ASUS RT-AX86U Pro AX5700 Dual Band Wi-Fi 6 Router $299 ($289 with Targeted Prime Offer) @ Amazon AU

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ASUS RT-AX86U Pro AX5700 Dual Band Wi-Fi 6 Router $299 ($289 with Targeted Prime Offer) @ Amazon AUAffiliate
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reidy76 on 17/03/2025 - 22:05 amazon.com.au (824 clicks)
Last edited 17/03/2025 - 22:32 by 2 other users
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Looking around at a network upgrade as my RT-AC68U's are EOL, and came across this deal from Amazon.

$10 cheaper than Box Day last year if you are Prime Member

Original coupon deal post

A few other ASUS routers on sale:

ASUS TUF Gaming AX4200 - $169
ASUS TUF Gaming AX6000 - $259
ASUS TUF Gaming BE3600 - $279
ASUS TUF Gaming BE6500 - $455

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.
This is part of Amazon Big Smile Sale for 2025
Computing ASUS Big Smile Sale Wireless Router

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Comments

  • Homr on 17/03/2025 - 22:49

    Looking to upgrade my netgear nighthawk xr1000, is this any good?

    • marshmall0w2 on 17/03/2025 - 23:21
      +2

      I had this router, the AX86U. Had, because it started having problems and then broke in a year and half lol. Problems like dropping connectivity (have to restart the router to fix) and whatnot.

      • trufflesthepenguin on 18/03/2025 - 06:14
        +1

        I'm experiencing this with my AX68 - couldn't work out what was going on.

        • marshmall0w2 on 18/03/2025 - 08:48

          I've tried setting channels, timeouts, disabling 5ghz, etc back then. Didn't really work.

        • PJswe on 18/03/2025 - 08:58

          Same. The dropouts are annoying. I constantly have to restart the router to control my Sonos sound system and wifi controlled lights.

      • finger on 18/03/2025 - 07:14

        I still have it and it's pretty rock solid on the 5ghz band but doesn't play nice with some of the 2.4ghz band devices. Meross garage door opener, and some other iOTs seem to drop quite frequently

        • gazzas on 18/03/2025 - 10:35

          I have the AX86U too and had problems with some IoT devices. Turning off the "Smart Connect" feature on the router may help.

    • netsurfer on 17/03/2025 - 23:23

      Any of the features below really interest you?

      • WiFi speed wise, you get 3x3 for 2.4GHz (though most clients are 2x2).
      • CPU, from 3-cores ARM A7 at 1.5 Ghz to 4-cores ARM B53 at 2 Ghz (B53 is normally 30% faster + it is 3 vs 4 cores with faster clock speed).
      • 2.5 Ghz LAN/WAN port, but only 1.
      • VLAN support (but requires 3.0.0.6 firmware, which means you can't use Merlin firmware unless you know linux well and happy to script VLAN config yourself).
      • Merlin firmware support.
      • One additional USB port (but USB 2.0 on that extra port).

      As we now know 2Gbps NBN is coming so ideally you want a router with a 2.5Gbps WAN port and at least one 2.5Gbps LAN port. Unless you intend to add a lot of smart home devices to your WiFi network soon or you really want to use VLANs (though Asus WRT5 VLAN support still has some limitations), might be better to wait for better deal or go for a bigger upgrade.

      • Homr on 18/03/2025 - 00:07
        +3

        I just want a stronger wifi coverage and faster speeds.

        • Borgasm on 18/03/2025 - 04:53
          +9

          And I just want milk that tastes like regular milk

        • netsurfer on 18/03/2025 - 09:57

          You might get stronger WiFi coverage. With 3x3, it might provide better beam foaming for 2x2 clients (or 1x1 clients - some 'cost effective' smart home devices use 1x1).

          Speed wise, 5Ghz band, both routers are 4x4 and same max speed. The 2.5 GHz LAN port is useful only for LAN setup (and you will need a switch).

  • tc423 on 17/03/2025 - 22:55

    Recently got 2 x open box Optus DSL-AX5400 (AX82U) for a total of $150. Are they same as this model?

    • evasive on 17/03/2025 - 23:38
      +1

      They are not, but where did you get them? I’d like to buy one

      • tc423 on 18/03/2025 - 10:03

        Taobao…One seller has a whole cargo of these routers from Optus.

        I wonder if it's worth replacing one with this Pro model for a better main router.

        • jassono on 18/03/2025 - 10:09

          Were these still locked to Optus? I know there's a way to unlock/flash the routers so that any ISP can use them, but I haven't had success in trying to flash an old Optus one to work with TPG

          • jlogic on 18/03/2025 - 10:14

            @jassono: I remember the days when I wanted a cheap router and good router. I got the T-Mobile routers and had to flash it. Still in my mesh to this day.

          • tc423 on 18/03/2025 - 10:36

            @jassono: Will try the following steps once received.

            https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/thread/32k1vyn9?p=16

            User #15100 27 posts
            Ezeekio
            Forum Regular

            Goes without saying that you do this at your own risk as flashing via SSH can brick your device, but in saying that though I believe the newer command hnd-write does checks before flashing to ensure it'll work vs the mtd-write command in the older AC routers.

            I did this while on firmware 3.0.0.4.386_43578 and there's no guarantee that SSH can be enabled on newer firmware versions. Also do it over ethernet

            Enable SSH
            1. easiest way is install web developer plugin for chrome/edge
            2. browse to administration -> system tab
            3. select "disable inline styles" in CSS and "enable form fields" in Forms using the web developer plugin
            4. telnet/ssh will now be exposed and turn it on and apply settings

            Upload firmware file
            1. go download firmware from github.com (.w file extension is the firmware )
            2. I used winscp to upload the file to the router. connect using SCP protocol to the router IP address using the default username/password (optus/yourpassword)
            3. upload file to the /tmp/home/root directory

            Flash firmware
            1. Download PuTTY and connect to the router IP address using SSH and default username/password. You should be in the same directory as where you uploaded the file "/tmp/home/root". just do a ls and you should be able to see the file you uploaded
            2. run the following command without quotes, example is based on the latest firmware version as of the date of this post
            "hnd-write DSL-AX82U_386.5_2-gnuton0_cferom_puresqubi.w"
            once that is finished issue a reboot command and the router will restart and wait a few minutes it'll come back up.

            hopefully will end up like this imgur.com

            Good Luck

    • duyfken on 18/03/2025 - 00:18

      RT-AX82U/DSL-AX5400 = 1.5Ghz tri-core Broadcom CPU with Gigabit ports and 512MB RAM
      RT-AX86U Pro = 2Ghz quad-core Broadcom CPU with 2.5 Gigabit WAN port and Gigabit ports + 1GB RAM

  • KenDiaMoi on 17/03/2025 - 22:56
    +3

    I have this router. Look into installing Merlin firmware if you game.

    • RedHab on 18/03/2025 - 04:19

      Yeah - this + Merlin for many many other uses too.

  • Zxie8 on 17/03/2025 - 23:04
    +8

    paid 373 last year， great router， can cover 5 bedrooms house, 700 land, don't even need any mesh

    • beOson on 17/03/2025 - 23:28

      That's impressive - is the router sitting in the middle of the house? Can it cover devices outside the house, too - e.g. wifi cameras? Cheers!

      • Maths Debater on 18/03/2025 - 00:09

        Don't confuse coverage with speed. I had this router in my 4 bedroom home and yes, it had coverage on the other side of the house but the speed was abysmal. What is coverage without speed? You need at least a Tri-Band mesh router with a dedicated wireless backhaul if you want to see real speed and coverage. I upgraded to an Orbi AX6000 and haven't looked back.

        • XeKayeM on 18/03/2025 - 08:25

          I run this in a large 4 bedder with it in the middle but to one side of the house, no issues with signal/speed, even out in my driveway I get 400mb/s.
          Things to keep in mind is its gyprock internals so nothing crazy to punch though and I have the Australia version of the router, not the poor strength EU version.
          I have separate ASUS routers which I picked up cheap to make into a mesh but I haven't bothered to set them up as its just not needed.

    • Maths Debater on 17/03/2025 - 23:35

      What kind of speed are you getting though? This will never compare with a mesh system for speed. Double-bricked houses will also play a huge part.

      • cephh on 18/03/2025 - 00:04
        +1

        Not sure whoever downvoted you, but you speak the truth regarding speeds being not comparable to a solid mesh system.

        • Homr on 18/03/2025 - 00:08

          Will a mesh be faster??

          • cephh on 18/03/2025 - 00:12
            +1

            @Homr: Yes and no—speeds depend on your ISP, of course. I originally used Deco S4s in a 700 sq. metre house. When connected on Wi-Fi, I would get around 250 Mbps. I upgraded to the Deco X68s, and now I get around 700 to 900 Mbps. In the farthest part of my house, speeds reach 350 to 400 Mbps. Everyone’s experience will definitely vary, as many factors can affect performance. But in my personal experience yeah, this has been better than any regular router i've personally used

            • Homr on 18/03/2025 - 08:22

              @cephh: I'm currently on G.fast and can achieve 500mbps on wireless when I have my phone right next to the router. It slows down to 440-450mbps when I'm like 5-7m away from it. So looking to get higher speed

              Then there's a dead spot right on the corner of my apartment so looking to fix that up too.

          • bopter12 on 18/03/2025 - 08:06

            @Homr: If the nodes are close enough then it should be minimal but if they’re too far apart then you’ll still lose connection speed

  • Manny Calavera on 17/03/2025 - 23:07
    +4

    Yet still my 68U carries on.

    • littlesoldier on 17/03/2025 - 23:52

      used my first 68U like 10 years ago
      then getting a few more 68U since Asus introducing AiMesh (v1)
      now those 68U are still being used as AiMesh nodes
      really great value IMO

  • vlahka on 17/03/2025 - 23:09
    +2

    I've had this one for some years. It has a very sexy wifi strength.

  • littlesoldier on 17/03/2025 - 23:32
    +1

    Great price, but feels like sub $300 for this router will become the new norm since the BE series (Wifi 7) become the top tier models

  • Maths Debater on 17/03/2025 - 23:33

    Excellent router. Highly recommended for an apartment or unit.

  • evasive on 17/03/2025 - 23:42
    +1

    Great router - also consider the heavily discounted GT-AX6000 for $359 which is identical in performance to this but with about 20% better coverage on its 2.4Ghz band, so good for really large homes.

    Note as well that the RT-BE86U now replaces this RT-AX86U model, so this price is probably the norm going forward.

  • jlogic on 17/03/2025 - 23:43
    +1

    Asus routers so far for me have been top tier. They do what they say they do and they have very good coverage and when you upgrade you end up with a Mesh network.

    Been using Asus based firmware without any issues. Also use the router as a VPN into my home network, and it hasn't broken a sweat.

    • littlesoldier on 17/03/2025 - 23:48
      +3

      yea, agree even without flashing to Merlin firmware, the stock Asus firmware are very stable with quite impressive features
      personally, I really like using the the VPN Fusion to have only certain client devices to connect to VPN
      very useful to connect my TV netflix to the Turkey account (using NordVPN ovpn)

      • jlogic on 17/03/2025 - 23:52

        Haha… you are a brave person. I avoid using Netflix on anything that can be construed as a fixed device.

        • littlesoldier on 17/03/2025 - 23:56

          yes, I think Netflix mainly look into clients that runs in TV / TV box or TV sticks (eg. Google TV / Amazon Firestick etc.)
          so for my setup, only those clients requires VPN connection
          while other devices (PC / mobile / tablets) just connect directly

          So far I have been using the same way to run India Netflix for 8 months (until India netflix requires indian payment card)
          Then switch to Turkey Netflix and paid using Netflix giftcards from Turgames

      • syousef on 18/03/2025 - 02:35
        +1

        I must have exceptionally bad luck or have something in my setup that breaks the ASUS routers. The only way I've been able to keep them without them driving me insane is to flash to FreshTomato. You lose the mesh, but for me that gave me stable and predictable behavior.

  • localhost on 17/03/2025 - 23:55

    Any good VDSL with VoIP port? Can you guys recommend?

    • littlesoldier on 18/03/2025 - 00:05

      my home NBN connected via HFC
      and to retain the Voip port
      I need to use the Telstra modem router as a passthrough (which the Voip port connect to home phone via RJ11)
      and LAN port of Telstra modem connect to Asus router WAN (and set with different subnet)

      To resolve the double NAT issues, I add the Asus router ip as DMZ in Telstra modem
      and seems not facing any NAT issues (same setup running for 10 years now)
      playing games using UPnP has no issue as well

      • localhost on 18/03/2025 - 00:13

        Too complicated. I need one device, preferably with 1200 at least WiFi speed due to space issue :)

    • evasive on 18/03/2025 - 01:03

      No options with voip really unless ISP supplied.

      Best VDSL all in one currently is DSL-AX82U, or the archer vr2800 bridged to a better router.

      DSL-AX82u ensure you get the Australia version, currently not in stock on Amazon.

  • Tinqer on 17/03/2025 - 23:58

    Looking to upgrade my RT-AX55 but there are too many bloody options argh

    • littlesoldier on 18/03/2025 - 00:10

      I got a RT-AX55 as well and used as AiMesh node
      for some unknown reason, my AX55 got connectivity drops occasionally (AiMesh status shows as disconnected, its wired backhawl)
      wifi clients that automatically connected to that node will have no internet connection

      So I just decided to replace my AX55 to TUF AX4200
      my primary router is the original AX88U (very similar to AX86U but with 8 x 1Gb LAN ports, no 2.5Gb port)
      not as good as AX86U pro in this deal, but still going strong after 4 years

  • XCOM v2 on 18/03/2025 - 00:09

    Great router. Been so solid

  • Maths Debater on 18/03/2025 - 00:42

    For $60-$70 more, this is a much better buy: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09RSXNGTB

    • evasive on 18/03/2025 - 01:02
      +2

      It’s identical except for an extra 2.5gb port, 20% better coverage on the 2.4ghz band, and a much larger footprint / uglier design.

      Different trade offs with each.

  • Freestyle on 18/03/2025 - 00:49

    Great router, easy set up as well.

  • dangerdong on 18/03/2025 - 01:04

    Bought this late last year, out of the box didn't play nicely with the ISP with the default Aggressive DHCP query setting, setting it to normal and it works well - rock solid and no issues but it's only been a few months.

  • DarkLegion on 18/03/2025 - 02:02
    +3

    There is a WiFi 7 version of this router available if WiFi 7 is important to anybody on here.

    https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09T9MSH8V

  • dbell on 18/03/2025 - 07:38
    +2

    I have the non-pro version, it's good. For those having any form of issues check out the Merlin Firmware - https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net/

    "Asuswrt-Merlin is a third party alternative firmware for Asus routers, with a special emphasis on tweaks and fixes rather than radical changes or collecting as many features as possible."

    • rygle on 18/03/2025 - 10:53

      Tweaks and fixes is because the main drivers are closed source.

      You will find many devices that claim to run an OpenWrt related system have closed source drivers and are actually use a Broadcom or Qualcomm SDK that is based on an old version of the real OpenWrt but with many modifications on top, as well as many security issues.

  • hexapling on 18/03/2025 - 07:59

    Still waiting for Merlin 3006.xx firmware.

  • wliu5356 on 18/03/2025 - 10:18

    How is it compared to the ASUS TUF Gaming AX6000, it looks better but cheaper?

    • rygle on 18/03/2025 - 10:45

      See my comment below.

      • wliu5356 on 18/03/2025 - 10:50

        Thank you for this but sorry I'm not an expert on this, so TUF Gaming AX6000 might be better?

        • rygle on 18/03/2025 - 10:54
          +1

          Yes

  • zachhambo on 18/03/2025 - 10:33

    Doesn't ship to rural address.

  • rygle on 18/03/2025 - 10:42

    TUF gaming ax-4200 and ax-6000 support OpenWrt while the ax5700 and the BE ones do not because it is likely a Broadcom System On Chip/CPU, while the others are MediaTek.

    Broadcom are notoriously open source unfriendly, MediaTek are the opposite, and are actively contributing to the Linux and OpenWrt code.

    Many of the first wave of WiFi 7 routers are Broadcom based, including the upcoming GL.iNet Flint 3 - the curent Flint 2 is Mediatek Filogic based. There will be a bunch of Mediatek based WiFi 7 routers soon including one just being designed by the OpenWrt guys called the OpenWrt Two that well be made by GL.iNet and out before the end of 2025.

    IMHO it's too early to get a WiFi 7 Router anyway as the client device support is hardly there and even the phones that support it only do MIMO 2x2 to save on battery and heat issues. And they are expensive!

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