Planning on playing that online game all your are friends are into? Or maybe you are thinking of relaxing this weekend and watching that new Netflix show that just came out? No matter what you are planning to do, you will need a steady and fast internet connection to do that. This is why you will need to get a router.
A router will allow you to connect multiple devices to the internet all at the same time. You will get to enjoy a steady network connection and play games, watch shows, upload pictures, get your work done, and more. But it should be noted that having only a router is no guarantee for high internet speeds.
You can buy a high-end router but all of its bandwidth will be wasted if your internet service provider gives you a slow internet connection. Along with this, your modem plays a huge role as well in ensuring that you get a fast connection. So those are also the areas that you should be focusing on if you want a reliable to connect.
It’s not possible for everyone or for every family to get an expensive router that comes with high-quality features. Sometimes all that people want are a fast internet connection no matter where they are in the house. If you are looking for that too then you have come to the right place.
There are a lot of manufacturers who have understood that there is a huge market for cheap but quality routers. After all, quality shouldn’t always have a high price tag attached to it. So keeping that in mind here are the best cheap routers which are under a hundred bucks.
Top 11 Best Routers Under $100 in 2023 [Reviews]
There are a lot of cheap routers available in the market that come with amazing features and gives you the internet connection coupled with stability that you are looking for. Here are the very best of them and all of them are under a hundred bucks!
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Product
Features
Price
Linksys EA6350 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router for Home
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Wifi 6 Router- AX1500 Dual Band AX WiFi Router
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TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A7)
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NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart WiFi Router (R6700)
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D-Link WiFi Router AC1900
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NETGEAR N600 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router (WNDR3400)
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Linksys AC1200 Wi-Fi Router for Home Networking
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MOTOROLA AC2600 4x4 WiFi Smart Gigabit Router
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TP-Link AC1200 Gigabit WiFi Router (Archer A6)
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TP-Link Wifi 6 AX1500 Smart WiFi Router
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Medialink AC1200 Wireless Gigabit Router
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1. Linksys EA6350 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router for Home
- Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.92 x 1.11 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
- Band: Dual
This router comes loaded with tonnes of features. It will truly impress you and allow you to play the games you want as well as watch the shows you want. With this router, you will get a range of 1,000 square feet to work with. A great advantage of this router is that it comes with 4-gigabit Ethernet-ports so you can connect multiple devices to it and stream videos or get your work done.
The router comes loaded with two-external antennas which improve the signal stealth and ensures that you get a reliable signal without any dead spots in your house. Along with these antennas, there’s a USB 3.0 port as well. Through this, you will be able to attach any Pendrive and share its contents on the devices connected to the router.
The router operates on dual bands of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz respectively. The former band might not give you the fast speeds needed to transfer your files, play games, and such but you will get the range. As a result, you will be able to access the internet from any part of your house. As for speeds, the 5 GHz band will give you more than enough speeds.
The router comes equipped with beamforming technology. This ensures that the router can connect and identify other devices. As a result, it just doesn’t send out signals in one general direction, it identifies the devices and sends out the signals. Do note that with this you will get better wireless range as well as network speeds. Not to mention that it will result in reduced interference as well.
Pros
- Beamforming technology
- Dual-band
- 1,000 square feet range
- Two-external antennas
- USB 3.0 port
Cons
- None
2. Wifi 6 Router- AX1500 Dual Band AX WiFi Router
- Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.8 x 2.1 inches
- Item Weight: 1.41 pounds
- Band: Dual
With this router, you will get unprecedented wifi speeds. This is because it uses the latest wifi standard of 802.11ax to ensure that you get speeds unlike anything else. Thanks to this new technology you will get 4 times the data capacity. It also comes with parental controls so you will be able to filter the content that your kids get to see.
The router makes use of dual bands of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. On the 2.4 GHz band, you will get speeds of 300 Mbps and on the 5 GHz band, you will enjoy speeds of 1200 Mbps. But this doesn’t mean that the former 2.4 GHz band is useless. Even though it has less speed but it will give you the range. You will be able to access this band even if you are far away from the router. But if you want the speed to play games and such then you will have to use the 5 GHz band.
To give this router the ability to carry out a variety of complex tasks as well as demanding applications, there is the tri-core 1.5GHz processor at work. You will get greater efficiency and network capacity at work. Along with this, the device comes equipped with OFDMA technology. This ensures that there’s efficient data tabulation. As a result, multiple transmissions can easily be sent right at the very same time. Thanks to this improvement there will be reduced latency and improved network efficiency.
The device comes loaded with 4 RF Front End Modules. All of these are standalone and can be used for latency-sensitive apps like augmented reality (AR), internet-of-things, virtual reality (VR) sensors. Since the router is equipped with MU-MIMO so users will be able to access the device all at the same time. This ensures that there’s no reduction in bandwidth and the wifi data also gets boosted by a whopping 60%. With the help of this device, you will be able to enjoy lag-free 8K and 4K streaming.
Pros
- OFDMA technology
- MU-MIMO technology
- 4 RF Front End Modules
- Dual-band
- Latest wifi standards
Cons
- None
3. TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A7)
- Item Weight: 14.9 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 9.59 x 6.32 x 1.29 inches
- Band: Dual
Everyone wants quality but at a lower budget. This is even more so for families. But now with this TP-Link router, you don’t have to worry anymore. Know that this device will give you range and speed at a very affordable rate. The best part about this router is that it is perfect for a family since it can cover 2,500 square feet. Thanks to the 3 high-gain external antennas, the signal is spread strong and there are no dead spots at all.
Do you have a lot of devices to connect to the wifi? Can’t find a router that can handle that many? Now there’s no need to worry. This router will support 50 devices at a time. It can do so because of its high-performance CPU that allows for faster processing. This, combined with bandwidth prioritization and advanced technology will allow you to get the quality performance you desire.
With the help of this device, you will be able to watch videos in 4K and enjoy smooth gaming. All of this with minimum disruptions. If you are worried about the safety of your devices then there’s no need to be so. This router comes with advanced wireless WPA/WPA2 encryption that will keep all of your personal information safe.
The device comes with parental controls that will allow you to configure and limit what your kids watch. Along with this, there’s guest access as well which will create a separate channel for guests to access. You will have full control over it and will be able to take away access if you feel like your guest is viewing content you don’t approve of. A great additional feature of this router is that it works with Alexa. You will be able to turn your guest’s wifi off or on with this too.
You will be able to control the router using the Tether app. This app works on your phone, both iOS, and Android. Using this you will be able to install your router and manage the wifi easily. The device makes use of dual-band wifi. With the 2.4 GHz band, you will get speeds of 450Mbps and with the 5 GHz band, you will get speeds of 1300Mbps. That’s not all, there’s a USB port as well. You can use this to share the files you want with people connected to the wifi.
Pros
- 2,500 square area range
- 3 antennas
- WPA/WPA2 encryption
- Parental controls
- Guest access
- Tether app
Cons
- None
4. NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart WiFi Router (R6700)
- Item Weight: 1.58 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 11.22 x 7.2 x 2.44 inches
- Band: Dual
With the help of this router, you will be able to get internet access for 1,500 sq. ft of your home. You will be able to enjoy watching videos in high-quality and play online games without any lags. This is because the device comes loaded with beamforming technology that targets the devices. It doesn’t just send signals in the general direction which makes it more effective.
If you want a robust router that will be able to support more than 20 devices at a time then this device should certainly consider this device. Here you will be able to connect 25 devices at a time to the router and enjoy seamless wifi.
The router uses dual-band wifi of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz respectively. Do note that the former won’t give you much in terms of speed when it will be useful for getting the range. After all, it is this band that will be able to go through obstructions and give you the signal you desire. As for the 5 GHz band, you will get speeds of 1750Mbps in there. With the help of this, you will be able to stream 4k videos and play games easily. A great advantage of this device is that it automatically selects between the two bands to ensure that there are minimal interference and more speed.
Netgear’s router comes loaded with security multi-layer software. It is this router that helps protect all the connected smart systems from data theft, malware, anti-virus, and more. The router comes loaded with Circle App as well that enables you to manage the internet-content access and screen time of your device. With the help of this software, you will even be able to filter out the websites and set a limit on usage as well.
Know that it’s very easy to set up the router. After all, you will have to just have to connect the Ethernet cable straight to it. The Nighthawk app will take you through the installation steps. After that, all you have to do is connect your devices. You will be able to enjoy a wired connection by plugging in your devices to the gigabit ports. There is even a USB slot there for you to connect your pen drive to and share the content across all the devices connected to it.
Pros
- Supports 25 devices
- USB slot
- Ethernet ports
- Dual-band
- 1,500 sq. ft range
- Beamforming technology used
Cons
- None
5. D-Link WiFi Router AC1900
- Product Dimensions: 7 x 8.5 x 1.75 inches
- Item Weight: 14.7 ounces
- Band: Dual
If you want a router that can support online gaming without any disruptions or one which will allow you to enjoy video streaming easily then this is the router that you should keep in your to-consider lists. This router comes equipped with a wifi mesh feature that will enhance the coverage throughout the house.
The device uses dual bands of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The former will not give you high speeds to work with, but you will certainly get the range needed. It will penetrate obstructions as well to ensure that the wifi signal reaches you. If you want high speeds for gaming, uploading content, or for watching a Netflix show then it’s advised that you switch to 5 GHz. A great feature of this device is that it comes with a smart connection. This feature will connect your device to that band that offers seamless connections, fast speeds, and minimal obstructions.
Along with the above, the device comes equipped with MU-MIMO technology as well. Thanks to this, all of your devices can get simultaneously connected to the wifi without any speed reduction. This reduces lags and ensures that everyone can get their work done. There are Ethernet ports in this router for a wired connection as well.
The reason why it offers high speeds is also that it comes equipped with the latest wifi standard and works with the wireless standards of 802.11a/b/g/n/ac. If you have multiple devices then don’t worry, you will be able to connect it to the router without any issues. Also, its dual-core processor gives it the capacity to handle multiple devices with ease. Know that it comes with parental controls as well which will allow you to limit the sites and content your child views.
Pros
- Wifi mesh feature
- Parental controls
- Dual-band
- Smart connect
- MU-MIMO technology
- Ethernet ports
Cons
- None
6. NETGEAR N600 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router (WNDR3400)
- Product Dimensions: 6.89 x 4.53 x 1 inches
- Item Weight: 8 ounces
- Band: Dual
Netgear’s router will give you the high performance you want within an affordable budget. Everything from streaming videos to multi-player gaming, you will be able to do all with this. This device ensures that you bet the very best in terms of performance and that too with less interference.
The router comes equipped with USB storage that will allow you to connect a pen drive to it and share its content with everyone on the network. Know that it’s very easy to install and use. It won’t take much time at all.
The device makes use of dual bands of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Know that the latter band will give you really fast speeds using which you will be able to play online games or stream tv shows with ease and without any obstructions. As for the 2.5 GHz band, you won’t get even half of the speed of 5 GHz but you will get the range with it. This means that if the device is kept in another room then you will be able to access it through this band. Even if there are obstructions like walls or roofs, the 2.4 GHz signal will penetrate through it.
The device comes with parental control features which allows you to control the sites and content your child views. You can customize the setting using the Web interface. The best advantage of this is that you can access it remotely. This device will allow you to create separate guest access with its password and such. If you want to create a channel just for gaming and videos then you will be able to do that as well.
Pros
- Parental controls
- Dual-band
- Guest access
- USB storage
- Easy to install
Cons
- None
7. Linksys AC1200 Wi-Fi Router for Home Networking
- Product dimensions: 5.3 x 2.96 x 7.33 inches
- Weight: 1.75 pounds
- Band: Dual
When talking about budget-friendly wifi routers in the market, you can’t go wrong with the Linksys AC1200 Wi-Fi Router for Home Networking. Not only is it a popular brand, but it is also one of the few available brands that offer budget-friendly options.
This one is a dual-band router, which means that you won’t have to compromise on the quality of the product and the kind of reception it reels in. Despite the compact, vertical design, the router supports up to 1,000 sq. ft of coverage, which again is pretty great.
Also, since it is ideally designed for a home network, you can connect up to 10 devices to it at a time. As for the connection and installation, the process is simple and doesn’t require a lot of complicated steps. All you have to do is follow the instructions mentioned.
The push-button connect feature makes the process of network management and connectivity a lot easier without having to go out of your way to make things happen. Also, it comes with an Ethernet port for superior connectivity.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Compact and space-saving design
- Good coverage area
- Easy to install
Cons
- Can only connect up to 10 devices at a time
8. MOTOROLA AC2600 4×4 WiFi Smart Gigabit Router
- Item Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 7.06 x 12 x 7.13 inches
- Band: Dual
With the help of this router, you will be able to create a powerful link between your Ethernet devices, wifi, and the modem you have chosen to use. This device gives you greater speeds at a greater range. So even if you are far from the router you will enjoy seamless internet speeds.
Since this router comes equipped with a dual-band so it makes use of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. If you want to watch movies, download content, upload photos, or enjoy gaming online then it is the 5 GHz band that you should use. But if you are in another room and feel like the speed on 5 GHz is spotty then 2.4 GHz is the band you should use. It might not give you the speed of 5 GHz but it is reliable, stable, and will give you the range needed to get your work done.
The router comes with 4 gigabit-LAN slots that will allow you to get a wired connection. Connect any 4 devices you want with it. It can be your TV and gaming console as well. To give you a better signal range, the router comes with 4 external antennas which are adjustable as well.
Know that the router is equipped with dual MU-MIMO technology as well. Thanks to this technology all of your devices will be able to stay connected at the same time without any problems with speed. This will reduce lags and ensure that no one is left out. Along with this, the device comes loaded with beamforming technology as well. This feature ensures that the wifi signals target your device and not the general area. Due to this you will get better connectivity and have to deal with fewer lags and dead spots.
That’s not all, the router will allow you to create a separate guest network. It comes with firewall features so that the devices connected and the information stored in it remains safe. Do note that there’s a USB port as well. You will be able to connect your pen drive here and share the contents with the devices on your network.
Pros
- Dual-band
- Guest network
- MU-MIMO technology
- Beamforming technology
- USB and Ethernet ports
- 4 external-antennas
Cons
- None
9. TP-Link AC1200 Gigabit WiFi Router (Archer A6)
- Item weight: 1.7 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 9.05 x 5.68 x 1.45 inches
- Band: Dual
This router will give you the blazing-fast and yet reliable and affordable connection you want. One of the reasons for the high speed is that it makes use of the latest wifi technology of 802.11ac.
The router makes use of dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. With the 2.4 GHz band, you will get speeds of 300 Mbps and with 5 GHz you will get speeds of 867 Mbps. The former might not give you the speed you need but you will get the range with it. Note that 2.4 GHz signal is capable of penetrating walls, floors, and other such obstructions easily to ensure that you get the speed to get your work done no matter where in the house you are.
Since the router comes equipped with MU-MIMO technology so you will be able to connect multiple devices to the wifi without any of the devices experiencing any lags. This will ensure that no one is left behind and everyone can get their work done easily.
It is very easy to install the router. All you need to do is plug it in and then open the tether app. From there you can customize the router and set it up however you want. The router comes with gigabit ports as well so you will be able to get wired connections. Connect your gaming console, TV, and more to it and enjoy a seamless connection.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Gigabit ports
- MU-MIMO technology
- Dual-band
- Latest wifi technology
Cons
- None
10. TP-Link Wifi 6 AX1500 Smart WiFi Router
- Product Dimensions: 10.24 x 4.96 x 1.3 inches
- Item Weight: 1.85 pounds
- Band: Dual
Everyone is looking for that wifi router that will give them high speeds and fewer lag times. This is another router that fits that criteria well. Not to mention that it is affordable as well. It can give you high speeds because it makes use of wifi 6 standard technology. Due to this, you will experience minimal network congestion and fast speeds. Also, if you have a lot of devices to connect to your wifi then this technology will allow you to do that easily.
The router uses dual bands of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. With 5 GHz you will get speeds to carry out your online gaming and with 2.4 GHz you will get the range needed to carry out your work from anywhere in the house. Note that the speed of the 2.4 GHz band will be much slower but it will be able to penetrate obstructions to ensure that you get the connection you need.
With the help of this device, you will be able to watch videos in 4K and play in HD on multiple devices. This is because the router comes equipped with MU-MIMO technology and OFDMA technology. These two features work together to ensure that multiple devices stay connected at the same time on the wifi without anyone experiencing any lags or disruptions.
The processor of this router is tri-core and it will give you speeds of 1.5 GHz to work with. As a result, you will be able to carry out bandwidth-intensive activities. This will also make steaming easier and your gaming will be more responsive as well. It is backward compatible. Know that you will be able to save your battery with this.
Pros
- Tri-core processor
- MU-MIMO technology
- OFDMA technology
- Dual-band
- Latest wifi technology
- Backward compatible
Cons
- None
11. Medialink AC1200 Wireless Gigabit Router
- Item Weight: 14.9 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.07 x 3.02 inches
- Band: Dual
If you are looking for a router that will work with your home then this is certainly it. Know that this router comes with gigabit ports that will allow you to connect wired devices to it easily. The router comes with beamforming technology that will focus the signal straight to your device and not in the general direction. As a result of this, you will get a better connection and that too with lesser interference.
The router comes with dual-band technology that makes use of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz respectively. The former will give you the range while the latter will give you the speed need to get your work done. By range, it means that the 2.4 GHz signal will be able to penetrate walls, floors, and other obstructions easily. So even if you are in the next room, thanks to this signal you will be able to enjoy uninterrupted signals.
The device comes with 2 high-gain antennas that work to ensure that you get signals in all areas. Along with this, the router comes with a wifi range-extender that will allow you to extend the range of the signals. As a result, there won’t be dead spots and you will get a seamless connection in all corners of the house.
When it comes to safety, you don’t have to worry about it at all. The device comes equipped with a powerful firewall that keeps any intruders out. Know that you will be able to create a guest network here, complete with a password. This will allow you to make a secure and safe connection for your guests. It comes with parental controls as well so you will be able to restrict the kind of content they watch and when they watch.
Pros
- 2 antennas
- Dual-band
- Parental controls
- Guest access
- Beamforming technology
- Firewall protection
Cons
- None
Ultimate Buying Guide to Choose the right Routers Under $100
A router should ideally be able to give you fast speeds and a stable connection. But it should be able to do it all and more within a price range that is affordable to the general public. After all, not everyone can shell out $500 on a router easily. Luckily many routers can do just that.
The demand for low-priced but good-quality routers ensure that there are manufacturers who are producing just that. But in such situations, one has to ask- how will you know that the affordable router that you took home is genuine? For that, you need to judge the router by its features. So we are here to help you out. Here are the features that you need to keep in mind while buying a router for under a hundred bucks:
1. Band
While buying a router for under a hundred bucks, make sure that you get one that comes with dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz signals. You probably won’t get tri-band in this price range but dual is possible. The former band will give you the range needed to get the wifi signal anywhere in the house even if there are obstructions. Do note that if you want to play games or watch movies then the band you need to use is the 5 GHz one because that comes with amazing speeds.
2. Processor
Within a hundred bucks you will get a dual-core or tri-core processor. The more the cores the better the performance. You will get better stability and better performance with more cores. Do note that these cores will ensure that more devices can stay connected at the same time without the router failing. Both dual and tri-core are good so buy the one which fits in your budget.
3. Antenna
The more the antennas, the better your chances of getting great wifi signals all through your house. While buying, make sure that you but external and adjustable antennas. This will allow you to fix them according to your needs. Do note that if you are still finding dead spots in your house then you can get a wifi range extender or get a router that comes equipped with the beamforming technology. Beamforming technology will target the device and send the signal in that direction. This precise activity will ensure that there are no lags or dead spots.
4. MU-MIMO technology
This technology ensures that multiple devices can stay connected to the wifi at the same time with minimal signal loss, disruptions, and lags. So if you have a lot of devices that you want to connect to the router then make sure that it comes equipped with the MU-MIMO technology. Tip: If you can, then buy a router that comes equipped with the OFDMA technology along with the MU-MIMO one. The OFDMA technology does the same work as MU-MIMO and it will boost the signals to eliminate data lags.
5. Ports
Make sure that you buy a router that comes with multiple gigabit and USB ports. The former will allow you to connect wired devices like your TV or a gaming console to it. With this, your gaming experience will be better. With USB ports, you will be able to connect your pen drive to it and share its contents with everyone on the network. Such a port will be really useful for work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Best Routers Under $100 in 2023
1. What is the ideal speed of a router?
If you are looking for a router within a hundred bucks then buy a router that will give you speeds of 1500 GHz at least. Of course, if you get better then go for that. Higher speeds will allow you to view videos and play games with better clarity and speed.
2. What is the ideal range of a router?
Within a hundred bucks, you will be able to get routers that have a range from 1500 square feet to 2500 square feet. This will be enough for a house. But if you are experiencing dead spots in your house then get a range extender to get better signals in all corners of your house.
3. How to install a router?
It’s very easy to install your router. Just read the instructions given and follow those. Some router companies have their app which makes setting up easy. All you have to do is plug it in then the app automatically guides you and allows you to customize it.
4. How can you check if a router is giving the prescribed speed?
If you want to check the speed of your router then many websites on the internet check the internet speed. Go to one of these sites and check to see if the speed given on the manual matches with what you are getting.
5. What to do if the router fails to work?
If your router stops working then switch it off, pull the plug out and then plug it in. This should solve the issue but if it doesn’t then take it to a repair shop or call the customer care number of the company you bought it from. If it is still within the warranty period then you will be able to get it repaired for free.
Conclusion
Overall, a router should give you the high speeds you desire and that too at lower costs. There are many such routers like that, but you will have to take care while using those. Make sure that you check the speed, ports, and other features that it comes with. Know that along with speed, range, and multi-device support is important as well. Once you buy the perfect router for you enjoy using it and play the games or watch the shows you want.
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