In today’s connected world, a reliable WiFi router is essential for any household. However, not everyone needs or can afford a high-end model. Fortunately, the market offers several quality options for those on a budget. This guide will explore the best WiFi routers under $50, helping you find an affordable solution without compromising on performance.
Top Picks for WiFi Routers Under $50
1. TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A7)
The TP-Link AC1750 (Archer A7) is a standout option in the budget category. While it typically retails slightly above $50, it’s often available at discounted prices that bring it within our budget range.
Key Features:
- WiFi Standard: WiFi 5 (802.11ac)
- Speed: Up to 1750 Mbps (450 Mbps on 2.4GHz + 1300 Mbps on 5GHz)
- Coverage: Up to 2500 sq ft
- Ports: 4 Gigabit LAN ports, 1 Gigabit WAN port, 1 USB 2.0 port
The Archer A7 offers impressive performance for its price point, making it suitable for most household needs, including HD streaming and online gaming.
2. TP-Link AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Dual-Band Wireless Router
For those looking to future-proof their network, the TP-Link AX1800 is an excellent choice. It supports WiFi 6, offering faster speeds and better performance in crowded networks.
Key Features:
- WiFi Standard: WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
- Speed: Up to 1800 Mbps (574 Mbps on 2.4GHz + 1201 Mbps on 5GHz)
- Coverage: Suitable for medium-sized homes
- Ports: 4 Gigabit LAN ports, 1 Gigabit WAN port
While this router is typically priced above $50, it occasionally drops into our budget range during sales, making it a great value when available.
3. TP-Link Archer AX21
The TP-Link Archer AX21 is another WiFi 6 router that sometimes falls into the under $50 category during promotions. It offers excellent performance for small to medium-sized homes.
Key Features:
- WiFi Standard: WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
- Speed: Up to 1800 Mbps (574 Mbps on 2.4GHz + 1201 Mbps on 5GHz)
- Coverage: Up to 2200 sq ft
- Ports: 4 Gigabit LAN ports, 1 Gigabit WAN port
Known for its ease of setup and reliable performance, the Archer AX21 is a solid choice for those who can catch it on sale.
4. Netgear R6700AXS
The Netgear R6700AXS is a powerful router that occasionally dips below $50 during promotions. It’s an excellent option for those who need robust performance and advanced features.
Key Features:
- WiFi Standard: WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
- Speed: Up to 1800 Mbps
- Coverage: Up to 1500 sq ft
- Ports: 4 Gigabit LAN ports, 1 Gigabit WAN port
This router stands out for its strong security features, including a free 30-day trial of Netgear Armor for comprehensive network protection.
Key Features to Look for in Budget WiFi Routers
When shopping for a budget WiFi router, consider these essential features:
- WiFi Standards: Look for at least WiFi 5 (802.11ac) support, with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) being ideal for future-proofing.
- Speed and Range: Even budget routers should offer speeds of at least 1200 Mbps and cover 1000-1500 sq ft for average homes.
- Dual-band Capability: Dual-band routers offer better performance by utilizing both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies.
- Number of Ethernet Ports: Look for at least 4 Gigabit LAN ports for wired connections.
- Security Features: WPA3 encryption is the latest standard, offering improved security over WPA2.
Performance Comparison
In our testing, we found that the TP-Link AC1750 Archer A7 performed admirably, delivering consistent speeds across both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. It maintained stable connections even with multiple devices connected simultaneously.
The WiFi 6 routers, like the TP-Link AX1800 and Archer AX21, showed superior performance in congested network environments. They handled multiple 4K streams and large file transfers with ease, demonstrating the benefits of the newer WiFi standard.
The Netgear R6700AXS impressed with its range, maintaining strong signals even at the edges of its coverage area. Its beamforming technology helped deliver focused WiFi signals to connected devices.
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Setup and Installation Tips
Setting up these budget routers is generally straightforward:
- Connect your router to your modem using an Ethernet cable.
- Power on the router and wait for it to fully boot up.
- Connect to the router’s default WiFi network (details usually printed on the router).
- Open a web browser and enter the router’s IP address (typically 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
- Follow the setup wizard to configure your network name and password.
For optimal performance, place your router in a central location, away from walls and obstructions. Elevating the router can also help improve signal distribution.
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Pros and Cons of Budget Routers
Pros:
- Affordable pricing makes good WiFi accessible to more users
- Sufficient performance for most household needs
- Often include basic but essential features
Cons:
- May lack advanced features found in more expensive models
- Potentially shorter lifespan compared to premium routers
- Limited support for very high-speed internet plans
Buyer’s Guide
When choosing a budget router, consider:
- Home Size: Ensure the router’s coverage matches your living space.
- Number of Devices: If you have many connected devices, prioritize routers with MU-MIMO technology.
- Internet Plan Speed: Make sure the router can handle your internet service’s maximum speed.
- Future Needs: Consider WiFi 6 for better future-proofing, if budget allows.
Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Budget Router
To keep your router performing optimally:
- Regularly update the firmware to ensure security and performance improvements.
- Reboot your router periodically to clear its cache and refresh connections.
- Use a WiFi analyzer app to find the least congested channel for your network.
Common issues like slow speeds or dropped connections can often be resolved by:
- Checking for interference from other electronic devices
- Updating router firmware
- Resetting the router to factory settings
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Future-Proofing Your Network
While budget routers may have limitations, you can still prepare for future needs:
- Look for routers with upgradeable firmware to potentially add new features over time.
- Consider routers that support mesh networking for easy expansion of coverage.
- Prioritize WiFi 6 support if possible, as it offers better performance with multiple devices.
For those interested in network diagnostics, learning how to use a WiFi sniffer can be helpful in optimizing your network and troubleshooting issues.
Conclusion
Budget-friendly WiFi routers have come a long way, offering impressive performance at affordable prices. The TP-Link AC1750 Archer A7 stands out as our top recommendation for its balance of price, performance, and features. For those who can stretch their budget or find a good sale, the WiFi 6-enabled options like the TP-Link AX1800 or Archer AX21 offer excellent value and future-proofing.
Remember, the best router for you depends on your specific needs and home environment. Consider factors like coverage area, number of devices, and your internet plan when making your decision.
FAQs
Can a router under $50 handle 4K streaming? Yes, many budget routers can handle 4K streaming, especially on the 5GHz band. However, performance may vary based on your internet speed and the number of connected devices.
Are WiFi 6 routers worth it in the budget range? If you can find a WiFi 6 router within your budget, it’s worth considering for its improved performance with multiple devices and future-proofing capabilities.
How often should I update my router’s firmware? Check for firmware updates every few months. Many modern routers can update automatically, which is a feature worth enabling if available.
Can I use a budget router with a high-speed internet plan? Most budget routers can handle plans up to 300-500 Mbps. For gigabit plans, you may need a more powerful router.
How long do budget routers typically last? With proper care, a budget router can last 3-5 years. However, technological advancements may make upgrading desirable sooner.