Help Choose R7000 or RT-AC68U

[Fester1]

I need a new wireless router and I'm having the hardest time deciding between the R7000 and RT-AC68U. If I understand correctly, they now both have the same hardware. Also, it seems that quite a few people install 3rd party firmware. Honestly, I get kind of confused when I start reading about 3rd party firmware.

With the R7000, I suppose I would install CFE bootloader from Vortex and Asus Merlin firmware.

With the RT-AC68U I really don't know. I've done far more research into the R7000.

I really could use some advice because reading recent reviews on both these routers on Amazon makes my head spin. At the moment, small builder website is down for me, so I can't get too much information there.

I have to buy it from Office Depot (have a gift card & they'll price match) so I think I'll get the 2 year warranty for whichever device I purchase (they only have a 14 day return policy if I read it correctly).

 

[Ichinisan]

I just acquired an Asus RT-AC68U (well, the T-Mobile "Cellspot" version). Haven't used it yet aside from tinkering with the firmware (and it's still not on retail Asus RT-AC68U firmware yet). It's a really nice piece of hardware though!

It's got a 19v power supply and it's pretty heavy, so there seems to be some substantial hardware inside. It looks so similar to the Netgear R7000, I wouldn't be surprised if they use the same chipset and other hardware. If so, I'd give the edge to the Asus because it stands up and has a smaller footprint. A cursory glance through the web interface of the Asus and it seems to be absolutely loaded with impressive features and options. It could even access WAN through a USB mobile device.

I'm not sure if the Netgear has all this, but the Asus has a power on/off switch, WiFi on/off switch, and even a switch to turn the LEDs on/off. That seems to cover all the little sticking points that so many people are looking for. However, I don't see any option for wall mounting.

 

[smitbret]

I need a new wireless router and I'm having the hardest time deciding between the R7000 and RT-AC68U. If I understand correctly, they now both have the same hardware. Also, it seems that quite a few people install 3rd party firmware. Honestly, I get kind of confused when I start reading about 3rd party firmware.

With the R7000, I suppose I would install CFE bootloader from Vortex and Asus Merlin firmware.

With the RT-AC68U I really don't know. I've done far more research into the R7000.

I really could use some advice because reading recent reviews on both these routers on Amazon makes my head spin. At the moment, small builder website is down for me, so I can't get too much information there.

I have to buy it from Office Depot (have a gift card & they'll price match) so I think I'll get the 2 year warranty for whichever device I purchase (they only have a 14 day return policy if I read it correctly).

Wait, you can use the AsusWRT-Merlin firmware on the R7000?

I was gonna say the Asus just for that reason but if the firmware is the same I would go R7000.

 

[Fester1]

I just acquired an Asus RT-AC68U (well, the T-Mobile "Cellspot" version). Haven't used it yet aside from tinkering with the firmware (and it's still not on retail Asus RT-AC68U firmware yet). It's a really nice piece of hardware though!

It's got a 19v power supply and it's pretty heavy, so there seems to be some substantial hardware inside. It looks so similar to the Netgear R7000, I wouldn't be surprised if they use the same chipset and other hardware. If so, I'd give the edge to the Asus because it stands up and has a smaller footprint. A cursory glance through the web interface of the Asus and it seems to be absolutely loaded with impressive features and options. It could even access WAN through a USB mobile device.

I'm not sure if the Netgear has all this, but the Asus has a power on/off switch, WiFi on/off switch, and even a switch to turn the LEDs on/off. That seems to cover all the little sticking points that so many people are looking for. However, I don't see any option for wall mounting.

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to buy the AC68U on Tuesday.