Compare detailed specifications, side-by-side differences, verified user reviews, and buying recommendations to help you make the right choice.
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:
Designed for large households, bulk grocery shoppers, and long-term storage where total cubic feet is the highest priority.
Ideal for apartments, offices, dorms, or secondary kitchen use where space efficiency and neat organization are paramount.
(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
Read More| Specification | Asus RT AX86U | Arris SURFboard mAX Pro W31 |
|---|---|---|
| Network | ||
| 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 |
| Backward Compatibility | 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n | 802.11ax |
| IVth Band Data Rate | No | — |
| 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 |
| Wireless Features | ||
| Virtual Assistant | Yes | Yes |
| APP CONTROL | Yes | Yes |
| Supported Protocols | DMZ, DoS, IGMP Snooping, IPv4, IPv6 | — |
| Wireless Security | WPA, WPA2, WPA3, WPS | — |
| General | ||
| RAM | 1 GB | — |
| Flash Memory | 256 MB | — |
| Processor | 1.8 GHz Quad-Core | — |
| Wi-Fi Technology | Dual-band AX5700 | Tri-band |
| 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 | — |
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 available through official brand stores and authorized retailers with full manufacturer warranties and fast delivery options. Click the "Check Best Price" buttons in the comparison cards above to view today's latest promotions, official deals, 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.