Considering the increasing number of devices that require WiFi connection nowadays, it’s only natural to want a router which will bring all of them together. But, selecting one that meets your requirements might be confusing with all the technical specifications and ads that try to sell you the most expensive version.
Truth be told, most users don’t want the latest design which is included with mind-blowing specifications. In support of this, we chose to get the ideal router under $100 that will support a busy household (from an online traffic point of view).
Consequently, if you’re interested in learning more about the type of wireless router you need, be sure that you read the testimonials below.
How To Choose Best Router Under $100
Before we delve into the reviews of the best routers below $100, let’s have a peek at the characteristics that matter the most.
Speed
Most modern routers support a high rate, but it is important to focus on the specs.
For instance, if you need an online connection that supports online multi-player gaming without lags and 4K video flowing concurrently, you will require an AC router (the modern WiFi standard). Now, while the AC router below $100 might be a little reduced in advanced attributes, it does a wonderful job for the regular home user.
Dual Band And Higher
Another thing to watch for is your dual-band feature. This means that the router supports both the 2.4GHz and the 5 GHz bands also provides better performance overall. Also, the 5GHz band doesn’t suffer from interferences from other electronic devices and is generally less crowded.
Dual-band routers normally have two or more flexible antennas and can maintain both bands simultaneously with no drops in speed or signal. Additionally, there are routers that support tri-band settings — one 2.4GHz band and two 5GHz bands. These are excellent for households with heavy traffic via online gaming and audio and video streaming.
Range
Ideally, the wireless router must offer the identical power of WiFi signal in the whole home. On the other hand, the range varies based on the dimensions of your house, the wall composition (for signal interference), along with other things.
Still, if you don’t wish to use a WiFi extender, you should start looking for a system that may cover a 2,000 sq. ft. house.
Security
Now cyber-security is a big deal, to ensure that the router includes a good firewall, WPA/WPA2 wireless security, and Guest accessibility possibilities. In this manner, anybody interested in hacking into your house network is going to have a challenging time.
Supported Connections
Before settling on a version, it is best to consider your wants.
To begin with, attempt to evaluate the number of devices which are going to be connecting daily — that means phones, tablet computers, notebooks, PCs, Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and much more. Next, think of what you wish in order to access using the router.
Finally, when you’ve wired devices, be certain that you get a router with sufficient Ethernet LAN ports (most versions have four).
Best Routers Under $100 You Can Buy
1. NETGEAR R6700 NIGHTHAWK AC1750
The NETGEAR R6700 Nighthawk is the best choice as it supports rates of around 1750Mbps (for gaming) and takes multiple simultaneous connections without any lag. Also, the router is smart enough to make the distinction between online gaming, streaming, and mobile use so that it can adapt to each circumstance.
The 1GHz, Dual Core chip allows the router to offer the ideal wireless and wired performance for over 12 WiFi devices and 4 LAN connections. What’s more, the 3 outside antennas and high-power amplifiers increase the WiFi range, which means that you may obtain a fantastic connection irrespective of your place inside the home.
Ultimately, the router also has one USB 3.0 interface, so you can quickly share saved media with the entire home. There’s also free backup software to safeguard your settings and Parental Control to limit access for certain members of their family.
Consequently, if you would like to pause Internet access or check router specs, then you don’t need to go to the router or link to it with a computer.
Note, sometimes this router’s price may go somewhat over a $100 to get a new model, but still you may buy a refurbished or used (generally it looks and functions just like new) variant for under a $100.
2. TP-LINK AC1750 ARCHER A7
One of the best dual band routers under $100, the TP-Link AC1750 comes with high speed (around 450Mbps for your 2.4GHz network and 1300Mbps for the 5GHz network), is harmonious with Amazon Alexa, and supports 4K streaming with significantly reduced buffering.
The 3 outside antennas increase the WiFi range, which means you are able to get a connection even in a home that’s 2,500 square feet. In terms of interfaces, the router has 4 Gigabit LAN interfaces that offer assistance for wired devices, one USB 3.0 interface for quick access to your storage device, one WPS button that permits a simpler way to connect visitors to the network, and one Reset button. Furthermore, this router can encourage over 50 wireless apparatus!
This is because of a highly performant control system that’s supported by a strong CPU, advanced technologies, and leading bandwidth prioritization. Users think about the TP-Link AC1750 for an excellent router for online gaming (no lag), but it is also a fantastic choice for video and audio streaming.
Lastly, the TP-Link AC1750 provides a safe online environment for the whole family with WPA/WPA2 wireless security, guest access, and parental control features. Also, the router may be controlled using the TP Tether app, which can be cloud-based so it is possible to control the settings irrespective of your location.
3. ASUS DUAL-BAND 2×2 AC1300
Equipped with 2×two MU-MIMO technologies, this ASUS router is fantastic for managing a number of connections at high rates (up to 1267Mbps — up to 867Mbps for 5GHz and 400Mbps for 2.4GHz). The device boosts the WiFi range on your home due to the 4 external antennas and it’s easy to install due to this user-friendly internet interface (there’s also an app you can use to control the settings).
The ASUS Dual-Band AC1300 router uses Smart Link to automatically change between groups whenever it is required. This delivers consistent bandwidth, regardless of your internet activities. In addition, the router is equipped with a single USB 3.0 interface for fast lateral files sharing with the entire network.
4. NETGEAR AC1200 (R6230)
If you are seeking to increase the selection of your WiFi to get to the entire house, skip the WiFi extender and find the NETGEAR AC1200 instead. Many people today believe this to be the very best AC router under $100, and contemplating its features and cost, they wouldn’t be too wrong.
The router delivers fast speeds (300 for the 2.4GHz and 900Mbps for the 5GHz networks) making it great for internet gaming, audio and video streaming and other demanding online pursuits. NETGEAR AC1200 can prioritize services that need far more bandwidth over the typical ones for a perfect streaming and gaming experience.
Concerning connectivity (besides wireless connections), the NETGEAR AC1200 contains 4 Gigabit LAN ports, guest network options (WPS button) and USB 2.0 port (for external devices). The control interface is intuitive, and users have an entry using a mobile device via the Nighthawk app.
5. LINKSYS EA6350
For people that do not like major devices, the Linksys EA6350 is your best wireless router potential! With a slim and elegant design and an impressive appearance, this device could be installed in any kind of interior setting.
Nevertheless, it is not just a pretty body that makes people purchase! It has also the abundance of attributes it has to offer and the power it hides under its tiny shell. For example, it supports dual wireless bands and can reach speeds up to 300Mbps for the 2.4GHz network and 867Mbps for the 5GHz network.
Furthermore, the router comprises 4 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet ports, one USB 3.0, and comprehends the distinction between playing online games, streaming a movie on Netflix, or simply surfing your favorite online store.
Though the router will not have long range, the antennas may be adjusted and repositioned as needed. Needless to say, you have the choice to allow for guest access.
6. MOTOROLA AC1700 (MR1700)
This bad boy comes with six adjustable antennas, out of which four are made to handle the 2.4GHz band, also knowns as the ideal ring for long range WiFi. As a result, you are going to get a good wireless signal all around the house, and the rate won’t suffer.
The router supports all kinds of wireless devices and four wired ones (because of the four Gigabit Ethernet ports). Moreover, the Motorola router is equipped with a high-speed dual-core processor that allows for Smart QoS to do an excellent job in assigning online gaming and video streaming.
Ultimately, this device is easy to set up, supports guest relations, has parental management and optimizes your system using a firewall.
7. NETGEAR N750 (WNDR4300)
The NETGEAR N750 includes a neat layout (it could be mounted on both the horizontal and vertical planes) and higher performance. It supports 300Mbps in 2.4GHz and 450Mbps in 5GHz and it comes with a fantastic range for the average-sized home.
The router supports many simultaneous links without any lag and has four LAN interfaces for your wired devices. Additionally, it is recommended for online gaming, video streaming, surfing, music streaming, and much more.
The USB 2.0 interface is excellent for sharing media files together with the network, plugging in a USB stick or even sharing a printer. The firmware is well-designed and offers innovative features such as parental control settings, guest access, VPN support, and is compatible with all the Apple Time Machine and IPv6.
The NETGEAR Genie app can be obtained free of charge and offers a user-friendly interface as well as the tech-savvy users may learn how to configure various features.
8. MEDIALINK AC1200
The Medialink AC1200 comes outfitted with four Gigabit Ethernet ports that will set your online multi-player gaming and 4K streaming in the fast lane. Second, the scope is extremely satisfying because it is, however, you have the option to activate the Range Extender Mode should you want to pay a bigger area.
To keep everyone protected from prying eyes, the router has a solid firewall and guest network access. Not to mention, you have complete control over its functionalities.
Last, the setup method is easy to understand, and you could always contact tech support (in case the need arises).
Final Words
However, each user’s requirements are different, so have a look at our testimonials and select the one which works best for you.
