5 Best Gaming Routers Under $100

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PC gaming is a serious business. If you’re like most people, you take your games seriously and don’t want to compromise on quality.

When you’re looking for a quality router to game with, you don’t have to spend a fortune. You can find routers that are perfect for your gaming needs without spending more than $100. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best gaming routers under $100 and help you decide which one is right for you.

One of the first things to consider when purchasing a gaming router is what type of games you plan on playing. If you’re mostly interested in online multiplayer games like Call of Duty or Battlefield, then you’ll need a router that has good range and can handle multiple connections simultaneously. If you’re more interested in single-player or LAN games, then any basic router will do.

Are you in the market for a gaming router but don’t want to spend a fortune? If so, you’re in luck! In this guide, we will discuss some of the best gaming routers under $100. We’ll answer some common questions and provide product reviews to help you make an informed decision. So, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or simply want to know more about gaming routers, read on!

TP-Link AC1200 Archer A6 Gigabit WiFi Router – the Editor’s choice!

The dual-band router was specifically designed for people on a budget. Despite its low price, it offers features comparable to those found in more expensive routers, such as MU-MIMO data streaming and four gigabit LAN ports. While its 5GHz performance is good, the 2.4 GHz band leaves something to be desired. It also lacks USB connectivity and built-in malware protection that is usually the top pick for cheap routers (but does come with two USB 3.0 ports).

This router features great 5GHz performance, along with MU-MINO streaming support, making it the perfect choice for busy homes or frequent streamers. In addition, its four antennas provide better coverage than most routers in its class. And with guest WiFi and parental control support built-in, the Archer A6 is a great choice for families too.

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Linksys EA6350 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router for Home – the best for beginners!

The default USB 3.0 port provides superior bandwidth, allowing you to quickly transfer large files from one device to another. You may simply copy pictures, videos, and other data from your router to a peripheral device connected to the USB port. Users also have access to a wide range of external accessories through the USB port, including a printer.

The Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Web interface and mobile app make setting up and maintaining the EA6350 simple, as it is with most Linksys routers. The extra money for this router over the D-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Router will get you considerably faster throughput and a USB 3.0 connection.

If you’re looking for a great dual-band router that is easy to install and manage, the Linksys EA6350 is a perfect choice. It delivers excellent 5GHz performance and comes with advanced beamforming technology. Additionally, it’s portable so you can take it with you wherever you go. And if you need more ports, no problem – the EA6350 has 4 LAN ports.

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Medialink AC1200 Wireless Gigabit Router – the best for small houses!

What’s more, you’ll have full control over your lights and parental controls, ensuring a safe and secure online experience for your loved ones. And with its built-in VPN, you’ll be able to surf anonymously and keep your data safe no matter where you are. Installation is easy – so get started today!

The AC1200 router is the perfect device for anyone looking for a fast, reliable, and secure home network. With its fast Ethernet ports and support for range extenders, this router can handle even the most demanding of networks. And with its great firewall security and in-built VPN, you can be sure that your data is safe at all times. Moreover, it’s easy to install – so you’ll be online in no time!

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Linksys EA7300 Max-Stream AC1750 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router – the best for coverage!

With new wireless AC technology, this Linksys router can handle high speeds of data processing, making it perfect for gaming or streaming HD videos. If you have a lot of devices that need to be connected at once, don’t worry – the EA7300 supports up to three simultaneous connections.

And there are plenty of ports available so you can easily plug in everything you need. And if you’re an Alexa user, this router has added support so you can control all your smart home devices with voice.

The Linksys EA7300 may be a great bargain for the average customer when compared to other routers on the market. It’s intended for use in homes with a large number of devices that require fast internet access. Even if you don’t have the most up-to-date gear, you’ll still be able to profit from traffic shaping and MU-MIMO technology to guarantee that everyone has enough bandwidth.

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Tenda AC18 Wireless-AC1900 Dual Band Gigabit Router – the best for connectivity!

The Tenda AC18 is extremely quick to set up, simple to maintain and dependable from the moment you plug it in. The Tenda AC18 doesn’t add anything new to the table if you already have the Tenda AC15. Even though it’s not the most expensive option, it’s still a reasonable and effective alternative to competitors like Asus and Netgear.

It is my personal selection for AC1900 routers, but I can’t compare them to their competition. If you’ve been looking for a router that could improve your network, the Tenda AC18 will not disappoint because it received our highest ratings for outstanding performance and dependability.

If you’re looking for a powerful and stylish wireless router, the Tenda AC18 is perfect for you. With its 1900 Mbps speed and Gigabit ports, this router can handle even the most demanding networks. Plus, its USB 3.0 port provides ultra-fast data transfers.

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The Buyer’s Guide

How to Set Up a Router for Gaming?

Setting up a router for gaming is not as difficult as one might think. In fact, it’s quite easy to do and only takes a few minutes. 

Here are the basic steps you need to take in order to set up your router for gaming:

1. Make sure that your computer is connected to the router. You can do this by plugging an Ethernet cable into the port on your computer and then plugging the other end of the cable into one of the ports on the back of the router;
2. Open a web browser and type in 192.168.0.254 (or whatever IP address is listed on your routers’ sticker). This will bring you to your routers’ configuration page;
3. From here, you will need to enter your username and password. The username and password are usually both admin unless you have changed them previously;
4. Once you are logged in, look for the section that says “Wireless” or “Network”. This is where you will be able to configure the settings of your router for gaming;
5. The first thing you will want to do is change the name of your network (known as the SSID). You can do this by typing in a new name under the “SSID” heading. Make sure that the name is something that stands out so you can easily identify it when looking for networks while gaming;
6. Next, go to the “Security” tab and select “WPA/WPA-PSK”. Then, type in a new password under the “Passphrase” heading. This will be the password that you use to connect to your network while gaming;
7. Finally, go to the “Channel” tab and select “Auto”. This will ensure that your router is using the best channel for gaming purposes;
8. Once you have finished configuring your router for gaming, click on the Save button at the bottom of the page. Your changes will take effect immediately [1]

How to Optimize Routers for Gaming?

There are a few things you can do to optimize your router for gaming. One of the simplest ways is to change its settings so that it prioritizes gaming traffic over other types of traffic on your network. 

You can also use a tool like Wi-Fi Analyzer to help you find the best spot in your home for your router so that you get the best signal possible. If you have any devices on your network that are hogging bandwidth, such as streaming services or downloads, you may want to pause or limit them while you’re playing games online.

Another thing to keep in mind is whether or not your router has been optimized for gaming specifically. Some routers come with features like Quality of Service (QoS) that allow you to prioritize gaming traffic over other types of traffic. This can be helpful if you have a lot of devices on your network using the internet at the same time.

Main Features:

Speed

It is important to keep in mind that the rated speed is not always the same as real-world performance. In actuality, far less than half of the rated speed may be achieved in practice. If you only connect a few devices at a time to the router, a router with a rating of 900 would probably be enough. AC1500 and above are required for anything more substantial.

However, if you connect a gaming console, a smart TV, and a few PCs, you’ll discover that your internet connection needs at least 1200 Mbps[2]

Bands

Dual-band routers come with either two or three bands. The number of bands a router has will dictate how many devices can be connected at the same time and how fast they can all run. A dual-band router gives you two networks, one on the lower frequency (usually 802.11G) and one on the higher frequency (usually 802.11N). This is perfect if you have a mix of old and new devices, as it lets each device connected to the network that will work best for it.

Three-band routers give you an extra band in addition to the two found on a dual-band router. With this setup, devices that need lots of bandwidth, like video streaming and online gaming, can use the higher-frequency band, while devices that don’t need as much bandwidth can use the lower-frequency band. This setup is great for a busy home with lots of devices.

Some routers come with a “smart connect” feature. This will automatically assign each device to the best frequency band based on what it’s doing and how close it is to the router. For example, if you’re watching a movie on your tablet, it’ll be connected to the higher-frequency band so you don’t experience any buffering delays. If you walk away from your tablet and go upstairs, your phone might switch over to the lower-frequency band so that you still have good reception [3].

LAN

Despite the fact that it should be a given for every router now made, not every single one has even a single gigabit LAN port. As a result of this, each of the devices on this list comes with at least 4 gigabit LAN ports.

When you connect your gaming console to the router with an Ethernet cable, it’s important not to exceed the speed limit imposed by your ISP. This ensures that your game speeds online aren’t throttled, ensuring buttery-smooth gameplay. It might appear obvious, but there is a significant difference between fast Ethernet and gigabit LAN [4].

Wifi Standards

The two most common wifi standards are 802.11a and 802.11b. The problem with these two standards is that they both operate on the same frequency band, which can lead to interference when multiple devices are using it at once.

This new standard also uses the less congested “high-band” frequencies, meaning your signal will travel farther and be stronger overall. 

Most of the routers on this list use the latest and greatest 802.11ac standard.

If your device doesn’t support 802.11ac but does support 802.11n, it will still work with these routers; they’ll just operate at a slower speed [5]. 

MU-MIMO & Beamforming

One of the best features that come with gaming routers is MU-MIMO (Multi User-Multiple Input, Multiple Output). This technology allows devices to talk directly to the router without any interference. It helps reduce buffering and makes sure you have a smooth experience when gaming online or streaming video content.

The MU-MIMO or multi-user, multiple inputs, multiple outputs (also known as AC Wave 2) technology enables several smart devices to communicate with the router at the same time. The longer a complex connection takes, the older your old router will be.

Simultaneous up and down traffic from multiple devices was not possible with previous Wi-Fi routers because they would queue everyone for downloading data and respond to requests accordingly. Multiple users uploading and downloading data at the same time generated many complicated traffic patterns that MU-MIMO is better able to handle.

Another feature found on many gaming routers these days is beamforming. Beamforming sends data directly to connected devices instead of broadcasting it in all directions. This results in a stronger signal and better performance, especially when streaming or playing games with multiple players.

Both of these technologies are important if you want the best possible performance from your router, so be sure to look for them when shopping for a new one.

Number of Ports

One of the most important factors to consider when looking for a gaming router is the number of ports. The best routers will have plenty of Ethernet ports for your devices, as well as USB ports for attaching storage drives or printers. Some routers even come with built-in modems, so make sure to check the specs before you buy.

If you’re only using a few devices, a four-port router should be enough. But if you have a lot of gadgets that need an internet connection – like smart TVs, game consoles, and streaming sticks – then you’ll want something with more ports. 

A ten-port router gives you plenty of options without having to constantly unplug and replug cables into different slots.

The Ethernet ports connect to wired devices like printers, gaming computers, and game consoles via a cable. The connected devices benefit from lightning-fast speeds provided by the Gigabit ports.

The “Fast Ethernet” tech, which debuted over a decade ago, was only capable of providing speeds up to 100Mbps. Fast Ethernet is an enhanced version of Fast Ethernet that provides speeds up to 1Gbps. All of the routers on this page have at least three 3 Gigabit connections [6]. 

Range

The next most important factor to consider is the router’s range. The best gaming routers will have a longer range, so you don’t have to keep moving your laptop or console closer and closer to the modem.

There are two main factors that affect a router’s range: the type of antenna and the power output. Most routers come with one or two antennas, which can be internal (built-in) or external (attached to the device). If you need a better range, look for a model with four or more antennas – these usually have higher power outputs too.

Another thing to keep in mind is whether your home has thick walls made from concrete, brick, or metal. These materials can block Wi-Fi signals, so you may need a more powerful router to get a signal in every room.

The Wi-Fi Alliance is an international nonprofit that sets standards for the Wi-Fi industry. One of their latest initiatives is called “Wi-Fi Certified AC” – it’s a new certification for routers that meet certain requirements for speed and range. The routers on this page are all either certified or pending certification, so you can be sure they’ll work well in your home [7].

Parental Control

If you have young children, you may want to look for a router with parental controls. This feature lets you restrict access to certain websites or even pause the internet altogether.

Most routers come with some type of parental control software, but not all of them are very good. Some only let you block specific websites, while others give you more options like time limits and website filtering. If this is important to you, be sure to check the specs before buying.

Some routers also come with built-in antivirus protection, which can be handy if you’re not using a separate security program on your devices.

Security

If you’re not sure what kind of security your router has, check the manufacturer’s website or the manual that came with the device. You can also look for routers that have been certified by organizations like Wi-Fi Alliance or ICSA Labs.

One common security feature is called WPA/WPA-PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access). This encrypts your data so that it can’t be read by anyone who might intercept it – like someone sitting in a coffee shop using an unsecured network.  All of the routers on this page have WPA/WPA-PSK enabled by default [8].

Quality of Service (QoS)

Finally, a good gaming router will have Quality of Service (QoS) enabled [9]. This lets you prioritize certain types of traffic over others, like VoIP calls or online gaming.

This is important because it ensures that your games won’t get interrupted by a phone call or an episode of your favorite TV show. It also helps to prevent lag and buffering when streaming video content. 

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FAQ

What router do pro gamers use?

Most pro gamers rely on high-end routers that can cost hundreds of dollars. However, there are some great gaming routers available for under $100.

There are a number of factors to consider such as:

• the type of games you play; 
• the size of your home;
• how many devices do you need to connect;

If you want the best possible performance, you may need to invest in a higher-priced model. 

Is AC1200 enough for gaming?

The design is basic, but it’s still elegant. The connection speed is good and steady enough for gaming, and the AC1200 can also handle several device households of all sizes (although it performs best in smaller rooms) [10]. 

Are gaming routers worth it?

Simply put, yes. Gaming routers are worth the investment for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, gaming routers offer features that regular routers don’t. For instance, they often have QoS (Quality of Service) settings that allow you to prioritize traffic from specific applications or devices. 

This is great for gamers because it ensures that their game data gets priority over other activities on the network, preventing lag spikes and improving overall performance. In addition, gaming routers come with firmware specifically designed for gaming, which can provide added benefits like better range and signal stability.

Secondly, gaming routers usually cost much less than high-end models. You can get a good quality model for under $100, while top-of-the-line routers can easily cost twice that amount. So, if you’re looking for an affordable way to improve your gaming experience, a gaming router is the way to go.

Is Orbi good for gaming?

The Orbi is a great router for gaming, as it provides high-quality performance and speeds. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option, the Nighthawk XR500 may be a better choice. The XR500 has been specifically designed for gamers and offers features like geo-filter to help reduce lag during online gameplay.

If you are looking for an even more affordable option, consider the Asus RT-AC86U. This router is not specifically designed for gaming, but still offers good performance and features that can benefit gamers, like game boost and WTFast. Overall, any of these routers would be good choices for gaming.

Is 1200 Mbps fast for gaming?

The minimum internet speed for casual gaming is usually three to six megabits per second (Mbps). The ideal internet connection speed for competitive gaming is at least 25 Mbps. Furthermore, a connection with a speed of 1200 megabits per second is regarded as excellent [11]. 

So, if you want to be sure that your gaming router can provide you with the best possible experience, look for one that advertises speeds of at least 1200 Mbps.

However, it is important to keep in mind that these speeds are not always completely accurate and can vary depending on your specific internet setup. So, before making a purchase, it is always a good idea to do some research into your home network’s capabilities and what speed you actually need. 

Do I have to pay monthly for a gaming router?

No, you do not always have to pay monthly for a gaming router. Many routers include features like parental controls and guest networks that are free to use. However, some premium features may require a paid subscription.

Gaming routers offer many features that can improve your online gaming experience. Some of these features, like QoS (quality of service) and MU-MIMO (multi-user MIMO), may require a paid subscription from the manufacturer in order to be used. Make sure you research what features your router offers before purchasing it to avoid any surprises down the road.

Will a gaming router reduce ping?

A gaming router will not necessarily reduce your ping, but it can help improve your connection quality and stability. This, in turn, can help reduce lag and increase your overall gaming performance. 

One of the main benefits of using a gaming router is that it offers more bandwidth than a standard router. This means that you can send and receive data faster, which is essential for online gaming. In addition, many gaming routers include features specifically designed to improve your gaming experiences, such as QoS (quality of service) and game acceleration.

QoS helps to ensure that the important packets of data – like those from your game – are given priority over other traffic on your network. This ensures that there is less latency and fewer interruptions during gameplay. Game acceleration works by optimizing the way in which data is transferred between your computer and the game server. This can help reduce delays and increase performance.

What is the fastest WiFi signal?

The fastest WiFi signal is the one that reaches your device the quickest. This will depend on a number of factors, including the distance between the router and device, as well as any obstacles in the way. The best way to find out which signal is fastest for you is to test different speeds with different routers in different locations in your home.

Do WiFi routers wear out?

The answer to this question depends on how you use your WiFi router. If you have a large family and everyone in the house is constantly streaming movies, gaming, or downloading music, then your router will likely wear out sooner than if it’s used by just one person. Heavy usage can cause routers to overheat, reducing their lifespan.

But if you’re using your WiFi for light browsing and don’t have a lot of people using it at once, your router could last for years without any problems. So, the answer to this question really depends on how much use your particular router gets.

WiFi routers are generally very reliable pieces of technology, but like anything else, they can eventually die from heavy use or age. How long your router lasts also depends on the quality of the router.

This is to ensure that your home’s wireless network remains secure and efficient. The majority of experts advocate replacing routers every three to four years. This takes into account the fact that people replace their cellphones (every two years) as well as PCs (every 3-4 years)[12].

Are hotspot routers good for gaming?

It really depends on the type of router. Many hotspot routers are not designed for gaming and may have trouble handling the high-bandwidth needs of online gaming. However, some newer models can handle it just fine. 

Wi-Fi hotspots can be beneficial for gaming, but they are sometimes unreliable in terms of speed, latency, and coverage. Using a hotspot may become costly if you don’t have an unlimited data plan depending on the sorts of games you want to play and how much data you have [13].

Do gaming routers increase download speed?

This also depends on the router. Some gaming routers are specifically designed to prioritize internet traffic for gaming, which can increase your download speed. Other routers may not have this feature, but they still may be able to handle gaming traffic better than a standard router. 

It is important to keep in mind that you cannot necessarily expect an instant boost in download speed simply by purchasing and using a gaming router. Your internet service provider (ISP) and overall network conditions will also play a role in determining how much of an improvement if any, you’ll see.

Is 1gbps good for gaming?

As a reasonably fast internet speed, most video game console manufacturers suggest at least 3 Mbps (or “megabits per second”, the measurement of how much data can be moved in a second) of download speed and 0.5 to 1 Mbs of upload speed [14]. 

Is 200mbps good for gaming?

200Mbps is a good baseline for most households that have multiple devices using the internet simultaneously. If you are a PC gamer, you will need more bandwidth to avoid latency issues and keep your gaming sessions smooth. A single 200 Mbps connection may not be enough if there are other people streaming video or downloading files in your home at the same time.

Many gamers prefer routers with gigabit speeds so they can game, stream, and download without any lag or buffering. While some routers advertise speeds of up to 1000 Mbps, these claims are often exaggerated. In reality, very few devices in your home will actually reach those speeds. 

Is having 2 routers bad?

No, it is not bad to have two routers. In fact, many people recommend using two routers if you want the best possible performance for gaming and streaming. By placing one router in the living room and another in your bedroom, you can get coverage throughout your entire home. You may also want to consider a mesh network system, which uses multiple routers to create a single Wi-Fi network. This will give you better coverage in areas where your signal is weak.

If you are only using one router, try moving it around your house to see if that improves the signal strength in certain areas. You can also try changing the channel on your router or adding an extender to boost the signal. If all of these measures fail, you may need to upgrade to a router that offers better coverage.

Why do gamers need fast internet?

Latency, or lag, is one of the biggest problems that gamers face online. When your internet connection is slow, it takes longer for information to travel from your computer to the game server and back again. This can cause packets of data to be lost along the way, resulting in choppy gameplay, missed shots, and lagging audio.

A good gaming router will help reduce latency by keeping your connection as fast as possible. It will also help keep other devices in your home from using up all of your bandwidth, so you can continue gaming without interruption.

Routers with gigabit speeds are ideal for gaming because they offer the fastest possible connection. However, if you are on a budget, there are many routers available that offer speeds of up to 300 Mbps. These routers will still be much faster than your average internet speed and should provide a smooth gaming experience.

What internet speed do I need for gaming?

It is difficult to say exactly what internet speed you need for gaming, as it will vary depending on the type of games you play and your connection type. However, a good rule of thumb is to have at least twice the download speed that the game requires. So, if you are playing a game that needs only a 3-Mbps connection, you should have a minimum download speed of 6 Mbps.

If you are using a wireless connection, make sure your router has enough bandwidth to support all of your devices. A single device may not require much bandwidth, but when multiple devices are connected to the same network, they can quickly use up all available resources. Routers with speeds of up to 1000 Mbps can handle multiple devices without any problems.

Useful Video: Top 5 Best Wireless Router for Gaming Under $100

Final thoughts

Whether you’re on a tight budget or simply want to learn more about gaming routers, we hope this guide has been helpful. At the end of the day, the best router for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. We recommend reading product reviews and comparing features before making a decision. Thanks for reading!

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References:

1. https://diamondlobby.com/tech-guides/how-to-set-up-a-router-for-gaming
2. https://laptop251.com/best-wireless-routers-under-100
3. https://gamingpcdesks.com/top-10-best-gaming-routers-under-100
4. https://www.wepc.com/reviews/best-gaming-router-under-100
5. https://laptop251.com/best-wireless-routers-under-100
6. https://gamingpcdesks.com/top-10-best-gaming-routers-under-100
7. https://www.wi-fi.org
8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi_Protected_Access
9. https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-quality-of-service-qos
10. https://www.gamingscan.com/netgear-ac1200-review
11. https://gamerswiki.net/is-1200-mbps-good-for-gaming
12. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/08/technology/personaltech/if-your-wi-fi-is-terrible-check-your-router.html
13. https://homenetworkgeek.com/are-wi-fi-hotspots-good-for-gaming/
14. https://www.xfinity.com/hub/internet/internet-speed-for-gaming