The Best Wireless Router Deals This Week*
- Asus RT-AX88U Pro AX6000 Dual Band Wi-Fi 6 Router — $239.99 (List Price $269.99)
- Netgear Nighthawk AX5400 6-Stream Wi-Fi 6 Router — $160.00 (List Price $299.99)
- Asus RT-AX82U AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router — $149.99 (List Price $199.99)
- TP-Link Archer AX73 AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 Router — $146.58 (List Price $199.99)
- Asus RT-AX86U Pro AX5700 Dual Band Wi-Fi 6 Router — $199.99 (List Price $249.99)
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
The daily commute to the office might be a distant memory, but more time at home means your personal Wi-Fi is now your work Wi-Fi, too. That presents problems for some, since carrying essential work-related traffic with bulletproof reliability can be a difficult chore for that aging router that's been collecting dust under your TV. If your router is wheezing while shouldering your work-at-home data load in addition to its normal gaming and entertainment fare, it's time to start looking for something more modern. And if today's economy is stretching the limits of your budget as much as your bandwidth, you're likely looking for something inexpensive. Enter this bevy of network bargains.
Higher-end wireless routers employ the latest Wi-Fi technologies to deliver blazing data rates and advanced features, but they often cost upward of $300. You're looking for a speed boost, but you might not need the latest and priciest to get it. If you live in a small home or apartment and have only a handful of devices connecting to your network, you can save a bundle with a budget-class router and still enjoy solid throughput performance and even some of today's more advanced features. Our top budget picks are below, followed by advice on what to look for (and what to expect) from an under-$150 Wi-Fi router.
Table of Contents
TP-Link Archer AX21 AX1800 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router
Best Budget Wi-Fi Router for Most Buyers
Why We Picked It
The TP-Link Archer AX21 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router that offers a solid mix of features and performance at a reasonable price. It turned in relatively high scores on our throughput tests, and showed excellent range on our signal strength tests. The router comes with four LAN ports, although they do not support link aggregation for high-speed connectivity. The AX21 does, however, support OneMesh technology, which lets you create a mesh network using the AX21 and other compatible routers and extenders.
Who It’s For
The AX21 is well-suited to budget-conscious users looking to upgrade a network with Wi-Fi 6 technology. It’s very easy to install and comes with basic parental controls that let you set daily and weekly time limits and create website block and allow lists.
PROS
- Good performance at a low price
- Mesh-ready
- Basic parental controls
CONS
- No multi-gig ports
- No network security software
- Does not support 160GHz channels
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Wireless Specification | 802.11ax |
| Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) | AX1800 |
| Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) | 4 |
| Number of USB ports | 1 |
| Number of Antennas | 4 |
| Number of Bands | 2 |
| Wireless Networking Security | WPA2, WPA3 |
| MU-MIMO | |
| IPv6 Compatible | |
| Quality of Service | |
| VPN Client Pre-Installed | |
| Supports DD-WRT | |
| Anti-Malware Tools | |
| Wireless Parental Controls | |
| Link Aggregation | |
| Beamforming | |
| Guest Networking |
Reyee RG-E5 Wi-Fi 6 Router
Best Budget Wi-Fi Router Emphasizing Performance
Why We Picked It
The Reyee RG-E5 delivered some of the highest throughput scores we’ve seen from a midrange sub-$200 router. In fact, its showing on our 5GHz performance tests rivals that of routers that cost twice as much. You don’t get many extra features with this router, but it had no trouble blanketing our test home with strong Wi-Fi signals. It’s also mesh-ready, with optional add-on nodes.
Who It’s For
The RG-E5 is a good bet if you’re looking to bring Wi-Fi 6 connectivity to your home network for under $150. It’s easy to install and a top performer in its class. It also offers basic parental controls that allow you to block websites, schedule access times, and turn off internet access with the touch of a button. It doesn’t support 160MHz channels or WPA3 encryption, but that’s not uncommon for routers in this price range, and its fast throughput makes up for it.
PROS
- Reasonably priced
- Easy to install
- Excellent throughput performance
- Strong signal performance
CONS
- No USB ports
- Lacks multi-gig WAN/LAN
- Does not support WPA3
- Lacks 160MHz channel bandwidth
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Wireless Specification | 802.11ax |
| Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) | AX3200 |
| Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) | 4 |
| Number of USB ports | 0 |
| Number of Antennas | 8 |
| Number of Bands | 2 |
| Wireless Networking Security | WPA, WPA2 |
| MU-MIMO | |
| IPv6 Compatible | |
| Quality of Service | |
| VPN Client Pre-Installed | |
| Supports DD-WRT | |
| Anti-Malware Tools | |
| Wireless Parental Controls | |
| Link Aggregation | |
| Beamforming | |
| Guest Networking |
TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router (V2)
Best Budget Wi-Fi Router for Network Tweaking
Why We Picked It
The TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750 churned out some of the fastest throughput scores we’ve seen from a sub-$100 Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) router. Its web-based management console could be more user-friendly, but it offers lots of settings for people who like to customize their networks. Plus, the router itself is easy to install. Throw in a nice assortment of I/O ports, and you’ve got an excellent budget router.
Who It’s For
The Archer C7 AC1750 is a smart choice for budget-conscious users who don’t necessarily require Wi-Fi 6 technology but demand fast throughput performance and extensive network customization options. Its four LAN ports and two USB ports are more than you’ll find on similarly priced routers, and it comes with parental controls that allow you to create network access schedules and limit access to specific websites.
PROS
- Affordable price.
- Very fast throughput performance.
- Easy to install.
- Lots of management settings.
CONS
- Clunky user interface.
- Middling file-transfer speeds.
- Only USB 2.0 ports.
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Wireless Specification | 802.11ac |
| Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) | AC1750 |
| Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) | 4 |
| Number of USB ports | 2 |
| Number of Antennas | 3 |
| Number of Bands | 2 |
| Wireless Networking Security | WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA2-Enterprise, WPS |
| MU-MIMO | |
| IPv6 Compatible | |
| Quality of Service | |
| VPN Client Pre-Installed | |
| Supports DD-WRT | |
| Anti-Malware Tools | |
| Wireless Parental Controls | |
| Link Aggregation | |
| Beamforming | |
| Guest Networking |
Vilo Mesh Wi-Fi System
Best Overall Budget Wi-Fi Mesh System
Why We Picked It
The Vilo Mesh certainly isn't the fastest mesh system out there, but it's easy to install and brings Wi-Fi to every corner of your home for significantly less money than any other three-piece mesh network. The Vilo Mesh comes with three identical nodes that provide coverage for homes of up to 4,500 square feet. There are trade-offs for the low price, of course: It doesn’t use Wi-Fi 6 technology, and it doesn't deliver stellar throughput performance.
Who It's For
Think you can't cover your entire large home with serviceable Wi-Fi for less than $100? The Vilo Mesh Wi-Fi System is here to prove you wrong. That said, if you're willing to stretch your budget, or prioritize performance over the quantity of mesh nodes and coverage area, you'll want to check out our guide to the best Wi-Fi mesh systems overall.
PROS
- Very affordable
- Easy to install and manage
- Basic parental controls
CONS
- Uses older technology
- Lacks malware protection and QoS settings
- Middling throughput performance
- No USB ports
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Wireless Specification | 802.11ac |
| Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) | AC1200 |
| Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) | 2 on router, 3 on nodes |
| Number of USB ports | 0 |
| Number of Antennas | 12 |
| Number of Bands | 2 |
| Wireless Networking Security | WPA, WPA2, WPS, 128-bit AES |
| MU-MIMO | |
| IPv6 Compatible | |
| Quality of Service | |
| VPN Client Pre-Installed | |
| Supports DD-WRT | |
| Anti-Malware Tools | |
| Wireless Parental Controls | |
| Link Aggregation | |
| Beamforming | |
| Guest Networking |
TP-Link Archer AX10 (AX1500) Wi-Fi 6 Router
Best Extreme-Budget Wi-Fi 6 Router
Why We Picked It
The Archer AX10 isn’t the fastest router out there, and it doesn’t offer much in the way of features, but at $79.99 it’s one of the most affordable Wi-Fi 6 routers we’ve tested. It delivered fast 5GHz performance in testing and installed in minutes.
Who It’s For
The Archer AX10 is great for anyone looking to jump on the Wi-Fi 6 bandwagon without spending a bundle. For under $80, the dual-band AX10 gets you strong 5GHz performance and a handful of useful utilities. They include parental control software that lets you create user profiles, block access to websites, and set time limits with school night and bedtime scheduling. It also offers basic settings that let you give bandwidth priority to specific devices.
PROS
- Affordable
- Good 5GHz throughput and signal range in testing
CONS
- Doesn't support 160MHz channel width
- No anti-malware tools
- Lacks USB and multi-gig LAN ports
- So-so 2.4GHz performance in testing
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Wireless Specification | 802.11ax |
| Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) | AX1500 |
| Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) | 4 |
| Number of USB ports | 0 |
| Number of Antennas | 4 |
| Number of Bands | 2 |
| Wireless Networking Security | WPS, WPA, WPA2 |
| MU-MIMO | |
| IPv6 Compatible | |
| Quality of Service | |
| VPN Client Pre-Installed | |
| Supports DD-WRT | |
| Anti-Malware Tools | |
| Wireless Parental Controls | |
| Link Aggregation | |
| Beamforming | |
| Guest Networking |
Rock Space AX1800 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router (RSD0619)
A Solid Alternative to the TP-Link Archer AX10
Why We Picked It
The $79.99 Rock Space AX1800 router provides an inexpensive way to update your home network with Wi-Fi 6 technology. It’s not a stellar performer, and it doesn’t offer many features, but it did manage good scores on our 2.4GHz throughput tests. It also offers basic parental controls with blacklists that prevent access to undesirable websites. It’s a solid alternative if the TP-Link Archer AX10 (AX1500) is unavailable.
Who It’s For
If you’re ready to test the Wi-Fi 6 waters but funds are limited, the $79.99 Rock Space AX1800 is worth a look. You don’t get features like multi-gig WAN/LAN and USB ports with this router, nor does it support 160MHz channel bandwidth, but it’s easy to install and manage. If you require a more powerful Wi-Fi 6 router with USB connectivity and lifetime parental control and network security software, the TP-Link Archer AX50 is a better, albeit more expensive, choice.
PROS
- Easy to install and manage
- Affordable
- Solid 2.4GHz throughput performance
CONS
- Short on features
- Middling 5GHz throughput performance
- Does not support 160MHz channels
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Wireless Specification | 802.11ax |
| Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) | AX1800 |
| Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) | 4 |
| Number of USB ports | 0 |
| Number of Antennas | 4 |
| Number of Bands | 2 |
| Wireless Networking Security | WPA2, WPA3 |
| MU-MIMO | |
| IPv6 Compatible | |
| Quality of Service | |
| VPN Client Pre-Installed | |
| Supports DD-WRT | |
| Anti-Malware Tools | |
| Wireless Parental Controls | |
| Link Aggregation | |
| Beamforming | |
| Guest Networking |
These days, you'll find that most budget routers use Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology, although you may see a few Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) routers still hanging around. Avoid these. The latter are single-band routers that operate on the 2.4GHz spectrum and offer very limited throughput speeds. They'll work, but they probably won't pair well with today’s PCs, mobile devices, and smart home devices, most of which are looking for at least a Wi-Fi 5 connection. They're also ill-equipped for multimedia tasks such as video streaming and online gaming.
Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 routers, on the other hand, are dual-band devices that let you connect using both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. They have several other improvements, too, especially MU-MIMO technology, which transmits data simultaneously (rather than sequentially) to compatible client devices. Another cool feature to look for is beamforming, which sends wireless signals directly to clients rather than over a broad spectrum. If you see automatic band-steering on your router's spec sheet, that means the router can select the most efficient radio band based on the current network traffic, band availability, and signal strength.
If you're wondering which band you're most likely to use, then know that the 2.4GHz radio band is best suited for long-range transmissions but is subject to interference from other household devices such as microwave ovens and cordless phones. The 5GHz band provides significantly more bandwidth than the 2.4GHz band and is ideal for video streaming, online gaming, and large file downloads, but it has limited range, which is why these systems often need to be bolstered with a wireless range extender, especially in larger homes.
The differences between Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Wi-Fi 5 are minor, but the former is the latest in wireless technology, and it offers much-improved throughput speeds: up to 4.8 gigabits per second (Gbps), which makes it sought after by those looking for business-class networking, as well as those seeking a fast gaming router. If you’re looking to future-proof your home network, you can still do that without spending a fortune, as many Wi-Fi 6 routers are now available for under $150. It also uses other new technologies, including Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and Target Wake Time (TWT) to relieve network congestion and reduce client power consumption.
Additionally, Wi-Fi 6 takes advantage of previously unused radio frequencies to provide faster 2.4GHz performance, offers WPA3 security to protect against weak passwords, and uses 256-bit encryption to help keep your network safer from hackers. Finally, it provides upstream and downstream MU-MIMO streaming (802.11ac only supports downlink MU-MIMO), and it's backward-compatible with previous Wi-Fi protocols.
And if you see a router being advertised as compliant with Wi-Fi 6E, know that's just the very latest in the Wi-Fi 6 saga. With 6E, the software capabilities of the protocol are the same as in Wi-Fi 6, meaning you'll get all the new goodness around features like OFDMA and TWT. But you'll also get access to the newly released 6GHz band, so routers that support 6E have access to quite a bit more wireless bandwidth, which should provide much more room for those bandwidth-hogging work applications and also solve things like difficult connections due to bandwidth congestion. You likely won't see 6E routers in the budget-router market for some time, however.
Budget Routers: What You'll Get for the Money
The current crop of AX1500 Wi-Fi 6 routers, mesh or standalone, can typically handle data rates of up to 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 1,200Mbps on the 5GHz band. It's important to note that these speed ratings are theoretical and refer to maximum achievable speeds. Actual throughput will likely be significantly lower, but never fear, we thoroughly test all our contenders so you can see all the key real-world numbers, including throughput and signal strength. (For a primer on what the "AC" and "AX" numbers mean, see our guide.)
An interesting trend in the higher-end router spectrum is that prices are starting to drop. No, you won't find very many Wi-Fi mesh systems in our budget roundup just yet, but we are seeing those products become less pricey. And you can now find a smattering of the above-mentioned AX1500 routers for less than $100, even.
Should You Compromise on Key Features?
So far, it might sound like you can find pretty much anything you want in an under-$100 router. Unfortunately, that's likely not the case. To hit those lower prices, a lot of routers ditch many of the features that you’ll find on more expensive models.
On the hardware end, you won’t find any sub-$100 routers that are equipped with more than four LAN ports, nor will you find features like speedy multi-gig (2.5Gbps) LAN ports. The ability to perform link aggregation won't be there; nor will USB ports. The latter are useful for connecting directly to peripherals like external hard drives (a quick way to build your own network attached storage or NAS device) or printers. Budget routers also typically use non-removable external antennas, which means they can’t be replaced with more powerful high-gain antennas to help boost performance and extend the router’s signal range.
Budget routers are managed using a web console or a mobile app, much like their more expensive siblings, but they'll likely lack some of the advanced settings. That will likely include support for bandwidth allocation or Quality of Service (QoS), dedicated online gaming presets, VPN connectivity, and sometimes support for DD-WRT. The last is a Linux-based firmware upgrade that replaces the manufacturer’s firmware and provides enhanced settings that allow you to customize the router for maximum performance.
Additionally, budget-class routers rarely offer the robust parental controls with age-related presets that filter out things like social media, gambling, shopping, and violent or adult content; these controls are more common on midrange and high-end routers. You can, however, still use basic access-scheduling and URL-filtering features to help you control when your kids go online and which sites they can visit. Or you can purchase a third-party parental control program that suits your family’s needs.
Indeed, third-party software is a good way to kick up the capabilities of your budget router, because unlike many mesh systems and midrange to high-end routers, budget routers usually ship with only basic software. You likely won't find one that's bundled with name-brand security software to protect your network and client devices from phishing, viruses, adware, and other malware, or with real parental control solutions. To find a likely pairing candidate for your router choice, check out our Malware Protection and Removal roundup to see what works best for you.
So, What Is the Best Budget Router to Buy?
Our top lab-tested low-cost router models are outlined according to use case up top, and according to their specs below. And whichever router you wind up choosing, remember that once you've found it, there's tweaking to be done! Be sure to read our tips for setting up your router and boosting your Wi-Fi signal.
