Best Routers Under $200
Our selection of best routers under $200 are devices intended to be easily installed and provide a fast signal with wide coverage. Routers under $200 are designed to deliver in standard work and home environments. Whilst some of the below-listed products may exceed our expectations, customers in this price range should not expect mind-blowing bandwidth or internet speeds suited for pro-gaming setups.
Products at a Glance
How we picked the best routers under $200
When writing this shortlist, we looked closely at the extent of a router’s coverage and speed. We consider ease of use highly important in this price range, so set-up difficulty and user interface were important factors we looked at when deciding what the best routers under $200 were. After taking all of these factors into consideration, here is our pick of the best routers under $200.
Best Routers Under $200
- Great coverage
- Sleek design
- Smooth App usability
- Most expensive on list
One of the best routers under $200, the TP-Link Archer AX75 boasts serious performance for its price. Under the hood, you’ll find a 1.7GHz quad-core CPU, 512MB of memory, and 802.11ax circuitry, which supports the latest Wifi 6 technologies (OFDMA) and straight-to-client beam forming. With six external antennas at the back of the router, the TP-Link Archer AX75 features strong coverage with 160 MHz per band ensuring coverage in large spaces.
The TP-Link Archer AX75 scores highly in terms of usability. It can be controlled seamlessly with the TP-Link Tether app as well as the web console. The interface allows users to control network security settings, notably HomeShield QoS and parental security settings all through a very user-friendly interface. Straight forward setup and a clear interface makes this router score very highly in terms of its functionality.
- Impressive bandwidth
- Easy set-up
- Affordable price
- Placement restricted as its a combo unit
Motorola MG7700The Motorola MG7700 brings more to the table than meets the eye. With impressive wireless coverage due to its power boost technology, the Motorola MG7700 boasts a WIFI range that exceeds 2000 square feet. This impressive bandwidth can be focused onto certain bandwidth-heavy devices, due to it supporting the AnyBeam Beamforming system. Coverage is also maximized through 3 built-in antennas, ensuring quality reach.
Looking at the rear panel, the Motorola MG7700 features 4 Gig ethernet ports that let you connect to every bandwidth-heavy device. It also features mesh system and extender capabilities that can then convert secondary devices into access points.
For those concerned with ease of use, the Motorola MG7700 is probably the easiest router to set up on this list. It also comes with an incredibly user-friendly web interface and features a QuickStart platform. This allows you to use and configure the device within minutes of getting it out of the box. The Motorola MG7700’s solid performance, functionality, and affordable price make this device a great choice if you’re looking for a balanced product that’s easy to use and won’t break the bank. This easily qualifies it as one of the best routers under $200
- Affordable
- Impressive coverage
- Clunky design
Coming in as our most affordable router on the list, the WAVLINK ACS3200 is arguably the best budget router designed for gigabit internet speeds out there. It boasts impressive coverage thanks to eight 5dBi Omni-Directional antennas. The router comes with 1 WAN port, 3 x LAN ports, and all 1000Mbps enabled for ethernet cable-connected devices.
For owners of newer smart devices, you’re able to take full advantage of 5GHz speeds. The built-in Mu-MIMo technology ensures multiple devices and their router bandwidth are managed effectively. Furthermore, the dual-band capabilities see the WAVLINK AC3200 taking on 2.4GHz at around 1000Mbps, and 5GHz clocking up to 2167Mbps.
- OFDMA capabilities
- Great coverage
- AiMesh interface
- Aggressive looking design
The Asus RT-AX3000 stands at a very affordable price for a high-performing router with Wifi 6 capabilities. Its noticeable bandwidth capacity and efficiency is due, in part, to the OFDMA system. This stands for Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access and is an incredibly significant improvement over the last generation of Wifi. The OFDMA capability divides a channel into multiple smaller channels that then get shared with up to 30 devices at the same time, therefore wasting less bandwidth. OFDMA works both downstream and upstream.
In terms of coverage, the Asus RT-AX3000 is compatible with the Asus AiMesh Wifi system that provides seamless whole-home coverage. Arguably the best Wifi 6 router in its price range, this router has a peak of 3,000 Mbps and performs significantly better than other competitors in this price range.
Compatible with ASUS AiMesh Wifi system for seamless whole-home coverage. The Asus AiMesh system features a clear user interface, and for smart phone users the interface exists on an App. This way you can manage all your router features right here on your phone. With a slick design, high performance capabilities and a user friendly interface, the Asus RT-AX3000 is arguably one of the best routers under $200 on the market.
Routers under $200: FAqs
There are two main questions to consider when looking to buy the best router under $200. First of all, is spending under $200 on a router worth it? And secondly, are routers under $200 worth it for high-performance tasks such as gaming?
Are routers under $200 worth it?
Spending up to $200 on a router is more than adequate for standard internet use, and more often than not, certain routers under $200 can be surprisingly good at more demanding tasks. Specifically in regard to bandwidth and gigabit internet speeds. Furthermore, routers designed for standard home and office use often feature clear user interfaces (online or through apps) that are designed to be easy to use.
Are routers under $200 good for gaming?
Most standard routers are more suitable for most online gaming, and many routers on this list perform this function particularly well. It all depends on the type of gaming you wish to take part in. However, if high-quality gaming is your priority, we recommend going that little bit further and investing in a gaming router.
Our Verdict
The TP-Link Archer AX75 is our top pick. With support for the latest Wifi 6 technologies, a great user interface, and far-reaching bandwidth, the AX75 is the best router under $200. However, the AX75 costs exactly $200. We’re aware that this is still a considerable amount of money for some customers. Other models on our list, like the WAVLINK ACS3200, still offer great performance at a significantly lower price.