted compared to the German version which is standard around $307.

  • trevor99 on 08/10/2024 - 13:29
    +2

    Flint 2 is only $207. Mine has been great, since I installed the generic OpenWrt.
    https://www.amazon.com.au/GL-iNet-GL-MT6000-Performance-Mult…

    • Pashka on 08/10/2024 - 14:26

      +1

    • Chris T on 08/10/2024 - 18:50
      +2

      Was there anything in particular not great about the original firmware that it came with?

      • trevor99 on 09/10/2024 - 00:10
        +1

        I was getting WiFi dropouts on some devices. Since upgrading it hasn't happened.

  • doomicus on 08/10/2024 - 13:46

    Anyone used these with the ASUS wireless mesh/a couple of these routers across their house for better coverage? does it appear as a single network (or dual band 2.4 and 5ghz) when you have them meshed together, for example 2x the ASUS RT-AX86U. Moving to a new house soon and already have a ASUS RT-AX86U, but I suspect I will need broader coverage for the wifi.

    • ihfree on 08/10/2024 - 13:57
      +3

      Appears as a single wifi network per band.

      There's also a "Smart Connect" feature which combine the two networks to the same name.

      • GSDan on 08/10/2024 - 14:18
        +1

        Can confirm. It also works pretty well across different models.

        • doomicus on 08/10/2024 - 14:20
          +1

          thankyou both

  • rwps on 08/10/2024 - 15:01

    Great price on a great router. It's the workhorse of my home network. And it manages coverage across my whole home, with speed and bandwidth for all of us. And love that I can have Merlin on it.

  • hothed on 08/10/2024 - 15:28

    Why not buy the TUF A6000 over this?
    2.4GHz AX: 4x4 + 6GHz AX: 4X4

    $383

    https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0CBT6K4D4/ref=ox_sc_ac…

    RT-AX86U Pro
    2.4GHz 3x3
    5GHz 4x4

    $377 + prime cost

    So the wireless signal would be stronger with the TUFA6000?

  • Skullytor on 08/10/2024 - 15:52

    does anyone know when Asus will consider this model end of life (EOL) for updates?

    • wangasm on 08/10/2024 - 17:17
      +1

      Asus Wifi5 routers were announced EOL earlier this year which is roughly around 3-4 years after their Wifi6 routers came out. Seeing as Wifi7 routers were just released we could probably expect the same 3-4 years from now but can't say for sure I guess.

  • syousef on 08/10/2024 - 15:58
    +2

    The real bargain is the number of older WIFI 5/AC routers being dumped on FB marketplace for <$50. If your house is wired and it's just phones and tablets on wireless, you really don't need WIFI6 or WIFI7 yet.

    • Skullytor on 09/10/2024 - 12:21

      True, but a lot will have firmware update support missing which poses a risk. Good for MESH etc.

      • syousef on 09/10/2024 - 17:40

        Pick one that can run OpenWRT or Tomato. (Don't bother with DD-WRT anymore). You'll have support, and they're less buggy than the commercial software. I found On 2 different ASUS AC-68U routers I found Merlin settings weren't sticking and the bugs drove me nuts so much that I had Fresh Tomato on them in less than 24 hours.

        • Skullytor on 10/10/2024 - 00:10

          I’ve been very happy what my Asus on Merlin for years. AC68U

          • syousef on 10/10/2024 - 02:45
            +1

            @Skullytor: Glad to hear it. We must be running different versions and/or for different use cases. Had me wanting to pull my hair out in no time.

  • sivadfam on 08/10/2024 - 16:02
    +2

    Merlins firmware for this router is not up to date as it does not have the vlan settings. Asus firmware is 3006—— and Merlin is still on 3004—— I used Merlins for years in my other Asus routers and was let down that the firmware is behind for this router.

    • Skullytor on 09/10/2024 - 12:24

      Would YazFi work for you? If your after creating different VLAN wifi networks.

  • ozbargain-darkfish on 08/10/2024 - 19:28

    Not available for shipment to every location in Australia. Some regional locations don't see the discount and seller is also not Amazon AU. Though still available for cheaper from Amazon Germany for those regional locations. https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BG8BMZ34

    • hothed on 08/10/2024 - 19:49
      +2

      From past threads, the german ones have a different(lower) power output for wifi signal and different bands. DYOR! (see prior threads for deals on this model)

      • ozbargain-darkfish on 08/10/2024 - 20:17

        Does the lower transmit power really matter much in a mesh system?

        • wangasm on 08/10/2024 - 22:33
          +1

          If you already have a comprehensive mesh network setup then it probably won't matter much.
          If not then higher power means you'll have less dead zones resulting in potentially less mesh nodes required, or it may negate the need for mesh in the first place.

  • neonlight on 08/10/2024 - 20:39
    +2

    This is still expensive I wouldn't touch one until $250 otherwise I go second hand

  • Maths Debater on 08/10/2024 - 20:43

    Cracking price, great find OP!

  • ItsAlwaysOutOfStock on 09/10/2024 - 02:36

    https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CKPVMVMT/

    Wouldnt this Tp-link wifi 7 be a better buy for the same price?

    • wangasm on 09/10/2024 - 11:21

      That TP-Link's design makes me think of Xbox haha.
      Looking at the specs/reviews for the TP-link, it looks like the 2.4ghz and 5ghz bands are actually slower than this Asus router. The Wifi range also seems worse.
      So unless you have many Wifi 6E/7 devices that can make use of the 6Ghz band (or plan to in the near future) then it's not necessarily the better option.

  • sqheaven on 09/10/2024 - 09:03

    Here I am, rocking a 40$ Ali Express wifi6 router lol

  • bjasani on 09/10/2024 - 11:50

    I am also looking at option https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0DCZ1RSKY/ref=syn_sd_onsite_de…

    Does anyone have experience with this model ?

  • Manny Calavera on 09/10/2024 - 15:06

    Once again I question whether to bother upgrading from the trusty old AC-68U.

    • [Deactivated] on 09/10/2024 - 16:05

      My 2.4ghz died after 5 years on my 68u so went tp link ax72 pro. Basically $200 cheaper than this modem but it's 1.6ghz instead of 2ghz here. Trend micro is also charged on the tp link whilst free here.

      • neonlight on 09/10/2024 - 16:39

        If my Asus routers all die means my AiMesh would be gone

        Then I would replace with TP-Link

    • neonlight on 09/10/2024 - 16:41

      AC-86U is a good upgrade for you although it's old but the range is better and can install merlin however it's no longer supported by Asus hence its cheap now. I bought for $120 as main router second hand and then use the old AC-68U as AiMesh node

    • wangasm on 09/10/2024 - 17:53

      Sure it's EOL now but IMO there's no need to upgrade yet if you don't need the speeds or aren't on gigabit Internet.
      I personally upgraded from the AC68U to this router only because I switched over to gigabit Internet and it was obviously not enough for that.

  • wangasm on 11/10/2024 - 08:45
    +4

    Appears to have dropped further to $350, making it a new all time low (for AU stock)

  • Fergy1987 on 11/10/2024 - 11:45
    +2

    Well thats annoying. I want my $26 back

    EDIT: If you paid the $376 - just get on amazon chat and "create a fuss" and they will give you a $25 promotional credit on your account

    First they will tell you to pack it up and return it and buy at a cheaper price, but dont take that sh1t because thats crazy person talk - STAY STRONG!!! STAY STRONNNNNGGG!!!!

    • ozbargain-darkfish on 11/10/2024 - 14:31

      I wish I saw your message first 🤦🏽‍♂️. Now I have to return an unopened box 😄

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