Best Cheap Routers for Gaming 2024 – Buying Guide

Routers are specially designed to help make downloading and web surfing very easy and fast but today, we have routers that also help in making the game time a quite and enjoyable and memorable experience.

Gaming without a high-speed router isn’t advisable as the gaming tends to experience lagging and network hitch at some point and for this reason, it is very necessary that one gets a good and reliable router for an improved and better gaming experience.

What Are Routers?

routers are hardware devices blessed with the design to move, receive and analyze inbound packets to another network and sometimes they can also be used in the conversion of these packets into yet another network interface.

Routers have several advantages compared to a switch or a hub and there are several types of routers such as;

  • Wireless routers
  • Edge routers
  • Core routers
  • brouters
  • Virtual routers

Benefits Of Routers In General:

  • Fast internet speed
  • Less storage space
  • Being easy to setup
  • Better network coverage
  • Minimal maintenance
  • Allows multiple user connections
  • Hassle-free

One factor everyone needs to note is that you don’t have to empty your pockets or spend heavily before acquiring a good and reliable router and for this reason, we have given ourselves the daunting task of rounding up not just cheap routers but reliable and affordable routers that would make game-time worthwhile.

Without wasting further time, come with us and meet the best cheap routers for gaming that we have rounded up just for you.

5. Linksys N900 Wi-Fi Dual-Band (EA4500)

Using this router helps to converts any USB storage device into a NAS using its Storage Link and other notable features of this wireless router include separate guest network and parental controls, home cloud for media management, Smart Wi-Fi tools, apps and mobility.

The Linksys dual-band 3×3 wireless router is perfect for high bandwidth use including file sharing and video streaming with speed up to 450+450 Mbps and this router makes use of its N-Technology to create a broad and strong signal capable of traveling faster and farther using radios with reduced dead spots.

Some other notable features include; mobility, tools, smart Wi-Fi apps, a home cloud which aids proper media management, separate guest network, parental controls and many more.

Pros:

  1. Top-quality product
  2. Proves there’s an advancement in technology with its amazing features
  3. Easy to setup
  4. Boosts speed

Cons:

  1. Not so durable

4. TP-Link – OnHub AC1900

One advantage of this Wireless router over others s its Google app which grants you total control over your network using your Smartphone and it also helps you with easy setup steps while its automatic security technology ensures that your network stays safe from the internet attacks.

Worry less about dead zones using this wireless router that guarantees super and reliable coverage for your home thanks to its 13 powerful antennas and with this device, you will enjoy downloading, gaming and streaming as it features a fast Wi-Fi speed up to 199Mbps.

The TP-Link wireless router is well-engineered to support over a hundred connected devices while its separate guest network helps you share devices like Chromecast with new friends you meet online.

Pros:

  1. Improves internet speed
  2. Sleek design
  3. Easy to setup
  4. High-quality product

Cons:

  1. Minimal router with fewer options

3. Medialink AC1200 Wireless Gigabit Router

The most popular kind of routers that you would find are the ones with the Ethernet router ports but what makes the Medialink AC1200 wireless router stands out from the rest is its Gigabit port design which guarantees increased and lag-free gaming speed for an enjoyable gaming experience.

Another feature that makes this router one of the best products that you would ever find is its two top quality antennas combined with a “beam-forming” design which ensures that this router covers larger grounds.

With this router maximum security is guaranteed as you can create firewalls to prevent unnecessary attacks while its optimal control design provides you with unlimited control over all of its features.

Pros:

  1. Fast delivery service
  2. Easy to setup
  3. Affordable
  4. Works as described
  5. Comes with extended ranges than expected
  6. Also recommended for music and movies
  7. Fast internet service

Cons:

  1. Stopped working at some point

2. NETGEAR Nighthawk S8000 (GS808E)

The NETGEAR Nighthawk S8000 Gaming and streaming router is also another reliable router product that you would find on the market today and durability was taken into consideration when designing this high-quality router as it is housed in a high-quality zinc alloy material which promotes long-lasting use and one unique feature is its low latency design which guarantees the best gaming experience.

This is one router that is suitable for VR gaming, multi-user online, media streaming and 4K HD video and one unique feature that would make you fall in love more with this product is its QoS management and network traffic prioritization which guarantees high-quality performance at all times.

Pros:

  1. Has a rack-mountable design
  2. Easy to use
  3. Solidly built
  4. Durable

Cons:

  1. Failed to power up

1. NETGEAR R6700 Nighthawk AC1750 (R6700)

If you are a hardcore gamer and you need a cheap and affordable router to enhance or boost your gaming experience then the NETGEAR R6700 is certainly the ideal and recommended a product for you as it boasts of a 1GHz dual-core processor which ensures high speed and no interruption gaming experience.

One notable reason why this router is popular among customers and widely used is because of the fact that it boasts an array of advanced features that guarantees a lag-free gaming experience.

Another advantage that comes with settling for this product is the fact that it comes with an easy to understand manual which aids in troubleshooting and this is certainly the best router for you as it is specially designed for use in homes with up to twelve or more Wi-Fi devices.

Pros:

  1. Top product
  2. Boosts Wi-Fi speed
  3. Amazing connectivity
  4. Secured
  5. Easy to work with

Cons:

  1. The range isn’t as long or wide as expected
  2. Doesn’t boost speed

Other Related Products Include

1. NETGEAR N300 Wi-Fi Router (WNR2020v2)

Working at a high speed of about 300Mbps, this router guarantees high performance whether you are making use of it at the office, in a dormitory or even at home and thanks to its WPA2 and WPA design, you rest assured that your network is safe and fully protected.

When considering a good and quality router for fast downloading and gaming, the Netgear N300 Wi-Fi router is certainly one of the best products one would ever come across and it is one router that you would fall in love with as it boasts of 5dBi antennas which helps to ensure a wider and improved coverage.

Using its NETGEAR genie app helps in managing your home network and one notable feature of this router is its GUEST NETWORK ACCESS which provides a safe, secure and separate network for every guest.

Pros:

  1. Easy to install
  2. Works great
  3. Worth the money
  4. High-value product
  5. Good looking product

Cons:

  1. Not as effective as described
  2. Slow downloading speed

2. Netgear (R7000-100PAS) Nighthawk AC1900

Experience no more slow gaming speed as this well designed and top quality router product would offer you high-speed gaming of about 1900Mbps and you are guaranteed of reliability and improved Wi-Fi range as the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 dual-band Wi-Fi router boasts of external antennas, top quality amplifiers and Beamforming which guarantees a fun-filled and enjoyable gaming experience.

The Netgear Nighthawk ac1900 dual-band Wi-Fi router is also one of the best and high-quality router products for gaming that you would find readily available today and using this router guarantees exceptional and extreme performance thanks to its 1GHz processor.

Some other notable features of this router include; automatic and easy installation, open-source support, Dynamic QoS for lag-free gaming and many more.

Pros:

  1. Easy installation
  2. Fast gaming speed
  3. Amazing mobile app
  4. High and wide range

Cons:

  1. Seems to be an inferior model

3. TP-Link AC1200 (Archer C50)

This is one wireless and affordable router most users would be extremely pleased with as it guarantees fast wired connections thanks to its four Ethernet ports and you would also transfer video, photos and music with this device using the USB port.

This wireless router device ensures high performance in online gaming and excellent HD streaming thanks to its 2.4GHz, 5GHz and AC1200 Wi-Fi bands and using this device ensures a unique, wider coverage thanks to its top-quality dual-band antennas.

This wireless router also allows you to adjust your device Wi-Fi setting using the Tether app link and purchasing this wireless router also comes with a technical support and 2-year warranty.

Pros:

  1. Strong and fast signal
  2. Works great
  3. Powerful
  4. Flawless design
  5. Fast delivery service

Cons:

  1. Not durable
  2. Fails to stay connected

4. Linksys AC5400 (Max Stream EA9500)

With this well-designed router for gaming, you won’t have to worry about internet attacks as this wireless router features advanced security technologies like WPA2/WPA encryption with an SPI firewall which ensures your network remains connected safely and attack free.

This powerful wireless router makes use of a third, dedicated top-speed band that prevents lag and buffering and you can connect your smart TVs, consoles, printers using its 8 Gigabit ports which deliver wired speeds ten times faster than Ethernet ports.

For obtaining a strong and reliable Wi-Fi signal, pair this wireless router with max stream range extenders and this helps your device to switch to the strongest signal it senses automatically.

Pros:

  1. Produces better signals
  2. Fast delivery service
  3. Works great
  4. Versatile
  5. Easy to setup

Cons:

  1. Losses connection easily
  2. Horrible customer support

5. TP-Link OnHub AC 1900

The TP-Link wireless router is well-engineered to support over a hundred connected devices while it separates the guest network helps you share devices like Chromecast with new friends you meet online.

One advantage of this Wireless router over others s its Google app which grants you total control over your network using your Smartphone and it also helps you with easy setup steps while its automatic security technology ensures that your network stays safe from the internet attacks.

Worry less about dead zones using this wireless router that guarantees super and reliable coverage for your home thanks to its 13 powerful antennas and with this device, you will enjoy downloading, gaming and streaming as it features a fast Wi-Fi speed up to 199Mbps.

Pros:

  1. High-quality product
  2. Amazing design
  3. Easy to monitor
  4. Strong signals

Cons:

  1. Not reliable in searching for free channels

Final Verdict – What You Should Know

Based on several unique features, function and design, we have been able to round up the best cheap routers that would help enhance your gaming experience and these routers which we have rounded up are certainly the best products that you would come across today.

High speed and lag-free gaming are guaranteed using any of the routers listed above and we want you to take a minute and go through each and every one of the products listed above so as to find the one that best suits your gaming needs.

Note:

After considering the Best Cheap Routers for Gaming, it would be our pleasure to tell you that there are also other forms of routers that you can bank on to have an enjoyable, fast and memorable gaming experience.

Related Products:

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FAQ:

Q: What is the best budget gaming router?

A: Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 Wi-Fi Router —$199.88 (List Price$249.99) Netgear Nighthawk C7800 Wi-Fi Modem Router Combo —$299.99 (List Price$369.99) TP-Link Archer AX21 AX1800 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router —$79.99 (List Price$99.99) eero Pro 6 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 Router —$171.00 (List Price$229)

Q: What are some good gaming routers?

A: ASUS ROG – Our Choice TP-Link AC1750 – Modern ASUS GT-AC5300 – Solid performance TP-Link AC5400 – Durable NETGEAR Nighthawk – Compact

Q: What is the best router settings for gaming?

A: Use a capable router. … Wired vs. … Wireless settings to tweak. … QoS (Quality of Service) QoS,or Quality of Service,is the terminology used to describe what is effectively a traffic controller for your network. UPnP,ports,and firewalls. …

Q: What is the best affordable router?

A: Plusnet: frequently the UK’s cheapest Virgin: lowest prices on super-fast fibre Now Broadband: cheap plans for broadband and TV Vodafone: affordable offers on fibre internet TalkTalk: excellent prices across ADSL,fibre and TV