Im looking for a cheap but decent router under $100 which has me looking at the Asus RT-AX57 ($90) and RT-AX1800S ($65). I only have a 700mbps internet connection so im wondering if the more expensive AX57 would even be worth it? Are either of these routers decent for under $100 or would you recommend something else? https://www.asus.com/us/product-compare?ProductID=20870,16864&LevelId=networking-iot-servers-wifi-routers
I installed the tp-link ax1800 archer 21 at one of my office. Around 30*30 open space and at close distance speed was 700-800 mbps and throughout the office varied between 300-500 mbps.
I bought a tplink router a week or so ago and the router is terrible. Really locked down settings and the LAN ports cannot auto negotiate the speed properly, sometimes its 1000 but usually it locks itself to 100mbps and there’s no setting to change from auto negotiation… my devices and cabling is fine, ive never had this problem until installed a tp-link router so I’m trying to avoid them now.
what is your internet speed? both seem to be older models. In low cost routers, tp-link are generally very good. most have broadcom chips which is better than chinese mediatek chips.
I recommend Asus RT-AX53U, because the firmware can be changed/flashed to OpenWrt and I use it right now.
Do you just need reliable, regular wifi? No special requirements?
I have 2 of the RT-1800S because I wanted a cheap AIMesh network for my house and they’ve been great.
Actually the WiFi is less important to me than just having reliable lan routing. For WiFi I’ll usually be using an AP in a different location anyways.