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Whether working from home, gaming, or live streaming heavy content, you can get a solid WiFi router with blazing-fast speeds without breaking the bank. For under 150 dollars, you’ll find reliable routers running on the latest WiFi 6 technology for exceptional performance and even mesh WiFi options for larger homes or offices.
With so many options available, getting the right router that meets all your requirements can be overwhelming. Plus, you need these gadgets to include advanced features like parental controls, additional security measures, Alexa compatibility, VPN support, and companion apps.
You want to make sure you’ve got the absolute best router for your money, so what are some of the things you should consider? To help you kick off the search in the best way, we’ve compiled some of the best routers under $150 based on performance, coverage, extra features, and simple setup to ensure you get the best value for your money.
Products at a glance
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BEST ROUTER UNDER $150TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX55)
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
- Max speed: 2.4 Gbps
- LAN ports: 4 x 1 Gbps
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BEST ROUTER FOR GAMING UNDER $150ASUS WiFi 6 Router (RT-AX57)
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
- Max speed: 7.8 Gbps
- LAN ports: 4 x 1 Gbps
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BEST WIFI MESH UNDER $150NETGEAR 4-Stream WiFi 6 Router (R6700AX)
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency Bands: 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
- Max speed: 1.8 Gbps
- LAN ports: 4 x 1Gbps
How we picked the best routers for under $150
When it comes to selecting our lineup of the best routers that don’t breach the $150 mark, we’ve used our in-depth knowledge and expertise to narrow down a list that we think is the cream of the crop in terms of price to performance. Essentially, we’re looking at products that offer high key specs such as speed, coverage, and management and security features, despite not being in the most premium price range.
Beyond additional features, the reliability and reputation of each manufacturer were another big concern, and we made sure to do our research into user reviews to only recommend routers that have had plenty of positive feedback. Plus, we’re actually always on the lookout for new products to add to our list, so check back here for more updates.
Our top picks
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
- Max speed: 2.4 Gbps
- LAN ports: 4 x 1 Gbps
- 3000 Mbps speed
- OFDMA technology improves performance across bands
- TP-Link HomeShield offers a good range of basic security features
- No multi-gig port so you might struggle reaching max speeds
- Wired connection is improved over wireless connection
If you’re in the market for the best router under $150, you should check out the TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 router, which we think is one of the best TP-Link routers available.
To start with, you get dual-band WiFi 6 speeds with 574 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 2402 Mbps on 5GHz bands, which enables more simultaneous connections for streaming or faster downloads. Further, the OFDMA technology on this router allows multiple clients or users to share the same band without latency or jittering, making it ideal for gaming, video streaming, or watching live feeds simultaneously.
As far as the coverage is concerned, the router utilizes 4 high-performance external antennas that boost WiFi signals throughout your home. Paired with beamforming technology, it offers extended WiFi coverage for everyone.
For additional security, you have TP-Link HomeShield, which offers secure web connections and basic parental controls for kids. Plus, it supports a VPN server and VPN client if you want to browse the web anonymously.
Overall, it’s one of the best routers on the market that works with most internet service providers. Plus, you can control the router using voice commands thanks to Alexa’s compatibility.
As far as the coverage is concerned, the router utilizes 4 high-performance external antennas that boost WiFi signals throughout your home. Paired with beamforming technology, it offers extended WiFi coverage for everyone.
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What users say
As our top pick, it comes as no surprise that the TP-Link AX3000 averages 4.5 in its Amazon reviews, with the majority of buyers choosing to award it 5 stars. What’s more, value was one of the main features that users seemed to like. One user in particular has commented that “the price was reasonable…and I could not be happier with the upgrade”, and another review describes it as “a great deal for a reliable product”.
Another mentionable thing is that users across the board seemed to praise the interface of the app, which is also a benefit. For example, one review stated that “the app is also very capable and easy to use”, and another highlighted how “the entire layout is completely user-friendly and accessible”.
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
- Max speed: 7.8 Gbps
- LAN ports: 4 x 1 Gbps
- Very strong price to performance ratio
- You can easily extend your network by getting a AiMesh-compatible router
- Again, no multi gig port so top speeds may fluctuate
- Some users have complained of signal dropping
If you’re a gamer, the ASUS RT-AX57 WiFi 6 is the best router for gaming under $150 to stream single or multiplayer games online and enjoy a smoother gameplay experience.
As for the total speeds, you get 3000 Mbps from the dual bands, with 574 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 2402 Mbps on 5GHz. Plus, it uses the new-gen WiFi 6 technology for faster wireless connections.
Further, much like some of the best routers for multiple devices, this one also supports OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies, which allow multiple devices to connect simultaneously. Plus, the BSS Coloring boosts WiFi connection efficiency, delivering sufficient bandwidth for gaming, streaming, or faster downloads.
As for the total speeds, you get 3000 Mbps from the dual bands, with 574 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 2402 Mbps on 5GHz. Plus, it uses the new-gen WiFi 6 technology for faster wireless connections.
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When it comes to coverage, you can extend your network by pairing the router with another compatible AiMesh router to enjoy seamless roaming and other advanced features.
Regarding security features, you have AiProtection Classic, which should provide secure connections on your home network. Plus, you get an ASUS Instant Guard, which acts as a one-click secure VPN.
For easy control, you can download the latest ASUS router app to set up your router and other functions like advanced parental controls to make the internet a safer place for your kids.
What users say
One feature that’s highlighted across user reviews of the ASUS RT-AX57 is its speed, which can be seen as excellent considering its price point. One user brings out high praise, saying that the router has the “best 5GHz indoor range I’ve seen”, whereas another mentions that it’s a “very fast router and a lot of good functionality”. However, there are mixed opinions on the VPN usage.
- Standard: WiFi 6
- Frequency Bands: 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
- Max speed: 1.8 Gbps
- LAN ports: 4 x 1Gbps
- 1.8 Gbps speeds is strong for the price point
- 3000 sq. ft. coverage should be more than enough for your living space
- Connections for 25+ devices
- Netgear has paid security features
- Some users don’t like having to install the app to complete setup
If you want the best WiFi mesh under $150, you should definitely check out the NETGEAR Nighthawk AX1800 router.
For starters, you get 1.8Gbps WiFi 6 speeds from the dual-wired connectivity, which includes a router and one satellite extender. So, you can expect uninterrupted HD video gaming, streaming, and web conferencing.
Coming to WiFi coverage, the router can cover 3000 sq. ft. and allows simultaneous connections for 25+ devices, making it suitable for larger homes or offices. Plus, you can connect an existing modem if you have one.
On the inside, the router boasts a Quad-core 1.5GHz processor, 128MB flash memory, and 256MB RAM (even for the satellite), which should handle the load from multiple connected devices.
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As for the versatile wired connections, you have one Gigabit Ethernet LAN port and one Gigabit Ethernet WAN port on the router. Plus, the satellite extender has another Gigabit Ethernet LAN port. So, you can plug in your streaming players, game consoles, and computers simultaneously and get sufficient bandwidth.
On the inside, the router boasts a Quad-core 1.5GHz processor, 128MB flash memory, and 256MB RAM (even for the satellite), which should handle the load from multiple connected devices. Further, the router is compatible with any internet service provider with up to 1Gbps, like DSL, fiber, cable, and satellite.
Another notable feature is the Nighthawk app, which lets you set up the router in minutes, manage WiFi settings, monitor data usage, and test internet speeds. Plus, you get a 30-day free trial with NETGEAR Armor for secure family connections and NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls for providing a safer internet space for your kids.
What users say
Last up, the NETGEAR Nighthawk AX1800 has been praised across its Amazon reviews for how easy it is to set up. To pull on some quotes, one review commented that it’s “easy to install and work very well”, and another goes further to describe that it’s also “very easy to change IDs and Passwords”, so you shouldn’t have any qualms with your installation.
Features and considerations
Here are a few things to consider before you get a new router –
WiFi technology
As you will be investing in a new router and using it for a good long while, you should go for a router that supports the latest WiFi standards. So you should be getting a WiFi 6 router, which is one of the latest and widely used WiFi standards. If you want to future-proof a little, you can look for WiFi 6E routers – just make sure your devices are compatible. With a $150 budget, you can get a bunch of good options, so this is not something to worry about.
Coverage
The goal here is to get a WiFi router that can deliver sufficient signal strength throughout your house and office and eliminate dead zones. The area that a router covers is usually mentioned in the product description, so you should get a better idea about the right router for your house. Plus, you can always extend your coverage with the mesh network; just make sure that the router is mesh-compatible.
Security
Most routers offer basic security features like regular scans, frequent reports, parental controls, guest networks, and more. However, advanced security settings are often “premium,” and you’d need to pay for the subscription. Depending on your usage and requirements, you can check the features and go for the free or the premium version.
