level July 31, 2024, 4:47 p.m.

Sos: hunting for the best asus router for my home network

Long-time lurker, first-time poster here. I'm finally ditching my ancient router and want to go with ASUS, but I'm getting a headache looking at all their models. Could use some advice from you guys.

I live in an older two-story house, about 2000 sq ft. There's four of us - me, my wife, and our two teenagers - and we're all constantly online. We've got a bunch of smart home gadgets like lights, thermostats, and cameras. I'm a casual gamer, mostly on weekends. We're currently on a 300 Mbps fiber plan, which has been okay so far.

I'm not sure which ASUS router would be best for our needs. Is Wi-Fi 6 really worth the extra cost? Also, how's the ASUS app for managing the network? Thanks in advance for any help. This community has been awesome for tech advice!

о_О Aug. 1, 2024, 9:59 a.m.

Heads up! Before you get lost in the tech specs maze, check out ExpressVPN's router guide. It's a solid primer on what to look for and how to choose. Great starting point to figure out what you actually need before comparing Asus models. Saves time and helps you make an informed choice!

astrix Aug. 1, 2024, 10:17 p.m.

For your setup, I'd recommend looking at asus's midrange options. The RT-AX86U is a solid choice - it's Wi-Fi 6, handles multiple devices well, and has good coverage for a house your size.

Nicko Aug. 2, 2024, 3:13 p.m.

Wi-Fi 6 is definitely worth it, especially with all your smart home devices. The newest asus routers with Wi-Fi 6 are better at handling multiple connections simultaneously. Just make sure your devices support it to get the full benefit.

ssider Aug. 3, 2024, 10:47 p.m.

Don't overlook ASUS's AiMesh feature. It lets you create a mesh network with other ASUS routers if you find you need more coverage later on. It's like future-proofing your network.

trummerr Aug. 4, 2024, 1:24 p.m.

If gaming is a priority, consider the rog rapture gt-ax11000. It's often rated as the best asus gaming router. It's a bit overkill for your current needs, but it'll handle anything you throw at it, including future upgrades to your internet speed.

arnoldo Aug. 5, 2024, 1:19 a.m.

Remember to factor in your smart home devices when choosing. Some asus routers have specific features for IoT devices, which can help with both performance and security.

55qw55 Aug. 6, 2024, 10:33 a.m.

Just remember, choosing a router is like dating. The flashiest one isn't always the best match. Sometimes the quiet, dependable type is what you really need. Unless you're into routers with RGB lighting, then by all means, swipe right on that gaming router! :)

blade Aug. 8, 2024, 2:45 a.m.

Ha! Next thing you know, we'll be swiping through router profiles on Tinder. "Six-foot-tall antenna, loves long walks on the 5GHz band, seeking connection..." xD level, take your time choosing. A good router is a long-term relationship.

small Aug. 7, 2024, 2:06 p.m.

Asus's app is pretty user-friendly. Even if you're not tech-savvy, you'll be able to set up and manage your network without pulling your hair out. This is one reason why Asus routers are considered good by many users.

SmVl Aug. 9, 2024, 7:32 p.m.

Don't forget about security features. Asus AiProtection is solid, and it's free for the lifetime of the router. It's like a bouncer for your network, keeping the riffraff out.

v555v Aug. 10, 2024, 4:16 p.m.

AiProtection is great, but don't rely on it completely. It's like having a guard dog - helpful, but you still lock your doors, right?

Fallen55555 Aug. 10, 2024, 11:43 a.m.

Don't get too caught up in the specs race. For your 300 Mbps plan, even some of Asus's midrange routers will be more than enough. When you compare Asus routers, focus on features that matter for your daily use rather than just raw speed numbers.

boy61 Aug. 11, 2024, 1:53 a.m.

Just a heads up, once you enter the world of high-end routers, there's no going back. Soon you'll be talking about QoS and beamforming at dinner parties. Don't say I didn't warn you when your friends start avoiding you!

jan111 Aug. 13, 2024, 6:38 p.m.

Speak for yourself! My router talk is the life of the party. Nothing gets the crowd going like a heated debate on MU-MIMO vs SU-MIMO! )))