Is SmallNetBuilder website up to date? (Looking for product recommendations)

[Mp1]

Hi,
I haven't been in need of a new router since buying Asus RT-AX86U (2) and Asus RT-AX300 (2) for myself, friends, and family based mostly on Netbuilder.com information.
I'm in need of upgrading, but it seems Netbuilder has changed and I see no dates on articles or rankings. I'm also not seeing any newer routers reviewed or ranked.
Is Netbuilder mostly abandoned? Would someone point me in the direction of good, valid information comparing routers (wifi 6 mostly?)
Thanks

 

[ColinTaylor]

Do you mean smallnetbuilder.com ? Yes, that website has been sold and is no longer being updated.

 

[Mp1]

Do you mean smallnetbuilder.com ? Yes, that website has been sold and is no longer being updated.

Thank you. I was confused because it still links to this forum and the forum seems very active.

 

[NXIL]

I'm in need of upgrading

Recommend you take a look at

Dong Knows Tech

That is if you check out the website to see what tech it is and how Dong really knows it. Otherwise, well, it's only good for somebody else!

dongknows.com

Reviews | Dong Knows Tech

Impartial. No-nonsense. Real stuff. All reviews on this website are based on thorough hands-on testing and real-world first-hand experience, while previews and first takes include only preliminary assessments.

dongknows.com

I think fair, impartial, reproducible reviews. Not as techno as SNB reviews were in their prime, but still good and accessible.

Also: give a price range and your needs (how fast is your ISP? How many wired and wireless devices? What kind of home, made of brick/drywall/concrete/steel, etc.)

I do personally recommend a Merlin compatible router.

Home | Asuswrt-Merlin

www.asuswrt-merlin.net

But, I think you're familiar.

Wirecutter has a router review page, but, there is some concern that their results are influenced by advertising dollars. Also, TP link usually scores highly there.

The Best Wi-Fi Routers

We’ve tested the latest Wi-Fi routers and found the best options—from budget models to top-of-the-line—to make your wireless network faster and more responsive.

www.nytimes.com

Lots of (well informed) opinions here as well. Anecdotal but the Asus GT-AX6000 has been great for me, rock solid reliable and great coverage. Down to about $200 if you look around on line. Yes it looks like a head crab, but it works great. (Function before form?)

But: give your budget and needs and should be able to narrow list down pretty well. (Wifi 6E? Wifi 7?)

 

[Tech9]

I'm in need of upgrading

Your both RT-AX86U and RT-AX3000 routers are still supported and good enough for Gigabit ISP. Make sure you upgrade to something you need and can actually use. This applies to both ISP plan and hardware. Set realistic expectations otherwise your return of investment may be very small to non-existent. Good luck!

 

[Mp1]

Recommend you take a look at

Dong Knows Tech

That is if you check out the website to see what tech it is and how Dong really knows it. Otherwise, well, it's only good for somebody else!

dongknows.com

Thank you! Exactly the type of info I was looking for.
I'm at a 2 story attached condo with a lower level (3k square ft total.) The design and arrangement of the house is rectangular with the router location (kinda forced) in the middle of the short length wall connected to my neighbor; not central at all. My gaming set up is just PS5 (planning on adding PC) on the lower level at the opposite wall of the router
I installed the router a few years ago when I would only visit my aging parents but I'm here for the foreseeable future taking care of my father.

ISP (Xfinity coax) speed is 1GB and the router is Asus RT-AX3000.
It's been adequate for the most part but I do get lag wirelessly gaming and speeds are ~800 (-18 db) next to the router, ~650 (-54 db) about 25' at the PS5 (~390 from PS5 test), ~600 (-46 db) in the middle of main floor living room area, and ~320 Mb (-69 db, nice) in my bedroom on the top floor.

There are usually less than 25 devices connected even with friends and the network's main competition is my neighbor's EERO mesh system (Wifi Explorer Pro tells me their router(s) are showing ~4db less per radio.

I'm not incredibly disappointed with the results but I do have some dips and lags and I am coming from a home where my RT-A86U was fantastic running Merlin. The current AX3000 is out of warranty next week and my conclusion so far was that a RT-A86u Pro (on Best Buy sale for $170) would be what I need.

I'm looking at the Dongknows site and I'd welcome any suggestions.

PS: I do realize this is the welcome thread and I'm sorry to put so much info here but it's hard to find nice help.

 

[Mp1]

Also, 2023 MacBook Pro 16 and (2) 2024 iPhone pro and max pro are the newest devices.
There is no cable subscription so all content is streamed.

 

[Tech9]

my conclusion so far was that a RT-AX86U Pro (on Best Buy sale for $170) would be what I need

Popular around model and very similar to your RT-AX86U in terms of coverage and performance. Perhaps all you need without overpaying. Asuswrt-Merlin supported, currently on 3004 base, 3006 in the works. Next up popular model is RT-AX88U Pro.

 

[Mp1]

I'm actually looking into the GT-AX6000 that NXIL suggested. It's a $45 price difference, but seems to cover distance much better. It really is fugly but it would be hidden out of the way just where the AX3000 is now.

 

[Tech9]

GT-AX6000 is also popular model around. The slightly newer RT-AX88U Pro is almost 1:1 hardware non-ROG version of it. Most folks around will pick the one looking better in their opinion or coming on better sale price. The expected performance is the same.

 

[Mp1]

GT-AX6000 is also popular model around. The slightly newer RT-AX88U Pro is almost 1:1 hardware non-ROG version of it. Most folks around will pick the one looking better in their opinion or coming on better sale price. The expected performance is the same.

Thank you for the info. I'm going to be doing my digging in the next couple days and I really appreciate you guys sending me in the right direction.

 

[Clark Griswald]

Amazon has GT-AX6000 for $204 USD

 

[Mp1]

Amazon has GT-AX6000 for $204 USD

Thank you. I actually got a price match for that price from Best Buy here in Michigan. If they offered the AX88U Pro, I would have preferred that, but with customer service, free protection plan, and them crediting me for my AX3000, I can't beat it.

 

[Clark Griswald]

Today the link states $199

 

[Wallace_n_Gromit]

Today the link states $199

$165.99 USD now.... This is like a reverse auction bid.

Update: I didn't notice the mandatory $30 shipping fee, nevermind.