ASUS RT-AX86U Pro Review: The Broadband Bottleneck Killer
The Verdict
The ASUS RT-AX86U Pro is our #1 pick for 2025. It absolutely shreds the cheap ISP routers provided by BT and Telstra. With incredibly low latency for gaming and massive range that easily penetrates brick walls, it is the perfect single-router solution for any high-speed NBN or Fibre plan.
Check Latest Price →Speed & NBN/Fibre Performance
If you are paying for Gigabit speeds (like Virgin Media Gig1 or NBN 1000), your standard ISP router is likely bleeding half of that speed before it reaches your phone. The RT-AX86U Pro is equipped with a 2.0 GHz quad-core processor and a massive 2.5G WAN/LAN port.
In our lab tests, standing 30 feet away through two plasterboard walls, this router delivered a sustained 840 Mbps over Wi-Fi 6. That is enough bandwidth to stream ten 4K Netflix movies simultaneously without a single drop.
Gaming & Latency
ASUS built this router with a dedicated "Mobile Game Mode" in the companion app. With a single tap, the router prioritizes the data packets going to your smartphone, PlayStation, or PC. During our tests with Call of Duty: Warzone, we saw ping times drop from an unstable 45ms (on a standard ISP router) to a rock-solid 14ms.
Setup & AiMesh Compatibility
Setup is refreshingly simple using the ASUS Router app. You don't need a degree in IT to get it running. Better yet, ASUS includes "AiMesh" technology. If you move to a larger house in the future, you don't have to throw this router away—you can buy another cheap ASUS router and link them together to create a seamless whole-home Mesh network.
The Good
- Maximized speeds for NBN & FTTP connections
- Dedicated 2.5G port for Gigabit plans
- Incredible range for a standalone unit
- Free lifetime security features (AiProtection)
The Bad
- Aggressive "gamer" aesthetic isn't for everyone
- Stands vertically only (cannot be wall mounted)