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It’s no secret that a good router can make your life a whole lot easier. Whether you’re working from home or trying to stream your favorite show, a dependable router is important for a smooth experience.
But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you and your budget. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the five best routers that cost less than $250. From sleek designs to powerful performance, these routers are sure to give you the best bang for your buck. Here are our top picks.
- Best Overall: Linksys EA7300
- Best for Performance: Netgear Nighthawk R6700
- Best for Gaming: TP-Link Archer GX90
- Best for Long Range: Netgear Nighthawk R7900
- Best Mesh Router: Linksys MR7310
Best Overall: Linksys EA7300
- Next-gen AC Wi-Fi - multi-user MIMO technology
- Combined Dual-Band speeds up to 1.7 Gaps for powerful Wi-Fi performance
- Beamforming technology focuses Wi-Fi signal to each device on your network
- Featuring a new look, smart Wi-Fi App provides parental controls, guest passwords and much more to fully manage your home Wi-Fi from a mobile device anytime, anywhere
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line router that won’t break the bank, the Linksys EA7300 is a great option. This powerful router offers speeds of up to 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, making it ideal for streaming HD video or online gaming.
The Linksys EA7300 is a dual-band router that offers maximum speeds of up to 1.7 Gbps. It features MU-MIMO technology for simultaneous streaming and delivers Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. The router also has a dual-core CPU and three external antennas for optimal performance. In addition, the EA7300 has five Ethernet ports that allow you to connect your devices directly to the router to enjoy wired connections. It also includes a USB 3.0 port for connecting external storage devices.
Check out Linksys EA7300 on Amazon.
Best for Performance: Netgear Nighthawk R6700
- Maximum Range : 1500 Sq Ft
- Recommended for up to 25 devices: Reliably stream videos, play games, surf the internet, and connect smart home devices
- Wired Ethernet ports: Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and other nearby wired devices with 4 x 1 gigabit Ethernet ports
- Loaded with advanced technology: Designed with a 1GHz dual core processor, 3 amplified antennas, Beamforming plus, Dynamic QoS, Smart Connect, and more
- USB connections: Share a storage drive or printer with any connected device or create a personal cloud storage to access from anywhere, using the 1 x 3.0 USB port
The Netgear Nighthawk R6700 is one of the best routers you can buy for under $250. It’s fast, reliable, and has a great range. The Netgear Nighthawk R6700 is a high-performance router with three antennas. It is perfect for anyone who wants the best possible Wi-Fi speeds in their home.
The router has a powerful 1GHz dual-core processor and supports up to 450Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band. It also has four gigabit Ethernet ports for wired devices and two USB ports for storage or printer sharing.
The Nighthawk R6700 has advanced features such as Airtime Fairness, Advanced QoS, and beamforming+. It can handle even the most demanding tasks without slowing down. This router produces impressive performances for its price range.
Check out Netgear Nighthawk R6700 on Amazon.
Best for Gaming: TP-Link Archer GX90
- Game Band: Tri-Band structure provides a 4.8 Gbps Game Band exclusive for your gaming rigs and bings pure immersion. 4804 Mbps (5GHz, HE160) + 1201 Mbps (5GHz) + 574 Mbps (2.4GHz)
- Game Accelerator: Detect and optimize gaming streams, to ensure your gaming stays immersive
- Ultra Connectivity: 1 × 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port + 1 × 1 Gbps WAN/LAN port + 3 × Gigabit LAN ports and 2 x USB ports ensure max flexibility and boosted throughput
- Expansive Coverage: 8 detachable high-performance antennas, Beamforming, high-power FEM, 4T4R combine to deliver WiFi coverage up to a 4-bedroom house
- More Devices with Less Lag: OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology deliver data to multiple devices, simultaneously
When it comes to gaming, there are few things more important than a reliable and fast Wi-Fi connection. And of all the routers out there, the TP-Link Archer GX90 is one of the best you can get for under $250.
The TP-Link Archer GX90 is a powerful gaming router that offers impressive speeds and features. The router offers speeds up to 6.6 Gbps with low latency. It’s equipped with a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, and four external antennas. It also supports MU-MIMO technology.
You’ll be able to enjoy lag-free gaming thanks to the Archer GX90’s gaming-optimized firmware and hardware. Furthermore, the router includes a number of other features that are perfect for gamers including Game Accelerator, Game Statistics, Gaming Band, and Game Protector.
The Archer GX90 supports the latest WPA3 security protocol and has other security features such as SPI Firewall, Guest Network, Malicious Site Checker, IP & Mac Binding, and Application Layer Gateway. Best of all, it supports two VPN protocols — Open VPN and PPTP for protecting your data.
Check out TP-Link Archer GX90 on Amazon.
Best Range: Netgear Nighthawk R7900
- 3.0Gbps—Fast combined WiFi speed for uninterrupted streaming
- Tri-Band MU-MIMO—Simultaneous streaming to more devices
- 1.8GHz dual-core processor delivers lag-free gaming
- USB 3.0 port offers high-speed, storage-ready access.System Requirements:Microsoft Windows 7, 8, Vista, XP, 2000, Mac OS, UNIX, or Linux.Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0, Firefox 2.0, Safari 1.4, or...
- Nighthawk App - Easily setup your router. Manage Internet access by pausing and resuming internet instantly. Run a speed test. All from your mobile device!
The Netgear Nighthawk R7900 is a powerful and feature-rich router that is perfect for gamers and power users. It has a 1.8 GHz dual-core processor and supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi. This router has six antennas and an impressive range of up to 3,500 square feet.
It also has five Ethernet ports and a USB 3.0 port. The Nighthawk R7900 has a maximum Wi-Fi speed of 3 Gbps and can handle up to 50 devices simultaneously. It also has MU-MIMO technology for better performance when multiple devices are connected. The router is also very easy to set up, as you can configure it with the Nighthawk app.
Overall, the Netgear Nighthawk R7900 is an excellent router for those who need the fastest possible speeds and want to connect multiple devices at the same time.
Check out Netgear Nighthawk R7900 on Amazon.
Best Mesh Router: Linksys MR7310
- Covers up to 1700 sq. ft, handles 25plus Devices, and Speed up to 1.5 Gbps
- Powered by Intelligent Mesh Technology, easily expand full speed WiFi coverage
- Smarter Security with automatic updates, parental controls and guest mode
- Setup and control your network from anywhere with the Linksys App
- Share files and add external storage across your network with the USB 3.0 Port
The Linksys MR7310 is a powerful and versatile router that is perfect for small businesses and home offices. It offers fast speeds and a variety of features that make it a great choice for busy households. It also supports beamforming, which helps to improve range and performance.
Linksys MR 7310 offers speeds up to 1.5 Gbps and has an impressive range as it covers up to 1700 square feet. The router’s speed allows it to support 4K streaming seamlessly. It has four Gigabit Ethernet ports that allow you to connect your devices to the router to enjoy wired speeds.
The MR7310’s web-based interface is easy to use, and it includes a variety of features such as parental controls and guest networking. The router also features advanced security features to keep your network safe from online threats. Overall, the Linksys MR7310 is a great option for those looking for a fast and feature-rich router.
Check out Linksys MR7310 on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Router Under $250
If you’re looking for the best router under $250, here are some factors to consider to help you choose the right one:
Speed
When it comes to choosing the best router under $250 for your needs, speed is often one of the most important factors. After all, no one wants to be stuck with a slow internet connection. There are a few things that you can do to make sure that you are getting the fastest possible speeds from your router. First, make sure that you are using the latest 802.11ax standard. This is the latest and fastest WiFi standard and will give you the best possible speeds.
Another thing that you can do is to make sure that your router is using the 5GHz frequency band. This is the faster of the two frequencies that routers can use and will give you better speeds than the 2.4GHz frequency band. Finally, make sure that your router has enough RAM and processing power to handle all of the traffic that will be sent through it. A good rule of thumb is to get a router with at least 128MB of RAM and a dual-core processor.
You should also check the product’s guide for its theoretical maximum speed to know what to expect. A higher speed rating means the router can handle more data at once, which is important if you have a lot of devices that will be using the network simultaneously. A lower speed rating may be fine for a smaller home or office, but if you have multiple users and devices, you’ll want a faster router.
Range
If you’re looking for a great router on a budget, you’ll want to make sure you choose one that has a good range. The range of a router is the maximum distance it can cover while still providing a strong signal. Most routers have a range of about 150 feet, but some can reach up to 300 feet. If you have a large home or office, you’ll want to make sure you choose a router with a good range.
The last thing you want is for your signal to drop in the middle of a movie or game stream. To ensure you have the best possible range, look for a router that supports the 802.11ax standard and has multiple antennas.
Tri-Band Support
When it comes to home networking, there are a few key factors to consider when choosing the right router. One of the most important is tri-band support. Most routers on the market today are dual-band, meaning they operate on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies.
However, tri-band routers add an additional 5GHz frequency, which can significantly improve performance, especially if you have a lot of devices connected to your network. If you’re looking for the best possible performance from your router, tri-band is the way to go. However, it’s important to note that not all tri-band routers are created equal. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line model, you’ll likely have to spend more than $250.
Security
When it comes to choosing a router, security is one of the most important factors to consider – especially if you’re looking for a model that’s budget-friendly. There are plenty of great routers on the market that won’t break the bank, but it’s important to make sure that they offer adequate protection against potential threats.
For starters, look for a router that supports WPA3 encryption – this is the latest and most secure type of wireless encryption available. Additionally, it’s a good idea to choose a router with built-in firewall protection to help keep your network safe from external attacks.
Finally, make sure that the router you select offers regular security updates and patching; this will help ensure that your network stays protected against the latest threats.
With so many great options available, there’s no need to sacrifice security when choosing a budget-friendly router. By following these simple tips, you can rest assured that your home or office network will be well-protected against any potential threats.
Advanced Features
Here are some advanced features to look for when picking the best router under $250:
MU-MIMO
MU-MIMO stands for Multi-User – Multiple Input, Multiple Output. This feature allows the router to communicate with multiple devices at the same time, which can be helpful if you have a lot of devices that connect to your Wi-Fi network.
Beamforming
Beamforming is a technology that helps focus the Wi-Fi signal in a specific direction. This can be helpful in improving the range and performance of your Wi-Fi network.
VPN support
When looking for a Wi-Fi router under $250, it is important to consider one that offers VPN support. A VPN, or virtual private network, allows you to create a secure connection to another network over the Internet. This can be useful if you need to access resources on a remote network, or if you want to keep your traffic encrypted and safe from prying eyes.
Parental Control
This feature allows you to manage and monitor your children’s internet usage, ensuring that they stay safe online. You can set limits on their internet usage and block certain websites and content that you have deemed inappropriate. With parental control, you can have peace of mind knowing that your children are browsing the internet safely.
Compatibility
There are a few factors to consider when purchasing a Wi-Fi router, and compatibility is one of them. Not all routers are compatible with all types of devices, so it’s important to check that the router you’re considering is compatible with the devices you want to use it with.
Additionally, some routers are only compatible with certain types of internet service, so if you have a specific type of service in mind, make sure the router you’re looking at is compatible with it.
What to Know Before Buying a Wi-Fi Router Under $250
When buying a Wi-Fi router, it is important to be aware of the potential trade-offs you may make by opting for a cheaper model. In general, more expensive routers offer more features, better performance, and greater compatibility with devices.
One key factor to consider is the size of your home. If you have a large house, you’ll need a router that can cover a greater distance—which will likely be more expensive. The number of devices that will be connected to your router is also important; more devices mean more strain on your network, so you’ll want a router that can handle the load.
Compatibility with your devices is another consideration. You need to ensure the router is compatible with your internet service and your devices.
Finally, it’s always helpful to read online reviews before making any big purchase. You can get an idea of what other people have experienced with different models of routers and get a sense of which one might be right for you. By taking all these factors into account, you can find the best Wi-Fi router under $250 for your needs.
Using a Wi-Fi Router Under $250: What It’s Like
If you’re looking for a Wi-Fi router on a budget, you’ll likely be drawn to models that cost less than $250. But what’s it like to actually use one of these routers?
First, let’s talk about speed. If you have a high-speed internet connection (100 Mbps or higher), you’ll want a router that can handle those speeds. Many of the routers in this price range can easily handle speeds up to 300 Mbps, which should be more than enough for most users.
Next, let’s talk about range. If you have a large home or office, you’ll want a router with a good range so that you can stay connected no matter where you are. Again, many of the routers in this price range offer a good range, up to 1000 sq. ft. or more.
Finally, let’s talk about features. While you may not get all of the features present in more expensive models, there are still plenty of great features available in this price range. Many routers in this price range come with things like guest networking, parental controls, and quality of service (QoS).
