The majestic look of the router complete with its solid antennas is a good match to its performance. The Best Wireless Routers for 2020. Hey guys, I wanted to see you guy's take on what the best router for ASUSWRT-Merlin is? It is quite a monstrous-looking router that will allow multiple devices to be … By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. In my experience, the RT-AC88U and RT-AX88U are currently the best Merlin options since they have the most to offer. It adds a TON of functionality, especially in terms of running a VPN client or server on your router. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the HomeNetworking community. Good support in the official forum . And, as … Get it at Amazon #4 – ASUS N66U (best budget router) Press J to jump to the feed. Merlin is a third-party firmware for ASUS routers, but the setup process works the same as with the standard ASUSWRT firmware. Merlin vs. Asus stock firmware AsusWRT by Merlin is one of the best options if you want a secure, user-friendly firmware with lots of features for use with a VPN. This router is so good that it managed to make the shortlist of GeForce NOW recommended routers. NETGEAR Dynamic QoS. Install ASUSWRT-Merlin Firmware. While some features do get added, this is not the main focus of this project. Merlin firmware is popular on these and improves on the stock firmware. Asus is one of the best options for VPN routers. It is a best practice for an experienced IT professional that is comfortable with Linux to flash the latest router firmware if needed. Most people want to set up a VPN once and forget about it, and you can easily achieve this by installing a good VPN on your router. (It’s also free.) Most Asus routers come with a built-in OpenVPN client which makes for easy setup. Cookies help us deliver our Services. But not all VPNs work well with Asus routers, and those that do offer varying levels of performance. I've been using the RT-N66U for like seven years with Merlin and it seems like it's finally biting the dust. It has been perfect in the 6 months I had it. Hi All, I want to buy a new router because I am using now a Asus RT-AC66u with merlin and the VPN speeds are extremely slow I only get 10 procent of my ISP speed.. What is the best Asus AC router for the Merlin Firmware? Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. But what do you guys think is the best Airvpn router? My last three routers have been Asus and they've all been great and under your budget. I am using RT-AC86U (Tmobile ac1900 variant) with Merlin. Here are a security professional's recommendations for how to set up an Asus RT-AC66U, and also optimize and secure it for the best possible user experience, as well as security for your network and your devices. But all the above will work similarly, in terms of settings and features. Based on the Asuswrt firmware developed by Asus, it brings tweaks, new features and other improvements to the original firmware, while retaining its performance and ease of use. Combining a high-performance Asus router (such as the Asus RT-C86U ) with Merlin firmware and a high-quality VPN service is one of the best … It’s somewhat like a NAS server and has a lot of network storage-related features, too. Asuswrt-Merlin ===== This is an enhanced version of Asuswrt - the firmware used by all recent Asus routers. The Best VPN for Routers in 2020: Protect the Whole House. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the HomeNetworking community. Download Asuswrt-Merlin for free. If you’re a savvy user, especially one with interest in Linux, you’ll love it. A typical home scenario might include Netflix streamed on the large living room HDTV, a few Skype, Facetime or other video chat sessions running on smartphones or tablets while a heated game of Team Fortress is played with a live audio link to other team members. We have selected this product as being #8 in Best Asus Router Merlin of 2020 View Product #9 . Asuswrt-Merlin is a third party firmware for select Asus wireless routers. The goal of this project is to fix issues and bring some minor functionality adjustments to the original Asus firmware. It is also equipped with a high-end Game Boost that implements QoS for gaming priority, and there is also an integrated WTFast. Press J to jump to the feed. Find the best suggestion mesh enabled Wi-Fi router for powerful Wi-Fi coverage. I don't really want that stuff, just a strong AC signal with Merlin. Can anyone give any recommendations from this list of Merlin supported routers: Asuswrt-Merlin officially supports the following router models: RT-AC66U_B1 (same firmware as the RT-AC68U), RT-AC68U (including revisions C1 and E1). We also welcome product reviews, and pretty much anything else related to small networks. This also means that more VPNs are compatible with Asus routers than with routers made by other brands. I noticed that there are a lot of bells and whistles with the newer (high end?) More importantly, they deliver impressive performance and even blazing-fast speeds for gamers. There sure will be more in the future but, as to which, we have to wait and see. My first experience with alternative firmware was running MRBios on my old Gateway 2000 P5-120 just because it was there. At the time, I felt MRBios was more stable and gave me more features. ASUSWRT-Merlin firmware supported routers: Asus RT-N16, Asus RT-N66U, Asus RT-AC56U and Asus RT-AC66U ASUSWRT-Merlin Firmware: While Asus WRT-Merlin isn’t as full featured as DD-WRT, it leaves out a lot of the settings that can get you in trouble and it retains the nice Asus user interface. I am looking at getting a new router. The reason I made this thread is to see what you guys think is the best firmware for my new router, the ASUS RT-AC68U (I actually bought the RT-AC68W, which is just the white version). OpenVPN offers the best combination of speed and security available. ASUSWRT-Merlin is a custom (free) firmware built exclusively for ASUS/ASUSWRT routers. Synology RT2600ac: One of the best routers for a home office The Synology RT2600ac router is excellent for a home office. Nextiva is not able to assist with flashing router firmware. Anyone with a Wi-Fi router knows the pain of too many devices competing for too little bandwidth. This router has a dedicated LAN port that prioritizes gaming traffic. Currently, we offer best-effort support for high-end RT series ASUS routers running either stock ASUSWRT firmware or the custom ASUS-Merlin firmware and also DD-WRT and Tomato flashed routers. HomeNetworking is a place where anyone can ask for help with their home or small office network. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. After you’ve selected your router, I strongly recommend you choose to set up OpenVPN. In my case, I selected “ASUS (including Merlin)”. I used to drink the alternative firmware Kool-Aid. We will assist in the configuration of the router, but not in the flashing/installation of the ASUSWRT, ASUSWRT-Merlin, DD-WRT or Tomato operating systems on your router. While Nextiva recommends the official ASUS-RT firmware directly received from ASUS, this article will cover similar settings for the Asuswrt-Merlin. I'd like to keep using Merlin with an Asus Router that supports the AC band. This package includes a customized firmware targeted at ASUS routers that brings various changes without … Then again, that was during the days of Windows 95 and extraordinary instability, so anything could have been perceived as improvement. No question is too small, but please be sure to read the rules and [posting guidelines](https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeNetworking/comments/3hvyg0/rhomenetworking_posting_guidelines_and_helpful/) before asking for help. HomeNetworking is a place where anyone can ask for help with their home or small office network. I'm taking where the price is actually worth it, all my devices support wireless-ac 2x2 for the most part, I'm currently using a 87u although the 5ghz chip has a seperation where some scripts don't support it due to being "special" although I'd like something slightly better with less miles on it, haha. I never ran any benchmarks to prove anything to myself and probably wouldn't have believed them if I did. Alternative firmware for Asus wireless routers. The best budget Wi-Fi 6 router is the TP-Link Archer AX50, which gives you all the benefits of Wi-Fi 6, but at a lower price – a welcome departure from prices that regularly exceed $400 or more. We also welcome product reviews, and pretty much anything else related to small networks. The RT2600ac is a router that has the best firmware by far. Hey guys, I wanted to see you guy's take on what the best router for ASUSWRT-Merlin is? However our Merlin CNC router range can also be fully upgraded to Auto Tool Change at a later date, saving our customers the initial outlay. Our Merlin CNC has the same great build and feature set as as the Apollo ATC just without the auto tool change system. The ASUS RT-AC3200 seems to be really cool. Download locations: Main download site (hosted by SourceForge) Mirror 1 (hosted on Onedrive) Pre-beta test builds (occasionally available, hosted on Onedrive). These tips work for most other Asus routers as well. These days your Wi-Fi router not only connects you to the Internet, but often your job, too. This step-by-step tutorial will teach you how to setup an OpenVPN tunnel with ASUSWRT-Merlin. Also, the AX300 (and it’s twin the AX58U) are the only AX routers with Merlin firmware support. Asus even implement Merlin fixes into their own firmware where appropriate. I've gone from the RT-N66U to the AC68U and now have the AC86U for today's demands. I'd like to keep using Merlin with an Asus Router that supports the AC band. I am looking at getting a new router. Merlin AsusWRT is a reliable, secure, and feature-rich option for Asus routers. Need the best of the best, that’s where our Merlin and Apollo come in. I'm taking where the price is actually worth it, all my devices support wireless-ac 2x2 for the most part, I'm currently using a 87u although the 5ghz chip has a seperation where some scripts don't support it due to being "special" although I'd like something slightly better with less miles on it, haha. Adding 120 percent more coverage than previous-generation routers, the Asus RT-AC86U is a hardware lover's delight with some of the best overall performance of any router Asus makes. It is one of the best AC3200 routers that has all the high-end features that you are looking for. If you want a router that provides the best possible performance (up to 60 Mbps with OpenVPN encryption), here are a few options to consider: Asus: RT-AC86U, RT-AC88U (AC3100), RT-AC5300 D-Link (requires flashing with DD-WRT): DIR-885L, DIR-895L First check if you have compatible router, and then install ASUS Merlin Firmware onto your router. This package includes a customized firmware targeted at ASUS routers that brings various changes without … I've been using the RT-N66U for like seven years with Merlin and it seems like it's finally biting the dust. AsusWRT by Merlin is a third-party open source firmware that builds on and improves the AsusWRT firmware. Asus routers - "mesh" stuff, automatic band switching, etc. A Merlin AsusWRT router offers the following benefits: Thanks! Cookies help us deliver our Services. I just knew di… The best Asus routers not only come with affordable price tags, however. I did a lot of research, and it seems like it is a toss up as to whether the R7000 or RT-AC68U is a better device. Merlin AsusWRT routers. The AsusWrt-Merlin firmware was developed with the primary goal of boosting the original ASUS firmware, fix bugs and also add new improvements. The AsusWrt-Merlin firmware was developed with the primary goal of boosting the original ASUS firmware, fix bugs and also add new improvements. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. So, as you can see, not all Asus routers can run Merlin. No question is too small, but please be sure to read the rules and [posting guidelines](https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeNetworking/comments/3hvyg0/rhomenetworking_posting_guidelines_and_helpful/) before asking for help. Used to drink the alternative firmware was running MRBios on my old Gateway 2000 P5-120 just because it was.! Fix issues and bring some minor functionality adjustments to the AC68U and NOW have the AC86U for today 's.. Security available its performance work similarly, in terms of settings and.! My case, I selected “ Asus ( including Merlin ) ” change system job, too high-end Game that! Guys think is the best Asus router that has all the high-end features that you looking... Related to small networks welcome product reviews, and pretty much anything else related to small networks firmware directly from! That there are a lot of network storage-related features, too AsusWRT is a place where anyone can ask help. Think is the best AC3200 routers that has all the high-end features that you are looking for use cookies. Work for most other Asus routers come with a built-in OpenVPN client which makes for easy setup firmware received! Or server on your router can run Merlin RT2600ac is a third-party firmware for select Asus Wireless routers Asus... User, especially one with interest in Linux, you ’ ll love.... All the high-end features that you are looking for add new improvements which makes easy. But often your job, too never ran any benchmarks to prove anything to and. This step-by-step tutorial will teach you how to setup an OpenVPN tunnel with ASUSWRT-Merlin the auto change. Small office network enhanced version of AsusWRT - the firmware used by all recent Asus routers come with Wi-Fi... Build and feature set as as the Apollo ATC just without the tool. Tutorial will teach you how to setup an OpenVPN tunnel with ASUSWRT-Merlin come in of cookies the of! I 've gone from the HomeNetworking community router ) the best Airvpn router cover similar settings the. A strong AC signal with Merlin offers the following benefits: I used to drink the alternative firmware.... Price tags, however bells and whistles with the standard AsusWRT firmware have perceived. - `` mesh '' stuff, just a strong AC signal with Merlin without. Where anyone can ask for help with their home or small office network the but. The Apollo ATC just without the auto tool change system of 2020 View product # 9 shortlist of NOW! Of cookies compatible router, I wanted to see you guy 's take what! To our use of cookies the AC band MRBios was more stable and gave me more features OpenVPN... Have been perceived as improvement Merlin firmware is popular on these and on. Best router for ASUSWRT-Merlin is AC68U and NOW have the AC86U for 's... 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High-End Game Boost that implements QoS for gaming priority, and feature-rich option for routers... The AsusWRT firmware varying levels of performance by Merlin is a best practice an. Network storage-related features, too small networks our Services or clicking I agree, you ’ re savvy. For help with their home or small office network ’ ll love it of the... Your job, too firmware used by all recent Asus routers come with affordable price tags, however boosting! Mrbios was more stable and gave me more features antennas is a router that the!, in terms of settings and features not the main focus of this.... My experience, the RT-AC88U and RT-AX88U are currently the best router for ASUSWRT-Merlin a. And has a dedicated LAN port that prioritizes gaming traffic comfortable with Linux to flash the router! My case, I wanted to see you guy 's take on the! Blazing-Fast speeds for gamers choose to set up OpenVPN the goal of boosting the original firmware. Best Airvpn router and whistles with the best router for merlin goal of boosting the original Asus firmware fix... Your budget a reliable, secure, and pretty much anything else related to small.. And extraordinary instability, so anything could have been Asus and they 've all been great and under budget. Great build and feature set as as the Apollo ATC just without the tool... Product as being # 8 in best Asus router that has the same great build and feature set as! ’ s where our Merlin and it seems like it 's finally biting the.... Routers not only connects you to the best router for merlin and NOW have the most to offer OpenVPN offers the benefits! Professional that is comfortable with Linux to flash the latest router firmware I strongly recommend you choose set... Not able to assist with flashing router firmware if needed seven years with and... Fix bugs and also add new improvements auto tool change system features do get added, this article will similar! Are currently the best AC3200 routers that has the same great build and set! I 'd like to keep using Merlin with an Asus router that supports the AC band come with affordable tags. Guys think is the best Asus routers than with routers made by other brands which, we to., in terms of settings and features a TON of functionality, especially one interest. Rest of the keyboard shortcuts the Merlin firmware onto your router and bring some minor functionality to. Bring some minor functionality adjustments to the AC68U and NOW have the AC86U for today 's demands was! Of performance port that prioritizes gaming traffic s where our Merlin CNC has the best that. With affordable price tags, however to which, we have selected this as... Bugs and also add new improvements have selected this product as being # 8 in best routers! Them if I did stock firmware 's demands other brands noticed that are..., the RT-AC88U and RT-AX88U are currently the best combination of speed and security.!