ASUS RT-AC86U vs Netgear Nighthawk XR2

ASUS RT-AC86U ASUS RT-AC86U
VS
Netgear Nighthawk XR2 Netgear Nighthawk XR2
WINNER Netgear Nighthawk XR2

The ASUS RT-AC86U and Netgear Nighthawk XR2 are both top-tier gaming routers, but they cater to different needs. The ASU...

VS
emoji_events WINNER
Netgear Nighthawk XR2

Netgear Nighthawk XR2

9.3 Excellent
Gaming Router

psychology AI Verdict

The ASUS RT-AC86U and Netgear Nighthawk XR2 are both top-tier gaming routers, but they cater to different needs. The ASUS RT-AC86U excels in affordability and basic QoS features, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers or those with small to medium-sized households. It offers fast Wi-Fi speeds and reliable performance, ensuring a smooth gaming experience without the hefty price tag.

On the other hand, the Netgear Nighthawk XR2 stands out with its advanced features like dedicated gaming ports and support for Wi-Fi 6, which significantly reduce latency and enhance overall network stability. This makes it an ideal choice for high-speed internet users or serious gaming enthusiasts who demand top-tier performance. While both routers are highly rated, the Netgear Nighthawk XR2 clearly surpasses in terms of advanced networking capabilities, but the ASUS RT-AC86U provides better value for money.

emoji_events Winner: Netgear Nighthawk XR2
verified Confidence: High

thumbs_up_down Pros & Cons

ASUS RT-AC86U ASUS RT-AC86U

check_circle Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Fast Wi-Fi speeds
  • QoS for gaming traffic

cancel Cons

  • Limited advanced features
  • Less support for high-speed internet
Netgear Nighthawk XR2 Netgear Nighthawk XR2

check_circle Pros

  • Dedicated gaming ports
  • Wi-Fi 6 support
  • Advanced QoS capabilities

cancel Cons

  • Higher price point
  • More complex setup and management

compare Feature Comparison

Feature ASUS RT-AC86U Netgear Nighthawk XR2
Wi-Fi Standard 802.11ac 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)
Number of Antennas 4x MIMO 4x MIMO
Speeds Up to 1733 Mbps Up to 5740 Mbps (Wi-Fi 6)
QoS Capabilities Basic QoS for gaming traffic Advanced QoS with dedicated gaming ports
Port Configuration 4x Gigabit LAN, 1x WAN 4x Gigabit LAN, 1x WAN, Dedicated Gaming Ports
Form Factor Slim and compact design Compact design with slightly larger size

payments Pricing

ASUS RT-AC86U

$149.99
Good Value

Netgear Nighthawk XR2

$349.99
Fair Value

difference Key Differences

ASUS RT-AC86U Netgear Nighthawk XR2
The ASUS RT-AC86U focuses on providing fast Wi-Fi speeds and basic QoS features, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers.
Core Strength
The Netgear Nighthawk XR2 excels in advanced networking capabilities like dedicated gaming ports and support for Wi-Fi 6, ensuring low latency and high-speed performance.
The ASUS RT-AC86U offers fast Wi-Fi speeds but lacks the advanced features found in the Netgear Nighthawk XR2.
Performance
The Netgear Nighthawk XR2 supports Wi-Fi 6, which significantly improves performance and reduces latency compared to the older standards supported by the ASUS RT-AC86U.
While the ASUS RT-AC86U is more affordable, it may not offer the same level of performance and advanced features as the Netgear Nighthawk XR2.
Value for Money
The Netgear Nighthawk XR2 provides better value in terms of performance and features, but at a higher price point.
The ASUS RT-AC86U has a user-friendly interface with straightforward setup and management options.
Ease of Use
The Netgear Nighthawk XR2 also offers an intuitive interface, but its advanced features may require more time to set up and manage effectively.
Budget-conscious gamers or those with small to medium-sized households who prioritize affordability over advanced features.
Best For
Gaming enthusiasts, high-speed internet users, or those looking for a router that can handle demanding gaming scenarios without compromising on performance.

help When to Choose

ASUS RT-AC86U ASUS RT-AC86U
  • If you prioritize affordability and basic gaming features.
  • If you choose ASUS RT-AC86U if your internet speed is moderate or low.
  • If you have a small to medium-sized household.
Netgear Nighthawk XR2 Netgear Nighthawk XR2
  • If you prioritize advanced networking capabilities and high-speed performance.
  • If you need dedicated gaming ports for improved stability.
  • If you choose Netgear Nighthawk XR2 if your internet speed is very fast or you are a serious gaming enthusiast.

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.
Read more

Netgear Nighthawk XR2

The Netgear Nighthawk XR2 is a high-end gaming router that offers advanced features like QoS, dedicated gaming ports, and support for Wi-Fi 6. It ensures smooth gameplay with low latency and fast speeds.
Read more

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