ASUS RT-AX86U Pro AX5700 WiFi 6 gaming router: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS RT-AX86U Pro is a dual-band WiFi 6 (802.11ax) router with a 2.5G wired port, built with gaming in mind but useful for any busy household. Here is what the AX5700 label and its other features mean, and what to check before setting one up.

What AX5700 means

AX5700 is a combined theoretical figure across two bands, which ASUS lists as speeds of up to 5700Mbps, using WiFi 6 and 160MHz channels. Wider 160MHz channels carry more data, but only devices that support them can use that width. No single device gets the full combined figure. ASUS notes that real throughput and coverage depend on network conditions, building materials and traffic.

WiFi 6 in practice

WiFi 6 is designed to handle many devices at once more efficiently than the previous generation, which helps in homes with lots of phones, speakers, cameras and consoles. Older devices still connect but at their own speeds.

The 2.5G port and 2Gbps connections

The router has a wired 2.5Gbps port, and ASUS says it supports aggregated 2Gbps WAN connections, for internet connections up to 2Gbps. That is relevant only if your internet plan, modem and devices go beyond standard gigabit. Check the router's other ports in the manual, as the listing doesn't give a full port list.

Gaming features

Mobile Game Mode is a tap in the ASUS Router app that aims to minimize lag and latency for mobile gaming. The router also has a dedicated gaming port and port forwarding, which some online games and servers need. These tools prioritise traffic, but they can't fix a slow or unstable internet connection.

Security and VPN

AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro, is described as commercial-grade protection for your home network, and the listing calls the network security subscription-free. When you are away from home, ASUS Instant Guard gives a one-click sharable secure VPN. The router also supports VPN use more generally. As with any router, keep the firmware up to date.

AiMesh

The router works with AiMesh, so you can add other AiMesh-compatible ASUS routers to build a larger network with seamless roaming. Check ASUS's compatibility list for the models that pair with it.

Size, power and who it suits

The router measures about 9.5 x 3.9 x 12.8 inches (24 x 10 x 33 cm) and weighs 1.8 lb (about 0.8 kg). The listing gives several power supply options, from 12V to 19.5V, so use only the adapter supplied with it. It suits households with fast internet, gamers and many connected devices, and people who want to add mesh units later.

What to check before you buy

• Internet plan and modem: a 2.5G port helps only if your provider's connection is above 1Gbps.
• Device support: WiFi 6 devices benefit most; check which devices you own.
• Home size: one router may not reach every room in a large or multi-storey home.
• Placement: a central, open position typically gives the best coverage.
• Mesh plans: if you may expand, check which routers pair through AiMesh.
• Setup: the ASUS Router app is used to manage settings, so check that your phone is supported.

The short version

• Dual-band WiFi 6 router rated AX5700, with 160MHz channels.
• A wired 2.5Gbps port and aggregated 2Gbps WAN connections.
• Mobile Game Mode, a gaming port and port forwarding.
• AiProtection Pro, Instant Guard VPN and AiMesh support.
• Most useful with a fast internet plan and many connected devices.

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