Looking for the best budget routers in 2025? We’ve tested and reviewed the fastest and most reliable options under $100 for streaming, gaming, and work. These affordable routers offer premium performance without the high price tag. Find the perfect router for your home today!
In This Guide: Find the Best Budget Router for Your Needs
1. TP-Link Archer A7
TP-Link Archer A7
Upgrade your home network with the TP-Link Archer A7.
- Speed: Check Product Page for Details
- Antennas: Check Product Page for Specifications
- Smart Home Ready: Works with Alexa and more
Why It’s Great: The TP-Link Archer A7 is a crowd favorite for its reliability and ease of use. It provides dual-band WiFi speeds that are perfect for small to medium-sized homes, ensuring a seamless experience whether you’re streaming HD videos or browsing the web. Keep reading to find out why we added the archer A7 to this year’s list of best budget routers 2025.
Key Features:
- Speed: Up to 1750 Mbps
- 3 external antennas for robust coverage
- Compatibility with Alexa for voice control
Who It’s For: Homeowners who want a no-fuss, budget-friendly router that offers consistent performance. Make sure to purchase one of the best budget routers 2025 will be ready for and get it while it is on sale.
Recommended Accessories: Pair this router with an affordable WiFi range extender, like the TP-Link RE220, to enhance coverage in larger homes.
2. ASUS RT-AC1200
ASUS RT-AC1200
Upgrade your home network with the ASUS RT-AC1200.
- Speed: Check Product Page for Details
- Antennas: Check Product Page for Specifications
- Smart Home Ready: Works with Alexa and more
Why It’s Great: Compact, efficient, and affordable, the ASUS RT-AC1200 is ideal for smaller spaces. Despite its size, it offers dual-band WiFi and a reliable signal, making it a top choice for apartments or dorms. Read further to see why it made it on our list of the best budget routers 2025 has to offer.
Key Features:
- Dual-band speeds up to 1200 Mbps
- Easy setup via the ASUS Router App
- Built-in parental controls
Who It’s For: Students or individuals living in small apartments who need an affordable yet reliable router.
Add-on Tip: Enhance security with a budget-friendly VPN subscription (~$3/month) to protect your online activities while using public or shared networks.
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
Why It’s Great: The Netgear R6080 offers excellent value for those who need a straightforward router for light to moderate internet use. Its user-friendly design makes it easy to set up and maintain.
Key Features:
- Speed: Up to 1000 Mbps
- Supports up to 15 devices simultaneously
- Energy-efficient features for reduced power consumption
Who It’s For: Households with light internet usage, such as basic browsing and streaming.
Budget Bundle Idea: Combine this router with an Ethernet switch (~$20) to connect multiple devices in a wired setup for enhanced stability.
4. 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
Why It’s Great: This router is designed with gamers in mind. The D-Link DIR-867 delivers fast speeds and low latency, ensuring a smooth gaming experience without breaking the bank. This router will certainly impress gamers when they’re playing their favorite games. Don’t miss out on grabbing one of the best budget routers 2025 can offer.
Key Features:
- AC1750 speeds with MU-MIMO technology
- Optimized Smart QoS for better gaming performance
- Strong signal strength for larger rooms
Who It’s For: Casual gamers who need an affordable yet powerful router for their gaming setup.
Gaming Enhancement: Add a budget-friendly gaming Ethernet cable (~$10) for ultra-low latency and stable connections during intense sessions.
5. Tenda AC10U
Tenda AC10U
Upgrade your home network with the Tenda AC10U.
- Speed: Check Product Page for Details
- Antennas: Check Product Page for Specifications
- Smart Home Ready: Works with Alexa and more
Why It’s Great: The Tenda AC10U is a family-friendly router with features that cater to households with multiple devices. With parental controls and guest network options, it’s a great choice for a connected home.
Key Features:
- Speed: Up to 1200 Mbps
- USB port for media sharing
- Beamforming technology for stronger connections
Who It’s For: Families looking for a budget-friendly router that supports multiple devices and offers easy controls.
Family Bundle: Consider pairing this router with a USB storage device ($17.99 🔥 25%off Sale!) to create a centralized home media library for movies, photos, and music.
Mid-Range Options to Consider
While budget routers offer great value, some users may need a little more power for demanding tasks. We believe the price-point certainly makes up for the quality of these products. Check out these mid-range best budget routers 2025 has to offer us:
1. TP-Link AXE5400
- WiFi 6E technology for faster speeds and better efficiency.
- Perfect for smart homes with multiple connected devices.
- Parental controls and advanced security features.
2. ASUS RT-AX86U Pro
- Ideal for 4K streaming and gaming.
- WiFi 6 with MU-MIMO and OFDMA for superior performance.
- Compatible with ASUS AiMesh for seamless coverage.
- Impressive router with many customization features for security or quality of service
Comparison Table
| Router | Price | Speed | Best For | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link Archer A7 | $65 | 1750 Mbps | Best Overall | Alexa compatibility |
| ASUS RT-AC1200 | $50 | 1200 Mbps | Small Apartments | Compact design, app setup |
| Netgear R6080 | $40 | 1000 Mbps | Simple Setups | Energy-efficient |
| D-Link DIR-867 | $70 | 1750 Mbps | Gaming | Smart QoS |
| Tenda AC10U | $55 | 1200 Mbps | Families | Parental controls |
FAQs
1. What should I look for in a budget router?
- When choosing a budget router, focus on features like dual-band support, adequate speed (measured in Mbps), and advanced features like parental controls or MU-MIMO for better connectivity.
2. Are budget routers reliable?
- Yes! Many budget routers offer great performance for everyday tasks like streaming, browsing, and casual gaming. They’re perfect for users who don’t require ultra-high-speed connections.
3. Can I use these routers for larger homes?
- While these routers are best suited for small to medium homes, you can extend their range with additional devices like WiFi extenders or mesh systems.
4. Is it worth spending more on a mid-range router?
- If you have a smart home or frequently engage in demanding activities like 4K streaming or heavy gaming, investing in a mid-range router can provide noticeable performance improvements.
Conclusion
Start 2025 with a faster, more reliable home network without overspending. These budget-friendly options prove that you can get excellent performance at affordable prices. Whether you’re a gamer, a busy family, or someone living in a cozy apartment, there’s a router on this list for you. Make sure you grab one of the best budget routers 2025 can offer. For those who need a bit more power, the mid-range options ensure top-notch performance for modern households.
Ready to upgrade your home router to one of the best budget routers 2025 can offer? Check out the latest deals on these routers and accessories through our affiliate links and enjoy a seamless online experience this New Year!
Need help setting up your new home router? Check out this guide for help!
Want to grab a more powerful performance router? Check out our other post for the best routers for 2025!
Looking for a mesh WiFi system instead? Check out our post for mesh WiFi systems!
What budget router will you be grabbing? Let us know in the comments below.