ASUS RT-AC86U AC2900 Dual-Band Gaming Router: features and who it suits

The ASUS RT-AC86U is a dual-band Wi-Fi router rated AC2900, designed for homes with several devices streaming, gaming and browsing at once. It combines a 1.8GHz dual-core processor, four Gigabit LAN ports and ASUS's traffic-management tools. Here is what those specs mean.

What AC2900 means

AC2900 is a combined figure. The router offers up to 750 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 2167 Mbps on the 5GHz band, which adds up to roughly 2900 Mbps. These are theoretical maximums for the two bands together. A single device connects to one band at a time and typically reaches less than the headline figure, depending on distance, walls and what it supports. The router uses 802.11ac, also called Wi-Fi 5, so connected devices need to be 802.11ac-compatible to get the best results.

MU-MIMO and the processor

MU-MIMO lets a router talk to several devices at the same time rather than taking turns, which usually helps when many devices are active together. The router has a 1.8GHz 32-bit dual-core processor, 512MB of RAM and 256MB of flash memory. A stronger processor typically helps the router manage busy traffic and run its software features without slowing down.

Gaming and streaming tools

• Adaptive QoS. Quality of Service settings prioritise certain traffic, such as games or video calls, when the connection is busy.
• WTFast. ASUS includes access to this game accelerator, which is a gamers' private network service.
• 4K streaming. ASUS designs the router for lag-free gaming and 4K UHD streaming, though actual results depend on your internet connection.

Wired ports and USB

The RT-AC86U has four Gigabit LAN ports for wired devices such as consoles, PCs and TVs, which often give a steadier connection than Wi-Fi. It also has a USB 3.1 Gen 1 port, which in routers is typically used for connecting a storage drive or printer to share across the network. There are three detachable external antennas and one internal antenna.

Security, app and mesh

The listing says built-in protection powered by Trend Micro. Use it as one layer alongside up-to-date firmware and a strong password. The ASUS router app lets you set up the network, manage usage and use parental controls. The router is AiMesh compatible, so it can be paired with other compatible ASUS routers to cover a larger space.

Who it suits

It suits households with many connected devices, gamers who want traffic control and people who want wired ports and a USB port on the same unit. Because it uses Wi-Fi 5, it will not offer Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 features.

What to check before you buy

• Your internet plan and whether you need a modem, because this is a router only.
• The size of your home and where the router will go; antennas need room.
• Whether your devices support 5GHz and 802.11ac.
• How many wired devices you have compared with four LAN ports.
• Power: the adapter outputs 19V and takes 110-240V input.
• Whether you plan to build an AiMesh network and which other models you have.

The short version

• AC2900 dual-band router: 750 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 2167 Mbps on 5GHz.
• 1.8GHz dual-core processor, MU-MIMO, and four Gigabit LAN ports.
• Adaptive QoS, WTFast, USB 3.1 Gen 1 and AiMesh compatibility.
• Trend Micro-powered protection and the ASUS router app.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.