ASUS
ASUS RT-AX86U Pro
Wi-Fi 6 · AX5700
88
/ 100
From $279
VS
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-AX86U Pro 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-AX86U Pro if…
- ✓Current-gen Wi-Fi
- ✓App-driven setup
- ✓Parental controls (brand-dependent)
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
ASUS RT-AX86U Pro 88
vs 88 TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack)
Score breakdown
ASUS RT-AX86U Pro
88 throughput 88
range 86
features 86
value 82
TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack)
88 throughput 92
range 90
features 90
value 86
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | ASUS RT-AX86U Pro | TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 (BE22000) 4×4 tri-band |
| Throughput | AX5700 | — |
| 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-AX86U Pro
Pros
- +Current-gen Wi-Fi
- +App-driven setup
- +Parental controls (brand-dependent)
Cons
- −Advanced features sometimes subscription-gated
- −Range varies
- −Firmware stability improves over time
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-AX86U Pro vs TP-Link Deco BE85 (2-pack)
Which is better, ASUS RT-AX86U Pro 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-AX86U Pro worth the price? +
At $279, ASUS RT-AX86U Pro delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in throughput.
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-AX86U Pro 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.