If you’re a hardcore gamer and you’re looking for a reliable router to support your gaming sessions but on a budget, then you’ve come to the right place. The affordability of the current market allows you to find some of the best routers for gaming under $100. Gaming routers should prioritize speed and reliability while providing additional features that allow you to customize your networking experience.
In A Hurry? Check Out Our Top Recommendations!
- ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi Router – Editor’s Choice
- Linksys EA7500 Dual-Band Router – Best Budget Pick
For gamers, it’s important to look for a router with a good processor, plenty of RAM and NAND flash, and Quality of Service (QoS). Look for models that support dual-band frequencies, long-distance Wi-Fi ranges, open-source firmware, multiple ports, and advanced network security protocols. These features are essential for gaming and can help give you a leg up on the competition.
Game Setup – How To Connect Router?
1. Connect the router to a power source. Take the power cord that came with the router and plug it into a nearby wall outlet.
2. Connect the router to the modem. Take the Ethernet cable provided with the router and plug one end into the port labeled “Internet” on the back of the router. Then plug the other end into the port labeled “Modem” on the modem.
3. Connect the gaming console to the router. Take the Ethernet cable and plug one end into the port labeled “Console” on the back of the router. Then plug the other end into the port labeled “Network” on the back of the gaming console.
4. Power on the router and console. Press the power button on the router to turn it on, and then press the power button on the gaming console to turn it on.
5. Set up your router. Once the router and console are powered on, you will need to follow the instructions on the router to set up the connection. This will usually involve entering a username and password, setting up a network name, and setting up a security key.
Also, we Added Video for Your Help:
Comparison Table:
| Products | Speed | Alexa Commands | Connectivity Technology | Ethernet ports |
| ASUS ROG Rapture Gaming Router | 2,167Mbps | Not Enabled | Wi-Fi | 5 Ports |
| NETGEAR 4-Stream Router | 1.8Gbps | Not Enabled | Wi-Fi, Ethernet | 4 Ports |
| ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router | 1800Mbps | Enabled | Wi-Fi | 5 Ports |
| TP-Link AC4000 Tri-Band WiFi Router | 2 Gbps | Enabled | Wi-Fi, Ethernet | 5 Ports |
| TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router | 2976 Mbps | Enabled | Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet | 5 Ports |
Best Gaming Router Under 100$ – Our Top Picks
If you want a gaming router that won’t break the bank, these routers should offer everything you need. Besides providing great performance for a fraction of the cost, they are also compatible with a variety of gaming systems, including Xbox and PlayStation.
1. ASUS ROG Rapture Gaming Router
Key Specifications:
| Speed | Up to 750Mbps on 2.4GHz and 2,167Mbps on 5GHz |
| Memory | Flash memory of 256MB and RAM of 512MB |
| Game Accelerator | Triple-level game accelerator |
| Security | AiProtection Pro |
| Cloud Gaming | Support for cloud gaming service |
When it comes to gaming, the router is the lifeblood of your system. With the ASUS ROG Rapture, you can be sure to have one of the best routers available, and all at under 100$.
This router is amazing at speed, with a speed of up to 750Mbps on 2.4GHz and 2,167Mbps on 5GHz, it is definitely up there with the best of them. And it doesn’t stop there, with its flash memory of 256MB and RAM of 512MB, this router can easily handle a high bandwidth of traffic and never slow you down.
Regardless of the gamer genre, the triple-level game accelerator makes this router an absolute powerhouse. With its anti-packet walking, anti-lag, and juding acceleration, this router can make sure that your latency remains low no matter how much gaming you are doing.
Moreover, this router comes with a lifetime free subscription to AiProtection Pro. This is a security package that comes with a suite of features such as malicious website blocking and a targeted intrusion prevention system. This makes your connection much more secure and safe for gaming or web browsing.
Its support for cloud gaming service makes ASUS RGR Rapture a very appealing product. This allows you to access a variety of cloud-based gaming services in the comfort of your own home, perfect for someone who prefers to not have to wait for the latest game releases.
2. NETGEAR 4-Stream Router
Key Specifications:
| Speed | 1.8Gbps |
| Compatible with | Fiber and internet plans up to 1Gbps |
| Processor | 5 Graphic quad-core processor |
| Security | Advanced cybersecurity protection |
| Device Support | Support for up to 20+ WiFi devices |
This router provides an amazing 1.8Gbps of speed, making it an excellent choice for gamers who need uninterrupted, fast connections. The Router for Gaming Under 100$ is designed to work with fiber and internet plans up to 1Gbps, so you can have faster download and upload speeds for the ultimate gaming experience.
You can stream and game without any lags or dropped connections thanks to its 5 Graphic quad-core processor. Not only does it have amazing speed and power, but the Router for Gaming Under 100$ also offers a range of security features to protect your data. With advanced cybersecurity protection, you can browse and game worry-free, knowing that your information is safe and secure.
It also has smart parental controls, allowing you to monitor and limit your children’s access to the internet if you need to. Also, it can support up to 20+ WiFi devices, so everyone can have access to the internet at once. Plus, with its up to 1,500 sq. ft coverage, you can be sure that your entire home will have reliable WiFi with no dead spots.
All in all, the NETGEAR 4-Stream Router for Gaming Under 100$ is an excellent choice for gamers on a budget. With its high speeds, advanced security features, and wide coverage, you can be sure that your gaming experience will be uninterrupted and secure.
3. ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router
Key Specifications:
| Speed | Up to 1800Mbps |
| Range | 3000 sq ft |
| Band | 574 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 1201 Mbps on the 5GHz band |
| Setup | The ASUS Router App can also be managed with Alexa |
| Security | Advanced WPA/WPA2 wireless encryption, AiProtection |
If you’re looking for a router that offers high-speed networking, maximum range, and gaming-optimized performance, then the ASUS AX1800 WiFi 6 Router for Gaming under 100$ is the one for you. With its advanced WiFi 6 technology, this router offers a maximum speed of up to 1800Mbps for seamless streaming, gaming, and surfing.
With a range of 3000 sq ft, you can enjoy uninterrupted connectivity in even the largest households. It has up to 574 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 1201 Mbps on the 5GHz band. That means you can enjoy ultra-fast speeds, no matter how many people or devices you need to connect.
It also features MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology, which allows you to enjoy smooth streaming even when multiple devices are connected. The best part about the Router for Gaming is its easy setup with the ASUS Router App. All you need to do is connect your router to your device, and you’ll be able to manage all your WiFi settings from the app. You can also manage your settings with Alexa and enjoy complete control over your network.
When it comes to security this router is equipped with advanced WPA/WPA2 wireless encryption, so you can be sure that all your data is kept safe and secure.
As part of its security system, AiProtection provides real-time protection against cyber threats. The Parental Controls and Guest Access features let you control who has access to your network and when ensuring your kids and guests stay safe while they’re online.
4. TP-Link AC4000 Tri-Band WiFi Router
Key Specifications:
| CPU | 1.8 GHz 64-bit CPU |
| Speed | 1625 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 750 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band |
| Alexa Voice Control | For convenient guest WiFi management |
| Wired Connection | Ultra-fast 2 Gbps wired connection |
| VPN Server | For secure internet access |
Wow, the TP-Link AC4000 Tri-Band WiFi Router for Gaming Under 100$ is an amazing device! It’s probably the best router you can get for the price. With its 1.8 GHz 64-bit CPU, three co-processors, and 512 MB of RAM, it offers incredible performance for gaming, streaming, and any other online activity.
With 1625 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 750 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, and MU-MIMO technology, the router never lags and eliminates buffering. This makes it ideal for gaming and streaming high volumes of data.
The router has a built-in Alexa voice control feature so you can handle guest WiFi without having to manually adjust settings. This makes it very convenient for people who often receive visitors.
It also gives you access to an ultra-fast 2 Gbps wired connection. This ensures that you’ll always have the fastest possible connection and will never be left behind during your gaming sessions.
One of the impressive feature that it comes with a built-in VPN server so you can easily access the internet while staying secure. This is especially useful if you need to access certain sites that are blocked in your country.
In addition, the router comes with four Gigabit Ethernet ports, one WAN, and four LANs. This allows you to connect multiple devices to the router for a reliable and secure connection.
5. TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router
Key Specifications:
| Speed | Up to 2976 Mbps |
| Band | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band |
| Voice commands | Voice commands with Amazon Alexa |
| Security | Network Security Scan |
| Reports | Weekly and monthly reports to monitor network performance |
If you’re a gamer looking for an affordable router that packs plenty of features, then the TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router is the perfect choice for you. With lightning-fast data transfer speeds of up to 2976 Mbps and the latest WiFi 6 technology, you can be sure that your gaming sessions won’t be lagging or interrupted.
The router’s four high-gain external antennas provide maximum coverage, and its beamforming technology ensures that your connection is always strong and stable. Plus, its 2.4 GHz band provides 574 Mbps while its 5 GHz band offers up to 2402 Mbps. It also has improved battery life, so you can enjoy hours of uninterrupted gaming.
It also features voice commands with Amazon Alexa, which makes it easy to control your router using only your voice. This is great for gamers who need to quickly change settings or check their connection status without having to get up from their gaming chair.
If you’re worried about security, this router has you covered. With its Network Security Scan, you can easily detect potential threats and ensure that your connection is always safe and secure. It also has basic parental controls, QoS, and IoT device identification, so you can keep your network and devices safe from intruders.
Furthermore, the router has weekly and monthly reports that let you know how your network is performing and if any changes need to be made. This is great for keeping track of your connection and ensuring that your gaming sessions are always running smoothly.
What Features To Look For When Buying a Gaming Router Under 100$?
When deciding on the proper router to use while gaming, there are a few features that you should look for.
Speed & Range:
Speed is essential for having a good gaming experience, and it should be capable of achieving at least 600Mbps on both the 2.4GHz & 5GHz bands. This will ensure that your games don’t experience lag, and that you can take full advantage of all the features offered by games. The router should also have a wide range, usually between 300 and 350 feet, meaning that you will be able to easily access your network while playing from around the house.
Dual-Band:
Dual-Band routers transmit signals on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, allowing you to have access to a faster, more reliable connection. The 2.4 GHz frequency is best suited for web browsing, while the 5 GHz is best for gaming since it has less interference. It’s important to note that not all routers under 100$ will offer the dual-band feature, but the ones that do are undoubtedly worth the cost.
Enter Protocol Support:
The router should support the most common Wi-Fi standards, including IEEE 802.11ac and IEEE 802.11n. Newer standards provide higher data transfer rates, reduce interference and offer improved range.
Advanced Network Security:
Look for a router with support for WPA or WPA2 encryption, which offers the highest level of available wireless security. You should also look for firewall protection or intrusion prevention to prevent malicious attacks from outside sources.
Quality of Service (QoS):
Quality of service (QoS) is an important feature for gaming routers that allows you to prioritize traffic for certain applications and devices. This feature ensures that your gaming traffic takes precedence over streaming video or other non-critical tasks, ensuring smooth game play.
Number of LAN and USB Ports:
It’s important to choose a router with enough ports to accommodate all of your gaming devices and peripherals. Look for a router with at least 4-8 Ethernet ports, as well as one or two USB ports, which will allow you to connect printers and external hard drives.
Additional Features:
Look for other features such as guest networks, parental control, advanced settings and shareable printers. These features can help enhance your gaming experience and provide more convenience.
Conclusion:
Looking for a great router for gaming under 100$, then you have a few excellent options. We have reviewed some of the best routers for gaming under 100$ and have highlighted their key features. Additionally, we have discussed the features that you should consider when buying a router for gaming under 100$. With this information in hand, you can now make an informed decision when purchasing a router for gaming under 100$.Our top recommendation is the TP-Link AC4000 Tri-Band WiFi Router, which offers excellent speed, range and a dual-band performance, making it an ideal choice for gaming.
FAQs:
A good router for gaming will depend on your budget and your gaming needs. If you are looking for a router specifically for gaming, you should look for a router that has a high-speed processor, dual-band or tri-band technology, and a quality signal range. You should also look for a router with Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize gaming traffic, as well as strong parental controls and security features.
High-speed routers can range from around $150 to $300 or more, depending on the features and performance capabilities. A basic router with single-band technology and basic security features should be sufficient for most gamers, and can be found for around $50 to $200.
If you are willing to spend more money, you can get routers with more advanced features, including dual-band or tri-band technology, higher speed processors, and more advanced security and parental control settings. These routers can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 or more.
Yes, 100 Mbps router is good for gaming if the game you are playing does not require an extremely high internet connection speed. Most online games can be played with a 100 Mbps connection, though some may require more.
For example, if you are playing a game that requires a fast connection, such as an online shooter, it is best to have a router with at least 250 Mbps speed. This will ensure that the game runs smoothly with no lag or disconnections.
If you are playing a game with more relaxed requirements, such as a casual strategy game or a card game, then a 100 Mbps router will be more than sufficient.
The best router for gaming is one that supports the latest Wi-Fi technology, such as 802.11ac or the more recent 802.11ax standard. These standards offer the highest possible speeds and the best range, allowing for an uninterrupted gaming experience.
Additionally, it is important to look for a router with a dual-band frequency (2.4GHz and 5GHz) which allows for a large amount of bandwidth to be delivered simultaneously. This is especially important for multi-player gaming. Other features to look for include Quality of Service (QoS) technology, which allows for the router to prioritize gaming traffic over other network traffic and access control settings which allow for parental control and guest access.
I am the founder and CEO of Ownrouter. I have been in the industry for over 15 years, and I am passionate about routers. I have a degree in computer science from the University of London and worked as a network engineer for a large ISP. I am also a member of the board of directors for the Open Source Router Project. Learn more