Improving your home network can be expensive, with some of the top routers costing hundreds of dollars. Thankfully there are some cheaper alternatives out there that still offer impressive performance without costing premium prices.
While most budget routers will come with Wi-Fi 5, there are still a few options out there for less than $100 that offer Wi-Fi 6. Not only will this offer you better speeds, depending on the speeds you get from your Internet Service Provider (ISP), but it will also offer a much better range.
NETGEAR Nighthawk AX4
Linksys AX1800
ASUS RT-AX1800S
TP-Link Archer AX21 WiFi 6 Router
Linksys EA7300
Our Top Picks for Budget Routers in 2023
High speeds and great range on a budget
The NETGEAR Nighthawk AX4 is one of the best affordable Wi-Fi 6-enabled routers on the market. With impressive speed and range, it’s perfect for most households.
Choosing a new router on a budget doesn’t always mean you have to miss out on the latest Wi-Fi standards. The NETGEAR Nighthawk AX4 might be an affordable router, but it is still capable of reaching impressive speeds across your household.
The NETGEAR Nighthawk AX4 is a dual-band router with 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, both of which support 2x2 MIMO (though it does lack MU-MIMO support).
Setting up the NETGEAR Nighthawk AX4 couldn’t be easier thanks to the Nighthawk app, which you can also use to turn on many of the router’s features, such as the guest network. However, as this is a more affordable Wi-Fi 6 router, it does lack many of the features you would see on the more expensive Nighthawk models.
Feature-rich Wi-Fi 6 router
The Linksys AX1800 offers high speeds and impressive coverage all at a low price. It also includes features such as parental controls, and a WPS button to connect quicker.
Get access to the latest standard of Wi-Fi with the Linksys AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 router. This affordable router supports speeds of up to 1.8Gbps for up to 20 devices and covers up to 1,500 sq. ft.
And, with dual-band Wi-Fi, you can connect a range of devices that support 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands. Simply add a new device to your network by pressing the WPS button and start surfing the web or streaming your favorite shows.
For families, the Linksys AX1800 also comes with parental controls, so you can ensure your children don’t have access to the things they shouldn’t online.
Plenty of Gigabit ports and security
This dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router has a built-in VPN, parental controls, and is AiMesh compatible. It’s affordable, too. In addition, the ASUS RT-AX1800S supports MU-MIMO, 1024-QAM, and OFDMA to effectively allocate channels to ensure multiple devices can stream without interruption.
If you’re looking for an affordable router, the ASUS RT-AX1800S is a great choice. It’s not the fastest Wi-Fi 6 router on the market, but it’s budget-friendly and suitable for medium-sized or family homes.
You’re getting fantastic value for money here, including AiMesh, AiProtection Classic, MU-MIMO support, and more. If you have an internet plan that goes up to 300Mbps, it will be hard to find a better router with more features.
And, for parents who want to keep their children safe while surfing the web, the ASUS RT-AX1800S offers some brilliant security tools.
Wi-Fi 6 router that works with Alexa
Combine the TP-Link Archer AX21 with an Alexa-supported device like the Amazon Echo Dot and set your router up quickly. Supporting dual-band Wi-Fi, this Wi-Fi 6 router offers speeds of up to 1.8Gbps. It also features OFDMA technology and VPN servers.
If you’re not fussed about a feature-rich Wi-Fi 6 router, the TP-Link Archer AX21 offers good value for money without the frills. It comes with a quad-core CPU and dual-band Wi-Fi, offering the basics of what you need for your home’s internet connection.
With Alexa support, you may use an Echo device to get your router set up in a few minutes. This is useful for those who are less tech-savvy.
There are basic parental controls, but a distinct lack of TP-Link’s HomeShield security software. Still, if you’re looking for a cheap Wi-Fi 6 router, it’s a solid choice on a budget.
Dual-band Wi-Fi router with MU-MIMO
Performance doesn’t always have to cost a lot, and the Linksys EA7300 proves this is possible. Suitable for most home internet users, this Wi-Fi 6 router offers decent speeds and can prioritize up to three devices with QoS.
Easily control your router’s settings via the Linksys app, available for iOS and Android. If you want to prioritize devices, like your TV for streaming, or your laptop for work, the Linksys EA7300 offers QoS, so certain devices will receive better performance on your network.
If you have children, the Linksys EA7300 offers parental controls that you’re able to customize by restricting internet access on certain devices or sites.
You don’t get all the features under the sun with this router, but it is pretty affordable. And, you’re able to always add extra features like Linksys Shield at an extra cost or invest in another model that offers more range, higher speeds, or devices supported.
Choosing the Right Affordable Router
Although Wi-Fi 6 is the latest standard of Wi-Fi, this doesn’t mean that supported routers aren’t within your budget. In fact, there are plenty of affordable Wi-Fi 6 routers that still offer decent parental controls, features, and intuitive setups.
The ASUS RT-AX1800S, for instance, comes with five Gigabit ports, parental controls, and MU-MIMO support. You can also allocate channels to ensure your devices can stream or surf the internet without interruption.
The Linksys AX1800 also offers parental control support but comes with more features, still at an affordable price.
Still within a reasonable budget, however, is the NETGEAR Nighthawk AX4. You sacrifice MU-MIMO support, which for some might be a deal breaker, but you gain impressive speeds and four Gigabit ports.
High speeds and great range at a budget
