RT AC86U or RT AC5300

[bg604]

I want to add another router to my setup. My house is 3 storeys. I have an AX86U as my main on the middle floor. An AC86U on the top floor and I want to add another router in the basement.

Which one is better to add? Another RT-AC86U or a RT-AC5300?

I am using MOCA adapters to get wired backhaul. Speed is 750/100. 25 devices total.

 

[Tech9]

Another RT-AC86U or a RT-AC5300?

Better get another RT-AX86U or the cheaper version RT-AX86S.

RT-AC86U is almost 6-years old now and won't be getting 388 base firmware.

RT-AC5300 is listed as End-of-Life model and won't be getting any further support.

End-of-life product list

 

[bg604]

Better get another RT-AX86U or the cheaper version RT-AX86S.

RT-AC86U is almost 6-years old now and won't be getting 388 base firmware.

RT-AC5300 is listed as End-of-Life model and won't be getting any further support.

End-of-life product list

I get that. I can get either router for $80 used. For the time being these will be sufficient.

I'm planning on getting an AXE11000 when it gets a price cut.

I think the AC5300 is better but not really sure.

 

[Tech9]

I can get either router for $80 used.

I wouldn't buy RT-AC86U (common hardware issues reported) or RT-AC5300 (old hardware, EoL no support) used.

 

[Piotrek]

I can get either router for $80 used.

You can get AP EAP225 new

 

[L&LD]

Either of those for $80 will extend the signal to the basement area 'sufficiently', depending on placement.

I would lean towards the RT-AC86U over the RT-AC5300, myself.

 

[Piotrek]

I would lean towards the RT-AC86U over the RT-AC5300, myself.

If it has to be Asus router and not real AP I'd probably go for new RT-AX53U or new RT-AX55 or something similar for 80$ or less.

 

[L&LD]

Those models are also outdated today and nothing that I have experience with.

The RT-AC86U, on the other hand, was the top-performing AC-class router I've ever used.

 

[Piotrek]

also outdated today

These are cheap models good for AP or node. They are constantly promoted and supported.
As far as I remember RT-AX53U is Qualcomm and RT-AX55 is Broadcom (like RT-AX56U).

The RT-AC86U, on the other hand, was the top-performing AC-class router I've ever used.

That's right, it was a great router but I wouldn't buy a used one to work as an AP when I can get a new AX for the same price.