Best router out there currently

best is a really unrefined term when it comes to this topic.

What is the best? Is it the most simple? Is it the most capable? Is it the most reliable? Is it the fastest? Is it the most feature packed? They all have different answers.

If you want to get into true top end stuff like prosumer gear, definitely take a look at Mikrotik. Otherwise, Ubiquiti/Unifi and TP-Link Omada gear are pretty solid at the prosumer level.

If you just want KISS (keep it simple stupid) TP-Link Deco systems are super simple.

It really depends on your devices, what WiFI version are they on. It does no good to have the latest expensive WiFi 7 router if none of your devices are compatible and by the time you replace all of the devices down the line there will be a new standard and the prices will have gone down.

Also, with modern mesh routers there is less need for wired cable unless you are doing something specific. We have an Amplifi Alien mesh setup and can multiple stream 100GB 4K movie remuxs with no problem. They are even on a wireless backbone since there was no need for wired. They just work and are simple as can be to setup, not really any information to post. The setup is basically pick location, plug in and configure with an app. The App will let you know if the mesh points are too close or too far apart. You can use Cat for the backbone if you prefer.

I guess it would depend on your particular home layout and construction, but I would definitely look at a quality mesh system before more CAT drops but that's just me.

Do wired to as many devices as you can. I didn't need mesh in a 5000 sq ft house, you just need to make sure your router is in the right place (we used to call that a site survey.) I moved from an R7800 (I think) to a TP-Link AX6000, and am happy with it. I think my previous router to the R7800 was an R6900P, but I don't recall.

Do the Ethernet drops, particularly to your main entertainment center, the playroom, office, etc. People overestimate how much it costs to have a cable monkey fish Cat5/6 through an interior wall, vs. how much it saves them in frustration later with connectivity.

Given your username, Dong Knows Tech may be an appropriate place to look for a product. Even in the same brand, there are so many product lines that do or do not operate with each other it's maddening. I think Netgear had three different iOS apps for router management the last time I set up a system for a neighbor.

Back to the Site Survey (Aironet Certified Wireless Engineer in the house), you may be able to figure our your current positioning problem with devices/router using "Fing," or something similar (Fing used to be free, but doesn't appear to be anymore.) Apps like that can tell you your signal loss in particular locations, and even moving something (router or endpoint) a few feet may make a significant difference.

Chain link fences and plaster/lathe seemed to be hell for at least 802.11b transmissions. Your fireplace is probably metal, not masonry, unless your house is old, and if you have your router next to the fireplace/chimney (where most entertainment centers seem to go,) you have a bunch of metal creating an impediment to WiFi transmission to locations in your home.

Mesh can be expensive. But, you can also use certain routers from the same brand to create a mesh, without spending consumer prices on a cute kit. With TP Link, for instance, you can go with the Omada line, which is business focused. Or you can "mesh" some Archer routers with each other. Or you can pay a premium to do it Costco style and go with the Deco line.

Are the switches in your office and living room really hurting anything? I had a 24 port in my wiring closet, but still had a switch in the living room area for the Sonos bridge, Xbox, Roku, etc. The reason I bring this up is that I think you can only stick 6? RJ45 jacks in a single gang wall plate. You could run multi gig between the homerun and the living room and stick a cheap switch in the entertainment center.

If I was in the market right now, I'd probably get a Synology RT6600ax router. Then add a cheaper access point like a Synology WRX560 (if I needed more coverage.)

The base performance of the RT6600ax is probably enough for most homes.

RT6600ax

We have 3 Deco's and love them.
We have a ranch style home with the base in the middle office and a satellite at each in the house, one in the living room and one back in the master bedroom.