As of Feb 2018, over 255 new router models which are under 100 have become available on the market. Many of these new routers have introduced new technologies such as ‘nomap’ tag which prevents your router from being recorded in Google’s Location Tracking Database. This makes purchasing quite difficult, without having the resources to actually test…
I still have a lot of friends who come to me and complain about poor Wi-Fi range and speeds — even when they are using a power-packed Broadband plan. As it turns out in most cases, Router is undeniably the villain. So let me help you out with choosing the best wireless router available out there, to kick this villain out of your life permanently.
Best Routers Under $100 – The Winners 2018!
Securifi Almond Touchscreen Router
Securifi Almond the best router in under-$100 rated 5 stars by 12000+ people on Amazon for its kickass features such as a touchscreen, range extender and ‘nomap’ tag which prevents your router from being recorded in Google’s Location Tracking Database. If you consider your privacy as an important concern, without researching further – go for Securifi Almond.
If you prefer better router which has incredible experience for multi-user online/VR gaming and also 4K HD video/media streaming, you should definitely opt for NETGEAR Nighthawk S8000 which comes with “cool-touch” premium zinc-alloy housing for durability, it’s three levels of network traffic prioritization and which is rated 5 stars by 3700+ people on Amazon.
Yes, definitely, Yes. There are super-cool wireless routers you can get without spending more than $100. In addition to doing the basic job, you can have a bunch of awesome features as well. In case if you didn’t know, Wi-Fi speed really depends upon range and the intensity. So, if all your smart home appliances and phones are connected to the same router, it’s high time for the upgrade. To address this frequently asked question, I have created a list of the best routers under $100. If you don’t want to read much, take a look at Quick Recommendations.
Best Routers Under 100 – A Comprehensive Buying Guide
Below are the models of Best Routers Under 100 reviewed by HomeTronix Experts. Hope this helps you to find a Best Routers Under 100 which fits your budget and expectations.
Let’s take a look at 7 of the best routers money can buy.
#1 Securifi Almond Touchscreen Wireless Router
Seventh in the list, Securifi Almond Touchscreen Wireless Router is an innovative wireless router you can get today. It disrupts the whole concept of router set-up, by introducing an easy-to-use touchscreen display into the device. The result, things are easy than they seem.
According to the claims, 95% of Securifi Almond Touchscreen Wireless Router customers could set it up in 3 minutes. In our case, it was even less. It’s all well-organized and it’s great to have a touchscreen display on a wireless networking device.
You can use this device as a standalone wireless router or as a Wi-Fi range extender. Either way, you will be having the benefits of faster speeds and performance. The router is offering a maximum speed of 300Mbps and it is definitely a single-band system.
The unique aspect of this router is the smart features, for sure. Using those features, you will be able to deal with connected devices, enable parental controls and even pair with Amazon Alexa. That’s right, if you have an Alexa device at home, the router pairs with it for enhanced functionality.
Summing up, Securifi Almond Touchscreen Wireless Router is an affordably-priced wireless router with some really smart features in it. Of course, you won’t get lightning-fast speeds or ultra-deep coverage. Even then, the package means a lot for the price you pay. And, that’s the reason why the device is on our list.
Now that you have seen the best routers under $100, we will have some information that would help you choose the right router for your needs. You cannot get the same router for your big home and a small office. It depends upon many major and minor aspects of selection. Before we move onto that, we should have a brief introduction about wireless routers and the different types that you may come across.
#2 TP-Link AC1200 Wireless Wi-Fi Dual Band Fast Ethernet Router
It’s not the most expensive wireless router in the list, but one of the most used and reviewed ones. If you’re looking for a router for speed upgrade and standard features, TP-Link AC1200 Wireless Wi-Fi Dual Band Fast Ethernet Router should be just fine. Plus, you’re spending a relatively-lower amount.
I have used this router in many of my friends’ homes, and the speeds were pretty awesome. We also did an intense online gaming session, which went well. The device comes with Dual Band — 5GHz at 867Mbps and 2.4GHz at 300Mbps — and dual antennae. The range was superb, even with some bulky stuff in-between.
It also has some additional features you would not expect for the price tag. For instance, Bandwidth Control via QoS is helpful for allocating certain bandwidth to your devices. So, when you need maximum speed, Fast Processing Single-Core Processor would be enough.
TP-Link has included some other features like Media Sharing, via USB Port. It’s cool enough that you’d access the file from any connected device. Also, the TP-Link Tether app is a blessing for managing settings from one Android or iOS device. Last but not least, it’s compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n and 802.11ac devices.
Summing up, TP-Link AC1200 Wireless Wi-Fi Dual Band Fast Ethernet Router is a nice choice for the majority of home consumers. It packs superb range and speed, with Parental Control and Media Sharing capabilities. It also comes with 2-year Warranty and 24*7 Tech Support for the lifetime.
#3 TP-Link Archer C7 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
TP-Link Archer C7 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router is a value-for-money router under $100 in a different since — you are getting some really premium features for the moderate price tag. Recommended by experts as the best router for most people, it’s a deal worth stealing for sure.
On top of all, this wireless router has three antennae, so that you would never miss range. Thanks to its Dual Band system, you can have a combined bandwidth of 1.75Gbps at maximum. You can have the best results if you are on a really high-speed internet connection. In our testing, the antennae were quite powerful.
There aren’t many differences in terms of features, though. For instance, you have the benefits of Mobile-based control and Media Sharing. It even comes with two USB ports for media transfer over the network. Thanks to the combo of triple internal and external antennae, media sharing and online gaming were fast enough.
Other noticeable features in TP-Link Archer C7 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router include IP-based control of Bandwidth, easier setup, and options for Guest Networking Access. Even though it’s based on 802.11ac, it offers support for old 802.11a/b/g/n devices.
So, the extra money you spend here is going for the additional bandwidth support and better performance. If you are purchasing the router for a big home or a small office, the specifications are just impressive. Also, you would have a smoother online gaming experienced and better download speeds — all over the home.
#4 AFOUNDRY Dual Band Wireless AC Gigabit Router
Available at the edge of $100 budget, AFOUNDRY Dual Band Wireless AC Gigabit Router is an advanced kind of router for the price. By just looking at the photograph, you can get an idea about the unique features. In our reviews too, it outperformed other choices in terms of signal strength.
One thing we should say about AFOUNDRY Dual Band Wireless AC Gigabit Router is that its signal penetrates up to three walls without any issues. Thanks are due to the six external antennae and 3 processors that would be working together. However, it’s a fact that the router requires some time for setting up.
Thanks to whole design system, you can connect up to 100 devices at a time. The 3-Wall Penetration is going to help you if you live in an old house with thick walls. The device offers a combined speed of 1200Mbps — which is really good. After all, the device has been made for enterprise purposes and bigger homes.
It does not offer many additional features but focuses rather on the signal strength and speed. However, it is possible to share media via the USB 3.0 port that you find on the reverse side. If you think advanced controls are required, this might not be your choice.
Summing all these up, AFOUNDRY Dual Band Wireless AC Gigabit Router is the performance-upgrade router for sure. You have to pay almost $100, but the Dual Band system and 6-Antennae coverage do pay back in every aspect.
#5 AFOUNDRY 300Mbps Wireless Router
Do you want the same build quality of AFOUNDRY for an even lower budget? Then, this one is a perfect pick. As you can see, AFOUNDRY 300Mbps Wireless Router ensures a maximum speed of 300Mbps but makes use of state-of-the-art hardware for the total build.
Basically, it’s a dual band router that comes with five separate antennae. If you have a huge home, you can direct each antenna to different directions, for extended coverage. When we tested the router, the speeds were impressive in almost all home regions. And, of course, that’s what we expect from the build too.
Coming to the design, AFOUNDRY 300Mbps Wireless Router is completely made of metal shell. This not only enhances performance but also improves heat emission. That is one of the reasons why the router is said to be a long-lasting choice as well.
Despite all these great-build stuff, you are going to miss some features. For instance, it does not support USB media sharing or parental controls. Also, some users say that it’s somewhat hard to set up this router even on a normal connection.
If you are okay with the issues and need a better build, AFOUNDRY 300Mbps Wireless Router is a good choice for your wireless connection needs. Someone might say that the 300Mbps speed is pretty low, but one thing that really matters is the all-room coverage system of the device.
#6 Linksys WRT54GL Wi-Fi Wireless-G Broadband Router
Here comes a wireless router that does not have many fancy features. Available for a lower price, this makes a good choice for most home-based needs. There are a few features you would definitely miss, but that is okay for what you are paying. But, there is a whole world of customizability awaiting you.
Although Linksys WRT54GL Wi-Fi Wireless-G Broadband Router has two antennae, it’s a single-band router. You can share one internet connection via 802.11b/g protocol and nothing else. And, the maximum link rate has been brought to 54Mbps. So, as you can guess, it’s for the basic people, with standard speeds.
One thing I loved about the router is its simplified set-up process. In a few minutes, people can get running with wireless networks, thanks to the open-source firmware inside. At the same time, you can customize the wireless network in any way you like. For instance, Parental Controls.
Talking of other features, Linksys WRT54GL Wi-Fi Wireless-G Broadband Router offers enhanced security for safer connections. It comes with an inbuilt firewall too, so that you don’t have to worry about threats. Also, it’s worth noting that you can set up some wired connections from the same router.
Conclusively, it’s an impressive wireless router for those who need a customized wireless network. Because it’s based on Open Source, you can find modules and features, as you move forward. Nevertheless, it won’t fit your needs if you are looking for modern features and specs.
#7 NETGEAR AC1750 Smart Wi-Fi Router
All in all, NETGEAR AC1750 Smart Wi-Fi Router is a high-performance router with Dual Core Processor. And, of course, you have to pay almost $100 to get the router for your home. While it’s not enterprise quality, it is just-right for almost all your heavy home-based wireless networking needs.
There are three external antennae in the device, capable of providing a combined speed of 1.75Gbps. So, it is one of the best speed-levels you can expect for the price. You can connect more than 12 devices at a time, and the performance was seamless — at least in our case.
There are a few other features that make NETGEAR AC1750 Smart Wi-Fi Router powerful. There is a feature named Beamforming+, which ensures reliable connections throughout your home. If you have a Dual Band Wi-Fi device, things are going to be super-fast, at any case.
Coming to additional features, Media sharing is available — thanks to one USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0 ports. It is also possible to use the Ready CLOUD USB Access option for cloud-based file access. You can also use the NETGEAR genie App for remote control of your router. All it needs is an internet connection.
At the end of the day, NETGEAR AC1750 Smart Wi-Fi Router is a really smart, effective and feature-rich Wi-Fi router you can purchase. It packs in all the connectivity options, along with remote-access via Cloud. You are paying a bit more, but you get back a lot.
Best Routers Under 100 – Our Top Picks 2018!
After doing an extensive research on Best Routers Under $100 available in the market, here are our top recommendations for the Best Routers Under $100 for you:
Product Images | Product | Max Speed | USB Ports | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 867Mbps | 2x USB 2.0 | 4.5/5 | |
 | 1300Mbps | 2x USB 2.0 | 4.4/5 | |
 | 1200Mbps | 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0 | 4.3/5 | |
 | 300Mbps | 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0 | 4.5/5 | |
 | 1200 Mbps | 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0 | 4.6/5 | |
 | 1300 Mbps | 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0 | 4.4/5 | |
 | 300 Mbps | - | 4.5/5 |
An Introduction to Wireless Routers
You will probably know why are you using a wireless router in your home. It’s used to make wired internet connection available wireless. That’s in the laymen terms, you know. There are, in fact, several technicalities involved in the functioning of a wireless router — not limited to sharing of internet connectivity. However, for the time being, let’s put it that way.
Given that you don’t want to connect wires to every single device you have, Wi-Fi routers are a great blessing. You have a single wireless network for your home or office, and all the desired devices can be connected to the particular network. You’ll not only have internet connection in all the connected devices but can also enjoy the benefits of networking. Obviously, from file sharing to local multiplayer gaming, there are a lot of things to do. Even if we keep all these factors apart, wireless routers let us stay wire-free, and have a fewer set of the mess in the room or office.
In the old days, there was a standard design and specification for routers. There would be a port for plugging the cable from the modem, an antenna, and the power stuff. Now, things are different, and we have a lot of stuff to take care of. We must say that wireless routers have become pretty affordable too. That is one of the main reasons why you can get an effective router under $100.
While it’s not possible to create clear-cut classifications between the types of routers, there are a few factors you should consider. If you are going to get one of the above-mentioned wireless routers, the following set of selection factors will help you a lot.
Things to Consider for Choosing the Best Wireless Router
This is going to be a kind of huge list of selection factors. Not all customers need to check for the following aspects. For instance, if you are purchasing a router for single-person, single-device wireless usage, you do not have to worry about media sharing capabilities. So, keep in mind your sole purpose.
- Speed: Obviously, speed should be a major factor while picking a wireless router from the market. However, this would depend upon many sub-factors. First of all, you should understand the maximum speed you are getting from the ISP. If the maximum you get is 2Mbps, there is no point in having a 1.75Gbps speed router for your home. So, once the speed-based selection is done, things are somewhat easy. It’s because routers are arranged in different hierarchical levels, and each level would have a certain set of standard specifications. So, if you’ve planned to stick onto a particular speed level, it would be simpler.
- Band: There are two types of routers available in the market, in terms of bands — Single Band and Dual Band. As you can guess from the name, Single Band Routers will do the communications in the 2.4GHz band. On the other hand, in the case of Dual Band Routers, there will be support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz communications. It needs to be noted that many Wi-Fi-enabled devices are shifting to 5GHz because it’s offering better speed, performance, and less interference. So, if you have too many devices in your home or office, you should get a dual-band wireless router.
- Range: This is the next best thing you should check before checking out a router from a shopping site. While there is no precise mention of the coverable range, you can surely get estimates. At the end of the day, it also does matter where you are going to place the router and how thick your walls are. If you take a look at the routers we have mentioned above, there are machines that transmit signals that can surpass up to 3 or 4 walls. At the same time, common wireless routers may have shorter range and may not work well if there are some obstacles in the path. So, the best thing you can do is to check with existing users of the router before buying.
- Media Sharing: Media Sharing is one of the integral features that you might need in a home router. Won’t that be great if you can connect a pen drive to the router and enjoy stored content from connected devices? That is pretty much possible when you are using a Media Sharing-enabled router. Not all routers may have this feature inbuilt. So, it makes sense if you can look into the products and choose the right one from the list. While there are external methods to enable content streaming, a native method is always performance-friendly and quicker.
- Connected Devices: How much devices would be connected to the wireless network at a time? The answer would affect the type of router you should pick. It’s a fact that the router may have claims of maximum devices up to 100. Well, what really matters is whether the router can withstand that many devices at a single time. Here comes the role of processors, external antennae, and internal antennae. So, once again, you will have to consult with people who have used the router to get a precise idea about this side.
- Quality of Service: Quality of Service is an effective method to adjust and optimize the total performance of your router. There would be several options to allocate a certain amount of bandwidth or speed to certain devices or app. This way, you can make sure that you get enough speed on the work laptop. You get a bunch of options here — depending on the type of router you have bought and the brand you have gone for. This should be a point of selection.
- Parental Control & Other Features: Parental Control is a superb feature you would find in wireless routers nowadays. It lets you see and control what your kids are doing in the world for the web. Instead of controlling individual devices, you are making the changes in network level. Along with this, you can check features like Guest Network Access, Remote Access of routers, device management, Wired connection support etc.
Along with these, there are some minute factors too. For instance, if you are using the device for complete media storage, see how many USB ports are there. Also, if you want to make some changes on router level, see if the router comes with a customizable firmware. These things may be useless for the general customer. However, if you have some knowledge about computers and networking, these things can happen in routers under $100 as well.
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How to improve the performance of Wireless Routers?
Here, we have some quick tips to increase the speed and performance of wireless routers you’re using.
- If your router has multiple antennae, turn them into different directions. This way, you’ll be able to get enough coverage on those sections. It’s way too better than the messed-up position.
- Make sure that there aren’t many thick walls between your devices and the routers. In other words, the position should be central and almost all devices should have a line of sight with the router. it’s a proven method to increase speed and signal strength, no matter the band you are in.
- If you are living in a multi-storeyed building, you need to be careful about placement of routers. All the time, place the router in the highest possible position on the ground floor. That way, you can get a better coverage on the second floor of your home. The same is applicable for offices. However, if you have that many floors, you should get an enterprise-level wireless router from the market.
- Use 5GHz if possible. 5GHz has better coverage and speed than 2.4GHz. Also, interference is lower in the 5GHz model.
- Last but not least, you should update the firmware of your router, once in a while. these updates will not only give you better performance and control but help you from many threats too.
Wrapping Up -Best Routers Under 100 Bucks
So, we have had plenty of information about wireless routers and how to make the right selection from the huge market. If your requirements are not that advanced, you would be satisfied with any of recommended routers above. It’s just that you have to re-consider about additional features like parental control and guest access. If you noticed carefully, you know that, for the same price, you can either have a heavy-performance router or a normal router with fancy features. As we said at the beginning of this article, the ultimate choice is yours which wireless router to buy and there’s no going back about that.
What is the best routers 2018 for home use?
- TP-Link AC1200 Wireless Wi-Fi Dual Band Fast Ethernet Router
- TP-Link Archer C7 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
- AFOUNDRY Dual Band Wireless AC Gigabit Router
- AFOUNDRY 300Mbps Wireless Router
- Linksys WRT54GL Wi-Fi Wireless-G Broadband Router
- NETGEAR AC1750 Smart Wi-Fi Router
- Securifi Almond Touchscreen Wireless Router
Summary
According to our survey, there are seven best routers available in the market which can boost your WiFi speed by at least 30%. These routers come with next-generation technology and features you've never heard about. Choosing the right router for your home/office is an important task because it can save your time and allow you to work with total enthusiasm.
Pick one of these best router for your home or office and get insanely fast internet speed anywhere you go.
Hey mate, do routers affect internet speed? I’ve been using so basic router (which is too slow), so if I upgrade my router with new one with great features, will my internet speed increase exponentially?
It all depends on the firmware installed in the router. If you bought your router a couple of years ago, then don’t think about changing it. You can check whether its firmware has any upgrades or not. If yes, then update and your router will start working fine.
If your router is older than that, you may be facing problems simply because it is outdated. These days, routers have to work extra hard because they need to work with more devices than usual. So yes, upgrading to a new device will bring you better speed, if not increase it exponentially.
Just wanted to ask one quick question here, do routers need modems?
Yes, all routers need modems if you wish to connect to internet. A router can only be used to create a network or LAN in your home or office. However, it is only a modem that will allow you to connect with the internet. These days, you get modem + router devices, because of which you may not need to buy two peripherals.
I’ve been hearing that routers are not secure these days. Can routers get viruses really?
Routers only have a firmware, not an operating system. There have been instances of routers getting infected with viruses but such cases are extremely rare. Your routers are completely safe and cannot be harmed by a virus in general.
Are routers and modems the same? If ‘yes’ how and if ‘no’, how?
No, modems and routers are different. A router is a device that is used for creating a network that can be joined by multiple computers. A modem, on the other hand, is used for connecting to the internet. People often get confused between the two because most homeowners have a router + modem device installed. It is the modem that connects to the ISP not the router, which is used only for creating a LAN.
What routers work with Comcast?
Arris, Motorola and Netgear have some of the best routers that work with Comcast. The top routers include NETGEAR AC1750 (16×4) DOCSIS 3.0 WiFi Cable Modem Router (C6300) Certified for Xfinity from Comcast, ARRIS SURFboard SB6141 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem and Motorola 16×4 Cable Modem, Model MB7420, 686 Mbps DOCSIS 3.0, Certified by Comcast etc.
Do routers have IP addresses? Can I get dynamic IP address every time I start the router of is it static?
Yes, routers have IP addresses. Static IP addresses are designated only to large organizations these days. Ordinary users technically have a dynamic IP address but it doesn’t change each time you switch on your router. It will remain the same. The thing about dynamic addresses is that they ‘can’ change but that doesn’t mean they ‘will’ necessarily change. A dynamic address will likely change if you change your router.
What’s the difference between routers and switches? How do I determine if I should go for router or a switch?
There are subtle differences between routers and switches, even though some technicians use the word to define the same device. A router is designed to forward data packets whole a switch is a device that helps in filtering and forwarding data packets between two segments of a LAN. Switches support packet protocols and they are used in Layer 2 (data link layer) or Layer 3 (network layer). On the other hand, routers simply act as gateways between networks. They decide the best path of passing communication between two hosts or networks.
I’ve been planning to use xfinity internet provider, what routers work with xfinity?
You can log into the xfinity website to check the router that is suitable for your needs. It is usually better to check the compatibility of any retail device before buying it. You get a more personalized experience on the website. Therefore, a router that suits your plan will be available more quickly here. Most NETGEAR and Arris routers are compatible with the service.
What routers are compatible with spectrum?
NETGEAR brings you some of the best routers that work with Spectrum. You can either select the NETGEAR 6300 or the NETGEAR WNDR 3800/4300. Both these routers are for wireless use and provide you great speed and seamless browsing experience as well. Choose a Motorola model for Spectrum for the best results.
I’ve been using Verizon FiOS connection; can you recommend me some router which works best on Verizon FiOS?
With Verizon FiOS systems, you can use NETGEAR, Linksys and Apple routers. You can use NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S- Wireless- AC Dual Band WIFI router. Linksys Maxtsream AC2200 Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router is also a good choice. Apple AirPort Express Base Station is also a great addition to an FiOS connection.
My last router is working too slow. How often should routers be replaced?
There is no set rule about the time you should change your router. Just make sure that you keep updating the router firmware regularly. However, even upon doing so, if the router continues to lag, you should change it. If your router is more than three years old and shows symptoms of overwhelm when connected with new devices, you should get a new one.
Hey mate, will 2 routers make internet faster? If yes, how do I do it and which routers should I go with?
No, adding a second, third or fourth router will not help you increasing the speed of your connection. This speed is decided by your ISP, so you have no control over it.
However, adding a second router will help in optimizing the speed for your devices. If you use many devices, then using 2 or even more routers can help in channeling the speed of your internet better. You will notice less lags on the system.
You can choose any router you like- just make sure it is the same model as your primary router. If a second router of the same make and model is not available, choose one that comes with the same firmware. Ideally, two identical routers work better.