What's a good router? (<$150)

[Wolfca]

Hey guys-

 

I'm moving into a new apartment, and I'll have 200 meg internet, and I'm opting to get my own router. I'm assuming the ones that my ISP (Spectrum) offers are mediocre at best. I'm hoping to get:

• Dual band (because there will be a bajillion other networks)
• Wireless AC (my desktop and laptop support it)
• General non-suckiness
• Future proofed (not sure if that's a concern, but at least needs to be something that will last *years* not *months*
• Security features are a plus
• Needs to not be ugly
• Feel free to sell me on other QOL things

 

I'll likely be putting in in a center area in the apartment, and will do my best to leave it in an open area.

 

Thanks in advance!

[GloriousPain]

NetGear Night Hawk is usually what I suggest; given your budget you can likely get the AC 1750 or 1900

[ltguy]

I'd probably suggest the asus RT-AC68u. I wouldn't try to sell you on any other QOL items or even suggest you spend more money on a router. All those $200-300 routers claim to fame is just a bunch of quality of service traffic shapping crap. You have 200meg internet.... what do you need QOS for?

 

I'm sure some of the super expensive routers have ac wave 2 stuff but at the price you're better off buying a ubiquiti ac hd and have something you can actually use for years to come.

 

Now that i answered your question in a direct and judgement free manner i will make a shameless plug and say dont be afraid to get your hands dirty and build a pfsense rig if you feel like tinkering abit.

[Wolfca]

Going for the Asus... Because I think it looks better 
 

Thanks guys-I didn't want to accidentally order something that was garbage

[Mikensan]

Just wanted to chime in, my last router was an Asus and loved it. I had the N66U which was also DD-WRT compatible, but honestly the baked in features were enough.