Non IT person here trying to buy router/ Access point for lag free gaming.

Before you ask, no it’s not possible to hardwire (I do hardwire my PC) but now I mostly game on laptop and wire connection is not possible every time.

Network Speed: 500 Mbps UP and Down

Space: 1600 Sq ft studio apartment

I was planning to buy Asus ROG router but a friend who is in IT said those are overprized crap and insisted on I should get a Ubiquiti U6+ or Aruba Instant ON AP22 with TP-Link POE+ switch and NanoPi 4s for router. Since these will last me quite a long time 4-5 years or more with proper security updates.

They do fit in my budget (~$500) but I’m kinda overwhelmed with router. What benefit does router with openwrt will provide a normal home user like me other than being opensource and more trustworthy? Can’t I just use device like ASUS RT-AX86U Pro and use it just for routing, since Asus is known to support their router well.