RT-AX88U Pro and RT-AX86U Pro vs Dual GT-AXE11000 Setup

[Mxlt]

I'm trying to decide between the two different Asus router setups currently in my possession and could use some guidance on which one would be best for my needs.

I will be running them with AiMesh through ethernet backhaul. Both setups cost me about the same and I intend to only keep one of the setups, but I'm trying to decide which one mainly has better performance and longevity overall.

Thank you!

 

[L&LD]

Welcome to the forums @Mxlt.

The most stable is usually identical models used for both main and node.

 

[bbunge]

I do not agree with the prior recommendation. That was from a person who does not use matched units. With Ethernet backhaul, either choice would be OK. Support for all your choices should be the same. However, I would lean to the AX88U Pro/ AX86U Pro as I would not have a use for the 6 GHz band.
I have used an AX86U Pro router with an AX86U AiMesh node which worked just fine on both Asus and Merlin firmware.

 

[L&LD]

I currently have 2x RT-AX88U Pros. Matched.

Regardless of what I run, the experience I have with various customers is what I base my suggestions on.

Matched models in AiMesh mode (particularly in wired backhaul setups) are simply superior.

 

[maxbraketorque]

I think a key value of using the same device for the main and mesh is that you'll be assured that the same (i.e., matched) firmware will always be available for both devices.

 

[bbunge]

I currently have 2x RT-AX88U Pros. Matched.

Regardless of what I run, the experience I have with various customers is what I base my suggestions on.

Matched models in AiMesh mode (particularly in wired backhaul setups) are simply superior.

Not what your signature says.

 

[jerry6]

WHY NOT SET BOTH UP AND SEE WHICH GIVES YOU THE BEST TRANSFER RATES AND SPEED , SEEING AS YOU HAVE THE UNITS ALREADY

 

[Tech9]

and longevity overall

GT-AXE11000 is older generation hardware router (2020 model based on GT-AX11000 from 2018) and won't be updated to 3.0.0.6 Asuswrt 5.0 firmware.