Same CPU. The BE88U costs more - for SFP+, twice the RAM and extra ports.
Short answer
ASUS RT-BE88U - 10 Gbit/s SFP+, 4 × 2.5 + 4 × 1 Gbit/s LAN, 2 GB RAM. RT-BE86U - 10 Gbit/s WAN, 4 × 2.5 Gbit/s LAN and cheaper.
Key differences
| Spec | ASUS RT-BE86U | ASUS RT-BE88U |
|---|---|---|
| Type | router | router |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7, BE6800 | Wi-Fi 7, BE7200 |
| Wi-Fi speed | 1032 + 5764 Mbit/s | 1376 + 5764 Mbit/s |
| Bands | 2.4 + 5 GHz | 2.4 + 5 GHz |
| WAN | 1 × 10 Gbit/s | 1 × 10 Gbit/s + SFP+ 10 Gbit/s |
| LAN | 4 × 2.5 Gbit/s | 4 × 2.5 Gbit/s + 4 × 1 Gbit/s |
| USB | USB 3.0 + USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 |
| Mesh | AiMesh | AiMesh |
| Processor | 4 cores, 2.6 GHz | 4 cores, 2.6 GHz |
| RAM / flash | 1024 / 256 MB | 2048 / 256 MB |
| VPN | yes | yes |
| Dimensions, weight | 235×90×316 mm, 854 g | 300×188×60.5 mm, 1060 g |
| Price | current prices | current prices |
Specs come from the device pages on Smartphone.ua.
Ports
10 Gbit/s WAN on both, plus SFP+ on the BE88U; LAN 4 × 2.5 vs 4 × 2.5 + 4 × 1 Gbit/s.
Wi-Fi
1032 + 5764 vs 1376 + 5764 Mbit/s.
Memory
1 vs 2 GB RAM.
Verdict: who should buy which
- Maximum ports - ASUS RT-BE88U.
- Saving money - ASUS RT-BE86U.
FAQ
Is the CPU the same?
Yes, 4 cores at 2.6 GHz.
How heavy are they?
854 and 1060 g.
Which is cheaper?
The ASUS RT-BE86U.