How reliable and stable is the RT‑BE86U (Wi‑Fi and Ethernet) compared to the AX86U?

[jpthsd]

Hello,

I’m currently running a solid mesh setup with three RT‑AX86Us, covering a 6,600 sq ft lot (the house itself is 2,500 sq ft). The coverage is flawless with zero dead zones, and the AX86U units continue to perform exceptionally well. They can run 8–9 months without a reboot, unless I update the firmware.

My nephew is moving into his newly purchased home, and I’m trying to help him choose a reliable router setup. My first thought was to recommend the RT‑AX86U, since it has been incredibly stable for both Wi‑Fi and Ethernet in my experience.

However, the AX86U is getting older, so I’m wondering if it might be time to move up to something in the BE series, such as the RT‑BE86U, possibly paired with either an AX86U or another BE86U as a mesh node. Wi‑Fi 7 isn’t a requirement — Wi‑Fi 6 performance is perfectly fine for his needs.

My questions:

1. How reliable and stable is the RT‑BE86U (Wi‑Fi and Ethernet) compared to the AX86U? The AX86U has been extremely dependable for me, so I’m curious whether the BE86U can match that level of stability.
2. Would it be better for my nephew to use the RT‑AX86U Pro with an AX86U as the mesh node instead?

At the moment, I’m leaning toward recommending the AX86U Pro for long‑term stability and reliability. I’m just not sure how long that advantage will hold — maybe only for the next couple of years.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Tech9]

I’m leaning toward recommending the AX86U Pro

RT-AX86U Pro is perhaps discontinued and hard to find at retailers. Good luck with RT-BE86U.

 

[jpthsd]

RT-AX86U Pro is perhaps discontinued and hard to find at retailers. Good luck with RT-BE86U.

I found one open box and just got it for $160, pretty decent and very mint condition. I guess I would need to return the BE86U ... I've been hearing issues with BE86U!!

Thank you!

 

[Jeje2]

Been using BE86U now for a year (updated from AX86U)
Simple network setup with WAN cable to Fibre optic connection, 1 cable to 24-port unmanaged 1GB switch (distributes rest of house, including NAS) and WLAN. - so no mesh etc. One 86U is just enough to cover our 200 m^2 (ca 2150 ft^2) home.
It has been very stable in our use - only problem, as have reported before, is that the Nedis smartlife smoke detectors can't join the IoT network. All other IoT devices work (Nedis smartlife smart plugs, shelly, LG & Ecowitt in use). The smoke detectors worked in AX86U with no problem

 

[jpthsd]

Been using BE86U now for a year (updated from AX86U)
Simple network setup with WAN cable to Fibre optic connection, 1 cable to 24-port unmanaged 1GB switch (distributes rest of house, including NAS) and WLAN. - so no mesh etc. One 86U is just enough to cover our 200 m^2 (ca 2150 ft^2) home.
It has been very stable in our use - only problem, as have reported before, is that the Nedis smartlife smoke detectors can't join the IoT network. All other IoT devices work (Nedis smartlife smart plugs, shelly, LG & Ecowitt in use). The smoke detectors worked in AX86U with no problem

Good to hear about that. Amazon return offered me $46 refund to keep the item that originally paid $220. Base on your info about BE86U,,, maybe I keep it