Normal Router or Mesh Router System for Apartment

SP1CE on 06/06/2024 - 18:02

In need of a new router as my wifi is really slow when not in the same room as my current router. I was looking at options and stumbled across the TP-Link AX5400 that’s on sale on Amazon for $189. I was thinking of buying this to get better range throughout my apartment, until I saw the ASUS ZenWiFi XD4S AX1800 mesh system is also on sale and down to $249.

Does anyone have any recommendations for which router to go for? I figure since it’s only $60 more, go for the mesh system. Also worried about the range of the TP-Link.

I have a 2 bedroom apartment with a study, all one level but I find current wifi strength sucks in all rooms and very slow, especially when on a video meeting.

Any recommendations on the systems above?

Internet Mesh Network Modem Router

Comments

  • x x on 06/06/2024 - 18:24
    +1

    Good price on the TP-Link, I paid $247 last month from OW. This router does have built in mesh system, not sure what you're saying it doesn't. Get the TP-Link , it's a great router with lots of settings.

    • SP1CE on 06/06/2024 - 20:02

      How has the router been for you? Mind if I ask if you live in an apartment or house and how the routers range is?

      I probably didn’t word my original question right, it’s more that I can pay $60 more for a mesh system with 3 access points included, guaranteed coverage but it might be overkill.

      • x x on 06/06/2024 - 20:12

        It's been awesome mainly because my last router was dropping out a lot so it's a huge improvement in speed as well. I'm in a townhouse. I reckon save your $60 and you are still getting a top router for that money. These were $300+ less than 1 year ago and support latest WiFi 6.

  • dinglejerry on 06/06/2024 - 18:25

    I think you kind of answered your own question. Mesh always preferable IMHO, and the ASUS is pretty well reviewed. The TP-Link is good too and includes mesh?

    • SP1CE on 06/06/2024 - 20:34

      Yeah I’m leaning towards having the mesh system ready, thanks!

  • Devastator0 on 06/06/2024 - 18:27
    +2

    It's a toughie, like, in your circumstance, I generally would tend to recommend one really good, solid router device. Typically my go to product to recommend is an Asus RT-AX86U. The downside is that it's quite pricy and generally tends to go for around $400-$500ish but I can speak to it being an incredible router. Excellent 2.4Ghz range and performance and the 5Ghz performance is good to. That said, I'm not too familiar with the TP-Link router you mentioned, but others here might be.

    As for the Asus mesh kit you mentioned, not sure on that one either as I personally haven't used it but I will say that Asus does seem to know what they're doing in terms of networking equipment and the majority of their mainstream routers supports the use of the excellent Asuswrt-Merlin firmware too.

    • SP1CE on 06/06/2024 - 20:34

      Thanks for the comment!

  • Binchicken22 on 06/06/2024 - 18:55
    +2

    Crazy you need a mesh system for an apartment, I'm still running a busted arse old Asus RT-AC87U in a two story house and get great signal throughout.

    I'd get a quality router and not worry about mesh if I was you.

    • SP1CE on 06/06/2024 - 20:32

      Yeah, I’m not sure if it’s just the router I have or because the connection point is in the wardrobe but I struggle to get a good wifi connection throughout the house.

      So I thought mesh might be the way to go.

      I appreciate the comment and recommendation

  • nanny0tt on 06/06/2024 - 20:52

    I recently bought a TP-Link AX1500 for $70 (now 63.65 at ow pb amazon) runs full speed on a 250/250 plan. full signal and full speed coverage at all corners in my 1 bedroom apartment. I would say the more advanced TP-Link AX5400 would be more than sufficient

  • SnoozeAndLose on 06/06/2024 - 20:58

    Netgear nighthawk has been good for a few years for me still going strong

  • iflyin on 07/06/2024 - 12:34

    I recently bought the XD4S 3-Pack. I have a long home (30m long and 10m wide), gyprock walls, with ethernet cables running to 9x RJ45 wall plates around the home. When I set the main router in the middle of the home, on it's own, it was giving enough WiFi coverage for me (with a 250Mbps d/l plan, I got 150-170Mbps at the further ends of my home). I didn't need to add the other 2 nodes, but i did anyway (via ethernet/wired backhaul). I am getting 260-270Mpbs anywhere around the home. For an apartment, I'd recommend just get 1 really good one. It's enough, hassle free, and you're freeing up powerpoints around the home without nodes. And in future, when there are sales with 2-pack nodes, you can add on as you like. Or if you upgrade your place to a bigger place, add nodes as you go.

    OR just get the 3-pack, use 1 as router, and keep the other 2 nodes in the box for just in case, or gift them as they all can act as individual routers (they all have 1 WAN + 1 WAN/LAN ports). The router alone is small, minimalistic, matches my furniture/decor. For it's size, it's astonishing. Design team at Asus did a great job. Hard to find something that's both functional and minimalistic at this price.

  • masterqur on 08/06/2024 - 19:01

    For an apartment you should be fine without mesh. I have a TP-Link AC1200, which is very old, for my two bedroom apartment, and using a NBN100. I can get full 100 speed in every room.

  • masterqur on 08/06/2024 - 19:14

    Also, I wouldn't recommand Asus Routers other than their RT/GT-AX series. The RT-AX series have Merlin support https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net/, while the low priced Asus mesh router you mentioned does not. So it might not be different from any other cheap mesh routers, not really worth the Asus name.

    Typically, if you want a premium Asus router, you would want an Asus Router with at least 256MB of RAM, and Merlin support. Otherwise TP-Link or other brands would be a better bargain.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join