With technological advancement, it is imperative to have a speedy internet. However, an excellent modem and fast broadband services may not be sufficient. To extract the maximum of your internet service, you will need a good router.
Are you thinking of what a router is? Well, it is a cherry on the topping.
A router is a hardware device that analyses and moves incoming data to other channels. Precisely, it connects all the devices within a specified area into a close-knitted cycle.
Though other network devices such as a hub or a switch can perform several functions, the router exceeds the capabilities of them all. A router can interpret data sent over a network, unlike a hub, and it allows connection between different networks, unlike a switch. With such outstanding abilities, the route has become a must-have device in almost every place.
Though there are different types of routers, in this article, we will focus on one type: WIFI routers.
Wireless routers provide laptops, smartphones, and other devices with advanced WIFI capabilities. While some routers can act as a combination router or modem, others can give standard Ethernet.
If you are looking for the best routers under $200 with the exceptional feature yet they fall under your budget, we have put together a list of the best routers available in the market.
Our top three recommendations
Top-listed WIFI routers under $200
Mentioned below are the top WIFI routers that might be the exact device you are looking for.
#1 ASUS AC3200 TRIBAND WIFI Router
- Smart Connect automatically selects the fastest band for all devices individually, based on their demands and...
- Built-in USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports for up to 10-times faster data transfers to USB storage devices1, printer sharing,...
- ASUSWRT graphical user interface for easy, CD-free 30-second setup and hassle-free advanced network...
Due to its outstanding range and throughput, ASUS AC3200 remains our top recommendation. Aside from throughput, ASUS AC3200’s user interface is easy to comprehend, and it is loaded with tons and tons of advanced features.
Giving prominence to 2.4GHz and 5 GHz, the router has outstanding coverage, which boosts the performance and data transfer rate.
Moreover, the feature of smart connect automatically allocates the fastest band for each device individually. The selection is made based on the routers’ demands and capabilities.
Aside from this, ASUS A iCloud 2.0 gives access to sync, share, or stream your documents anywhere. All you need is a useful internet, and all of the above activities will be possible.
With beamforming technology, 256 QAM high data rate, and 20/40/80 MH z bandwidth, ASUS AC3200 can provide coverage to massive places. Also, 802.11-ac tri-band router speed up to 3200Mbps causes a smooth run of ultra-HD 4K videos, online gaming, and file sharing. Along with these, High-performance antennas with Aiprotection further enhances the speed of ASUS AC3200 and makes it better than all others.
As we talk of coverage over a large area, security is a significant cause of concern. However, with ASUS AC3200, there is nothing to worry about. ASUS AC3200 has Aiprotection with trend MicroTM, triple-strength control, and parental controls that offer complete security. However, it does not support Aimesh systems.
Did we mention the built-in USB port 2.0 and 3.0, which offer 10x faster data transfers? Yes, that is true. These ports enable rapid transfers to other USB storage devices. They also have 3G/4G dongle support and for print sharing facility.
As for product specifications, ASUS AC3200 measures 11.40×2.30×7.40 inches, and it weighs 3.81 lbs. Not that heavy, is it? Also, it has four LAN ports and five Ethernet ports.
Pros
- Excellent throughput (5GHz)
- Free online protection
- Low profile LED features.
- Robust dual-processor
Cons
- Average file-transfer performance
#2 NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart WiFi Router (R7000)
- Fast wifi performance: Get up to 1800 square feet wireless coverage with AC1900 speed (Dual band up to 600 + 1300 Mbps)
- Recommended for up to 30 devices: Reliably stream videos, play games, surf the internet, and connect smart home devices
- Wired Ethernet ports: plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and other nearby wired devices with 4 x 1...
NetGear nighthawk smart WIFI router is the best home-use product NETGEAR has ever produced. NETGEAR NIGHTHAWK SMART ROUTER has much to offer as the latest router in NETGEAR’s 802.11-ac collection.
With dual-band of up to 600+1300 MBps and AC1900, NETGEAR Nighthawk smart WIFI router has a high speed that can cover an area as large as 1800 square feet. Do you have a huge house? Not a problem. NetGEAR Nighthawk provides a fast connection to a maximum of 30 devices effortlessly.
If security is your top-most priority, NETGEAR Nighthawk has it covered too. It follows all WPA2 security protocols and is powered by Bitdefender, which prevents data theft while protecting your home devices from viruses and malware.
Are you a parent? NETGEAR Nighthawk smart WIFI router has something for you in-store as well. Its advanced parental controls give access to history and filtration of websites along with the option to pause internet access.
Furthermore, its wired Ethernet ports allow a computer, stream players, and game console plug-ins. On the other hand, USB ports enable the sharing of storage devices and printers with other devices. You can also create personalized storage that can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
NETGEAR Nighthawk smart WIFI router’s dimensions are 11.26×7.26×1.96 inches, whereas it weighs 1.65 Lbs as far as product specifications are concerned.
Pros
- Exceptional range
- VPN capability
- Incredible QoS
Cons
- Applies setting changes slowly.
#3 Linksys WRT1900ACS Open-Source Dual-Band Gigabit WIFI Wireless Router
- Wireless AC, up to 4.3x faster than N technology: Simultaneous dual band speed up to 600 Mbps (2.4 GHz) + 1300 Mbps (5...
- 4 high performance antennas: Engineered to enhance dual band communication, four external, adjustable antennas ensure...
- Dual Core 1.6 GHz CPU: Powerful CPU promotes simultaneous high speed data processing allowing multiple users to...
Being the best from digital giant linksy, WRT1900ACS is a speedy router with prominently more powerful hardware.
As WRT1900ACS is 4x faster than N technology, it has a 600 + 1300 MBps dual-band speed. Also, the dual-core 1.6 GHz CPU allows rapid processing concurrently. This means that multiple users can transfer files, stream movies, or game online at once. Aside from this, four high-performance antennas strengthen the WIFI signal further.
Moreover, USB 3.0 and eSATA enable the quick transfer of files and the fast sharing of content to a storage device.
As for security and controls, WRT1900ACS has the option to monitor network activity, to put parental controls on specific websites, and to create a password to secure your router.
Further, WRT1900ACS comes with a package that includes; a router, four detachable antennas, CD ROM with documentation, ethernet cable, Quickstart Guide, power cable, and adaptor.
Lastly, the dimensions of the product are 9.76×7.67×2.01 inches, and its weight is 1.77 Lbs. There are five ethereal ports, and the connectivity type is 802.11a/b/g/n/ac.
Pros
- Open source firmware
- Coverage for over 2000 square foot
- Transfer signal without distortion
- Automated firmware update
- Dual-core 1.6 GHz based power supply
- Flexible connectivity
Cons
- Has only one LED light as an indicator
#4 TP-Link WiFi 6 AX3000 Smart WiFi Router (Archer AX50)
- Wi-Fi 6 Router: Wi-Fi 6 (802. 11ax) technology achieves up to 3x faster speeds, 4x capacity and 75% lower latency...
- Next-gen 3 Gaps speeds: 4-Stream Dual Band router reaches incredible speeds up to 3 Gaps (2402 Mbps on 5 GHz band and...
- Connect more devices than ever before: simultaneously communicate more data to more devices using revolutionary OFDMA...
Are you looking for a profitable return from an investment of $200? If yes, then we suggest you buy TP LINK’s Smart WIFI router, and there are multiple reasons for it;
As compared to the previous model (WIFI 5), WIFI 6 is 4x faster because of 75% lower latency, dual-core CPU, 802.11ax technology, and four dual-band routers. With these features on board, your online activities will be smooth, buffer-free and lag-free
Moreover, OFMDA technology allows simultaneous processing, which means that multiple users can be accommodated at once without comprising the router’s speed.
Also, this router comes with a free lifetime subscription to TP-LINK Homecare. This will protect your devices from any and every virus. Additionally, you can control the internet-usage hours through the routers. Do you want to discipline your kids? WIFI 6 will aid you in doing that.
Aside from this, the product measures 12.99 x 2.95 x 9.65 inches, and it weighs 1.23 Lbs. light it is.
Pros
- Easy to setup
- Enhances battery life
- Reliable coverage
- Compatible with all WIFI-enabled devices
Cons
- Cannot connect to intense internet devices
#5 Synology RT2600ac – 4×4 dual-band Gigabit WiFi router
- 1.7GHz Dual-core processor for fast, uncompromising performance
- Powerful 4x4 802.11ac wave 2 radios with MU-MIMO and up to 2.53Gbps breakthrough wireless speeds
- Smart Connect for seamless transition between maximum speed or range
Synology is considered one of the best routers under $200 in the market due to its high-speed coverage covering up to 3000 square feet and unbending performance. With a 1.7 GHz dual-core processor, two radios with MU-MIMO, And a powerful 4×4 802.11ax wave, Synology RT2600ac can provide you with a speed that is faster than ever.
Besides this, RT2600ac has dual WAN capable of load balancing, and it offers support for failover. With this feature, your router can operate at a temperature ranging from 5*C to 40*C.
Moreover, it has special monitoring and parental control options. If you want to protect your children from unwanted exposure, RT2600ac allows you to block various harmful websites and maintain a separate profile of each family member. To ensure privacy in the workplace, you can create different profiles for the employees as well.
Also, RT2600ac safeguards your network in various ways. THE robust VPN server enables synchronization between files along with secure and smooth connections for the devices. Aside from this, it prevents the threat of intrusion and offers DoS protection.
As for the product specifications, the product measures 6.65 x 11.02 x 3.03 inches, and it weighs 1.54 Lbs. In addition, it has a data transfer rate of 2.53 GB per second, and it has five ethereal ports.
Pros
- Strong security tools
- Powerful VPN server
- Enables centralized entertainment
- Simple to setup
- QoS of 7 layers
Cons
- Offers limited features
Buyer’s Guide for Best WIFI Routers
![[Cover] Best WiFi Routers under $200](https://www.techlifeland.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Cover-Best-WiFi-Routers-under-200-1-1024x683.jpg)
With a wide range of substitutes available in the market, finding the most suitable products can be challenging. Therefore, we have combined a list of critical factors to consider before buying a WIFI router.
Uncomplicated controls
Various high-end routers offer a user interface that is difficult to access, unlike others that can be managed through smartphone applications. However, such applications are present in almost every router these days, so it may not be the best factor to consider. You will have to take other factors into account;
Routers should have simple management and adequate security controls that allow the user to stay on top of the firmware update. Further, it will enable you to identify any issue in the connectivity quickly.
If you find a router with easy controls, monitoring parental controls and changing network passwords along with setting guest network will require no effort at all.
Beamforming and MU-MIMO technology
Beamforming allows you to improve your range through securing your router and broadcasting your power in one direction. This multi-user feature also enables the router to focus on specific devices and is immensely beneficial for allocating connection devices in a house.
Firewall
The firewall works as a protective barrier between your computer and internet connection, all the while catching different types of internet traffic to prevent them from entering. Many routers have an integrated firewall, but they are usually disabled by default.
To enable it, you will have to log in to your router’s online user interface and activate a firewall from security settings.
Frequently asked question
To further aid you, we have amalgamated the FAQs. Suppose you have these questions in mind. Read further to clarify our queries.
Yes, the router can become slow due to several reasons. Firstly, the range to cover might be more extensive than the router’s capability. Secondly, a router can become outdated, leading to a slowdown.
It can last for 5 to 20 years. Nonetheless, the life span of it relies on maintaining quality.
Though every brand has something unique to offer, TP-LINK and ASUS are considered to be the best.
Amongst our list of routers, NETGEAR’s Nighthawk can provide a good range of connections for a large area.
Yes, they definitely are! They not only enhances the horsepower of your internet connection in the house, but it also improves your network security and manages the users and devices with ease. WIFI routers help with troubleshooting and improve coverage.
Wrap up
Here you are with the list of best WIFI routers under $200. Our detailed reviews will surely help you in choosing the best fit for your house or workplace. Although all of them are high-rated products capable of providing a high-definitive connection with high security and parental control, the pick, according to us, is Nighthawk Smart Router R7000.
It has a high rate of transfer that ensures it is efficiently dealing with challenging online tasks. Furthermore, this dual-band router can be paired with Amazon Alexa and google assistant. Also, DoS protection offers threat prevention and smart parental controls.
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