Asus RT-AX86U
Score: 83/100
Synology RT6600ax
Score: 84/100Rankings
The Synology RT6600ax is a tri-band Wi-Fi 6 router delivering up to 6.6 Gbps combined throughput and advanced SRM security features. Its bulkier chassis, limited QoS depth, and higher electricity consumption are notable trade-offs. Ideal for tech-savvy homes or small offices that need robust management and multi-gig internet support.
The ASUS RT-AX86U is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 gaming router delivering up to 5.7 Gbps combined speed, a 2.5 Gbps multi-gig port and robust security features, making it a strong choice for gamers and power users. Its large size, occasional firmware issues, and lack of native 10 Gbps ports may deter users seeking ultra-future-proof hardware. Best suited for households with many Wi-Fi 6 devices that need low-latency gaming and advanced network controls.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
5,700 Mbps | 6,600 Mbpsbest | |
4 | 6best | |
4best | 4best | |
1 GBbest | 1 GBbest | |
4best | 4best | |
0.256 GBbest | 0.256 GBbest | |
1 | 2best | |
2best | 1 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(2) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | WiFi 6 | 802.11ax |
Frequency Bands | 2.4GHz/5GHz | Tri-band |
Design(1) | ||
Antenna Count | 4 | 6 |
Performance(2) | ||
Maximum Wireless Speed (Mbps) | 5700 Mbps | 6600 Mbps |
Processor | Broadcom BCM4908 quad-core | Qualcomm IPQ6018 |
Ports(2) | ||
WAN Ports | 1 | 2 |
USB Ports | 2 | 1 |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the RT-AX86U as a "terrific router" and a "performance beast," highlighting its flagship-level CPU/RAM, fast Wi-Fi 6 speeds, 2.5 Gbps port, and strong QoS and security features, while noting the 2.4 GHz limitation and a firmware interface that can be daunting for newcomers.
Everyday users consistently commend the router for its blazing-fast speeds, low-latency gaming performance, easy AiMesh expansion, and intuitive app control, but they also report occasional firmware glitches, a steep learning curve for advanced settings, and weaker 2.4 GHz performance in crowded Wi-Fi environments.
Professional reviewers praise the RT6600ax for its top-tier Wi-Fi 6 performance, robust SRM security suite, and powerful quad-core CPU, positioning it as a strong choice for tech-savvy homes and small offices. However, they caution that its heavier chassis, limited QoS depth, and higher power draw may deter users seeking a lightweight or ultra-energy-efficient solution.
Everyday users generally appreciate the router's solid coverage, straightforward SRM setup, and ability to manage many devices simultaneously. Recurring criticisms focus on its bulkier form factor, noticeable weight, and higher electricity consumption, with some wishing for more granular QoS controls.
“one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers for its top-tier 4804 Mbps 5GHz-1 speeds, excellent SRM interface, and value in security/management”
“upgrade to quad-core 1.8 GHz CPU and 1 GB RAM from RT2600ac's dual-core 1.7 GHz/512 MB, highlighting Wi-Fi 6 and six antennas, but flags the 1.6 kg weight as noticeably heavier”
