Typically, the best budget routers offer certain features which are not normally seen in cheaper models. Not everyone wants to get an expensive router when there are budget routers to get in the market. This article is made to provide you with information on the best budget routers to get this year.
Best Budget Router 2023
1. TP-Link AC1200 Smart Wi-Fi Router
The TP-Link AC1200 router is able to give you fast internet speeds using its dual-band frequencies which give you a speed of up to 867mbps on the 5Ghz frequency and speed of 300mbps on the 2.4GHz frequency.
It comes with 3 antennas with beaming technology which relays signals for you to get fast speeds for streaming movies & music and playing online games.
Features
- One USB port.
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
- Ideal for 4K stream.
- 1200 Mbps high-speed internet.
Price: $61.00
Pros
- It is easy to install and configure.
- Dual frequencies for a fast connection.
Cons
- Poor customer support.
2. TP-Link Archer C50 AC 1200 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router
The TP-Link Archer C50 AC 1200 router comes with a dual-frequency router for you to get data rates of 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 900Mbps on the 5GHz band. It is ideal for streaming in 4K and playing the latest MOBA and FPS games which typically consume data.
It comes with three 5dBi antennas which are adjustable for you to get signals and good coverage. Also, it has a guest network for you to allow other users to browse without compromising the security.
Features
- Fast Ethernet ports.
- Ideal for homes with up to 100 Mbps internet plans.
- Stream on multiple devices in 4K while reducing buffering.
- Works with all WiFi devices.
- TP-Link Tether app.
- 2-year warranty.
- FREE 24/7 technical support.
Price: $49.99
Pros
- Dual frequencies.
- Wide coverage signal.
- Provides Gigabit wired connections.
- Can stream 4K videos.
- DD-WRT can be installed.
Cons
- Connection strength drops.
3. TP-Link N300 Wireless Wi-Fi Router
TP-Link is a recognized brand in the industry of wireless routers. The TP-Link N300 Wireless Wi-Fi Router is an excellent pick for anyone looking for budget routers to buy. It is ideal for web browsing as well as for streaming movies and videos.
It is built with one WAN port coupled with four LAN ports for you to connect to a modem. Overall, it is firmly built and is deemed to last for a long time.
Features
- 2 5dBi antennas.
- IP based bandwidth control.
- Fast Ethernet ports (10/100 Mbps).
- Backward compatible with 802.11b/g products.
- TP-LINK Live 24/7 Technical Support.
Price: $17.99
Pros
- It comes with four Ethernet ports.
- Traffic-controller using IP-based QoS.
- Robust construction improves longevity.
- It can be wall-mounted.
Cons
- Not ideal for connecting multiple devices.
4. ASUS Wireless N300 Router
The ASUS Wireless N300 is another router that fits into the category of budget routers. It comes with 2T2R MIMO Technology which relays signals simultaneously to all of your connected devices. It offers firmware updates, therefore, you will not be operating dated firmware that doesn’t support the needs of the wireless network.
Features
- 4 SSIDs help to manage access control and bandwidth allocation.
- Powerful Online Multi-tasking.
- Easy to set up.
- 3 Operating models; access point, router and repeater.
- 2 detachable 5dBi antennas.
- Operating Frequency: 2. 4 GHz.
Price: $21.49
Pros
- Powerful and wider coverage.
- Two 5dBi antennas are detachable
- 2T2R MIMO.
Cons
- Installing DD-WRT is complicated.
5. Linksys N300 (E1200) Wi-Fi Wireless Router
The Linksys N300 E1200 is one of the easiest routers to set up. It is built in a compact design for you to put it anywhere in your home. It also provides a wired connection with four LAN ports and a WAN port.
However, this router is not designed for downloading or heavy streaming but it does a great job in providing you with wireless networking on a tiny budget.
Features
- Wireless Security to Block Unauthorized Access.
- Wireless-N Technology for Reliable Home Networking.
- 4 Ethernet Ports for Wired Connections.
- Easy Setup with Software CD.
Price: $26.35
Pros
- It has an internal MIMO antenna.
- It has a built-in ISP firewall.
- Provides access to a guest network.
Cons
- It doesn’t support external parental control applications to work with the Linksys parental control.
6. NETGEAR R6700 Nighthawk AC 1750 Smart Wi-Fi Router
NETGEAR’s R6700 router is a top performer in the world of routers. It offers seamless internet performance and remains ideal for use in an office or a large home. It comes with a dual-core processor which operates at 1GHz and three detachable antennas.
Features
- USB 3.0 USB port.
- Supports WPA2 wireless security protocols.
- Includes Guest WiFi access. VPN, DoS, Firewall.
- Quick to set up.
Price: $79.00
Pros
- The dual-core processor runs at 1GHz.
- Simple user interface.
- Beamforming technology.
- It has parental controls.
Cons
- Bulky appearance.
7. TP-Link Archer C9 AC1900 Smart Wireless Router
The TP-Link Archer C9 AC1900 is a solid router which comes in a beautiful white case, you can choose to hang it on the wall if you are short of space. This budget router delivers speed on 1900Mbps and it gives you a good number of connections; Ethernet, USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports.
Features
- Free 24/7 technical support.
- 2-year warranty.
- Gigabit router.
- Four Gigabit LAN ports.
- Long-range coverage.
- Beamforming technology.
- 1GHz powerful dual-core processor.
Price: $99.99
Pros
- Ideal gaming router.
- It utilizes beamforming technology.
- Antennas are removable and adjustable.
- Wi-Fi range of over 15meters.
- It can stream 4K movies and videos.
Cons
- Fragile design.
8. Linksys EA6350 Wi-Fi Wireless Dual Band Router
This router comes with USB 3.0 and Gigabit Ethernet ports and it is powered by a single-core 800MHz processor. The Linksys EA6350 Wi-Fi Wireless utilizes beamforming technology to direct the Wi-Fi signals effectively.
Features
- Beamforming technology.
- It provides WiFi coverage of up to 1,000 square feet.
- Works with existing modems.
- Simple setup via Linksys app.
- Enjoy 4K HD streaming.
Price: $49.99
Pros
- Excellent Wi-Fi performance.
- Four Gigabit Ethernet ports.
- High-performance USB 3.0 port.
Cons
- The antennas are not removable.
9. ASUS Dual-Band 2×2 AC1300 RT-ACRH13
ASUS is a company domiciled in Taiwan, they are best known for following the recent trends in producing tech gadgets as well as gaming peripherals.
The ASUS Dual-Band 2×2 AC1300 RT-ACRH13 router uses MU-MIMO technology which offers simultaneous connection of multiple devices at a go. It comes with 128MB RAM and is powered by a 717MHz quad-core processor.
Features
- Intuitive user interface.
- Four external 5dBi antennas.
- Smart ASUS Router app.
- MU-MIMO technology.
- Beamforming technology.
- Fast quad-core processor.
- 128MB RAM.
Price: $59.99
Pros
- User-friendly interface.
- Provides consistent bandwidth.
- The finish resists fingerprints.
Cons
- Just 2 Ethernet ports.
10. TRENDnet AC2600 MU-MIMO Wireless TEW-827DRU Router
The TRENDnet AC2600 MU-MIMO is one of the best routers to get at a budget price. It is powered by a dual-core processor that runs 1.4GHz, so it is a fast router which fills your home with data. It also comes with beamforming and MU-MIMO technologies and is ideal for streaming and gaming.
Features
- 1 USB 3.0 Port.
- Four-gigabit ports.
- Beamforming technology.
- Quad-stream support.
- MU-MIMO technology.
- Qualcomm’s StreamBoost technology.
- Four adjustable high-gain antennas.
Price: $99.99
Pros
- Easy to set up.
- Includes settings for parental control.
- Includes settings for guest network access.
Cons
- Unfriendly user interface.