Asus Blue Cave AC 2600 vs. Asus RT ac86U – Which one is better?
Asus has long been known to make world class routers, and these two are no exception. So, how is it that they differ and which one of the two is better?
Home internet connections can be one of the most convenient things to install for your house, and finding the right router can be a daunting task. If you have a large home, it is a lot more difficult. Having a router that transmits to all parts of the house without any dead zones can be quite hard.
Enter the Asus Cave AC 2600 and the Asus RT ac86U. They are both incredible devices made by the same manufacturer. They boast excellent transmission, and they share a good number of characteristics. But what is it that sets them apart, and if it comes down to picking one, which one should you go for?
Table of Contents
What are the differences between the Asus Blue Cave AC 2600 and the Asus RT ac86U?
Model |
Asus Blue Cave AC 2600 |
Asus RT ac86U |
Dimensions |
6.3 x 6.3 x 3.1 inches |
8.66 x 3.28 x 6.3 inches |
Range |
5,000 square feet |
5,000 square feet |
Transmission speed |
800 Mbps at 2.4GHz
1,734 Mbps at 5GHz |
750Mpbs – 2.4GHz
2167Mbps – 5GHz |
Processor |
800 MHz Dual Core processor |
1.8 GHz Dual Core processor |
Ports |
1 WAN, 4 LAN, 1 USB |
1 WAN, 4 LAN, 2 USB |
Availability |
Asus Blue Cave AC 2600 vs. Asus RT ac86U – How do they compare?
Design and Build
The Asus range of routers is quite diverse, with some looking identical and others looking nothing alike. The latter happens to be the case between the Asus Blue Cave and the Asus RT AC86U. there is not one thing, save for the logo, that would let you know they are made by the same manufacturer.The Asus Blue Cave features a beautiful design with its cube shape and cave-like cavity in the center. However, it manages to stay quite simple, and we also like that it is quite compact and can easily go into small spaces.
When placed next to the Asus Blue Cave, the Asus RT AC86U offers an entirely different design and overall look.It is futuristic, to say the least, and it looks like something you would find on an alien ship. Bearing a rectangular shape, it looks somewhat larger than its counterpart, and it is different in that it is made to be mounted up on a wall as opposed to being set up on a flat surface. Its three antennas ensure that your entire home enjoys comprehensive coverage.
The Asus Blue Cave AC 2600 boasts a simpler and more beautiful look, making it a better router than the Asus RT AC86U.
Performance and Speed
Aside from its great looks, the next best attribute of the Asus Blue Cave is its ability to cover a massive home with high speed internet. If you have a home that spans 5,000 square feet, you will be glad to know that each room on every level of the home will enjoy comprehensive coverage with this device. When it comes to theoretical throughput, it delivers speeds that reach 2,600Mbps, which is impressive.
The Asus RT AC86U takes the game a whole notch higher when it comes to transmission. Even though it does not look as good as the Asus Blue Cave, it outperforms its counterpart by a significant margin. It is made to peak at an impressive 2,900Mbps. While this speed sounds great, have in mind that it is unlikely that you are going to experience it in its entirety since, while the router can reach this speed, the actual speed you get is dictated by your network provider. The Asus RT AC86U covers a similar range as the Asus Blue Cave.
The Asus RT ac86U is abetter device since it boasts higher speeds than the Asus Blue Cave AC 2600.
Ports and Connectivity
When it comes to connections, the Asus Blue Cave AC 2600 is quite accommodative. It boasts 1 WAN port for Gigabit connection, 4 LAN ports that support ethernet transmissions and 1 USB port for connecting other devices.
Just like the Asus Blue Cave AC 2600, the Asus RT AC86U is an accommodative router. On its back panel, you will find one WAN port and 4 LAN ports that support wired connectivity. on top of this, there are 2 USB ports, giving this router one more USB port than the Asus Blue Cave.
The Asus RT AC86U stands out in this category since it has one more USB port than the Asus Blue Cave.
Asus Blue Cave AC 2600 vs. Asus RT AC86U – A comparison overview
Asus Blue Cave AC 2600 Overview
- Dual-band (2. 4GHz + 5GHz) AC2600 wireless router features Intel Wi-Fi with the latest 802. 11AC 4x4...
- Alexa & Echo integration allows you to control your home network using voice commands
Boasting a simple yet sophisticated build, this router would have you thinking it is a Bluetooth speaker at first glance. It measures 6.3 x 6.3 x 3.1 inches, making it an average size router that is pretty easy to install. With 4 internal antennas, this router ensures that even massive home with multiple floors enjoy total coverage with zero dead zones and no lag.
Within the Asus Blue Cave is an 800MHz Dual Core Processor that works with two bandwidths to deliver 800Mbps at 2.4GHz and 1,734Mbps at 5GHz. As a user, you are going to enjoy having this device since it promises a great user experience. It comes with a mobile app that you download on your phone to perform such activities as switching the router on and off, running speed tests, parental controls and managing guest networks. For protection, this router comes with the AiProtect, a software that keeps cyber threats at bay.
Pros
- Covers large homes
- Transmits at high speeds
- Comes with many ports
- It can be controlled on a mobile device
- Has a lifetime of AiProtect
Cons
- A little expensive
Asus RT AC86U Overview
- Connector Type : USB
- Dual-band (2.4 plus 5 GHz) AC2900 wireless router with the latest 802. 11AC MU-MIMO technology for data...
We really like this router’s sophisticated and modern look. Measuring 8.66 x 3.28 x 6.3 inches, the Asus RT AC86U commands a good deal of presence.
It is able to transmit in large homes, using a 1.8GHz Dual Band processor, a 256MB RAM and 128MB Flash memory forsmooth transmissions. As with man routers of its caliber, this router operates on two bandwidths. A smaller 2.4GHz bandwidth transmits 750Mbps throughput while a larger 5GHz delivers 2,167Mbps speeds.
Since it is an Asus device, you can rest assure that it comes with a user friendly mobile app that offers a myriad of performance enhancing features. It gets protection from cyber attacks from the AiProtect that is good for a lifetime.
Pros
- Transmits to very large homes
- Comes with an extra USB port
- Comes with a mobile app
- Enjoys a lifetime of protection against cyber attacks
Cons
- It is not Wi-Fi 6 enabled
Verdict: So, which one is better – Asus Blue Cave AC 2600 or Asus RT AC86U?
The Asus RT ac68U router is the better device in this comparison because it boasts better speeds, wider coverage and an extra USB port. It would make for a more reliable router than the Asus Blue Cave AC 2600.
FAQs
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Can I use Alexa over the Asus RT ac86U?
Yes, you can. This router is able to handle Alexa with ease.
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Can I use the Asus Blue Cave AC 2600 in my office?
You absolutely can. It is able to handle multiple high speed connections even in an office setting.
