FYI, this subforum (ASUSWRT - Official) is generally; "for discussions about ASUS factory firmware for all routers. Beta firmware announcements and questions go here, too". Since you are asking about what router to buy you may want to ask a Mod to move your post to a more appropriate subforum. PS: For example the ASUS BE Routers & Adapters (Wi-Fi 7) subforum since you are asking about those routers.
RT-AX86U Pro or RT-AX88U Pro are still the most recommended. Watch the sales. I got another AX86U Pro for $152 on the last Amazon sale. If you do not need WIFI7 - don't.
Could you elaborate a little more? I've noticed some availability problems with the AX88U Pro on Amazon in the past couple months. It leads me to believe they're going to EOL it, though I haven't kept up with availability as much as I have in the past. With the BE88U the essential replacement, what would be the drawback to going with it? I know it doesn't have a Wifi 6 radio, but is that really such a problem? Just speaking for myself, but I don't really have a need for 6 GHz and the devices I have the may sometimes require those extra speeds are hardwired anyway. I'm still on the AC88U and I haven't had an issue with speeds being on Wifi 5.
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