If your Wi-Fi router’s wheezing from your work-from-home data load, and you’re piling gaming and entertainment loads atop that, you need to upgrade. Wireless routers that employ leading-edge Wi-Fi technologies can deliver blazing data rates but often cost more than $300. If your budget’s stretched as much as your bandwidth is, take heart: We’ve tested a bundle of value-priced routers. PCMag has been reviewing wireless routers since the early days of Wi-Fi, and we test each model with rigorous, repeatable benchmarks (across multiple wireless bands) to assess throughput and range. Our top budget router for most users, TP-Link’s Archer AX21, delivers solid performance for small homes with few Wi-Fi devices, but we’ve got budget picks for different scenarios, too. (See the Editors’ Note below regarding the status of router maker TP-Link.) Our choices all stem from our detailed hands-on testing; read on for what to expect from a low-cost router.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
July 4, 2025: With this update, we added the TP-Link Archer BE230 as our top pick for Wi-Fi 7 budget routers. Also note that the US Commerce, Defense, and Justice Departments are investigating routers from TP-Link with an eye to a possible ban on sales in the US, according to a report. For now, we retain our recommendations for the TP-Link products listed here, but we will reassess their status pending further developments.
- Good performance at a low price
- Mesh-ready
- Basic parental controls
- No multi-gig ports
- No network security software
- Does not support 160GHz channels
The TP-Link Archer AX21 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router that offers a solid mix of features and performance at a reasonable price. It turned in relatively high scores on our throughput tests, and showed excellent range on our signal strength tests. The router comes with four LAN ports, although they do not support link aggregation for high-speed connectivity. The AX21 does, however, support OneMesh technology, which lets you create a mesh network using the AX21 and other compatible routers and extenders.
The AX21 is well-suited to budget-conscious users looking to upgrade a network with Wi-Fi 6 technology. It’s very easy to install and comes with basic parental controls that let you set daily and weekly time limits and create website block and allow lists.
Wireless Specification
802.11ax
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput)
AX1800
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
4
Number of USB ports
1
Number of Antennas
4
Number of Bands
2
Wireless Networking Security
WPA2, WPA3
Learn More
TP-Link Archer AX21 AX1800 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router Review
- Reasonably priced
- Solid throughput performance
- Multi-gig connectivity
- Includes parental controls and network security software
- No 6GHz band
- Does not support 320MHz channels
- Middling signal coverage
The TP-Link Archer BE230 is easily the least expensive Wi-Fi 7 router to hit our labs. It supports multi-gig WAN and LAN, comes with parental control and network security software, and delivers solid throughput performance, which makes it a good choice for budget-conscious users who don’t have any 6GHz clients and don’t plan to purchase any in the foreseeable future.
The BE230 is adequate for small households with basic internet needs and people who want to future-proof their networks without spending a lot of money.
Wireless Specification
802.11be
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput)
BE3600
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
4
Number of USB ports
1
Number of Antennas
4
Number of Bands
2
Wireless Networking Security
WPA2, WPA3
Learn More
TP-Link Archer BE230 BE3600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router Review
- Reasonably priced
- Easy to install
- Excellent throughput performance
- Strong signal performance
- No USB ports
- Lacks multi-gig WAN/LAN
- Does not support WPA3
- Lacks 160MHz channel bandwidth
The Reyee RG-E5 delivered some of the highest throughput scores we’ve seen from a midrange sub-$200 router. In fact, its showing on our 5GHz performance tests rivals that of routers that cost twice as much. You don’t get many extra features with this router, but it had no trouble blanketing our test home with strong Wi-Fi signals. It’s also mesh-ready, with optional add-on nodes.
The RG-E5 is a good bet if you’re looking to bring Wi-Fi 6 connectivity to your home network for under $150. It’s easy to install and a top performer in its class. It also offers basic parental controls that allow you to block websites, schedule access times, and turn off internet access with the touch of a button. It doesn’t support 160MHz channels or WPA3 encryption, but that’s not uncommon for routers in this price range, and its fast throughput makes up for it.
Wireless Specification
802.11ax
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput)
AX3200
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
4
Number of USB ports
0
Number of Antennas
8
Number of Bands
2
Wireless Networking Security
WPA, WPA2
Learn More
Reyee RG-E5 Wi-Fi 6 Router Review
- Multi-gig connectivity
- Speedy performance
- Gamer-friendly features
- Mesh-ready
- No USB port
- Lacks anti-malware tools
Why We Picked It
A dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router for hardcore gamers, the E6 AX6000 is a feature beast for the money. You get multi-gig connectivity, gamer-centric QoS settings, and a dedicated gaming LAN port to help bring your online gaming experience up to speed. (It also has a 2.5GbE WAN/LAN port if you have access to very high speed internet.) Plus, it’s simple to set up and manage, and it’s mesh-ready. What that means: You can press it into service as a node in a Reyee mesh network when it comes time to expand your signal range.
Who It’s For
Budget-minded buyers who want to jump into a gaming-specific “classic”-style router now, with the option to go to a mesh system later, will find this Reyee model a very solid pick for today and tomorrow.
Wireless Specification
802.11ax
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput)
AX6000
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
4
Number of USB ports
0
Number of Antennas
8
Number of Bands
2
Wireless Networking Security
WPA2, WPA3
Learn More
Reyee E6 AX6000 Gaming Router Review
Best Budget Wi-Fi Mesh System
eero 6+
- Excellent performance
- Easy to install and manage
- Controls home automation devices
- Supports 160MHz channels
- Pricey
- Lacks USB connectivity
- Some features require a subscription
You could argue that a mesh system shouldn’t belong on this list, and indeed, we haven’t found any multiple-node systems worth buying for under $150. However, if you’re in the market for a mesh system but can’t afford one, a single node is a good place to start, and the eero 6+ is among your best options. It’s frequently available for less than $100 for a single node when on sale, and we’ve even seen the two-piece version on sale for around $150. The 3-pack version we tested offers easy setup and good performance.
No, you can’t cover your entire large home with serviceable Wi-Fi for less than $150, but the eero 6+ is still a good place to start. That said, if you’re willing to stretch your budget, or prioritize performance over the quantity of mesh nodes and coverage area, you’ll want to check out our guide to the best Wi-Fi mesh systems overall.
Wireless Specification
802.11ax
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput)
AX3000
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
1 on router, 2 on satellites
Number of USB ports
0
Number of Antennas
0
Number of Bands
2
Wireless Networking Security
WPA2, WPA3
Learn More
eero 6+ Review
- Affordable
- Good 5GHz throughput and signal range in testing
- Doesn’t support 160MHz channel width
- No anti-malware tools
- Lacks USB and multi-gig LAN ports
- So-so 2.4GHz performance in testing
The Archer AX10 isn’t the fastest router out there, and it doesn’t offer much in the way of features, but at $79.99 it’s one of the most affordable Wi-Fi 6 routers we’ve tested. It delivered fast 5GHz performance in testing and installed in minutes.
The Archer AX10 is great for anyone looking to jump on the Wi-Fi 6 bandwagon without spending a bundle. For under $80, the dual-band AX10 gets you strong 5GHz performance and a handful of useful utilities. They include parental control software that lets you create user profiles, block access to websites, and set time limits with school night and bedtime scheduling. It also offers basic settings that let you give bandwidth priority to specific devices.
Wireless Specification
802.11ax
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput)
AX1500
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
4
Number of USB ports
0
Number of Antennas
4
Number of Bands
2
Wireless Networking Security
WPS, WPA, WPA2
Learn More
TP-Link Archer AX10 (AX1500) Wi-Fi 6 Router Review
- Easy to install
- Solid performance
- Basic parental controls and security software included
- Mesh-ready
- Lacks multi-gig WAN/LAN
- Lacks USB ports
The Asus RT-AX57 is a compelling choice for an affordable Wi-Fi 6 router. It turned in solid scores on our throughput and signal strength tests, and it comes with a lifetime subscription to Trend Micro’s parental control and network security tool, AiProtection Classic. The tool offers basic parental controls and network security features that perform security scans, as well as block infected devices and malicious websites. Another nice touch for households with children is the Family button, which lets you create profiles for family members and assign age-based access schedules for each one.
Frequently on sale for less than $100, the RT-AX57 is a solid value for families on a budget.
Wireless Specification
802.11ax
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput)
AX3000
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
4
Number of USB ports
0
Number of Antennas
4
Number of Bands
2
Wireless Networking Security
WPA2, WPA3
Learn More
Asus RT-AX57 Review
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The Best Cheap Wi-Fi Routers for 2025
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Buying Guide: The Best Cheap Wi-Fi Routers for 2025
These days, you’ll find that most budget routers use Wi-Fi 6/6E (802.11ax/axe) or Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) technology, although you may see a few Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) routers still hanging around. The latter offers very limited throughput speeds and should be avoided. They’ll work, yes, but they probably won’t pair well with today’s PCs, mobile devices, and smart home devices, most of which support newer Wi-Fi standards. They’re also ill-equipped for multimedia tasks such as video streaming and online gaming.
Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 routers, on the other hand, are multi-band devices. Most of them let you connect using both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, and a few in the budget category also include 6GHz support. They have several other improvements, too, especially MU-MIMO technology, which transmits data simultaneously (rather than sequentially) to compatible client devices. Another cool feature is beamforming, which shapes the wireless signals so they are concentrated directly at clients rather than over a broad spectrum. And if you see automatic band steering on your router’s spec sheet, the router can select the most efficient radio band based on the current network traffic, band availability, and signal strength.
If you’re wondering which band you’re most likely to use, then know that the 2.4GHz radio band is best suited for long-range transmissions but is subject to interference from other household devices such as microwave ovens and cordless phones. The 6GHz and 5GHz bands provide significantly more bandwidth than the 2.4GHz band and are ideal for video streaming, online gaming, and large file downloads, but they have limited range. You can mitigate the range issue somewhat by installing a Wi-Fi range extender or mesh system, especially in larger homes.
(Credit: Netgear)
The differences between Wi-Fi 7 and Wi-Fi 6/6E are minor, but the former is the latest in wireless technology. It offers much-improved throughput speeds: up to 46 gigabits per second (Gbps), which makes it sought after by those looking for business-class networking and a fast gaming router. If you’re looking to future-proof your home network, you can still do that without spending a fortune, as a few Wi-Fi 7 routers are now available for under $150.
In addition to offering previously unattainable data rates, Wi-Fi 7 employs new technologies to reduce latency, increase network capacity, and boost efficiency. One big advance is doubling the MU-MIMO streams to 16.
Additionally, Wi-Fi 7 introduces Multi-Link Operation (MLO) technology, which allows devices to simultaneously send and receive data over multiple radio bands to create a single aggregated connection. This not only provides faster throughput performance but also helps reduce latency and allows data to flow unimpeded by network traffic or interference.
Finally, the Wi-Fi 7 spec allows for the widest transmission channels to date in consumer networking gear: 320MHz, up from 160MHz in Wi-Fi 6. The width of the transmission band makes a difference in eliminating interference and increasing speeds.
However, not all Wi-Fi 7 routers support all of the standard’s features. Budget routers in particular often lack support for 320MHz channel bandwidth, though they include MLO and the MU-MIMO improvements.
Budget Routers: What You’ll Get for the Money
The current crop of budget Wi-Fi 6 routers, mesh or standalone, can typically handle data rates of up to 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 1,200Mbps on the 5GHz band. Budget Wi-Fi 7 routers can do better, typically offering up to 700Mbps at 2.4GHz and 3,000Mbps at 5GHz. It’s important to note that these speed ratings are theoretical and refer to maximum achievable speeds. Actual throughput will likely be significantly lower, but never fear; we thoroughly test all our contenders so you can see all the critical real-world numbers, including throughput and signal strength.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
A reliable (yet mildly exciting) feature of the router market is that prices tend to drop faster than those in many other consumer tech device categories. No, you won’t find many Wi-Fi 7 models in our budget roundup, but we are seeing those products become less pricey. You can now find plenty of powerful Wi-Fi 6 routers for less than $100, and even a few Wi-Fi 7 models for less than $150.
Should You Compromise on Key Features?
So far, it might sound like you can find pretty much anything you want in an under-$100 router. Unfortunately, that’s likely not the case. To hit those lower prices, many routers ditch many of the features you’ll find on more expensive models.
Recommended by Our Editors
You probably won’t find any sub-$100 routers equipped with more than four LAN ports, nor will you likely see features like speedy multi-gig (2.5Gbps or higher) LAN ports. The ability to perform link aggregation won’t be there, nor will USB ports. USBs are useful for connecting directly to peripherals like external hard drives (a quick way to build your own network attached storage device) or printers.
You manage budget routers the same way as high-end ones, using a web console or a mobile app, but they’ll likely lack some advanced settings that their pricier counterparts have. That will likely include support for bandwidth allocation or Quality of Service (QoS), dedicated online gaming presets, VPN connectivity, and sometimes support for DD-WRT. The last is a Linux-based firmware upgrade that replaces the manufacturer’s firmware and provides enhanced settings that allow you to customize the router for maximum performance.
(Credit: TP-Link/PCMag)
Additionally, budget-class routers rarely offer robust parental controls with age-related presets that filter out things like social media, gambling, shopping, and violent or adult content; these controls are more common on midrange and high-end routers. You can, however, still use basic access-scheduling and URL-filtering features to help you control when your kids go online and which sites they can visit. Or you can purchase a third-party parental control program that suits your family’s needs.
Indeed, third-party software is an excellent way to kick up the capabilities of your budget router. That’s because budget routers usually ship with only essential software, unlike many mesh systems and midrange to high-end routers. You likely won’t find one bundled with name-brand security software to protect your network and client devices from phishing, viruses, adware, and other malware, or with real parental control solutions. To find a likely pairing candidate for your router choice, check out our malware protection and removal roundup to see what works best for you.
Ready to Buy the Best Budget Router for You?
We trust you’re now better armed than ever to get shopping. This guide outlines our top lab-tested, low-cost router models and includes a handy spec table of our latest picks. Whichever router you choose, remember that once you’ve found it, you’ll need to tweak it! Read our tips for setting up your router and boosting your Wi-Fi signal.
