9 Best Routers Under $150 in 2021 [After Testing 35 Devices]

With the router market being replete with multiple brands and products, finding the perfect router below $150 can be cumbersome. But you don’t have to worry, I’ve got you covered.

This budget range is neither too high nor very less. Basically, you get decent network coverage, WiFi 6 standard, dual-band support, and features like MU-MIMO, Beamforming+, etc. Basically, the sub $150 wireless routers are quite common among medium households, small businesses, apartment owners, etc.

Don’t know much about wireless routers? The good thing is, I do have networking knowledge with an in-depth understanding of features like MU-MIMO, OFDMA, Beamforming, advanced QoS. The routers in this list not only address the below-mentioned requirements but also offers better value for the money.

9 Best Routers Under $150 in 2021

After a comparative analysis of over 35 routers from prominent brands like Netgear, TP-Link, D-Link, Asus, the shortlisted routers are a trickled-down list. It doesn’t matter what your needs are. Based on my research, these are the best wireless routers to buy under $150.

1. Best Overall: TP-Link Archer AX50

The TP-Link Archer AX50 is a powerful router owing to the potential of the latest Wi-Fi 802.11 ax standards. Features like OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and Beamforming make this a strong competitor for smart homes with multiple devices accessing the internet simultaneously.

Speeds & Performance

Contingent to ISP and other factors, the router can achieve high speeds. It can scale up to 574mbps and 2402mbps in 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, respectively. So, if you’re into gaming, 4K streaming, or just want to use high-speed internet, this router has you covered.

Design, RAM, Storage

At 1.2 lbs, the Archer AX-50 is lightweight and sleek. Sporting a glossy black modern design, the router can adorn your household with its presence. The 256MB of RAM and 128MB of flash memory can provide consistent performance during data-intense activities. With the 2000 Sq Ft range, it becomes an inevitable part of medium-sized homes.

Antennas & Ports

With 4 external antennas attached to the rear end of the router, the Archer is equipped to handle multiple devices simultaneously. The presence of 1 WAN port, 4 LAN ports, and a USB 3.0 make it easier for the user to have wired connections and shared network hard drives/printers.

Installation & App Support

Tether application is as simplistic and intuitive as applications come. The initial setup is easier and quicker with the Tether, while the web portal provides access to advanced customizations.

Should you buy this router?

With a parental control that allows you to create multiple user profiles, content filters, monitor and restricts internet access, TP-link offers more control and security against intrusion and malicious contents. The AX-50 becomes a perfect fit for a household with gaming aficionados.

2. Best Runner Up: ASUS RT-AX3000

The Wi-Fi 6, Multi User-MIMO, and 1024-QAM make ASUS RT-AX3000 a good standalone router or a valuable component as a part of your AiMesh WiFi system.

Speeds & Performance

With support from high-speed ISPs like Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, Verizon, the device can support up to 574Mbps on 2.4GHz and 2402Mbps on 5GHz. With beamforming and OFDMA, the router can disperse signals across 3000 Sq Ft and support 30+ gadgets.

Design, RAM, Storage

Weighing close to 1.2 lbs, the RT-AX3000 is pretty light with a shiny striped black casing. The device sports a simplistic design. It houses a 1.5GHz tri-core processor with an operating memory of 512MB and a storage memory of 256MB.

Antennas & Ports

You can find 4 antennas at the rear end of the router, interspersed amongst a WAN port, four LAN ports, and a USB 3.1 port. The rear also features a power socket, a WPS button, and a manual reset button. The inclusion of the latest-gen USB port further improves the router’s ability to accommodate shared drives within the home network.

Installation & App Support

Asus Router app keeps the device installation and the setup simple, while the web GUI allows you access to a host of features like bandwidth control, real-time traffic monitor, and QoS. The parental control can host multiple profiles, enable content filters and limit internet access based on customized schedules. AiProtection offers protection for all your devices against the virus.

Should you buy this router?

If you are in a household with tech-savvy members carrying multiple WiFi 6 clients, the Asus router offers a solution to exploit the high-speed capabilities of your internet connection.

3. Best Tri-Band Router: TP-Link Archer A20

The Archer A20 brings tri-band operation along with features like Link Aggregation, Airtime Fairness, and TP-Link HomeCare security standards for just under $150. Be it online gaming or media streaming. It falls within the purview of TP-Link Archer A20.

Speeds & Performance

Geared by a 1.8GHz Dual-Core processor with three off-load co-processors at the helm, the router can deliver high-speed internet connections up to 750mbps in 2.4GHz and 1650mbps in dual 5GHz frequencies.

Moreover, the Archer A20 comes equipped with 512MB RAM and 256MB of storage. With balanced usage, the router can handle up to 30 devices spread around 3000 Sq Ft.

Design, RAM, Storage

At just 1.8 lbs, the router lingers in the lightweight spectrum. It sports a traditional black glossy design. The router also features a WPS button, an LED indicator, a power button, and power input, and antennas aligned across the device.

Antennas & Ports

You can find 6 high-gain external antennas and an array of ports the router offers on the rear. TP-link gives 1 WAN port and 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, out of which 2 LAN ports support the Link Aggregation and takes care of wired requirements. The presence of USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports lets you share printers/storage devices in the home network.

Installation & App Support

Both (the Tether app and Web GUI) provide an amicable interface to get through setup quickly. Unlike the mobile app, the web GUI gives access to customizing control, QoS, and VPN settings. TP-link gives more control to parents by allowing them to create user profiles and limiting access. The smart connect band steering, and airtime fairness manages the user connections to ensure unhindered connectivity.

Should you buy this router?

With many features like Beamforming, MU-MIMO, QoS, parental control, and TP-Link HomeCare security features, the Archer A20 presents an affordable solution for large homes and offices to keep the internet connection stable for video conferences and business meetings.

4. Best for Home Use: Linksys E8450

The Linksys E8450 is powered by a Dual-Core processor clocking at 1.4GHz, featuring support to WiFi 6, MU-MIMO, and the latest encryption standards of WPA 3 to keep your internet connection secure.

Speeds & Performance

With a high-speed internet connection, the router can achieve speeds up to 800mbps in 2.4GHz and 2400mbps in 5GHz. You can play games and stream them on platforms like Twitch in an optimized manner on 25+ devices, spread across a surface area of 2500 Sq Ft.

Design, RAM, Storage

Weighing just 1.4 lbs, the router belongs to the lightweight category. Sporting a compact design, the shiny black routing device sits pretty without occupying a large surface area. The 512MB RAM and 128MB of flash memory are more than enough for online gaming and 4K streaming.

Antennas & Ports

The router comes with 4 internal antennas only. All the ports, power switches are present on the rear end. You can find 1 WAN port, 4 LAN ports, a power switch, a manual reset button, a USB 2.0 port, a WPS button, and a manual reset button. The USB port is a welcome addition to share printers and network drives within the home network.

Installation & App Support

The router can be installed through the web interface. Lack of mobile application support for this router might act as a deterrent. The installation wizard keeps the initial setup uncomplicated. Creating and assigning predetermined profiles and blocking content by URL filters and time schedules gives the parent control over the child’s internet consumption.

Should you buy this router?

If you are a gaming enthusiast or are hosting a group of students, the Linksys E8450 can deliver stable, high-speed internet to multiple WiFi 6 clients at an affordable price.

5. Best for Streaming: Netgear Nighthawk RAX40

The Netgear Nighthawk RAX40 brings an array of features like smart parental controls, Beamforming+, and OFDMA under the security hood of AES encryption with PSK, protecting your home network from data threats, viruses, and malware.

Speeds & Performance

The device is equipped to deliver high-speed internet connections rising to 600mbps in 2.5GHz, 2400mbps in 5GHz frequency, depending upon the quality of connection from ISP. The router comes with a coverage of 1500 Sq Ft while supporting up to 16 devices.

Design, RAM, Storage

The Netgear router weighs a little over 1.36 lbs, being neither heavy nor light. It sports a simplistic black textured design. The storage memory of 256MB houses the firmware, and a RAM of 512MB supports the operations. Even while not being fancy, it is sufficient.

Antennas & Ports

The router comes with 3 antennas attached to its rear end. Carrying 1 WAN port, 4 LAN ports, and a USB 3.0 port, the device supports high-speed wired connections for your smart gadgets and network drive sharing within the home network.

Installation & App Support

The Nighthawk mobile application gives a user-friendly, intuitive platform for controlling your network. The initial setup becomes effortless when done through the application and gets done within a matter of a few minutes. The Web GUI opens up to exhaustive control over the settings.

The ability to remotely control the home network, protecting your network with guest WiFi networks and the security of the NETGEAR Armor gives you the ability to protect your home network. By setting time limits and content filters, you can protect your children from undue exposure.

Should you buy this router?

Powered by powerful dual-core processors, this sub $150 router features Beamforming+, OFDMA, and AES encryption with PSK making it a viable option for small to medium households looking for advanced internet security.

6. Best for Work from Home: Linksys EA8100

Despite its limited range, the Linksys EA8100 brings decent throughput in dual bands, geared with technologies like DFS (dynamic frequency selection), MU-MIMO, and band steering backed by powerful hardware, making it a valuable addition for flats and apartments.

Speeds & Performance

The router is geared to achieve an aggregated speed of 2600mbps over dual-band frequencies. Top speeds of 800mbps on 2.4GHz and 1733mbps on the 5GHz make sufficient bandwidth for up to 15 devices spread across an area of 1800 sq ft.

Design, RAM, Storage

The bulky-looking antennas on a rectangular Linksys base weigh only 1.25 lbs, contrary to its appearance. The dual-core processor processes the unit clocking at 880MHz. The 256MB operating memory and 128MB storage are crucial to handle simultaneous connections.

Antennas & Ports

The 4 flexible, adjustable amplified antennas use Beamforming and band steering to optimize the signal quality for multiple devices. With 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 1 Gigabit WAN port, 1 USB 3.0, and 1 USB 2.0 port, the router ensures adequate wired connections for priority devices and sharing network devices within the home network.

Installation & App Support

The guided web-based or setup through Linksys mobile app makes things easier for the tech novices to breeze through the setup within a few minutes. Take control of your home network, irrespective of your location.

Create guest networks to protect your home network, block websites and internet access times with parental controls, prioritize devices and manage the bandwidth with the comprehensive web-based setup.

Should you buy this router?

If you are looking for a router to improve your network performance in a highly congested apartment, Linksys AC2600 has the advantage of MU-MIMO and DFS to outmaneuver network congestion and ensure stable internet speed across multiple devices.

7. Best for Office Use: Netgear Nighthawk R7350

The Netgear Nighthawk R7350 sport features like Advanced QoS, smart parental controls, Beamforming under the security hood of Netgear Armor, protecting your home network from data threats, virus, and malware.

Speeds & Performance

Depending on the quality of your internet connection from ISP, this WiFi 5 router can reach speeds up to 600mbps in 2.5GHz, 1733mbps in 5GHz frequency. It has a coverage of 2500 Sq Ft, supporting up to 20 devices.

Design, RAM, Storage

The Netgear router weighs approximately 1.65 lbs, making it lightweight. The device comes in a simplistic shiny black plastic casing housing a dual-core processor with an operating memory of 256MB and a storage memory of 128MB housing the firmware.

Antennas & Ports

The router has 3 detachable antennas attached to its rear end. With one WAN port, four LAN ports, and a USB 3.0 port, the device gives ample avenues for gigabit-wired connections and shared printers or hard drives.

Installation & App Support

The Nighthawk application is a user-friendly platform that keeps the initial setup and management simple. The Web GUI gives access to advanced settings for more tech-savvy users. The mobile app and web GUI allow parents to control web content, set time limits to protect their children from inappropriate exposure. The guest network access and double firewall protection keep your home network safe from external threats.

Should you buy this router?

Built around a dual-core processor, the router comes with useful features and an intuitive interface for easy management. Be it online gaming or media streaming on Firestick, the adults and the kids in your home will equally enjoy the performance of Netgear AC2400.

8. Best Mesh System: TP-Link Deco X20

The TP-Link Deco X20 is a Wi-Fi 6 mesh system that stands as a testament to a simplistic design, ease of installation, and control over your home network system.

Speeds & Performance

The Deco X20 offers 574mbps in the 2.4GHz and 1201mbps in the 5GHz band. The combined speed of up to 1800mbps makes it an ideal router for WiFi calling. With extended coverage of 2200 Sq Ft, the mesh setup is a perfect fit for a medium home with multiple smart gadgets.

Design, RAM, Storage

The router is a small cylindrical device that merely weighs 0.90 lbs. The minimalist white design has a Deco logo placed at the center bottom. The casing houses a storage memory of 128MB and RAM of 512MB, which allows ease of operation for multiple devices simultaneously.

Antennas & Ports

Equipped with four internal antennas, the design accommodates the ports accessible through the rear end. It brings 1 Ethernet and 1 WAN port for wired connections. The lack of a USB port closes the door for sharing storage devices across the network.

Installation & App Support

You can set up this WiFi 6 mesh system via the Deco mobile app available for iOS and Android. Offering one of the easiest installations, the setup takes hardly a few minutes to set up with Exede Satellite, ATT Uverse, etc.

As you’d expect from a mesh system, this router from TP-Link comes with some useful customization options. You can manage your network by setting up parental controls, content filters, time limits, and more. TP-Link also allows you to prioritize bandwidth with QoS settings, control smart devices, enable/disable WiFi, and continuous monitoring of your network.

Should you buy this router?

If you are a homemaker trying to avoid the technicalities inherent with a routing device, the Wi-Fi 6 mesh router from TP-Link offers an affordable solution for medium-sized smart homes with easy installation and user profile management.

9. D-Link DIR-X1870-US

The D-Link DIR-X1870-US makes an endearing case as the perfect companion to manage your home network with the Wi-Fi 6 support, high-speed capabilities, and essential features like MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and BSS coloring.

Speeds & Performance

With seamless connectivity in both frequencies (2.4GHz and 5GHz), the router can reach high speeds of 600mbps and 1200mbps, sufficient to handle gaming and 4K streaming. It can cover areas up to 2000 Sq Ft and handle multiple devices operating simultaneously.

Design, RAM, Storage

With a weight close to 0.90 lbs, the D-Link DIR-X1870-US is lightweight despite its larger footprint. The minimal LED indicators adorn the front of a matte-black casing. The router comes with 256MB of operating and 128MB of storage memory.

Antennas & Ports

The 4 adjustable external antennas equipped with MU-MIMO deliver stable Wi-Fi signals across your 2000 sq ft house. The D-Link router comes with 4 Gig Ethernet LAN and 1 Gig WAN port to offer gigabit wired connectivity to TV and consoles. However, it misses out on a USB port. Hence you’re restricted to media sharing.

Installation & App Support

D-Link WiFi app or the Web-based interface can keep the initial setup straightforward. The web interface lets you create profile-based parental controls to monitor and handle kid’s activities. The firewall and access control protect the network from security threats and unauthorized usage.

Should you buy this router?

The Dual-Band WiFi with Mesh compatibility allows your household to enjoy seamless internet connectivity as a homemaker, student, or remote-working professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

The D-Link and Netgear, being major players in the router market space, offer multiple routers within the price range to cater to the user requirements.

• For those looking for a reliable WiFi 6 router under $150, TP-Link Archer AX50 is the best choice.
• If you are looking for a router with extensive coverage, then, the ASUS RT-AX3000 is what you should consider. It has the ability to cover an entire 3000 Sq Ft house.
• If you want a tri-band router in this budget, the TP-Link Archer A20 is an excellent solution for large homes or offices.

Preferences and requirements play a vital role in finding the right router for your household. The analysis tries different facets of requirements based on common consensus.