Very confused, ASUS RT-AX88U Pro, AX86U, BE86U, BE88U, BE92U

[powerlines2k]

Hi all

Need a little help and advice, I am currently updating my aging network. My RT-N66U (bridged with a second unit) has done me proud for a long while, but is starting to struggle.

I know that tbh any router is going to be better than the outdated N66U, but im trying to future-proof slightly while keeping under a £300 budget, and there seems to be some conflicting argument over the routers I have narrowed it down to.

Im going with Asus due to using AsusWRT and wanting to use the Aimesh. I understand that Wifi depends on lots of factors, im just trying to narrow it down to a happy medium.

So im trying to work out which is going to be the best for my situation:
7 devices that need decent Wifi, 4 that need a wired connection in a UK 3-bed terrace (1800's brick).

RT-AX88U Pro
AX86U
BE86U (seems to be an oditty)
BE88U (More expensive than the 92?)
BE92U (Is it worth it?)

Thoughts?

 

[bennor]

A suggestion. If you haven't done so already, use the forum search feature and search for each of those routers. All have been fairly extensively discussed in earlier posts, including in posts like yours where people are asking for router upgrade advice.

You mention AiMesh, what router(s) do you plan to setup as AiMesh nodes to the main router?

Only suggestion I have is don't bother with the RT-AX86U (non Pro version) as a main router unless you have no other choice. Beyond that if you need WiFi 7 then look at the WiFi 7 BE series of routers, otherwise for WiFi 6 the RT-AX88U Pro is fairly popular and should work as a main router depending on one's use case.

 

[powerlines2k]

A suggestion. If you haven't done so already, use the forum search feature and search for each of those routers. All have been fairly extensively discussed in earlier posts, including in posts like yours where people are asking for router upgrade advice.

You mention AiMesh, what router(s) do you plan to setup as AiMesh nodes to the main router?

Only suggestion I have is don't bother with the RT-AX86U (non Pro version) as a main router unless you have no other choice. Beyond that if you need WiFi 7 then look at the WiFi 7 BE series of routers, otherwise for WiFi 6 the RT-AX88U Pro is fairly popular and should work as a main router depending on one's use case.

Thanks, I did have a search but will go back and have some more reads.

AiMesh, I will probably get a second of whatever I buy, or an ASUS RP-AX58 Range Extender (or similar)?

Not desperate for Wifi 7 at the moment, so it sounds like the AX88U Pro is looking like the best option and sort of where I started on this journey .

 

[Tech9]

or an ASUS RP-AX58 Range Extender

This extender will have limited Guest Network Pro compatibility in AiMesh. If you need full compatibility the node has to be a device running 3006 firmware base as well. Second identical unit is perhaps the best for AiMesh. Good luck!