Thebest routersdo not necessarily have to be the most expensive ones. Even those with a select budget can still do the job while offering value. This is particularly true for users who stay in a small apartment and have few devices to connect to the internet. They can save a considerable amount of cash with a reliable budget router and still enjoy solid performance and some of the most advanced router features.
Game Rant’s Picks for the Best Budget Routers in 2024
TP-Link Smart WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX10)
The TP-Link Archer AX10 router supports all US ISP providers, allowing users to pick one that best works for them. It is a dual-band router that can deliver internet speeds of up to 1500Mbps. The multi-user MIMO technology enables reliable connection on multiple devices.
After recognizing that different internet users prefer different service providers, the TP-Link team ensured that the Archer AX10 works with all the major telecommunication companies in the US. Therefore, it is suitable for users of AT&T, Xfinity, Verizon, Cox, Spectrum, Frontier, CenturyLink, and other internet providers. The dual-band router provides speeds of 300Mbps at 2.4GHz and 1201Mbps at 5GHz on the 802.11n and 802.11ax channels, respectively. Because of this and the use of the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, users can enjoy blazing internet speeds adequate for online gaming and other demanding taskslike video streaming.
Another advantage of Wi-Fi 6 is the infusion of MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies, which enable it to communicate with multiple devices in a network to organize data flow while reducing lag. Additionally, it features a 1.5GHz triple-core processor that enables exceptionally smooth and buffer-free communication between the router and all the connected devices for improved response time during online gaming sessions.
What’s more, the makers of this router designed it to deliver a stronger signal to devices likepremium gaming laptopsvia beamforming technology for robust and more reliable Wi-Fi, ensuring improved coverage and less interference. Users with older gaming devices can rest assured since the router is compatible with all the 802.11 standards from the past, making it possible to connect to any device.
NETGEAR 4-Stream WiFi 6 Router
Besides Wi-Fi, the NETGEAR 4-Stream router offers four Ethernet ports for reliable wired connectivity. The dual-band router can accommodate up to 20 devices in small to medium-sized homes and has VPN support. It is compatible with satellite, fiber optic, DSL, and cable internet providers, giving users the power of variety.
The NETGEAR 4-Stream router stands out as the best budget VPN router as it features a built-in VPN server and client, which is vital for users concerned with their online security and privacy. This makes it ideal for people in small apartments who want to protect their online activities from third parties. Also, the NETGEAR team seems to understand the need for a router that provides both wired internet and Wi-Fi to devices within the home. They have ensured that users can connect to computers, gaming consoles, and other devices via Wi-Fi or any of the four 1G Ethernet ports.
The router covers over 1,500 square feet for up to 20 devices, more than the average user would have at home. Therefore, small to medium-sized homeowners can connect all their internet-ready devices, includinggaming consolesand TVs, using this dual-band router at frequencies of 2.4GHz or 5GHz. Thanks to this router’s ability to deliver AX1800 gigabit speeds, gamers can play online games without interruptions. It is compatible with all internet service providers, whether DSL, fiber, satellite, or cable, and can deliver speeds of up to 1000Mbps.
It is a user-friendly router that takes a few minutes to set up. Users can use its Nighthawk app to check the internet speed, monitor data usage, and manage Wi-Fi settings. Regarding security, it offers NETGEAR Armor, an automatic shield that protects all connected devices in the home, which adds to its appeal as a budget-friendly yet solid VPN router.
WAVLINK 2024 AC1200 WiFi Router,
The WAVLINK AC1200 is a dual-band router with internet speeds of up to 1200Mbps and can connect up to 64 devices over a 2000 square feet area. It can also act as a Wi-Fi repeater to extend the coverage of an existing network. The router ensures internet security using the WPA2 protocol that encrypts data and prevents access by malicious individuals.
With the WAVLINK AC1200 Wi-Fi router, users can choose between the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, delivering blazing internet speeds for online gaming, video streaming, and other internet-heavy functionalities. It can cover an area of up to 2,000 square feet for a maximum of 64 devices, which is adequate for a medium-sized or large home. It uses the powerful Wi-Fi 5 technology to deliver combined Wi-Fi speeds of up to 1200Mbps for a stable, speedy, and low-latency network. Users who need wired connectivity can use any of the two Ethernet ports and get internet speeds of between 10Mbps and 100Mbps, which are still high enough for gaming or streaming.
Gamers can use it either as a router on a standalone network or as a repeater on an existing network by selecting either the router or repeater mode. As a repeater, it can extend an existing Wi-Fi signal to cover larger areas. Furthermore, it uses the WPA2 wireless security protocol to ensure the Wi-Fi connection is always secure. The router features four 5dBi external adjustable antennas with beamforming technology that focuses the Wi-Fi signal on specific devices within the house and effectively extends it throughout the home.
D-Link WiFi Router
The D-Link AC2600 provides blazing internet speeds on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels, making it suitable for primary and data-heavy applications like gaming. The router can significantly improve performance for online gamers and video streamers using multi-user MIMO.
Competitive online gaming requires blazing internet speeds that come with the D-Link AC2600 dual-band Wi-Fi router. Users can choose between the 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands for 800Mbps or 1733Mbps to deliver all the broadband they need when playing online games. It suits gamers, streamers, graphic designers, and other users looking for high-quality video on theirbest 4K TVs. The router has four high-performance antennas that enable it to supply Wi-Fi to multiple devices throughout the home. It also features the multi-user MIMO technology that significantly improves performance when playing online games or streaming videos.
The D-Link AC2600 router has a dual-core processor that provides powerful wired and wireless internet speeds. Thus, whether a user connects to the internet via an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi does not change the reliability of the connection. It also has two USB ports that help users transfer files remotely between devices, while the Advanced Smart Beam technology ensures that the router can track all the devices connected to the network and enhance Wi-Fi speed and range. Want more gaming options? Check out our picks for thebest gamingrouters!
Linksys EA8100 Max-Stream AC2600 Wi-Fi Router-
The Linksys EA8100 router has multi-user MIMO technology that helps improve performance for online gamers and video streamers requiring a good internet connection. It has speeds of up to 2600Mbps, that allow users to access simpler and heavier functionalities like online gaming. It has Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) certification for three times the channel numbers than standard routers.
Home internet users with multiple devices will love the Linksys EA8100 Max-Stream router, as it supports the multi-user MIMO technology for significant improvement in performance for online gamers, video streamers, and the like. It also ensures better smart home connectivity, especially for users who need to monitor CCTV cameras over the internet for enhanced security. The MU-MIMO technology plus the dual-band capability allow different devices connected to the network to run smoothly without buffering, ensuring that all surveillance feeds are in real time.
With this router, users can connect to multiple devices like PCs, tablets, gaming consoles, and smartphones and enjoy internet speeds of up to 2600Mbps while streaming, playing games, or working. Another nifty addition is Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) certification. This means it has three times the number of channels available to traditional routers at 5GHz, which allows it to run on less congested channels on the spectrum for a faster and more reliable Wi-Fi experience. It is especially ideal for people in densely populated areas where network congestion is often problematic. The only issue is the simple web interface. It is lacking, and there is no performance monitoring.
GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 Router
The GL-SFT1200 is an entry-level dual-band router with a combined internet speed of up to 1200Mbps, suitable for gamers and streamers. It is lightweight and portable, enabling users to carry it anywhere. With Cloudflare encryption, users can enjoy better privacy regardless of their online pursuits.
Gamers looking for a fast and stable internet connection should consider getting the GL-SFT1200 router that offers dual-band internet up to 1200Mbps, with 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 867Mbps on the 5GHz band. It is the best entry-level router for users who want to send emails, browse the internet, stream videos, and play online games.
Besides acting as a Wi-Fi router, it provides reliable internet connectivity via one gigabit WAN port and two gigabit LAN ports. Thus, gamers can use it with all ISPs that offer broadband via fiber, DSL, satellite, or cable, giving them the power to choose what works best for them. The lightweight router can fit into a pocket or laptop bag, enabling users to carry it anywhere. Once at the destination, they can extend public Wi-Fi and make it more secure using the built-in OpenVPN and WireGuard technologies for over 30 VPN service providers.
Additionally, it offers Cloudflare encryption support to protect user privacy regardless of whether they are gamers. When connected to a public Wi-Fi network, users may need to reconnect devices after the session expires to ensure uninterrupted internet use.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Budget Routers
With so many routers available, getting the right one the first time can be challenging. Here are important aspects to keep in mind when shopping for the best budget router.
Type of Internet Connection
Ideally, one should have a router that supports their internet connection type. Types of internet connections include satellite, cable, DSL, and fiber optic, each with specific requirements. In that case, a buyer should only purchase a router that aligns with their type of internet. Luckily, many routers nowadays support multiple internet connection types, so users do not have to do much work searching for the right one. But to be sure, it is important to confirm before buying.
Wireless Standards
The wireless standards used in a router, such as Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7, determine the speed and range of the wireless network. Among the listed standards, Wi-Fi 7 is the latest, meaning it has the fastest speeds, the best performance, and the most comprehensive range. Unfortunately, most of the best-budget routers for 2024 use Wi-Fi 6. At the absolute best, users will get a router with the Wi-Fi 6E standard, compatible with most devices designed for network use with the previous standards.
Internet Speed and Range
Another critical consideration is the network’s internet speed and range. While some routers cover small or medium-sized homes, others suit larger ones. Users should select routers with mesh systems or multiple antennas for the best coverage range. Also, users should check the router’s maximum speed capability, ranging from 1200Mbps to 5400Mbps. The higher the internet speed, the better the router can support online gaming and video streaming.
Single- or Dual-Band?
Wireless internet routers have two distinct frequency bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The 2.4GHz band offers low internet speeds for basic functionalities like sending email, internet browsing, etc., while 5GHz is great for data guzzlers like online gaming and video streaming. A dual-band router provides connectivity over both frequencies. Thus, lighter internet users benefit from the 2.4GHz band, while heavy users need the 5GHz band, creating the perfect balance within the household.
Security Features
The world is so replete with cyber threats that individuals must prioritize network security by getting a router with adequate security safeguards. When looking for a router, they should consider one with reliable firewall protection, WPA3 data encryption, automatic firmware updates, and guest network support. These features protect users against vulnerabilities such as unauthorized access to personal data.
Quality of Service
Routers have the service quality feature, allowing users to prioritize the type of network traffic they want over others. These routers are suitable for multi-user settings, such as offices and households, where giving more bandwidth to the most critical tasks like online gaming, video streaming, and video conferencing is necessary. Thus, users should get routers with quality service settings to control the network better.
The Number of Ethernet and USB Ports
Also, consider the number of Ethernet ports included on a router. It determines the number of wired devices you can connect to the internet using the router. A good router should have at least one LAN port and one WAN port. That ensures that users can connect to wired broadband internet and supply it to other devices likeprebuilt PCsand laptops. USB ports are essential for connecting printers or additional storage devices. They allow users to transfer files between different devices on the network without moving a storage device from device to device. Additionally, users can access files, videos, and movies on a storage device via any network-connected PC.
FAQ
Q: What should I look for in a router in 2024?
When purchasing a router in 2024, users should consider one that supports at least Wi-Fi 6 and has a dual-band design with 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. With such a router, it is possible to carry out internet browsing and heavier functions like gaming. Ideally, the router should be capable of adequate security.
Q: How many years should a Wi-Fi router last?
A Wi-Fi router should ideally last five years due to the ever-changing internet wireless standards. That will ensure that you always have a router that can provide the fastest and most reliable internet connection.
Q: Will a new router improve my internet speed?
Not necessarily. Having a new router will not necessarily increase the speed of an internet connection. For example, if your ISP offers a maximum of 500Mbps, your router can only relay that and nothing more. However, a new router can speed up the Wi-Fi network, especially if the previous router is faulty.
