Looking for Router Recommendation
 

I’m not a techie but I can muddle through most simple computer and connection tasks. I’ve searched PCMagazine, CNet, Consumer reports etc and no two include the same top non mesh router recommendations. I’d prefer something something easy to install that I don’t have to control through my phone. My current router is an old NetGear which was super easy to install but is out of date. I don’t stream, but need a long range router so it will cover the entire house which has multiples of computers, tablets, printers, Alexa products. Any suggestions from you techies out there?

If you subscribe to Comcast, they have a list of approved modems and routers for their service.

In routers, you tend to get what you pay for.

I could write a long multi-paragraph reason as to why I'm qualified to offer this advice, but I'll leave it thus.

For home use, I recommend ASUS routers as the best single point routers going, but only on routers with price points over about $125. There are cheaper ones, they are usually decent, but coverage starts to lag, specially when they only have two antennas. Buy an AC1900 or better(AC2200, etc.). If you want to future proof a bit, an AX1800 or better is the latest tech which can help congestion in busy areas. All these routers do support AIMESH, but requires a bit of effort to make it work. I run two of them in a Mesh config at our one Villa simply because I wanted some Lan ports on the other side of the villa.

If you want to talk about Mesh, like the google offering, those are typically good and seamless, but I'm sure Google is getting a report as to exactly what you're browsing ;).

I know you said non-mesh, but a year ago I bought the eero 3-pack from Amazon for less than $200. Setup was simple and the past year I have had to do nothing except use it. Only iPhone interactions is when I give a new user the password and it asks me to confirm OK. Also, I can easily block previously authorized devices.

Using it up North in a house with stone and real stucco walls (wire mesh) and it works like a charm.

I resisted going to mesh too, but now that I have, I should have done it ages ago.

Again, setup was simple and since then it just runs. BTW-it also updates itself with intervention.

JMHO

Rent one from the cable company. After a month if you like it buy it elsewhere and return the other to cable company

I had coverage problems (stretched Gardenia), I was able to move the Comcast Modem/router to a new locationnear the center of the house, problem solved, coverage has been great since the move.

Router
 

I second the motion that ASUS routers are excellent routers. I have an ASUS RT-AC2900 and have been very satisfied with it the last 3 years.

I have a Gardenia home and the router is located in the den (which is in the corner of the home). This is absolutely the worst location for a WiFi router. But I have no problem to stream video in my living room, bedrooms or lanai. No WiFi extenders or repeaters required in my home.

I think mesh routers have started to mature … so I would consider them also … but for my usage, I am completely satisfied with my current single router setup.

I use this:

Amazon.com

Set it up high in an open room to get the most coverage. And it has a web interface.

Router Recommendation
 

Linksys Max-Stream AC1900 (EA7430) about $100.

Linksys Max-Stream AC1900 (EA7430) Wireless Router - Consumer Reports

I have Comcast in a three-bedroom Lantana house and purchased a Linksys CG7500 (2 yrs ago) router with two RE6200 extenders all set up with a push button. One extender is in the den and another in the garage. It has a 5 gig and a 2 gig channel with great download speeds. It supports a desktop, 2 laptops, 1 iPad, 2 iPhones, 4 TVs, Xfinity home security, and a garage door opener. Good luck!

if you have xfinity
 

use Netgear c7000 v2

if you need netgear c7000 v2 I have them available for $139.00

I went to Best Buy and bought the biggest and best Nighthawk router. We have a smart home and have WiFi on my lani, in my bird cage, the garage and even the yard. Great investment. It automatically upgrades software updates. Easy to install

Motorola MG7540
 

I purchased Motorola MC7540m 16x4 Cable Modem plus AC1600 router in November of 2020 and am very pleased. I use it in Florida with Comcast and in Michigan with Spectrum.

I have used a powerline adapter. The benefit is that it functionally turns your home electrical system into cat 5e ethernet cable. You plug the powerline adapter into your router or modem via an ethernet cable and then it plugs into a wall electrical outlet. Then you can plug in the extender into any other outlet in your home. The powerline extender I had gave you one ethernet connection and also acted as a wifi extender. We had really great connection for TV streaming via the ethernet cable and using the extender's wifi to run four ip cameras, a connected garage door opener and the Ring doorbell. I also occasionally ran several IoT electronic projects on that extender.

Google it. Keyword powerline adapter

_NW

Router Recommendation
 

We resisted going to Xfinity as long as we could but OTA doesn't work in our location and we were only interested in local channels. Decided to minimize cost for bandwidth and equipment that would still enable us to watch and record live tv using a pre-owned Tivo Bolt and also support streaming via Roku. Signed up with Xfinity for their minimum Internet and TV Bundle ignoring all of the advice that we needed megabytes of bandwidth. We purchased a relatively inexpensive Arris SBG10 modem/wi fi router that is rated up to 300 mbs and Xfinity is supplying 50 mbs (per on line speed check). We are using 4 computers, 2 Rokus, Amazon Echo, 2 Amazon Fire tablets, 2 Ipads, 2 smartphones, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and when grandkids are here multiple video game devices. This has been our configuration for over a year and a half with no problem (knock on wood).

Nothing wrong with netgear or linksys routers, the router that I didn't like as much was an ASUS, I did corporate networks over 30 years ago.
Wired networks are the best, and creating a network using multiple routers all connected with cat 5 or better is the best setup.
If you are buying a router today, I would go with 1 that has at least 802.11AC at a minimum and preferably 802.11AX and wifi 6. Have somebody terminate or pull cables from where your ISP router/modem is to areas in your house that lacks coverage or needs a network switch for equipment that needs network access and doesn't have wifi, and place a router in these locations, then setup a bridge network.
Or just buy 1 of the better mesh network packages with 2 or 3 devices.