A router can be described as telecommunication hardware. It serves as a route between your device and the internet.
They transfer a packet of data from the internet to your device, in this case, your gaming system. A router can also aid internet strength.
They are capable of determining the best pathway for the packet of data in transmission. Gaming routers are slightly modified to handle more than regular routers.
Some come with a gaming Gigabit Ethernet port that transmits a high-speed signal to the gaming system.
Gaming can be a passion or a way to ease stress. It can also be a way to earn a living. You do not need to get a router worth more than your house because you want to enjoy gaming. This defeats the whole idea of gaming.
A few price-friendly models from trusted brands that can take your gaming to another level are available.
It is alright to be skeptical about their performance because people generally believe that a more expensive product is more reliable and durable. However, in this article, we shall examine some gaming routers that you can easily afford.
Sit tight, grab a bag of your favorite snack as we go into this expository journey. We shall discuss all you need to know about each model and how they will benefit you if you eventually purchase them.
Table of Contents
Best Cheap Budget Gaming Routers
NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi Router, R6700
A budget friendly router
Connectivity Technology | WiFi |
Frequency Band Class | Dual-Band |
Data Transfer Rate | 1300 Megabits Per Second |
Brand | NETGEAR |
Wireless Type | 802.11ac |
Number of Ports | 3 |
Security Protocol | WPA, WPA2-PSK |
Voltage | 100120 Volts |
Operating System | Microsoft Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista, XP, 2000, Mac OS, UNIX, or Linux |
Control Method | Voice |
NETGEAR R6700 is a Wi-Fi router that extends signal up to 1500 square feet. You can eliminate dead zones in your homes and enjoy high-speed data transmission. It can transmit signals at 1750 Megabits per second.
This router can conveniently serve about 25 different devices in the house. The MI-MUMO feature allows individuals to stream, play games, listen to music, and download files while eradicating interference.
Furthermore, RE6700 comes with four Gigabit Ethernet Port that allows connection with wired devices such as Smart TVs, Dvd-player, and gaming system.
For faster speed and data transmission, you can connect your gaming console to the gigabit Ethernet port. This router allows you to create a USB connection with a printer or drive as it comes with one USB port. Also, it comes with a powerful 1GHz dual-core CPU.
Moreover, it comes with three external antennas. The antennas serve to increase the rate of data distribution, making them suitable for gaming. The RE6700 is a dual-band router. It works with 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
The QoS feature allows you to prioritize the data flowing through the gaming console. You can dedicate the 5GHz band to your gaming system to increase its performance. The beamforming technology, also available, helps to focus the signal on devices.
Finally, it works with Alexa. This means that you can use voice control to configure and set the router after connecting to an Alexa device.
The Netgear Armor is security software that protects you from viruses and malicious sites. The best part is that it comes with a 30-days free trial. You can get this router for about 91dollars from Amazon.
ASUS AC2900 Budget Gaming Router (RT-AC86U)
Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
Frequency Band Class | Dual-Band |
Data Transfer Rate | 2900 Megabits Per Second |
Brand | ASUS |
Wireless Type | 802.11ac |
Number of Ports | 6 |
Security Protocol | WPA2, WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA, WPS, WPA2-PSK |
LAN Port Bandwidth | Gigabit Ethernet |
Operating System | Windows® 10;Windows® 8;Windows® 7;Mac OS X 10.6;Mac OS X 10.7;Mac OS X 10.8;Linux |
Control Method | Voice |
RT-AC86U is a router that can offer a speed of about 2900Mbps. It comes with dual-band technology: 2.4GHx and 5GHz. The CPU has a robust 1.8GHz dual-core processor.
This router aims to boost connectivity to devices and create a lag-free network for gamers to enjoy a sensational gaming experience. There are five Ethernet ports and four LAN ports on this router.
The MI-MUMO feature allows connected devices to enjoy elevated data packet transmission speed.
It is also ideal for HD streaming and downloading large files.
Also, all devices that you intend to connect must be compatible with 802.11ac to avoid any complications. The NitroQAM technology boosts the 5GHz frequency to make the signal going to your gaming console faster and better.
The QoS feature optimizes the data packet transmission allowing your router to recognize your gaming system as the most important connected device.
Furthermore, you can be assured of the safety of your software and hardware. The AiProtection by Trend Micro acts as a soldier that prevents entry of the enemy(virus or hackers) into your territory.
This hardware also works with voice control when connected to an Alexa device. ASUS has a router application that you can download on your phone or PC. This app allows you to control the router via settings, configuration, password, and scheduling time kids spend on the internet.
Finally, RT-AC86U from ASUS may be less expensive than newer models, but it will deliver. You can enjoy the best gaming experience there is. This router is a blessing to gamers who love ASUS products to get quality, speed, and durability in one package.
D-Link Wi-Fi Router, AC2600 (DIR-882) : Affordable choice
Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi, Ethernet |
Frequency Band Class | Dual-Band |
Data Transfer Rate | 2600 Megabits Per Second |
Brand | D-Link |
Wireless Type | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11ac, 802.11g |
Number of Ports | 7 |
Security Protocol | WPA2-PSK |
Maximum Upstream Data Transfer Rate | 2600 Megabits Per Second |
Antenna Type | Fixed |
Control Method | App |
D-Link AC2600 is a router that can transfer data at a speed of 2600 Megabits per second. The Multi-input, Multi-user, and Multi-output feature allow several users to enjoy high-speed connection around the home.
It eliminates dead zones, lag and will enable you to play your favorite game anywhere in the house without fear of a break in transmission. In addition, four powerful external antennas pick and broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal that optimizes gaming.
Moreover, this router works with a dual-band frequency. The 2.4GHz frequency offers a speed of 800Mbps and the 5GHz, speed of 1733Mbps.
You can easily optimize your gaming system by setting it to the 5GHz band, which allows it receives a high-speed signal.
The Smart band feature allows the device to automatically connect you to the best band to deliver the fastest Wi-Fi connection.
You can enjoy HD streaming, surfing the internet, and a magical gaming experience with D-Link AC2600.
Also, the Advanced Smart Beam Technology allows you to monitor all connected devices within the home. You can easily spot an unknown device trying to invade your network.
The CPU has a dual-core processor for fast processing and data transmission. You can trust this processor to increase Wi-Fi speed in your home.
Irrespective of the individuals connected to the router’s signal, the dual-core processing unit allows everyone to enjoy their internet experience.
There are 4 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports on this device. D-Link AC2600 also has one Gigabit Ethernet WAN port that transmits high-speed data.
TP-Link AC1900 Smart Wireless Router
TP-Link AC1900 is a wireless router that delivers a speed of about 1900Mbps. This router is compatible with all Wi-Fi devices, modems, and gateways.
TP-Link AC1900 comes with five Gigabit WAN ports and four Gigabit LAN ports. The 1GHz dual-core CPU processor is designed to serve various devices simultaneously.
It provides a fast internet connection for all connected devices. It is an ideal router for gamers. It focuses on delivering speed that will eradicate lag and optimize gaming performance.
The three external antennas help distribute the signal to every area of the home, including the basement and the garden. The Beamforming Technology helps the router’s signal to be directed at your device.
The Smart Detecting feature allows the router to determine which band is efficient and faster. TP-Link AC1900 operates on two frequencies: dual-band.
Finally, TP-Link offers a two-year warranty on this device. The customer support and technical team are available to assist you whenever you call. TP-Link AC1900 has USB ports for sharing files and ports for connecting to printers.
It also works with Alexa devices to allow voice control. The routing application will enable you to configure and make changes in your router’s settings easily.
WHAT IS THE BEST CHEAP GAMING ROUTER?
Gaming is a passion that should be allowed to blossom irrespective of economic status. Some gaming routers are price-friendly yet, they will get the work done.
This article has listed some gaming routers that you can get without breaking your pocket. There is no doubt that more expensive gaming routers will come with more features that will benefit your gaming experience.
However, there are some features that you may want to pay attention to, as they are essential in gaming.
Moreover, your home devices also matter, i.e. how many devices you intend to connect to the router. Gaming routers with fewer Gigabit Ethernet ports are less pricey than gaming routers with more ports.
Features such as QoS, RAM space, and CPU processor should also be considered when settling for any gaming router.
DO ROUTERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR GAMING?
Now, to the question of the day: Do gaming routers make a difference? The first difference is the QoS feature. Although some may argue that it is present in regular routers, the specificity of action differs.
For gaming routers, the QoS prioritizes your gaming packets. It puts it at the top of the list to ensure your game receives quality and robust signals.
Another exciting feature of gaming routers is the multi-band Wi-Fi frequency. The dual-band frequency is the most common, but we have gaming routers that come with a tri-band Wi-Fi frequency. You can dedicate one of the 5GHz frequencies to your gaming.
Finally, gaming routers have higher RAM and a more powerful CPU that can handle fast connections and promote QoS efficiency.