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The Best Cheap Wi-Fi Routers for 2026

Need to amp up your Wi-Fi network, but don't want to spend a fortune? Here's what you need to know to choose the best budget router, along with our top tested performers, most under $150.

John R. Delaney
 & John R. Delaney Contributing Editor

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

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If your Wi-Fi router's wheezing from your work-from-home data load, and you're piling gaming and entertainment loads atop that, you need to upgrade. Wireless routers that employ leading-edge Wi-Fi technologies can deliver blazing data rates but often cost more than $300. If your budget's stretched as much as your bandwidth is, fear not: We've tested a bundle of value-priced routers. PCMag has been reviewing wireless routers since the early days of Wi-Fi, and we test each model with rigorous, repeatable benchmarks (across multiple wireless bands) to assess throughput and range. Our top budget router for most users, TP-Link's Archer AX21, delivers solid performance for small homes with few Wi-Fi devices, but we've got budget picks for different scenarios, too. Our choices all stem from our detailed hands-on testing; read on for what to expect from a low-cost router.

Overview

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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

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  • eero 6+
    Best Budget Wi-Fi 6 Mesh System

    eero 6+

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Excellent performance
      • Easy to install and manage
      • Controls home automation devices
      • Supports 160MHz channels
      • Pricey
      • Lacks USB connectivity
      • Some features require a subscription

    Why We Picked It

    You could argue that a mesh system shouldn't belong on this list, and indeed, we haven't found any multiple-node systems worth buying for under $150. However, if you're in the market for a mesh system but can't afford one, a single node is a good place to start, and the eero 6+ is among your best options. It's frequently available for less than $100 for a single node when on sale, and we've even seen the two-piece version on sale for around $150. The 3-pack version we tested offers easy setup and good performance.

    Who It's For

    People willing to spend a bit more for decent mesh coverage: No, you can't cover your entire large home with serviceable Wi-Fi for less than $150, but the eero 6+ is still a good place to start. That said, if you're willing to stretch your budget or prioritize performance over the quantity of mesh nodes and coverage area, you'll want to check out our guide to the best Wi-Fi mesh systems overall.

    People who appreciate easy setup: eero systems are a breeze to install thanks to a user-friendly app, and the eero 6+ is no different.

    Specs & Configurations

    Anti-Malware Tools
    Beamforming
    Coverage Area for Hardware as Tested 4500
    Guest Networking
    IPv6 Compatible
    Link Aggregation
    MU-MIMO
    Number of Bands 2
    Number of Nodes 3
    Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) 1 on router, 2 on satellites
    Parental Controls
    Security WPA2
    Security WPA3
    Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) AX3000
    Wired Backhaul
    Wireless Networking Security WPA2
    Wireless Networking Security WPA3
    Wireless Parental Controls
    Wireless Specification 802.11ax
    Get It Now
    Learn More eero 6+ Review
  • Motorola MNQ1525 WiFi 7 Router With Easy Mesh
    Credit: Joseph Maldonado
    Best Budget Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System

    Motorola MNQ1525 WiFi 7 Router With Easy Mesh

    3.5 Good

    Pros & Cons

      • Moderate pricing for a Wi-Fi 7 mesh kit in two- and three-node versions
      • Easy to install and manage
      • Excellent signal range
      • Middling throughput performance
      • Does not support 6GHz transmissions or 320MHz channels
      • Some features require a subscription
      • No USB or multi-gig LAN ports

    Why We Picked It

    Wide signal coverage and simple setup and management make Motorola's MNQ1525 an appealing budget mesh option. Without 6GHz band support or multi-gig LAN, know that this is Wi-Fi 7 with a few asterisks, but those asterisks shouldn't matter to most households that simply want a reliable, future-proof connection for a modest number of connected devices.

    Who It's For

    People who live in modestly sized houses: Each MNQ1525 node provides 2,000 square feet of coverage. A one-pack goes for $129.99, a two-pack will cost you $239.99, and a three-pack runs $349.99. Many users might be able to get by with just a single node, keeping networking costs way down.

    People who don't need 6GHz: As a dual-band BE3600 system, the MNQ1525 can reach maximum data rates of 3.6Gbps using the 2.4GHz and 5GHz radio bands. It doesn't support 6GHz or 320MHz-channel transmissions, which some more premium Wi-Fi 7 systems do. But you may not need those if you live in a 2,000-square-foot house without a lot of devices competing for bandwidth.

    Specs & Configurations

    Anti-Malware Tools
    Coverage Area for Hardware as Tested 4000
    IPv6 Compatible
    MU-MIMO
    Number of Antennas 4
    Number of Bands 2
    Number of Nodes 2
    Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) 2 on router, 3 on nodes
    Parental Controls
    Quality of Service (QoS)
    Security WPA2
    Security WPA3
    Separate Bands
    Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) BE3600
    Wired Backhaul
    Wireless Specification 802.11be
    Get It Now
    Learn More Motorola MNQ1525 WiFi 7 Router With Easy Mesh Review
  • Asus TUF BE9400 Gaming Router
    Best Budget Gaming Router for Software Features

    Asus TUF BE9400 Gaming Router

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Appealingly priced for a Wi-Fi 7 gaming router
      • On-the-mark performance for its class
      • Four multi-gig LAN ports
      • Wealth of gamer-centric settings
      • Free network security and parental control software
      • Only one USB port

    Why We Picked It

    The Asus TUF BE9400, a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router designed for gamers, doesn’t offer the usual flashy lighting, but it does deliver strong performance and play-friendly features at a reasonable price. It's aimed at gamers who crave a more affordable alternative to the company's flashier, pricier Republic of Gamers (ROG) routers. And this tri-band router serves up a lot for gamers to like. The TUF is a cinch to configure, it's full of gamer-friendly features, and it taps Wi-Fi 7 technology and 6GHz transmissions to deliver the low-lag performance that gamers seek.

    Who It's For

    Gamers who like to tweak settings: There are a ton of settings to play around with, including Game Boost, where you get Gear Accelerator to give your device network priority, Mobile Game Boost for prioritizing network traffic on your mobile device, and Open NAT, so you can easily create port-forwarding rules for specific games. With Adaptive QoS, you can prioritize bandwidth for specific applications, and the Traffic Analyzer presents network traffic activity in a visual graph.

    Gamers who appreciate dual WAN connections: While this model doesn’t support LAN link aggregation, it does offer dual WAN for load balancing and failover. It also supports 4G/5G mobile tethering, which lets you use your phone as a backup internet hotspot.

    Specs & Configurations

    Anti-Malware Tools
    Beamforming
    Guest Networking
    IPv6 Compatible
    MU-MIMO
    Number of Antennas 6
    Number of Bands 3
    Number of USB ports 1
    Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port) 3
    Quality of Service
    VPN Client Pre-Installed
    Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput) BE9400
    Wireless Networking Security WPA2
    Wireless Networking Security WPA3
    Wireless Parental Controls
    Wireless Specification 802.11be
    Learn More Asus TUF BE9400 Gaming Router Review
The Best Cheap Wi-Fi Routers for 2026

Compare Specs

Select Up To 3Select Up To 2
Your Selections
TP-Link Archer AX21 Dual Band WiFi 6 Router

TP-Link Archer AX21 Dual Band WiFi 6 Router

TP-Link Archer BE3600

TP-Link Archer BE3600

eero 6+

eero 6+

Our Pick
TP-Link Archer AX21 Dual Band WiFi 6 Router
TP-Link Archer AX21 Dual Band WiFi 6 Router
TP-Link Archer BE3600
TP-Link Archer BE3600
eero 6+
eero 6+
MNQ1525 WiFi7 BE3600 Router With Easy Mesh
MNQ1525 WiFi7 BE3600 Router With Easy Mesh
TP-Link Archer AX10 (AX1500) Wi-Fi 6 Router
TP-Link Archer AX10 (AX1500) Wi-Fi 6 Router
TP-Link Archer GE650 BE11000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Gaming Router
TP-Link Archer GE650 BE11000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Gaming Router
Asus TUF BE9400 Gaming Router
Asus TUF BE9400 Gaming Router
TP-Link Archer AX21 Dual Band WiFi 6 Router
TP-Link Archer AX21 Dual Band WiFi 6 Router
TP-Link Archer BE3600
TP-Link Archer BE3600
eero 6+
eero 6+
Rating
3.5 Good
3.5 Good
4.0 Excellent
3.5 Good
3.5 Good
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
3.5 Good
3.5 Good
4.0 Excellent
Best For
Best Budget Wi-Fi Router for Most Buyers
Best Budget Wi-Fi 7 Router
Best Budget Wi-Fi 6 Mesh System
Best Budget Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System
Best Extreme-Budget Wi-Fi 6 Router
Best Budget Gaming Router for Speed
Best Budget Gaming Router for Software Features
Best Budget Wi-Fi Router for Most Buyers
Best Budget Wi-Fi 7 Router
Best Budget Wi-Fi 6 Mesh System
Wireless Specification
802.11ax802.11be802.11ax802.11be802.11ax802.11be802.11be802.11ax802.11be802.11ax
Wi-Fi Speed (Total Rated Throughput)
AX1800BE3600AX3000BE3600AX1500BE11000BE9400AX1800BE3600AX3000
Number of Wired LAN Ports (Excluding WAN Port)
441 on router, 2 on satellites2 on router, 3 on nodes443441 on router, 2 on satellites
Number of USB ports
112111
Number of Antennas
44444644
Number of Bands
2222233222
Wireless Networking Security
WPA2, WPA3WPA2, WPA3WPA2, WPA3WPS, WPA, WPA2WPA2, WPA3WPA2, WPA3WPA2, WPA3WPA2, WPA3WPA2, WPA3
MU-MIMO
IPv6 Compatible
Quality of Service
VPN Client Pre-Installed
Supports DD-WRT
Anti-Malware Tools
Wireless Parental Controls
Link Aggregation
Beamforming
Guest Networking

Buying Guide: The Best Cheap Wi-Fi Routers for 2026

These days, you'll find that most budget routers use Wi-Fi 6/6E (802.11ax/axe) or Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) technology, although you may see a few Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) routers still hanging around. The latter offers very limited throughput speeds and should be avoided. They'll work, yes, but they probably won't pair well with today’s PCs, mobile devices, and smart home devices, most of which support newer Wi-Fi standards. They're also ill-equipped for multimedia tasks such as video streaming and online gaming.

Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 routers, on the other hand, are multi-band devices. Most of them let you connect using both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, and a few in the budget category also include 6GHz support. They have several other improvements, too, especially MU-MIMO technology, which transmits data simultaneously (rather than sequentially) to compatible client devices. Another cool feature is beamforming, which shapes the wireless signals so they are concentrated directly at clients rather than over a broad spectrum. And if you see automatic band steering on your router's spec sheet, the router can select the most efficient radio band based on the current network traffic, band availability, and signal strength.

If you're wondering which band you're most likely to use, then know that the 2.4GHz radio band is best suited for long-range transmissions but is subject to interference from other household devices such as microwave ovens and cordless phones. The 6GHz and 5GHz bands provide significantly more bandwidth than the 2.4GHz band and are ideal for video streaming, online gaming, and large file downloads, but they have limited range. You can mitigate the range issue somewhat by installing a Wi-Fi range extender or mesh system, especially in larger homes.

(Credit: Netgear)

The differences between Wi-Fi 7 and Wi-Fi 6/6E are minor, but the former is the latest in wireless technology. It offers much-improved throughput speeds: up to 46 gigabits per second (Gbps), which makes it sought after by those looking for business-class networking and a fast gaming router. If you’re looking to future-proof your home network, you can still do that without spending a fortune, as a few Wi-Fi 7 routers are now available for under $150.

In addition to offering previously unattainable data rates, Wi-Fi 7 employs new technologies to reduce latency, increase network capacity, and boost efficiency. One big advance is doubling the MU-MIMO streams to 16.

Additionally, Wi-Fi 7 introduces Multi-Link Operation (MLO) technology, which allows devices to simultaneously send and receive data over multiple radio bands to create a single aggregated connection. This not only provides faster throughput performance but also helps reduce latency and allows data to flow unimpeded by network traffic or interference.

Finally, the Wi-Fi 7 spec allows for the widest transmission channels to date in consumer networking gear: 320MHz, up from 160MHz in Wi-Fi 6. The width of the transmission band makes a difference in eliminating interference and increasing speeds.

However, not all Wi-Fi 7 routers support all of the standard's features. Budget routers in particular often lack support for 320MHz channel bandwidth, though they include MLO and the MU-MIMO improvements.

Recommended by Our Editors

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The Best Wi-Fi Mesh Network Systems for 2026

Budget Routers: What You'll Get for the Money

The current crop of budget Wi-Fi 6 routers, mesh or standalone, can typically handle data rates of up to 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 1,200Mbps on the 5GHz band. Budget Wi-Fi 7 routers can do better, typically offering up to 700Mbps at 2.4GHz and 3,000Mbps at 5GHz. It's important to note that these speed ratings are theoretical and refer to maximum achievable speeds. Actual throughput will likely be significantly lower, but never fear; we thoroughly test all our contenders so you can see all the critical real-world numbers, including throughput and signal strength.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

A reliable (yet mildly exciting) feature of the router market is that prices tend to drop faster than those in many other consumer tech device categories. No, you won't find many Wi-Fi 7 models in our budget roundup, but we are seeing those products become less pricey. You can now find plenty of powerful Wi-Fi 6 routers for less than $100, and even a few Wi-Fi 7 models for less than $150.

Should You Compromise on Key Features?

So far, it might sound like you can find pretty much anything you want in an under-$100 router. Unfortunately, that's likely not the case. To hit those lower prices, many routers ditch many of the features you’ll find on more expensive models.

You probably won't find any sub-$100 routers equipped with more than four LAN ports, nor will you likely see features like speedy multi-gig (2.5Gbps or higher) LAN ports. The ability to perform link aggregation won't be there, nor will USB ports. USBs are useful for connecting directly to peripherals like external hard drives (a quick way to build your own network attached storage device) or printers.

You manage budget routers the same way as high-end ones, using a web console or a mobile app, but they'll likely lack some advanced settings that their pricier counterparts have. That will likely include support for bandwidth allocation or Quality of Service (QoS), dedicated online gaming presets, VPN connectivity, and sometimes support for DD-WRT. The last is a Linux-based firmware upgrade that replaces the manufacturer’s firmware and provides enhanced settings that allow you to customize the router for maximum performance.

(Credit: TP-Link/PCMag)

Additionally, budget-class routers rarely offer robust parental controls with age-related presets that filter out things like social media, gambling, shopping, and violent or adult content; these controls are more common on midrange and high-end routers. You can, however, still use basic access-scheduling and URL-filtering features to help you control when your kids go online and which sites they can visit. Or you can purchase a third-party parental control program that suits your family’s needs.

Indeed, third-party software is an excellent way to kick up the capabilities of your budget router. That's because budget routers usually ship with only essential software, unlike many mesh systems and midrange to high-end routers. You likely won't find one bundled with name-brand security software to protect your network and client devices from phishing, viruses, adware, and other malware, or with real parental control solutions. To find a likely pairing candidate for your router choice, check out our malware protection and removal roundup to see what works best for you.

Ready to Buy the Best Budget Router for You?

We trust you're now better armed than ever to get shopping. This guide outlines our top lab-tested, low-cost router models and includes a handy spec table of our latest picks. Whichever router you choose, remember that once you've found it, you'll need to tweak it! Read our tips for setting up your router and boosting your Wi-Fi signal.

About Our Expert

John R. Delaney

John R. Delaney

Contributing Editor

My Experience

I’ve been working with computers for ages, starting with a multi-year stint in purchasing for a major IBM reseller in New York City before eventually landing at PCMag (back when it was still in print as PC Magazine). I spent more than 14 years on staff, most recently as the director of operations for PC Labs, before hitting the freelance circuit as a contributing editor. 

The Technology I Use

I do all of my writing on my aging but trusty Lenovo Thinkpad T460.

At home I have two wireless networks running: one for streaming, gaming, and other day-to-day networking tasks, and another for testing all sorts of smart home devices including smart plugs and switches, lighting, indoor and outdoor security cameras, home security systems, air conditioners, smart grills, robotic lawn mowers, pool cleaners, and whatever else finds its way to my door.

It’s not uncommon to find people standing in front of my house taking video of a robotic lawn mower traversing my lawn during the summer months. Now if only someone would come up with a robotic snow blower, I’d be all set. 

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