In today’s connected world, a reliable WiFi router is essential, but you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy fast, stable internet. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or working from home, finding the best budget WiFi routers under $100 can deliver excellent performance without straining your wallet. Here, we’ve curated a list of the top 5 best budget WiFi routers under $100 that balance price, features, and performance.
TP-Link Archer A8
TP-Link Archer A8
Upgrade your home network with the TP-Link Archer A8.
- Speed: Check Product Page for Details
- Antennas: Check Product Page for Specifications
- Smart Home Ready: Works with Alexa and more
Overview
The TP-Link Archer A8 is a budget-friendly WiFi router that delivers strong performance without breaking the bank. Supporting AC1900 dual-band WiFi, it offers speeds up to 1,900 Mbps, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and everyday browsing on multiple devices. Featuring MU-MIMO technology, it ensures smoother performance by efficiently managing multiple connections at once. The OneMesh™ compatibility allows easy expansion into a whole-home WiFi system. If you’re looking for a high-value router under $100, the TP-Link Archer A8 is a solid pick.
Key Features
- Speed: AC1900 (600 Mbps on 2.4 GHz + 1300 Mbps on 5 GHz).
- Range: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft.
- MU-MIMO Technology: Optimizes streaming for multiple devices.
- App Control: Easy management with the TP-Link Tether app.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Fast speeds for HD streaming and gaming.
- Excellent range for small homes.
- Easy to set up and manage via the app. Cons:
- Limited advanced settings for tech enthusiasts.
- Not ideal for very large households.
TP-Link Archer A8
ASUS RT-ACRH12
ASUS RT-ACRH12
Upgrade your home network with the ASUS RT-ACRH12.
- Speed: Check Product Page for Details
- Antennas: Check Product Page for Specifications
- Smart Home Ready: Works with Alexa and more
Overview
The ASUS RT-ACRH12 brings affordable, reliable, and fast WiFi to budget-conscious users. With dual-band AC1200 speeds, it provides a stable connection for streaming, web browsing, and light gaming. Its four external antennas with Beamforming technology improve signal strength, ensuring wide coverage for small to mid-sized homes. The ASUS Router app makes setup and management a breeze, and AIProtection adds an extra layer of security. For those looking for a well-rounded budget router under $100, the ASUS RT-ACRH12 delivers solid performance at an unbeatable price.
Key Features
- Speed: AC1200 (300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz + 900 Mbps on 5 GHz).
- Ports: Includes four Ethernet ports for wired connections.
- Beamforming: Improves range and signal strength.
- USB Port: Allows for media sharing across your network.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Great for homes with multiple wired devices.
- USB port adds versatility.
- Strong signal stability. Cons:
- App control is basic compared to competitors.
- Slightly dated design.
ASUS RT-ACRH12
3. NETGEAR R6080
NETGEAR R6080
Upgrade your home network with the NETGEAR R6080.
- Speed: Check Product Page for Details
- Antennas: Check Product Page for Specifications
- Smart Home Ready: Works with Alexa and more
Overview
The NETGEAR R6080 is a simple yet efficient budget WiFi router under $100 designed for small homes and apartments. With AC1000 dual-band WiFi, it offers 300 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 700 Mbps on 5GHz, making it suitable for HD streaming, browsing, and smart home devices. The NETGEAR Nighthawk app simplifies setup and network management, while advanced security features ensure your connection remains safe. If you need a cost-effective router with stable performance, the NETGEAR R6080 is a reliable choice.
Key Features
- Speed: AC1200 (300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz + 900 Mbps on 5 GHz).
- Range: Suitable for homes up to 1,200 sq. ft.
- Energy Efficient: Eco-friendly power-saving modes.
- Parental Controls: Manage screen time and filter content.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Very budget-friendly.
- Simple to set up.
- Compact and energy-efficient design.
Upgrade your internet experience without breaking the bank. Grab the NETGEAR R6080 today.
Linksys EA6350
Linksys EA6350
Upgrade your home network with the Linksys EA6350.
- Speed: Check Product Page for Details
- Antennas: Check Product Page for Specifications
- Smart Home Ready: Works with Alexa and more
Overview
The Linksys EA6350 is a powerful budget router that offers AC1200 speeds with dual-band connectivity, ensuring smooth streaming and lag-free browsing. Featuring Beamforming technology, it strengthens connections to individual devices, providing better range and reliability. The four Gigabit Ethernet ports allow for high-speed wired connections, making it a great option for gaming consoles and smart TVs. With its easy setup and intuitive management features, the Linksys EA6350 stands out as one of the best budget WiFi routers under $100 for homes with multiple connected devices.
Key Features
- Speed: AC1200 (300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz + 900 Mbps on 5 GHz).
- Beamforming Technology: Boosts signal strength to specific devices.
- USB 3.0 Port: Enables fast file sharing.
- App Control: Manage your network remotely.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Reliable speeds for streaming and gaming.
- Modern design with advanced features.
- Intuitive app for remote management. Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than other budget options.
- Limited advanced customization.
Linksys EA6350
D-Link DIR-867
D-Link DIR-867
Upgrade your home network with the D-Link DIR-867.
- Speed: Check Product Page for Details
- Antennas: Check Product Page for Specifications
- Smart Home Ready: Works with Alexa and more
Overview
The D-Link DIR-867 is a budget-friendly router with premium features, offering AC1750 speeds for fast and reliable performance. With high-power amplifiers and four external antennas, it ensures wide coverage, making it a great fit for medium-sized homes. Smart QoS technology prioritizes bandwidth, optimizing performance for streaming, gaming, and video calls. The D-Link WiFi app allows easy setup and network control from your smartphone. If you’re searching for a high-speed, budget-friendly router under $100, the D-Link DIR-867 is a top contender.
Key Features
- Speed: AC1750 (450 Mbps on 2.4 GHz + 1300 Mbps on 5 GHz).
- Range: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft.
- Advanced QoS: Ensures optimal performance for gaming and streaming.
- Smart Connect: Automatically selects the best band for your devices.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Excellent for gaming and 4K streaming.
- Advanced QoS improves overall performance.
- Great value for its speed and features.
Cons:
- Setup can be tricky for beginners.
- Limited app functionality.
- Not ideal for heavy streaming or gaming.
- Limited range compared to competitors.
D-Link DIR-867
Comparison Table: Best Budget WiFi Routers Under $100
| Router Model | Speed | Range | Special Features | Ideal For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link Archer A8 | AC1900 | 1,500 sq. ft. | MU-MIMO, App Control | Small homes, streaming | Under $100 |
| ASUS RT-ACRH12 | AC1200 | 1,200 sq. ft. | Beamforming, USB Port | Wired devices, stability | Under $100 |
| NETGEAR R6080 | AC1000 | 1,200 sq. ft. | Parental Controls | Browsing, light streaming | Under $80 |
| Linksys EA6350 | AC1200 | 1,200 sq. ft. | Beamforming, USB 3.0 | Streaming, remote control | Under $100 |
| D-Link DIR-867 | AC1750 | 1,500 sq. ft. | Advanced QoS, Smart Connect | Gaming, 4K streaming | Under $100 |
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Budget WiFi Router
When it comes to finding the best budget WiFi routers under $100, your choice depends on your specific needs. For gamers and streamers, the D-Link DIR-867 and TP-Link Archer A8 offer excellent performance. If you need a simple, affordable router, the NETGEAR R6080 is a solid pick. For those who value app control and file sharing, the Linksys EA6350 or ASUS RT-ACRH12 are great choices.
Ready to upgrade your home network? Explore these routers and enjoy seamless connectivity at an unbeatable price.
Click on the links above to check the latest prices and availability. Don’t miss out on these top-performing best budget WiFi routers under $100!
Need help setting up your new router? Check out our guide here!
