I am in the market for a new router. I’m open to mesh or just a beefy single router. I’d like WiFi 6 for future proofing but I really want good 2.4 and 5Ghz performance. I only have one device with 6 capability, so I could drop that feature until it is supported more in 5 years.
This is an update to this discussion, which frankly I found to echo my experience looking online a year later.
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24756061
There is no clear answer on what’s the “best” or even just a universal solid option.
Things I’m observing from reviews and comments around the internet:
Mesh isn’t ready and can have mixed performance on satellites.
Routers are starting to require logins and subscriptions. I have privacy concerns about those options, so no on Nest.
ASUS has quality control and customer support issues, but if you’re lucky they can be good.
Some companies don’t continue to update firmware and leave their routers to be vulnerable after a few years. Tp-link is one.
WiFi 6 capability can come at the cost of crap 2.4ghz performance.
Ubiquiti sounds good or terrible depending on who you listen to.
Why is Apple not selling a $400 router that just works, has good design, and slick UI (for Apple devices)? If the performance was good I’d just drop the cash and move on, All I ask is 5 years of security updates.
https://www.duckware.com/tech/wifi-in-the-us.html
Not just recommendations but incredibly detailed explanations. Recommendations can be found in Appendix B:
https://www.duckware.com/tech/wifi-in-the-us.html#routers