Looking for a router? Here are some top picks.
Looking for a router? Here are some top picks.
I need a router since my apartment won’t provide one next year. I’m likely the only user who’ll connect a desktop via wired internet and run about four to five devices simultaneously on Wi-Fi at full capacity. I’m unsure what features are essential and don’t want to overspend, yet I also don’t want the cheapest choice. My current model is the RAX50—am I overpaying or am I getting a solid option? If you have recommendations for other routers or suggestions on where to look, please share.
I usually assume it’s a bad router if it resembles an alien spaceship. I tested the top-tier Asus model in my two-story house and found a cheaper mesh Wi-Fi system outperformed it. I’d consider the Eero Pro 6 tri-band or a Netgear Orbi setup. The Eero Pro 6 Tribune is appealing because it supports Wi-Fi 6, and you can expand it with mesh extenders later if needed. https://eero.com/shop/eero-pro-6
General advice. Prioritize WiFi 5 connectivity. Ensure your router supports the necessary speeds for a fast internet connection. Some focus too much on Gigabit Ethernet ports, forgetting they're essential for speeds over 100 Mbps. This misconception leads to assuming any Gigabit port means gigabit internet, which isn't true. For cost-effective choices, TP Link is a solid option. If you can afford it, ASUS routers are great due to AI Mesh support, and you can upgrade to another if your home has weak Wi-Fi.
Would you consider the ASUS RT-AX86U, the vertical sitting router? Another user suggested the Eero Pro 6 as a viable alternative, though it only offers one additional Ethernet port which may not be an issue but could be a limitation.
Do you believe a single extra Ethernet port on the router is a concern? You're considering using it now with a wired desktop connection and thinking about adding more later. Would you prefer a different solution or are there good Ethernet splitters available that could address this issue eventually?
The ASUS router appears to have just two radios: one for 2.4 GHz and another for 5 GHz. Based on AI mesh principles, one band would need to serve as a dedicated backhaul. It seems someone might have different insights on this. The router also provides standard 1 Gbps WAN, four 1Gbps LAN ports, and a 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port. This could be relevant depending on your internet speed. With Comcast upgrading to 1.2 Gbps, that option is available. The Eero Pro 6 uses a triple-band setup, meaning one of the 5 GHz radios can be used for backhaul with satellite units. Regarding LAN ports, a network switch is what you’d need. Personally, I’d pick the ASUS model mainly because of the 2.5 Gbps port, which could benefit both LAN performance and WAN upgrades.