Are you looking for a reliable router?
It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on one when you can get a dependable deal for less than $50!
Even on a shoestring budget, you can get a simple router that connects to the internet and allows for seamless content streaming, online browsing, downloading, managing social media accounts, and, to a lesser extent, gaming.
To help you choose a powerful design in this price range, we have compiled detailed reviews of the ten best routers under 50 on the market right now.
Our experts have also created a very useful buying guide that will help you easily choose the best option. So, take a look at what we have in store for you!
TOP 10 ROUTERS UNDER 50 THAT YOU SHOULD OWN
These are the best routers under $50, but they’re still budget routers: they’re designed for simple applications that need a steady internet connection rather than a fast internet connection. Something to keep in mind once more.
Now that we’ve cleared that up, here are our picks for the best routers under $50 on the market right now.
1. Medialink AC1200 MLWR-AC1200R – Overall Best
Medialink AC1200 MLWR-AC1200R – Overall Best
The Medialink AC1200 router is fantastic. After putting this router through its paces and comparing it to other similar routers on the market. When it comes to routers under $50, the Medialink MLWR-AC1200 has become my favorite.
The Medialink AC1200 is a dual-band router that supports beamforming. It has four LAN Gigabit Ethernet ports and one USB 2.0 port on the back panel of the router. It has two powerful antennas that can provide extensive coverage.
It has a Broadcom ARM Cortex A7 CPU with 128MB DDR3 RAM and can easily handle up to 20 devices without network interference.
PROS | CONS |
Fast internet WiFi speeds of up to 1200 Mbps | The USB port does not support the printer |
The LED lights are detachable | |
Use the Universal Range Extender mode. |
2. TP-Link N450 Wi-Fi Router – 2nd of the Best Overall
TP-Link N450 Wi-Fi Router – 2nd of the Best Overall
First, we have a super performer that delivers excellent performance in all areas. It is ideal for bandwidth-intensive tasks like VoIP, HD video streaming, and online gaming, ensuring that you always have the best experience possible.
It provides 15 times faster speed and 5 times greater range than 802.11n technology standards. All thanks to its three powerful antennas, which provide increased stability and coverage. Check Price Why is it Unique With this TP-Link router, you can stream, game, and perform on a dependable network.
It enables you to enjoy lag-free video viewing, gaming, and the smooth performance of all types of online activities. Using its four fast Ethernet ports, you can easily share videos, music, images, and files over the network. It enables you to configure Wi-Fi that is tailored to your specific needs.
With advanced parental controls, you can limit when and how the devices can connect while keeping your children safe. With IP-Based QoS, you can also provide every device with the bandwidth it requires while controlling traffic and setting limits.
This router wowed buyers with its simple setup and excellent reception. They think it’s a great device because it lets them use multiple devices at once and stream videos without any problems. They consider it to be the best wireless router for the money.
It is ideal for establishing a strong network within your home where you want to connect multiple devices at once. You should go for it if you want an overall sound performer that won’t cause any major problems.
PROS | CONS |
Advanced security encryption | It must be rebooted manually on a regular basis. |
Backward compatibility | |
Four fast Ethernet ports for smooth connections |
3. Netgear R6120 Router (AC1200)
Netgear R6120 Router (AC1200)
One of the best routers under $50 USD. Offers great speeds and connects multiple devices BUY on Amazon If you’re looking for one of the best over 1000mbps WiFi routers under $50, Netgear has you covered.
The router provides fast internet, connects multiple devices, has a long range, and provides excellent security. The maximum throughput of the Netgear R6120 Router is 1,200Mbps.
This is provided by the dual-band router, with the 2.4GHz band providing maximum Wi-Fi speeds of up to 300Mbps and the 5GHz band providing maximum Wi-Fi speeds of up to 900Mbps. The coverage provided by this low-cost router is excellent.
The Netgear R6120 Router provides up to 1,200 square feet of wireless internet coverage, making it one of the best budget long-range routers. As a result, the router can provide high-speed internet access to a modest home. The router can connect up to 20 devices to the internet at high speeds.
This means that your devices will have access to high-speed internet, which is required for optimal performance. This, combined with the extensive coverage it provides, makes it a must-have for your home.
The Netgear R6120 Router has smart parental controls as well as the most up-to-date security features for your home. Because you have control over the router, you will have peace of mind when your network is accessed by children.
It also ensures the safety and security of your devices and information. Finally, the Netgear R6120 Router is simple to configure with the Nighthawk App. This ensures that when the router is connected to the network via Ethernet cable, you can easily follow the steps on the app.
PROS | CONS |
The wireless router is simple to set up | It lacks the guest Wi-Fi feature, |
it supports up to 20 devices with high-speed internet | it requires both the web interface and the App to set up and configure. |
it has advanced parental controls |
4. Tenda AC10U AC1200 Router
Tenda AC10U AC1200 Router
Provides a quick connection for all of your devices. The router’s 2.4ghz and 5ghz frequencies provide speeds of up to 1,200Mbps. Wi-Fi speeds of up to 867Mbps are available in the 5GHz band, while speeds of up to 300Mbps are available in the 2.4GHz band.
The number of devices supported by the Tenda AC10U AC1200 Router is another major advantage. With high-speed Wi-Fi, the router can support up to 30 devices. As a result, it is an excellent router for the majority of homes with multiple devices. The best wireless router under $50 also has four Gigabit Ethernet ports.
This ensures that your Ethernet devices do not go unnoticed when they require fast internet. The router also has one of the most extensive coverage areas for routers under $50. This is due to the fact that it has Wi-Fi coverage of up to 2,000 square feet.
This is made possible by the 4 Omnidirectional antennas, Beamforming technology, and MU-MIMO technology, which support all devices. Furthermore, the router is simple to set up and manage with the Tenda Wi-Fi app. You can use the app to set up parental controls as well as manage the devices that connect to the internet.
Finally, the router includes one of the best home safety and security protocols. This is in addition to the company’s 3-year warranty. Tenda AC10U AC1200 Router supports several devices with fast internet.
PROS | CONS |
It has the latest technology for a strong performance | Most people find it difficult to install |
It is cost-effective | |
This router offers great Wi-Fi speeds |
5. ASUS RT-N12 N300 Wi-Fi Router 2T2R MIMO Technology
ASUS RT-N12 N300 Wi-Fi Router 2T2R MIMO Technology
It uses the most recent antenna and innovation for range extension and wireless coverage, with 2T2R MIMO technology and two detachable high-gain antennas. As a result, you can easily stream 4K HD videos, make VoIP calls, and perform other important tasks online.
This router is praised for delivering exceptional network connections and specializing in providing an excellent signal range for wireless network reliability and speed. It features Advanced High Power technology, which improves signal strength.
With multiple account control and extensive customization options, this router allows you to create a Wi-Fi setup that is completely unique to you. You can personalize up to four wireless networking accounts.
The exclusive privacy control for each user restricts access to specific websites and allows you to set a limit for the maximum bandwidth utilization for each account. Its powerful Software EZ switch on the router’s back allows for easy and quick switching between router, access point, and repeater modes.
You can also switch modes right from the browser by using its graphical user interface. With this router in hand, you will have no hassles or delays in any situation. It is a well-engineered design at an affordable price.
Buyers find it extremely simple to configure, including guest network configuration.
PROS | CONS |
Suitable for HD streaming but is of very high quality. | It is not useful for multiple floor access points. |
Setup is simple with this device | |
Simply connect and power on the router |
6. The TP-Link AC1200 Router (Archer C50) is the best router under $50 for Parental Control
The TP-Link AC1200 Router (Archer C50) is the best router under $50 for Parental Control
The TP-Link AC1200 Router (Archer C50) is the best router under $50 for parental controls. This translates to 900Mbps on the 5GHz band and 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. These fast speeds allow you to carry out your online activities, such as 4K streaming and gaming, without experiencing any lag.
There are also four Ethernet ports on the wireless router. The fast ethernet ports ensure that your LAN devices can connect to the internet at high speeds. The TP-Link Tether App makes it simple to set up this router.
This app walks you through the process of configuring your router step by step. The router includes excellent parental control features. You can set the time when your children can access Wi-Fi in your home using the controls.
It also allows for content screening and filtering for the safety of your children. The routers also support the creation of a guest network. This contributes to the safety and security of your Wi-Fi network. This is in addition to the other security protocols supported by this router.
PROS | CONS |
The wireless router has advanced parental controls | It lacks Gigabit Ethernet ports |
latest safety and security features | It may require frequent reboots to connect to all bands. |
it is simple to set up |
7. NETGEAR N600 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router (WNDR3400)
NETGEAR N600 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router (WNDR3400)
If you’re looking for a good deal, look no further than the Netgear N600 router. For one of the lowest prices, the dual-band router provides good speeds and Wi-Fi coverage. The fastest wireless routers can reach speeds of up to 600Mbps.
This equates to 300 Mbps plus another 300 Mbps for the two bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz). These speeds can be provided for up to 5 devices in your home at the same time. In addition, the router has four Ethernet ports with maximum speeds of 100Mbps.
This makes connecting your wired devices simple. For modest homes, the router has a medium range. The Netgear N600 router is simple to set up and manage with the Netgear genie home network manager.
You can also manage the connected devices using the manager. All of these features combine to make this router one of the best affordable routers under $50 USD.
PROS | CONS |
The best wireless router is very affordable | It lacks gigabit Ethernet ports |
Netgear N600 router is simple to set up | Wi-Fi speeds are not the best |
Up to 100 Mbps |
8. Linksys N300 Wi-Fi Wireless Router – Most Advanced Settings
Linksys N300 Wi-Fi Wireless Router – Most Advanced Settings
With this fantastic router from Linksys, you can enjoy dependable and fast Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. It boosts Wi-Fi signal strength to provide exceptional reliability and coverage, with speeds of up to 300 Mbps and advanced features such as MU-MIMO antenna technology and others.
As a result, you can easily set up a dependable home wireless network for video and music streaming. It has four fast Ethernet ports for connecting HDTVs and other devices to the router. Your data is always protected by advanced security protocols.
You can also set parental controls and create a separate network for guests. The installation is straightforward, requiring only the installation of a CD. It has wireless-N technology with two internal antennas and MU-MIMO capabilities that allow data transfer rates of up to 300 Mbps.
You can listen to music, watch videos, play online games, and do other things with ease. The Wi-Fi configuration is always secure and keeps your network safe, allowing you to create a separate network for outsiders. It is extremely simple to set up and use this router.
You can start it by inserting the installation CD into the disk drive. The majority of buyers consider it a reliable and good router that is extremely easy to install and set up. They appreciated its extensive customer support and long-lasting construction.
We recommend this router for small families with a small number of members. It has standard features and a few advanced settings, making it ideal for those who need reliable connectivity on a daily basis but don’t need to perform too many intensive tasks.
PROSS | CONS |
Wireless-N home networking with 4 Ethernet ports | NONE |
Convenient setup with software CD Internal MIMO antennas for Wi-Fi coverage |
READ ALSO: How To Troubleshoot Xfinity Router Blinking Orange? (7 Easy Methods To Try)
9. Rock Space AC1200 Router (one of the best routers under $50 for security)
Are you looking for a router that offers great internet speeds at a low price?
You don’t have to look any further! The Rock space AC1200 dual-band router offers excellent Wi-Fi performance, range, and other features.
The gaming router provides excellent performance for gaming and 4K streaming, as well as other online activities, with Wi-Fi speeds of up to 1,200Mbps. The speeds are provided by the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, with maximum throughputs of 300Mbps and 867Mbps, respectively.
The best budget wireless router employs MU-MIMO and Beamforming technologies to connect multiple devices, even if they are far apart. Multiple devices can be connected at the same time thanks to the technologies.
The technology, in addition to the four high-performance antennas, is unique. The maximum amount of space available is 1,500 square feet. The router also has four gigabit Ethernet ports for wired devices.
You can connect your home devices via Wi-Fi or wired connections thanks to the fast ethernet ports. The product manual claims that configuring the router is simple.
The manual assists with setup and management. As a result, you can count on a fast and stable connection. Finally, the router is equipped with the most recent security features.
PROS | CONS |
It has a good range and speed for a wireless router under $50 | The router’s connections are unreliable |
With a lot of security features. | it isn’t compatible with all modems. |
Simple to setup |
10. Wavlink AC1200 Router: One of the most reliable routers under $50
Wavlink AC1200 Router: One of the most reliable routers under $50
Then we’ll bring our reviews to a close with a bang. One of the most dependable routers under $50 is the Wavlink AC1200. The router is best known for its reliable internet connection and fast Wi-Fi speeds.
The maximum throughput of this best wireless router for low budgets is 1,200Mbps, split between 2.4GHz at 300Mbps and 5GHz at 867Mbps. Wireless ports supplement these speeds by allowing you to quickly connect your wired devices to the internet. The router has a wide range of coverage.
This is aided by the four omnidirectional antennas and built-in high-power amplifier. This means you’ll have Wi-Fi coverage all over your house. Setting up the router is simple thanks to the web-based interface.
It’s as simple as connecting the router to the computer with an Ethernet cable and following the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. The router can also be used as a Wisp or an access point (AP). As a result, the router can function as a Wi-Fi extender as well as a LAN bridge.
The router performs these functions better than a standard repeater, extender, or access point. Finally, the Wavlink AC1200 router offers advanced security and safety features for your home. This is due to the router’s support for the wireless security protocols WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK.
PROS | CONS |
The best wireless budget router offers fast Wi-Fi speeds | The Wi-Fi may be unreliable, and it does not support port forwarding. |
the latest technology for wide coverage |
Complete Buying Guide What To Look For When Buying A Router
The criteria will be the same whether you buy a router for under $50, under $100, under $150, or even under $200; however, the features and price will vary, as expected. So, what are the most important considerations to make before making a purchase?
There are numerous purchasing factors to consider, but I’ll focus on only four of the most important ones that you can expect from a good $50 router.
1. WiFi Standard
There are a variety of WiFi standard routers on the market, including N, AC, and the most recent AD. However, some older WiFi standards, such as A, B, and G, still exist. Every five years, IEEE standardizes these WiFi standards or protocols.
As a result, a router’s WiFi standard becomes critical because it can affect the router’s overall performance.
These protocols, in simple terms, determine how fast your router’s connection is. We are unable to purchase ‘ad’ standard routers for less than $50 due to their high cost. As a result, make sure your router meets the ‘ac standard.
2. Ports
Most routers have a variety of ports on the back panel, including Ethernet LAN ports, WAN ports, USB ports, and eSATA ports, among others.
The LAN and WAN ports, on the other hand, are critical ports. The use of additional ports is optional. So, first, let’s talk about LAN ports. Fast Ethernet ports and Gigabit Ethernet ports are the two types of LAN ports.
- Fast Ethernet Ports: You can expect a maximum speed of 100Mbps and a range of up to 10 kilometers. These ports are considered a 10-Base-T Ethernet’s successor.
- Gigabit Ethernet Ports: Expect a maximum speed of 1 Gigabit per second and a range of up to 70 kilometers. These ports are thought to be the next generation of fast Ethernet ports.
3. Antenna
Routers can have single, dual, or multiple antennas to provide more coverage. Routers with multiple antennas can project connectivity in multiple directions, ensuring that your home is free of dead spots. You can choose a router based on the coverage extension you require.
4. QoS
This stands for Quality of Service, and it allows the router to give specific applications more bandwidth at the expense of other applications.
The default setting on a router distributes bandwidth evenly. However, this feature allows you to prioritize certain applications over others, which is useful for gaming.
5. Security
Routers with advanced security features such as parental controls and guest networks make using them much more convenient. You can use them to set up parental controls on your network.
6. Beamforming
Beamforming allows you to direct the power of your router in a general direction, greatly increasing the range. It is beneficial to remove dead zones from a home.
7. Multiple-user-multiple-input-multiple-output (MU-MIMO) technology
It gives selected devices more power. It comes in handy when you need to connect devices in a faraway location.
CONCLUSION On Best Routers Under 50
My top ten recommendations for routers under $50 are all top-of-the-line. These routers are from various brands and share some features.
However, when compared to the competition, the Medialink MLWR-AC1200R deserves a higher ranking in terms of performance and overall features. Now it’s up to you to decide which one is best for you or simply go with my recommendation. Please let me know which $50 router wowed you the most in the comments section
FAQs About Best Routers Under 50
What should I expect to pay for a router?
There are numerous modems and routers available in a variety of price ranges. It is preferable to spend money based on the features and functionalities provided by your router.
Can I just buy a router and have internet access?
No, it does not work like that. A router simply provides wireless signals from your ISP or Ethernet cable, allowing you to connect to the internet wirelessly.
What is the average lifespan of a router?
Given the current rate of change, the average router lifespan is about five years. Upgrading it on a regular basis ensures that you always have access to the best performance and features with no unwanted side effects.