Is the RT-AX86U Mature & Free of Systemic Bugs?

[Maximus0636]

Situation:
I have an old ASUS RT-N66U for my home network.
I want to upgrade due to working from home, probably to the AC86U, or AX86U.
For future-proofing purposes, I think the AX86U is probably better, even though I have zero WiFi-6 devices right now.

Questions:
Is the AX86U actually mature enough to be generally problem-free?
Should I just stick with a 2020 build of the RT-AC86U to avoid problems associated with a relatively new and immature AX86U product?

I keep seeing threads on here from people with throughput problems, and other miscellaneous compatibility issues. Are these sporadic issues from a vocal minority, or is there real technical reason to hold off on getting the AX86U?

Other:
I may be new on this forum, but I am a technical person and formerly worked IT / Networking for many years.

Thanks for reading.

 

[L&LD]

Welcome to the forums @Maximus0636, the RT-AX86U is effectively 'brand new'. However, with RMerlin support available today with already a second release of the Alpha 386.1 base, it's the router I would buy now, at least to test with.

The vocal minority shouldn't have any say in testing to see how it works in your network and Wi-Fi environment. With your background, there is nothing to worry about.

If you're really into testing, then buy both the RT-AC86U and the RT-AX86U and keep the one that performs better for you.

 

[1ceLaz0r]

Buy ac86u, use it and come back in about 5 years

 

[KevTech]

I have not had any issues.

 

[sturmstar]

I had nothing than troubles with my AX-88U (worst 2,4ghz ever - you can read the threads) - since I have the AX-86U everything is fine - it just works (even with the ASUS Firmware) 55 days up! ... I don't know when I had this the last time...

No one or very few are writing about the AX-86U - I think the reason is - because it's just works

 

[1ceLaz0r]

^ Same experience with 2 different AX88u vs my 86u which is just running with shirt tons of 4k netflix from my newly moved in netflix

 

[Maximus0636]

I bought the AX86U. Thanks again, everyone. Up to now it is only running for 1 day but I can't complain about anything except that Trend Micro crap.

 

[cniedzi]

I bought the AX86U. Thanks again, everyone. Up to now it is only running for 1 day but I can't complain about anything except that Trend Micro crap.

Is your Traffic Monitor and Bandwith Monitor working?

 

[Maximus0636]

Is your Traffic Monitor and Bandwith Monitor working?

I ran a speed test and both the Traffic Monitor and Bandwidth Monitor definitely lit up.

I am also using Traditional QoS because I don't want to enable that Trend Micro thing.

 

[SoCalReviews]

Congrats on your purchase. I have been raving about the AX86U for months. It's a great router. IMHO it's one of the best routers Asus has ever made. The N66U was exceptional for it's time. The AC68U/P and AC1900P series was a solid and reliable performer. I heard the AC86U has been great but I never owned it. I currently own four AX86Us and with a few of the settings configured for compatibility this router has been rock solid and it is the best performing router I have ever owned... especially now for online gaming with my new Wifi 6 equipped PS5. I will be curious to see how the next new Asus router (GT-AXE1100) performs.

 

[Chris313AllNight]

Congrats on your purchase. I have been raving about the AX86U for months. It's a great router. IMHO it's one of the best routers Asus has ever made. The N66U was exceptional for it's time. The AC68U/P and AC1900P series was a solid and reliable performer. I heard the AC86U has been great but I never owned it. I currently own four AX86Us and with a few of the settings configured for compatibility this router has been rock solid and it is the best performing router I have ever owned... especially now for online gaming with my new Wifi 6 equipped PS5. I will be curious to see how the next new Asus router (GT-AXE1100) performs.

I came from a N66U as well, upgraded to a AC86U, 3 years in April of 21 with no complaints so far. During this week, my best friend came from a 6 year old AC87U that definitely had some issues to a AX86U and wow, what a difference in his experience. With the AX86U, his speed and range doubled and it's taking a whole house beating well, according to his testing.

I wouldn't hesitate to get the AX86U if my current one took a dive and needed replacing.

 

[1ceLaz0r]

I ran a speed test and both the Traffic Monitor and Bandwidth Monitor definitely lit up.

I am also using Traditional QoS because I don't want to enable that Trend Micro thing.

You are literally like not using 20% of the routers capability and price alone by not using it because you "paid" for lifelong trend support with the router purchase .

You are on the modern internet. Nothing is private anymore. not using Trend micro will not make you any more "protected" and in fact, you will be less protected