Which Wireless Router should I get?

[Danknee]

If you are looking for value you can't beat a (any) router that is capable of being flashed with the free dd-wrt firmware. I have purchased three Linksys 160N routers, each for less than $30 shipped and have been using the first one I bought for over 3 years. Just be sure to get a version 1 or 3 160N as the version 2 cannot be flashed with dd-wrt. This particular router is an N/G/B capable router that looks great to boot.

The poor reviews of the 160n on Amazon have to do with the Linksys firmware, which is the first thing you replace when you get it. Flashing the dd-wrt firmware takes less than 5 minutes and could be completed by a second grader (super easy!). This dd-wrt enabled router's feature set is unmatched by consumer grade routers.

I prefer this router because of the price first and secondly because of the features and flexibility that dd-wrt gives you. You are able to increase the transmit rate and even set up a public pay-for wifi hotspot if you wanted. I bought several because I use one as my main and the others as bridges to stream HD video to PS3s around my house.

For those that recommend paying $180 for ease of setup.....I don't know what to say. To some people paying $150 more for an inferior product is acceptable as long as it automatically prompts you for a wifi password on first setup(I guess?). If you are using Win 7 be aware that it prompts you to setup passwords on any unsecured routers...so the ease of setup there is built into your OS. DD-WRT supports all modes of wifi encryption and I have connected to these routers with a multitude of devices without any issues.

[tony78201]

Originally Posted by mensaguy

Here's a D-Link DIR-601 with wireless N. Cheapest I've ever seen:

D-Link DIR-601 Wireless-N 150 Home Router - IEEE 802.11n, 4x 10/100 LAN Ports, 10/100 WAN Port, External Antenna at TigerDirect.com

thanks for the link, the price seemed too low for it to be any good..LOL but I did some research on it, and I've read mostly good reviews. I'm going to get it

[NHDave]

Originally Posted by gramirez2012

Apple's AirPort Express and AirPort Extreme routers, $99 and $179 respectively, are very easy to set up.

All home use routers are easy to set up, most home users don't need a $179 router, what features does it have that justifies that price?

[mensaguy]

Originally Posted by tony78201

thanks for the link, the price seemed too low for it to be any good..LOL but I did some research on it, and I've read mostly good reviews. I'm going to get it

I told you that because I have 2 of them myself and set up another one for my brother. I thought it was quite simple and straight forward to set up.
Cheap too. (Did I mention that I really like cheap?)