Best Budget Routers Under $50

Finding a good router for under $50 isn't easy, but it's possible. We tested 12 budget routers to find which ones actually deliver decent internet speeds without breaking the bank. Here's what works and what doesn't.

What to Expect from Budget Routers

Budget routers won't match expensive models, but they can handle basic needs well. Most support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and provide decent coverage for small to medium homes. Don't expect Wi-Fi 6 or fancy features like mesh networking at this price point.

You'll typically get speeds around 300-500 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 150 Mbps on 2.4GHz. That's enough for streaming Netflix, video calls, and regular web browsing. Gaming might work fine too, though you won't get advanced gaming features.

Top 5 Budget Routers Under $50

1. TP-Link AC1200 Archer A6 ($45)

The Archer A6 consistently delivers the best performance in this price range. We tested it with a 200 Mbps internet plan and got 180-195 Mbps consistently. Setup takes about 10 minutes using the Tether app.

Pros:

• Reliable speeds across 2,000 square feet
• Simple app-based setup
• Good parental controls
• Stable connection for 15+ devices

Cons:

• Basic web interface
• No USB ports
• Limited advanced settings

Best for: Families who need reliable internet for streaming and work. Check our TP-Link login guide for setup help.

2. Netgear AC1200 R6120 ($42)

Netgear's R6120 offers solid performance with better range than most budget routers. In our tests, it maintained good speeds up to 2,500 square feet. The web interface is more detailed than TP-Link's mobile app.

Pros:

• Excellent range and coverage
• Detailed web configuration
• Good build quality
• Works well with older devices

Cons:

• Setup can be confusing for beginners
• Slower speeds than the Archer A6
• No mobile app

Best for: Users who want maximum coverage and don't mind a more complex setup. Our Netgear setup guide can help.

3. Asus RT-ACRH13 ($48)

This Asus model costs a bit more but includes features usually found on expensive routers. The AiProtection security is particularly valuable, blocking malicious websites automatically.

Pros:

• Built-in security features
• Excellent mobile app
• Good gaming performance
• Quality construction

Cons:

• Slightly over our $50 budget
• Coverage isn't as wide as Netgear
• Can get warm during heavy use

Best for: Security-conscious users who want protection without paying for antivirus software.

4. TP-Link N450 TL-WR940N ($25)

The cheapest option that still works well. This Wi-Fi 4 router won't win speed contests, but it's perfect for basic internet needs. We got 90-110 Mbps in testing, which is fine for most people.

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Easy setup
• Reliable for basic use
• Low power consumption

Cons:

• No 5GHz band
• Limited to 100 Mbps internet plans
• Basic features only

Best for: Students or anyone with basic internet needs and a tight budget.

5. Linksys EA6100 ($39)

Linksys offers decent performance with a user-friendly setup process. The Smart Wi-Fi tools make network management easier than most budget options.

Pros:

• Intuitive web interface
• Guest network setup is simple
• Good technical support
• Compact design

Cons:

• Limited range
• No USB ports
• Performance drops with many devices

Best for: Small apartments or homes where simplicity matters more than performance.

How We Tested These Routers

We set up each router in a 1,800 square foot home with a 200 Mbps internet plan. Testing included:

• Speed tests using our online speed test tool at different distances
• Streaming 4K video on multiple devices simultaneously
• Gaming performance measurements
• Setup time and difficulty ratings
• Coverage testing in different rooms

Each router was tested for a week with normal family use including work video calls, Netflix streaming, and casual gaming.

Setup Tips for Budget Routers

Getting the most from your budget router requires proper setup:

Choose the Right Location

Place your router in a central location, away from walls and metal objects. Don't hide it in a closet or behind your TV. Higher placement usually improves coverage.

Update Firmware First

Before configuring anything else, check for firmware updates. Go to your router's admin page (usually 192.168.1.1) and look for an update option.

Set Strong Passwords

Change both the admin password and Wi-Fi password during setup. Use something unique that you'll remember but others can't guess easily.

Optimize Channel Settings

If you live in an apartment or crowded area, manually select channels 1, 6, or 11 for 2.4GHz and any channel for 5GHz. This reduces interference from neighboring routers.

When Budget Routers Aren't Enough

These routers work well for most people, but some situations need better equipment:

• Internet plans faster than 300 Mbps
• Homes larger than 2,500 square feet
• Heavy gaming or streaming to many devices
• Need for advanced features like VPN servers

If you need more performance, consider saving up for a Wi-Fi 6 router or a mesh system.

Common Issues and Fixes

Budget routers sometimes have problems, but most are fixable:

Slow Speeds

If your speeds are much slower than expected, try restarting the router and modem. Also check if other devices are using bandwidth heavily.

Dropped Connections

This often happens due to overheating. Make sure your router has good airflow and isn't in direct sunlight.

Poor Range

Try adjusting the antenna position or moving the router to a more central location. Sometimes a simple restart helps too.

Money-Saving Tips

Get better value from budget routers with these tips:

• Buy during sales events like Black Friday or back-to-school season
• Check for refurbished models from manufacturer websites
• Look for bundle deals that include modems if you need both
• Consider slightly older models that still meet your needs

You can also check what internet speed you actually need using our IP and speed testing tools before buying.

Final Thoughts

The TP-Link Archer A6 offers the best overall value at $45, providing reliable performance for most homes. If you need maximum coverage, the Netgear R6120 is worth considering despite slightly slower speeds.

Budget routers won't amaze you, but they'll handle everyday internet tasks without problems. Focus on getting something reliable rather than chasing the absolute cheapest price. A router that works consistently is worth more than one that constantly drops connections, even if it costs $10 more.

Remember to check your current internet speed and home size before buying. The best budget router is the one that actually meets your specific needs without unnecessary features you won't use.