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ASUS RT-BE86U — Wi-Fi 7 · 9.4 Gbps · Dual 2.5G WAN
ASUS

ASUS RT-BE86U

Wi-Fi 7 · 9.4 Gbps · Dual 2.5G WAN

88
/ 100
From $299
VS
TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack) — Wi-Fi 7 · Tri-band mesh · Dual 10 GbE
TP-Link

TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack)

Wi-Fi 7 · Tri-band mesh · Dual 10 GbE

88
/ 100
From $999
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, ASUS RT-BE86U lands at 88 and TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack) at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick ASUS RT-BE86U if…

  • ✓Sub-$300 Wi-Fi 7 router
  • ✓Dual 2.5 GbE WAN with link aggregation
  • ✓AiMesh + AiProtection Pro

Pick TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack) if…

  • ✓Dual 10 GbE + dual 2.5 GbE per node
  • ✓Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with 320 MHz channels
  • ✓MLO + 8 antennas — excellent coverage
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Throughput

TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack)

Compared on the throughput sub-score

TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack) leads on throughput (92 vs 88).

Features

Tie

Compared on the features sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Range

TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack)

Compared on the range sub-score

TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack) leads on range (90 vs 88).

Value for money

ASUS RT-BE86U

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

ASUS RT-BE86U more score per dollar ($299 vs $999).

ASUS RT-BE86U 88
vs
88 TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack)

Score breakdown

ASUS RT-BE86U
88
throughput 88
range 88
features 90
ease 88
value 0
TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack)
88
throughput 92
range 90
features 90
ease 0
value 86

Specs side-by-side

ASUS RT-BE86U versus TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack) — full spec comparison
Spec ASUS RT-BE86U TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack)
Standard
Wi-Fi 7 tri-band 4x4
Wi-Fi 7 (BE22000) 4×4 tri-band
Total bandwidth
9400 Mbps
—
WAN
2× 2.5 GbE
—
LAN
4× 1 GbE
—
USB
1× USB 3.2
—
Coverage
~3000 sq ft
—
Bands
—
Tri-band (2.4 / 5 / 6 GHz)
Channel width
—
320 MHz
Ports
—
2× 10 GbE + 2× 2.5 GbE per node
Antennas
—
8 internal
Features
—
MLO + Mesh AI roaming

ASUS RT-BE86U

Pros
  • +Sub-$300 Wi-Fi 7 router
  • +Dual 2.5 GbE WAN with link aggregation
  • +AiMesh + AiProtection Pro
Cons
  • −Tri-band only (no 6 GHz dedicated)
  • −No 10G WAN
  • −Plastic chassis

TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack)

Pros
  • +Dual 10 GbE + dual 2.5 GbE per node
  • +Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with 320 MHz channels
  • +MLO + 8 antennas — excellent coverage
Cons
  • −HomeShield subscription for advanced security
  • −UI feels dated
  • −Slightly less range than eero Max 7

FAQ: ASUS RT-BE86U vs TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack)

Which is better, ASUS RT-BE86U or TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack)? +

Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is ASUS RT-BE86U worth the price? +

At $299, ASUS RT-BE86U delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in features.

Is TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack) worth the price? +

At $999, TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in throughput.

Does ASUS RT-BE86U or TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack) last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for throughput, ASUS RT-BE86U or TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack)? +

TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack) — leads on throughput (92 vs 88). Compared on the throughput sub-score.

Which is better for range, ASUS RT-BE86U or TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack)? +

TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack) — leads on range (90 vs 88). Compared on the range sub-score.