8 Best Routers Under $100 in 2021 [Cheap + Powerful]

With the growing demand for connecting multiple smartphones, laptops, computers, and other household devices to a stable wireless connection, you must invest in a consummate router. But if you’re low on budget and looking to purchase the best routing device for under $100, you’ve arrived at the right place.

While you can’t expect a high-end router that supports mesh networks or is capable of providing seamless connectivity in large houses for such a low price, but it surely is enough for tasks such as 4K content streaming, WiFi calling, Twitch streaming, internet surfing, downloading files, etc.

Based on my research, A $100 budget is perfect for people looking for a budget-friendly wireless connection. And as the wireless standards keep evolving, it’s best not to spend too much money on a single piece of hardware that will be rendered redundant in the future. For instance, with the launch of WiFi 6, the previous-gen devices would get redundant.

Routers run the gamut from gaming and business devices to single-band, dual-band, tri-band, and mesh routers. You’d be surprised to know that for under $100 you can buy reliable equipment for your needs with the latest technological advancements.

What to Expect in a $100 Router?

• Fast wireless connection (combined speed of more than 1500 Mbps on dual-band routers)
• Bandwidth prioritization for streaming and gaming aka Quality of Service feature (QoS)
• Quad-core CPU processor and 256MB RAM
• A range of more than 1000 Sq Ft
• Four LAN ports, USB 2.0 or 3.0 port, and a WAN port
• Advanced security features such as WPA2/WPA3
• Ability to support over 20 wireless connections

I’m aware of the fact that purchasing or renting out a router can be a daunting task. You need to consider the specifications such as upload and download speeds, chipset, processor, RAM, wireless channels available, ports, range, etc. But don’t worry. I’ve got you covered.

8 Best Routers Under $100 in 2021

Our whole life revolves around wireless networks. And that’s why it’s important that you’re surrounded by a fast and secure wireless network. This can only happen if you install a good wireless router with the latest specifications. But don’t think for a second that you’ll have to burn a hole in your pocket to buy modern-day routers.

Truth be told, you don’t require an extravagant wireless router to provide you with the latest and the greatest technological features. A small investment can go a long way too. After testing 21 routers from 7 different brands, I am here with the list of the best-rated WiFi routers below $100.

1. Best Overall: TP-Link Archer AX21

The WAN speed determines the maximum throughput your ISP provides you. For the TP-Link Archer AX21, it is 1000mbps. As far as the wireless performance is concerned, the router sports the latest wireless standards, i.e., WiFi 6 (802.11ax) that has unbeatable performance.

Speeds

The router offers a total speed of 1800mbps. The maximum speed you can get on the 2.4GHz frequency band is 574mbps and 1200mbps on the 5GHz band. In my tests, it worked great with a 500 Mpbs speed plan. With the abundance of bandwidth, MU-MIMO, and OFDMA support, streaming videos and gaming become really easy with effective bandwidth prioritization.

Hardware Specs

This WiFi 6 router from TP-Link is fueled by Broadcom BCM6755, a quad-core processor that clocks in at a frequency of 1.5GHz. It has 256MB RAM and 128MB of flash memory. With such a powerful processor and RAM, it can easily support 30+ smart wireless devices.

Coverage & Ports

Unlike other routers, the Archer AX21 has 4 external antennas for better wireless coverage and beamforming. This $100 router can provide a stable WiFi connection over a range of around 2200 Sq Ft. The router has 1 WAN port and 4 LAN ports. Furthermore, it also has a USB 2.0 port to support the connection with other devices.

Setup & Security

You can easily manage your router’s settings on your phone with the help of the TP-LINK Tether app. It’s available for both Android and iOS. You can easily establish the 802.11ax wireless network in your home using this app.

Conclusion

This router has a glossy back, measures 10.28 x 5.3 x 1.61 inches, and weighs just 1.12 pounds. This sub $100 router’s power-packed performance and distinct features will certainly compel you to buy it.

2. Best Runner Up: Netgear Nighthawk R7350

The NETGEAR Nighthawk R7350 smartly selects between the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency band to minimize interference and maximize the speed on all your wireless devices.

Speeds

It has a speed of 2400mbps, perfect for demanding activities such as video streaming, business operations, and gaming. Speaking of individual speeds, you get 600mbps on the 2.GHz band and up to 1733mbps on the 5GHz band. Moreover, the device has the additional QoS feature, prioritizing the wireless bandwidth for more important tasks for the best streaming experience.

Hardware Specs

The router has a powerful 1GHz dual-core processor. The Broadcom BCM4709A0 chipset fuels it. It has a flash memory of 128MB and 256MB RAM, which is perfect for supporting over 25 wireless connections.

Coverage & Ports

It has an excellent range of 2500 Sq Ft, which will cover almost every nook and cranny of small and medium-sized houses. It also uses three antennas and beamforming technology to provide you with a stronger signal and better range.

The R7350 has four 1-Gigabit, each wired ethernet port, and one WAN port. This affordable router also has enhanced parental control features to monitor and protect your child from adult content.

Setup & Security

Moreover, you can manage the router settings with Netgear’s Nighthawk app without booting up your computer. You can install it within five minutes using your mobile phone. Talk about convenience.

Conclusion

The Netgear R7350 has a sturdy design and is available in a gorgeous black finish. It has a wide base with rubber feet which ensure that your router doesn’t slip on surfaces. It can even be mounted on a wall if the space is limited. You should definitely buy this router for its advanced security features, USB 3.0 port, beamforming, and QoS feature.

3. Best for Office Use: Motorola MR2600

The Motorola MR2600 sports a matte-black design and weighs 1.1 pounds. Motorola added improved speeds, a USB 3.0 port, and features like explicit beamforming over its previous model in a router that measures 9.25 x 6.06 x 2 inches.

Speeds

The higher individual top speeds of 800mbps on 2.4GHz and 1733mbps on 5GHz make this Motorola router a value buy under $100. With an aggregated speed of 2.6Gbps, the router can support up to 20 devices.

Hardware Specs

The speed is possible, owing to a dual-core processor from Mediatek clocking at 880MHz. The operating memory of 128MB makes data-intensive activities like streaming possible. The storage memory of 16MB and the RAM can limit the support of simultaneous streaming and gaming.

Coverage & Ports

The 4 external and adjustable antennas are geared with beamforming to deliver quality signals to multiple devices across a 2000 sq ft house. The presence of four gigabit LAN ports and one WAN port leave sufficient room for wired connections. The USB 3.0 port enables high-speed data transfers to/from the network storage device.

Setup & Security

The installation is guided by a setup wizard, which makes it simple. The router has more to offer if you can look beyond the comfort of managing the network through a mobile application. The web interface offers control over content exposure through URL filters and manual parental controls based on time schedules.

Conclusion

If not for the lack of an easy management app, the Motorola MR2600 is one of the best routers under a budget of $100 to offer adequate coverage and advanced features like MU-MIMO, Beamforming.

4. Best Tri-Band Router: Linksys EA8300

The Linksys EA8300 has an overall reliable performance and provides you with a fast and secure wireless connection. As it promotes the 802.11ac wireless standard, it supports up to 4 MIMO streams.

Speeds

The Linksys AX1500 has a combined wireless throughput of 2200mbps. Individually speaking, the 2.4GHz band delivers a speed of 300mbps, and the two 5GHz frequency bands deliver a speed of 867mbps each.

Hardware Specs

The tri-band router is powered by a robust Qualcomm IPQ 4019 processor that clocks in at a frequency of 717MHz. It has a powerful RAM of 256MB that is perfect for carrying out everyday operations and mild gaming. It also has a flash memory of size 512MB that provides you an ample amount of space to install other applications.

Coverage & Ports

The Linksys router has 5 external antennas for more focussed wireless performance and has a range of 1500 Sq Ft. Thus, it is most suitable for small homes and individual office space. The EA8300 model has 4-gigabit ethernet ports, 1 WAN port, and one USB 3.0 port to help you connect to other household devices.

Configuration

You can easily set up this wireless router by following the three-step instructions on the Linksys app. It also offers a series of Smart WiFi apps that help you prioritize devices, enable parental controls, control guest access, and other settings.

The router’s design doesn’t leave you impressed. It has a black plastic body and measures ‎‎6.37 x 8.41 x 2.16 inches. It weighs just 1 pound and is ultralight. This device is consummate for people looking to secure a stable wireless connection for small living spaces.

Conclusion

It has advanced MIMO technology and beamforming features that are an absolute must-have to enjoy a brilliant user experience. Moreover, its Smart WiFi apps allow you to access parental controls and even have a USB 3.0 port.

5. Best for Ease of Use: TP-Link Deco X20

TP-Link is back with a Wi-Fi mesh system with the latest wireless standards at a much affordable price. The TP-Link Deco X20 white cylindrical tower is 4.4 inches in diameter and stands 4.3 inches tall. The simple yet elegant design ensures the mesh router doesn’t stand out of place in any household.

Speeds

The Deco X20 operates in dual-band frequencies and can reach top speeds of 574mbps on 2.4GHz and up to 1201mbps on the 5GHz band, resulting in a combined speed of 1800mbps.

Hardware Specs

This WiFi 6 based mesh router is powered by a quad-core processor that clocks in at 1GHz frequency. The powerful processor is built on the strength of 512MB operating RAM and flash memory of 128MB, making it ideal for automated homes, where multiple devices are operated simultaneously.

Coverage & Ports

The 4 internal antennas of the Deco X20 effectively improve the coverage. Designed for smart modern homes, TP-Link offers one Ethernet port and one WAN port that will push the users towards a diligent usage of wired connectivity. The router can support up to 100 devices spread across 2200 sq ft.

Setup & Security

Deco app is used to manage the Wi-Fi system through an android or an iOS device. The initial setup and management become simple. Parental controls, guest networks, and WPA3 encryption keep your network protected from unwanted access and exposure.

Conclusion

If you are a non-tech savvy user looking for a router that skips the complications of managing your smart home, Deco X20 fits the bill. On the strength of Wi-Fi 6 support, strong hardware, advanced security, and features like MU-MIMO, OFDMA brings scalability at a very competitive price.

6. Best for Work From Home: D-Link DIR-1950-US

The D-Link DIR-1950-US sports a futuristic-looking pentagonal design. It brings MU-MIMO, smart connect, voice commands support, and mesh compatibility in a lightweight package weighing 0.91 pounds and measuring ‎7 x 8.5 x 1.75 inches in dimensions.

Speeds

The D-Link router brings up a high 600mbps on 2.4GHz and up to 1300mbps on the 5GHz band. This results in a total of 1900mbps that can be shared among multiple devices in a small to medium household.

Hardware Specs

The DIR-1950-US model runs on the strength of a dual-core processor that clocks at 1.2GHz. The processing power warrants intensive activities like streaming TV, Wi-Fi calling, and more. The low operating memory of 128MB and flash storage of 128MB would require balanced usage.

Coverage & Ports

The 4 external antennas are vital to the coverage and deliver the stable signals. With 4×4 MU-MIMO and AC SmartBeam, the device can cover small households and small businesses across 1500 sq ft. With 4 Gig ethernet ports and 1 Gig WAN port, the device offers avenues for wired connectivity. However, you can’t add additional peripherals due to the lack of USB connectivity.

Setup & Security

The router allows management via a web interface and D-Link WiFi mobile app. The installation is simple. The router also comes with profile-based parental controls to protect your kids from unwarranted exposure. As for your home network security, the router features the latest WPA 3 security, NAT, and SPI firewalls.

Conclusion

The external antennas are one of the highlights of the router. High-speed capacity, dual-core processor, advanced technology like MU-MIMO, and dual-mode management comfort make this router a bargain purchase for your middle-size home.

7. Best for Streaming: Netgear R6700

If you’re looking for a WiFi 6 router for your home or small office space, then the Netgear R6700AX is a good router under $100 budget that provides you a lag-free performance. The router sports a black plastic body and measures 10.71 x 8.11 x 4.41 inches. It weighs 2.25 pounds and is on the heavier side.

Speeds

The router provides your devices with a total speed of 1800mbps. The 2.4GHz band delivers a speed of 600mbps, and the 5GHz band delivers a speed of up to 1200mbps. As the wireless router promotes the WiFi 6 (802.11ax) connection, it supports 4 MIMO streams.

Hardware Specs

It is powered by a quad-core processor that clocks at a 1.5GHz frequency. I couldn’t find any details about the installed RAM on this device, so I would leave it unspecified. However, fret not as the device is capable of supporting your home internet usage. It has a flash memory of 16MB as well.

In my testings, I was able to do gaming on the Xbox One, media streaming with Firestick, and more with relative ease.

Coverage & Ports

The router features 3 antennas, and it can cover an area of 1500 Sq Ft, making it most suitable for small homes and individual rooms.

This WiFi 6 router has 1 WAN port and 4 LAN ports. It’s the USB ports where the device lacks as compared to other wireless routers under the $100 range. You can’t connect other devices of your choice to the router as there are no USB ports on the device.

Setup & Security

With the Netgear Genie app, you can easily control your router settings. The router can be installed within just five minutes with the help of the Netgear Genie app.

Conclusion

Despite the limitation in wired connections due to the lack of USB ports, this device is still a good option for under a $100 budget. It offers the latest WPA3 and firewall security features protecting your personal information and is the perfect router to carry out basic daily operations.

8. Best for Long Range: ASUS RT-AC65

The ASUS RT-AC65 provides you solid wireless speeds and signal at every nook and cranny of your 3000 Sq Ft house. Thanks to the AiRadar Beamforming, you get a pretty good range.

Speeds

The router delivers a maximum speed of 400mbps on the 2.4GHz band, 867mbps on the 5GHz band, and a net total maximum speed of 1300mbps. It can transmit and receive MU-MIMO streams of 3×3 on both; the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands.

Hardware Specs

An efficient processor powers this Asus router to boost your wireless speeds. It has a RAM capacity of 128MB to support HD streaming, business operations, and gaming. The router also provides you with a flash memory of 128MB to install any app if and when needed.

Coverage & Ports

Unlike other routers in the 100 dollars budget, ASUS RT-AC65 boasts only 3 external antennas positioned at the top for better signal reception. This router is suitable for large homes and 2 story houses as it provides a coverage range of 3000 Sq Ft.

The router comes with 4 LAN ports, 1 Gig WAN port for high-speed ISP plans. It also has a USB 3.0 port for connecting external devices like storage hard drives. Moreover, the router supports up to 30 devices, and that’s great.

Setup & Security

You can control the settings of your router using the ASUS router app. You can manage everything from real-time network traffic to managing the router settings on the app or the ASUSWRT web-based interface. The device can be installed easily by following just three basic steps.

Conclusion

The Asus router has a versatile design and a black plastic body that can fit in your home. The device measures 8.66 x 6.3 x 3.43 inches and weighs just 1.02 pounds. If you’re looking for a long-range router within the $100 price range, then this is just a perfect option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

I hope that my article has helped you find the perfect router for your needs, of course keeping in mind the $100 budget. If you’re still confused about choosing one, worry not, I’ll share my quick suggestions to help you make a better decision:

• If you want the best routing device under the $100 budget, there’s no better option out there than the TP-Link Archer AX21.
• If you want to do gaming or 4K streaming, the Netgear R6700AX is a way to go.
• If you don’t have WiFi 6 devices at your place and want to buy a good WiFi 5 router for an extensive range, the Motorola MR2600 is a device you’re looking for.
• If you need an easy to use router for a medium sized home or office, the TP-Link Deco X20 is a good mesh router to buy under $100.

The above-recommended routers are the best in the industry and provide you with unmatched user experiences such as better WiFi range, signal, minimal WiFi dead zones, and connectivity to multiple devices.