The 5 Best Cheap Routers That Still Get the Job Done — Reviewed and Ranked

Upgrading your router is one of the best ways to improve the speed and performance of your Wi-Fi network. However, a new router does not come cheap and you can easily part with hundreds of dollars for a new router with the most recent versions of Wi-Fi.

If spending big is not an option for you, the good news is that there have never been more low-cost router options! And far from being poor quality, these routers punch above their weight, offering the latest technology with change from $100. 

To save you time, we’ve searched high and low to bring you the 5 best cheap routers that still get the job done! All the routers we share are under $200 and we’ve got cheap router picks that will be great for gaming, small or large houses, and your home office. 

Here are our top picks: 

• Best overall: ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (RT-AX1800S)
• Best mesh option: Amazon eero mesh WiFi system
• Best for gaming: ASUS AC2900 WiFi Gaming Router (RT-AC86U)
• Best for apartments: TP-Link AC1200 Gigabit WiFi Router (Archer A6)
• Best for home office: ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (RT-AX1800S)

Best Overall Access Point: ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (RT-AX1800S)

Supports Super Fast Wi-Fi Speeds

ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (RT-AX1800S)

$69.99

• Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) supports MU-MIMO and OFDMA for simultaneous streaming on multiple devices
• Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz
• Dual-core processor
• 4 external antennas
• 5 Gigabit ports including 1 Gigabit WAN plus four Gigabit LAN ports

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09/14/2023 02:00 am GMT

A tight budget should be no excuse to miss out on the latest technology, and the ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (RT-AX1800S) provides you with fast, reliable, and consistent performance long term.  With speeds of up to 1 Gbps, you‘ll have respectable performance when you pair this router with a fiber or high-speed cable connection. This all-rounder has the coverage, ports, settings, and parental controls you need for wireless networking in a busy modern home!

The ASUS AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Router has all the features you would expect from much more expensive wireless networking hardware, making it a decent upgrade from the standard ISP-supplied routers. The multi-antenna design supports Multi-User MIMO and the latest OFDMA technology that makes Wi-Fi data transfer more efficient and resilient against sources of interference in your home. 

You can also confidently use this router in your home office. It has 4-gigabit ports that are ideal for high-throughput data transfer or high-spec networked devices like a NAS storage device or a prized gaming console. AiProtection from Trend Micro protects your home network, while robust parental controls ensure screen time for the kids is always strictly capped.

Quick specs

Check out the ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (RT-AX1800S) on Amazon.

Best Mesh Option: Amazon eero mesh WiFi system

Amazon eero mesh WiFi system – router replacement for whole-home coverage (3-pack)

$169.99

• Great signal strength that is stable
• Wi-Fi coverage of up to 1,500 sq. ft.
• Amazing speeds of up to 550 Mbps
• 512MB RAM, 4GB flash storage
•  Easy set up on the app

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09/14/2023 06:25 am GMT

Though the Amazon eero mesh WiFi system comes in at around $150, we had to include it because it is one of the cheapest mesh Wi-Fi systems around and the ideal solution for a larger property. If you are looking for a contemporary networking solution that will accommodate devices like Alexa or Apple HomeKit, this mesh router will onboard a wide range of devices easily. 

This whole home Wi-Fi solution has respectable, but not super-fast speeds of up to 300 Mbps, operating on the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency bands. Other features of the eero system include:

• Network setup in minutes using the dedicated app. Download and use the eero app on your Android or iPhone and follow the steps for a fast setup. 
• Smart home friendly. The eero makes managing your smart home devices simple. It provides a user interface where you can see and manage the devices that are connected to the eero network, including kid’s devices you can remotely disconnect. 
• Simple minimalist design. The access points and router are small and discrete despite the sophistication of the networking provided. 

Users rate the eero mesh network as being great value for money. However, this router has few ports and is mostly reliant on connecting devices wirelessly. Regular automated firmware updates mean you can expect the mesh network to perform well long term.

Quick specs

Check out the Amazon eero mesh WiFi system on Amazon.

Best For Gaming: ASUS AC2900 WiFi Gaming Router (RT-AC86U)

For Lag-Free Gaming and Flawless Streaming

ASUS AC2900 Wi-Fi Gaming Router (RT-AC86U)

$149.79

• Dual-band 2.4 GHz plus 5 GHz
• Has the latest 802.11AC MU-MIMO technology
• Data transfer speeds up to 2900 Mbps
• 1.8GHz 32bit dual-core processor to optimize network traffic and connectivity speeds
• Designed for online gaming and 4K UHD streaming

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09/13/2023 11:59 am GMT

The ASUS AC2900 WiFi Gaming Router (RT-AC86U) gets the job done for under $100! With Wi-Fi 5 technology on board, this router has the bandwidth and speed to support even the most advanced gaming experiences. Stream data at speeds of up to 2.3 GHz across multiple 2.4 and 5 GHz channels with adaptive technology that is specifically configured for gaming. 

ASUS is a well-known brand for gaming and this router shouldn’t disappoint. For the price, it delivers massive broadcasting power that more than can easily cover a large home. Here are some of the other features of this powerful gaming router:

• All the ports you need for multimedia. ASUS has equipped this cheap gaming router with all the ports you need for a high-speed gaming experience. Ports available include four gigabit Ethernet ports, USB 2.0, and USB 3.0 ports. With these, you’ll have no problem hooking up your smart TV, consoles, or NAS devices.
• Adaptive QoS to prioritize gaming. You can hog the gaming router with gamer solo mode and special QoS settings that upgrade and prioritize gaming data packets. 
• Robust parental controls. The router includes parental controls that extend to every device that connects to your network.
• Smartphone app user interface. For network setup, monitoring and maintenance, you can bypass your PC and use the ASUS Router App. The app includes a simple 3-step web-based installation and extensive advanced options to get your networking running just the way you want it.

The overall opinion of owners and users of this router is that it is unsettlingly powerful, even running hot sometimes. Users affirm that the network speeds are high, but advise that it will require a lot of tweaks to its settings to get it running just right.

Quick specs

Check out the ASUS AC2900 WiFi Gaming Router (RT-AC86U) on Amazon.

Best For Apartments: TP-Link AC1200 Gigabit WiFi Router (Archer A6)

TP-Link AC1200 Gigabit WiFi Router (Archer A6) - 5GHz Dual Band Mu-MIMO Wireless Internet Router, Supports Guest WiFi and AP mode, Long Range Coverage

$51.82

• Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz ; 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
• Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
• MU-MIMO technology (5GHz band) allows high speeds for multiple devices simultaneously
• AP mode, can be switched to access point mode to share your internet wirelessly
• Supports guest WiFi and parental control, an ideal wireless router for home

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09/14/2023 05:01 am GMT

If you live in a small home or apartment and don’t need a powerful router that can cover thousands of square feet, the low-priced  TP-Link AC1200 Gigabit WiFi Router (Archer A6) should keep you connected for under $50. TP-Link is a reputable brand and has produced a reliable budget Wi-Fi 5 router that is ideal for getting your home network up and running when you move home or need a replacement router quickly. 

The TP-Link AC1200 Gigabit WiFi Router (Archer A6) is a 2×2 MIMO router that you can rely on to get the job done. Features that keep this router hassle-free include:

• Dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity with data transfer speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps. At 2.4 GHz the data transfer speed is 300 Mpbs and at 5 GHz you can stream and make video calls with low-latency speeds of up to 900 Mbps. 
• 2×2 antennas provide extensive coverage. Alongside the four external antennas, this router also has a powerful internal antenna for dead-zone-free coverage throughout your home. 
• Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. If you want to connect a games console or smart TV, you have four-gigabit ports to use for ultra-high-speed connectivity.
• Easy network management with the Tether App. This router has a dedicated smartphone app to keep you in control of your home network wherever you are. 

This cheap router delivers amazing value for money. Users agree, though some have had teething problems with setup and have needed to call support. However, be careful if you have a gigabit internet connection, as this little router might struggle to keep up with it!

Quick specs

Check out the TP-Link AC1200 Gigabit WiFi Router (Archer A6) on Amazon.

Best For Home Office: ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (RT-AX1800S)

Supports Super Fast Wi-Fi Speeds

ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (RT-AX1800S)

$69.99

• Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) supports MU-MIMO and OFDMA for simultaneous streaming on multiple devices
• Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz
• Dual-core processor
• 4 external antennas
• 5 Gigabit ports including 1 Gigabit WAN plus four Gigabit LAN ports

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09/14/2023 02:00 am GMT

In the Work From Home age, a home office router like the ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router needs to handle bandwidth-consuming activities like telecommuting, videoconferencing, and desktop virtualization. Wi-Fi 6 has been developed with these demanding applications in mind, so it is great that this smart ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router comes at just under $100. 

You can discretely set up this compact 2×2 dual-band router in your home office. Its standout features for home office networking include:

• A total networking speed of over 1.8 Gbps. This router offers speeds of 574 Mbps at 2.4 GHz and 1.2 Gbps on the 5 GHz frequency band.
• Advanced Wi-Fi 6 networking technology. The ASUS AX1800 uses advanced MU-MIMO antenna technology and OFDMA modulation techniques to boost the capacity and efficiency of your home office network.
• Multiple connectivity options. 4 gigabit ports provide direct high-speed connectivity for NAS and other essential devices.
• Intuitive setup and control. You can use the ASUSWRT user interface to set up and manage your Wi-Fi network via your laptop or smartphone.

Users rate this router as one of the best you can get under $100. In particular, the router is extremely security-focused, with the latest WPA3 security protocol and AI Protection by Trend Micro which continually monitors the network for malware, viruses, and backdoor spying.

Quick specs

Check out the ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (RT-AX1800S) on Amazon.

How To Pick The Best Cheap Routers That Still Get The Job Done

It’s great that there is no need to spend $300+ to have decent Wi-Fi connectivity in your home. With a cheap router, you’ll have to make compromises, but the models we’ve shared should be an upgrade on your existing hardware. 

There is enough variety of cheap routers to find one that fits specific uses like gaming, telecommuting, or streaming content. Here are some pointers on what to look for when picking a cheap router: 

• Version of Wi-Fi 
• AC vs AX
• Speed 
• Hardware
• Renewed or reconditioned routers

Let’s take a closer look at these important considerations:

Version of Wi-Fi

Older technology is certainly going to be cheaper, but it’s advisable to get the most advanced versions of Wi-Fi your money can buy. This is because Wi-Fi technology has advanced significantly in the last five years with marked improvements in performance and security standards. 

There are currently six versions of Wi-Fi available: 

• Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), released in 2019
• Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), released in 2013
• Wi-Fi 2 (802.11n), released in 2009
• Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g), released in 2003
• Wi-Fi 2 (802.11a), released in 1999
• Wi-Fi 1 (802.11b), released in 1999

Any technology that is pre-Wi-Fi 4 is going to be relatively obsolete and may not have adequate support or security. Also, not all Wi-Fi versions are backward compatible, there may be issues with using more recent devices on these networks. 

A better investment would be a Wi-Fi 5 or 6 router, which is possible at sub $100 prices. Sure, the router won’t have all the special features, but you’ll be buying a router with much greater longevity and you can benefit from the enhanced performance and security of the latest versions of Wi-Fi.

AC vs. AX routers 

Some routers have specs with the letters AX or AC followed by a number (e.g. AX1200 or AC750). These are a manufacturer-derived system of speed ratings, with AC referring to Wi-Fi 5 and AX referring to WI-Fi 6. The number is the sum of speeds through all the individual frequency bands of the router, rather than the speed you’ll experience in each band.

You may also find these more recent routers described as either dual-band or tri-band. Though most of these routers use two frequency bands 2.4 and 5 GHz, the tri-band router has double the bandwidth of a dual-band router. 

Speed 

Cheap routers don’t deliver the headline multi-gigabit speeds that the market-leading routers will, but you can get budget routers with respectable speeds of 300 to 450 Mbps. The addition of the 5 GHz frequency band will boost the speed and throughput of your router. 

Router hardware

Router hardware and build quality can impact the performance and longevity of your cheap router. In particular, the processor quality and specification will affect the speed at which your router processes and packages data, affecting the overall speeds. 

Renewed or reconditioned routers

Some retailers offer renewed routers at a heavy discount meaning that you can buy a high-spec router for well under $100. Refurbished routers are often models returned because of warranty issues and then repaired or reconditioned, with a factory reset. Renewed routers may be worth it if you purchase them from a reputable source. 

What To Know Before Buying The Best Cheap Routers That Still Get The Job Done

A budget router usually gets your data moving from A to B but often lacks important features that may be a deal breaker for your situation. Look out for: 

1. Fewer ports 

If you’re a networking fanatic, the limited number of ports on a cheap router may disappoint you. There are usually only four LAN ports and multi-gig or USB ports that you need to connect to peripherals may also be absent.

2. Non-removable antennas

Cheap routers usually have non-removable antennas. This prevents you from boosting coverage by removing them and using an external antenna with a higher gain. 

3. Less sophisticated settings

You may have to compromise on the quality of the user interface and settings of your cheap router. This limits your ability to customize your network with an advanced setting like bandwidth allocation or online gaming presets. 

4. No parental controls

A cheap router in a busy family home may be problematic if it does not have firmware that includes parental controls. The most sophisticated and expensive routers allow parents to nix all the potential online vices for their children, but you may have to set up a third-party program if you need these controls for your household. 

Using The Best Cheap Routers That Still Get The Job Done: What it’s Like? 

Let’s be realistic. The market-leading routers that cost hundreds of dollars operate at multi-gigabit speeds with tri-band or even quad-band connectivity. With more expensive routers, you are going to experience faster connectivity, smooth buffer-free streaming, and a responsive gaming experience.

At the sub $100 price point (or sub $150 for mesh Wi-Fi) speeds are usually slower. Expect 300 to 500 Mbps. However, there is an increasing number of cheap Wi-Fi 6 routers becoming available, meaning you can benefit from the reduced latency and higher throughput of the newest version. 

With cheap routers, there is often concern that the coverage may not be so great. So it’s great that mesh Wi-Fi solutions are dropping in price. We think that mesh Wi-Fi delivers excellent value for money as you can benefit from distributed coverage throughout your home. 

Final thoughts 

As you can see, nowadays a cheap router can still get the job done. Remember to optimize your router and set up your network to get the best performance possible. Improvements in Wi-Fi technology have trickled down to the lower price ranges, so buying a budget router is no longer a gamble. 

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Aquarius Studio/Shutterstock.com.