Will anything replace the ASUS RT-AX88U PRO AX6000 this year?

[ApostleTemp]

My RT-AC86U is starting to age, and I think it might be nearing EOL (running Merlin?).

The RT-AX88U seems to be the best upgrade for my needs, as it slightly outperforms the RT-AX86U and I can find it for cheaper (under $200) if I'm willing to go refurbished or warehouse deals on Amazon.

Before I pull the trigger on it, is Asus expected to release any routers to replace the AX88U this year?

Looking to stay in the ~$200 range, so please no $600-$700 WiFi 7 suggestions, please. Those are WAY out of budget.

Also, if my AC86U does reach EOL, does Merlin tend to continue pushing security updates? I'd like to make my AC86U an AI Mesh node.

 

[Tech9]

Also, if my AC86U does reach EOL

RT-AC86U is EoL already.

does Merlin tend to continue pushing security updates?

Perhaps to the end of 2024.

 

[Tech9]

I'd like to make my AC86U an AI Mesh node.

Test without it when you get the new router. Don't reuse old hardware just because you have it. It may not be needed.

 

[bbunge]

My RT-AC86U is starting to age, and I think it might be nearing EOL (running Merlin?).

The RT-AX88U seems to be the best upgrade for my needs, as it slightly outperforms the RT-AX86U and I can find it for cheaper (under $200) if I'm willing to go refurbished or warehouse deals on Amazon.

Before I pull the trigger on it, is Asus expected to release any routers to replace the AX88U this year?

Looking to stay in the ~$200 range, so please no $600-$700 WiFi 7 suggestions, please. Those are WAY out of budget.

Also, if my AC86U does reach EOL, does Merlin tend to continue pushing security updates? I'd like to make my AC86U an AI Mesh node.

You are talking about the Pro versions as the title says? If so, you can get a new AX86U Pro at Amazon for $201 and you will not have to mess with someones failures. You will not notice the difference between the AX86U Pro and the AX88U Pro...

 

[Tech9]

Actually, RT-BE88U replaced RT-AX88U Pro this year, but it's $400 at the moment.

RT-BE88U｜WiFi Routers｜ASUS Global

ASUS gaming routers provide the very best gaming experience, with an arsenal of features and tools designed to improve online gaming performance and give you the competitive edge you need to win.

www.asus.com

 

[ApostleTemp]

Actually, RT-BE88U replaced RT-AX88U Pro this year, but it's $400 at the moment.

RT-BE88U｜WiFi Routers｜ASUS Global

ASUS gaming routers provide the very best gaming experience, with an arsenal of features and tools designed to improve online gaming performance and give you the competitive edge you need to win.

www.asus.com

If that was cheaper, it'd definitely be an option. I'm also not sure if it's available in the U.S. yet, I don't see it on Amazon.

Do you think the AX88U PRO will be officially supported until WIFI 7 routers like the BE88U comes closer to the $200 mark?

Or do you think investing in WiFi 7 now would be worth the extra money to future proof in terms of a longer support cycle?

My partner works from home with government adjacent contract work, so regular security patches are a variable of concern.

Last question, if AI-Mesh is no longer a variable of concern (that's my primary reason for wanting another ASUS), how does the TP Link BE9300 compare to the AX88U Pro? I know the WiFi standards are different, but have there been any real world tests on their respective performance?

 

[Tech9]

I don't see it on Amazon.

See BestBuy US or other retailers, it's surprisingly available for $400 right now.

Do you think the AX88U PRO will be officially supported until WIFI 7 routers like the BE88U comes closer to the $200 mark?

I don't think this model will come down to $200 at any point of time. This is half price compared to introduction price and it doesn't happen around here very often. Support - perhaps around 4-5 years after release for newer models. There will be no more 10 years like the legend RT-AC68U.

extra money to future proof

There is no futureproofing with mostly disposable home electronics. Get what you need now. When you need the features you have spent money on in advance your router will be on EoL list and new perhaps better models will be available. The reason I recommend more often RT-AX86U Pro.

My partner works from home with government adjacent contract work, so regular security patches

Your partner will be just fine with any home router unless the government agency have special requirements. The communication will be going perhaps over secured VPN and general online safety rules plus updated client devices is all you need. The router won't save you if you are careless online.

 

[Tech9]

that's my primary reason for wanting another ASUS

This is what AiMesh does best - selling more Asus routers to existing customers. Otherwise mixed AiMesh with a new Pro model and this old AC-class router will result in limited functionality. The old router on 386 firmware doesn't know anything about the new Pro features in 102 firmware.

how does the TP Link BE9300 compare to the AX88U Pro?

No idea. All new Wi-Fi 7 products come with beta tester licence. You'll be the one to find out of it's good or bad. Based on another thread here on SNB Forums TP-Link provided excellent customer support to another forum member in quickly resolving an issue with their new "mesh" Wi-Fi 7 system.

Advice Needed

Up to Gigabit throughput with IDS/IPS enabled. Yes, but the 2,5GB port allows for overheads and gives you that full gigabit speed.

www.snbforums.com

 

[CornfieldWin]

Actually, RT-BE88U replaced RT-AX88U Pro this year, but it's $400 at the moment.

RT-BE88U｜WiFi Routers｜ASUS Global

ASUS gaming routers provide the very best gaming experience, with an arsenal of features and tools designed to improve online gaming performance and give you the competitive edge you need to win.

www.asus.com

For the price you are looking at lower end new Wi-Fi 7 BE routers. The AX88U Pro is still very competitive at year end 2024, but not any of its variants AX86U or non PRO, because it has best in class WIFI 6 (very mature), was released in 2023 as the last of the AX, and far more importantly shares CPU and 1G memory with some of the newer WiFi 7 BE routers released thus month.

Tip off: it (but not near variants) received the upgrade to support Guest Network Pro which I suggest maybe the most significant home router firmware upgrade for ease of use m in the last ten years. Your can send your roommate off to his own private coffee shop (teaser to get you to do your homework). You can even stop those Chinese IOT devices from spying on the the rest of your network. Simplified vlans galore and Aimesh (with some limitations), what's not to love! Also you will despise many other router's interface.

Lastly, the similar priced new ASUS BE routers have much lower speeds on 2.4G and 5G which is largely what counts. From regular home use the AX88U Pro is a current sweet spot followed by its cousin the GT-AX6000 which also supports the Guest Network Pro upgrade.

 

[Tech9]

upgrade to support Guest Network Pro

Not sure why you bumped this old thread, but Guest Network Pro feature is going to be removed in newer 3006 firmware versions, perhaps including RT-AX88U Pro. It is already removed in 37xxx for BE-class releases and replaced with more logical Network configuration menu.

 

[Listedguru2]

Not sure why you bumped this old thread, but Guest Network Pro feature is going to be removed in newer 3006 firmware versions, perhaps including RT-AX88U Pro. It is already removed in 37xxx for BE-class releases and replaced with more logical Network configuration menu.

So is the general consensus around here that the AX88U Pro is indeed probably the best wifi 6 router to get for home use here heading into 2025? It is currently at the top of my list to replace my aging EOL Netgear Nighthawk AC2100 router.

Also when I do install my new ASUS can I set it up with a 2.4ghz channel and a 5ghz channel? This is how I have my Netgear currently set up and it works well. Also can I use the same network name that I currently use on my Netgear when I hook up the ASUS or is there some reason I shouldn't do that?

 

[Tech9]

So is the general consensus around here that the AX88U Pro is indeed probably the best wifi 6 router to get for home use here heading into 2025?

There is no universal best model for every use case. You have to decide what's best for you based on your budget and needs.

When replacing one router with another you can keep SSIDs and passwords the same, if you like. It will save you clients reconfiguration.

 

[Tech9]

It is currently at the top of my list

I remember seeing you around with multiple upgrade questions. You are looking for a new router since November. Waiting longer doesn't make purchase decision better. You are still using your old router and perhaps missed all holiday sales for the eventual replacement. What is so much of "investment" decision about ~$200-250 router when most folks replace their >$1000 phones every 1-2 years without even thinking?

 

[Listedguru2]

I remember seeing you around with multiple upgrade questions. You are looking for a new router since November. Waiting longer doesn't make purchase decision better. You are still using your old router and perhaps missed all holiday sales for the eventual replacement. What is so much of "investment" decision about ~$200-250 router when most folks replace their >$1000 phones every 1-2 years without even thinking?

I guess I procrastinate more than the average person - or I will call it thorough research, lol. I do appreciate all the insight you and the other's on this board have been so kind to provide to me and others. To be honest I'm currently waiting on another certificate for Best Buy that should be showing up in the next few weeks. I don't buy much there but I have accumulated a lot of rewards and certificates there to spend (I have their credit card) so once my last batch of certificates shows up I will jump on something). The nice thing about Best Buy as I can get them to price match wherever the cheapest price is so that's a bonus for me). Looks like the 88U Pro is about $4 more at Best Buy compared to the GT AX 6000

 

[Tech9]

I will call it thorough research

in the next few weeks

In next few weeks the results of your long thorough research may not be valid anymore.

 

[Listedguru2]

In next few weeks the results of your long thorough research may not be valid anymore.

Why would you say that, lol.... If Best Buy sold the GLi.net Flint 2 I might be tempted to go that route but unfortunately they don't sell it here. It seems like a solid choice as well and pretty comparable to the AX888U Pro.