Budget router with Asuswrt-Merlin support

[slytho]

Hi!

I am looking for a new router but find it hard to find a model that suits my needs. I currently have the outdated Asus N66U. The new router should simply meet the following criteria:
- budget (< 130 US-$ or €), no need for cutting edge speed or latest technology
- current Asuswrt-Merlin firmware supported

Do you have any suggestions?

 

[AndreiV]

Asuswrt-Merlin officially supports the following router models:

• RT-AC66U_B1 (same firmware as the RT-AC68U)
• RT-AC68U (including revisions C1 and E1)
• RT-AC68P (same firmware as RT-AC68U)
• RT-AC68UF (same firmware as RT-AC68U)
• RT-AC87
• RT-AC3200
• RT-AC88U
• RT-AC3100
• RT-AC5300
• RT-AC1900 (same firmware as RT-AC68U)
• RT-AC1900P (same firmware as RT-AC68U)
• RT-AC86U (starting with version 382.1)
• RT-AC2900 (same firmware as RT-AC86U)
• RT-AX88U

Given your price range an RT-AC68U would be the one to go for.

 

[ColinTaylor]

RT-AC66U_B1

 

[Grisu]

+1 for RT-AC66U_B1 had been sold for USD 70-90 (same hardware as trusty RT-AC68U in different housing).
Or get an used cheap RT-AC86U and test it well before you keep it.

 

[slytho]

Thank you very much. I'll have a closer look.

I know the list posted above. However, what is actually the reason that - for example - router Asus RT-AC53 or other models available not supported by Asuswrt-Merlin?

 

[ColinTaylor]

I know the list posted above. However, what is actually the reason that - for example - router Asus RT-AC53 or other models available not supported by Asuswrt-Merlin?

If they don't have a Broadcom CPU they're not supported.
Even if they do, unless they are popular models Merlin doesn't have the time to support them all.

 

[slytho]

Ah I understand. Thank you. So I'll check the RT-AC66U_B1, seems reasonable and a good advice.

Or would you rather recommend John's fork for my old N66U? I've just read of it.

 

[ColinTaylor]

Or would you rather recommend John's fork for my old N66U? I've just read of it.

That depends on what it is about the N66U that is unsatisfactory, and what you hope to achieve with a new router.

I had an N66U prior to my current AC68U and ran/run John's fork on both of them. Obviously the N66U doesn't support the higher throughput possible with ac clients. But generally I found the WiFi to be noticeably "more robust" with the AC68U.

 

[Val D.]

One more vote for RT-AC66U_B1.

It is a similar design to RT-N66U, so no need to change anything. Just replace the router, configure, enjoy.

 

[bbunge]

One more vote for the RT-AC66U_B1. I obtained a Netgear Orbi RBK50 and after testing decided to keep the Asus RT-AC66U_B1 as it has the features and performance that works well in my new house with FIOS. Will trade the Orbi for a RT-AC86U, though.