HACKER Q&A
📣 alixanderwang

Router recommendation to replace Ubiquiti?


I've combed the recent threads and there has been some comment threads where recommendations are made, but thought I'd cast a wider net as I'm sure there are many of us asking the same question.


  👤 seattle_spring Accepted Answer ✓
It depends on your needs. I setup a Ubiquiti system at the recommendation of all sorts of online guides for a 1200 sq ft residential setup and completely regret it. It was an expensive, complicated, ugly mess that provided no tangible benefits for my use-case. If I hadn't sunk several hundred dollars into the equipment I would just switch to a basic Linksys router, which has always worked fine for me in the past.

👤 runjake
Eero, if you want virtually no setup troubles along with no control and no insight into your traffic (the flashy traffic screenshots in the app are USELESS).

Otherwise, you're looking at Microtik/pfsense/opnsense.


👤 throwaway189262
I run OpenWrt on various "trash" routers from old x86 machines to $30 new cheapo AP's. It's never left me wanting.

And SQM CAKE with IP based flows enabled is the best load balancing you will find anywhere. I've used it to make 5mbit DSL links usable for a whole office. It's magic.

The automation side is lacking, but it has SSH so you can get anything done with bash scripts and elbow grease.

Only time I might not use it is a huge installation where full automation isn't optional.


👤 geoah
Some more requirements might be useful. What is your current usecase and what are the issues you have with ubiquity?

👤 cpach
I use Eero. It’s rock solid. Takes about three minutes to set up.

Opnsense might also be an interesting alternative.


👤 wikibob
Eero without question is BY FAR the winner the last few years.

It just works. Perfectly. Spend your fiddling time on something else, there’s no need to goof with home networking in 2021.