15 Best Router Under 100 [2022] (Top Budget Router)

When you Google “best router under 100,” your joy turns to sorrow. Why?

Confusion is created by a plethora of websites that recommend a plethora of different routers. I did a Google search and read through all of the top results and reviews.

I was able to purchase a good router after conducting extensive research and wasting a significant amount of time. But I later regretted it because I had wasted too much time on such a trivial matter.

I realized it was all because I didn’t know what I needed or wanted in a router. That is why I decided to write this article to show you how simple it can be if you only consider the four key factors listed below.

HOW TO SELECT THE BEST ROUTER UNDER 100?

Before we get into the reviews of the best routers under $100, let’s take a look at the most important features.

1. SPEED

Most modern routers support high speeds, but it is critical to read the specifications. For example, if you require an Internet connection that can support online multiplayer gaming without lags as well as 4K video streaming at the same time, you will require an AC router (the modern WiFi standard).

While the AC router under $100 may be lacking in advanced features, it performs admirably for the average home user.

2. DUAL-BAND AND ABOVE

Another feature to keep an eye out for is the dual-band capability. This means that the router supports both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands and offers better overall performance.

Furthermore, the 5GHz band is less crowded and does not suffer from interference from other electronic devices. Dual-band routers typically have two or more adjustable antennas and can maintain both bands concurrently without signal or speed drops.

There are also routers that support tri-band configurations, with one 2.4GHz band and two 5GHz bands. These are ideal for households with a high volume of online gaming and video and audio streaming.

3. RANGE

The wireless router should ideally provide the same strength of WiFi signal throughout the home. The range, however, varies depending on the size of your home, the composition of your walls (for signal interference), and other factors.

Nonetheless, unless you intend to use a WiFi extender, you should look for a device that can cover a 2,000-square-foot home.

4. SECURITY

Nowadays, cyber-security is very important, so make sure the router has a strong firewall, WPA/WPA2 wireless encryption, and Guest Access capabilities. Anyone attempting to hack into your home network will have a difficult time doing so.

5. CONNECTION SUPPORTED

It is best to consider your needs before deciding on a model. First, estimate the number of devices that will connect on a daily basis – this includes phones, tablets, laptops, PCs, Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other devices.

Next, consider what you want to be able to access through the router. Some routers, for example, allow you to connect a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device via an integrated USB port.

Finally, if you have wired devices, get a router with a sufficient number of Ethernet LAN ports (most models have four).

BEST 10 ROUTERS UNDER 100 YOU CAN BUY IN THE MARKET

1. Router Nighthawk AC1750 Smart Wi-Fi (R6700)

Router Nighthawk AC1750 Smart Wi-Fi (R6700)

A typical home with a monthly Wi-Fi budget has at least four devices that need to connect to the internet at the same time. With some members having more than one of these gadgets and the possibility of a guest staying a little longer than planned, the number quickly rises to more than ten.

How do you keep this clan happy if you don’t have fast enough internet?

The Nighthawk AC1750 Smart Wi-Fi Router can provide high-speed internet to up to 25 devices, each of which can access different services at up to 1.75Gbps dual-band speed.

The router, which is powered by a 1GHz Dual-core Processor and 256MB RAM, uses three detachable antennas to feed devices within 1,500 square feet of your home.

Because of Beamforming+ technology, the Wi-Fi signal is streamed to specific devices on an individual basis rather than broadcasting and the devices playing catch. It has one USB 3.0 port for connecting your printer or accessing shared storage, five gigabit

Ethernet ports (1 WAN, 4 LAN), and supports standards ranging from 802.11a to 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) shared across 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.

By selecting the Nighthawk AC1750 router, you protect your network from potential cyber threats and Denial-of-Service attacks via NETGEAR Amor by Bitdefender. You can also create a separate guest network for your friends, separate from your main network.

The security status of all devices is monitored and controlled from a single location. But that’s not all; Circle with Disney allows you to control how various network devices access the internet; Parental Control.

You never have to worry about your children accessing dangerous websites or using the internet late at night when they should be sleeping. During those hours, they must keep their devices locked!

Add to that the availability of Google Assistance, which allows you to control your home network using voice commands, and you’ll see that fast internet management has just gotten a whole lot easier.

2. Tp-Link Archer AX21 – Best WIFI 6 Router for Less Than $100

Tp-Link Archer AX21 – Best WIFI 6 Router for Less Than $100

There is no doubt, however, that TP-Link has changed its protocol by providing a unique yet durable design in comparison to its previous ‘AC’ wireless standard series. With incredible WIFI speeds of up to 1.8Gbps, the Archer AX21 easily handles 4K content, whether streaming or gaming.

Furthermore, it can connect up to 40+ devices at once while maintaining top performance. It is due to its powerful CPU, which runs at 1.5GHz. As a result, it supports wireless connections for multiple devices as well as wired connections via LAN cables via four Gigabit Ethernet ports.

It also has four external antennas and uses beamforming technology to strengthen the network so that communication between the router and connected devices is smooth.

Furthermore, it supports MU-MIMO and OFDM technologies, which enable four times more devices to connect without compromising speeds. However, with so many incredible features, such as its slow USB 2.0 port, there is room for improvement.

READ ALSO: Why Is My ATT Broadband Blinking Red? (7 Easy Fixes To Try)

3. Linksys AC1200 Dual-Band Home Wi-Fi Router (EA6350)

Linksys AC1200 Dual-Band Home Wi-Fi Router (EA6350)

Hosting a sleepover in your apartment can be stressful if you don’t have good Wi-Fi. Trust the Linksys AC1200 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router to do all of that and more!

With the ability to provide fast, secure, and dependable internet to up to ten devices within a 1,000-square-foot range, this router allows all devices to focus on their preferred activity without discrimination.

Allow your friends to chat, Skype, email, surf, bring down enemies’ castles, listen to music, and binge watch Netflix while each receives a focused stream of data thanks to the Beamforming+ capabilities of the Linksys AC1200 Dual-band Wi-Fi router!

The router has five gigabit Ethernet ports, one for your modem and the rest for connecting wired devices like your TV, game console, and PC. Share data from your network storage device via the USB 3.0 port.

The Linksys AC1200 is powered by a single-core processor, has two non-detachable external antennas to eliminate dead zones in your apartment, and can function in two modes: wireless router and bridge.

It is compatible with four networking standards: 802.11a, b, n, and ac; keep this in mind if you ever need to extend your Wi-Fi signal to the poolside or backyard. This must be supported by your extender.

4. Wireless Gigabit Router Medialink AC1200

If your children are staying online too late at night, the Medialink AC1200 allows you to quickly and securely limit their internet access to only the times you specify. This router has a coverage area of up to 2,000 square feet and supports up to 20 devices.

You can also buy two routers to cover more than 3,500 square feet. This router is also compatible with any modem. Keep in mind that this device can be used in conjunction with any range extender. Good for: Parents who want to keep track of their children’s online activities.

5. Wi-Fi Router Netgear N600 Dual-Band (WNDR3400)

Wi-Fi Router Netgear N600 Dual-Band (WNDR3400)

This 802.11n dual-band router is appropriate for a medium-sized home with basic internet access requirements. It operates at up to 600Mbps while providing ultimate security for all network devices via dual firewall protection, WPA/WPA2, and DoS attack prevention.  

Despite its small size, it has five Ethernet ports: one WAN port and four LAN ports for wired devices, as well as one USB 2.0 port for your network storage device. The Netgear N600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router is simple to set up and manage.

The free NETGEAR genie allows you to monitor network devices, provide parental control over network usage, and repair the network when things go haywire, as they often do. It also assists you in adding new devices to the network and removing those that are no longer needed.

Because it can use both bands, 2.4GHz, and 5GHz, at the same time, interference is reduced, giving you a dependable Wi-Fi signal. Throughout your gaming, streaming, and surfing sessions, you can count on a strong, secure, and stable internet connection.

6. RT-ACRH13 AC1300 Dual Band WiFi Router with 4 Gigabit LAN Ports from ASUS

RT-ACRH13 AC1300 Dual Band WiFi Router with 4 Gigabit LAN Ports from ASUS

If your house has those spots where WiFi goes down for no apparent reason, this is the device for you. It easily covers 3,000 square feet and can support more than 20 devices at once. To keep up with current bandwidth demands, a powerful router is required.

The ASUS RT-ACRH13 router provides the speed, range, and security that most families require by providing the ideal combination of performance and features for every home. Keep in mind that you can manage your router remotely by downloading the ASUS Router APP.

7. AC1200 Gigabit Smart Wi-Fi Router from TP-Link (Archer A6)

AC1200 Gigabit Smart Wi-Fi Router from TP-Link (Archer A6)

The Archer A6 router is designed to serve data-hungry devices with no lag or buffering. The dual-band router allows for simultaneous HD streaming and gaming on multiple devices via the 5GHz band, while the 2.4GHz band serves devices with lower bandwidth requirements, such as email, surfing, and chatting.

It also makes use of Beamforming technology for device-specific wireless coverage. While its competitors fail to provide adequate range coverage, the TP-Link AC1200 Gigabit Smart Wi-Fi Router has one internal and four external antennas to send the signal to the farthest corner of your home. Put an end to dead zones!

When set to access point mode, the Archer A6 can share the wired network with wireless devices; there are five Ethernet ports available. Despite the lack of a USB port, your printer or network storage can connect to the network via the Ethernet ports.

Managing the entire network should not be a concern; with the TP-Link Tether App running on your smartphone, you have complete control. The router adheres to the 802.11ac standard but is compatible with its predecessors.

8. TP-Link AX1500 Smart Wi-Fi Router (Archer AX10)

TP-Link AX1500 Smart Wi-Fi Router (Archer AX10)

Aside from its stunning appearance, the Archer AX10 router is a total show. It is based on the most recent wireless standard, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), and thus incorporates both MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies to eliminate any potential data holdup.

However, for compatibility with other Wi-Fi devices, it also supports all previous 802.11 standards. Using Wi-Fi 6 means upgrading your entire home network. The network’s devices communicate at exhilarating speeds of up to 1.5Gbps.

The dual-band router ensures flawless 4K streaming and gaming all day while supporting a large number of network devices without sacrificing any. Its four high-power external antennas are in charge of blanketing your entire house in massive Wi-Fi rain.

Because not all devices want to communicate all of the time, Archer AX10 uses Target Wake Time to agree on how frequently they want to hear from it. This cuts down on power waste.

The network of the TP-Link AX1500 Smart Wi-Fi Router, like that of all recent routers from this vendor, is best set up and managed using the TP-Link Tether App. Choose the family devices, define what guests can and cannot do, and keep your children safe with smart parental control all at the same time.

9. Dual-Band AX Wi-Fi Router JupLink AX1500

Dual-Band AX Wi-Fi Router JupLink AX1500

Have you ever wanted to upgrade from 4K to 8K streaming and use VR at home?

Then it’s time to bring out the AX1500 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router. The router is powered by a 1.5GHz 64-bit Tri-core processor, which is one of the most powerful in the networking industry. It also makes use of MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies.

This ensures lightning-fast communication between the router and the network’s devices, as well as synchronized data delivery to multiple devices while maintaining precision, efficiency, and low latency.

This level of Wi-Fi power should cover a large area, which is why the AX1500 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router’s signal covers up to 2,500 square feet and more than 25 devices. That will suffice for your home, yard, and poolside.

All devices, including those in the basement, are well served, with no indication of buffering. There is no danger of dead zones.

Despite the advancement in networking standards, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), the AX1500 router supports devices that use previous standards. It has five-gigabit ports but no USB. It also includes intelligent parental control to assist you in filtering the data accessed on the network and when it is accessed.

10. Speedy AC2100 K7 – The Best Long-Range Wireless Router

Speedy AC2100 K7 – The Best Long-Range Wireless Router

The Speedy K7 is the only router on the market that includes seven 6dbi external antennas for less than $100.

The router has a maximum shared WIFI speed of up to 2033Mbps; the 2.4GHz band has a maximum speed of 300Mbps and the 5GHz band has a theoretical maximum speed of 1733 Mbps.

In addition to speed, it supports widely available smart devices by utilizing the popular wireless standard 802.11ac. Despite the fact that it is two separate bands, you only see one visible signal because it combines them into one for more stable WiFi.

The K7 has a dual-core processor that can handle multiple tasks at once, such as web browsing, video streaming, gaming, and so on. It also has 44 MU-MIMO and beamforming technologies for 4K content and heavy-duty tasks on multiple connected devices at the same time.

11. NETGEAR AC1200 (R6230) 

NETGEAR AC1200 (R6230) 

If you want to extend the range of your WiFi to cover the entire house, skip the WiFi extender and instead get the NETGEAR AC1200. Some consider this to be the best AC router under $100, and given its features and low price, they wouldn’t be far off.

The router has fast speeds (300Mbps for 2.4GHz networks and 900Mbps for 5GHz networks), making it ideal for online gaming, video and audio streaming, and other demanding online activities.

For the best streaming and gaming experience, the NETGEAR AC1200 can prioritize services that require significantly more bandwidth than others.

Aside from wireless connectivity, the NETGEAR AC1200 has 4 Gigabit LAN ports, guest network capabilities (WPS button), and a USB 2.0 port (for external devices). The control interface is simple, and users can use a mobile device to access it via the Nighthawk app.

12. Linksys Max-Stream AC4000 MU-MIMO Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router (EA9300)

Linksys Max-Stream AC4000 MU-MIMO Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router (EA9300)

This list would be incomplete without mentioning this Tri-band router, which is powered by a 1.8GHz quad-core processor and three offload processors, and can deliver insane Wi-Fi speeds of up to 4Gbps! The Linksys Max-Stream AC4000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router includes six adjustable high gain antennas for strong and stable Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home.

It also uses MU-MIMO to ensure that all users in your household can do their gaming, streaming, and other bandwidth-intensive activities at the same time with no lag. That is not to say that the less important tasks are overlooked.

The Tri-band experience entails three bands rather than the usual two found in most routers; one 2.4GHz band running at 750 Mbps and two 5GHz bands running at 1625 Mbps each.

While the first band is used for older wireless devices and tasks that require less bandwidth, the other two are used for heavy feeders such as large downloads, gaming, 4K, and 8K streaming.

When these three simultaneous data streams on each band are combined with Beamforming technology, each device on the network will experience a once-in-a-lifetime thrill.

That is what the EA9300 router provides. Expect the usual suspects in most Linksys routers: five gigabit Ethernet ports, two USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, and smooth management via the Linksys App on your mobile phone. That covers all of your network’s Wi-Fi requirements.

13. Google WiFi – The Best Router for the Future

Google WiFi – The Best Router for the Future

Google WiFi is a WiFi mesh network that covers the entire home. To begin, it is only a single unit that offers maximum WiFi speeds of up to 1200Mbps and coverage of up to 1500 square feet; however, depending on the size of your home, you can connect two more units, each with 1500 square feet of coverage.

The company has chosen a very simple design and setup; it is clean and compact enough to fit into the smallest space in your home. However, gamers may be disappointed because it only has one ethernet port, though you can connect a switch via the additional ethernet port.

14. MR2600 MODEL MOTOROLA

MR2600 MODEL MOTOROLA

If you’re looking for a super-fast, yet affordable Wi-Fi router that will take your network to the next level and provide a first-rate experience, the MOTOROLA MR2600 is the router for you.

This device supports 2600 Mbps speeds (800Mbps in the 2.4GHz band and 1733Mbps in the 5GHz band) and four simultaneous streams. Furthermore, it includes a slew of features such as Beamforming, MU-MIMO, Port Forwarding, Parental Control, and support for up to 253 client devices.

When it comes to router security features, you should be aware that they include standard WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK encryption, SmartQoS, Guest Network support, and an easy-to-use firewall. This device also has four Gigabit LAN ports, one Gigabit WAN port, and a convenient USB3.0 connection.

The MOTOROLA Model MR2600 has a two-year warranty, a great signal range, and a fantastic value for money for its price. As a result, if you’re looking for the best Wi-Fi router in the budget-friendly category, this one is a sure bet.

15. D-Link DIR-867 – Sturdy & Low-Cost

D-Link DIR-867 – Sturdy & Low-Cost

The D-Link DIR-867 router has two bands. It is a router with a lot of features and four external high-performance antennas that ensure a fast and reliable connection.

It is powered by a dual-core processor that delivers incredible wired speeds. Furthermore, its combined WIFI speeds (450Mbps on the 2.4GHz band + 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band) reach up to 1750Mbps.

CONCLUSION On Best Router Under 100

As you can see, there are numerous high-quality routers under $100, making it nearly impossible to select the best one. However, each user’s needs vary, so read our reviews and pick the one that works best for you.

FAQs About Best Router Under 100