Is the RT-BE86U worth it over a Wi-Fi 6 router?

If you have Wi-Fi 7 phones or laptops and a fast fiber line, the 2.5G ports and MLO make it a meaningful step up. On Wi-Fi 6 devices the difference is smaller.

Does it have a 6 GHz band?

No. It is dual-band, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz only, so it lacks the 6 GHz radio found on tri-band Wi-Fi 7 routers.

Can I use it in an AiMesh network?

Yes. It works as an AiMesh router or node with other compatible ASUS routers, which is the easy way to extend coverage.

How many devices can it handle?

ASUS does not publish a hard limit; in practice it handles a typical family home well, but very crowded homes with many fast devices may want a tri-band model.

Does it include security without a subscription?

Yes. ASUS includes subscription-free network security, along with VPN server and client features, in the router's firmware.

The router, a power adapter, an Ethernet cable and quick-start documentation. Check the listing for the exact bundle.

Where is the ASUS RT-BE86U BE6800 Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router cheapest?

At Walmart, for $239.99, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the ASUS RT-BE86U BE6800 Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router?

Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 64 ratings.

Where can I buy the ASUS RT-BE86U BE6800 Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router?

5 stores we checked sell it, including Walmart, Newegg, Adorama, Best Buy, Antonline.

ASUS RT-BE86U BE6800 Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router

Best price now

$239.99at WalmartChecked 13 h ago

Compared across 5 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

ASUS RT-BE86U BE6800 Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router

Best price now

$239.99at WalmartChecked 13 h ago

Compared across 5 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Last seen at $239.99 at Walmart on Nov 10.
Checked at 5 stores.

Our take on the ASUS RT-BE86U BE6800 Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router

The RT-BE86U is a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router rated at BE6800, with one 2.5 GbE WAN port and a second 2.5 GbE LAN port plus Gigabit LAN. It brings Wi-Fi 7 features like 4096-QAM and Multi-Link Operation to a mid-range ASUS chassis, and runs the full ASUSWRT feature set: AiMesh, free network security, Guest Network Pro and built-in VPN server and client. It suits households with a fast fiber line and a growing number of Wi-Fi 7 devices, and gamers who want a wired 2.5G path. Against tri-band rivals it gives up a dedicated 6 GHz band and the second 5 GHz radio, so heavy multi-device homes may prefer a tri-band model. Owners rate it well overall, praising range and the 2.5G ports; some find the feature set overwhelming and note that Wi-Fi 7 gains only show on Wi-Fi 7 clients.

Best forHomes with gigabit-plus fiber and Wi-Fi 7 phones or laptopsGamers wanting a 2.5G wired connectionASUS users building an AiMesh networkBuyers who want free built-in security and VPN

Pros

Wi-Fi 7 with 4096-QAM and MLO for newer devices
Two 2.5 GbE ports plus Gigabit LAN for wired gear
AiMesh support to extend coverage with other ASUS routers
Subscription-free network security included
Extensive VPN server and client options
Guest Network Pro with separate IoT and kid networks

Cons

Dual-band only, no 6 GHz radio
No second 5 GHz band for splitting heavy traffic
Large footprint for a desktop router
ASUSWRT settings can overwhelm non-technical users
Wi-Fi 7 speed gains need Wi-Fi 7 clients to show

ASUS RT-BE86U BE6800 Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by Beach Audio IncReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$239.99Checked 13 h ago
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NeweggNew
In stock
$245.52Free shippingChecked 13 h ago
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AdoramaNew
In stock
$249.99Free shippingChecked 13 h ago
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Best BuyNew
In stock
$255.99Free shippingChecked 13 h ago
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AntonlineNew
In stock
$268.63Free shippingChecked 13 h ago
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ASUS RT-BE86U BE6800 Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router price history

Lowest price we've seen: $245.52 on Nov 11 at Newegg. Tracked across 4 stores since Nov 11.

What reviewers say

4.4 / 564 ratings

Owners rate it around 4.4 out of 5 and mostly praise stable performance, strong range and the 2.5G ports. Criticisms focus on the dual-band design and the dense ASUSWRT interface.

What people mention

PerformancePraisedOwners report stable speeds and reliable connections across the house.
PortsPraisedThe 2.5 GbE ports are called out as a real upgrade for fast broadband.
BandsCriticisedSome wish for a 6 GHz or second 5 GHz band to spread heavy devices.
SetupMixedAiMesh pairing is easy, but the full settings menu is dense for beginners.
SizeCriticisedA few owners find the chassis bulky for a desk or shelf.

About the ASUS RT-BE86U BE6800 Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router

ASUS RT-BE86U BE6800 Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router, Supports 4096-QAM, MLO, AI WAN Detection, AiMesh, Subscription-Free Network Security, and Comprehensive VPN Features, Guest Network Pro, Gaming

Specifications

color: MulticolorSource
size: 12.4" x 9.3" x 3.5"Source
VoIP (SIP): NoSource
Wi-Fi: YesSource
USB

Questions and answers

Is the RT-BE86U worth it over a Wi-Fi 6 router?: If you have Wi-Fi 7 phones or laptops and a fast fiber line, the 2.5G ports and MLO make it a meaningful step up. On Wi-Fi 6 devices the difference is smaller.
Does it have a 6 GHz band?: No. It is dual-band, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz only, so it lacks the 6 GHz radio found on tri-band Wi-Fi 7 routers.
Can I use it in an AiMesh network?: Yes. It works as an AiMesh router or node with other compatible ASUS routers, which is the easy way to extend coverage.
How many devices can it handle?: ASUS does not publish a hard limit; in practice it handles a typical family home well, but very crowded homes with many fast devices may want a tri-band model.
Does it include security without a subscription?: Yes. ASUS includes subscription-free network security, along with VPN server and client features, in the router's firmware.
What is in the box?: The router, a power adapter, an Ethernet cable and quick-start documentation. Check the listing for the exact bundle.
Where is the ASUS RT-BE86U BE6800 Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router cheapest?: At Walmart, for $239.99, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the ASUS RT-BE86U BE6800 Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router?: Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 64 ratings.
Where can I buy the ASUS RT-BE86U BE6800 Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router?: 5 stores we checked sell it, including Walmart, Newegg, Adorama, Best Buy, Antonline.