Which Router?
 

Currently own a Linksys E4200 which appears to be dying as it's been dropping my connection frequently recently. Looking for a good router that's <$150.

1. Router must be able to run DD-WRT/Tomato
2. Is AC necessary? I know it provides better speed, but does it have better coverage?
3. My E4200 was refurbished from NCIX, is it worth to buy another refurbushed? My Linksys WRT54GL lasted 5-6 years, 3 years (I think) seem kinda disappointing.

Looking at the TP-Link Archer C7, seems like a pretty popular router these days. Any other suggestions?

Router Chooser - SmallNetBuilder

refurb up to you...personally i would only buy refurb'd asus and d-link/linksys/netgear routers i would buy new

I pretty much exclusively use Linksys and Cisco network devices. For AC, you actually get less range. It's one of those nice-to-have features right now as many wireless devices do not come natively with AC support. I've used refurbished devices before, and I have to say, they are about 50% failure rate within a couple of months. If your budget allows, buy new where ever you can.

Ive always had bad luck with dlink.. right now, Im using Trendnet Powerline upstairs and a wireless trendnet powerline downstairs, all connected to my shaw modem... so its my go to brand for now...

If you can swing it, the Nighthawk. It's an amazing router with crazy range and speed.

Netgear Nighthawk AC1900(R7000) Smart WiFi Dual Band 600+1300MBPS Gigabit Wireless Router - R7000-100PAS