New wireless router recommendations
January 17, 2015 12:39 PM Subscribe
We have an old D-link DIR-655 wireless router that has become kind of flakey lately (dropping connectivity fairly often) and, after reading a few other Asks on routers, I think we probably just need a new one. Any recent experience with brands to choose or avoid? We use wintel laptops and apple phones/tablets in case that matters.
I asked the same question three years ago about this router, and eventually found a way to get it to work, so you can see it's pretty old. I'm looking to see if any new info on wireless routers has surfaced since then. Thanks!
I asked the same question three years ago about this router, and eventually found a way to get it to work, so you can see it's pretty old. I'm looking to see if any new info on wireless routers has surfaced since then. Thanks!
Whatever Asus costs the amount of money you're willing to spend. They go from $20 refurbs up to ~$100 or more. The cheapest one id recommend is the n56, ac56, or n66. The n66 was the one everyone wanted until the ac models came out, the ac56 is the cheapest decent ac model, and the n56 is cheaper than either of them(although Id spend the extra bucks for the ac model)
The ac68 should be pretty damn future proof for the better part of a decade. T-Mobile sells a version for $100 with their logo on it(and their weird software, which can be removed) if that's too rich for your blood.
If you're willing to expend the elbow grease, buy the T-Mobile version of the ac68 and load different firmware. It's a really good deal. Lots of great info and instructions here. I would have done this, but I already had an apple airport(which is ok, but really feature barren)
posted by emptythought at 1:22 PM on January 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
The ac68 should be pretty damn future proof for the better part of a decade. T-Mobile sells a version for $100 with their logo on it(and their weird software, which can be removed) if that's too rich for your blood.
If you're willing to expend the elbow grease, buy the T-Mobile version of the ac68 and load different firmware. It's a really good deal. Lots of great info and instructions here. I would have done this, but I already had an apple airport(which is ok, but really feature barren)
posted by emptythought at 1:22 PM on January 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
I have a $20 TP_Link off amazon (it's their best selling router) and it works perfect. My last router was a mid priced NETGEAR one and this one is just as good if not better than it was in its prime.*
*Prior to being left in a sunny window for a few years and fried.
posted by fshgrl at 1:30 PM on January 17, 2015
*Prior to being left in a sunny window for a few years and fried.
posted by fshgrl at 1:30 PM on January 17, 2015
Came in to also suggest Wirecutter's pick, the TP-Link Archer C7. I bought one about three months ago to replace my own flaky D-Link router and have been very happy with it.
posted by kovacs at 2:02 PM on January 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by kovacs at 2:02 PM on January 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Just ordered the Archer C7. Thanks for the help!
posted by blurker at 6:52 PM on January 17, 2015
posted by blurker at 6:52 PM on January 17, 2015
« Older Have you seen video of Romney saying he'll fight... | Is investing in these mutual funds with this... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
The Best Wi-Fi Router (for Most People)
Oddly enough, formerly, their best cheap router pick, has become their best router pick due to awesome performance. I can't really make another recommendation as I think I'll soon be moving on to a new router as well. This will most likely be my pick.
posted by evilDoug at 1:20 PM on January 17, 2015 [3 favorites]