this post was submitted on 31 Oct 2025
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And here I've been just avoiding TP Link garbage for over 2 decades because it's one of the shittiest brands around. I'd go with Belkin before TP Link. And Belkin also sucks.
Try mikrotik
One of the few companies that I still "fanboy" for. The functionality and value are unbeatable. You can get most of the features of a $10k Cisco router in a 80$ SoHo Mikrotik. POE in and POE out for cheap so your APs don't have dangling power adapters. It's also a Latvian company which to me is a plus over both American and Chinese options
Ditto. Also insanely configurable.
Or Gl.iNet
Or DIY feat. opnSense
I used Linksys for a while but went to TP Link to dip my toes into a mesh system. Any recommended alternatives that aren't Unifi? I'm not opposed to Unifi, they just tend to be the most expensive outside of looming at the used marketplace, which is sometimes hard to catch good deals.
Who makes good 5G routers? There don't seem to be that many options in the first place, could do with upgrading from my current TP-link MR-600.
Edit: Cell tower 5G, not Wi-Fi 5Ghz
OpenWRT
I've got an Asus that's pretty good still. Just prior to Wifi 6, but the newer variants should have it.
Jumping on here. The answer is indeed Asus.
I went through 2 TP-Link devices in as many years. Been using this Asus RT-AC86U for 7 years and counting now with no issues.
It's funny because I've had this one particular issue with two Asus routers that I manage for family...
They use this plunger power button design, you push the button in and it toggle locks in to place, the problem is that after a few years whatever mechanism retains the plunger fails and it always springs back and keep the device from staying on. So far the solution has been to cram a paper clip down the housing to hold it in. I just find comedy in having to apply that fix twice.
Idk. My Asus always overheats and just dies. My tplink has always been stable and gives me no issues whatsoever. I run two now as a mesh and works great even in the toilet.
I don't see any on their UK site, any models to look for?
Anything on the supported list on this site is well-liked by the community. Can't go wrong with any of them. I'm a fan of 86U family, though.
https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net/
And do any of those support 5G? I haven't even got as far as being concerned with software features yet.
5G as in cellular?
I use MikroTik with a USB CAT 20 modem.
Separate modem isn't a bad idea actually, could keep the current router then until replacing it at a later date. Very brief looking I can see some that have 4 antennas from either MicroTik or Teltonika. Current 4G router has 2 antennas and I have got some pretty large antennas to improve the signal, if you have 4 can you mix different antennas or better that they are all the same?
Might be costly though, they appear to be for more business use.
I use a Sierra Wireless EM9293 with a USB3 to M.2 Key B 4G 5G Modem Adapter Enclosure with SIM Card Slot - V7 from Wireless Haven.
Impressive kit and costs me about 300 in parts.
Works natively with my Mikrotik USB port.