RT-AC68U or RT-AC3200

[MiG 007]

Hey everyone! Happy New Year!

First post on here.... and was looking for some quick advice regarding which router to keep between the AC68U and AC3200. I say keep because I currenlty have both sitting in my room unopened.

During the holiday's, I grabbed the AC68U knowing for certain that I was going for it after some research but never considered anything higher then AC1900. However, during Boxing day, the AC3200 dropped in price and I bought it in the spur of the moment with full intentions of reading reviews and comparing them both before making a decision.

After some reading online, I thought I'd get your opinions and input..... I'm still not certain which to keep..... I may not use all of the features or even 'AC' right now but I plan onto in the near future. I will be a heavy user with multiple devices connected and looking for reliability and good range.

Speaking of reliabiliy, I've been reading that Smart Connect hasn't been playing nice for most and causing many drops..... I know firmwares have been released but it's been mixed since the latest one with different experiences per person (I know that each environment/connected devices may affect this....).

With the above said, I'd like to go for the AC3200 for it's more future ready features as the firmware keeps maturing .... but the drops and things that aren't working all the time concern me (heard the AC68U has better range....). The AC68U seems like it will be just fine, however, will not have some of the advantages that the AC3200 has to offer.

What do you guys think? Got them both at a discounted price, but the AC3200 will still be $80-$90 more....

Appreciate any type of response, even as simple as 'this router' with a simple why.... or long response... doesn't matter.

Thanks in advance.
MiG

 

[System Error Message]

Think of an AC3200 as a double AC68U in terms of wifi. IT also has some extra features.

 

[TheManFromUncle]

Think of an AC3200 as a double AC68U in terms of wifi. IT also has some extra features.

In what way is it double? Range? What extra features?

 

[System Error Message]

bandwidth. The AC3200 has the same radios as the ac68U but it has 2 of it. Some extra features are hardware based but im no expert in the difference. I have both but i use them both as APs and not routers.

 

[L&LD]

Your budget is obviously not in question here; I suggest buying (or in your case, keeping) the latest hardware.

Myself, I would return both and fully test an RT-AC88U or an RT-AC3100 or RT-AC5300 instead.

Even if the RT-AC68U you have is the 1GHz processor version.

When I buy a router that will be in use for the next 3, 4, 5 or more years, saving a few dollars today is rarely the best thing for the long term (performance, features and cost).

 

[TheManFromUncle]

bandwidth. The AC3200 has the same radios as the ac68U but it has 2 of it. Some extra features are hardware based but im no expert in the difference. I have both but i use them both as APs and not routers.

What do you use as a router?

 

[jerry6]

I vote 3200 , been using it for close to 9 months now and it works really well . Stable , strong signal throughout the house and always have one radio reserved for my devices .

 

[System Error Message]

a mikrotik CCR1036, definitely out of your reach and ready for 10G internet.
Personally i'd choose between the Ac3200 and AC88U

 

[MiG 007]

thanks everyone for your replies. I'll be sticking with the AC3200