new Wifi router recommendations for good range?

[albireo13]

I have an Apple AirPort Extreme base station router which we've been using for years now (8+).   It has been very stable but, coverage in my house could be better.
We pay for 150MBPS service through Comcast but, the best I've been able to measure is 70MBPS standing 5 ft away.
This drops considerably in the upstairs bedrooms.  Now, my wife would like to use her laptop in the basement, on her bike trainer. 

In general, I'm looking for better coverage, and up the speed a bit.  Our house is 2 story, about 2200sq-ft.  Not huge but, enough walls to create some issues I think.

I go back and forth between a higher range base router (like Netgear R7000P) or try a mesh system like the Eero or Amplifi-HD system.   These are pricier though but, I'd be guaranteed excellent coverage.

Any recommendations or good success stories?

[CoffeeR]

I recently purchased the ASUS RT-AC66U B1 for a family member who had similar needs. The "B1" is important. You can find this router for < $95. There was a recent thread on this issue, check it out for more info:

https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/recommended-router/

[pecunia]

Belkin sells boosters to help you cover your house.  It could save money since you already have functional equipment.

[AccidentialMustache]

2700sf, 2 floors plus basement and garage and wood shop on the back of the garage. Ubiquity UniFi AC Lite covers the whole thing -- but it is super centrally located, so it has an easier job than it may in other houses depending on layout.

I also have an EdgeRouter Lite from them as well. That I'm mixed on. Its great... but I'm on a second one (warranty) because the first released the magic smoke.


Note: I am highly technical, so their gear being linux-based with command lines is a plus not a minus for me.

[albireo13]

does Ubiquiti offer any Wifi routers, besides the Amplifi??
I see the EdgeRouter but the rest are access points it seems.

Maybe I just get Unifi AP and cable that to my Apple router.  Would that work?

[katsiki]

I have had bad luck with Belkin in years past... Maybe they have improved.

I have had a TP-link AC1200 for about 6 months.  Much better coverage than my old Linksys.

Ubiquiti has a bit of a learning curve.

[jpvt128]

I went through the router buying process two weeks ago and went with Google Wifi. It is fantastic and it dramatically increased my performance- from never testing higher than 9mbs all the way to 70+ mbps. I replaced an old Linksys router. Google Wfi was more money than I was hoping to spend, but it appears to be worth it.