The Wi-Fi router market has a wide selection of routers available, ranging from the high-end, premium models to classic fan favorites.
What you may not know is that you don’t have to settle for a low-quality router just because you’re on a budget.
In this guide, we have collected the best budget routers that offer great performance without breaking the bank. Whether you are a casual internet user or a hardcore gamer, there’s something for everyone. Let’s begin, without further ado.
TL;DR – The Best Budget Routers for 2023
· TP-Link Archer AX50: Quad-core processor delivers powerful performance. Wi-Fi 6 technology for excellent speeds. Advanced security features. Our top pick!
· Amazon Eero 6: TrueMesh technology. Automatic software updates and smart parental controls. Great value for money!
· Netgear R6700AX: Quad-core processor, MU-MIMO, and Beamforming. Gaming Traffic Prioritization. NETGEAR Armor Protection for secure gaming.
· Reyee RG-E5: The best budget-friendly option for long-range performance. Enjoy a seamless streaming and gaming experience anywhere.
· Linksys Max Stream MR7350: Intelligent Mesh and Wi-Fi 6 technology. High data transfer speed. Best Wi-Fi router for regular homes and offices.
· Google Nest Wi-Fi: Smart Mesh networking technology. Coverage up to 2,200 sq. ft. Excellent control over network settings. Supports 100+ devices.
· Asus RT-AC66U B1: ASUS brand. Lightning-fast connectivity. Excellent signal strength and coverage. Rock-solid security with ASUS AiProtection.
· Atlas 6 MX2001: Equipped with Wi-Fi 6 and intelligent Mesh technology. Lightning-fast wireless speeds up to 3.0 Gbps.
· TP-Link Archer AXE75: Best router to take advantage of Wi-Fi 6e on a budget. Enjoy speeds up to 5400 Mbps. Advanced security features.
How Do I Choose an Internet Router?
Consider the internet speed, the size and orientation of where you’ll position the router, and the number of barriers the signal has to pass through. Look for routers with fast processors and multiple antennas for better performance and good coverage.
Moreover, check the router’s compatibility with the latest wireless standards and ensure it has robust security features (such as WPA3 encryption) to keep unwanted visitors at bay.
Those are a few things you must look for when choosing an internet router. But if you’re main concern is a budget router, then keep the following factors in mind:
● The number of bands: Consider the number of bands a router supports. Single-band routers operate on a crowded 2.4GHz frequency, resulting in slower speeds. Dual-band gigabit routers are faster and more reliable as they also support 5GHz frequencies. Finally, Tri-band routers have an extra 5GHz band, ideal for heavy internet users.
● Speed: Look for routers with at least 300Mbps to ensure decent internet speeds. That’s more than enough. Unless you download large files regularly or have numerous internet devices at home, you don’t need ultra-fast routers—the cheap ones will do!
● Security: Encryption safeguards your network against hackers and intruders. Check if a Wi-Fi router supports WPA2 or WPA3 encryption to ensure high network security. Moreover, routers with firewalls, parental controls, and guest networks add an extra layer of protection.
● Range and Coverage: Routers with two antennas provide better coverage than single-antenna routers. A smart Wi-Fi router with signal amplifiers or beamforming technology can improve the overall range and coverage.
How We Picked the Best Budget Wi-Fi Routers
When looking for Wi-Fi routers, it’s easy to fall for marketing gimmicks and purchase a newer and overpriced model with all the bells and whistles.
But we’re on a mission to find the top routers under $100. So we took to the internet to find the best budget router. Reddit gave us some great insights regarding affordable, inexpensive wireless routers. Also, we contacted our tech-savvy friends to get their honest and objective feedback.
We spent hours researching and finally narrowed down our list to around a dozen for further testing. As part of our testing low-budget router protocol, we kept things thorough. Each router was placed in a room with walls, doors, and various obstacles between it and the testing device (a desktop or smartphone). The objective was to see how each product fared in different settings and scenarios.
To learn more about each router’s limitations, we also streamed 4K videos on multiple devices simultaneously. In a nutshell, we left no stone unturned.
The following are the nine best budget routers you can get in under $100 in 2023.
TP-Link Archer AX50 – The Best Budget Router in 2023 Overall
TP-Link Archer AX50 is our best and cheap router winner for 2023. Equipped with a powerful quad-core processor, the Archer AX50 can handle multiple devices simultaneously without sacrificing performance and speed.
Additionally, it comes with advanced security features that you usually don’t get in budget routers. For example, you get a built-in firewall and WPA3 to protect your connection from cyber threats. And if that’s not enough, it also supports Wi-Fi 6 technology, meaning faster internet speeds, a higher capacity, and overall improved performance.
Its ultra-low latency capabilities allow responsive gaming sessions. You can also enjoy video chatting without any jitters or lag. In addition, in-built parental controls enable users to block inappropriate content and restrict online hours.
The Archer AX50 is very easy to set up—you don’t need to be a networking guru to get it working. Its user-friendly interface lets you easily navigate and set up your router quickly.
We were happy (read: very happy!) with the test results as we enjoyed uninterrupted, seamless connectivity without any latency or speed loss. The Archer AX50 is also compatible with Amazon Alexa, and we were genuinely impressed with its responsiveness to voice commands.
We believe that the TP-Link Archer AX50 is the best budget router in 2023 to upgrade your network if you don’t want to break the bank but do want to break free from poor internet connectivity.
- Note: This item is UK spec and comes with a Type G power plug. A separate US universal adapter will be given so that you can use it in the US.
- Next-Gen 3 Gbps Speeds: Reach incredible speeds up to 3 Gbps (2402 Mbps on 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz band) for faster streaming and gaming like you have never experienced before.
- Connect More Devices: Simultaneously communicate more data to more devices using revolutionary OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology, letting you connect 40+ devices.
Amazon Eero 6 – The Best Budget Router Under $100
We found the Amazon Eero 6 the best budget router under $100 that, despite the price tag, is a high-performance device offering fast and reliable coverage for up to 1,500 sq. ft.
We were curious about how well the supposed advanced TrueMesh technology, considering the device was under a hundred bucks—special thanks to our friend, Matt, who sent us three Eero 6 devices. We thoroughly tested the mesh network system of each router across two floors, and it didn’t disappoint.
We streamed Netflix on our Smart TV, played YouTube on multiple smartphones, and streamed Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC—all in 4K—without interruption or lag. As advertised, it minimizes (read: eliminates) dead spots and buffering.
Since it’s part of the Amazon family, Eero 6 also supports Amazon Alexa, just like TP-Link Archer AX50 – but there’s more! The Eero 6 has a built-in Zigbee smart home hub, so you can connect compatible devices to your network without dishing out extra for separate smart home hubs.
With automatic software updates and smart parental controls, rest assured that your network always remains updated and protected. Again, for just a Benjamin, this one’s a steal!
- WHOLE-HOME WI-FI 6 COVERAGE - eero covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. with wifi and supports wifi speeds up to 900 Mbps.
- SAY GOODBYE TO DEAD SPOTS AND BUFFERING - Our TrueMesh technology intelligently routes traffic to reduce drop-offs so you can confidently stream 4K video, game, and video conference.
- MORE WIFI FOR MORE DEVICES - Wi-Fi 6 supports faster wifi than prior standards and permits 75+ connected devices.
Netgear R6700AX – The Best Budget Router for Gaming
The Netgear R6700AX secures its spot on this list as the best budget router for gamers. Powered by a powerful Quad-Core 1.5GHz processor and simultaneous dual-band Wi-Fi, the R6700AX prioritizes gaming traffic for smooth and seamless gameplay. But the considerable range turned out to be the ace up this router’s (hypothetical) sleeve!
Our good friend Ethan performed a signal strength test in his home. The idea was to push this device to its limits. To do that, he installed the router in the corner of the house, which was then able to deliver excellent connectivity to his PS5, which was located 45 feet away in a room, and that too with multiple walls and objects in between the router and the console, which is pretty darn impressive!
The Netgear R6700AX supports MU-MIMO and beamforming, allowing users to enjoy lightning-fast speeds and maximum coverage across gaming devices, be it PC, consoles, or smartphones. So whether you want to host LAN parties or play online in the most demanding environments, the R6700AX will ensure connectivity and speed.
The Netgear R6700AX also has NETGEAR Armor for solid protection across all connected devices. Powered by Bitdefender, it props up a powerful defense against hackers, ransomware, and brute-force attacks.
In a nutshell, Netgear R6700AX ticks all the boxes when it comes to the best budget router for gaming.
- Coverage up to 1,500 sq. ft. for 20 devices
- Fast AX1800 Gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencing
- Connects to your existing cable modem and replaces your WiFi router. Compatible with any internet service provider up to 1Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, and DSL
Reyee RG-E5 – The Best Budget Wi-Fi Router for Long Range
Sporting a striking silver and black finish, the Reyee RG-E5 is another budget-friendly Wi-Fi router on this list that delivers exceptional long-range performance. One purchase of the RG-E5 unlocks Wi-Fi coverage for up to 3,000 sq. ft., making it the perfect choice for large homes and outdoor spaces.
Equipped with advanced MIMO technology and 1024 QAM beamforming, it’s capable of emitting fast and stable Wi-Fi signals to every corner of your house.
But what stood out in the Reyee RG-E5 in our tests is its strong signal performance in wide ranges. In addition, like many other options in our list, the Reyee RG-E5 supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, providing faster speeds and greater capacity, as evident by its ability to provide a strong Wi-Fi 6 signal throughout the test phase.
So, if you want to enjoy seamless streaming, gaming, and internet surfing experiences across multiple devices throughout your home, the Reyee RG-E5 is a perfect choice.
A side note: you can also install the RG-E5 via the web console and the Reyee mobile app, available for Android and iOS (basic parental controls are included).
- An Unprecedented Wireless Experience with Wi-Fi 6: The AX3200 Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Router features a dual-band signal with a 5G transfer rate of 2400Mbps and a 2.4G transfer rate of 800Mbps, which reduces buffering and latency while allowing smooth roaming.It is not compatible to rout local DNS through Pi Hole.
- Better Signal: This Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Router includes eight omnidirectional antennas with 4+4 high-power FEM amplifiers. The wireless signal coverage can reach up to 2000 square feet when combined with beamforming filtering. The signal is stronger when it passes through one more wall than four antennas, and diverse room kinds are not afraid.
- Multi-user-friendly design: This Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Router supports the 802.11ax Wi-Fi standard, allowing many users to share channels and connect up to 128 devices, increasing network capacity and efficiency in congested areas. Easily address the party's multi-device dilemma.
Linksys Max Stream MR7350 – The Best Budget Router for Home
Looking to enhance Wi-Fi connectivity throughout your home? Then the Linksys Max Stream MR7350 will be right up your alley.
Powered by Intelligent Mesh™ Technology, it’s a must-have router for tech-savvy households. It covered the spots in our house where the old Wi-Fi routers’ signals couldn’t reach. In our 1,500 sq. ft. space, it reaches places like my upstairs bedroom, the porch, and even the backyard.
This router is also a game-changer regarding data transfer rates thanks to its Wi-Fi 6 technology, which offers significantly improved speeds. With Wi-Fi 6 compatible devices, you’ll experience a major boost in data transfer speeds on your network—we saw ours go from 350 MBS on our old modem to a whopping 1,200mbs with this router.
The setup instructions can be improved as they can be tricky to follow. Thankfully, you can count on Linksys support to help you walk through the process. We connected our least tech-savvy person with the support team, and they set it up nicely.
To sum it up, it covers up to 1,700 sq. ft., supports 25 devices, and offers great connectivity—essentially checking all the boxes of a budget-friendly, best router for home use.
- Powered by intelligent mesh technology
- Coverage up to 1500 square feet and supports 20plus devices
- Wi-Fi 6 speeds up to 1.5 Gbps to support 4K streaming, gaming, video calls and more
Google Nest Wi-Fi – The Best Budget Mesh Router
The Google Nest Wi-Fi tops our list for the best budget mesh router. The successor of Google Wi-Fi stood out among numerous mesh routers we tested—both in design and performance. It has a sleek, minimalist, and aesthetic design that’s pretty to look at. But it’s not just the looks; this device performs incredibly fast at 5GHz.
The app interface of Google Nest Wi-Fi is straightforward and intuitive, offering granular control over network settings and device prioritization. This includes the ability to view connected devices and adjust settings easily.
Moreover, the Google Nest Wi-Fi improves overall network performance using mesh networking technology that offers better coverage (strong signals for up to 2,200 sq. ft.) and faster speeds across multiple devices.
With this router, you can create a robust connectivity map with Wi-Fi coverage to up to 100 connected devices and power numerous internet-enabled devices simultaneously.
Lastly, the system utilizes band steering to optimize the use of both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies to ensure seamless connection across all devices.
To summarize, buy the Google Nest Wi-Fi if you want a quality mesh router without burning a hole in your wallet!
- Maximum Range : 2200 Sq Ft
- This product includes one router unit.
- Nest Wifi is a scalable and flexible Wi-Fi system. These Nest Wifi devices work together to blanket your whole home in fast reliable Wi-Fi and eliminate buffering in every room with coverage up to 4400 square feet.
Asus RT-AC66U B1 – The Best Budget Asus Router
Asus isn’t exactly a router manufacturing powerhouse, but its RT-AC66U B1 makes for a good enough router to land a spot on this list.
It boasts a 1.7GHz dual-core processor and 2×2 MIMO technology for excellent signal strength and coverage. And while it doesn’t support the Wi-Fi 6 standard, the Wi-Fi 5 manages 1300Mbps at 5 GHz bands, enough for HD streaming on multiple devices and online gaming.
In terms of security, RT-AC66U B1 is rock solid as it features ASUS AiProtection, a security feature that blocks malicious websites and protects against potential threats.
The intuitive ASUSWRT user interface makes it incredibly easy to set up and use. However, one thing we weren’t fond of about this router is that it doesn’t mount securely to its optional stand, which is a shame, given its sleek design.
There’s nothing spectacular about the RT-AC66U B1, so there’s not much else to discuss. But, overall, it’s a good budget router pick if you’re an Asus fan.
- 1GHz CPU powers dual-band 3x3 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology for speeds up to 1750Mbps and wide, responsive coverage for large homes. Coverage area - 3,000 square feet
- Monitor and manage your network with ease from your mobile device using the intuitive ASUS Router App; Firewall：SPI intrusion detection,DoS protection
- Effortless router setup with ASUSWRT web-based interface. OS Support - Linux,Windows 8,Windows 10,Windows 7 ,Mac OS X or higher,Windows 8.1,Windows XP
Atlas 6 MX2001 – The Best Budget Wi-Fi 6 Router
The Atlas 6 MX2001 is the best Wi-Fi 6 router out there. Equipped with Qualcomm™ Immersive Home 214 Platform chipset, it’s our top pick if your main priority is a fast internet connection.
Boasting a powerful 1.5GHz tri-core processor and Wi-Fi 6 capability, this dual-band mesh Wi-Fi 6 system offers lightning-fast wireless speeds of up to 3.0 Gbps.
You can expect seamless online gaming, 4K streaming, and video conferencing without any lag or buffering in a space of up to 4000 sq. ft. Also, the Intelligent Mesh Technology allows adding additional nodes to extend your network coverage further.
Additionally, you’ll never have to worry about security when using Atlas 6 MX2001—it gives you access to automatic software updates, parental controls, and separate guest access to ensure your network is always secure, up-to-date, and safe for everyone.
- POWERFUL WIFI 6 – From next-level gaming to streaming your favorite content, WiFi 6 gives you a faster connection to everything you do, providing up to 4x the capacity of WiFi 5
- INTELLIGENT MESH TECHNOLOGY – Modular system allows adding or changing of routers or nodes to expand coverage for more devices, including the backyard, and even your outdoor smart home devices
- MORE DEVICES THAN EVER BEFORE – Covers up to 2,700 sq. ft. and supports 40+ devices
TP-Link Archer AXE75 – The Best Budget Wi-Fi 6e Router
If you don’t want to settle for Wi-Fi 6 and need the best budget Wi-Fi 6e router, TP-Link Archer AXE75 should be your go-to option. The Tri-Band router is built with the latest technology, which delivers faster speeds, wider coverage, and improved performance.
It boasts up to 5400 Mbps speeds, making it perfect for demanding online activities, including AR/VR gaming and 4K streaming. In addition to impressive technical specs, it has advanced features like Ultra-Low Latency and SuperSpeed USB 3.0.
WPA3, the latest Wi-Fi security protocol, enhances your personal network’s cybersecurity. And with HomeShield, you get incredible customization options.
Also, you can leverage TP-Link OneMesh Extender to create a Mesh network for seamless whole-home coverage. It’s compatible with Amazon Alexa, so you can also control it via voice commands.
- Super-Fast Tri-Band WiFi 6 Router - Up to 5400 Mbps WiFi for faster browsing, streaming, gaming and downloading, all at the same time(5 GHz: 2402 Mbps;5 GHz: 2402 Mbps;2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps)¹
- Connect More, Stay Fast—Tri-Band makes most of the available spectrums for transmission and connect devices with separate bands to reduce interference
- Powerful Quad-Core Processing - Equipped with a 1.7 GHz Quad-Core CPU to handle huge throughput and eradicate latency
Does Buying a Router Give You Better Internet?
Yes. Buying a router gives you better internet connectivity and speed. In addition, upgrading to a newer model with the latest technology and a wider range will result in improved performance. While your internet speed is primarily determined by the internet service provider and the type of package you have, having a modern router can help you get the best results.
Comparing the Best Cheap Routers for 2023
| Product | Category | Speed | Range | Rating |
| TP-Link Archer AX50 | The Best Budget Router in 2023 | 2402 Mbps (5 GHz band)574 Mbps (2.4 GHz band) | 2,000 sq. ft. | 9.8/10 |
| Amazon Eero 6 | The Best Budget Router Under $100 | 900 Mbps (5 GHz band)600 Mbps (2.4 GHz band) | 1,500 sq. ft. | 9.3/10 |
| Netgear R6700AX | The Best Budget Router for Gaming | 1200 Mbps (5 GHz band)600 Mbps (2.4 GHz band) | 1,500 sq. ft. | 8.5/10 |
| Reyee RG-E5 | The Best Budget Wi-Fi Router for Long Range | 1200 Mbps (5 GHz band)300 Mbps (2.4 GHz band) | 3,000 sq. ft. | 7.8/10 |
| Linksys Max Stream MR7350 | The Best Budget Router for Home | 1733 Mbps (5 GHz band)800 Mbps (2.4 GHz band) | 1,500 sq. ft. | 8.2/10 |
| Google Nest Wi-Fi | The Best Budget Mesh Router | 2200 Mbps (5 GHz band)1200 Mbps (2.4 GHz band) | 2,200 sq. ft. | 8.7/10 |
| Asus RT-AC66U B1 | The Best Budget Asus Router | 1750 Mbps (5 GHz band)450 Mbps (2.4 GHz band) | 3,000 sq. ft. | 7.9/10 |
| Atlas 6 MX2001 | The Best Budget Wi-Fi 6 Router | 3000 Mbps (5 GHz band)574 Mbps (2.4 GHz band) | 2,700 sq. ft. | 8.3/10 |
| TP-Link Archer AXE75 | The Best Budget Wi-Fi 6e Router | 2402 Mbps (5 GHz band)1201 Mbps (5 GHz band)574 Mbps (2.4 GHz band) | 2,750 sq. ft. | 9.2/10 |
Frequently Asked Best Budget Wi-Fi Router Questions
You might have some questions if you plan to buy a budget-friendly Wi-Fi router for your home or office. Here are some of their answers to help you make an informed choice:
How Much Should I Spend on a Wi-Fi Router?
If you have a basic internet plan, a low-priced Wi-Fi router that costs around $100 will do the trick. But if you’ve got a high-speed internet plan and need advanced features, you must consider forking around a couple of hundred bucks—or even more—to get your hands on a mid-range router. Of course, the money you should spend on a Wi-Fi router depends on your budget and requirements.
Can You Just Buy a Router and Have Internet?
No. Simply purchasing a router will not give you access to the internet. Instead, you’ll need to buy an internet plan from an internet service provider to gain access. The router creates Wi-Fi and provides a source for LAN cables so that you can connect all your internet-enabled devices to the internet.
Is a 5 Year Old Router Too Old?
Not really! If your 5-year-old router is still working and providing optimal performance, you might not necessarily need to replace it with a new one. However, new routers will likely give you faster speeds and better coverage. Given that routers typically have a lifespan of five years, it’s always a good idea to upgrade to new routers with newer, better technology.
How Many Devices Can a Cheap Router Handle?
Around five to ten. Cheap routers have lower-end specifications, which means they have a relatively limited capability when handling several internet-enabled devices simultaneously. Suppose your household devices are in double digits. In that case, consider buying a decent router that fits your budget to enjoy uninterrupted internet access on your devices.
How Long Does a Cheap Router Last?
Two years, or maybe even three to four years, at best! Please know that there’s a difference between the lifespan of a cheap router and a budget-friendly router. If you opt for a decent entry-level router manufactured by a good brand, it will last longer. Moreover, you won’t have to worry about slower speeds, poor connectivity, and other performance-related issues.
Is a Router Better Upstairs or Down?
A router is better upstairs, as its strongest signals spread downward. Also, installing your router in an elevated position allows signals to travel in different directions without signal interference from other electronic devices and gadgets. As long as your router is placed in a central location, it’ll provide optimal coverage to all areas of your home.
Conclusion
Choosing the right router is crucial to creating a reliable and efficient network for your home or office. The budget routers in our list deliver decent performance at an affordable price point, so you don’t have to splurge money on expensive, high-end routers to get fast and reliable connectivity.
Whether you want to stream your favorite shows in 4K, delve into competitive online gaming sessions, or simply browse the web, you can count on these routers.
- Note: This item is UK spec and comes with a Type G power plug. A separate US universal adapter will be given so that you can use it in the US.
- Next-Gen 3 Gbps Speeds: Reach incredible speeds up to 3 Gbps (2402 Mbps on 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz band) for faster streaming and gaming like you have never experienced before.
- Connect More Devices: Simultaneously communicate more data to more devices using revolutionary OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology, letting you connect 40+ devices.
