WiFi router for FTTP

Heinz57 · 26 Mar 2025 at 11:45

Looking for recommendations for a reasonably decent WiFi router (£200-250 budget if needed).

Just got gigabit FTTP and not overly impressed with the Eero thing we were supplied with. Seems a bit basic and I dislike the lack of a web browser interface.

Since the Eero doesn't have enough LAN ports, I'd need to get a switch anyway, so I'm thinking of replacing it altogether.

Main PCs are connected by ethernet, but we have quite a few wireless devices (laptops, phones, TVs etc) so might as well go for WiFi 7 as I want it to last a while (fumbled on with a BT smart hub for as long as I can remember) and would like to make the most of the gigabit connection. Don't need a mesh system or anything too fancy as we just have a standard 1920s semi.

TP Link BE9300 looks ok, but not really kept up with networking equipment. Generally used Netgear in the distant past.

Thanks in advance.

Typhoon · 26 Mar 2025 at 23:04

I would pick the UniFi UDR7 if you want an all in one solution.

Heinz57 · 20 Apr 2025 at 12:12

Thanks for the suggestion, that router looks good, but is perhaps a bit too in-depth for what I need!

A family member bought a pack of 3 Asus BT8s (I don't know on whose advice). They've decided that they're getting good coverage with just 2, so have offered me the 3rd one for free. It seems to get decent enough reviews, looks ok on paper and is better than the Eero I have, but on the other hand all I read about Asus routers are they are marketing rubbish and security horror shows. Is it worth bothering with?

GregI · 21 Apr 2025 at 01:13

Heinz57 said:
Thanks for the suggestion, that router looks good, but is perhaps a bit too in-depth for what I need!

A family member bought a pack of 3 Asus BT8s (I don't know on whose advice). They've decided that they're getting good coverage with just 2, so have offered me the 3rd one for free. It seems to get decent enough reviews, looks ok on paper and is better than the Eero I have, but on the other hand all I read about Asus routers are they are marketing rubbish and security horror shows. Is it worth bothering with?

Actually one of the few Asus routers I would recommend because OpenWRT support is forthcoming: https://forum.openwrt.org/t/support-for-asus-zenwifi-bt8-tri-band-wifi7-mediatek-mt7988/220023

Honestly over £150 (let alone £250) is madness for a router though. If I was you I'd get a OpenWRT router (like £50) such as the Cudy WR3000S, get OpenWRT on it and play about to see if you like it. If you do, then once mainline support comes for the BT8 you can transition to that and then stick the Cudy as a dumb access point if needed for improved coverage. OpenWRT may look quite overwhelming at the start but now I wouldn't have anything else and it's a skill set you can have for every router you'll own after that since the software is the same.

Also if you're worried about not saturating the gigabit speeds on Wifi, don't worry about it. That little £50 box can transmit wifi over a gig in the right circumstances.