Best router in 2025 for around $200-250?

[Muscless]

What is the best router today for around $200-250. I wish to upgrade my ASUS router for Xmas. List the top 3 you would recommend.

 

[bbunge]

RT-AX86U Pro or RT-AX88U Pro

 

[Muscless]

What's your thoughts on RT-BE86U compared to RT-AX86U Pro?

 

[kuchkovsky]

What's your thoughts on RT-BE86U compared to RT-AX86U Pro?

A better model overall - more powerful CPU, Wi-Fi 7 support with higher speeds on 160 MHz channels, faster ports, and a newer firmware branch that will receive updates for longer. The only downside is that Adaptive QoS is currently broken. It's probably the best model you can get for under $250 right now. I picked up the RT-BE88U during Amazon's sale a few weeks ago for $280 (pretty similar price range), which was an even better deal, but it's much more expensive at the moment.

 

[mrboonmee]

A better model overall - more powerful CPU, Wi-Fi 7 support with higher speeds on 160 MHz channels, faster ports, and a newer firmware branch that will receive updates for longer. The only downside is that Adaptive QoS is currently broken. It's probably the best model you can get for under $250 right now. I picked up the RT-BE88U during Amazon's sale a few weeks ago for $280 (pretty similar price range), which was an even better deal, but it's much more expensive at the moment.

For family that would probably just use stock software, is the BE88U a good choice, or stick with an AX router? I'd like to set them up with ControlD DNS

 

[kuchkovsky]

For family that would probably just use stock software, is the BE88U a good choice, or stick with an AX router? I'd like to set them up with ControlD DNS

It depends on the model. For the best user experience, I'd recommend the RT-AX86U Pro or RT-AX88U Pro for connections up to 1 Gbps, and the RT-BE86U, RT-BE88U, or RT-BE96U for speeds above 1 Gbps. All of these are top-tier models with excellent performance and stable firmware (unlike many lower-end options), though they do differ in their port configurations and wireless capabilities. The BE models are somewhat more future-proof in terms of software support, so if you're considering a new router and the AX models meet your needs, but you find a same-class BE model on sale for a similar price, I'd choose the BE model.

 

[Tech9]

Based on previous posts @mrboonmee have RT-AX58U and if enough for the needs - they can keep using it. Good enough for up to Gigabit ISP line and average number of wireless devices, still supported by ASUS and RMerlin. There is always something better, but may not be needed.

I personally can't recommend any ASUS BE-class router at the moment due to actively advertised broken firmware features since introduction, still not fixed >1 year later. This indicates serious issues with this firmware. If I'm going to pay asked price I would like to have the device working exactly as advertised.

 

[Clark Griswald]

I personally can't recommend any ASUS BE-class router at the moment

Not even the low cost entry level RMerlin supported GT-BE19000AI
As always our 6000 is still working great.

 

[Tech9]

As always our 6000 is still working great.

I would pick GT-AX6000 before any current BE-class router. Hold this one until it dies. May not be the prettiest one, but seems like one of the best with BCM4912. And it was the first model on this platform...

 

[kuchkovsky]

I personally can't recommend any ASUS BE-class router at the moment due to actively advertised broken firmware features since introduction, still not fixed >1 year later. This indicates serious issues with this firmware. If I'm going to pay asked price I would like to have the device working exactly as advertised.

I get your point - don't pay for a product with partially broken, falsely advertised features, but from the practical standpoint, it’s not much of an issue unless you need Adaptive QoS. The new BE model is a clear upgrade, thanks to its improved hardware, and Guest Network Pro has a better implementation than the AX Pro models. So honestly, I can’t complain about the BE models specifically

 

[Tech9]

The new BE model is a clear upgrade

It all depends on the use case. For some users few hundred dollars later the user experience may not improve much. Slower ISP line, older and small number of N/AC/AX clients mix, only few wired devices - what's better in BE-class routers may not matter. Then there is the itch to get something new... needed or not.

I get your point - don't pay for a product with partially broken

Your next router may come with something else broken and because the manufacturer knows they can easily get away with it they won't do much about it. This is the issue. Vote with your credit card. The more people return half baked products right away the better chance to get more attention to details next time.

 

[mrboonmee]

Based on previous posts @mrboonmee have RT-AX58U and if enough for the needs - they can keep using it. Good enough for up to Gigabit ISP line and average number of wireless devices, still supported by ASUS and RMerlin. There is always something better, but may not be needed.

I personally can't recommend any ASUS BE-class router at the moment due to actively advertised broken firmware features since introduction, still not fixed >1 year later. This indicates serious issues with this firmware. If I'm going to pay asked price I would like to have the device working exactly as advertised.

These are for family members, I am using Gl.inet with ONT from ISP that works pretty well. I left my AX6000 behind when I moved.

Need to help all of them with secure DNS etc. see how that goes, I don't think I will try flashing to RMerlin remotely...

 

[Tech9]

Nothing much is needed. Almost every modern Web Browser utilizes some form of Safe Browsing, many client devices have own firewalls and do encrypted DNS regardless of what router’s DHCP is suggesting. What you want to help with is most likely already taken care of. At the same time none of the above guarantees any safety or security since the weakest point is the user.

 

[M.A.R.K. 13]

Hey all, noob here.

Just wanted to throw my hat in the ring on this, as recently upgraded to a fiber 2g network and was shopping a similar price range. Looks like my old AX82U only does 1G and its AC 1900 AImesh buddy has been impact tested too many times.

Was going back and forth between the BE82U and the BE86U. The thought being there is a 80 USD difference right now (in the US) and a lot of discussion of WIFI7 routers being essentially neutered at this price point. Looking at the specs, it didn't seem like I got much more for the price so settled on the former. Downside is it doesn't seem to be one of the popular kids, so not much online data about its performance outside of a handful of dubious reviews. Also crossing my fingers I won't run into issues with the firmware the BE line seems to be known for, but we'll see.

 

[mrboonmee]

It depends on the model. For the best user experience, I'd recommend the RT-AX86U Pro or RT-AX88U Pro for connections up to 1 Gbps, and the RT-BE86U, RT-BE88U, or RT-BE96U for speeds above 1 Gbps. All of these are top-tier models with excellent performance and stable firmware (unlike many lower-end options), though they do differ in their port configurations and wireless capabilities. The BE models are somewhat more future-proof in terms of software support, so if you're considering a new router and the AX models meet your needs, but you find a same-class BE model on sale for a similar price, I'd choose the BE model.

Been having to reboot the GL.inet too often, going back to Asus/Merlin. AX86U Pro seems fine, getting hard to find here.. what about BE92U? for my space the vertical format like AX86U pro is better. Don't need Wifi7 at the moment. 1gbps fiber ONT. hunting for AX86U pro...

 

[128bit]

my ax88u pro is stellar! so i'm in line with bbunge especially if the wifi 6 standard is ok in your environ. my quest is speed with max compatibility. to that end, i prefer matching the router to its "clientele" give or take a gen and wifi 6 suits me well.

i have a post up now enquiring about the rapture gt-ax11000 pro. everything i've read has been fairly favorable. hopefully some of these folks will offer their experience but at $207 (new) on amazon right now, i'm gonna grab a couple and worry about any response later. good luck