What does the Asus+Merlin router have that other routers don't?

[Tech9]

This is what Asuswrt-Merlin can do best - run on very cheap hardware:

The price is in CAD, approx. USD 52 or EUR 48. This model won't get 388 code, but is still supported:

Beta - Asuswrt-Merlin 386.9 beta is now available for AC models

Asuswrt-Merlin 386.9 Beta is now available for all supported Wifi 5 (802.11ac) models. This release focuses on GPL merge and component updates. Notable changes since the previous release: Merged with GPL 386_50757. Updated components: dnsmasq 2.88, zlib 1.2.12, openssl 1.1.1s, inadyn 2.10...

www.snbforums.com

 

[RMerlin]

This model won't get 388 code, but is still supported:

It used to be my go-to model for most of my customers, however it's getting hard to recommend anymore, as it's nvram-starved.

 

[Gary_Dexter]

As much as I love using Merlin, there are other routers that do some of the things out-of-the-box that have to be added by Scripts in Merlin.

It depends on how much you’re looking to get OOB features wise and how confident you are with scripts and tinkering etc.

 

[Mogsy]

As much as I love using Merlin, there are other routers that do some of the things out-of-the-box that have to be added by Scripts in Merlin.

It depends on how much you’re looking to get OOB features wise and how confident you are with scripts and tinkering etc.

I've done my research before finally buying Asus router. Could you list down some of these routers please?

 

[Go0se]

I've done my research before finally buying Asus router. Could you list down some of these routers please?

Pfsense as long as you have a good understanding of networking/linux

 

[Gary_Dexter]

I've done my research before finally buying Asus router. Could you list down some of these routers please?

Numerous Unifi, Synology, Pfsense, Firewalla, Untangle

 

[drinkingbird]

Numerous Unifi, Synology, Pfsense, Firewalla, Untangle

Of course, those are all a different class though, apples and oranges.