Top 9 Best Cheap Router under $100

Did you know we use only 20% of the web that is available to us? The rest 80% is dangerous, and it is the work of intricate firewalls, multiple security layers, and software to keep us safe from such threats. But the easiest access for such menaces is from our routers! Thus, this is where our article comes into play.

Though router business can be very expensive, in this article, we are introducing the 10 products which can help you find the best router under 100 dollars in the market. Each of the routers we are suggesting contains superb security and provides optimum speed and performance.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Best Routers under $100

Image	Title
Top	NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart WiFi Router (R6700) - AC1750	Check Price
Top	Linksys EA6350 Dual-Band WiFi Router for Home - AC1200	Check Price
Top	TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router - (Archer A7)	Check Price
Top	NETGEAR WiFi Router (R6230) - AC1200 Dual Band	Check Price
Top	ASUS Dual-Band 2x2 AC1300 WiFi 4-Port Gigabit Router	Check Price
Top	Medialink AC1200 Wireless Gigabit Router - Gigabit (1000 Mbps)	Check Price
Top	D-Link WiFi Router, AC1750	Check Price
Top	WiFi 6 Router- AX1500 Dual Band AX WiFi Router	Check Price
Top	MOTOROLA AC1700 Dual-Band WiFi Gigabit Router	Check Price

In this section, you’ll find us talking about 10 of the best routers that are budget-friendly in detail. All the pros and cons of all the items will be listed for you to decide whether you should buy them or not. So, let’s proceed.

1. Netgear R6700 Smart Wifi Router

Smart, powerful, and efficient wifi routers are very tough to find! Well, with Netgear’s R6700, you don’t have to go through the hassle of searching.

The three antenna wifi router comes with a spectacular range of 15,000 square-feet, and therefore, allowing you to use an uninterrupted wifi connection from any corner of your house.

Plus, the product can connect with 25 electronics at a time. So, its super-vast range and superior connectivity make the appliance the best router for under 100 dollars.

Its vast connectivity range doesn’t minimize or affect speed. The product guarantees an optimum speed of 1750 Mbps, enabling you to remarkable streaming and download speed. Plus, you online gamers out there, the 1750 Mbps brings down the ping remarkably. Hence, you can play online games smoothly and without issues.

And if you are wondering about the security of the wifi, manufacturers have made sure to give you the best. The smart router comes with multiple layers of high-security walls. These prevent connected devices from unwanted viruses, malware, and online theft.

Besides, it comes with a built-in parental control system. The circle smart parental control system enables you full control over your son’s/daughter’s moves on the internet and lets you control their timings and access. Ergo, keeping your little one out of harm’s way.

Finally, its effortless-setup mechanism lets you a quick and uncomplicated setup in 5-minutes.

Pros

• Exceptional smart parental locks, prevent your children from harm
• Remarkable built-in security assures safety for your electronic devices
• Is compatible with all types of OS
• Light and compact, placing the system in your home is an effortless task

Cons

• Is not made of tough and sturdy material

2. Linksys Dual-Band AC1200 Wi-Fi Router

Looking for a Wi-Fi router that guarantees to assure outstanding speed? If you are, then you have hit the jackpot, my friend!

The Dual-Band router is capable of providing 1.2 Gbps (Gigabytes per second), which is a much higher speed than what conventional wifi routers can offer. So, if you are worried about pings during gameplay or online streaming or download speed? With this product, you can say goodbye to such worries.

Such speed is attributed to the Gigabit Ethernet inside the router. The four Gigabit Ethernet provides 10 times faster net speed and ensures a remarkable streaming experience.

And its thousand square feet coverage coupled with connectivity to 10+ devices enables you to use unhindered Wi-Fi from any corner of your room without buffering. Plus, its uncomplicated set-up allows you to get the device prepared for use in mere minutes.

Apart from the exceptional range, connectivity, and performance, the product comes with some other lucrative features. One such feature is beamforming technology.

This allows you the console to quickly identify and connect to devices instead of sending signals. Ergo, the authorization process of the device is much simpler and straightforward.

Lastly, its compact design and lightweight features allow you to place the product anywhere in your house with effortlessly and enjoy smooth and buffer-less internet connection and speed.

Pros

• Exceptional speed and connectivity provides buffer-less streaming and minimizes ping-loss
• The innovative built-in authorization ensures quick and uncomplicated connection
• Smaller and lighter than conventional routers and assures greater portability and set-up
• Has an exceptional range and gives you fast internet throughout your premises

Cons

• Made of delicate and fragile components which are prone to overheating
• Doesn’t have any parental controls

3. TP-Link AC1750 Smart Wi-Fi Router

If you are well informed about routers, then you should have heard the name TP-Link from salesmen a good number of times. The company is one of the giants in the router business and assures to provide you with products that guarantee superior speed, connectivity, and performance.

And the 14.9-pound router is compact and hence, lets you effortlessly place the item anywhere in your home and enjoy buffer-less internet. Plus, it is a tab bit heavier than conventional routers, which assure greater stability and minimizes the chance of the router from toppling over.

However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. The router provides a whopping 2500 square feet of coverage. Such outstanding coverage is more than enough to completely cover the whole apartment and ergo, enables you to enjoy superb internet without buffering.

And that is not all! Its 50+ device connectivity provides exceptional connectivity to almost all the occupants of your house. Ergo, both of these features alone make it the best wireless router under 100 dollars.

Furthermore, all gamers out there, the AC1750 gives 3 times faster speed. Hence, lessen ping loss and lets you enjoy your game more smoothly.

Also, this part is for parents! If you are worried about what your children are accessing, the router provides maximum security and lets you control internet access and limits the content your littles can access.

Pros

• Allows you effortless set-up and gets the whole console ready in minutes
• Remarkable performance and speed
• Compatible with Alexa and IFTTT
• Provides wide coverage and superb connectivity

Cons

• The 5 GHz antennas might malfunction
• Weak security system and is prone viruses

4. Netgear R6230 Dual Band Wifi Router

Do you desire for a powerful, optimum performing router at an affordable price? My friend, you have come to the right spot! Netgear is known for making the amazing routers, and the R6230 is the best wifi router under 100.

First of all, the product comes with excellent security features. One of them includes convenient parental controls. So, if you have a teenager and want to monitor his online activities, this is the best.

It limits the content accessibility and lets you regulate the time for which your young one can stay online. Also, you can pause and filter out the contents or pop-ups with this console.

Moreover, its state-of-the-art provides safety to viruses, malware, and other online threats. In addition to that, it contains secured guest WIFI access, DoS, and Firewall. Thus, the product ensures great safety to your electronic devices and assures safety from internet threats.

Next, it comes with 4 ethernet ports. So, it is capable of providing remarkable speeds and allows you to enjoy buffer-less streaming. And its dual-band feature increases the net speed to up to 1200 Mbps at 880 MHz.

Besides, it has a 1200 square-feet coverage, which enables you to use hinder-less internet from any corner of your house. And it can connect to up to 20 devices, hence, making it the ultimate Wi-Fi router for large families.

Furthermore, its light and compact construction let you place the item anywhere in your home. And its 5-minute effortless set-up enables you to quickly set up and get the router going for you and your family.

Lastly, unlike conventional devices, the product has a vast range of OS compatibility, which includes Microsoft, Mac, Unix, and Linux. Hence, no matter what form of OS you are using, you can easily set the router and use it almost instantly.

Pros

• Fast performance and superior coverage, lets you enjoy superb internet anywhere in your house
• Can be connected with any console which has 4×1 Gigabit Ethernet port
• Has an innovative security system and comes with exceptional parental control

Cons

• Is made of weak and fragile materials, and hence, it is prone to damage

5. ASUS Dual-Band AC1300 Super-Fast WiFi Router

The AC1300 is the best wireless router for under $100 if you are looking for speed that is! The dual-band system can amass for a staggering 1267Mbps. Ergo, it is an amazing best friend to those gamers who are tired of massive ping loss. Also, it provides buffer-less streaming and outstanding download speed.

When coupled with its four additional 5dBi antennas, which exponentially increase range and performance, ASUS’s router is not to be taken lightly. And its 802.11AC guarantees high compatibility for all types of devices. Thus, allowing you to use the internet from any corner of your house without hindrance.

Plus, its 2.4GHz and 5GHz provide interference-less signals to all your connected devices. Finally, the item’s RT-ARCH13’s gives exceptional coverage.

If you want to control the Wi-Fi usage, the appliance has features for that as well! Its innovative monitoring system enables you to regulate internet usage for all devices, filter content as well as restricts the time of usage from your palm.

Besides, its ASUSWRT protocol makes the setup as easy as a walk in the park and hence, gets the product going in an instance. In addition to all these, the item is made to be compatible with all types of OS, including Microsoft, Mac. Therefore, allowing you to use the uninterrupted internet on both windows and apple devices.

And if you are worried about your data’s safety, then the router has encrypted WPA/WPA2 and other safety protocols. Thus, invading your device is practically impossible.

Finally, its compact construction and feathery features enable you to place the router anywhere you want and use it with ease.

Pros

• Intricated security protocols minimize the possibility of data theft
• Upgraded parental control system lets you regulate various aspects of internet usage
• Featherweight and compact makes setting up the product a piece of cake

Cons

• Can’t be operated with Linux and other OS

6. Mediabridge AC1200 Wireless Gigabit Router

Mediabridge is one of the leading brands when it comes to the router business. They are known to produce routers that promise excellent performance, as well as security at an affordable price, and their newest product is going to get you hooked it after the first use.

The exquisite firewall and other security features like WPA/WPA2 connections keep any unwanted guest away from your data. And separate guest access provides safety to you as well as the guest when using the router.

Plus, the router offers complete control. You can control the lighting and other lucrative features from your phone. And if you feel that you need to restrict the internet usage for your kids, the product has that attribute as well. With it, you can regulate the net usage, time, and contents that your children can access.

Unlike conventional routers, which gives a single Ethernet connection, our router is capable of giving you ports (each with a maximum output of 1000Mbps). And its two high power antennas provide a gigantic range, which allows you to use wifi from any corner of your home.

Lastly, weighing only 14.9 ounces and compact dimensions, the product is much easier to set up and guarantees that it will provide you uninterrupted internet connection from all corners of your home.

Pros

• Comes with a built-in VPN
• Provides full control to all kinds of features of the product
• Ensures optimum security for all the connected devices from any kind of menaces
• A couple of Ethernet ports guarantee superior internet speed

Cons

• Might face malfunctions like occasional time outs or unwanted restarts

7. D-link Wi-Fi Router AC1750

Robust net speed is something necessary for a good gaming experience. And one of the biggest issues that gamers face is ping loss. It attributes for the smoothness of your games, and if the ping count is too high, you need to change the router. Luckily, D-link’s router comes with a solution for this.

It comes with a dual-band which not only provides a superior connection but also enhances the speed to up to 1750 Mbps (450Mbps for 2.4GHz and 1300Mbps for 5GHz). Hence, it minimizes the pin count exponentially.

And its remarkable dual-core processor provides an unrivaled network connection. Thus, it reduces the possibility of “lost-internet connection” in a crucial moment.

Plus, its innovative Mu MIMO tech allows you to connect to numerous electronic devices at a time. And beamforming tracks all the connected devices to provide upgraded internet speed and coverage.

Yet, having outstanding speed and performance does not mean that the product lacks in security. It comes with intricated WPA/WPA2 encryption, which provides safety from unwanted visitors and keeps all your personal data safe. And a separate guest network keeps you and your guests from online threats.

Furthermore, the item’s complete parental control lets you restrict the frequency of your kid’s internet usage as well as allows your filter contents.

Also, it is a little heavier than conventional routers, which gives it better balance and prevents it from toppling over. But its compact features allow you to easily place the router anywhere you want. And when coupled with its effortless setup mechanism, it gets the product ready for use in mere minutes.

Pros

• Outstanding speed and performance is perfect for heavy-duty gamers
• The parental controls allow you complete control of your kids’ internet usage
• Easy to set up and can be placed anywhere in your home

Cons

• Quite expensive

8. Vanin 6 Dual-Band 6 Router

Wi-Fi routers can be inefficient and increase your electricity bills. Luckily, with Vanin 6, you will not have to face such an inefficient usage of power ever. It comes with a built-in technology called orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA), which allows efficient division of the signal for better transmission.

Thus, it allows multiple Mimo streamers to use it without interruption. Also, its humongous range of 2000 square-feet enables you to access the wifi connection from any corner of your house.

Setting such a powerful and innovative appliance is a walk in the park. Just download the app, connect the router to your internet, and you are all set to enjoy countless hours of unhindered internet usage. And its lightweight weight and compact dimensions allow you to place the product anywhere!

In addition to that, the parental control of the system is marvelous. It allows full control and lets you monitor your kid’s online activities and hence, restrict certain aspects accordingly.

Next, each of the 1024-QAM symbol pack more data and boosts the speed up by 25%. When compared with the 265-QAM, the product is a powerhouse. Its robust tri-core processors, 5-gigabit network outlets, and 4 robust antennas for amplification enable you to watch 4K and 8K videos without buffering.

And its WPA3 protocol shields your data and other electronic devices from external threats. Thus, you can relax in your leisure time. Plus, its sperate guest access provides uninterrupted service for all the guest members.

Pros

• Comes with backward compatibility
• Innovative WPS connection allows you to join the network without using user name and password
• Guarantees high efficiency and powerful performance
• Provides remarkable range and connectivity

Cons

• You might face difficulties while connecting the cables to the router

9. Motorola MR1700 Dual-Band Gigabit Router

Motorola is one of the giants in the tech and appliance industry. They are renowned for their revolutionary inventions like their phones and now have stepped into the router business. And such hefty configurations, it is a router that should not be taken lightly.

Unlike conventional routers, the MR1700 is compatible with numerous modem cable options and guarantees superior speed and performance for all internet using devices. Plus, its 4 Gigabit Ethernet outlets let you connect and use the internet service by numerous devices, all at the same time.

And its easy-to-setup function allows you to quickly and efficiently set up the device with minimum effort. Thus, it gets your device ready for use in a couple of minutes. When coupled with its lightweight and compact attributes, setting up the appliance is an effortless experience.

Another attractive feature for the product is its tough security protocol. The hard firewalls and other security features lessen the chance of hackers infiltrating your devices and stealing your data.

Furthermore, the product contains an exquisite parental control system. The system assures you control over everything, starting from internet usage, including content or site accesses to restricting internet access for certain times or devices.

Lastly, its dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) along with 4 powerful antennas ensure remarkable range and speed for all devices. Hence, you can enjoy high-speed internet while sitting at any end of your house.

Pros

• Exceptional performance and promises superior speed
• Dual-core processor along with dual-band assures extraordinary speed
• Can be connected with all kinds of modem cables including standard and Wlan cables
• Comes with robust firewalls and other effective security features which shields the user from harm

Cons

• The router’s internet connection might start to become unstable from a 15 feet range
• Might lag with receiving signals

Features to Consider before Buying Your Budget Router

Here are the features you need to take into account before buying.

Speed

A good router is capable of enhancing your Wlan speed exponentially. Hence, you must go for a router that assures superior speed when used. Also, the greater the speed, the lesser the buffering, or other hindrances.

Nowadays, numerous routers come with a good number of Ethernets, which increase the speed to a great extent as well as other innovative technologies to boost speed. So, you should check for these specifications.

Coverage

Obviously, you won’t want your router to cover a single room. So, it mandatory to check the net range for the item. If it has a range of above 1000 square-feet, then the range is exceptional. Thus, the coverage completely depends on your needs. Hence, if you have a sizable house, then you might be needing a 2000+ range.

Therefore, be sure that you have checked the range before purchasing a router.

Bands

Currently, the most renowned form of wifi routers available in the market is dual bands. Having a dual-bands indicates that the item is compatible with both 2.4 GHz and 5GHz and thus, ensure preferable performance. Also, the 5GHz does not face any form from other EM waves interferences.

Don’t get confused with the antennas. More antennas do not mean higher band as a dual-band can have two or more antennas. Such specifications will be provided on the labels, and we urge that you do not go below dual-band routers.

Safety Features

When you are using the internet, you could be visible to all kinds of internet menaces like a virus, data thefts, etc. To provide security from these, your wifi router can play a big role. Robust firewall, innovative WPA/WPA2 systems encryptions, guest accesses, etc. need to be in your chosen router to prevent hackings.

Others

Before purchasing a router, one should have a clear idea of why they require it. In recent times, routers come with tons of lucrative features and attributes. Hence, first, decide on the number of devices that are going to pair with your router.

Then pick the type of connectivity. For example, some wife router let NAS (Network Attached Storage) using built-in USB outlets. So, it is necessary to be sure of which one to use.

Lastly, make sure you are using routers with sufficient Ethernet Wlan Ports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here we have some of the most commonly asked queries regarding the best routers under $100:

How many Ethernet ports come with the routers?

Each router has a minimum of 4 Ethernet ports.

Is having a higher number of Ethernet ports good things?

Yes, it is! You see, Ethernet provides your wifi system with the internet connection it needs. Hence, having more number of ports indicates that the router can accumulate more Ethernet connections and increase the web speed exponentially.

What are WPA/WPA2 encryptions?

It is a security protocol that was built-in your router. Because of this protocol, hackers are unable to break through into your electronic devices and steal valuable pieces of information.

What are the Dual-Band ratings?

2.7GHz and 5GHz. Also, a dual-band router is made in such a way that there is signal interference for 5GHz is kept at a minimum.

Is it okay to leave the router on for a long time?

Well, it is never wise to keep any electrical appliances on for too long if you are not using it. But with routers, such a factor is not dominant. They were built to withstand countless hours of usage, and hence, it is not an issue to keep them switched on. But it could increase your electricity as well as internet bills.

Final Words

Though a router’s configuration is entirely dependent on personal preference, our recommendations might make this choice a little less complicated.

Our first choice is the Netgear R6700 Smart Wifi Router. The AC1750 is an exceptional option if you are looking for enhanced speed and performance. Along with that, its range and connectivity are off the chart. The only drawback is that it is quite an expensive router.

And the next recommendation would be the Vanin 6 Dual-Band Router. The AX1500 ensures optimum efficiency along with unparalleled speed and performance.

Also, it is packed with numerous features like parental controls, security features, numerous Ethernet connections, etc. Fining such router at such affordable prices is a tough deal.

Our last choice would be the ASUS Dual-band Wi-Fi router. The appliance is a marvelous combination of performance and power. Plus, its 4 robust antennas and other features like smart parental control and coverage, makes it stand out from the rest. Nevertheless, we hope you have found the best router under $100 for yourself.