What are the key differences between ASUS RT-AC86U and Netgear Nighthawk AX12?

Core Strength: ASUS RT-AC86U offers The ASUS RT-AC86U excels in providing a balanced mix of performance and affordability, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers., while Netgear Nighthawk AX12 offers Netgear Nighthawk AX12's core strength lies in its advanced Wi-Fi 6 technology, offering unparalleled speed and reliability for modern gaming setups.. Performance: ASUS RT-AC86U offers The ASUS RT-AC86U supports up to 1750 Mbps speeds on the 5GHz band, which is sufficient for most gaming needs but may fall short in high-density environments., while Netgear Nighthawk AX12 offers Netgear Nighthawk AX12 delivers a maximum speed of 4500 Mbps (3x3 Wi-Fi 6) and supports up to 2400 Mbps on the 5GHz band, providing significantly faster speeds.. Value for Money: ASUS RT-AC86U offers The ASUS RT-AC86U offers a good balance between price and performance, making it an attractive option for those looking to save money without compromising on gaming features., while Netgear Nighthawk AX12 offers Netgear Nighthawk AX12 is more expensive but justifies the cost with its advanced Wi-Fi 6 technology and superior performance, offering better value in the long run..

ASUS RT-AC86U vs Netgear Nighthawk AX12

ASUS RT-AC86U

Netgear Nighthawk AX12

WINNER Netgear Nighthawk AX12

The ASUS RT-AC86U and Netgear Nighthawk AX12 are both excellent choices for gamers seeking a robust gaming router experi...

ASUS RT-AC86U

7.8 Good

Gaming Router

emoji_events WINNER

Netgear Nighthawk AX12

9.3 Excellent

Gaming Router

psychology AI Verdict

The ASUS RT-AC86U and Netgear Nighthawk AX12 are both excellent choices for gamers seeking a robust gaming router experience. The ASUS RT-AC86U shines with its affordable price point and reliable QoS features, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious users or those in small to medium-sized households. Conversely, the Netgear Nighthawk AX12 excels in delivering cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6 technology, offering faster speeds and more advanced MU-MIMO capabilities, which are crucial for modern gaming setups.

While both routers prioritize gaming performance, the Netgear Nighthawk AX12's superior Wi-Fi standards set it apart, providing a smoother and more stable gaming experience. However, the ASUS RT-AC86Us QoS settings offer granular control over network traffic, ensuring that gaming sessions remain uninterrupted even when other devices are active. This makes it particularly suitable for households with multiple users or bandwidth-intensive activities.

emoji_events Winner: Netgear Nighthawk AX12

verified Confidence: High

thumbs_up_down Pros & Cons

ASUS RT-AC86U

check_circle Pros

Affordable price
Fast Wi-Fi speeds (1750 Mbps)
QoS for gaming traffic

cancel Cons

Limited to 4x4 MU-MIMO
Less advanced Wi-Fi technology

Netgear Nighthawk AX12

check_circle Pros

Advanced Wi-Fi 6 technology (3x3, up to 4500 Mbps)
4x4 MU-MIMO for faster speeds
AI-based network optimization

cancel Cons

Higher price point
More complex setup process

compare Feature Comparison

Feature	ASUS RT-AC86U	Netgear Nighthawk AX12
Wi-Fi Technology	802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5)	802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)
Maximum Speed	1750 Mbps on 5GHz band	4500 Mbps (3x3 Wi-Fi 6) and up to 2400 Mbps on 5GHz band
MU-MIMO Capabilities	4x4 MU-MIMO	4x4 MU-MIMO with additional AI-based optimization
QoS Settings	Basic QoS for gaming traffic	Advanced QoS and network management tools
Number of Antennas	8 antennas (4x4)	8 antennas (4x4, with additional AI-based optimization)
Form Factor	Slim design with 3 USB ports and 6 LAN ports	Compact design with 4 USB-C ports and 5 LAN ports

payments Pricing

ASUS RT-AC86U

$199.99

Good Value

Netgear Nighthawk AX12

$349.99

Excellent Value

difference Key Differences

ASUS RT-AC86U Netgear Nighthawk AX12

The ASUS RT-AC86U excels in providing a balanced mix of performance and affordability, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers.

Core Strength

Netgear Nighthawk AX12's core strength lies in its advanced Wi-Fi 6 technology, offering unparalleled speed and reliability for modern gaming setups.

The ASUS RT-AC86U supports up to 1750 Mbps speeds on the 5GHz band, which is sufficient for most gaming needs but may fall short in high-density environments.

Performance

Netgear Nighthawk AX12 delivers a maximum speed of 4500 Mbps (3x3 Wi-Fi 6) and supports up to 2400 Mbps on the 5GHz band, providing significantly faster speeds.

The ASUS RT-AC86U offers a good balance between price and performance, making it an attractive option for those looking to save money without compromising on gaming features.

Value for Money

Netgear Nighthawk AX12 is more expensive but justifies the cost with its advanced Wi-Fi 6 technology and superior performance, offering better value in the long run.

The ASUS RT-AC86U has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, with straightforward QoS settings for managing gaming traffic.

Ease of Use

Netgear Nighthawk AX12 comes with an intuitive setup process and advanced features like AI-based network optimization, which might require some initial configuration but offer enhanced performance over time.

ASUS RT-AC86U is best suited for budget-conscious gamers or those in small to medium-sized households who prioritize ease of use and basic gaming features.

Best For

Netgear Nighthawk AX12 is ideal for gamers requiring the latest Wi-Fi technology, high-speed connectivity, and advanced networking features in larger households or professional setups.

help When to Choose

ASUS RT-AC86U

If you prioritize affordability and ease of use.
If you choose ASUS RT-AC86U if your household is small to medium-sized and gaming performance is sufficient.
If you choose ASUS RT-AC86U if budget constraints are a significant factor.

Netgear Nighthawk AX12

If you need the latest Wi-Fi technology for high-speed gaming.
If you choose Netgear Nighthawk AX12 if your household requires advanced networking features and AI-based optimization.
If you can justify the higher price point for superior performance.

description Overview

ASUS RT-AC86U

The ASUS RT-AC86U is an affordable gaming router that offers fast Wi-Fi speeds and QoS for prioritizing gaming traffic. It's a good choice for those looking to improve their internet experience without breaking the bank.