[willystyle]

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?

[twitchyzero]

Router Chooser - SmallNetBuilder (http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/tools/router-chooser/chooser)

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

[Reeyal]

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.

[FerrariEnzo]

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...

[roastpuff]

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 (http://www.ncix.com/detail/netgear-nighthawk-ac1900-r7000-smart-wifi-79-91257-1338.htm)