ASUS RT-AX86U Pro (AX5700) Dual Band Wi-Fi 6 Router $239 Delivered @ Amazon AU

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ASUS RT-AX86U Pro (AX5700) Dual Band Wi-Fi 6 Router $239 Delivered @ Amazon AUAffiliate
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freeb1e4me on 31/08/2025 - 09:32 amazon.com.au (1490 clicks)
Last edited 01/09/2025 - 10:29 by 1 other user
This post contains affiliate links. OzBargain might earn commissions when you click through and make purchases. Please see this page for more information.

Looking for a new router? Well here’s a deal for you, the ASUS RT-86U PRO! This model is at an ATL and is a limited time deal (50% off).

So why spend the extra on a premium brand and model router? Well here’s some premium features:

  • Subscription free network security
  • Gaming mode
  • VLAN support
  • Mesh support
  • Merlin firmware support

An alternative no frills router can be found here

Thank you mod for cleaning up the post

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.
Computing ASUS Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Router

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Comments

  • Zeee on 31/08/2025 - 09:44
    +1

    Still.this price?

    • whey4000 on 31/08/2025 - 10:21
      +4

      Why? What do you recommend

  • killingtime on 31/08/2025 - 09:58
    +11

    Can get triband wifi 7 for this kind of price….
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/920987

    • Zeee on 31/08/2025 - 09:59

      Exactly

    • Jagd on 31/08/2025 - 10:17

      I did, even though I still need to use my ex Optus ASUS DSL-AX5400 as a modem. I noticed an decrease in ping and an increase in internet speed by doing so.

      • serpserpserp on 31/08/2025 - 10:54

        Well did you go from using just he optus device to using two devices?

    • dealhunter52 on 31/08/2025 - 10:31
      +4

      And spend your time fixing the firmware bugs than enjoying the internet.

      • glade90 on 01/09/2025 - 11:35
        +1

        Underrated comment. Asus is the solid choice

    • Autoxbox on 31/08/2025 - 11:11
      +3

      also that deal isn't expired - code just worked for me

    • sqheaven on 31/08/2025 - 11:17
      +2

      But do you need tri band?

      • freeb1e4me on 31/08/2025 - 13:01

        Yes you do if you want to extend your network via mesh.

        • sqheaven on 31/08/2025 - 13:09

          Then why is everyone still buying this model?

          • freeb1e4me on 31/08/2025 - 14:07

            @sqheaven: Not everyone needs mesh. Although this model does support mesh as well, just not as dedicated.

            • sqheaven on 31/08/2025 - 14:28

              @freeb1e4me: That's why I feel like buying one more. I also have a Flint2, I can hardly tell the difference in WiFi performance, only thing is Flint2 doesn't support mesh.

              Mesh is good for multi storey homes for sure. Even though people in 2 storey also do not have a WIFI performance issues. Talking about my friend who bought this based on my suggestion.

              • freeb1e4me on 31/08/2025 - 14:34

                @sqheaven: Flint is OK. Flint 3 supports wifi 7 but is less stable. ASUS is more stable and has better coverage - less likely to need mesh unless you want the best wifi experience.

                • sqheaven on 31/08/2025 - 14:41

                  @freeb1e4me: Yeah my Flint2 is OK. I switched back to Asus to see if there is any noticeable difference. Will be upgrading to mesh in the future, hopefully this model continues to drop lol

                  • freeb1e4me on 31/08/2025 - 14:47

                    @sqheaven: It will most definitely drop as the Asuswrt firmware (stock firmware) maybe nearing EOL based on UK estimates. I expect the open source firmware (merlin-wrt) will likely continue to support it post 2027 or until wifi 7 becomes more mainstream

                    • sqheaven on 31/08/2025 - 14:54

                      @freeb1e4me: That makes sense, is it worth it to use merlin? I feel like I should try. Make the switch already before eol of the asus sw.

                      • freeb1e4me on 31/08/2025 - 14:56

                        @sqheaven: I would be flashing the open source firmware Merlin-wrt straight out of the box!

                        • sqheaven on 31/08/2025 - 14:58

                          @freeb1e4me: Let me try tonight, as a backup I got Flint2. Does merlin also come with a mobile app? Or do you lose app with merlin?

                          • freeb1e4me on 31/08/2025 - 15:03
                            +1

                            @sqheaven: You will continue to use the ASUS app as per normal.

                            The aim of Merlin-wrt is to maintain the functionality of the stock firmware but with added improvements.

                            Also, note you can download the ASUS guard app that allows you to connect your device over a VPN connection if you have a public IP address

                            • sqheaven on 31/08/2025 - 15:05

                              @freeb1e4me: Sounds great, let me try and report back. I really don't like to mess with Wi-Fi because if the TV stops, the whole family loses their cool lol

          • Maths Debater on 31/08/2025 - 19:13

            @sqheaven: They most likely live in an apartment or unit. This will never beat a mesh system for range. I used to have several standalone routers in my 660m2 house and it was simply pathic. Went to an Orbi and haven't looked back.

            • sqheaven on 31/08/2025 - 19:55

              @Maths Debater: 450m2 double storey house, my friend is very happy lol Previously, he always used to complain.

        • nategasm on 31/08/2025 - 14:04
          +1

          The Flint 3 from that deal doesn't support mesh

    • Sleepycat3 on 31/08/2025 - 15:11
      -2

      No custom firmware, no thanks.

  • kelzad on 31/08/2025 - 10:34
    +7

    this model is a bit too old now, not worth this price anymore

    • Fergy1987 on 31/08/2025 - 10:40
      +1

      …me looking sheepish after buying this 6 months ago

      • ad62623 on 31/08/2025 - 10:48
        +5

        I wouldn't feel bad, it's been a very reliable router and will be for some time. Buying a product that's early in it's lifecycle has its unknowns.
        The only reason to spend more would be wifi or 2.5gb (more ports).

      • kojihama on 31/08/2025 - 10:50
        +6

        I got one too around the same time/price, WiFi7 isn’t event that common yet so I wouldn’t be too concerned. It does the job and was a huge upgrade on my last 6yo router.

    • timhn on 31/08/2025 - 10:41

      I bought this for nearly $400 nearly 2yr ago.

  • enwar on 31/08/2025 - 10:48

    I want to stream games from my pc to my laptop so i can play them on my laptop. Is this router good for that?

    • serpserpserp on 31/08/2025 - 10:55

      I've done it and it is fine

    • atwilliams on 31/08/2025 - 12:50

      Very much depends on the distance of your PC and laptop to your router, what's (physically) in between (e.g brick walls, upstairs/downstaris, etc), and the (wifi) capabilities of your PC and laptop.

      If you are in the same room (or very close by), you'll be fine, but game streaming requires high frame rates and low ping, otherwise it will be very frustrating to play.

  • bcYield on 31/08/2025 - 11:10
    +3

    This model is at an ATL and is a limited time deal (50% off).

    $229 last month and always this price in the last few months.
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/914117

    • freeb1e4me on 31/08/2025 - 12:31
      +1

      Thank you. Deal updated

    • relteran on 31/08/2025 - 12:27
      +16

      You put all that effort into research but didn't bother to fact-check the AI and give us the source it used for its claim instead?

    • freeb1e4me on 31/08/2025 - 12:41
      +3

      Thank you for your information. It seems that is specific for the Singapore region only. Based on history, ASUS will continue to provide critical updates beyond EOL as seen with other popular models (10 years+). That said, I expect most people to install the open source firmware for better security and features - No EOL announcement for this model

      Regarding stock ASUS firmware, I couldn’t locate any official End-of-Support (EOL) or End-of-Life announcement specifically for the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro on ASUS’s global or regional websites, including their dedicated EOL product list
      ASUS Global.

      These pages define what EOL means—such as no further manufacturing, firmware updates, or manuals—but the RT-AX86U Pro does not appear in the publicly available EOL lists.

      To clarify:

      • The ASUS End-of-Life product list outlines which products are no longer supported, but RT-AX86U Pro isn’t listed there.

      • That suggests it’s not officially marked as EOL yet, and no termination date of support is publicly provided.

    • nategasm on 31/08/2025 - 14:08

      I've commented on this before https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/16709800/redir
      The global EOL date is likely 31st December 2026 which is what they list for UK

      • freeb1e4me on 31/08/2025 - 14:41

        Thanks. The UK EOL is not that far away!

        • shutuptakemymoney101 on 31/08/2025 - 15:15

          Australian EOL won't be too far away either.

          • freeb1e4me on 31/08/2025 - 15:31

            @shutuptakemymoney101: Right. As long as the open source community continue to support it post EOL for a few more years then it’s a non issue. By then I’m sure we will be moving on to wifi 7 as currently people are experiencing frequent dropouts

            • shutuptakemymoney101 on 31/08/2025 - 16:48
              -4

              @freeb1e4me: With the limited Asus support time left it's probably well past time that this model router is permanently discounted.

              Agree, firmware for wifi 7 devices from all manufacturers is immature at the moment but it's getting better. Bugs and inconveniences are just part and parcel of being an early adopter of new technology.

      • SueyJitSu on 31/08/2025 - 16:56

        Its interesting. I have a RT-AC86U and it was supposed to be EOL in Nov 2024. But checking ASUS website they released a firmware update back in March 2025.

        • shutuptakemymoney101 on 31/08/2025 - 17:17
          -1

          The EOL date is effectively the date that they guarantee support up to, firmware can be released after this date (particularly to address security exploits which would otherwise reflect badly on the company) but can't be guaranteed or relied upon by the customer.

        • freeb1e4me on 31/08/2025 - 17:52
          +1

          My take, EOL means no more support for new features or updates on the various software component versions in the firmware. You will continue to get critical updates for known vulnerabilities for quite a while, at least for some popular routers

        • SueyJitSu on 31/08/2025 - 18:00

          2025/03/25
          1. Fixed the UI issue in Chrome.
          2. Fixed client binding issues in Mesh scenarios.
          3. Enhanced input parameter handling techniques to improve data processing stability and system security.
          4. Enhance system access control mechanisms.

          Seems like the firmware still fixes some bugs too.

          • shutuptakemymoney101 on 31/08/2025 - 19:19

            @SueyJitSu: Companies usually don't make a big song and dance about fixing critical vulnerabilities, the fact they were vulnerable in the first place isn't really a good look.

            • SueyJitSu on 31/08/2025 - 19:26

              @shutuptakemymoney101: Apologies. I wasn't making an argument haha.
              I like this deal. I bought this deal. I was simply saying that it was interesting they're still releasing firmware for a product they stated was EOL.
              I like Asus and have always bought their products since the 90's.

              • shutuptakemymoney101 on 31/08/2025 - 19:34

                @SueyJitSu: I recently decommissioned my Asus RT-AX86U for a Flint 3, was happy with the Asus but time to move on.

                For a period after they go EOL you should still receive security updates from Asus so if you are happy with how things are working now you don't need to be in a rush to update.

                The Fritz!box 7390 went EOL in late 2017, it got a firmware (read: security update) in April 2023. lol

                • netsurfer on 31/08/2025 - 22:44

                  @shutuptakemymoney101: One reason people prefer Asus routers with Merlin firmware support is because Merlin patches security issues regularly.

                  Flint 3, due to moving to Qualcomm chipset, the mesh support isn't available yet. The current stable build firmware seems to be based on OpenWrt 23.05. There is a beta version based on OpenWrt 24.10. While I get the appeal of Flint 3, it is a bit annoying that my el cheapo OpenWrt capable router runs the latest build of OpenWrt fine, but for my GL.iNet router, I need to wait for GL.iNet to release the firmware.

                  • shutuptakemymoney101 on 31/08/2025 - 22:58

                    @netsurfer: Agreed, will be interesting to see what the future brings for the Flint 3 since the chipset change.

                    Support so far from GL.inet has been encouraging so hopefully the firmware will mature and the router will further develop in the right direction.

                    I would say though that the majority of the purchasers of Asus routers have never heard of Merlin other than the mythical magician featured in the legend of King Arthur, once official support from Asus has finished that will probably mean an upgrade for a lot of end users.

                    • netsurfer on 01/09/2025 - 10:20

                      @shutuptakemymoney101: Merlin firmware has been around for years. Asus routers with Merlin firmware support generally cost more.

                      GL.inet does have work to do for Flint 3. Competing products with the same chipset have mesh support. Going 2x2 is obviously to keep the cost down, but that's not ideal for mesh setup. Sure, Qualcomm is selling that particular chipset cheap, but there are compromises (that's why it's cheap).

                    • netsurfer on 01/09/2025 - 12:05

                      @shutuptakemymoney101: As for firmware updates / security:

                      Merlin Firmware: [10-May-2025] UPDATED: OpenVPN to 2.6.14.

                      GL.iNet Flint 3 Firmware 4.8.1 [20-Aug-2025]: Upgraded OpenVPN to version 2.6.12.

                      Yes, Asus can be slow to update security issues, but other router makers are mostly in the same boat. OpenVPN 2.6.12 was released on 18/07/2024. OpenVPN 2.6.14 is the latest 2.6.x version. Merlin does do security patches / fixes better and a lot quicker than Asus.

                      It's what's actually inside the firmware that counts. I'm puzzled with GL.iNet's decision to patch OpenVPN last month but electing to use a version that's 1 year old.

  • glyptothek on 31/08/2025 - 11:33
    -7

    Closed source? No thanks!!!

    • freeb1e4me on 31/08/2025 - 12:34
      +3

      You can install open source firmware as mentioned below

  • Barry off EastEnders on 31/08/2025 - 11:51

    Can you install any open-source firmware on this one?

    • Namidairo on 31/08/2025 - 12:00
      +2

      Merlin is open source to an extent, however there are quite a few pre-built binaries that go into the recipe.

      I personally am somewhat price sensitive and Broadcom averse, so that typically steers me away from the vast majority of Asus routers.

      • ozdesi on 31/08/2025 - 13:01
        +2

        Why broadcom averse?

        • Namidairo on 31/08/2025 - 13:24
          +3

          A very long and poor record of foss support for their wireless products, and their general disdain for any customer/user with revenue below that of a Fortune 100 company.

          See how they treated VMWare and Bitnami users for examples of more recent corporate tomfoolery.

          • Barry off EastEnders on 01/09/2025 - 17:31

            @Namidairo: Thanks for the response.

            Is it on an ethical basis then?

            I suppose if you are able to install Open-WRT on it then that's a good thing?

    • freeb1e4me on 31/08/2025 - 12:33
      +1

      Yes, Open-wrt and Merlin-wrt

      • ShadowSaver on 31/08/2025 - 13:36
        +1

        Link for Openwrt?

        Couldnt find it for ax86u

  • Sephanite on 31/08/2025 - 12:26

    What is a good router these days? If it has good parental control, even better

    • freeb1e4me on 31/08/2025 - 12:53
      +2

      The one that matches your needs.

      I value the subscription free network security. The number of times this has blocked malicious activity on my network was worth the extra money - kids will click on anything literally.

      I also value VLAN for devices that need to be isolated.

      The list goes on…

    • R3XNebular on 31/08/2025 - 13:08

      Went to BE-98 which was terrible. All devices dropped. Now Unifi UCG Fiber with U6 PRo. Rock solid with parental controls

  • glyptothek on 31/08/2025 - 12:42
    -1

    Try GL-Inet Flint 3 Wrokking super for me as a 2.5G Ethernet Hub attached to my ISP router! Open wRT too!

  • Stevenw on 31/08/2025 - 12:49

    Is the next model cheaper and better?

    ASUS RT-AX89X (AX6000) Dual Band 12-Stream WiFi 6

    https://amzn.asia/d/68ZQMY6
    German Amazon

  • congo on 31/08/2025 - 13:00
    +1

    Think I will wait for wifi 7.

  • R3XNebular on 31/08/2025 - 13:13

    Highly recommend staying on these models. I moved to GT BE-98 and was plagued by dropouts with wifi 7. Had AX88U which was rock solid. My experience with the GT BE-98 was so bad I ended up moving to unifi. Greatest upgrade, such a smooth experience with unifi.

    • freeb1e4me on 31/08/2025 - 14:15

      Why did you move from the AX88U if it was rock stable?

      What Unifi model are you using?

      • R3XNebular on 31/08/2025 - 15:43

        Wife needed a router for her business, thought it would be good to upgrade to a more current model given AX88U (non pro) is at EOL. Gave the wife AX88U and still running rock solid.

        UCG-FIBER + U6 PRO. Decided to give the U7-PRO a miss given they were having issues as well. Great thing with the FIBER is you can have UNIFI Protect (NVR) with a NVME.

        • freeb1e4me on 31/08/2025 - 15:54

          Thanks for the info

          AX88U (non pro) is at EOL

          It’s not actually… but I guess it’s no longer an issue for you now

        • netsurfer on 31/08/2025 - 21:08

          UCG-Fiber, the NVMe support requires a tray that needs to be purchased separately. In Australia, it was annoying to get it (because there used to be just 1 store that has that in stock and you really pay a rip off price). An alternative is 3d print one. That m.2 support is limited to Protect only. A number of Asus routers have USB port(s).

          U6 Pro is WiFi 6 only and by avoiding U7 Pro means you basically don't trust WiFi 7 products at the moment.

          As an owner of UCG-Fiber, I am disappointed with its performance. The CPU was suppose to be 2X more powerful than UCG-Max, yet the cold boot speed is about the same.

  • browser on 31/08/2025 - 16:07
    +1

    This and other ASUS routers with interchangeable plugs orientate the power adapter upside down when plugged into Australian wall sockets.

    Doesn't affect function but annoying to say the least.

    It is due to type G power plugs (used in UK and some Asian countries) have neutral and live in reverse to type I power plugs (used in AU/NZ), in order to share the same power adapter across different markets and stay compliant, the type I plug is flipped.

    • freeb1e4me on 31/08/2025 - 17:15

      You could use an upside down adapter 😁

      • browser on 31/08/2025 - 17:29

        It may work for some situation, such as switched power board like this.

        Being reversed, the power adapter wouldn't protrude out as much, but it does cover the on/off switch, though a much lesser issue as you wouldn't switch off the router regularly.

      • browser on 31/08/2025 - 19:51

        Actually type C power plug (not USB type C) for European countries is also included, can use an Euro to AU adapter to flip it around.

    • hollykryten on 31/08/2025 - 18:43

      I've currently got an older router that's an Australian model and it's the ASUS RT-AX54HP (bought from Officeworks last year) and the power adapter definitely isn't upside down. It came with an interchangeable plug power adapter.

      Upside down power plug would indicate that the interchangeable plug which you're using is a China power plug and you're mistaking it for an Australian one. As those are upside down compared to the Australia power plug. Basically you're using the wrong power plug. So i don't know where you got your ASUS routers from but i don't think it was from Australian retail. Australian model would have the correct Australian interchangeable plug.

      • browser on 31/08/2025 - 19:46

        Some ASUS routers come with non-interchangeable power adapters, those are in the correct orientation, such as RT-AX58U.

        But RT-AX86U Pro comes with interchangeable power adapters for different markets, the included type I (though flipped) is definitely intended for Australia, because it says AU on there. The pins are also insulated.

    • netsurfer on 31/08/2025 - 22:17

      The power supply included for the Asus RT-AX86U Pro I purchased last year consists of 2 parts. One part is clover leaf style ICE C5 power cable. The included ICE C5 power cable is quite short though (but I guess ICE C5 power cables are quite common so one could just buy a longer one).

      Photo from RTings - RTings obviously reviewed the USA version, the AU version has a ICE C5 cable for AU plug. Basically, the router doesn't come with an interchangeable plug anymore. It comes with different ICE C5 power cables.

  • hollykryten on 31/08/2025 - 18:41

    I considered this one at first. But i went with the ASUS TUF-GAMING BE6500 WiFi 7 router instead for $293 after the $5 off with VISA. It's newer tech being WiFi 7 but 5GHz though. It should be good.

    • nategasm on 01/09/2025 - 01:26

      There is a misconception that all Wifi7 routers are better than Wifi6 routers, but it really depends on the specs and real world performance. The TUF-BE6500 without the 6ghz band and weaker 1.5Ghz CPU actually ends up being roughly the same real world wireless speed as this AX86U Pro. From reviews the AX86U Pro also seems to perform better at longer ranges. The TUF at least has more 2.5G ports though.
      Source for AX86U Pro speeds, Source for TUF-BE6500 speeds

      • hollykryten on 01/09/2025 - 09:01

        Yeah good point. I also went with the TUF-BE6500 because I thought it looked cooler. Also it would probably since being a newer product receive newer firmware updates for longer while the RT-AX86U Pro becomes EOL.

  • costas60 on 31/08/2025 - 19:00

    I am hoping in two weeks with the NBN upgrades we get
    some big discounts of routers as a lot
    of people with wifi5 and older routers
    will need to upgrade to wifi6 and above to get
    the higher speeds.

  • netsurfer on 31/08/2025 - 22:08

    The main reason to get this router is if you want Merlin firmware (and Asus AiMesh). If you want OpenWRT, then this router is not for you (too expensive).

    Entry level WiFi 7 routers give this router a hard time because even the dual band WiFi 7 routers (ones without 6GHz band) often already have all 2.5Gbps network ports, which suit the upcoming NBN upgrade better. Also, Qualcomm Atheros really selling the chipsets relatively cheap.

  • utsc on 31/08/2025 - 23:53

    Might be able to get the RT-BE86U around the $250 price point for Christmas as the Covid era demand has completely evaporated and we seems to go back to the pre covid era. Firms are now aggressively cutting prices on tech items to boost sales. You will see a very aggressive pricing strategy on most electronics including TV's Laptops, iPhones, MacBook's, iPads etc.

  • freeb1e4me on 01/09/2025 - 00:27
    +1

    Typical Setup After Flashing Merlin:

    • amtm (always first, makes everything else easy) - kind of like an “App Store”
    • Skynet + Diversion (security + ad-block).
    • uiDivStats (to see blocked ads visually).
    • YazFi (better guest WiFi if needed).
    • Entware (to add small Linux tools as needed).

    All these addons will give you commercial grade level functionality

  • Jamesk811 on 01/09/2025 - 08:58
    +1

    I bought a Flint 2 because I read the SQM is slower on flint 3 for some reason and people say unless you need wifi 7 then stick with flint 2

  • Manny Calavera on 01/09/2025 - 22:13

    laughs in RT-AC68U

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