Best Budget Routers in 2023 – the top cheap picks available now

If you’re looking for a router that is cheap but does not disappoint when it comes to performance, you’d want to check out the TP-Link Archer AX21. TP-Link is well known for creating some of the best routers, and the Archer AX21 is no different.

To begin with, the router features WiFi 6, which is the latest generation of WiFi. It is also known as 802.11ax. On top of that, the router has dual-band functionality, meaning it offers support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections. 2.4GHz covers a larger area, while 5GHz covers a smaller area but is faster. The router promises speeds of up to 574Mbps and 1,201Mbps at 2.4GHz band and 5GHz band, respectively. 

When it comes to coverage, the TP-Link Archer AX21 has a range of up to 2,500 sqft, so it will be enough for a large home. On top of that, it can connect with up to 30 devices at the same time without compromising the speed and quality of the internet, so you won’t have to worry about multiple people using the WiFi at the same time.

As far as the setup is concerned, everything is pretty easy, thanks to the TP-Link Tether app, which can be downloaded on both Android and iOS devices. All you have to do is turn on the router, open the application, connect it to your router, and set it up from there. The app also lets you perform other tasks, such as managing the connected devices and troubleshooting issues that you may face with your connection.

Overall, the WiFi 6 technology, dual-band support, and the long range of up to 2,500 sqft make the TP-Link Archer AX21 one of the best budget routers currently available in the market. We think it is a strong contender for one of the best WiFi 6 routers. 

If you want a router with WiFi 6 without spending a lot of money, you can pick up the TP-Link Archer AX10. This router comes at a low price compared to the other options on our list, but it still gets the job done well if you’re using it inside a medium-sized house. After all, it is one of the best routers under $75. 

To make sure the router can easily handle bandwidth-intensive activities, TP-Linked has installed a 1.5GHz tri-core processor inside it. This will also keep things smooth even after multiple devices are connected to the router simultaneously. Just like our top pick, this router is also dual-band and offers support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, with the latter supporting a speed of up to 1,201Mbps.

When it comes to ports, you’ll get four gigabit LAN ports, which can be used to connect gaming consoles, PCs, and other devices that can be connected using a wire. The setup is also pretty easy, as it can be done using the TP-Link Tether app. The app lets you perform different tasks and even gives you access to Parental Controls, thanks to which you can restrict certain types of online content. 

Overall, the TP-Link Archer AX10 is the best budget WiFi 6 router thanks to its features, range, and the speed it supports. It can connect with up to 20 devices simultaneously, which will be more than enough.

Mesh routers are ideal for large homes or offices with multiple floors, as they can help with making the WiFi signal reach everywhere. If you’re looking for the best budget mesh router, we’d recommend the Amazon Eero 6. 

Mesh routers are generally more expensive compared to regular routers, even the budget options. However, the Amazon Eero 6 still comes at a pretty low price, and it even features two routers, with one acting as the central router and the other being the extender. The router is powered by WiFi 6 and can cover up to 3,000 sqft. Therefore, you’ll be fine with one extender for a large home or office. But if the area is big, you might need to pick up another extender. 

Like some of the best routers for multiple devices, the Amazon Eero 6 can connect with up to 75 devices at the same time. The best part is that it can host multiple users without compromising on the quality of the connection. The main router comes with two gigabit ports, so you can easily connect it to your console or PC using an ethernet cable. The extender only comes with a USB-C power port, so you won’t be able to use it for wired connections. 

You can also download the Eero app on your mobile device, which can be used to set up the router quickly. While the free version of the app is enough for basic stuff, you can upgrade to Eero Plus and gain access to some advanced features such as ad blocking, VPN, internet backup, and more. 

Overall, the Amazon Eero 6 is a great option for those planning to set up a mesh WiFi 6 system without breaking the bank. It can handle speeds of up to 500 Mbps, so you can expect a smooth experience.

If you want the best budget gaming router that delivers good performance but won’t put a dent in your bank account, you’d want to check out the Asus AX5400. Just by looking at the router, you’ll be able to tell that this one has been designed while keeping gamers in mind.

On the inside, the Asus AX5400 is packed with a 1.5GHz tri-core processor, which makes sure that the connection remains stable even under load. It offers support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi connections, which makes it dual-band. On top of that, the router promises support for ultrafast speed of up to 5400Mbps, so you can pair it with a high-speed internet connection.

As the router features WiFi 6, you can expect to see low latency and faster speeds in gaming. On top of that, the Asus AX5400 comes with a dedicated gaming port, which makes the router prioritize the device connected to it. Thanks to this, you won’t have to worry about facing any lag or connection issues if multiple devices are connected to the router.

By pressing a button on the router, you can enable the Mobile Game Mode, which minimizes the lag and latency for mobile gaming. The Asus AX5400 also includes Quality of Service (QoS), which allows you to choose the applications the router should prioritize for network traffic. While the range of the router is already decent, you can extend it using any AiMesh-compatible router.  

Overall, the Asus AX5400 is an excellent choice for gamers who want a budget router, ad we think it deserves to be one of the best routers for gaming. The router features Asus Aura RGG lighting effects, so you can customize it as per your requirements. On top of that, you can control the router using the Asus Router app, which even lets you troubleshoot connectivity issues.