You Don't Need a $500 Router
A budget router under $100 can handle most home internet needs, with key features like gigabit Ethernet ports and Wi-Fi 6
Most households do not need an expensive, high-end router as a budget router can handle the majority of typical home internet needs. The main factor limiting internet speed is the provider's plan, not the router itself. For instance, the FCC's benchmark for what is considered 'broadband' is 100Mbps down and 20Mbps up, which can be easily handled by a budget router.
A budget router from a brand like Netgear or TP-Link can cost under $100, which is significantly cheaper than high-end routers like Netgear's Nighthawk RS700S, which sells for more than $500 and is rated for up to 19Gbps. However, for most households, the extra speed and features of a high-end router are unnecessary.
Four key features of a good budget router are gigabit Ethernet ports, parental controls, Wi-Fi 6 or better, and whole-home range. Gigabit Ethernet ports ensure that wired connections are reliable and fast, while parental controls are useful for scheduling screen time and blocking sites on kids' devices. Wi-Fi 6 is a protocol that handles many devices at once more gracefully than older standards, making it a great option for households with multiple devices.
It's also worth noting that a router can't make your internet faster than your plan. The router takes the connection your provider delivers and shares it around your home, and that's the whole job. Therefore, there is no sense in buying a router that transfers more data per second than what is coming in through your wall socket.
## Why it matters The fact that a budget router can handle most home internet needs has significant implications for consumers. It means that they do not need to spend a lot of money on a high-end router to get fast and reliable internet. Instead, they can opt for a budget router that meets their needs and save money in the process. This is especially important for households that are on a budget or do not require extremely high internet speeds.
In conclusion, a budget router under $100 can handle most home internet needs, making it a great option for households that want to save money without sacrificing performance. With key features like gigabit Ethernet ports, parental controls, and Wi-Fi 6, a budget router can provide fast and reliable internet for all devices in the home.
