In the market for a new router, here's a few details

Budget: 150usd, some flexibility here
Devices: 15-20, not all in use simultaneously
Home layout: approx 1800sq ft coverage area, no cement/metal walls, mostly wood/drywall
Connection via isp: cable, 300mb down / 75 up, they provide modem/router combo but I'd just use this as a bridge
Use: streaming 4k tv, browsing, light gaming, videoconferences

Ideally I'd love some qos control, where I can put limits on kids devices as far as time and even throttle their speed so their use isn't impacting my own or my wife's schoolwork.

Was reading up on the TP Link Archer A7 and it seems to fit most of the needs and amazon has it for around $60, but curious as to what others have to say.

Thanks!

Sometimes it depends on the Insulation in the walls, there are different ratings.



If your buying from a local store, i would recommend NetGear brand - Nighthawk , with WIFI 6 Gen.
$179.99

If buying Online ( which is normally better and cheaper )

Newegg Special
Normally $580 +
MSI Router WIFI 6 - Lowest Cost $164
https://www.newegg.com/asus-gt-axe11000/p/N82E16833320478?Description=gaming%20router&cm_re=gaming_router-_-33-320-478-_-Product&quicklink=true

The MSI is a good choice here because at night you can just turn it over and use it in bionic-crab mode to protect your family.

Currently waiting for the big brother of the one you linked to. Gonna snag it the second it becomes available!

You could try the Eero (Amazon), but it's settings are extremely limited (no web interface even). Could get a pack with two access points as it's a mesh network for better coverage.

It has a QoS setting, but it's on or off. Can't select throttles, they call it a 'Smart Queue QoS'. I installed it for a client recently and they haven't had any issues with it though, similar situation to yours, his girlfriend was doing homework while he was trying to download games.

It's easiest for someone not tech savvy at all, and nice cause it's in stock.


If you're really tech savvy the Edgerouter is awesome but requires a lot of setup and is really hard to get right now (wired router, need to buy access point separately, router is about $40 USD and regular access points are $120ish USD).

Let me reiterate, you need to be really tech savvy for the Edgerouter, but once it's set up it's set up for good basically.

E; pls god don't buy any 'gaming router' with 18 antennas and is $500

This post was edited by Candyzcanes on Apr 7 2022 08:13am

Get a ui.com one and be done with it