Asus router recommendation

[mlody_me]

We just moved from a 3-story rowhouse to a ranch house. I have been using Asus routers for a decade and a half. My first router overall was Linksys Wrt4g, and after it, I switched to Asus and have been using Asus since then. I have been a huge fan of the stand-up Asus models - RT-AC68U and RT-AC86U. At the previous place, I needed to have AIMesh to get full coverage; now, I have full Wi-Fi coverage using a single router (RT-AC86U), so I don't need to deal with AIMesh - not that I had any issues with AIMesh (mine was hard-wired and was rock solid).

Moving to a new house made me wonder whether now is the time to upgrade my router. The AC86U is still Wi-Fi 5; I mostly have no issues with it, and the system performs well for our needs. My internet service is only 400/10. I hope Comcast opens up higher uploads to Arris S33 owners soon so that I get bumped to 400/100. If they don't by the end of the year (my Comcast contract expires in December), I will switch to fiber - 300/300 as we don't need more. We currently average about 30 devices on the network; half are Apple devices (iPhones, iPads, Mac (laptops, desktops), home pods, AppleTV, etc, while the other half are smart home devices. That list will grow by 10-15 as I am still working on the smart home.

Is now a good time to go with Wi-Fi 6/6E, or should I hold off for Wi-Fi 7? Will I notice any difference in my case if I upgrade? Before we moved to the ranch, I planned to get Rt-AX86U Pro, but I held off with the purchase. As more Wi-Fi 7 routers keep popping up, I am tempted to wait. What is the consensus right now when it comes to routers?

Thanks

 

[Tech9]

The AC86U is still Wi-Fi 5; I mostly have no issues with it, and the system performs well for our needs. My internet service is only 400/10.

Continue using it. If it works properly - very capable router with excellent range. It can do >500Mbps on Wi-Fi to common 2-stream client.

Is now a good time to go with Wi-Fi 6/6E, or should I hold off for Wi-Fi 7?

Don't be in a hurry to upgrade. First Wi-Fi 7 users will be beta testers. Upgrade when you have at least half of your devices Wi-Fi 6 or better.

 

[mlody_me]

Continue using it. If it works properly - very capable router with excellent range. It can do >500Mbps on Wi-Fi to common 2-stream client.



Don't be in a hurry to upgrade. First Wi-Fi 7 users will be beta testers. Upgrade when you have at least half of your devices Wi-Fi 6 or better.

I appreciate the feedback. I will most likely hold on to the RT-AC86U for the time being and wait what develops next. Most of our Apple devices already support Wi-Fi 6, but none supported Wi-Fi 6E. It will take years before we get a single Wi-Fi 7 device, so at best, I might just spring for RT-AX86U Pro if I find a good deal for it and my current AC86U starts giving me issues.

 

[Tech9]

Most of our Apple devices already support Wi-Fi 6

None of your mobile devices will benefit significantly from Wi-Fi 6. I would never upgrade Wi-Fi because of phones/tablets.

I might just spring for RT-AX86U Pro

Better idea at least for longer firmware support and increased reliability. Your Internet experience won't change much though.