Verdict: The Netgear Nighthawk RAX40 wins overall thanks to Wi‑Fi 6, OFDMA and MU‑MIMO which deliver up to 30 % higher device‑density performance (RTINGS) and lower latency in crowded homes (Tom's Guide). The ASUS RT‑AC86U still offers a stronger CPU for heavy VPN or gaming traffic, but its lack of Wi‑Fi 6 makes it fall behind in modern device ecosystems (CNET). For users with primarily Wi‑Fi 5 devices or who need raw processing power, the AC86U remains a solid choice, while new‑generation households benefit more from the RAX40’s efficiency and future‑proofing.
Winner: Netgear Nighthawk RAX40
ASUS RT-AC86U: 7/10
Netgear Nighthawk RAX40: 8/10
| ASUS RT-AC86U | Netgear Nighthawk RAX40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | 802.11ac (Wi‑Fi 5) | 802.11ax (Wi‑Fi 6) |
| Max Throughput (Mbps) | 2,900 | 3,000 |
| CPU | 1.8 GHz dual‑core Broadcom | 1.5 GHz quad‑core ARM |
| Ports | 4 × Gigabit LAN, 1 × WAN, 1 × USB 3.0 | 4 × Gigabit LAN, 1 × WAN, 1 × USB 3.0 |
Our pick: Netgear Nighthawk RAX40.
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