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Need recommendation for an AX Router

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Ganzo

New Around Here
So I know this is quite "undefined" but there are many good Cyber Monday deals on Asus and Netgear items and I don't have much clue which routers are fairly priced and "good".
I've considered finally getting rid of my ISP's router and have something that would last a while.
I previously considered going for the AX86U Asus because of Merlin's support but I've noticed the AX86U isn't supported and it doesn't seem like there's a future plan to.
In general I'm not a big fan of being bound to buying a specific router depending on whether a single developer will support it or not :)
Also, I've seen many people complain about Asus's latest routers dropping wifi (or connectivity in general).
Are there any router recommendation you can give me that answers the following:
1. Stable WiFi & great range
2. Reliable
3. Good customer support in-case of a faulty product
4. Good over-all documentation if I need to make changes or tweaks.
5. I use VPN but I'm ok with keeping it as a client on my PC and not using it with the router, but a planned wireguard support and hardware that can back it up will be fantastic (better plan ahead).

Price range is max 200 euros (230 USD?)

Thanks!
A router noob
 
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Welcome router noob! :)

The RT-AX86U is supported by RMerlin magic.

#1 (snbforums.com)

Even if it is only at Alpha 4 right now.

#14 (snbforums.com)
These are very good news, I'm ok with sticking to stock firmware and upgrading when Merlin is out :)
Tempting!
Do you also have any other router recommendations?


RT-AX88U is fully supported. Also has an alpha firmware as well. It does great for a decent size home.

Doesn't it fall short in comparison to the AX86U? As far as I know from other threads and reviews.
 
These are very good news, I'm ok with sticking to stock firmware and upgrading when Merlin is out :)
Tempting!
Do you also have any other router recommendations?




Doesn't it fall short in comparison to the AX86U? As far as I know from other threads and reviews.
Actually it really depends on your needs. For my house size the AX88U is better plus i use the extra ethernet ports along with wan aggregation and Full-cone Nat. For a slightly smaller house the AX86U would have been my preferred route though. I also have GTAX11000. (For an overpriced router it does a decent job the biggest flaw is the price and it does not support RMerlin firmware.) Any thing below AX86U, I would consider lower end. You got the RT-AX56U and RT-AX58U
 
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@Ganzo, other than the Asus routers I mention in the two links above, no. :)

But the best ones to consider today are (in descending order):
  • RT-AX86U or RT-AX88U
  • RT-AC86U
  • RT-AX58U
  • RT-AC3100
  • RT-AC66U_B1
 
@SomeWhereOverTheRainBow, that may be so, but I don't have a lot of experience with that model.

In general, the 3 'radio/band' routers from the past have been more trouble than they are worth.

I'm hoping this will change for the better with Wi-Fi 6E (and true 3 radios and 3 bands, hardware).
 
@SomeWhereOverTheRainBow, that may be so, but I don't have a lot of experience with that model.

In general, the 3 'radio/band' routers from the past have been more trouble than they are worth.

I'm hoping this will change for the better with Wi-Fi 6E (and true 3 radios and 3 bands, hardware).
The biggest flaw with it is the fact they over sell a band to only under sell the other. Basically if you want a weaker 2.4ghz, the extra 5ghz band is a decent compromise.
 

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