Need help chosing the right router please. RT-AC68U - VS - Nighthawk R7000 - VS - DECO M5 (solved)

topppbloke on 17/10/2017 - 21:02
Last edited 24/10/2017 - 10:01

Hi Fellow bargainers.
About to take advantage of the 20% discount off eBay deal - (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/335866) (Thanks doweyy).

Am finding it difficult to make a decision, whether to go with a standard router or MESH.
So, thought I would round up all 3 contenders and get your help.

  • Asus RT-AC68U (Tops favorite so far)
  • TP-LINK DECO M5 (2nd favorite)
  • Netgear Nighthawk R7000

Here's my 'internet' situation:

  • High speed NBN
  • 2 Story house
  • PS4/ PC gamer
  • Love Netflix
  • Love chrome-casting.
  • Around 5 devices with full time WiFi connection.

My main concern: speed & Performance (not oo worried about ease of set-up, management, etc,,, )

Thank you kindly in advance.

UPDATE:

I am happy to say that, after lots of research and your wonderful input, I've made a decision and ended up going with the Asus RT-AC68U.
I Would like to thank you all for your help, much appreciated.

Internet

Comments

  • NuclearWessels on 17/10/2017 - 21:43
    +4

    I own the R7000 and the RT-AC68U. The Asus is far superior, especially if you're considering stock Asus firmware vs Netgear firmware.

    • Diji1 on 17/10/2017 - 23:08

      They're hardware identical. Software and case is only difference AFAIK.

  • toomuchdogfur on 17/10/2017 - 22:58
    +1

    Asus for sure - all the routers you've listed are top-end ones so performance would be pretty similar, but in my experience Asus routers are the most reliable. I have an AC66U running at my parent's place and its been running without issues for two years straight!

    Netgear routers have been the subject of two serious vulnerabilities in the past year: https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2017/01/netgear-routers-hit-by…

    The TP-Link units you've listed are mesh APs - unless you need the mesh capabilities I'd avoid it, you lose quite a few features from the Asus (ethernet ports, USB ports, external antennas, custom firmware capabilities, etc).

  • Axelstrife on 17/10/2017 - 23:21
    +1

    Ive got the Asus AC68U and love it ive never had a single problem with it.

  • ajh on 18/10/2017 - 07:12

    I have the r7000 running tomato and is flawless.

    You can install Merlin sits software on the Netgear if you prefer also.

    The stock Netgear firmware is Terrible.
    Guess it just depends on price.

    • topppbloke on 18/10/2017 - 10:11

      which is better in your opinion? Tomato or Merlin?

      • coco1458 on 18/10/2017 - 11:44

        I've used both, Merlin would be my pick. Either would be better than Stock Netgear firmware
        I choose Merlin because of UI ease, gives me plenty to work with.
        If you don't really know what you're doing, just avoid DDWRT.

      • ajh on 18/10/2017 - 23:25

        Advanced tomato has so much extra on it I now can't go back. Although I don't really use the extra features any more.

        Merlin is pretty user friendly and works. It Has what most people would need and more.

        Even though I use advanced tomato I would suggest Merlin.

  • AlienC on 18/10/2017 - 08:07

    I would go for the Asus even though I own a Netgear haha lol.

    Everybody says it's software and firmware is superior which I believe it is.

    I bought my Netgear Nighthawk X6 R8000 purely mainly for aesthetic purposes haha lol even though it is still a very very good router.

    Ultimately price is the determining factor so cheapest wins imho for me as at this level of options they were all overkill for me.

    Got it second hand from gumtree for around $190-200 AUD locally.

  • BobD on 18/10/2017 - 08:33

    get the RT-AC68U. I've had one for more than 2 years and it's performance is excellent. It's also well supported with firmware updates as needed. I use mine on NBN fibre at 25 megabits and no troubles at all.

  • Oz8argain on 18/10/2017 - 09:15

    I have use the RT-AC68U for 2 years now, it's fine, I was forced to change to NBN last year and was suprised that I can still use it. I kept getting disconnected last night, but it's probably just NBN being stupid, avoid NBN unless you are rich enough to pay thousands every year for the fastest speed

    • Diji1 on 18/10/2017 - 10:18

      Please do something about it next election: do not vote for Malcom "12 Mbits is all you need" Turnbull.

      He is the reason that Telstra is being paid billions whilst the entire nations internet sucks.

      Do not vote for the No.1 Telstra employee next election.

      • Oz8argain on 18/10/2017 - 11:10

        I'll probably move to North Africa soon so i can enjoy better internet with my pet elephant

  • Fergy1987 on 18/10/2017 - 09:22

    Ive got the R7000P - does the job. I mean its not going to look after your kids or cook your dinner….but at the end of the day its a router…..does it give you internet and decent wifi range….yep…..done!

  • Nugs on 18/10/2017 - 09:24

    A couple of responses above say that RT-AC86U is being used on NBN.

    Is anyone using it with FTTN?

    • Cabrinha on 18/10/2017 - 11:04

      Yes I am at it works flawlessy. The RT-AC68U alone wont work with FTTN connections as it will require a separate modem see https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/5184081/redir comment below. If you are space conscious, prefer one device to handle everything and have an FTTN connection then the DSL-AC68U would be the one to get.

      • Nugs on 18/10/2017 - 11:33

        Thankyou.

  • Looking4Bargians on 18/10/2017 - 09:40

    difference between ASUS DSL-AC68U & RT-AC68U ? and which one better for ADSL2+ and future NBN?

    • blonky on 18/10/2017 - 10:03
      +1

      DSL has a built in DSL modem.
      RT is a router only, but you can connect to your existing modem via ethernet.

      There's a WP thread that recommends the RT-AC68 paired with a $20ish DLink ADSL modem for the best value

    • Cabrinha on 18/10/2017 - 11:00

      The DSL-AC68U has an integrated modem which supports xdsl connections meaning if you are on an FTTN or ADSL2+ connection then this would be the modem/router combo you need. The RT-AC68U is a dedicated router and only suitable for FTTP NBN connections or you could use it aswell in bridging mode to another modem that handles the internet connection

      • SPCTRE on 23/10/2017 - 12:44

        DSL-AC68U will not work properly with NBN. Many issues with setting it up with our mix NBN technology and even if you manage to get it working, it won't be any better then ISP provided modems.
        It was design for full optic fibre, not our Mix match crap. Suggest you get the RT-AC68U instead.

        • Cabrinha on 25/10/2017 - 10:18

          Well it works on my FTTN connection without any issues either way both routers contain solid WIFI hardware which is important. In early editions of the firmware many whirlpool threads did indicate the issues you describe and trouble configuring it to work with some ISP's (locking ports etc) however the latest firmware seems to have resolved this. FWIW I am with aussie broadband on 100Mbs/40Mbs plan and have not experienced such issues

        • SPCTRE on 26/10/2017 - 09:28

          Oh thats great to know. I wasn't aware there was a new firmware. The router is at my parents place. Yes locking ports was the issue i was referring too. Then there nothing to fault the DSL-AC68U for NBN use :)

  • oO0Dam0Oo on 18/10/2017 - 10:09
    +1

    Would you guys recommend installing Merlin WRT firmware?

  • dollarmenu on 18/10/2017 - 13:44

    Running the nighthawk D7000v2 version with nbn fttn - no disconnections and solved all my problems. I purchased this for the look and convenience (price match from JB) - was hard to obtain the Asus in store for me

  • casho on 18/10/2017 - 16:07

    Asus. I've owned two now and they just keep going for years. The #1 feature you want is reliability

  • sir_bazz on 18/10/2017 - 16:27

    Had the R7000 since 2013 and never missed a beat. OEM firmware can be hit and miss between different versions but is generally less feature rich than the Asus OEM. Been running Merlin for the past year, mostly for the per IP bandwidth monitoring, and it's just as solid. There's no downside.

    Much like yourself, we're currently in a two story townhouse with around 14 wired devices usually connected and no issues.

  • topppbloke on 24/10/2017 - 10:01

    UPDATE:

    I am happy to say that, after lots of research and your wonderful input, I've made a decision and ended up going with the Asus RT-AC68U.
    I Would like to thank you all for your help, much appreciated.

    • sir_bazz on 24/10/2017 - 10:56

      Good choice. Can't really go wrong with either the Netgear and Asus as they're pretty much identical in terms of performance. In the past the Netgear was up to $100 cheaper than the Asus but it seems thats no longer the case. Having a quick look on staticice the Asus seems to be a few bucks cheaper than the Netgear so may as well pick the one that can be picked up cheapest.

      • topppbloke on 24/10/2017 - 11:06

        That's exactly mate, around $60 cheaper.
        It just made sense to go for a slightly better router for a cheaper price

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