Bottom Line:
Finding the best budget router in 2023 can be challenging, given the plethora of choices. This guide will simplify your search, giving you top-rated picks that offer great performance without breaking the bank.
Hey there, tech enthusiast! If you’re here, you are probably looking for the best budget router that can keep up with your heavy internet usage, but won’t cost you an arm and a leg. We’ve done all the hard work for you, analyzing performance, value for money, and user experience of the best routers in 2023. .
Top 8 Best Budget Routers 2023:
So whether you’re looking for a router for gaming, streaming, or just reliable internet access, we’ve got you covered! Let’s dive into our top picks.
- TP-Link Archer AX21 AX1800 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router
- Reyee RG-E5 Wi-Fi 6 Router
- Asus RT-AC66U B1 Dual-Band Gigabit Wi-Fi Router
- TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router (V2)
- Vilo Mesh Wi-Fi System
- TP-Link Archer AX10 (AX1500) Wi-Fi 6 Router
- Rock Space AX1800 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router (RSD0619)
- TP-Link AC1200 Wireless MU-MIMO Gigabit Router (Archer A6)
1: TP-Link Archer AX21 AX1800 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router
Rating: 4.5/5
Reliable, Affordable and Fast.
Why We Picked It:
As an expert in the field, it’s hard not to recommend the TP-Link Archer AX21. It effortlessly keeps up with the evolving world of tech with its Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, which is essential for any busy household or small business. It also allows faster data transfer, ensuring you get the most out of your internet speed for gaming and streaming needs.
This router not only offers exceptional performance but also comes with a budget-friendly price tag. The Archer AX21 doesn’t compromise on features to stay affordable. It boasts a USB port which is often missing in other budget routers. This port can come in handy for sharing files or connecting a printer across your network.
Who It’s For:
The TP-Link Archer AX21 is a top pick for medium to large households. If you’re always asking yourself, “is 100 mbps fast”, this router will let you experience true speed. It’s designed to handle multiple devices without slowing down, ensuring everyone in your home can surf, stream, and game without lag.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 support | Limited USB functionality |
| Great value for money | Design could be better |
| USB port for file sharing | No wall-mounting option |
2: Reyee RG-E5 Wi-Fi 6 Router
Rating: 4/5
Best for Seamless Connectivity.
Why We Picked It:
Reyee’s RG-E5 is a top choice for those who need a router that prioritizes consistent performance. With its Wi-Fi 6 support, you’re guaranteed a stable connection and excellent speeds. It offers a reliable connection, with few dropouts, and is especially great for larger homes.
The RG-E5 stands out because it provides room for network expansion. Its support for Mesh networks is a distinguishing feature. You can easily increase your Wi-Fi coverage by adding more nodes to your network. This is especially useful if you have areas in your home where the Wi-Fi signal usually doesn’t reach.
Who It’s For:
This router is perfect for larger homes or offices where the internet usage is heavy. If you have lots of devices and users, the Reyee RG-E5 is a great choice to keep everyone connected. Plus, if you ever need to increase your Wi-Fi coverage, it’s as simple as adding more nodes to your mesh network.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Consistent Wi-Fi 6 performance | No USB port |
| Excellent range | Pricey compared to others |
| Supports Mesh networks | Could be overkill for smaller homes |
3: Asus RT-AC66U B1 Dual-Band Gigabit Wi-Fi Router
Rating: 4.2/5
high-speed Wi-Fi with Unique Features.
Why We Picked It:
Asus is a brand that doesn’t need much introduction in the tech world. The Asus RT-AC66U B1 Router is an affordable yet powerful device that offers exceptional performance. This router supports dual-band Wi-Fi and has four Gigabit LAN ports for your wired devices.
This router offers not just speed, but also unique features. One such feature is the ASUSWRT dashboard UI, which gives you control over your network like never before. It’s easy to set up, and once you do, you can monitor signal strength, set parental controls, and even configure VPN access.
Who It’s For:
It’s a fantastic choice for anyone interested in controlling their network at a granular level. Whether you’re a parent looking to set time limits on internet use or a tech enthusiast interested in optimizing your network for the best gaming routers, this router is for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Robust dual-band Wi-Fi | No Wi-Fi 6 support |
| 4 Gigabit LAN ports | The user interface could be more intuitive |
| Feature-rich | USB 3.0 port location is awkward |
4: TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router (V2)
Rating: 4.1/5
Performance Meets Affordability.
Why We Picked It:
The TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750 is a workhorse that delivers on performance. The router is capable of speeds up to 1750 Mbps, making it a fantastic option for those wondering if 100 Mbps is fast. It’s also equipped with 4 Gigabit LAN ports for your wired devices.
What sets the Archer C7 apart is its dual USB ports that allow you to share media across your network. It also supports guest networks and parental controls, making it easier to manage your internet usage.
Who It’s For:
Ideal for anyone looking for a reliable router on a budget. With its dual-band support, it’s also a great option for those who need to connect multiple devices and enjoy gaming and streaming.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-speed dual-band Wi-Fi | No Wi-Fi 6 support |
| 4 Gigabit LAN ports | Older design |
| Dual USB ports for media sharing | Requires occasional reboots |
5: Vilo Mesh Wi-Fi System
Rating: 4.3/5
Comprehensive Coverage with a Sleek Design.
Why We Picked It:
The Vilo Mesh Wi-Fi System offers a reliable and expansive Wi-Fi network in your home. Its Mesh system can cover up to 4,500 sq. ft. ensuring there are no more dead spots in your home.
It also stands out with its sleek and modern design. It doesn’t look like your typical router, blending seamlessly with any home decor. Plus, it’s easy to set up and manage using the Vilo app.
Who It’s For: If you’re tired of Wi-Fi dead spots in your home, this Mesh Wi-Fi System is a great choice. It’s also a good option if aesthetics matter to you and you’re looking for a router system that will fit well in your living space.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide coverage with Mesh system | No Wi-Fi 6 support |
| Sleek design | Requires app for setup and management |
| Easy setup with Vilo App | Limited advanced features |
6: TP-Link Archer AX10 (AX1500)
Rating: 4.5/5
Future-Proof Your Home Network.
Why We Picked It:
The TP-Link Archer AX10 stands out as a Wi-Fi 6 router offering great value for money. By supporting the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, this router ensures your home network is ready for future devices and internet demands. You’ll enjoy faster speeds, greater capacity, and reduced network congestion.
The Archer AX10 doesn’t just have great hardware. Its user-friendly interface and easy setup make it a breeze for anyone to get their home network up and running. It also offers features like parental controls and QoS (Quality of Service) settings, allowing you to prioritize devices for better performance.
Who It’s For:
If you’re looking for an affordable router that’s ready for the future of internet devices, the Archer AX10 is a great choice. It’s perfect for those wanting to future-proof their home network without paying a premium price.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi 6 support | Lacks USB ports |
| Easy setup and user-friendly interface | Limited customization options |
| Affordable price for Wi-Fi 6 router | Not the highest Wi-Fi speed |
7: Rock Space AX1800 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router (RSD0619)
Rating: 4.4/5
Robust Performance with Extended Coverage.
Why We Picked It:
The Rock Space AX1800 is another fantastic option for those looking to take advantage of Wi-Fi 6 technology. With a maximum speed of 1800 Mbps and dual-band support, this router can easily handle heavy internet usage, making it a great choice for internet speed for streaming.
This router also shines with its coverage. The four high-gain antennas and beamforming technology ensure a strong and stable Wi-Fi signal throughout your home. Whether you’re gaming in your room or streaming a movie in the living room, you can expect a smooth experience.
Who It’s For:
This router is perfect for medium to large homes where internet usage is high. If you love streaming, gaming, or just have a lot of devices connected, the Rock Space AX1800 can handle it all with ease.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi 6 support | No USB ports |
| Good coverage with high-gain antennas | Requires occasional reboots |
| High-speed dual-band Wi-Fi | The setup process could be more intuitive |
8: TP-Link AC1200 Wireless MU-MIMO Gigabit Router (Archer A6)
Rating: 4.2/5
Reliable Performance with Great Value.
Why We Picked It:
The TP-Link Archer A6 stands out as a budget-friendly router that doesn’t compromise on performance. With dual-band support and speeds up to 1200 Mbps, this router provides a reliable connection for your daily internet needs.
The Archer A6 also has advanced features like MU-MIMO technology for efficient handling of multiple devices. Plus, it provides a USB port for sharing files or printers on your network. All of this, combined with an easy setup process, makes the Archer A6 a solid choice.
Who It’s For:
If you’re looking for a router that delivers reliable performance without breaking the bank, the Archer A6 is for you. It’s perfect for small to medium-sized homes with moderate internet needs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reliable dual-band Wi-Fi | No Wi-Fi 6 support |
| MU-MIMO technology | Design could be better |
| USB port for file sharing | Not the highest Wi-Fi speed |
Budget Routers: What You’ll Get for the Money
When it comes to buying budget routers, it’s important to manage your expectations. You might not get the most powerful router with the latest features, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a router that serves your needs well. Budget routers like the ones we’ve reviewed in this guide provide a reliable internet connection that is more than sufficient for everyday tasks such as browsing the web, streaming, and casual gaming. They also come with decent range, suitable for small to medium-sized homes.
Keep in mind that you’re not just buying a device. You’re investing in your home network. It’s the backbone for your TV, streaming, and internet services, and it has a big impact on the performance of those services. Even budget routers can provide the performance needed for these services, as long as your internet speed is suitable for gaming and streaming.
Remember, “budget” doesn’t have to mean “low-quality”. Brands like TP-Link, Asus, and Rock Space are offering budget-friendly routers that strike a good balance between cost and performance.
Do You Need to Sacrifice Essential Features for Affordability?
In the world of routers, key features often correlate directly with price. Features like Wi-Fi 6, high-speed performance, extensive coverage, and additional functionality like MU-MIMO technology or USB ports for media sharing might seem enticing but can push the price up. While these features can provide tangible benefits, not everyone needs them.
When deciding which router to buy, it’s important to assess your individual needs. If you have a large home with multiple heavy internet users, investing in a router with extended coverage and high-speed performance might be worth it. If you’re a single user in a small apartment, a basic budget router could be more than sufficient.
Also, remember that technology is continually advancing. Wi-Fi 6 is becoming more common and prices for such devices are coming down. If you’re looking to future-proof your home network, you might not need to compromise much at all. The TP-Link Archer AX10 (AX1500) Wi-Fi 6 Router and the Rock Space AX1800 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router (RSD0619) are both great examples of affordable routers with Wi-Fi 6 support.
Choosing the Ultimate Budget Router: Which One Should You Buy?
The best budget router for you ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re in a small to medium-sized home and need a reliable, easy-to-use router, the Asus RT-AC66U B1 Dual-Band Gigabit Wi-Fi Router or the TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router (V2) might be the perfect choice. They’re both powerful and come with unique features, like the ASUSWRT dashboard UI or the dual USB ports for media sharing.
If you’re more concerned about future-proofing your home network and taking advantage of the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, the TP-Link Archer AX10 (AX1500) Wi-Fi 6 Router and the Rock Space AX1800 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router (RSD0619) are fantastic choices. They offer Wi-Fi 6 support without breaking the bank.
In the end, the best budget router is one that meets your needs in terms of coverage, speed, and features, while still fitting within your budget. Consider what’s most important for your internet usage and choose a router that aligns with those priorities. Happy shopping!