Unifi Router Buyer's Guide in 2021
If you use Unifi at your home, you are probably not so happy with the speed and stability of the WiFi network. That’s because TM is still a business and they cannot give an expensive router while remain profitable. But, luckily, TM doesn’t stop you from buying your own router.
While the router provided by TM isn’t too bad, they have slower CPU and weaker WiFi coverage. This means they aren’t very good if you stay in a bigger home or if you have more WiFi devices at home. Thus, in this article, I will show you some WiFi routers that I’ve tested that will recommend for you to upgrade your home WiFi router.
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⚠️ This guide is only intended for Unifi Fibre users!
Table of Contents
Unifi Fibre Equipment Overview
All Unifi Fibre installation come with 2 devices which is the fibre modem and WiFi router. The Fibre modem comes with lifetime warranty from TM and it is non-user replaceable. But, don’t worry as the WiFi router rarely breaks down and it performs well. What we will be focussing is the WiFi router part which will impact all your home networking performance.
Unifi Router Brands
Once you purchased the new router, please request your Unifi login ID and Password from TM. You will need them when configuring your new router. Once you got everything ready, remove your old wireless router and connect the new router to the ONU. You have to reconfigure your new wireless router. The process depends on the brand of the router but generally, you just need to insert the PPPOE ID and password and select the Unifi profile on the router.
TP-Link Unifi Router
TP-Link routers are fully compatible with Unifi. TP-Link offers really good value for money as their routers are usually cheaper while delivering the same level of performance compared to their competitors. They offer a 3 years warranty on all their networking products.
You can refer to my guide on how to setup TP-Link Unifi router here.
Model WiFi Specification Suggested Plan Beamforming MU-MIMO Maximum NAT speed Retail Price Archer C5400X Gaming AC5400 800Mbps ✔ ✔ 941Mbps RM1499 Archer C5400 AC5400 800Mbps ✔ ✔ 941Mbps RM949 Archer C4000 AC4000 800Mbps ✔ ✔ 941Mbps RM999 Archer C3150 AC3150 800Mbps ✔ ✔ 941Mbps RM799 Archer C2300 AC2300 800Mbps ✔ ✔ 941Mbps RM639 Deco M9 Plus Mesh AC2200 500Mbps ✔ ✔ 800Mbps RM999 Archer A10 AC2600 800Mbps ✔ ✔ 941Mbps RM639 Archer A9 AC1900 500Mbps ✔ ✔ 941Mbps RM439 Archer C9 AC1900 500Mbps ✔ – 941Mbps RM469 Deco M5 Mesh AC1300 500Mbps ✔ ✔ 800Mbps RM439 Deco M4 Mesh AC1200 300Mbps ✔ ✔ 800Mbps RM399 Archer C7/ A7 AC1750 500Mbps – – 800Mbps RM312 Archer C6/ A6 AC1200 300Mbps ✔ ✔ 941Mbps RM209 Archer C1200 AC1200 300Mbps – – TBD RM279
Do note that HyppTV do not work on their Deco mesh series of products but Internet is working properly.
Asus Unifi Router
Asus is another well known brand in the wireless router industry. They are slightly more expensive but they have really solid performance and the AsusWRT firmware offers the most comprehensive set of features. Asus also pioneer their AiMesh technology which allows you to use several compatible Asus routers to form a high performance mesh network. Asus routers come with 3 years of warranty in Malaysia.
You can refer to my guide on how to setup Asus Unifi router here.
Model WiFi Specs Suggested Plan AiMesh BF MU-MIMO Maximum Internet Speed Price Range RT-AX88U AX6000 800Mbps ✔ ✔ ✔ 941Mbps Unreleased Asus ROG Rapture GT-AC5300 Gaming AC5300 800Mbps ✔ ✔ ✔ 941Mbps RM2489 RT-AC5300 AC5300 800Mbps ✔ ✔ ✔ 941Mbps RM2209 RT-AC88U AC3100 800Mbps ✔ ✔ ✔ 941Mbps RM1809 Asus Blue Cave AC2600 800Mbps ✔ ✔ ✔ 941Mbps RM1099 RT-AC68U AC1900 500Mbps ✔ ✔ – 850Mbps RM1039 Lyra Trio Mesh AC1750 500Mbps ✔ ✔ ✔ 850Mbps RM1579 Lyra Mesh AC2200 500Mbps ✔ ✔ ✔ 850Mbps RM999 RT-AC66U B1 AC1750 300Mbps ✔ ✔ – 941Mbps RM859 RT-AC1300UHP AC1300 300Mbps ✔ ✔ ~500Mbps RM569 RT-AC58U AC1300 300Mbps ✔ ✔ ~500Mbps RM479 RT-AC1200G+ AC1200 100Mbps – – ~400Mbps RM449
D-Link Unifi Router
You probably heard of D-Link before as they are one of the oldest brand selling networking gear in Malaysia. They also produce some really great networking equipment. New D-Link routers are fully compatible with Unifi. They are also rather affordable while delivering good performance.
You can refer to my guide on how to setup D-Link Unifi router here.
Model WiFi Specification Beamforming MU-MIMO Ethernet Port Price DIR-895L AC5300 ✔ ✔ 4 x Gigabit RM1599 DIR-882 AC2600 ✔ ✔ 4 x Gigabit RM698 DIR-878 AC1900 ✔ ✔ 4 x Gigabit RM518 DIR-867 AC1750 ✔ ✔ 4 x Gigabit RM399 DIR-868L AC1750 ✔ – 4 x Gigabit – DIR-842 AC1200 ✔ ✔ 4 x Gigabit RM289
Other Brands (Tenda, Netgear and etc)
There are also other brands in the market and most if not all Enterprise level gear can be configured to support Unifi. But, we do not include them in this list as they may be harder to configure for most users.
Netgear is known for requiring manual setup of VLAN for it to work with Unifi.
Hi Alvyn,
What do u reckon about tp-link Archer C2300? especially on wifi speed, coverage and signal strength? Thanks.
Yes, I like that model for the great value for money.
Hi Alvyn
I have been upgraded to 500mbps turbo update from TM Unifi
The original router I have is D-Link DIR-842 AC1200. I have few questions:
1. The website https://www.dlink.com.my/product/ac1200-mu-mimo-wi-fi-gigabit-router/ says that the router can support up to 300Mbps on 2.4GHz but I can only get 100+Mbps. Is this real-life experience or router issue?
2. I’m considering to upgrade. I’ve narrow down to Asus RT-AC1300UHP, TP-Link AC1750 and D-Link AC1900. Which would you recommend? Is there other better options within this price range?
2.4Ghz is overcrowded with devices which limit the maximum capable speed.
Hi Alvyn,
After the speed upgraded to 500mbps, the router and modem must be changed? As I couldn’t find the specification stated whats the signal rate for the current hardware I’m using (which comes during installation – Innacomm RGX4400)
TM is not providing free routers after the free upgrade so you have to buy your own. The modem can be the same.
I have get the 500mbps turbo update from TM Unifi, I’m now changing the router to Tends ac18 ac1900 but can’t assess the internet, is it any problems?
Contact your seller on how to configure the router for Unifi.
Just want to ask.. if my unifi upgrade to 500mbps.. the router, i must buy or free replace by TM.. bcoz, now i used old unifi router (old plan 30mbps) then free updgrade to 50mbps and now to 500mbps.. i only get around 300mbps..
Thanks..
TM is not providing free routers after the free upgrade so you have to buy your own.
Hi, I’m just notice my home unifi was upgrade to 500mbps, when speedtest in TM website using IPhone 8. Just got under 100mbps. Which router would you recommend for 500mbps unifi; in a double storey house for usual usage on laptop and mobile phones. Currently my home using TM unifi gave router. Haven’t change new router yet. Mi Router 3 is good to use?
Mi Router 3 is limited to 100Mbps due to the Fast Ethernet port. I recommend Archer AC1750.
Hi, if the current Unifi comes with built in ONU and Router, can we still purchase an additional router? my current wifi coverage is weak at my bedroom due to the wall. So was thinking to add a better router for better coverage. Which model would you recommend. Currently still on Unifi 30Mb pending for upgrade.
The current Unifi supplied ONU and router is Netis DL4480V.
Thanks.
You will need a VDSL router like TP-LINK VR400. But, by doing so you will lose VOIP Phone.
Hi Sir Alvin. My unifi got turbo-ed up to 300mbps yet my speedtest only reach maximum 120mbps. Using cat5e cable on tplink Archer C1200. When called 100 to ask about it, they teach me kindergarten stuff such as place router at better area, avoid electromagnetic near router and blablabla. What should i do?
Have you tried to enable NAT Boost in the router?
Hi, I have the same prob with Philip but my speedtest was only 97mbps with cat5e cable on tplink Archer C1200. However on my pc, wifi on 5g got me 170mbps. Do not know why cable came out slower.
And what is NAT Boost? How do I enable it? Thanks!!
Not able to find much info on this.
In that case, you need a better LAN cable. Older LAN cables are known to have slow connectivity issue.
Hi,
I’m planning to use Linksys router E8350 AC2400 Dual Band router. Would like to check:-
1) If it is compatible to Unifi?
2) Setup guide (Manual for Unifi)
3) Can it support Unifi turbo speed up to 400mbps?
Thank you.
Regards,
Andrew
I never tested Linksys router with Unifi.
Hi There,
I am using Asus RT1200G+ and on unifi 300Mbps package. I check the modem and the LAN port spec should support 10/100/1000. I test my wifi can reach 300mbps but on LAN cable (cat5e) only reach around 100mbps. Already tested with 4 other cable result the same. I just wonder is my router LAN port on 100mbps only ?
The C1200G+ comes with Gigabit Ethernet. Have you tried with another computer?
Hi Alvyn,
Im getting 500mbps upgrade and in the midst of getting my router replaced by TM.
They are offering me either TP-Link C5 V2 (not the previous version C5 V1.2) or D-Link DIR 842.
Which one do u recommend?
Thanks.
I suggest the C5, it should perform better.
Thanks for sharing information about unifi router .
Such a informative vlog in routers category .
Not everyone talking about Unifi routers so i am quiet excited and waiting for next blog.