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The 6 Best Router For The Money - Top Picks For You

Amanda Davis
  Dec 28, 2024 8:51 AM

Are you looking for the best router money can buy? With all the different options available in the market today, choosing a router that fits your needs and budget can be a tricky proposition. Don't worry, we've got you covered.

In this blog post, we'll discuss our top 6 picks for routers on a budget - perfect for anyone who wants an awesome wifi experience without breaking the bank! From basic streaming to hardcore gaming, we’ll have something to accommodate everyone's needs. Read on to learn more about what sets these routers apart from one another and why they make great investment pieces!

Top picks

Best price: TP-Link AX1800

The TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21) is exactly what you need. This dual-band wireless router offers faster speeds and seamless connections, so you can take control of your home's internet.

With up to 1.8 Gbps, this powerful router is all about convenience and speed. Plus, it comes with a USB port for sharing files quickly among different devices, making it the perfect tool for connecting your whole house. 

The Archer AX21 is also certified by Amazon to work with Alexa – it's one of their "Certified for Humans" devices – so you won't have to worry about compatibility issues or struggling with daunting setup processes. 

Best easy to use: TP-Link AX5400

The TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX73) provides unparalleled reliability and performance for superior streaming and gaming. Enjoy long-range coverage and blazing speeds that let you stream HD videos, and upload large files or games online free from lag. It’s a must-have for any home office or entertainment system. 

The Archer AX73 Wi-Fi 6 router offers reliable speeds up to 5400 Mbps across 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 60GHz spectrum bands – perfect for bandwidth-intensive activities like 4K streaming, sharing large files, and intense gaming sessions.

With built-in Smart Connect technology, it automatically switches devices to the best available connection for optimal speed performance. The advanced signal processing enables a more efficient network experience which allows the maximum amount of devices to connect without compromising data transmission speed or stability. 

Best powerful: TP-Link AX6600 

The TP-Link AX6600 WiFi 6 Gaming Router (Archer GX90) is the perfect companion for your gaming setup, providing you with a fast, smooth, and reliable internet connection. With its innovative features like dual-core processors and a high-speed ax router, you'll be able to take your gaming performance to the next level.

Plus, the Archer GX90 comes with Smart VPN capabilities that make it easy to create secure connections for all of your devices. The Archer GX90 truly is the ideal choice for any modern gaming rig. 

Best for any space: NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream AX5400

The NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (RAX50) is ideal for handling your home’s rapid internet growth and providing stellar performance even in the busiest Wi-Fi networks.

The RAX50 router provides coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft., guaranteeing everyone connected stays with fast and strong internet no matter where they are. 

Unlock faster internet speeds with Wi-Fi 6 technology that is consistently 4 times faster than even its predecessor Wi-Fi 5 technology. Unlike typical routers, the Nighthawk 6-Stream AX5400 is sure to provide a lightning-fast connection across all your streaming content including games, 4K/8K UHD videos, multitasking virtual workspaces and more! 

Best safe to access: TP-Link AC1750

The TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A7) emits up to 1750 Mbps of coverage with just one single device! You can easily connect multiple devices, including those that require more bandwidth, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles. It supports Alexa, so you don't have to worry about typing in commands or searching for information.

The parental control feature allows you to block unwanted content and set limits on your children's device use. And with VPN server compatibility, you can access geo-restricted sites without any hassles! 

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1
TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21) – Dual Band Wireless Internet Router, Gigabit Router, USB port, Works with Alexa - A Certified for Humans Device
TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21) – Dual Band Wireless Internet Router, Gigabit Router, USB port, Works with Alexa - A Certified for Humans Device
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  • SCORE
    9.0
    AR Score

    AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    TP-Link
Product Highlights Customer Reviews

VPN Server and Client: Archer AX21 Supports both VPN Server and VPN Client (Open/PPTP/L2TP over Ipsec)

Certified for Humans: Smart home made easy for non-experts. Setup with Alexa is simple

Dual-Band WiFi 6 Internet Router: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous generation

Next-Gen 1.8 Gbps Speeds: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading and more with WiFi speeds up to 1.8 Gbps (1200 Mbps on 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz band)

Connect more devices: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology

Extensive Coverage: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset

Works with all internet service providers, such as Comcast, Charter, AT&T, Verizon, Xfinity, Spectrum, RCN, Cox, CenturyLink, Frontier, etc.( a modem is required for most internet service providers)

2
TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX73)- Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Internet Router, High-Speed ax Router for Streaming, Long Range Coverage
TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX73)- Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Internet Router, High-Speed ax Router for Streaming, Long Range Coverage
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  • SCORE
    9.0
    AR Score

    AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    TP-Link
Product Highlights Customer Reviews

Gigabit WiFi for 8K Streaming – Up to 5400 Mbps WiFi for faster browsing, streaming, gaming and downloading, all at the same time

Full Featured WiFi 6 Router– Equipped with 4T4R and HE160 technologies on the 5 GHz band to enable max 4.8 Gbps ultra-fast connections.Power:12 V ⎓ 2.5 A

Connect More Devices – Supports MU-MIMO and OFDMA to reduce congestion and 4X the average throughput

Extensive Coverage - Enjoy stable WiFi connections, even in the kitchen and bedroom. High-Power FEM, 6× Antennas, Beamforming, and 4T4R structures combine to adapt WiFi coverage to perfectly fit your home and concentrate signal strength towards your devices

More Vents, Less Heat – Improved vented areas help unleash the full power of the router

USB Sharing – 1× USB 3.0 port enables easy media sharing and private cloud storage

TP-Link HomeShield – TP-Link's premium security services keep your home network safe with cutting-edge network and IoT protection. Free features: 1. Network Security Scan 2. Basic Parental Controls 3. QoS 4. Weekly/Monthly Reports 5. IoT Device Identification, HomeShield Pro paid service ads more robust protections and features for, 5.99/Month, 1-Month Free Trial

Works with all internet service providers, such as AT&T, Verizon, Xfinity, Spectrum, RCN, Cox, CenturyLink, Frontier, etc.( a modem is required for most internet service providers)

3
TP-Link AX6600 WiFi 6 Gaming Router (Archer GX90)- Tri Band Gigabit Wireless Internet Router, High-Speed ax Router, Smart VPN Router for a Large Home
TP-Link AX6600 WiFi 6 Gaming Router (Archer GX90)- Tri Band Gigabit Wireless Internet Router, High-Speed ax Router, Smart VPN Router for a Large Home
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  • SCORE
    9.0
    AR Score

    AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    TP-Link
Product Highlights Customer Reviews

Game Band: Tri-Band structure provides a 4.8 Gbps Game Band exclusive for your gaming rigs and bings pure immersion. 4804 Mbps (5GHz, HE160) + 1201 Mbps (5GHz) + 574 Mbps (2.4GHz)

Game Accelerator: Detect and optimize gaming streams, to ensure your gaming stays immersive

Ultra Connectivity: 1 × 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port + 1 × 1 Gbps WAN/LAN port + 3 × Gigabit LAN ports and 2 x USB ports ensure max flexibility and boosted throughput

Expansive Coverage: 8 detachable high-performance antennas, Beamforming, high-power FEM, 4T4R combine to deliver WiFi coverage up to a 4-bedroom house

More Devices with Less Lag: OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology deliver data to multiple devices, simultaneously

Powerful Processing: 1.5 GHz Quad-Core CPU ensures your network performance always at peak run

TP-Link HomeCare: Protect your network and connected devices with a free lifetime subscription to TP-Link HomeCare featuring next-level antivirus, robust parental controls, and QoS

TP-Link OneMesh Supported: Flexibly Create Whole Home WiFi with Archer GX90 by adding a OneMesh supported Range Extender, like RE505X

4
NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (RAX50) - AX5400 Dual Band Wireless Speed (Up to 5.4 Gbps) | 2,500 sq. ft. Coverage
NETGEAR Nighthawk 6-Stream AX5400 WiFi 6 Router (RAX50) - AX5400 Dual Band Wireless Speed (Up to 5.4 Gbps) | 2,500 sq. ft. Coverage
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  • SCORE
    8.8
    AR Score

    AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    NETGEAR
Product Highlights Customer Reviews

Coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft. for up to 25 devices

Fast AX5400 Gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencing

Connects to your existing cable modem and replaces your WiFi router. Compatible with any internet service provider up to 1Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, and DSL

Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and more with 4 x 1G Ethernet ports Share a storage drive with any connected device and create a personal cloud storage to access from anywhere using the 1 x 3.0 USB port

NETGEAR Armor protects your family's WiFi with an automatic shield of security across all your connected devices with a 30-day free trial

NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls promotes healthy Internet habits, fosters responsibility and builds trust with your kids (30-day free trial included)

Backed by a 1-year limited hardware warranty

5
TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A7) -Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Internet Router for Home, Works with Alexa, VPN Server, Parental Control, QoS
TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A7) -Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Internet Router for Home, Works with Alexa, VPN Server, Parental Control, QoS
View on Amazon
  • SCORE
    8.8
    AR Score

    AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    TP-Link
Product Highlights Customer Reviews

OneMesh Compatible Router- Form a seamless WiFi when work with TP-Link OneMesh WiFi Extenders

Router for wireless internet, works with Alexa, compatible with all Wi-Fi devices, 802.11ac and older

Dual band router upgrades to 1750 Mbps high speed internet(450mbps for 2.4GHz, 1300Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K streaming

3 external antennas for long range Wi-Fi. System Requirements-Internet Explorer 11, Firefox 12.0, Chrome 20.0, Safari 4.0, or other JavaScript-enabled browser. Cable or DSL Modem (if needed)

Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, fast access to multiple connected wired devices, Ideal as a gaming router

Integrated USB port acts as a media Server, easily share your USB drive content

TP-Link tether app easily set up and remotely manage your home network

Works with all internet service providers, such as AT&T, Verizon, Xfinity, Spectrum, RCN, Cox, CenturyLink, Frontier, etc.( a modem is required for most internet service providers)

6
NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 5G WiFi 6 Mobile Hotspot Router (MR6150) – Blazing Fast Wireless Hotspot Router, Unlocked, Certified with AT&T and T-Mobile, for Secure Internet at Home Or Everywhere You Go
NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 5G WiFi 6 Mobile Hotspot Router (MR6150) – Blazing Fast Wireless Hotspot Router, Unlocked, Certified with AT&T and T-Mobile, for Secure Internet at Home Or Everywhere You Go
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  • SCORE
    8.2
    AR Score

    AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    NETGEAR
Product Highlights Customer Reviews

Blazing fast, secure 5G internet with speeds up to 2.5Gbps as your primary home internet connection and for on-the-go travel. Work, stream, and game all at the same time

Fast WiFi 6 speeds up to 3.6Gbps and greater capacity to connect up to 32 devices for exceptional performance for your whole family

Extend 5G internet speeds throughout your home. Plug your home’s WiFi router or Orbi mesh system into the 1 Gig Ethernet port

1 Gig Ethernet port for a wired connection to a WiFi router, mesh system, laptop or other wired devices. Use the USB-C port for an ultra-fast wired data connection

Set up, change WiFi settings, share access, & monitor your data usage easily on the 2.4" color LCD touch screen

Secure private WiFi connection for laptops, tablets and phones in airports, hotels, trains and other places offering public WiFi

Unlocked, portable hot spot for 5G and 4G LTE around the world, certified with AT&T and T-Mobile and requires a 5G compatible SIM card. Ask your 5G wireless network provider for the best 5G data plan for your needs

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X62 5G modem for premium power and performance

Last update on 2024-12-28 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

5
1 ratings

Buying guides

Find the Best Router for Your Budget: An Ultimate Guide

Do you want to purchase a new router but don't know where to start? You're in the right place. This ultimate guide will teach you how to find the best router for your budget.

We'll provide information on different types of routers and what each one is good for. Plus, we'll give you tips on how to get the most out of your router purchase.

1. Identify Your Needs:

The first step in finding the right router for your budget is to identify what you need from it. Think about how you'll use the router, including how many devices will be connected, what type of internet connection you have, and what sort of range or speed you need.

2. Set a Budget:

Once you identify your needs, it's time to set a budget. Keep in mind that routers are available at various price points, so you should be able to find one within your budget.

3. Research Router Types:

There are several different types of routers, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. You'll want to research the types of routers available and what features they offer.

4. Consider Other Factors:

In addition to budget and type, there are other factors to keep in mind when selecting the right router for you. These include range, speed, security features, ease of setup, and more.

5. Compare Prices:

Once you've identified your needs and narrowed down a few router options, it's time to compare prices. Be sure to look at different retailers and websites to get the best deal.

TP-Link AX5400

Conclusion

All in all, the right router for your money is the one that is best suited to meet your needs and preferences. With so many great models available at various price points, you should be able to find a perfect fit no matter what budget or requirements you’re looking for.

Make sure to do your research, read product reviews, and consider how each model might fit into your home setup before making a decision. You can also seek out professional advice or consult with friends if you’re still unsure which model is right for you.

Once you’ve made a decision on the right router, you’ll be ready to start taking advantage of all the benefits modern networking technology offers. With faster speeds, more efficient performance and better wireless range, investing in a great router will make all the difference in your online experience.