7 Best Routers Under 100 in 2021 (Reviews and Guide)

You don’t have to break the bank for the best router for your home. Check out this comprehensive guide for the Best Router under $100

It is said that the best things in life come in small packages, and I believe that these things come with small price tags too.

And when it comes to the best routers, you might think that you have to buy the most expensive ones for the best internet connections. I used to think that too, but after spending a lot of money on some of the pricier routers and on the affordable ones, I know better.

The budget-friendly routers are often just as good as the expensive ones, as long as you check the features offered and make sure that the selected modem offers all the nice features that you should be looking out for in a modem.

What determines a good router is not its price, but its features and performance, which is why I know that there are excellent routers on the market that cost less than $100 but work the same way or even better than the ones you spend more money on.

That said, all you need to do is to search for the routers with the best features and the ones that promise the best performance. To help you choose the best affordable router, we are reviewing 7 of these routers below.

Comparison Table: 7 Best Routers under $100

Best Routers under 100	Best For	Speed	WiFi Protocol	Price
NETGEAR R6230 AC1200 WiFi Router	Best Overall Router	1200Mbps	802.11ac	Check Price
NETGEAR Nighthawk R6700 Smart WiFi Router	Best Gaming Router	1750Mbps	802.11ac	Check Price
TP-Link N450 TL-WR940N WiFi Router	Best Router for Small Homes	450Mbps	802.11n	Check Price
TP-Link N300 TL-WR841N Wireless WiFi Router	Best Inexpensive Router	300Mbps	802.11b/g	Check Price
NETGEAR 4-Stream AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (RAX15)	Best WiFi 6 Router	1800Mbps	802.11ax	Check Price
ASUS Dual-Band AC1300 Router	Most User-Friendly Router	1300Mbps	802.11ac	Check Price
Linksys EA6350 Dual-Band WiFi Router	Elegantly-Designed Router	1200Mbps	802.11ac	Check Price

 

7 Best Routers under $100 – Reviews

1. NETGEAR R6230 AC1200 WiFi Router – Best Overall Router

One of the most important features for you to consider in your search for the best WiFi router is the device’s range, and whether you will enjoy internet coverage in the entire house or not. Netgear understands this need, hence this NETGEAR R6230 AC1200, which boasts a really good range coverage space up to 1200 square feet easily.

Besides the price tag, this router is the best WiFi router under $100 because of the top speeds and its reliable performance. It boasts a dual-band frequency system with maximum internet speeds of 1200Mbps. The 2.4GHz band will have speeds of 300Mbps while the 5GHz band offers speeds of up to 900Mbps.

It is designed to support a maximum of 20 devices comfortably, and it runs on the 802.11ac system, which means reliable internet speeds. To enhance its performance, it comes loaded with some of the most advanced technological features, including an 880MHz processor, advanced QoS, plus two amplified antennas.

The 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports mean wired connections, hence better speeds and overall performance for computers and gaming consoles. It allows USB connections as well, thanks to its USB 2.0 port, which ensures easy data transfers.

And to keep your kids safe, it features parental controls for easy control of devices connected and sites visited. You’ll also enjoy other security options like Guest WiFi access, VPN, DoS, and access to firewalls.

Pros

• Great range
• Easy setup
• It allows for the prioritization of bandwidth depending on its usage
• The app interface is easy to use
• High internet speeds of up to 1200Mbps
• Seamless connection for a maximum of 20 devices
• Works great for streaming and gaming
• Secure connections
• It comes with an Ethernet cable
• Beamforming technology for enhanced speed and overall performance and direct signal transfer to your devices.

Cons

• Flaws in the firmware updates

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2. NETGEAR Nighthawk R6700 Smart WiFi Router – Best Gaming Router

Boasting an excellent range of 1500 square feet and top internet speeds of 1750Mbps, this router is not only affordable but also one of the most reliable routers under $100. It has a maximum capacity of 25 devices, though it costs a little more than the AC1200, this high-end Netgear router might be a great option for you, especially if you are looking for an inexpensive gaming router.

And the best part is that it is equally as good as some of the high-end routers on the market. One of the features that stands out the most from this router is the QoS, which is an excellent feature that allows for the prioritization of bandwidth by gamers. Then there is the 1GHz powerful dual-core processor, which further enhances the gaming capabilities of this router.

The dual bands from this router allow you to enjoy high top-speeds of 1750Mbps, spread into the 2.4GHz band, and the 5GHz band with speeds of 450Mbps and 1300Mbps, respectively; while the USB 3.0 port facilitates automatic data transfers.

The 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports ensure fast and reliable wired connections. The performance of this router is further enhanced by the Dynamic QoS, three amplified antennas, Beamforming plus, and Smart Connect, among others.

Pros

• QoS for the advanced gaming experience
• It is a powerful router for the price
• USB 3.0 ensures fast data transfer
• High WiFi speeds of 1750Mbps
• Good parental controls
• Netgear Armor enhances network and devices’ security
• Good coverage
• Easy setup and configuration

Cons

• The customer support services are wanting

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3. TP-Link N450 TL-WR940N WiFi Router – Best Router for Small Homes

This TP-Link N450 is one of the cheapest routers on the market today, and it boasts impressive internet speeds reaching a maximum of 450Mbps, which means that you need a reliable internet connection for the normal stuff, like HD streaming, light online gaming, and VoIP services, this router will be a great option for you. Just know that it isn’t compatible with your phoneline internet.

Beyond that, this router uses 802.11n technology, which gives it a speed boost. Now, you need to keep in mind that this isn’t the fastest router WiFi system on the market, especially when you have models with 802.11ac and 802.11ax technologies.

But if you are not a heavy internet user, this router will work just fine – it is also 15x faster than the 802.11g technology. The three antennas incorporated into this router will boost its coverage, as well as stability.

That said, you might like the router’s IP-based bandwidth control that allows you to easily determine the amount of bandwidth allotted to your devices. The WPS button enhances security, while parental controls enhance the management of your internet connection.

Pros

• Reliable internet connection
• Runs on 802.11n technology which is relatively fast
• Three 3 MIMO for lag-free streaming and gaming
• Antennas increase the stability of the internet connection
• 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Good security features
• Super-affordable
• Easy setup
• Good coverage for medium-sized homes (up to 2000 Square feet)
• High-speed internet

Cons

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  Not suitable for large homes
• Version 4 has no Guest Network functionality

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4. TP-Link N300 TL-WR841N Wireless WiFi Router – Best Inexpensive Router

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With 2 high-power antennas, a simple design, and its low pricing, this router is one of the most inexpensive routers on the market. Its maximum internet speed is 300Mbps, which makes this router a good option for small homes and individuals who need the best internet connection for video streaming, web browsing, light gaming, etc.

It comes with 2dBi antennas, which boost the stability and the robustness of your WiFi internet. It also boasts a super easy setup, plus installation, and the fast 10/100Mbps Ethernet ports ensure reliable wired connections directly to respective devices. This TP-Link router is also backward compatible with several 802.11b/g devices.

Pros

• QoS bandwidth control allows for dedicated internet for specific activities like streaming or gaming
• Easy setup
• Reliable encryptions
• IPv6 support
• 4 super-fast LAN Ethernet ports
• Good signal range
• Sleek design
• Single-band (2.4GHz)
• Very affordable

Cons

• Issues with the consistency of internet connections

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5. NETGEAR 4-Stream AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (RAX15) – Best WiFi 6 Router

WiFi 6 represents the most advanced wireless network connection/ system, and it is the fastest WiFi system on the market as it is designed to boost internet connectivity. But despite being one of the most advanced WiFi systems, it is compatible with all your existing WiFi devices, including all the new WiFi 6 devices such as iPhone 11 or Galaxy S10.

One of the features that stands out from this router is its 6 network streams that have all been designed to give you maximum capacity for connecting more devices.

It boasts 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports for stable and more reliable wired connections, as well as a quad-core processor, which enhances the performance of the router, Beamforming plus, Alexa voice controls, two amplified antennas, an OFDMA system which boost the speed and overall performance of this router.

Then you have the two USB 3.0 ports that allow for automatic data transfers and the safe/ secure WPA2 protocols which ensure the security of your devices and network.

Pros

• High internet speeds of 1.8Gbps for smooth HD streaming and gaming
• 4 WiFi streams for connection with at least 20 devices and dedicated data access
• Advanced technological features improve their performance
• Easy setup
• Reliable WiFi 6 system that is compatible with lower WiFi versions and the latest smartphones on the market
• Strong internet coverage thanks to the two antennas
• 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports for fast wired connections
• Dual-band system
• No VPN issues and it comes with a reliable firewall
• No WiFi drops

Cons

• It’s a little expensive
• You need to have AX clients for the best performance
• It would be better with more Ethernet ports

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6. ASUS Dual-Band AC1300 Router – Most User-Friendly Router

ASUS is a big name in the world of routers, and this elegantly designed router boasts one of the highest internet speeds for the price. It is a dual-band router that makes use of the latest WiFi technologies, including 2×2 MU MIMO, which allows for very high internet speeds reaching a maximum of 1300Mbps (more like 1267Mbps).

It features three 5dBi antennas, which boost the WiFi signal range and the overall performance of the router. It makes use of 802.11ac technology, hence high speeds and device compatibility. The dual-band system allows the router to run at concurrent speeds of 867Mbps and 400Mbps, on the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz bands, respectively.

Using the ASUS Router App, you can easily monitor then easily manage your network right from your mobile device. Its integration with USB 3.0 means fast data transfers, and the encryptions secure internet connections.

Pros

• Easy management and monitoring of the network thanks to the ASUS Router App
• Dual-band WiFi system for improved performance
• Easy setup and configuration
• High combined speeds of 1267Mbps
• USB 3.0 port for fast data sharing
• Good for streaming and light gaming
• Impressive performance
• Good range and coverage

Cons

• A few issues with the company’s customer support services
• The router reboots with all/ any system changes

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7. Linksys EA6350 Dual-Band WiFi Router – Elegantly Designed Router

With a gray band in the middle, and an overall black design, this router is one of the most beautiful routers on the market today, but the best part is that you will like it for more than its looks.

Along with its attractive design, which makes this router an absolute stunner, the router boasts fast internet speeds, as high as 1200Mbps running on a dual-band frequency system.

This dual-band system features the 2.4GHz frequency with speeds of up to N300Mbps and the 5GHz frequency boasting a high speed of AC867Mbps. At these speeds, you can enjoy high-quality HD 4K streaming and gaming, with no fear of buffering. The speed is enhanced by the Gigabit Ethernet ports, which ensure high wired internet transfer speeds.

Pros

• Great coverage for up to 1000 square feet
• It uses Beamforming technology for fast and stable internet connections
• Great bandwidth for more than ten devices
• Reliable 1.2Gbps dual-band WiFi speeds
• High-performance 802.1ac technology
• 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Easy setup
• Smart WiFi system for device prioritization
• It boasts a supercharged wired internet connection

Cons

• No MU MIMO
• No parental controls

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Buying Guide for the Best Routers Under $100

Finding the best router that allows you to meet your internet needs on a budget is more than knowing the best brands on the market or how a router looks. You need to look at the features of the router to be able to determine if it’s really worth your money or not. In our search for the best routers, the features, price, and the reviews determined what made it to our list and what didn’t.

Whether you choose any of the 7 routers we have reviewed in this review or choose to pick another router, there are important considerations you must pay attention to.

• Signal Strength

The signal strength depends on the size of your home. However, the basic routers unable to offer good coverage throughout your home, which means that it would be a good idea to look for more powerful routers with higher signal strength. It’s also a good idea to install/ place the router in spaces with little interference.

• WiFi Compatibility

Like everything else within the tech world, WiFi routers change constantly, and the newest versions are often with some really impressive features. And with all the upgrades we see, device manufacturers are always seeking better ways for the devices to communicate efficiently with new, older, and future tech or devices.

When it comes to WiFi routers, the thing that determines the compatibility of that device is the frequency and how the router will connect to your existing devices. Until a few years ago, WiFi routers made use of 802.11n frequency/ technology, but you will now find that most of the routers around make use of the 802.11ac technology, with the newer versions making use of 802.11ax technology.

In between all these upgrades, you will find that an increasing number of new devices on the market are not compatible with 802.11n, but they are compatible with the 802.11ac devices. Therefore, in your search for the best WiFi routers, it would be a great idea to choose a router made with 802.11ac technology.

• Internet speeds from your ISP

While some routers are rated for super-high speeds, they might not deliver that much speeds, especially if the ISP’s limit is lower than the router’s limit. Also, there are cases where you don’t really need gigabit speeds.

• Bandwidth Hogging

If you have many people and devices connected to your network, it would be an excellent idea for you to invest in a router designed for bandwidth prioritization. Such routers are designed as dual or tri-band routers, and they come with bandwidth prioritization features such as MU-MIMO and Beamforming technologies.

• Security

Does the router offer parental controls, VPN, firewalls, and any other additional security features to protect your devices, kids, and the network?

• Speed

While most of the modern routers on the market are designed to deliver the highest internet speed, you need to check if the router will allow for 4K HD streaming or multi-player gaming with no lags.

• Bands

The best router is a dual or a tri-band router. A dual-band router, for example, supports both the 2.4GHz plus the 5GHz bands, and it would offer more reliable performance. The tri-band router will have an additional 5GHz band.

The best bit about having more than one band, specifically, having the 5GHz band, is that the 5GHz band will not suffer any interference from surrounding electronic devices, and it’s often less crowded. The enhanced performance of the dual-band router is also the result of at least 2 adjustable antennas which prevent signal drops or low speeds.

• Supported Connections

Will the router work with your TVs, laptops, desktops, smartphones, gaming console, tablet, etc.? Some routers call for connection through NAS (Network Attached Storage) via an integrated USB port.

You also need to choose a router with at least 4 Ethernet LAN ports.

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FAQs

Should I Choose an 802.11ax Router?

Yes. If you foresee heavy internet use and if you are upgrading most of your devices, the 802.11ax would be a great idea, not just because it is super-fast, but also because it offers the best of future tech.

Why Choose Dual-Band Routers?

While the single-band routers supporting the 2.4GHz band are great for browsing, streaming, and file downloads, they cannot handle heavy gaming or 4K HD streaming. You need a dual-band router because it comes with an additional band, 5GHz band, which allows for faster internet connection, and this channel doesn’t get overcrowded.

How do I optimize the performance of my Router?

For starters, don’t hide the router in a closet or any other hidden spot. Place your router at a visible spot, centrally in your home. Don’t place it behind the TV and make use of the Wired Ethernet connections for higher speeds.

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Conclusion

The routers reviewed above are some of the best routers under $100 on the market, and depending on your needs, any of the reviewed routers would be a good option for you. You could also use our buyers’ guide for help in your search. Remember that it is more about the features of the router than the price or design.