The WiFi technology has so far evolved to keep up with the pace of technology improvement. Gone are the days we thought the best we could have are the 2.GHz band.
Today with many ac router brands flooding the market offering virtually the same things with an additional remarkable experience that sets them apart, settling for any is not an easy decision. It is even more onerous if you are considering a budget-friendly one ― below $200
We have compiled a review of some of the best cheap high performing ac routers for you
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ASUS AC3200 Tri-Band Gigabit
For the lovers of elegant design, the ASUS AC3200 may look bulky but that is how the manufacturer intended it to be. The cheap ac router is built for function and performs fantastically when used for multimedia streaming.
Features
- Tri-Band frequencies (4GHz and two 5GHz)
- Six Antennas
- AiProtection
- AiCloud
- 4 Ethernet ports and 1 internal port
- 0 and 3.0 USB port
Pros
- Supports dual WAN
- Can function as a VPN server
- Malware protection
- Budget-friendly
- Strong Wi-Fi signal
Cons
- Design is bulky
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NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S AC2600
The NETGEAR Nighthawk has an impressive throughput which does not come at the expense WiFi range speed. This is partially due to its dual-band technology. The only deal breaker you may observe is its four ports because most brands have more.
Features
- Two USB 3.0 ports and eSATA
- 7GHz dual-core processor
- Four antennas
- 4GHz and 5GHz radio frequencies
- Parental controls
- 4 LAN ports and 1 WAN port
- ReadySHARE
Pros
- Fantastic throughput and Wi-Fi coverage
- No bottlenecks
- Genie Interface
- Robust throughput
- Large storage
Cons
- Might be complex to operate
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ASUS AC2900
The ASUS AC2900 WiFi Dual-band three antennas and superb 8GHz dual-core processor ensures you do not lack any speed when it comes to connectivity even on cable. It is also compatible with third-party firmware like AsusWRT offering you good security.
Features
- Dual frequency bands
- Three antennas
- Four LAN ports
- 8GHz dual-core processor
- Multiple inputs and outputs technology
- NitroQAM technology
- AiRadar
Pros
- Awesome cable speed
- AsusWRT firmware
- Four-stream 5GHz band
- Dual-core processor
- Online protection
Cons
- Mounting options can be better
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TP-Link AC2300
The TP-Link A2300 Router can be described as a nonpartisan Wireless WiFi. Every connected user gets the same strength of signals with no prejudice of who connected first or last. Plus, it is also has a great range.
Features
- Dual radio frequencies (600 and 1625Mbps)
- 8GHz dual-core CPU
- Four LAN ports and One WAN port
- Three adjustable external antennas
- 0 and 2.0 USB ports
- Beamforming and RangeBoost
Pros
- Compatible with Alexa
- Wide coverage
- Easy to operate
Cons
- No VPN server
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Synology RT2600ac 4×4
This cheap ac router is worth checking out if you are in the market for WiFi that will seamlessly serve you and your large family. The management tools give owners control over everything you use it for such as data sharing.
Features
- Beamforming technology
- Dual WAN
- 7GHz dual-core processor and 512MB RAM
- Four antennas
- Multiple inputs and output technology
- VPN server
- Smart connect technology
Pros
- Great web interface
- Wide coverage
- External storage slot
- Can act as cloud server
Cons
- Mobile app features can be improved
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Linksys WRT AC1900
The Linksys WRT AC1900 presents an outstanding speed and can be connected to a second router for a heavenly experience. One of the things that might be discouraging about the router is its external antennas but the manufacturer compensated for this by making it more durable.
Features
- 6GHz dual-core processor and 512 RAM
- A gigabit WAN port and 4 Ethernet ports
- One USB 3.0 port and USB 2.0
- Four antennas
- Linksys smart app
- Dual frequency bands
- Open source firmware
- Beamforming technology
Pros
- eSATA port
- Durable antennas
- Firmware
- Great performance on wireless and cable
Cons
- May overheat
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NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900
Are you already a user of Netgear router and wish to upgrade? Then consider checking out this model. The throughput is outstanding at 5GHz band and can be easily set up using your Android or iOS gadget.
Features
- 1GHz dual-core processor
- Beamforming technology
- Three antennas and one amplifier
- One USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports
- Four LAN ports
- Dual bands
Pros
- Power packed VPN
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Easy to install
- Great throughput
Cons
- 4GHz frequency is low
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TP-LINK AC3200 Archer C3200
The design of the TP-Link AC3200 might not be fascinating but it compensates for this with its astounding features and affordable price. The Broadcom’s XStream technology offers an additional %GHz radio band that allows a separate connection for visitors.
Features
- Tri-Band technology
- Smart Connect
- 6 antennas
- Beamforming technology
- 1GHz dual-core processor
- 2 years warranty
Pros
- Parental Controls
- Guest network
- Easy and simple to install
Cons
- Poor design
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NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900
The NETGEAR Nighthawk offers a nice design, unlike most traditional designed router. This nicely designed router does not stop at its beauty, it also comes packed with high speed and impressive performance that will give the highly priced routers a run for their money.
Features
- Four ETHERNET ports
- One WAN port
- One USB 2.0 port and USB 3.0 port
- 1GHz dual-core processor and 256MB RAM
- Beamforming technology
Pros
- Compatible with Alexa
- Great coverage
- High speed
- ReadyShare
- Open VPN
Cons
- Connections might be repeatedly lost
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Tenda AC18 AC1900
The Tenda AC1900 is an upgrade of its predecessor Tender AC15. You can worry less about the cheap ac router getting overheated because the manufacturer factored that into its design. There is a cut out at the top and the bottom side is perforated too. But the antennas are unremovable.
Features
- Three antennas
- Beamforming technology
- USB 3.0 port
- Two VPN options: PPTP Server and the PPTP/L2TP Client
- 256MB of RAM
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- No overheat
- Good design
- Firmware
- Easy interface
Cons
- Overall performance can be better