Discussion
Can't see a recent topic on this, so apols if done in the last few days..
But which wireless router do the PH cognoscenti think is 'best'.
Intended use - new build with FTTP, according to openreach up to 1000Mbps.
Will most likely stick with Plusnet as the ISP (unless there's a good reason to switch).
No super-heavy traffic, no competitive gaming. We do use the usual netflix, apple TV, if we go for sky again it'll be stream rather than satellite. Max 3 users at any one time.
I'd like a fast, stable connection. Happy to pay a couple/three hundred quid or so for a decent router that ideally shouldn't look like Darth Vader's prostate-tickler.
Any ideas plase?
But which wireless router do the PH cognoscenti think is 'best'.
Intended use - new build with FTTP, according to openreach up to 1000Mbps.
Will most likely stick with Plusnet as the ISP (unless there's a good reason to switch).
No super-heavy traffic, no competitive gaming. We do use the usual netflix, apple TV, if we go for sky again it'll be stream rather than satellite. Max 3 users at any one time.
I'd like a fast, stable connection. Happy to pay a couple/three hundred quid or so for a decent router that ideally shouldn't look like Darth Vader's prostate-tickler.
Any ideas plase?
As long as the wifi performance ticks the box, what's wrong with the router Plusnet will supply you with for the connection? It should be perfectly capable of handling the connection side of things. Even if the wifi performance isn't up to scratch then turn the Plusnet router's wifi off and plug in your own AP or mesh system.
I went with Zen on CityFibre last year (900/900) and the Fritz!Box they supplied is excellent. It also means that if there are any issues with connection/performance etc you won't have to waste time trying to demonstrate it's not your router that's the issue etc.
I went with Zen on CityFibre last year (900/900) and the Fritz!Box they supplied is excellent. It also means that if there are any issues with connection/performance etc you won't have to waste time trying to demonstrate it's not your router that's the issue etc.
I had some form of BT supplied HomeHub which was ok but not great.
Switched when the option came available to TalkTalk using Eero 6 hubs and bought 2 extra Eero 6 / 6pro units and the difference was noticeable (positively).
I really recommend the Eero 6 units (and just turn off the Alexa elements if not required)
Switched when the option came available to TalkTalk using Eero 6 hubs and bought 2 extra Eero 6 / 6pro units and the difference was noticeable (positively).
I really recommend the Eero 6 units (and just turn off the Alexa elements if not required)
blindspot said:
Ok, last time I looked at these things in anything approaching detail, the supplied router was pretty poor. If they are now, as a rule, good enough then I’ll stick with that. Until or unless I find I need something better. Cheers, ta.
As mentioned, the limitations with these things tended to be WiFi performance. For getting the fibre connection into the home it'll be perfectly fine.Upgrade the WiFi part if it's poor using a mesh solution etc and leave the ISP router just supplying the connection to your wireless kit.
Depends how big the house is. A one box wifi router keeps things simple, but will never cover a large property. This also assumes you're OK with setting up routers, which isn't everyones cup of tea!
I tend to mostly use Ubiquiti and for your budget I currently like the Amplifi Alien for strong Wi-Fi performance and a simple App to manage. Not the most attractive unit in their range IMO, but not that ugly either. Can be meshed with another unit for more coverage.
Another option is a Unifi dream router, which has many more settings to tinker with if you want that. Both options are Wi-Fi 6 standard, but I think the Alien has a slightly higher rated WAN throughput at 1Gbps, with the dream router at around 700-800Mbps I think.
I tend to mostly use Ubiquiti and for your budget I currently like the Amplifi Alien for strong Wi-Fi performance and a simple App to manage. Not the most attractive unit in their range IMO, but not that ugly either. Can be meshed with another unit for more coverage.
Another option is a Unifi dream router, which has many more settings to tinker with if you want that. Both options are Wi-Fi 6 standard, but I think the Alien has a slightly higher rated WAN throughput at 1Gbps, with the dream router at around 700-800Mbps I think.
Personally would give the ISP’s freebie a go first, if its crap, then buy a Wifi 6e model, if its working for you wait for Wifi 7 routers that are launching later on this year.
I’ve never had a decent ISP freebie but I’ve been surprised by the ok specs of some of the freebies people have spoken about here.
If its 3 users, you don’t have a lot of devices and your house is compact, the freebie might work ok. You might find the wifi cards in your devices to be the limiting factor. I found 1gbps to be pointless with my use case, I could never fill that bandwidth, the greatest limiting factor being the spec of wifi cards in my devices. So I downgraded to 500mbps.
Honestly its hard to say beyond a few general points without understanding your house and your devices.
I’ve never had a decent ISP freebie but I’ve been surprised by the ok specs of some of the freebies people have spoken about here.
If its 3 users, you don’t have a lot of devices and your house is compact, the freebie might work ok. You might find the wifi cards in your devices to be the limiting factor. I found 1gbps to be pointless with my use case, I could never fill that bandwidth, the greatest limiting factor being the spec of wifi cards in my devices. So I downgraded to 500mbps.
Honestly its hard to say beyond a few general points without understanding your house and your devices.
Edited by wyson on Tuesday 27th June 09:01
Gassing Station | Computers, Gadgets & Stuff | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff