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 router 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 a 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 best WiFi routers under $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 200 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

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.

Antennas & Coverage

Unlike other conventional 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.

Configuration

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 and 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 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.

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

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.

Ports

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.

Antennas & Coverage

The Netgear R6120 has 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. 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.

Configuration

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 that protect your personal information and is the perfect router to carry out basic daily operations.

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

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.

Antennas & Coverage

The 4 external and adjustable antennas are geared with beamforming to deliver quality signals to multiple devices across 2000 sq ft. 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.

Configuration

The installation is guided by a setup wizard, which makes it simple. If you can look beyond the comfort of managing the network through a mobile application, the router has more to offer. The web interface offers control over content exposure through URL filters, and manual parental control roles 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 for Long Range: ASUS RT-ACRH13

The ASUS RT-ACRH13 provides you solid wireless speeds and signal at every nook and cranny of your 3000 Sq Ft house.

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

This Asus router is powered by the Qualcomm Atheros IPQ4028, a quad-core processor 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.

Antennas & Coverage

Like other routers in the 100 dollars budget, ASUS RT-ACRH13 also boasts 4 external antennas positioned anywhere for better signal reception. This router is suitable for large homes and 2 story houses as it provides a coverage range of up to 3000 Sq Ft.

Ports

The router comes with 4 LAN ports, 1 Gig WAN port for high-speed ISP plans. Moreover, the router supports more than 30 devices, and that’s great.

Configuration

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. 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 5.82 x 1.57 x 8.14 inches and weighs just 1.10 pounds. If you’re looking for advanced security, long-range, excellent speed & performance capable router within the $100 price range, then this is just a perfect option for you.

5. Best WiFi Mesh System: Google WiFi

Google relaunched its expandable WiFi router at a much affordable price after making some minor changes. The white cylindrical tower, 4.17 inches in diameter stands 2.7 inches tall and weighs close to 0.75 pounds. The simple yet elegant design ensures the router doesn’t stand out of place in any household.

Speeds

The Google WiFi point operates in the dual-band and can reach top speeds of 300mbps and 867mbps on 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, resulting in a combined speed of 1200mbps. 

Hardware

The Google WiFi router is powered by a quad-core ARM processor. The powerful processor is built on the strength of 512MB operating RAM and flash memory of 4GB, making it ideal for automated homes, where several devices are operated simultaneously. 

Antennas & Coverage

The 4 internal antennas of the WiFi point effectively improve the coverage. Designed for smart homes, Google 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 1500 sq ft.

Configuration

Google Home app is used to manage the google Wi-Fi system through an android or an iOS device. The initial setup and management become simple once you link your google account. SafeSearch, guest network, 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, Google WiFi fits the bill. On the strength of strong hardware, advanced features like MU-MIMO, Beamforming, Google WiFi brings scalability at a very competitive price.

6. Best for Work From Home: Speedefy K7

The Speedefy AC2100 sports a futuristic-looking pentagonal design. The K7 is one of the first routers under the brand speedefy. It brings a strong processor, extended coverage in a lightweight package weighing 1.1 pounds and measuring 9.4 x 5.6 x 1.6 inches in dimensions.

Speeds

Speedefy router brings individual top speeds of 300mbps on 2.4GHz and 1733mbps on 5GHz and a total of 2100mbps that can be shared among 25 devices.

Hardware

The K7 model runs on the strength of a dual-core processor that can clock up to 1GHz. The processing power warrants intensive activities like streaming and gaming, the low operating memory of 64MB and flash storage of 8MB would require balanced usage.

Antennas & Coverage

The 7 external antennas are vital to the coverage and stable signal delivery. With 4×4 MU-MIMO and beamforming, the device can cover apartments and areas as large as 2500 sq ft. With three ethernet ports and one gigabit WAN port, the device offers avenues for wired connectivity.

Configuration

The router allows management via a web interface and a mobile application. The installation is simple. The speedefy comes with parental control to protect your kids from unwarranted exposure. Assign age-appropriate access for family members, block websites, create a guest network, and limit internet access time easily.

Conclusion

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

7. 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

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.

Antennas & Coverage

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.

Ports

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 has a USB 3.0 port.

8. Best for Home Use: 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 which is 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 which prioritizes the wireless bandwidth for more important tasks for the best streaming experience.

Hardware

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

Antennas & Coverage

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.

Ports

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.

Configuration

Moreover, you can manage the router settings with Netgear’s Genie app without having to boot 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.

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 in 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 ASUS RT-ACRH13 is a device you’re looking for.
• If you need a router for a small home or small office, the Linksys EA8300 is a good option 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.