Updated November 2026
Data from the official Asus site.
2026 verdict
Asus RT-BE9700 beats Asus RT-BE86U in 2026, with its clearest edge on Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and max Wi-Fi speed.
It separates itself most clearly on Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and max Wi-Fi speed, while still looking better on its broader overall balance. You should still consider Asus RT-BE86U if price and rating matter more than raw overall balance. That makes Asus RT-BE9700 the clearer recommendation in 2026.
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| Feature | Asus RT-BE86U | Asus RT-BE9700 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $239.99 | $249.99 | Asus RT-BE86U |
| Rating | 4.0 | 3.9 | Asus RT-BE86U |
| Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) | NO | YES | Asus RT-BE9700 |
| Max Wi-Fi Speed | 6.8 Gbps | 9.7 Gbps | Asus RT-BE9700 |
| Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | YES | YES | Tie |
| Mesh Wi-Fi | YES | YES | Tie |
| WPA3 Encryption | YES | YES | Tie |
| LAN Port Count | 5 | 5 | Tie |
| LAN 2.5 Gbps RJ45 Ports | 4 | 4 | Tie |
| WAN & Failover | Multi-WAN, WAN Failover | Multi-WAN, WAN Failover | Tie |
| USB Storage | FTP, Samba, Time Machine, Media Sharing | FTP, Samba, Time Machine, Media Sharing | Tie |
| Parental Controls | Wi-Fi Pause Schedules, Instant Wi-Fi Pause, Block Content | Wi-Fi Pause Schedules, Instant Wi-Fi Pause, Block Content | Tie |
$239.99
- + Price: $239.99
- + Rating: 4.0
- - Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax): NO vs YES
- - Max Wi-Fi Speed: 6.8 Gbps vs 9.7 Gbps
Winner
$249.99
- + Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax): YES
- + Max Wi-Fi Speed: 9.7 Gbps
- - Price: $249.99 vs $239.99
- - Rating: 3.9 vs 4.0
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: Asus RT-BE86U or Asus RT-BE9700?
Asus RT-BE9700 has the stronger overall profile in this comparison, especially for Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and max Wi-Fi speed.
What is the biggest difference between Asus RT-BE86U and Asus RT-BE9700?
Price is one of the clearest differences: Asus RT-BE86U lists $239.99, while Asus RT-BE9700 lists $249.99.
Which one looks better on price?
Asus RT-BE86U is listed at $239.99, while Asus RT-BE9700 is listed at $249.99. Asus RT-BE86U (better spec).
Who should buy Asus RT-BE86U?
Choose Asus RT-BE86U if your priority is price and rating and that matters more than Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax).
Who should buy Asus RT-BE9700?
Choose Asus RT-BE9700 if your priority is Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and max Wi-Fi speed and that matters more than price.
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