Which router to get

[CharmanderNerd]

I'm based in the UK looking for a good WiFi 6 (or 7) router, but I'm reading conflicting reviews everywhere on what to get. Ideally I want it to at least be dual band but tri band would be ideal. Other features would be a nice to have but aren't needed. I've just found out my current ISP router is restricting on what settings I can change so I'm looking to get a good all around router. Range would also be a big bonus as we have a workshop at the back of the house (only about 20m) and would really like to get wifi in there without having to have an outdoor access point.

 

Thanks for any information you guys give as you always come though!

[Bdavis]

Ubiquiti is my go to for network gear. Do you have a budget or speed you are trying to achieve? I use a ubiquiti access point in my detached garage as a wireless repeater to extend my wifi range.

[CharmanderNerd]

7 hours ago, Bdavis said:

Ubiquiti is my go to for network gear. Do you have a budget or speed you are trying to achieve? I use a ubiquiti access point in my detached garage as a wireless repeater to extend my wifi range.

My budget is around about £250, I can go a touch more so it's not a hard limit but I'd prefer not to. The speeds I need to achieve are 1 Gbps down, up isn't really an issue as I don't upload much anyway, but I think it's around 200 up.

 

Internal speeds should ideally be higher as I run a quest 2 over the WiFi but I'm not too sure ideal speeds for that.

 

 

[Bdavis]

The dream router 7 and the unifi express 7 both have the features you listed and are around your budget.

 

The unifi cloud gateway fiber would be my personal choice, but you need to buy an access point like the u7 pro since it doesn't have built in Wi-Fi. This setup would be around $500 US.

[CharmanderNerd]

 

5 hours ago, Bdavis said:

The dream router 7 and the unifi express 7 both have the features you listed and are around your budget.

 

The unifi cloud gateway fiber would be my personal choice, but you need to buy an access point like the u7 pro since it doesn't have built in Wi-Fi. This setup would be around $500 US.

Brilliant, thank you for your help! Very much appreciated 

[NobleGamer]

On 4/21/2025 at 2:24 PM, CharmanderNerd said:

Ideally I want it to at least be dual band but tri band would be ideal. Other features would be a nice to have but aren't needed. I've just found out my current ISP router is restricting on what settings I can change so I'm looking to get a good all around router.

 

6 hours ago, Bdavis said:

The unifi cloud gateway fiber would be my personal choice, but you need to buy an access point like the u7 pro since it doesn't have built in Wi-Fi. This setup would be around $500 US.

 

Cloud Gateway Fiber is overkill unless OP can take advantage of its SFP port or 10 gb port. Then there's the Cloud Gateway Max, which has all 2.5 gb ports. If OP doesn't need 2.5 gb support, they can save ~$100 going with the Cloud Gateway Ultra, which I have and personally recommend. Comparison here: https://techspecs.ui.com/unifi/cloud-gateways/compare?subcategory=cloud-gateways-compact

 

I don't have first hand experience with Ubiquiti APs, but they look good on paper to me versus most other consumer APs.

[Falcon1986]

On 4/24/2025 at 7:56 AM, NobleGamer said:

Cloud Gateway Fiber is overkill unless OP can take advantage of its SFP port or 10 gb port. Then there's the Cloud Gateway Max, which has all 2.5 gb ports. If OP doesn't need 2.5 gb support, they can save ~$100 going with the Cloud Gateway Ultra, which I have and personally recommend. Comparison here: https://techspecs.ui.com/unifi/cloud-gateways/compare?subcategory=cloud-gateways-compact

 

I don't have first hand experience with Ubiquiti APs, but they look good on paper to me versus most other consumer APs.

Since @CharmanderNerd never mentioned needing fiber connectivity, I'd leave the UCG-Fiber off of the list, too.

 

I also just upgraded to a UCG-Ultra at one site (moving from a ER-X-SFP with UCK-Gen2+). I like that UniFi Network no longer needs to be hosted on a separate device if going local (one less device to power) and I can take full advantage of the firewall features. Plus, almost all of the newer generation of UniFi gateways can route at 1Gbps or higher, with the upper end units allowing for +1Gbps even with intrusion detection/prevention turned on. However, as you hinted to, APs will have to be added separately. And, if you plan to use PoE UniFi APs, you'll need a PoE switch or at least PoE injectors for each PoE-powered AP. Cost adds up.

 

My recommendation for @CharmanderNerd would be to start with the UDR7. It seems to be an improvement over the previous UDR. Given that it's a self-contained router, AP, and switch with 2 of the ports having PoE (802.3af), you have everything to start then expand later on. If you think you need more coverage, you can just add PoE APs as needed.

 

Honestly, I don't think you'll be able to avoid using multiple wireless APs if you're living in the UK. The coverage specifications on these devices don't quite consider your typical all-brick home construction which blocks a lot of wireless coverage. However, your experience might be different. At least starting with the UDR7 will give you an idea of where additional coverage is needed so you can plan for expansion down the road. This is not a limitation of Ubiquiti products; it would be the same for devices from other brands as well.

 

Some people seem to have good experience with mesh systems, but the better ones that can handle multiple walls/floors would likely be outside of your budget. Would be interested in learning from @Alex Atkin UK if he's found any affordable mesh systems that work well in UK homes.

[Alex Atkin UK]

1 hour ago, Falcon1986 said:

Some people seem to have good experience with mesh systems, but the better ones that can handle multiple walls/floors would likely be outside of your budget. Would be interested in learning from @Alex Atkin UK if he's found any affordable mesh systems that work well in UK homes.

I live in a tiny house so range has never been a problem.