It is usual for any person to look for an affordable and high-quality router. However, the selection of such an item becomes very tricky as many people end up getting low-priced routers that do not meet the required standards. How do you get the best router for under 150 Dollars?
Getting a supportive router is simple, especially if you know the kind of router and its features. One hundred fifty dollars is not much. You can use it only to buy a few items. It is possible to get an excellent and efficient router for the same amount of money.
These types of routers are of good quality and perfectly meet user needs. The design of these routers is of high technology to enhance functional and stable internet supply. Being at an affordable price, they still meet the necessary security needs for adequate internet safety.
This article has the best routers under $150 that have been tested and proven to be of excellent quality and standards.
You can also check our top picks for our top pick routers under $200. It also includes a comprehensive guide for you to get the best router for your home or office. For a lower budget, you can check the best routers under 50 Dollars.
The best routers under 150 Dollars top picks
| Router under 150 Dollars | Specifications | Features | Check it out |
| Asus AC1900 Router (RT-AC68U) | Best router under 150 Dollars | Dual-band, Speed: 1900Mbps, Range: Up to 3000 sq. ft, Devices: Up to 30 devices | CHECK IT OUT ON AMAZON |
| Securifi Almond 3 Wi-Fi router | Best for exceptional design | Dual-Band, Speed: Up to 1200Mbps, Range: Up to 1,300 sq. Ft, Devices: Up to 20, Built-in ZigBee radio | CHECK IT OUT ON AMAZON |
| Linksys EA7500 dual-band router | Best router under 150 Dollars for Wi-FI speeds | Dual-band, Speed: Up to 1900 Mbps, Devices: up to 15, Range: Up to 1,500 sq. ft, Ethernet ports: 4 Gigabit LAN Excellent price | CHECK IT OUT ON AMAZON |
| TP-Link Archer A7 (AC1750) Router | Best budget router under 150 Dollars | Dual-band, Speed: Up to 1,750 Mbps, Range: Up to 2,500 sq. ft, Devices: Up to 50, Excellent budget | CHECK IT OUT ON AMAZON |
| TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 AX3000 (AX50) Router | Best Wi-Fi 6 router under 150 Dollars | Dual-Band, Speed: 3000Mbps Range: Up to 2,000 Sq. ft, Devices: Up to 25, WiFi 6 technology | CHECK IT OUT ON AMAZON |
| Netgear nighthawk R6700 smart router AC1750 | Best for several devices | Dual-band, Speed: Up to 1750Mbps, Range: 1500 sq. ft. Devices: 25 | CHECK IT OUT ON AMAZON |
| D-link DIR-882-US Wi-Fi router AC2600 | Best gaming router under 150 Dollars | Dual-band Speed: up to 2,600Mbps Devices: Up to 15, Smart Connect Ethernet ports: 4 Gigabit LAN | CHECK IT OUT ON AMAZON |
| Google nest Wi-Fi mesh router | Best mesh system under 150 | Dual-Band, Speed: Up to 2,200Mbps, Range: Up to 2,200 Sq. ft, Devices: Up to 200, Mesh system | CHECK IT OUT ON AMAZON |
| NetGear Wi-Fi router (R6330) | Best for compatibility with most devices | Dual-band, Speed: Up to 1600 Mbps, Devices: Up to 20, Range: Up to 1200 sq ft, 4 x 1G Ethernet ports | CHECK IT OUT ON AMAZON |
How to connect your router to the internet (router setup)
To connect your router, you need to know the meaning of different ports and their usage. The router is connected to a modem via an Ethernet cable to the WAN (internet) port and to the power outlet via the power chord.
You can set up your devices via an ethernet port or via WiFi.
After connecting the router to the modem, you will need a computer or smartphone to set up the router. This is as per the guide below:
Which is the best router under $150?
Asus AC1900 Router (RT-AC68U): Best router for under 150 Dollars
Do you have a lot of devices running in the home? Do you want to keep them all under one roof, or do you want to have separate routers for each device? The Asus AC1900 Router with Adaptive QoS is the perfect answer! It provides speeds up to 1.9Gbps and supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless networks. Plus, it has an ethernet port so you can connect your devices without having to rely on your cable provider. It is excellent for gaming and streaming in addition to being AiMesh Compatible. The router has Lifetime Internet Security included in addition to parental controls.
Asus AC1900 is a dual-band router that supports Wi-Fi speeds of up to 1900Mbps. A dual-core processor powers the router lowering the chances of interruption when in use.
Delays are minimal, even when there is a large number of users. Broadcom and turboQAM technology increased the router performance with compatible peripherals to 600mbps from 450mbps.
USB ports support sharing and fast transfer of data. Routers can be synchronized with other support devices to facilitate easy sharing via USB ports. The 3.0 USB port facilitates data transfer ten times faster than the 2.0 port.
The router will cover your whole home with high-speed Wi-Fi. This is because the router covers up to 3,000 square feet of space. This means it will serve all apartments and large homes.
ASUSWRT user interface makes it possible to have the network optimized for easy control and management of traffic. Since you can connect up to 30 devices, you will use the interface to control the devices.
VPN encryption makes it easy to manage your network while away, locating your home while elsewhere, or direct visitors. Therefore, you can easily use the router for ExpressVPN and NordVPN services among other VPN providers. The advanced features that boost its performance make it the best router for under $150.
How does the Asus AC1900 Router work?
The Asus AC1900 Router with Adaptive QoS is a next-gen wireless router that offers the best online gaming experience. It has an AiMesh Compatible design, so you can use it to connect two or more devices at once without having to compromise on network performance.
The router has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 1 USB 3.0 port, and 2 USB 2.0 ports, so you can enjoy high-speed connection speeds to your devices without any lag or interruptions. Additionally, the router features a 1GHz dual-core processor and supports up to 1900Mbps download and 150Mbps upload speed.
What are the features of the Asus AC1900 Router?
This router offers the following features:
The Asus AC1900 Router with Adaptive QoS is a 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless router that allows users to set priorities for their networks. The router is AiMesh Compatible, so it can connect two or more AiMesh devices at once. It supports Ethernet ports for ethernet-based devices such as computers, printers, and game consoles, so you can connect all of your devices without having to rely on your cable provider.
This wireless router also gives users the ability to prioritize their network traffic in order to improve performance. The Asus AC1900 Router with Adaptive QoS lets users set priorities based on their bandwidth needs, so they can ensure that no one is overloading the system at any time. This ensures a steady internet connection for everyone in your home or office.
How does Asus AC1900 Router compare with other budget routers?
Asus is known for its quality and affordability. The Asus AC1900 Router with Adaptive QoS is a perfect example of this. It’s a very good budget router that will meet your needs for the price.
It’s AiMesh Compatible, so it can work with other AiMesh devices to make a network more flexible and reliable, even if you have multiple routers in the home. A few additional features are Network Monitoring and Parental Controls to keep kids from accessing adult content online. If your kids use any of these sites or apps, you can block them from using certain sites or apps.
Pros
- Connects multiple devices
- Has an excellent range
- Adaptive QoS is designed to offer excellent speeds for streaming and gaming
- AiMesh Compatible for a seamless experience
- Increased speed and range with 802.11ac mode.
- Simple to set up
- Faster transfers over USB ports: comes complete with a USB 3.0 port
- Compatible with other peripherals
- Advanced security features
- Outstanding performance
- Compelling hardware
Cons
- No cloud-based settings
- Setup and management is challenging to non-tech-savvy people
Recommendation
The Asus AC1900 Router was designed to be the perfect solution for every home. It’s a high-performance wireless router with AiMesh Compatible technology, which is a feature that allows you to connect a variety of devices and surf the Internet without having to rely on cable service.
The Asus AC1900 Router with Adaptive QoS is a must-have for any home or small business.
Are you concerned about your network? Do you want to keep track of all the devices running on your network? If so, the Asus AC1900 Router with Adaptive QoS is the perfect solution. It offers speeds up to 1.9Gbps and supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless networks.
Plus, it has an ethernet port so you can connect your devices without having to rely on your cable provider. It is excellent for gaming and streaming in addition to being AiMesh Compatible. The router has Lifetime Internet Security included in addition to parental controls.
Securifi Almond 3 Wi-Fi router
Securifi almond router is a dual-band and a gigabit Wi-Fi router. It has a coverage range of 1,300 square feet with high-speed and reliable connectivity within your house. Almond is compatible with all ISP modems and routers hence easy to extend your internet.
The almond uses mesh technology to send signals to its nodes strategically fixed around the house, enhancing stable internet flow. The Wi-Fi system has the capability of covering the whole home satisfactorily.
Each Almond 3 unit provides a powerful 1200Mbps Wi-Fi. These speeds can support all the internet intense activities in your home.
It also features a built-in ZigBee radio and support for Z-Wave (with a USB dongle). These features enable an easy connection.
Using its touchscreen, you can easily set it up. There is no need for a computer technician to set it up. With an inbuilt security siren, it can detect and raise the alarm over any abnormalities within your home, such as a fire.
To promote the security alarm, it is very compatible with thermostats and smoke detectors. This is in addition to a built-in programmable siren for home security. It, however, is secured with WEP, WPA, and WPA2. The network is easy to control with IOS and android mobile Almond apps connected to the sensors.
Pros
- Easy to set up in just 3 minutes
- Serves as an automation device
- Has USB connectivity promoting sharing
- The router has LAN ports promoting extension and sharing of local networks
- Designed for a smart home
- Easy to control and manage through mobile apps
- Beautiful design and display
Cons
- It requires frequent short-distance performance testing
- It has limited settings.
Linksys EA7500 dual-band router
Linksys is a quality brand that you can trust with your devices. They’ve been in the industry for a long time, and they know how to make routers. The Dual-Band Linksys EA7500 AC1900 Router is one of their best options. It’s an affordable MU-Mimo Max-Stream router that can handle a lot of tasks since it has a maximum throughput of 1900Mbps. You won’t find a better budget one on the market today for 1,500 square feet of Wi-Fi coverage for 15 plus wireless devices supported for 4K HD streaming, gaming, and more in high quality without buffering.
If you are looking for a router that will give you good performance at this price, Linksys EA7500 is your router. The router combines speed, range, and security features to give you a complete package.
Linksys EA7500 max stream (AC900) router is a dual-band router with a maximum throughput of 1.9 Gbps. The router has a multi-user MIMO technology. This makes it an excellent router for live streaming, gaming, and other internet intense activities.
With a dual-core processor, it promotes high-speed internet both on Wi-Fi and Ethernet connection. Therefore, you will enjoy the router if you are on high-speed ISPs. It is an excellent router for Xfinity and a Verizon-compatible router.
Advanced wireless security safeguards your network with an SPI firewall and WPA/WPA2 encryption. The router gives room for you to provide a different password for guests.
For your children, you can prevent some content from access and block the usage of undesirable websites. Therefore, the best parental control router will keep your children safe while online.
The USB ports enhance the quick and efficient sharing of content across the network. You therefore will love using your storage devices and printers on this router.
The router has a beamforming technology, the AC900 router channels signal to all its devices enhancing network stability. The range-extending beamforming technology and the security features make the router excellent for apartments.
The Linksys website GUI and a mobile app are available, making it easy for you to control the network. You can prioritize the network supply to devices that need the internet most.
The features
You’ll find that this router has the capacity to handle a lot of streams and high-quality streaming. You’ll be able to stream 4K content at Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) and also provide 1080p content up to 60fps. The router is also optimized for dual-band, which means you can use it on Wi-Fi 2.4GHz or 5GHz networks simultaneously, eliminating interference issues and improving performance. In addition, the router supports MU-Mimo Max-Stream technology, which allows users to connect multiple devices using one Wi-Fi network without any limitations or restrictions.
What makes this router perform so well is its ability to prioritize bandwidth and minimize latency, which results in a better overall user experience when connecting multiple devices with one Wi-Fi network. It also has an AC adapter that comes with three 1A wall outlets for added convenience during peak usage times when your Internet service provider (ISP) isn’t providing enough power for your wireless devices.
How is this router able to handle a lot of tasks?
The good things about the router are simple: It has a powerful CPU, a great Wi-Fi antenna, and can handle 4K streams. The router has an internal storage space of up to 64 GB so you don’t need a separate storage device for your files. The router can also be extended using the 2 USB 3.0 ports.
The bad thing about this router is that it doesn’t have any form of parental control or password system because it doesn’t have HD Voice or Gigabit LAN ports. In fact, you won’t find any other feature like these on other budget routers that cost $100 or less.
How does Linksys EA7500 compare with other budget routers?
This is a top-budget router that you can use for your household. As far as MU-Mimo Max-Stream routers go, Linksys has been the best with their MU-Mimo Max-Stream series of products. The only other ones that are worth considering are the Netgear Nighthawk X10 and TP-Link AC1750. Without a doubt, Linksys EA7500 is one of the most expensive MU-Mimo Max-Stream routers available on the market today.
With so many options out there, it’s important to know what you’re getting into before purchasing or even renting one. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to choosing a good router for your home network.
Pros
- High speed of 1.9Gbps
- The Multi-user MIMO technology drives signal direct to your devices
- Advanced wireless security
- Advanced management options through the GUI and app
- Sharing within networks is easy
Cons
- It has been reported to have dropped Wi-Fi connections
Is this router worth the price?
There are many routers on the market today, but they can vary in terms of features, quality, and price. When it comes to the MU-Mimo Max-Stream router, you’ll find that it has a lot of things going for it. It has 3 external antennas to increase signal coverage and enhance Wi-Fi range. In addition, you’ll find that this router has multiple USB ports for your convenience.
When it comes to the performance of this router, you’re not going to have any problem at all with its 1,500 square feet of Wi-Fi coverage and the 4K HD streaming capabilities. It doesn’t have a modem or a hard drive so you won’t have to worry about if your Internet connection will be stable when using this router for long periods of time. You might also want to take into account that this router isn’t available in a 3G or 4G network so you won’t want to use it without an Internet connection as well.
TP-Link Archer A7 (AC1750) Router– The best budget router
If you’re looking for a high-performance smart budget router, the dual-band Gigabit TP-Link Archer A7 is the perfect choice. This QoS router is great for streaming and gaming, and it’s also very affordable. The router works with Alexa, has a VPN Server and exceptional Parental Control. It has a great range, and it can handle some of the most popular streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime due to maximum throughput of 1750Mbps and 4 Gigabit LAN ports.
TP-Link Archer A7 is a smart dual-band Wi-Fi router with gigabit Ethernet. The dual-band router supports Wi-Fi speeds of up to 1750Mbps. This router has a 750MHz processor which boosts its performance. It has four gigabit LAN ports that support sharing with other network devices.
The antennas facilitate the extension of the coverage. The router has three adjustable antennas that are replaceable. For the router to attain its maximum speed (450 Mbps), it uses 802.11ac technology.
Compatibility with other Wi-Fi devices makes the router qualify it as one of the best routers under 150 dollars. Additionally, it offers the best service for all the ISPs. You can use the router for AT&T Uverse and it is an Optimum compatible router among other providers.
The USB ports facilitate quick sharing with other USB devices. A7 offers support to several printers from other companies. You will also love using the router for network-attached storage.
The router gets powered by Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563 WIFI chip. The chip makes it a highly effective router for every home or office.
Above all, archer A7 has a mobile app that helps you to control the network remotely. Buttons help to switch the router on and off and as well to reset it.
How does it compare to other routers?
And why you should buy this router instead?
You’ve probably heard the saying: “It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s a router.” Well, that very same statement can be true in the world of home networking. While there are numerous routers on the market, it can sometimes be difficult to find one that will perform well for your needs. The TP-Link Archer A7 works great for streaming, gaming, and web browsing. In fact, it has an excellent range (up to 2000 square feet) and is also very affordable.
How to use TP-Link Archer A7 to stream and game
The TP-Link Archer A7 is a great choice for streaming and gaming. It’s very affordable and powerful, with a range of speeds up to 1750Mbps. The router has four Gigabit LAN ports, one Wireless N USB port, Four Gigabit Ethernet ports, and a USB 2.0 port so you can connect as many devices as possible to the router. You can also connect it to an HDMI extender if you need more bandwidth or compatibility. It has a wide range of parental controls, including security measures that block access to certain sites and apps like YouTube or Netflix.
TP-Link is known for its outstanding customer service, so if you have any issues with your router, simply email the company and they’ll help you out!
Pros
- Supports a significant number of users up to 50 devices
- It covers a broader area
- Compatibility with other devices
- Easy to manage the network
- It provides high security for your network.
- The dual-band connection enhances continuous network flow.
- Easy to install and set up
- Captivating cover design
Cons
- Minimal wireless settings
- The USB port is 2.0 hence not very fast.
Recommendation
The Archer A7 is a dual-band router that delivers up to 1750Mbps of throughput on the 2.4GHz frequency and supports various video streaming protocols such as MPEG4, H.264, VP8, and VP9. The router features two Gigabit Ethernet ports for networking with other devices that support high-speed broadband wiring (such as computers or printers). The router also has a built-in VPN Server that works with most popular VPN services such as HideMyAss and PureVPN to give you complete control over your online privacy.
The TP-Link Archer A7 is an ideal choice for any business or home that wants to stream high-quality content at high speeds and with ease. If your business is looking to stream video, music, or other digital content at a fast pace, this router will provide you with the power to do it in a way that’s convenient and easy.
This router offers four Gigabit LAN ports and excellent QoS performance. This ensures that if one of your computers is downloading large files, such as videos and MP3s, it won’t slow down your other devices. It also has Virtual Private Network (VPN) functionality which allows you to connect online through a separate IP address. The best part about this router is its compatibility with Alexa; it’ll allow you to control your network from anywhere with the push of a button.
TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 AX3000 (AX50) Router: The best Wi-Fi 6 router under 150 USD
TP-Link Wi-Fi AX3000 is a smart Wi-Fi router with the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology. Wi-Fi 6 is three times faster than other routers. This dual-band router gives you Wi-Fi speeds of up to 3Gbps.
The router provides a faster connection and thus ensures a longer battery life for the devices it serves. With four antennas, it has three times more extensive coverage. What this router promises you is that it will support the current and future devices since it is made using the current Wi-Fi 6 standards.
With the wireless security of WPA-PSK and WPA-PSK2, there is guaranteed protection of the network and its peripherals. AX300 is backward compatible with all Wi-Fi devices.
Installing and setting up the router is very simple using the tether app. Operational buttons such as power on and off, reset button, LED on and off switch, and the WPS button makes it simpler to perform manual operations.
The usage of the router is improved to support many users. Even with the most significant number of users, delays are minimal, and you can use various devices simultaneously.
All the features make it an excellent budget router for a home. You will love using the router for Frontier Fios internet and other fiber and non-fiber ISP connections at home
Pros
- The router is very affordable
- Backward compatible with all Wi-Fi devices
- Advanced security features
- Easy and quick to set up and control
- Fast and reliable internet speed
- Supports many users and devices
- The USB port supports quick sharing of content
- Very affordable
Cons
- Its functionality makes it run warm
- There is no dual-WAN
Netgear nighthawk R6700 smart router AC1750
The NetGear R6700 nighthawk Wi-Fi router has a high speed of up to 1750 Mbps and 802.11AC dual-band gigabit. The range of this router is up to 1500 square feet with the support of three antennas. Signals get spread over the spectrum due to beamforming.
It can comfortably provide reliable Wi-Fi to up to 25 devices. The Ethernet ports support your wired devices with high-speed internet. The wired devices include computers and other devices.
You will enjoy using the router for gaming on PS4, Xbox One, and other gaming consoles. In addition, for streaming services, there is a bandwidth that is prioritized to meet your needs.
Moreover, the Netgear R6700 nighthawk Wi-Fi router has a 3.0 USB port that enables sharing and connection to other storage devices facilitating quick access and cloud storage.
The router gives you advanced controls of the network. This control enables you to schedule internet access timelines and control the usage of the device. In addition, you can flash the router with DD-WRT to make it even perform better.
The router also gives you VPN, DoS, firewall, and guest access are unique features that make the router be part of the best AC routers for under $150. Security WPS2 wireless security. The dual-core processor helps you to manage your online activities.
NetGear R6700 nighthawk Wi-Fi router also features NETGEAR amour an antivirus for protection of your connections. It protects your devices and your internet from malware and other cybersecurity risks. For voice commands, a google assistant is available.
Pros
- The router has 4 Ethernet ports for the wired devices
- Has an amour for security purposes
- High-speed 802.11ac performance
- Exceptional range due to beamforming
- It also has Smart Parental controls
- Prioritized streaming and games as a result of QoS features
Cons
- .The router does not have MU-MIMO technology
- It has weak 2.4GHz speeds
D-link DIR-882-US Wi-Fi router AC2600
D-Link AC2600 is a dual-band router with a speed of up to 2600Mbps. It employs MU-MIMO technology, which improves streaming on multiple devices. Traffic optimization through the antennas is directed to your phone making your applications perform efficiently
The router has an advanced smart beam that playing a significant role in identifying devices around your internet range hence boosting performance speed.
The dual-core processor gives superior support for both wired and wireless connections. Two USB ports 3.0 and 2.0 enhance quick sharing between devices, making it possible to stream your stored music and videos.
The router has advanced Security features that enable you to monitor what is happening within your network.
Pros
- Effortless installation
- It has LAN ports making it easy to extend connections
- Efficient network optimization
- Has excellent speeds of up to 2600Mbps
- Boosts latency and network speed at a high rate
Cons
- It may take a while to customize your settings
- The antennas are not removable
- It required frequent testing.
Google nest Wi-Fi mesh router
The Google Nest Wi-Fi routers AC2200 give you great internet speeds in addition to wide coverage. The Mesh router gives you Wi-Fi speeds of up to 2,200 Mbps.
This router gives you an easy time during setup using the Google Home app. You will easily use the app to connect your Nest to the best modem for Google WiFi or Nest.
The app enables you to limit internet usage for your children. The mobile apps also make it very easy for you to direct traffic to a specific device to enhance its performance. However, you will need two apps to configure the routers efficiently.
The network is easy to extend using other points covering a more extensive range. It maintains a steady network flow within the coverage, lowering the chances of delays.
It has two Ethernet points, one for connected devices and the other for internet connection. The version of Wi-Fi it used is 802.11AC (WIFI 5); one aspect of this router is that it is backward compatible thus connecting all previous standards devices. Its performance is, however, outstanding.
Pros
- Good speed
- Easy to set up
- Can create good guest access
- Easy to manage network usage.
- It is compatible with Google Wi-Fi.
Cons
- Some functions require to google apps to control
- It has fewer features.
NetGear Wi-Fi router (R6330)
This router is one of the best routers for under 150 Dollars. The Netgear AC1600 is a dual-band router with a speed of up to 1600Mbps. It covers a range of up to 1200 square feet supporting up to 20 devices.
The router has wired Ethernet ports with gigabit ports and a USB port that facilitate sharing within the network.
The security features get advanced with WPA security protocols that enable you to manage the network and other guest access options. With the nighthawk app, you can easily control and filter content not suitable for your children. The MU-MIMO technology advanced QoS and three well-amplified antennas
Pros
- Easy to set up and manage
- Advanced security features
- High processing speed
- Compatible with other peripherals
- Safe and secure internet
- Uninterrupted internet supply
Cons
- The router does not have a wide coverage
There are several routers that cost less than 150 USD that feature heavily on our gaming routers for Xbox top picks. These routers will enable you to become a pro in online gaming and get no lags everywhere in your house. You can also pick the widest coverage routers in order to enjoy your online life wherever you are in your house.
Buying Guide: How to buy the best wireless router under 150 Dollars for your home?
There are several things to consider when getting the best router under 150 dollars. These features make sure that even though the budget is not so huge, the connection is exceptional. Some of the features we will consider include:
- The coverage required/ the size of your home
- Your internet ISP tier that determines your internet speed
- The number of devices in your home
- Security and privacy features
- Router type: mesh system or traditional router
- Wi-Fi standards
- Number of frequency bands
- Appearance
- Other features
Range/ size of your home
As you are choosing the best router for 150 dollars or lower, it is great to first check the coverage required. There is no need for buying a router that will not cover your whole home with Wi-Fi.
The coverage, estimated in square feet or square meters will determine a lot of things. This will determine the type of router that you will pick. Additionally, it will determine the size and number of antennas that your router should have.
If you have a small apartment, you can make do with a router with average coverage. However, if you have a large home, you will need to check the long-range router or a mesh system.
A traditional router is a one-piece router whose coverage is fixed. The extension of its network can only be done using a Wi-Fi extender or a compatible mesh system.
A mesh system on the other hand is easy to extend its coverage by adding another unit/ node/ satellite. The mesh system creates a seamless connection where the same login details are used wherever you are in the house.
Since you are on a budget, it is exceptional to consider the range required and get the best router for your home. The good thing is that there are several exceptional devices that we have described in this article that will give you excellent coverage.
The internet speeds
Getting the best router for your home is a bit easy if you get a router that will serve your ISP speed excellently. Why would you pick a router under 150 dollars that do not give justice to your ISP tier?
A good router will give you gigabit speeds if you have subscribed for a gigabit internet tier from your ISP. However, if you have 100Mbps from your ISP, there is no need for getting a 6Gbps router.
The reason is that the router does not increase the internet speeds. It will serve you depending on the ISP plan subscribed for.
There are several routers under 150 dollars described here that will give you an exceptional service for every internet tier. You just need to get one that offers slightly more speeds than the internet subscription you are on.
Number of devices in your home
The best router for $150 or less should be able to serve all the devices in your home without lags or dead zones. This is because our homes are becoming smarter by the day.
We have smart devices spread all over the home. These include smart TVs, smartphones, smart printers, smart thermostats, laptops, computers, gaming devices, and streaming devices among other devices. We even have smart coffee maker machines in our homes.
Some of these devices are used simultaneously. Therefore, you will need a router that will serve all of them seamlessly.
The challenge is that even though you are on a budget, getting a router that serves only 2 devices at a time will not suffice in this day and age. Therefore, consider getting a router that will make your home truly smart.
Finally, as you are getting a router, you will need to check the internet usage for each device. Some devices require more bandwidth as compared to others such as streaming devices and gaming devices among others.
Thus, your router should be able to prioritize these devices to ensure that there are no lags or buffering.
Security and privacy
A good saying that goes around the internet: You are as strong as your weakest point. This means that your security and privacy at home are as strong as the least secure point in your connection.
As you are picking the best router for under 150 Dollars, you need to consider the security features availed. Currently, we have WPA3 security features which is the third implementation of the Wi-Fi Protected Access protocol
It was preceded by WPA2. You should at least get a router with WPA2. This is because the hackers or malware developers adapt with time. Therefore, these protocols will keep your home safe.
However, kindly consider a router with at least WPA if you can’t get a WPA2 router. This is because minimal security is better than no security at all.
In addition, for your home, you need to consider getting a router with good parental controls. This is because several hackers are targetting the young ones these days.
Router type: mesh system or traditional router
With a budget of under 150 dollars, there is little choice in the mesh system that you pick. however, there are a few mesh systems that are equally good that you can get for under $150.
However, for traditional routers, there are several exceptional routers. This means you can easily get a router that will give you exceptional service. In addition, they are very common in the marketplace or our homes.
A traditional router is a one-unit gadget. It gives you coverage for different sizes of your home. However, the range is easily affected by having thick walls or having a story building. To extend the coverage, you will require a Wi-Fi extender or a compatible mesh system.
On the other hand, a mesh system is a Wi-Fi system created by combining two or more almost identical units. One of the units serves as a router while the others that are referred to as nodes or satellites extend the coverage.
A mesh system creates a seamless Wi-Fi connection where you use the same login details to access the internet wherever you are in your home. Most of them also offer long-range connections and are exceptional for a story or thick-walled houses.
Therefore, be sure to check the coverage required as you choose your Wireless router.
Wi-Fi standards
We all want the best internet connections for our homes. The type of connection will be dependent on the Wi-Fi standards that your router uses. Currently, we have Wi-Fi 6 standards for routers and modem router combos.
Wi-Fi 6 (AX) gives you a better connection in terms of Wi-Fi speeds, the number of devices connected, and security features among other features. It was preceded by Wi-Fi 5 (AC).
As you are getting a router, consider getting an ac or AX router for your home. This will ensure that you get the best features for your home network.
Number of frequency bands
The router you choose should be able to handle all the performance requests made onto it. This is made possible by having several advanced technological features including the number of bands.
Two frequency bands are used in routers. These are the 2.4Ghz frequency band and the 5GHz frequency band.
In the market today, we have one 2.4GHz frequency band, dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz band), and tri-band (2.4GHz band and two 5GHz bands) routers.
For the best performance, getting a tri-band router will give you the best connection. However, in cases where you can not get a tri-band router, you can consider a dual-band router.
Most of the routers under $150 are dual-band routers. They give you an exceptional performance.
In my home, I use a dual-band router and I can assure you that I can get excellent speeds which help me to stream a 4K movie and enjoy online gaming without lags on several devices.
Under $150 Router FAQs
How much does a decent router cost?
A good router for a home or small office should cost anything between $50 to $150 on an entry-level. This is a dual-band 802.11ac router with a Wi-Fi speed of above 1000Mbps. The router will give you decent WiFi coverage and connect multiple devices at home. However, if you want a router with the newer advanced router technologies such as MU-MIMO, Beamforming, Tri-band, Mesh connectivity, or QoS, you need to spend more than 100 Dollars.
How much should I spend on a router?
The amount you should spend on a router depends on the use that you have for the device. It is however better to spend $100-$300 on a router and modem than to spend $10 or more every month on a rental router for the lifetime of your subscription. This is because you get better features with your own router as compared to a rental router. Also, you will at the end of the period have spent more on a router than if you have rented it.
Do you have to pay monthly for a Wi-Fi router?
No, you don’t have to pay monthly for a Wi-Fi router. You can get your own router at even less than 150 Dollars and enjoy the benefits of saving on cost in the long run and also getting better features. This is because most of the rental routers and modems offer basic features. Therefore, you are better off avoiding the rental fees by getting your own router.
Which is the best budget router?
To choose a router, you need to consider the number of clients, the range required, the ISP plan that you have, the range to be covered, and other features you want in your router. With this in mind, Asus AC1900 Router (RT-AC68U) is the best budget router since it comes with excellent features for under 150 Dollars.
Conclusion
The internet has become a basic necessity in our day-to-day activities. Having the best internet router that will offer adequate support for your daily activities is often the best thing.
The routers that have been reviewed above are the best routers under 150 Dollars. They have the best features with very outstanding speed and performance, making the price look abnormal. The initialization and setup processes are simple.
