ASUS RT-AC86U AC2900 dual-band Wi-Fi router: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS RT-AC86U is a dual-band Wi-Fi 5 router rated AC2900. It connects your devices wirelessly and over cable to your internet service, and it adds gaming tools, parental controls and network security. This listing is for a renewed unit.

What AC2900 means

AC2900 is a combined figure for the two radio bands. ASUS rates the 2.4GHz band at up to 750 Mbps and the 5GHz band at up to 2167 Mbps, giving a total of about 2917 Mbps. These are theoretical maximums that no single device reaches. Real speeds depend on distance, walls, interference and the device's own Wi-Fi hardware, and most devices connect at a fraction of the headline figure.

5GHz speed: NitroQAM and 4x4 streams

ASUS says the 5GHz band uses NitroQAM (1024-QAM), a modulation that packs more data into each signal, and four spatial streams (4x4). A device must support these features to use them, and many phones and laptops use fewer streams. The 2.4GHz band travels farther through walls but is slower and often more crowded.

MU-MIMO and the processor

MU-MIMO lets the router serve several compatible devices at once, instead of switching between them one at a time. A 1.8GHz 32-bit dual-core processor handles network traffic, which ASUS says helps with connection speeds and the USB and LAN ports.

Gaming and streaming features

ASUS describes the router as suited to lag-free gaming and 4K streaming. Adaptive QoS (quality of service) lets you prioritise certain traffic, and a game mode can give a gaming device dedicated bandwidth. The listing also mentions WTFast, a game accelerator service.

Ports and storage

There are four Gigabit LAN ports for wired devices such as a TV, console or NAS, a USB 2.0 port and a USB 3.0 (USB 3.1 Gen 1) port. Wired connections are generally steadier than Wi-Fi for fixed devices.

Security and the app

AiProtection, powered by Trend Micro, is described as providing built-in protection against external threats. The ASUS router app handles setup, usage monitoring, parental controls and notifications about network events. The router takes a 19V adapter with up to 1.75A of current, and the input range is 110-240V.

Who it suits

It suits a home with many Wi-Fi 5 devices, wired gadgets and gaming consoles. Households with newer Wi-Fi 6 or 7 devices may prefer a router supporting those standards, because this one supports 802.11ac.

What to check before you buy

• Your internet plan: check that the router's Gigabit ports match your plan's speed.
• Coverage: one router may not reach every room in a large or multi-storey home.
• Your devices: check which Wi-Fi standards they support.
• Renewed condition: check what is included and what warranty applies to renewed units.
• Modem: this is a router, so check whether your internet provider needs a separate modem.
• Updates: check ASUS's site for current firmware, and set a new administrator password.

The short version

• Dual-band AC2900 (750 + 2167 Mbps) Wi-Fi 5 router with MU-MIMO.
• 1.8GHz dual-core processor, four Gigabit LAN ports, USB 2.0 and USB 3.0.
• Adaptive QoS, AiProtection by Trend Micro and an ASUS router app.
• Renewed unit, about 6.2 x 3.3 x 8.7 inches and 1 lb.

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