Best Router for 100 – Our top recommendation for routers under $100 is the Netgear R6700AX. Equipped with Wi-Fi 6 and a wealth of great features and excellent speeds, the router stretches those $100 to their limit.
For busy households, we’d suggest the TP-Link Archer A8 for the fast speeds, excellent coverage, and reliable signal delivered even when multiple devices are connected to the network.
Those that prioritize speed should consider the Motorola MR2600. With speeds up to 2.6 Gbps, this router stands as one of the fastest for under $100, with excellent looks and an impressive feature set for the price.
ROUND UP
back to menu ↑1.NETGEAR (R6700AX) – AX1800
Features
- Coverage up to 1,500 sq. ft. for 20 devices
- Fast AX1800 Gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencing
The Netgear R6700AX is a top choice for a router priced under $100 that features Wi-Fi 6 technology. The router is a prime example that a tight budget doesn’t have to preclude next-gen features and performance.
The Netgear R6700AX has some enviable specifications for the price, with four streams of dual-band Wi-Fi topping out at 1.8 Gbps (600 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 1200 Gbps on 5 GHz). With this, you can expect to source over 20 devices with quality Wi-Fi without a hitch. The router sports three external high-power antennas with a range up to 1,500 feet, ideal for reliable and robust coverage throughout most homes. On the box itself, which adopts a sleek and neat style, you’ll find four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports and one WAN port.
back to menu ↑2.TP-Link AC1900
Features
- JD Power Award - Highest in customer satisfaction for wireless routers 2017 and 2019. Compatible with the most recent version of the Internet Protocol—IPv6
- Wave 2 Wireless Internet Router, 600 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz band
While Wi-Fi 6 is undoubtedly a desirable feature, we aren’t quite at the point where it’s imperative – Wi-Fi 5 more than suffices for most users. With the TP-Link Archer A8, you’ll get blisteringly fast Wi-Fi 5 speeds up to 1.9 Gbps (600 on 2.4 GHz, and 1300 on 5 GHz) alongside technologies usually reserved for much pricier routers for less than $100.
While the speeds are a highlight, the way the router distributes Wi-Fi to multiple devices is where the TP-Link Archer A8 truly shines, making it a strong option for busy households with lots of devices connected simultaneously. Thanks to a combination of three MU-MIMO streams, three high-performance external antennas, and beamforming technology, the router focuses signal strength for better efficiency and offers optimal, uninterrupted performance by sending and receiving data to and from devices simultaneously rather than one at a time.
back to menu ↑3.Motorola AC2600
Features
- The Motorola AC2600 router provides a high-speed intelligent router link between all your WiFi and Ethernet devices and whatever Ethernet-capable modem you choose for Internet access. The MR2600 delivers very high speeds and extended range even when you’re far from your router or surrounded by WiFi noise from neighbors. (Note that this router does not have a built-in cable modem or other type of modem.)
- Connects via AC2600 dual band WiFi or Gigabit Ethernet to all your HDTVs, smartphones, game stations, computers, tablets, and more. Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Video, gaming connections and much more can be delivered many devices at the same time through the MR2600’s 4 Gigabit LAN ports or through WiFi.
Four adjustable antennas do most of the heavy lifting aided by beamforming, Wave 2 MU-MIMO, and 4×4 dual-band Wi-Fi for strong, reliable connections to multiple devices with no interference or interruption. The result is uniform, high-speed internet on all devices, whether phones, tablets, TVs, or PCs. The router also has an excellent range.
The router features four Gigabit Ethernet ports, one WAN port, one USB 3.0 port (mounted on the front, so you’re not battling with Ethernet cables to plug in a device) with DLNA media sharing, a dual-core processor, and automatic traffic prioritization through Smart QoS.
back to menu ↑4.ASUS AC1300 WiFi Router
Features
- Dual band AC1300 with the latest 2x2 MU MIMO technology for combined speeds of up to 1267 Mbps
- 4 external 5dBi antennas for improved Wi Fi range and multi device performance; Connected devices must be 802.11ac compatible for best results
With a range of 3000 square ft., the ASUS RT-ACRH13 should suit even the largest homes with room to spare. The four 5dBi antennas are excellent and well-positioned to deliver outstanding coverage in all directions. The router supports 20 simultaneously connected devices with ease, and the MU-MIMO technology keeps Wi-Fi stable and consistent on all devices throughout the home.
Speed-wise, the ASUS RT-ACRH13 tops at 1.3 Gbps (400 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps on 5 GHz) using dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi 5. No Wi-Fi 6, though. The router is well-served with four Gigabit Ethernet ports, one WAN port, and one USB 3.0 port for network multimedia sharing. You also get good compatibility with Windows and macOS, parental controls, guest networking, firewall, automatic firmware updates, and 64 bit WEP, 128 bit WEP, WPA-2 PSK, WPA PSK encryption.
back to menu ↑5.Linksys (EA6350-4B)
Features
- Provides up to 1000 square feet of Wi-Fi coverage for 10+ wireless devices
- Works with your existing modem, simple setup through the Linksys App
The Linksys EA6350 delivers speeds up to 1.2 Gbps (300 Mbps at 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps at 5 GHz) on dual-band Wi-Fi 5, suitable for anything from streaming to load-heavy games. Linksys has thrown in beamforming as a welcome extra, which helps the signal target devices instead of being broadcast uniformly across the home. The result is a stronger, more reliable signal.
Two detachable antennas offer respectable coverage up to 1000 ft. On the box itself, you’ll find four Gigabit Ethernet ports, one WAN port, reset and power buttons, and a USB 3.0 port on the front for easy access. Linksys Smart Wi-Fi monitors and controls the network for less interference from neighboring networks. Welcome features found on the Linksys EA6350 include WPA-2 encryption, a firewall, parental controls, and guest access networking.
back to menu ↑6.Google Wifi
Features
- Google Wifi is a scalable flexible mesh Wifi system that blankets your home in reliable coverage and keeps buffering at bay; 1 Google Wifi point replaces your router and additional points expand your network to keep the connection fast in every room[1]
- Google Wifi gives you whole home coverage; 1 Pack covers up to 1500 square feet and 3 Pack covers up to 4500 square feet; points work together to create a mesh network for more coverage
Most buyers loved the Google Wi-Fi system and stated that it provided excellent coverage and strong signals throughout the house. They also found the installation process to be extremely easy, with some stating that they got the system running in less than 20 minutes. However, some users reported that it was difficult to connect peripheral devices, such as IP cameras and printers.
This unit’s innovative design is what makes it stand out from the crowd. Leaving the traditional design of a typical router behind, the system uses multiple satellite modules to broadcast strong signals throughout any house. The three-point system further ensures there are no dead spots. It also looks classic and elegant, so you don’t have to hide it behind a shelf or in a corner.
back to menu ↑7.NETGEAR Nighthawk
Features
- Recommended for up to 25 devices: Reliably stream videos, play games, surf the internet, and connect smart home devices
- Wired Ethernet ports: Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and other nearby wired devices with 4 x 1 gigabit Ethernet ports
It has a design of 1GHz, dual core processor and 3 amplified antennas to enhance WiFi range. It features advanced QoS for gaming experience and beamforming technology to boost WiFi speed.
Along with the WiFi you also get a 3.0 USB port that enables you to share stored media with your family members. You can also create your personal cloud storage and access it from the USB. It has some parental controls like limiting internet access, viewing site history and filtering websites to use and setting up online time limits. The best thing about this router is the Nighthawk app (free download) to set up or check router. You don’t need to walk up and physically check the router.
back to menu ↑WRAP UP
Best Router for 100 – With that, we’ll wrap up our guide to the best routers under $100. We hope you’ll find an option that suits your needs or that you’ve at least picked up a few pointers to aid your search for a router. Don’t hesitate to drop us a message in the comments section below with any questions or recommendations of your own.
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