Replacing Netgear N750 Router

[wncmacs]

As you can see, I am replacing an ancient router (WNDR 4300) that continues to work well 12 years after it was bought. The difference is I now stream YouTube TV, and have at least 3-4 Mac computers connected with 2 playing Destiny on GeForce at the same time, and the other two on YouTube a good part of the time plus there are 4 iPhones and a couple iPads in intermittent use on the network. Believe it it not, the Netgear router does a good job with all this for the most part but I am guessing I’m pushing against the ceiling of what the router is capable of with all that is going on. Since it has been a long time since I replaced the router, I am seeking help with what the next on should be. I am thinking WiFi 6 for a speed (could look attached 6e but only have 2 devices (an iPhone and a Mac) that could connect to it) and I’d like one that is reliable and has the capability to serve the gaming computers properly while letting everything else function well on my network.

I have a Spectrum cable internet connection at 300 Mbps and I am considering upping the connection to a higher speed but want to replace the router first since it is so old.

I don’t have a huge amount of money but I don’t want to cheap out on a router that I have to replace in a few months. We are doing OK in my house with the one router but I would probably add a range extender for the upstairs of my house. I’m not sure I need a mesh network but I will consider it if appropriate.

What would you suggest I consider?

 

[Bigwaff]

What’s your budget?

 

[Reverend Benny]

If you are the geeky kind and want to mess around get Pfsense or an Opnsense router, but that will cost you a bit more since its essentially a mini PC.
If you don't want that go for ASUS AX line. 6E is just overkill and you will end up paying extra for something that prob won't be used much. Save that money and get a Wifi7 router in 5-6 years instead since most routers these days seem to become EOL fairly quick and its more important than ever to stay up to date these days.

Not sure if you have kids but if you do you can control their internet access easy with ASUS routers.
The ASUS AX86 is well tried out and a good one, if you wanna save a few bucks go for their AX50 or 60 series.

Not saying Netgear is a bad choice, I am running their WAC AP's, but I think they do lack some features compared to ASUS and don't provide updates for as long as ASUS does if you look at their consumer devices.

Asus can be completed with mesh devices and become part of a MESH network should it be needed in the future

 

[wncmacs]

What’s your budget?

I’d like to stay in the $200 range if possible.

 

[Fishrrman]

Just a few possibilities...

TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router – 802.11ax Wireless Router, Gigabit, Dual Band Internet Router, VPN Router, OneMesh Compatible (Archer AX55)

The product is multiple voltage compatible, that voltage arrange is 100-240V.

www.amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Archer-AX73-High-Speed-Streaming/dp/B08TH4D3QV?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router (Archer AXE75)- Gigabit Wireless Internet Router, ax Router for Gaming, VPN Router, OneMesh, WPA3

TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router (Archer AXE75)- Gigabit Wireless Internet Router, ax Router for Gaming, VPN Router, OneMesh, WPA3

www.amazon.com

TP Link routers are "yeoman-grade", nothing super-special, but affordable and they work well enough for most folks' needs.

There is also the TP Link "Deco" mesh system, as well.

 

[wncmacs]

Just a few possibilities...

TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router – 802.11ax Wireless Router, Gigabit, Dual Band Internet Router, VPN Router, OneMesh Compatible (Archer AX55)

The product is multiple voltage compatible, that voltage arrange is 100-240V.

www.amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Archer-AX73-High-Speed-Streaming/dp/B08TH4D3QV?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router (Archer AXE75)- Gigabit Wireless Internet Router, ax Router for Gaming, VPN Router, OneMesh, WPA3

TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router (Archer AXE75)- Gigabit Wireless Internet Router, ax Router for Gaming, VPN Router, OneMesh, WPA3

www.amazon.com

TP Link routers are "yeoman-grade", nothing super-special, but affordable and they work well enough for most folks' needs.

There is also the TP Link "Deco" mesh system, as well.

I know there is a spread in prices here. Do you have a preference among these routers? Do you prefer TP Link over other brands? Why?

 

[Reverend Benny]

I’d like to stay in the $200 range if possible.

This Asustek router is "midrange" and aren't to pricey.
Can be used in a mesh config and should you need to tweak and mess around with network settings that can be done as well.

ASUS WiFi 6 Router (RT-AX68U) - Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Router, 3x3 Support, Gaming & Streaming, AiMesh Compatible, Included Lifetime Internet Security, Parental Control, MU-MIMO, OFDMA

The ASUS RT-AX68U dual-band WiFi 6 router delivers ultrafast WiFi speeds up to 2700 Mbps, and is packed with advanced technology, including Instant Guard for a one-click, secure VPN internet access, simple and complete network management via Parental Control and ASUS AiMesh, so you can create you...

www.amazon.com

This fella reviews quite a lot of routers and seem fairly honest in his reviews.

Reviews | Dong Knows Tech

Impartial. No-nonsense. Real stuff. All reviews on this website are based on thorough hands-on testing and real-world first-hand experience. Previews and first takes may include only preliminary assessments.

dongknows.com

Asus RT-AX68U Review: A Cool AX2700 Router | Dong Knows Tech

A bit late to the Wi-Fi 6 game, the Asus RT-AX68U AX2700 still makes a splash thanks to its stellar combo of performance, features, and affordability. Get one!

dongknows.com

I would stay away from TP-link, sure they give a lot of bang for the buck but they are cheap for a reason.
And that reason from my experience is a lack of providing updates to their HW.
But, some of their models do offer support if you want to put another OS on there (dd-wrt or similar) which then can be patched. But that's going down the geeky route and requires more from the user.