Wi-Fi Routers Comparison: Asus RT AX86U vs Arris SURFboard mAX Pro W31

Compare detailed specifications, side-by-side differences, verified user reviews, and buying recommendations to help you make the right choice.

Asus RT AX86U

Asus RT AX86U

  • Brand Asus
  • APP CONTROL TRUE
  • Width (inch) 3.94
  • Height (inch) 12.8
  • Weight (lbs) 1.83
Arris SURFboard mAX Pro W31

Arris SURFboard mAX Pro W31

  • Brand Arris
  • APP CONTROL TRUE
  • Width (inch) 4
  • Height (inch) 8
  • Weight (lbs) 4.47

Quick Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Deciding between the Asus RT AX86U and the Arris SURFboard mAX Pro W31 depends on your available space, storage capacity goals, and everyday usage style:

Best For Maximum Capacity

Asus RT AX86U

Designed for large households, bulk grocery shoppers, and long-term storage where total cubic feet is the highest priority.

  • Superior Volume: Easily stores bulk meats, frozen garden harvests, and family packs.
  • Cold Retention: Keeps food frozen significantly longer in power outages.
  • Energy Efficiency: Top-opening design keeps dense cold air trapped inside.
Best For Compact Spaces

Arris SURFboard mAX Pro W31

Ideal for apartments, offices, dorms, or secondary kitchen use where space efficiency and neat organization are paramount.

  • Space-Saving Footprint: Fits neatly under counters or in compact corners without intruding.
  • Upright Organization: Shelves allow you to organize and grab items without digging.
  • Everyday Convenience: Front-swing door provides quick, easy access anytime.

Product Analysis - Choose the best one

Asus RT AX86U

Asus RT AX86U...

start (4.9)

The Asus RT AX86U is a high-end home Wi-Fi router designed for gamers and power users. It features an 802.11ax (Wifi 6) radio, which provides up to 574 Mbps of total bandwidth over 2x2 MIMO connections on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands simultaneously, making it one of the fastest routers available today - perfect for streaming 4K video or gaming with no lag or buffering issues. The device also supports MU-MIMO technology so multiple devices can connect at once without affecting performance co

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Specifications

Specification Asus RT AX86U Arris SURFboard mAX Pro W31
General
Processor 1.8 GHz Quad-Core —
Wi-Fi Technology Dual-band AX5700 Tri-band
RAM 1 GB —
Flash Memory 256 MB —
Wireless Features
Wireless Security WPA, WPA2, WPA3, WPS —
Virtual Assistant Yes Yes
APP CONTROL Yes Yes
Supported Protocols DMZ, DoS, IGMP Snooping, IPv4, IPv6 —
Connectivity
MU-MIMO Support Yes Yes
Number Of Antennas 3 x External, 1 x Internal 4
Ports 4 x LAN, 1 x WAN, 2 x USB 3.2 —
Network
Backward Compatibility 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n 802.11ax
IVth Band Data Rate No —
IIIrd Band Data Rate No 5 GHz
IInd Band Data Rate Wi-Fi 6, 5 GHz, upto to 5700 mbps 5 GHz
Ist Band Data Rate Wi-Fi 6, 2.4 GHz, upto to 5700 mbps 2.4 GHz
Power
DC Input Power (V) — —
AC Input Power (V) 110-240 —
Physical
Weight (lbs) 1.83 4.47
Lenth (inch) 9.5 4
Height (inch) 12.8 8
Width (inch) 3.94 4

Frequently Asked Questions

The main differences center around storage capacity, form factor, and convenience. The Asus RT AX86U provides extensive bulk storage capacity best suited for homes, garages, or basements needing deep freeze space. In contrast, the Arris SURFboard mAX Pro W31 offers a compact upright design that fits into smaller spaces with convenient shelf organization.

Chest-style freezers generally excel in thermal efficiency because cold air naturally settles at the bottom and does not escape when the lid is lifted. Compact upright models have lower total kilowatt-hour usage simply due to their smaller cubic volume, making both designs efficient for their respective intended purposes.

Both products are listed on Amazon with full manufacturer warranties, customer reviews, and fast delivery options. Click the "Check Price on Amazon" buttons in the comparison cards above to view today's latest promotions, verified customer ratings, and current availability.

Measure your available floor clearance first. If you have open space in a garage, basement, or utility room and want to freeze items in bulk, choose the Asus RT AX86U. If you have limited room in a kitchen, apartment, dorm, or office and prefer easy eye-level access to items, choose the Arris SURFboard mAX Pro W31.