Long Term Support - Asuswrt-Merlin Router List

[WhereAmI]

Hello,

I love the ASUS/merlin interface (thank you for your work!) and need the simplicity + security for as long as possible. I saw the requirements for adding new routers, like higher ram capacity and broadcom chips...

- Would love to know which routers on these lists would likely be supported for a longer period of time?
- What are the stipulations on currently supported devices that make them more likely for continued support?

Ex: Are there specific builds that are likely to continue longer?

Thank you!

https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net/about
https://github.com/RMerl/asuswrt-merlin.ng/wiki/Supported-Devices

As of August 12th, 2024 (about page)

Model	Stable	Beta
RT-AC68U	386.14
RT-AC88U	386.14
RT-AC3100	386.14
RT-AC5300	386.14
RT-AC86U	386.14
GT-AC2900	386.14
RT-AX58U	3004.388.8_2
RT-AX86U	3004.388.8_2
RT-AX88U	3004.388.8_2
GT-AX11000	3004.388.8_2
RT-AX68U	3004.388.8_2
GT-AXE11000	3004.388.8_2
ZenWiFi Pro XT12	3004.388.8_2
GT-AX6000	3004.388.8_2
GT-AXE16000	3004.388.8_2
GT-AX11000_PRO	3004.388.8_2
RT-AX86U_PRO	3004.388.8_2
RT-AX88U_PRO	3004.388.8_2
RT-BE96U	3006.102.1
GT-BE98_PRO	3006.102.1
No longer supported:
RT-N66U	380.70
RT-AC66U	380.70
RT-AC56U	384.6
RT-AC87U	384.13_10
RT-AC3200	384.13_10
RT-AX56U	3004.388.8_2

 

[RMerlin]

Impossible to predict, because I am reliant on Asus' own support.

 

[WhereAmI]

Impossible to predict, because I am reliant on Asus' own support.

Wow, appreciate the response!

So all the supported routers on your list are currently supported by ASUS as well, or have somewhat recent firmware upgrades by ASUS?

 

[Analog-1]

Wow, appreciate the response!

So all the supported routers on your list are currently supported by ASUS as well, or have somewhat recent firmware upgrades by ASUS?

RT-AC68U	386.14
RT-AC88U	386.14
RT-AC3100	386.14
RT-AC5300	386.14
RT-AC86U	386.14
GT-AC2900

All of the AC models and the AX56U are already listed as End of Life by Asus. I believe Merlin will also drop support for these models at the end of this year.

 

[DJones]

Wow, appreciate the response!

So all the supported routers on your list are currently supported by ASUS as well, or have somewhat recent firmware upgrades by ASUS?

As far as I’m aware, Asus supports all of its router that are not end of life with updated firmware. Of these router Asus works with RMerlin to supply him with GPL firmware in which he’s allowed to modify and build custom firmware with. If Asus decides a router is EoL or doesn’t want to supply RMerlin with a GPL for that specific router then it’s out of his control.

Certain parts for the firmware isn’t modifiable by RMerlin meaning he can’t just keep updating a old GPL himself because certain security vulnerabilities would make its way into the firmware if Asus/Broadcoms components are not updated.

 

[bennor]

So all the supported routers on your list are currently supported by ASUS as well, or have somewhat recent firmware upgrades by ASUS?

Note Asus's End of Life product list: https://www.asus.com/event/network/EOL-product/.

Make note of all the AC series, and a few AX series, routers that are on that EOL Wireless Router list.

 

[Tech9]

Ex: Are there specific builds that are likely to continue longer?

For a chance for longer support you need Asuswrt 5.0 compatible router and the cheapest model is RT-AX86U Pro.

 

[hzhzhz]

Currently I have an RT-AC86U.
At the end of this year I will need to buy a new router. It would be nice if the new one was supported by Merlin, but it's not mandatory.
Is there a list of asus devices which contains when was the production started?
I'd like to buy a relatively new router.

 

[Tech9]

RT-BE88U

 

[HallStevenson]

Currently I have an RT-AC86U.

I have the same router and Spectrum recently upgraded the "standard" speed to 500Mb/s. I've yet to break 425Mb/s on speed tests using an iPhone 15 or Macbook Air with M2 CPU (wireless is 802.11AC). I need to dig out a wired adapter to make sure it is the router, I guess.

I've had this Asus router for years and have run Merlin's FW since the 1st week and while it's not mandatory for me to stick with Asus or Merlin FW (no offense !), it's my first choice for now. I just don't keep up with this stuff anymore so I don't know what to look for anymore. I do keep the firmware updated but I'm not sure if I've even tweaked any of the settings beyond specifying different DNS.

 

[Tech9]

RT-AX86U Pro running stock Asuswrt 5.0 is good enough upgrade for you.

 

[HallStevenson]

That's probably more than I want (or need) to spend. I just put an RT-AX86S (renewed) in my Amazon shopping cart. We have a lot of devices (smart switches and outlets, smart t-stat, TVs, plus laptops, phones, and tablets) but no gaming or "high demand" stuff. Looking at a table of the specs, I'd lose out on "Multi-Gig port" on the "S" model and VLAN. I don't know or use what either of those are. Well, I have a decent idea but I don't use them.

I saw references to a non "Pro" unit but Amazon doesn't appear to sell it.

 

[ducky124]

Currently I have an RT-AC86U.
At the end of this year I will need to buy a new router. It would be nice if the new one was supported by Merlin, but it's not mandatory.
Is there a list of asus devices which contains when was the production started?
I'd like to buy a relatively new router.

I am curious why you feel you will need to buy a new router at the end of this year? It's not like the one you currently own will just stop working. Much too much is made out a router going EOF. If it has served you well then keep using it. On the other hand, if you feel the need for WiFi 6 or 7, having a multi-gig port, or VLAN support then there is your reason to upgrade.

 

[Tech9]

I just put an RT-AX86S (renewed) in my Amazon shopping cart.

Look for second hand RT-AX86U on Marketplace, the first non-Pro version. The 2.5GbE port is perhaps not important for you, but it has 4-core CPU and 1GB RAM. RT-AX86S has 2-core CPU and 512MB RAM. The price difference is perhaps not much. I’ve seen units for around $100-120.

 

[HallStevenson]

Look for second hand RT-AX86U on Marketplace

Nothing nearby.... There is one for $160 but it could be a 2-hour round trip and another one for farther but only $75. I can get a "refurbished" one for $156-169 from Amazon but they're both from 3rd-party sellers, which I try and avoid.

You do suggest as much horsepower (CPU) and RAM as possible though, huh ? Anything from Netgear or TP-Link ? I remember when TP-Link wasn't considered to be a very good brand but it looks like they are much more reputable nowadays.

 

[Tech9]

From TP-Link modes Archer AX55 (AX3000 class) and Archer AXE75 (AXE5400 class) are quite popular as good price/performance devices.

 

[hzhzhz]

I am curious why you feel you will need to buy a new router at the end of this year?

Because the support will be stopped at the end of this year AFAIK. And I don't want to use router with many sec. holes on a public network...

 

[Tech9]

Then you cash more money and get a supported model. It’s marketing related, Asus has a new wired EBG15 router running Asuswrt 5.0 on similar to your RT-AC86U hardware from 2017. If you want better chances of longer support get out of the consumer market.