Having a good router under $100 is essential for the live we know today. The digital transformation is in full swing, and even our kitchen appliances are slowly turning into smart devices. To adapt to this, you need a router that is well suited for its task. If you’re on a tight budget but would still like to get something great for your money’s worth, keep on reading.
What you need to know before buying a cheap router
First of all, you’re going to need to know what features you can live without. This is a great way to bring the price down. For example, you won’t be needing an USB port if you’re not planning to use your router to share files.
Then, you need to make sure whatever router you’re planning to purchase is compatible with your operating system. Also, while it’s generally a good idea to stick with a name-brand, don’t just assume that every product the company puts out is created equal. The good news is that sometimes, more expensive does not necessarily equal better, even though it usually is.
So, what is the best router under $100 that is still suitable for the hardcore gamer?
- NETGEAR N750 Dual Band 4 Port Wi-Fi Gigabit Router
Supporting speeds up to 750Mbps, this router is an absolute powerhouse that will allow you to play online games, watch streams, and watch HD videos all at the same time. Thanks to its USB inputs and IPv6 compatibility, this model is considered to be future-proof. As an added bonus, it comes with a unique mobile app that lets you monitor the status of your network wherever you are.
- Securifi Almond
The great thing about this router is that it’s super easy to setup, since the touchscreen effectively guides you through the process, and you don’t need a PC to do this at all. Furthermore, it’s compatible with pretty much every device out there and it also functions as a wifi extender.
- TP-LINK Archer C7 AC1750 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
This router is an absolute beast at this price level. Supporting both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels at the same time, it can handle up to 450Mbps of traffic. This model will give you one of the fastest wireless speeds on the market today. Coming with dual USB ports, guest network access, and easy setup, this is a great purchase which you will get you up and running in no time.
- ASUS RT-ACRH13 Dual-Band 2×2 AC1300 Wi-Fi 4-port Gigabit Router
Thanks to its four mounted antennas, even the thickest of walls won’t stop this device from giving off a strong wifi signal. Its USB 3.0 allows for the fastest transfer speeds, and if you ever need to check the status of your network away from home, the ASUS Router app has got you covered, allowing you to troubleshoot any issues that may spring up.
Conclusion
Having a tight budget is never the end of the world, as long as you are willing to do your homework before committing to the purchase. In the end, you might be surprised what you can get at cheap prices.