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just look for one that meet your needs for what you have on internet speeds and devices. just be careful cause there are some routers out there that have no computer interface only mobile, so you can only connect to it with you cellphone. so if you need to change anything or do all the setups, it has to be done through your cell phone. I got the ASUS RT-AX1800S for less than $60, it's now $70. if you want one with wifi7 then expect to pay over $100.
I use the ASUS RT-AX1800S. Only 70.00 on Amazon
I'm not a fan of Netgear routers. They'll do in a pinch, but in my experience break within a year or two. I recommend ASUS Routers, this one is the same price - [https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-AX1800-Router-RT-AX1800S-Subscription-Free/dp/B09M9477NS?crid=JINVSXHS6QRH&sprefix=asus%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-1&ufe=app\_do%3Aamzn1.fos.9fe8cbfa-bf43-43d1-a707-3f4e65a4b666](https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-AX1800-Router-RT-AX1800S-Subscription-Free/dp/B09M9477NS?crid=JINVSXHS6QRH&sprefix=asus%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.9fe8cbfa-bf43-43d1-a707-3f4e65a4b666)
Yeah I've been running the RT-AX1800S for about 8 months now and it's been rock solid. The web interface is way better than TP-Link's garbage too, actually lets you configure stuff without wanting to throw it out the window
Any router you buy for home Internet will have a firewall built-in. You seem to be under the impression that a firewall needs to be bought separately. This is not true. The R605 is a wired only router, so you will need something to provide WiFi as well. I suggest for your apparent level to just get a typical all-in-one home routers, like a typical ASUS or Netgear. Make sure it's at least WiFi 6 (AX) and within your budget, and it'll be fine. I usually recommend this as an affordable model: https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-AX1800-Router-RT-AX1800S-Subscription-Free/dp/B09M9477NS/
I would definitely upgrade the router first. It is ancient and, as you've noticed, capped by its 100 Mbps Ethernet ports. Any modern WiFi 6 or better router will run circles around it. If you're generally happy with the coverage of your current router except for the speed, then this budget ASUS model is affordable and far superior to what you are using: https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-AX1800-Router-RT-AX1800S-Subscription-Free/dp/B09M9477NS/ If you want to invest a bit more to get something in the mid or upper tier, by all means do so. But since your gaming consoles and PC are wired in and your WiFi usage is just Roku and phones, that budget model will be just fine too. I like ASUS for all-in-one router models. Without changing modems, you should be able to hit 300-350 Mbps by just changing routers. Whether or not buying an expensive modem is worth it to get that extra bit of speed (to 400 Mbps) is up to you. I personally don't think you'll notice. You can also check with Xfinity to see if they will give you a modem free of charge. They might give you a modem / router combo unit that perfectly fits your needs and you don't have to buy anything. As long as they do NOT change a monthly fee, it's worth trying. If they DO change a monthly fee, then proceed in using your own equipment exclusively, starting with the router upgrade, and then seeing if you need a modem upgrade at all.
asus is usually solid. had the rt-ax1800s for a while, no issues. firmware updates keep it secure. worth a shot if you're switching from tp-link.
I've had an ASUS XT8 mesh system for approaching 5 years (in June). So technically 4 years and 8 months. Still working well. Seems to me longevity and reliability are most important to you so so I think XT8 is a solid pick. You could buy a single XT8 for $175.58 on Amazon. It's WiFi 6 and has good coverage, better than the other routers you had as it has well positioned internal antennas. Or increase your budget a bit and you can get a 2 pack for $231. Why get a 2 pack? If you have a larger multi level home, 2 pack mesh will help with coverage. Mesh isn't perfect but if you don't want to run ethernet it's a good quick fix. 1 pack, [https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Tri-Band-XT8-Life-time-Security/dp/B08BXC3943/](https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Tri-Band-XT8-Life-time-Security/dp/B08BXC3943/) 2 pack, [www.amazon.com/ASUS-ZenWiFi-AX-Whole-Home-Tri-Band/dp/B083Q45V1V/](http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-ZenWiFi-AX-Whole-Home-Tri-Band/dp/B083Q45V1V/) If you want to spend less, ASUS RT-AX1800S. $69.99. Comparable range to your old Netgear, also WiFi 6. [https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-AX1800-Router-RT-AX1800S-Subscription-Free/dp/B09M9477NS/](https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-AX1800-Router-RT-AX1800S-Subscription-Free/dp/B09M9477NS/) If you want to upgrade to WiFi 7, in your price range of under $200 there are some good dual-band options. ASUS RT-BE58U, $126. [https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-RT-BE58U-Extendable-Detection-Commercial-Grade/dp/B0DHWBS9G6/](https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-RT-BE58U-Extendable-Detection-Commercial-Grade/dp/B0DHWBS9G6/) Or an upgrade pick, ASUS RT-BE82U (has 2.5GB WAN and 2.5GB LAN ports), $194. [https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-RT-BE82U-Dual-Band-802-11be-Extendable/dp/B0D48GS6KB/](https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-RT-BE82U-Dual-Band-802-11be-Extendable/dp/B0D48GS6KB/) ASUS sells a tri-band WiFi 7 router, RT-BE92U, for around $220 but I can't recommend it as I have heard mixed reviews about it (connection drops, issues with reliability, etc.). Good luck with your choice.
A mid-range ASUS router or GL.iNET Flint 2 (if you are OK with the manufacturer being in Hong Kong/China). Mid-range ASUS router examples: WiFi 6 - RT-AX55, RT-AX58U, TUF-AX3000. WiFi 7 - RT-BE55, RT-BE58U. Both of those are dual-band WiFi 7 (2.4ghz/5ghz). If you want tri-band WiFi 7 you'll need to look elsewhere for entry-level, as ASUS is too expensive in that product segment.
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