What's a good performance router to use?

[effadj]

I've been using AsusWRT-Merlin for many many years now since the RT-N66U was released and have great success with it. But it's time to upgrade to newer technology which can support the (now common) use of 802.11ac that I need. I want to keep using Merlin's support and releases, but with all the Asus routers available I have no idea what is popular with this forum users along with good performance and distance. Should I go with a 2x2 or 4x4 with MiMo or not? I'm not versed in all the classes of routers and find it confusing (for now). I have many type IoT devices, Apple, Windows, multimedia, and streaming uses.

Can anyone give me a model that most folks like and would likely be supported for a while? MiMo intrigues me but I read it currently does not work well with the class of router that does support that.

Thanks for your time!

 

[sfx2000]

Since your question is kind of focused on Asus...

Well - AC1900 class - the RT-AC68 series is a decent bet - it's getting on the older side, but still a good device

The current bet - depends on the Market you're in, but the RT-AC3100 has all the right stuff for Asus' 2016 product lineup...