Ubiquiti ER-X vs ASUS EBG15 vs ???

[wanstronian]

Hi folks,

I have an ageing Billion BiPac router. It's been a solid workhorse for the last ten(!) years but I think it's time to put something a little newer in place.

I don't use the wifi on the BiPac - instead I run an ethernet cable to one of three Deco S7s that I use for a mesh config. So I DON'T need wifi on the new router.

I've been mulling over two options: Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X and Asus EBG15. I'm not a networking expert but I understand the basics so along with my good friend Google I think I could manage the more complicated set up of the Ubiquiti.

I'm slightly wary of the ASUS if I'm honest, because recently I had to temporarily swap out the Billion with an AC68u, and it WOULD NOT allow me to connect to my Plex server running in a TrueNAS jail. My Plex clients (Fire TV sticks) would refuse to see the server, and I couldn't even connect to the UI on my laptop. It would occasionally work for a minute or two, then refuse to connect.

I'd love to hear what people would recommend out of the two routers I've mentioned - and also what other options should I consider! My incoming internet speed is around 70Kbps so I don't need anything massively performant.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Tech9]

Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X and Asus EBG15

Instead of UISP product EdgeRouter X get UniFi product Cloud Gateway Ultra, it's $129. Much newer device with better hardware and runs Debian-based UniFi OS with very extensive WebUI in form of Network application. Setup is quite user-friendly for the basics, gets more complicated for advanced features. All in GUI, you don't have to touch SSH. Better software with more features than the ASUS offer, no data sharing to 3rd party companies, working multi-WAN.

With your Deco for Wi-Fi you can't have any network segmentation options, no Guest Network, no IoT Network, no connection stats for wireless clients, etc. You have to accept the resulting flat network design with all devices on the same subnet.

 

[tgl]

I used an EdgeRouter X for several years, and quite liked it ... but it is tough to recommend buying one in 2025. Ubiquiti has put next to zero effort into firmware maintenance for it for years now, and all the signs are that it will soon be EOL.

Also, I recall the initial learning curve to get it configured as being very steep. I concur with @Tech9 that you'd be better off with one of the UniFi Cloud Gateway devices.

 

[Tech9]

For Gigabit network:

Cloud Gateway Ultra - Ubiquiti Store

Compact Cloud Gateway with 30+ UniFi device / 300+ client support, 1 Gbps IPS routing, and multi-WAN load balancing.

store.ui.com

For 2.5GbE network:

Cloud Gateway Max NS - Ubiquiti Store

Compact 2.5G Cloud Gateway with 30+ UniFi device / 300+ client support, 2.3 Gbps IPS routing, and selectable NVR storage.

store.ui.com

 

[wanstronian]

Thanks for all the replies.

Instead of UISP product EdgeRouter X get UniFi product Cloud Gateway Ultra, it's $129. Much newer device with better hardware and runs Debian-based UniFi OS with very extensive WebUI in form of Network application. Setup is quite user-friendly for the basics, gets more complicated for advanced features. All in GUI, you don't have to touch SSH. Better software with more features than the ASUS offer, no data sharing to 3rd party companies, working multi-WAN.

With your Deco for Wi-Fi you can't have any network segmentation options, no Guest Network, no IoT Network, no connection stats for wireless clients, etc. You have to accept the resulting flat network design with all devices on the same subnet.

I take the point on the flat network for my Deco setup (although you can create a guest network). However I'm planning on moving to Europe next Summer (currently in the UK), so I'll stick with it for now rather than buy new kit that won't have the right plugs


But thanks for the recommendations for the Cloud Gateway Ultra - that future proofs me for better setup in due course, and comes with an EU plug even in the UK (apparently the distributors unseal the box and put a UK adapter in).