The 7 Best Wireless Routers Under $100 Reviewed
As more devices connect to the internet inside of a home, the important a router becomes for everyone. They don’t have to cost a fortune, though, as you can find decent options under $100. With these options, you can get your smart devices, laptops, security systems, and more connected to each other and the internet with ease.
Most homes do not need a fancy expensive router when an affordable option gets the job done, even in a busy home with several family members. We found the seven best options to get your home connected to all of your devices on a budget. After, stay on and learn relevant information about routers and what to look for to get your technology working for you.
Best Wireless Routers Under $100
1. TP-Link AC1900 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A8)
The best router under a hundred is the TP-Link AC1900 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A8), as it’s everything you need at a low price. As a matter of fact, the TP-Link brand won the JD Power Award for the highest customer satisfaction for wireless routers for two years! Since so many people find routers confusing, great customer service goes a long way in making a router worth the price, and this one comes with a great price.
With this option, you get a Wave 2 wireless internet router with 600Mbps on a 2.4GHz band for your longer distance need and 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz band for closer needs. It’s a Mu-MIMO gigabit router, which means it’s designed for multiple users, inputs, and outputs. It can support three simultaneous data streams for the best performance with efficient communication. Three antennas help to increase the range.
Next, it has a data transfer rate of 1900Mbps for boosted WiFi coverage. The device has Beamforming technology to deliver efficient wire-free connection even over longer ranges. Connect to your devices with wires when necessary, including PCs, televisions, or consoles using the 4 gigabit LAN and 1 gigabit WAN connectors. It does not offer a USB port. However, you get a whole host of parental controls, including the ability to set daily limits on children’s devices using a hand app that works on any smart device.
- OneMesh Compatible Router- Form a seamless WiFi when work with TP-Link OneMesh WiFi Extenders.
- Wave 2 Wireless Internet Router, 600 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz band
- MU-MIMO Gigabit Router, 3 simultaneous data streams help your devices achieve optimal performance by making communication more efficient
- Boosted WiFi Coverage, Beamforming technology delivers a highly efficient wireless connection, long range WiFi
- Full Gigabit Ports: Create fast, reliable wired connections for your PCs, Smart TVs and gaming console with 4 x Gigabit LAN and 1 x Gigabit WAN. No USB Port
2. Speedefy AC2100 Smart WiFi Router
The Speedefy AC2100 Smart WiFi Router gives you seven antenna to get more out of this dual-band gigabit wireless router. With this router, you can boost the WiFi coverage in your home. Thanks to a dual-core processor, you get powerful connects for both wired and wireless for optimal performance. Also, it comes with four simultaneous data streams using MU-MIMO for more connections and improved performance.
As a smart wireless router, it can support 2100M or 1733Mbps at 5GHz and 300Mbps at 2.4GHz. The dual-core CPU reduces buffering for better browsing, gaming, and streaming. All this and a powerful signal with seven 6dBi external antennas to completely eliminate dead spots in your home. Moreover, the setup is simple and easy to maintain. Just ten minutes is all you need to get the router up and running.
Furthermore, you get safeguard security with complete WPA2 protocols for stable, secure internet. You can manage kids’ internet access with parental controls and even a guest network for when friends come over. Add in the 2100 Mbps for an incredible machine ready to support up to 25 devices. Lastly, it comes with 802.11ac on the 5GHz band. Use the app to set up and monitor all of the details.
- Outstanding Wireless Speed: Speedefy K7 smart wireless router supports 2100M (1733Mbps/5GHz + 300Mbps/2.4GHz) dual band gigabit WiFi. Dual cores CPU reduces buffering and provides high speed web browsing, video streaming and gaming.
- Excellent and Powerful Signal: Cutting-edge 7*6dBi external Antennas, 4*4 MU-MIMO, delivers powerful signal, coverage every corner of the room.
- Simple Setup, Easy Management: One-Stop installation is easily achieved in 5 mins. App or web interface management brings more convenience for preference setting.
- Safeguard Security of Your Internet: Complete WPA2 protocols ensure internet security, detect and prevent risks from internet in real time, keep your WiFi stable and secure.
- Various Advanced Features: Parental control manages your kids' internet access; Accelerate WiFi helps to quickly optimize your internet; Guest network separates own information from others’.
3. ASUS RT-ACRH17 AC1700 Dual Band WiFi Router
Staying under the $100 budget, the ASUS RT-ACRH17 AC1700 Dual Band WiFi Router is a great option with a low profile. Our favorite feature of this router is the larger range as it can cover up to 3,000 square feet. Moreover, it can support up to 30 devices. Also, it comes with a smart app you can download on an Apple or Android device.
The router includes a concurrent dual-band for a range around the entire home. As an AC1700, the 5GHz can support up to 1700 Mbps. It’s an 802.11ac MU-MIMO capable machine for fantastic transfer rates. A quad-core processor with 256MB of RAM allows for optimized network routes and impressive connectivity speeds from the three USB 2.0 and four gigabit LAN ports. Everyone in the house can be online at the same time.
Using AiRadar Beamforming technology and four fixed antennas, you get a stronger wireless coverage. Also, the app allows you to manage the network, parental controls, and receive notifications about network-based information. Another neat feature is the router works with the Alexa app and voice control for even more control and options. Find out why PCMag.com named this the router of the year eight years in a row.
- Concurrent Dual band (2. 4 + 5 GHz) AC1700 wireless router with the latest 802. 11ac MU MIMO (4T4R) technology for data transfer speeds up to 1700 Mbps
- Quad core processor with 256MB ram optimizes network traffic and connectivity speeds from the USB 3. 0 and 4x Gigabit LAN ports
- Mu Mimo (3x3) delivers full speed for multiple devices by connecting multiple MU MIMO compatible clients at each device's maximum Wi Fi speed simultaneously
- AiRadar Beamforming technology with 4 fixed antennas for stronger wireless coverage
- Manage your network with the ASUS router app – setup your network, manage usage and parental controls, even get instant notifications about important network based events
4. NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart AC1750 WiFi Router
If you prefer NetGear, try the Nighthawk Smart AC1750 WiFi Router. Like the last option, this one works with Alexa, too, for easy voice access. However, it only covers 1,500 square feet, which is half the range of the option above. If you want this option to work for a larger house, you may want to get a WiFi extender to cover the difference. Also, it only offers a 13000Mbps, which may be enough for a smaller house or even an apartment.
The router comes with three antennas to help with range, and you can plug it right into devices or go wireless. It comes with four 1 gigabit ethernet ports for easy access. Furthermore, it’s filled with advanced technology, including a 1GHz dual-core processor, Beamforming plus, Dynamic QoS, Smart Connect, and much more. You also get three USB ports as well for more ways to connect.
Next, the device is safe and secure with supports for WPA2 wireless security protocols, a guest connection, DOS, firewall, VPN, and others too. Also, it includes Netgear Armor to protect from internet threats from malware and much more from any devices. You will have to buy the software after a one month trial. Finally, set the router up in just minutes then you can take care of everything from your smart device.
- 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
- Safe & secure: Supports WPA2 wireless security protocols. Includes Guest Wi-Fi access, DOS, Firewall, VPN, and more
5. OnHub Wireless Router from Google and TP-LINK
Save some cash with the OnHub Wireless Router from Google and TP-LINK. Not only is the price right, but this device can support over thirty different devices at one time (watch the commercial for this router, you won’t be disappointed) and up to 100 devices. With a range of 2,500 square feet, it can cover even a large house, especially with 13 antennas. A round shape makes it look more like a speaker than a router, too, for seamless integration into your home.
Connect as many wireless devices as you want to the 5GHz and 2.4GHz dual-band device for reliable coverage and WiFi speeds of up to 1900Mbps for ultra-smooth internet usage. Everyone in your home – even guests – can get WiFi 5GHz is Up to 1300Mbps,2.4GHz is Up to 600Mbps, and Bluetooth is 4.0&HS. Visitors can use a separate network for easy access too.
Get a two-year warranty and premium technical support if you ever encounter any issues with the router. All this and it meets 802.11ac standards for WiFi 5 and eliminates dead zones with all of the antennae for a fast connection. Use the app to control everything, even parental controls, and guest access. It’s only lower on our list because a chunk of customers found the router died earlier than expected; let’s hope they checked their warranty.
- The companion Google Wifi app makes setup simple and lets you to control your network from your smartphone
- Super fast Wi-Fi speeds up to 1900 mbps to help with smooth streaming, gaming and downloading
- Helps eliminate dead zones with 2.4GHz and 5GHz Band1/2/3/4 Wi-Fi antenna-13, 2.4GHz Bluetooth antenna- 1 & 2.4GHz Zigbee antenna-1. Reliable coverage for most homes up to 2,500 square feet
- Supports 100+ connected devices, so everyone can get on at once and signal rate- Wi-Fi 5GHz is Up to 1300Mbps,2.4GHz is Up to 600Mbps, Bluetooth is 4.0&HS
- Supports 100+ connected devices, so everyone can get on at once and signal rate- Wi-Fi 5GHz is Up to 1300Mbps,2.4GHz is Up to 600Mbps, Bluetooth is 4.0&HS
6. Linksys EA7300 Dual-Band WiFi Router for Home
Another fantastic option is the Linksys EA7300 Dual-Band WiFi Router for Home. It offers an AC1750 with a data transfer rate of 1750Mbps and both wired and wireless connections. Again, this one only covers 1,500 square feet, which works great for a small house or apartment but if you have a two-floor house or a larger home, find a different option. Otherwise, it’s fantastic, although the high is rather high for the shorter coverage.
Moreover, the router cannot handle as many devices, but it can hold over ten. Use it with your existing modem and get easy setup with the reliable Linksys app. You can still enjoy 4K HD streaming, gaming, and more with high-quality speed without buffering. The dual-band offers Dual-band WiFi speeds up to 1.7 Gbps at 2.4 GHz / 450 Mbps and 5 GHz / 1300 Mbps. Also, it’s MU-MIMO for multiple devices accessing the same high speeds simultaneously.
What we really love about this device is you can prioritize devices, manage parental controls, and more from the app. You also get 802.11ac but only a single USB port. Customer service is another issue with this device, as is the longevity, as a small number of customers got duds and are already shopping again. The vast majority of users love this well-equipped device, ready to increase connectivity.
- Provides up to 1,500 square feet of Wi-Fi coverage for 10plus wireless devices
- Works with existing modem, simple setup through Linksys App. Minimum system requirements-Internet Explorer versions 8 and newer, Safari 5 (for Mac), Firefox 8, Google Chrome
- Enjoy 4K HD streaming, gaming and more in high quality without buffering
- Dual band Wi-Fi speeds up to 1.7 Gbps (2.4 GHz / 450 Mbps) plus (5 GHz / 1300 Mbps)
- MU MIMO (Multi User Multiple Input Multiple Output) provides Wi-Fi to multiple devices at once, at the same high speed
7. D-Link WiFi AC1750 Mesh Smart Router
Fan’s of D-Link will love their WiFi AC1750 Mesh Smart Router as it offers high-powered WiFi. It’s a smart device ready to provide a consistent speed with dual-band and all the features you know and expect from an 802.11ac. The main issue with this device putting it at the bottom of the list is it doesn’t provide USB ports, which would be helpful for printers or network storage. Otherwise, it’s ready to get your electronics talking and accessing the internet at the same time.
With four antennas, you can get better speeds without buffering. Moreover, the router comprises the app and the device. Use it for any internet-based needs as it offers dual-band WiFi speeds of 450 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1300 Mbps on 5GHz. Furthermore, the MU-MIMO making it capable of handing buffer-free 4K videos, online serving, and even gaming. Beamforming technology works with the antennas to provide an impressive range and connectivity.
Use either Google Assistant or Alexa to control the router, too, or even the enhanced parental controls. Also, you get four-gigabit ports for wired connections for access to the powerful dual-core processor and other advanced features. It’s ready to connect to extenders for even more range, and it automatically shifts your devices to optimize wireless band. However, the country doesn’t share the range in square feet.
- AC1750 WiFi Speeds with MU-MIMO - Stream your favorite movies or play games with your friends. The DIR-1750 has plenty of bandwidth along with fast AC1750 dual band Wi-Fi, MU-MIMO and Smart Connect for a smooth, buffer-free online experience.
- D-Link WiFi Mesh - Expand your coverage from the bedroom to the kitchen and even the backyard. D-Link Wi-Fi Mesh makes it easy to mix-and-match with compatible D-Link extenders for your own customized mesh network.
- More Processing Power - A powerful dual-core processor sits at the heart of your router, accelerating every thread and application with strong performance throughout your network.
- Better Range with AC Smartbeam - Seamlessly stream video, play games, surf the web, and even voice chat with friends. Four high-performance external antennas and AC SmartBeam technology deliver stronger Wi-Fi coverage to every device in your home.
- Reliable Gigabit Wired Performance - Connect four devices to enjoy a strong and reliable wired connection with minimal latency - perfect for connecting Android boxes, smart TVs and game consoles.
Buying Guide for Wireless Routers Under $100
Routers come with a ton of numbers and factors that can challenge anyone who isn’t deep into the computer world. Let’s break those factors down to help you find the right router for your family and the best price too.
Speed
Speed is one of the major decisions you need to make when considering a router. If you only have a few devices online, then a speed of 900Mbps will be enough. However, if you need to connect to multiple devices, smart devices, consoles, laptops, and more, then you will want speeds closer to 12000Mbps or higher. Find an option with a number of AC1500 or higher for your best bet.
Gamers will want more speed, as will families with multiple people using several devices each. Although you should note that the rated speed isn’t necessarily the actual speed, you will get out of the device, so check all of the aspects to ensure you get optimal speed. Definitely buy up instead of down to prevent issues.
Dual-Band and Up
Another factor is the gigahertz, as a 5GHz network will offer more speed than a 2.4GHz. But first, you may want to know what dual-band is to help make a decision. These go hand in hand with speed, and the 2.4GHz offers lower speeds across long distances. The 5GHz offers higher speeds for short distances. You need both to get the both of best worlds and be able to move around your house without lag or connectivity issues. To make it even simpler, the more antennas, the better.
Range
How far into your house do you need the internet to reach and your devices to communicate? That’s range. Most people want to have access to the internet throughout their entire house and not just in the office. You don’t want your spouse and children all in the same room using devices; instead, find a device with a better range to allow everyone space. If your house is 1,600 square feet, then you want one that ranges or better. A WiFi extender can also increase the range and is a great option for people with two-floor homes.
Questions About Wireless Routers Under $100
Can I get the highest data rates with a cheaper router?
Yes, if you pick a router with an 802.11 standard, then you can get high rates. These are a series of specifications dating back to the 1990s and continuing on today to ensure improvements in wireless range along with frequencies as they become available. Right now, the best option is 802.11 AC1200 or better, which is also called WiFi 5. You can even find WiFi 6 (802.11ax), which comes with a higher price, but it can future-proof your house for access to the internet for more people or more devices simultaneously.
What’s the difference between a router and a modem?
A modem connects you to the internet while a router connects all of your devices. Basically, the router connects your devices and lets them use the modem to get access to the internet at one time. It also allows the devices to communicate without the need for internet. Sometimes you can get a router/modem combo – especially from your internet service provider. You need both for your home devices to run smoothly. Modem’s do not often get updates, but routers do, so having separate items allows for more frequent changes for the router for less money.
For more information on what routers are and how they work, watch this video:
Should I get a smart router?
A smart router isn’t a necessity, but it does allow you to be more secure, manage devices, and get better coverage. Many people are more comfortable using their smartphone than they are using a router; by using a smart device, you can use what you know. Also, parents can have a plethora of network restrictions and parental controls at their disposal. The technology is here; why not use it? Last of all, it helps for easy access to set up a guest network or to get visitors online. Before long, all routers will be smart routers as the price and technology are right.
Conclusion
If you still cannot decide which router to choose, then go with the TP-Link AC1900 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A8). It’s designed for multiple users and comes with fantastic customer service. Also, the router is fast with optimal speeds for both short and long distances. Set up the device in just minutes for reliable coverage and more connected devices thanks to smart technology ready to work for you. You don’t have to spend a lot to get a smoother WiFi experience.