The 3 Best Budget And Cheap Routers - Spring 2025

The TP-Link Archer AX20 is the best budget router that we've tested. It's a Wi-Fi 6 router that delivers good speed and range performance overall. It can reach speeds up to 700Mbps when you're up close and has decent range, providing solid speeds up to 100 feet away. It's suitable for everyday internet use or even more bandwidth-heavy tasks like downloading large files quickly or streaming 4k content, even with multiple users. If you need more range, it's also compatible with OneMesh, so you can create a mesh network with any range extender that supports it.

Like many budget routers, it has a conventional, businesslike design that isn't the prettiest thing to look at but at least has a relatively small footprint. Its other major drawback is its lack of DFS support. DFS-only channels help with connection speeds in congested wireless environments like apartment buildings, so if you live in a noisy wireless environment, you may want to consider our next pick for the best budget mesh system, the eero 6.

Finally, regarding price, the budget router category is quite crowded, with prices and stock frequently fluctuating. While you can often snag this router on sale for around ~$55, if not, consider the TP-Link Archer AX10. The major difference comes down to range performance, but otherwise, both models have the same features and deliver comparable speeds. Another option is to pick up a used, refurbished, or open-box higher-end model at a discount. If you opt for this route, consider the TP-Link Archer AX55; it offers DFS support and is often around the same price as the AX20.

A mesh system can offer a solution if you have a large home or a pesky nook that doesn't get a good Wi-Fi signal. The best mesh system we've tested at a budget price point is the eero 6. It features dual-band Wi-Fi 6 technology and delivers solid coverage and speeds suitable for an internet connection of up to ~700Mbps. It can easily handle high-bandwidth activities, like 4k video streaming and high-speed downloads. Unlike our standalone budget pick, the TP-Link Archer AX20, this router has a compact and sleek design and is easily expandable, allowing you to add more units to cover larger homes. Despite its budget price, it still includes smart home integration with built-in Zigbee support and Amazon Alexa compatibility.

Setting up this router is straightforward using the eero app, which provides a user-friendly interface for managing and monitoring your network. The app lets you see connected devices and configure basic settings, although advanced features like ad blocking and content filters require a subscription. With all that in mind, this router has only decent range performance, meaning you might not reach your internet plan's top speeds if you're far away and connected to a satellite unit. If you're unsure if you need a mesh system, buy a single eero 6 to see if it works for your home and get additional units as required. Finally, most routers offer some sort of mesh expandability, so check to see what options are available with your brand of choice.

Finding a cheap Wi-Fi router with decent performance can be tricky. Oftentimes, cheap routers are older models with significantly worse performance than newer ones for a small discount. If your ISP provides you with a router and it isn't causing you any significant problems, your likely best option is to stick with it. If you are encountering Wi-Fi issues, ensuring that DFS is enabled (if possible) and experimenting with its placement in your home can go a long way toward improving your situation. Your next best option is to find a used, open box, or refurbished router, like our top pick, the TP-Link Archer AX20 or the mid-range TP-Link Archer AX55. They're often available as warehouse deals (if you don't mind some minor cosmetic damage) or refurbished from Amazon.

If you're uncomfortable buying a used unit, check out the Google Nest Wifi, a 2019 model that's discontinued but still widely available. Unless you're on a very strict budget, we generally don't recommend this router, as you'll have a much better overall experience by spending slightly more on one of our above options. While we tested it as a two-pack, picking it up as a one-pack makes it one of the cheapest routers we've tested. Just know that its range performance won't be as good in this configuration, and since it's only Wi-Fi 5 capable, your newer Wi-Fi 6 devices won't reach their full potential. Also, it uses the Google Home app to set up and manage the network; while slick and easy to use, it suffers from frequent faults and errors that are time-consuming and frustrating. Its speeds are fine at shorter distances and are enough to saturate a ~500Mbps internet connection.